Happier At Work®
Aoife O'Brien
Recent Episodes
Are you stuck believing that people, or even you, can never change?
In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien dives deep into the powerful concepts of fixed and growth mindsets, drawing on her own experiences and insights from Carol Dweck’s influential book, Mindset. Aoife shares candid reflections on how her default fixed mindset affected her professional choices, how she projected those beliefs onto others, and the pivotal shift that came with adopting a growth mindset. Her journey explores why leaders need to understand how their beliefs shape individual, team, and organisational success.
In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
- The difference between fixed and growth mindsets, and their real-life impact on career decisions and leadership.
- How projecting a fixed mindset onto yourself or your team can limit growth, performance, and innovation.
- The role of psychological safety in enabling learning, healthy challenge, and speaking up without fear.
- Why leaders don’t need to have all the answers, and the value of adopting a coaching approach to empower others.
Related Topics Covered:
Psychological Safety, Thriving Talent Framework, Leadership
Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:
Related Episodes You’ll Love:
122: Cultivating a Mindset for Success with Brennan Jacoby
249: Embracing Failure & A Growth Mindset with Kelly MacDonald
About Happier at Work®
Happier at Work® is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive.
If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work®.
Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ
Mentioned in this episode:
Thriving Talent Book
Are you holding yourself back at work by seeking permission instead of stepping into your power?
In this impactful solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien explores the subtle and not so subtle ways we ask for permission in our professional lives. Sparked by a personal conversation with her cousin, Aoife O'Brien reflects on her own tendency to seek approval, especially in seemingly small situations, and how this pattern may resonate with many listeners. Through honest reflection and practical strategies, she encourages us to identify the moments we hesitate, people-please, or wait for recognition, and to break the cycle by giving ourselves the permission we seek.
In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
- The root causes of why we seek permission, including fear of judgment, imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and cultural upbringing.
- How to embrace asking for forgiveness, not always permission, especially for low-stakes decisions.
- The importance of giving yourself permission and take control of your career journey, no one is coming to grant it for you.
Related Topics Covered:
Psychological Safety, Personal Responsibility, Imposter Syndrome
Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:
Related Episodes You’ll Love:
Episode 219: How to Encourage Women Leaders to Speak Up with Carla Miller
Episode 223: Imposter Syndrome: The Invisible Barrier to Career Success
About Happier at Work®
Happier at Work® is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive.
If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work®.
Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ
Mentioned in this episode:
Thriving Talent Book
Are you actively managing your career, or is your career managing you?
In this episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O’Brien sits down with Sergey Gorbatov, a professor, consultant, and career strategist, for a deep dive into what career success really means and how to take ownership of your professional journey. Together, they explore the critical difference between drifting through your career and intentionally crafting a path that aligns with your authentic values, strengths, and aspirations. Whether you've found yourself following someone else’s trajectory, feeling stuck, or questioning your direction, this conversation delivers actionable advice on getting clear about your goals and making confident decisions.
In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
- Why defining your personal career success is the first step to satisfaction, and why it’s different for everyone.
- Exercises to uncover your core values and strengths, and why values are your decision-making signposts.
- When to know it’s time to leave a job, and why staying in toxic environments can be damaging.
- The transformative power of taking intentional, “toward” moves, rather than waiting for external forces to change your career.
Related Topics Covered:
Self-awareness, Purpose at Work, The Power of Choice, Achievement vs Happiness
Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:
Connect with Sergey Gorbatov | Consultant, educator, and thought leader:
- Sergey’s co-authored books:
https://www.amazon.com/Fair-Talk-Three-Powerful-Feedback/dp/1912555093
https://www.amazon.com/Move-Up-Secrets-Develop-Career/dp/1292730307
Related Episodes You’ll Love:
Episode 136: Excel in your Zone of Genius with Ian Hatton
Episode 254: How to Progress your Career with Purpose with Rumana Shaikh
Episode 257: How to Think Strategically about Your Career
About Happier at Work®
Happier at Work® is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive.
If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work®.
