Do you want to learn how to overcome perfectionism and enhance your well-being and performance in the workplace?

In the latest episode of the Happier at Work podcast, I had an enriching conversation with career coach and founder of JC Coaching and Consulting Jordana Confino about the transformative journey of finding fulfillment and well-being in the workplace. Jordana's insights into overcoming perfectionism and prioritising inner well-being provided invaluable guidance for navigating the modern workplace.

Jordana emphasised the importance of aligning personal values with work tasks to foster a sense of identity and intrinsic meaning, and how cultivating self-compassion is a powerful tool for enhancing well-being and performance.

We discussed the impact of perfectionism, and Jordana shared her personal struggle which led to burnout and a loss of personal connection. Her story shed light on the pervasive impact of overachieving behavior and the toll it takes on well-being and relationships.

Our conversation emphasised the need for organisations to prioritise employee well-being, the impact of perfectionism in demanding industries, and the growing recognition of the need to address well-being in the legal industry.

Jordana's inspiring journey serves as a reminder of the importance of self-compassion, values alignment, and addressing perfectionism in the pursuit of happier and more fulfilling work experiences.

The main points throughout this podcast include:

 * Finding fulfillment and well-being in the workplace
 * Invaluable guidance for navigating the modern workplace.
 * The importance of aligning personal values with work tasks to foster a sense of identity
 * Pervasive impact of overachieving behavior and the toll it takes on well-being and relationships.
 * The need for organisations to prioritise employee well-being


Connect with Jordana

Website: https://www.jordanaconfino.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanaconfino/

Instagram: @JordanaConfino

Self-Compassion Guide: https://www.jordanaconfino.com/self-compassion-guide 

Values Discovery Guide: https://www.jordanaconfino.com/values

Do you have any feedback or thoughts on this discussion? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know. Aoife would love to hear from you!

 

Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:

Website: https://happieratwork.ie 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.ie/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/happieratwork.ie

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQ 



189: Overcoming Perfectionism and Prioritising Well-Being with Jordana Confino

 The main points throughout this podcast include:

 * "It's not who you know, it's who knows you”.
 * Practical examples of how to leverage networking for career advancement.
 * A model of three essential networks to pay attention to: personal, internal work, and external professional.
 * The importance of nurturing relationships in networking, giving and taking, and providing small touchpoints for relationship building.
 * The impact of social media on interpersonal connections and the value of networking for professional growth and career opportunities.


Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:

Website: https://happieratwork.ie 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.ie/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/happieratwork.ie

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQ 

Bonus Episode Networking for Career Success

How can you nurture your professional relationships and expand your network?

In the latest episode of the Happier at Work podcast we were joined by Career and Executive Coach Fay Wallis. Fay shares invaluable insights on the impact of personal connections and the importance of being known within your industry. She emphasises the concept that "it's not who you know, it's who knows you," and provide practical examples of how to leverage networking for career advancement.

Fay shares a model of three essential networks to pay attention to: personal, internal work, and external professional. Fay also emphasises the importance of nurturing relationships in networking, giving and taking, and providing small touchpoints for relationship building.

We both share our personal experiences with overcoming fears of visibility and public speaking, emphasising the importance of taking small, gradual steps to build confidence in these areas.

Furthermore, we discussed the impact of social media on interpersonal connections and the value of networking, particularly on LinkedIn, for professional growth and career opportunities.

If you're looking to expand your professional network and bolster your career prospects, this episode is a must-listen.

The main points throughout this podcast include:

 * "It's not who you know, it's who knows you”.
 * Practical examples of how to leverage networking for career advancement.
 * A model of three essential networks to pay attention to: personal, internal work, and external professional.
 * The importance of nurturing relationships in networking, giving and taking, and providing small touchpoints for relationship building.
 * The impact of social media on interpersonal connections and the value of networking for professional growth and career opportunities.


 

Connect with Fay

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/faywallis/

Website: https://brightskycareercoaching.co.uk/

HR Planner page: https://brightskycareercoaching.co.uk/2023-hr-planner/

Do you have any feedback or thoughts on this discussion? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know. Aoife would love to hear from you!

 

Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:

Website: https://happieratwork.ie 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.ie/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/happieratwork.ie

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQ 



188: The Power of Networking for Career Success with Fay Wallis

What’s next for the Happier at Work podcast?

As we step into 2024, it's a time for reflection, growth, and positive change. In our latest solo episode, host Aoife shares some upcoming changes to the podcast and invites you to join her on this journey of continuous improvement.

Aoife expresses her gratitude for the ongoing feedback from the Happier at Work community and emphasises the importance of continuous development. Your input is vital in shaping the podcast's future, so keep an eye out for opportunities to provide feedback and suggestions.

Exciting changes are on the horizon with the introduction of bonus episodes on Mondays. The spotlight will be on implementing key takeaways, promoting accountability, and a more authentic, behind-the-scenes approach. Get ready for more personal experiences, movie references, and deeper insights for a richer listening experience.

Aoife shares a glimpse of the upcoming content, revealing deeply personal experiences with performance management and boundaries. She also discusses her focus on productivity and maximising each day, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own habits and goals.

Pondering the traditional approach to New Year's resolutions, Aoife shares her insights on shifting the focus towards daily habits. She encourages listeners to consider what's not working, what to stop and start doing, and what to continue as part of an ongoing personal growth strategy.

As we embrace the opportunities of 2024, Aoife encourages everyone to reflect on what's working well and what needs to change, and to make small, meaningful adjustments that align with personal growth. 

We're excited about the upcoming changes and the way they will encourage personal and professional growth. Your feedback is valuable, and we're looking forward to guiding and inspiring each other.

Keep an eye on our social media channels and podcast episodes for more updates on the Happier at Work podcast in 2024.