Join Aoife O’Brien for weekly insights on leadership, workplace culture, career clarity, imposter syndrome, and creating work that works for you.
Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ
Mentioned in this episode:
Thriving Talent Book
Are you unintentionally fueling imposter syndrome in your team?
In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O’Brien dives deep into the critical role leaders play in either alleviating or exacerbating imposter syndrome within their teams. Drawing on her years of experience, Aoife unpacks what imposter syndrome really is, why it persists, even among top performers, and how well-meaning leadership behaviours can sometimes make it worse. She candidly shares her own experience with imposter syndrome and highlights the common workplace triggers, from being “the only one” in a group to facing new challenges or increased visibility. This episode is practical, research-backed, and filled with actionable steps for leaders who want to create an environment where everyone can thrive.
In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
- Common behaviours linked to imposter syndrome: Not speaking up, people-pleasing, overworking, and reluctance to pursue new roles or opportunities.
- The broader business impact: Imposter syndrome can lead to burnout, reduced innovation, lack of diverse thinking, disengagement, hidden talent, and higher staff attrition.
- What leaders can do: Provide clarity around expectations, recognise and proactively give positive feedback, share your own vulnerabilities, and create genuine psychological safety.
Related Topics Covered:
Psychological Safety, Personal Responsibility, Workplace Culture
Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:
Related Episodes You’ll Love:
Episode 77: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Igniting Empowerment with Aoife O’Brien
Episode 131: How much Imposter Syndrome Costs You with Aoife O’Brien
Episode 223: Imposter Syndrome: The Invisible Barrier to Workplace Success
About Happier at Work®
Happier at Work® is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive.
If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work®.
YOUTUBE SHOWNOTES
Imposter Syndrome Triggers | Happier at Work Podcast with Aoife O’Brien
Welcome to another powerful solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, hosted by Aoife O'Brien, career and culture strategist for People First Leaders in global organisations. In this episode, Aoife dives deep into imposter syndrome at work, exploring how leaders can unintentionally drive imposter syndrome within their teams and what steps they can take to create a more supportive, psychologically safe workplace.
Key Topics Covered:
- What is imposter syndrome and how does it show up at work?
- The common behaviours associated with imposter syndrome: self-doubt, overworking, people-pleasing, and not speaking up
- Triggers for imposter syndrome: being the only one, increased visibility, and unfamiliar situations
- The role of vague feedback, micromanagement, and perfectionism in exacerbating imposter feelings
- The impact of imposter syndrome on individuals, teams, and organisations, including reduced innovation, employee engagement, hidden talent, and attrition
- 4 actionable strategies for leaders to reduce imposter syndrome: clarity on expectations, recognition & feedback, showing vulnerability, and building psychological safety
Aoife shares personal stories and practical leadership tips that help managers recognize and reduce imposter syndrome on their teams. Whether you’re an HR leader, manager, or simply passionate about workplace culture, this episode will give you the tools and insights you need to support your team’s confidence and well-being.
Keywords:
imposter syndrome at work, imposter syndrome leader, workplace mental health, employee engagement, psychological safety, leadership tips, manager feedback, workplace innovation, overcoming imposter syndrome, Aoife O'Brien, Happier at Work podcast, company culture, team management, people-first leadership
Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:
- Website: https://happieratwork.ie/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ
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Related Episodes you’ll love:
https://happieratwork.ie/223-imposter-syndrome-the-invisible-barrier-to-workplace-success/
https://happieratwork.ie/131-how-much-imposter-syndrome-costs-you-with-aoife-obrien/
https://happieratwork.ie/77-overcoming-imposter-syndrome-and-igniting-empowerment-with-aoife-obrien/
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What’s one thing you learned and plan to implement? Drop it in the comments below!
#ImposterSyndrome #LeadershipTips #WorkplaceWellbeing #HappierAtWork #TeamManagement #PsychologicalSafety #CompanyCulture #EmployeeEngagement
About Happier at Work®
Happier at Work® is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive.
If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work®.
Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ
Mentioned in this episode:
Imposter Identity