Wishing you a fulfilling and productive 2024!

Do you have any feedback or thoughts on this discussion? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know. Aoife would love to hear from you!

 

Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:

Website: https://happieratwork.ie 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.ie/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/happieratwork.ie

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm0FKS19I5qSlFFmkx1YGqA

187: Get Ready for Happier at Work 2024 with Aoife O'Brien

How can you balance advocacy and your own personal development in the workplace?

In the latest episode of the Happier at Work podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with seasoned team leader Dan Daly, who shared invaluable wisdom and practical tips on how to create a positive and empowering workplace environment. 

In this episode, Dan emphasises the importance of ensuring that tasks are completed before diving into efforts to improve culture and employee experience. By prioritising the delivery of work, leaders create the space necessary for improvement initiatives.

First-line leaders have a crucial role in advocating for their team's needs and professional development. By recognising and highlighting team achievements, as well as advocating for their needs, leaders can create a supportive and inclusive work environment.

Dan discusses the impact of organisations not hiring enough people, which can lead to increased workload and decreased morale. Proper prioritisation and resource allocation are important strategies in managing workload effectively.

Taking personal responsibility for learning and development is crucial for career growth. Dan encourages individuals to find multiple ways to learn and to advocate for more time within organisations to focus on personal development.

Dan acknowledges the challenges that first-time managers face, including a lack of upfront training and the broken rung on the career ladder for women. He encourages first-time managers to believe in themselves, take ownership of their learning, and seek out opportunities for growth.

The main points throughout this podcast include:

 * Practical tips on how to create a positive and empowering workplace environment.
 * By prioritising the delivery of work, leaders create the space necessary for improvement in initiatives.
 * First-line leaders have a crucial role in advocating for their team’s needs and professional development.
 * The impact of organisations not hiring enough people
 * Ways to learn and advocate for more time within organisations to focus on personal development.




Connect with Dan

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-daly-59ab73170/



Do you have any feedback or thoughts on this discussion? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know. Aoife would love to hear from you!

 

Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:

Website: https://happieratwork.ie 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.ie/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/happieratwork.ie

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQ 



186: The Power of Advocacy in the Workplace with Dan Daly

How can you embrace flexibility in the workplace?

In this episode we were joined by Cali Williams Yost, CEO and founder of the Flex Strategy Group. We delved into the world of flexible work strategies and their significance in creating a happier and more productive work environment.

Cali shared her expertise on the "now and next" of work, emphasising the importance of understanding the "why" behind adopting a flexible work strategy. We explored how organisations are struggling to attract and retain top talent, and how a well-executed flexible work strategy can address performance issues and lead to success.

One key takeaway from the episode was the need for a dialogue and collaboration between leaders and employees to find a new way of working that maximises both productivity and employee well-being. Cali discussed the importance of considering the "when" and "where" of work, and highlighted the need for real-time collaboration, independent work, designated core hours, and focus time.

Managers also play a crucial role in the success of flexible work strategies. Cali emphasised the need for ongoing support and training for managers to effectively manage remote work, monitor productivity, and focus on outcomes. We learned about the outcomes-focused approach, which can reveal areas for improvement in management and tracking of objectives.

The main points throughout this podcast include:

 * The ‘why’ behind adopting a flexible work strategy
 * The need for dialogue and collaboration between leaders and employees
 * Find a new way of working that maximises both productivity and employee well-being
 * Consider the ‘when’ and ‘where’ of work
 * The need for ongoing support and training for managers to effectively manage remote work






Connect with Cali

Website https://flexstrategygroup.com/

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/caliwilliamsyost/

Twitter https://twitter.com/caliyost [https://twitter.com/caliyost?t=XON_SSxEW2yrSLwy4T8obg&s=03]

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/caliwilliamsyost/

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@CaliWilliamsYost





Past episodes:

65: Embracing Flexibility to enhance work + life fit with Cali Yost

https://happieratwork.ie/happier-at-work-65-embracing-flexibility-to-enhance-work-life-fit-with-cali-yost/



Do you have any feedback or thoughts on this discussion? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know. Aoife would love to hear from you!

 

Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:

Website: https://happieratwork.ie 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.ie/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/happieratwork.ie

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

Twitter: https://tw [https://twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQ]

185: How to Prioritise Flexible Work to Thrive with Cali Yost

Do you want to create happier working environments and have a positive team culture?

Link to survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9RLXFY7 

 

In our latest solo episode, host Aoife O'Brien celebrates her birthday. She shares insights into happiness at work frameworks, with a specific deep dive into the Happier at Work framework, ahead of the launch of Happier at Work HQ.



If you'd like to dive deeper into the topics discussed in this episode, we have provided links to related episodes and resources within the show notes. Additionally, Aoife encourages you to share your thoughts and feedback on the changes we're planning for the Happier at Work podcast. Your input is crucial to ensure we continue to deliver valuable content that resonates with you. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9RLXFY7 



We truly appreciate your ongoing support and engagement with the Happier at Work podcast. Please feel free to reach out directly to Aoife at aoife@happieratwork.ie to share your insights or request further information.

 

To foster a positive work environment, we suggest incorporating some practical steps into your daily routine. Consider: 



1. Practising gratitude: Take a few minutes each day to reflect on what you're grateful for, and express gratitude to your colleagues for their contributions. 



2. Recognition: Make sure to recognize and acknowledge your colleagues' achievements. Help them understand the impact of their work on the organisation's objectives. 



3. Empathy: Show empathy not only towards your colleagues but also towards yourself. Practising self-empathy allows you to better understand and empathise with others. 



4. Reflection: Take the time to reflect on your accomplishments, challenges, and goals. Consider what you can do differently next time to anticipate obstacles and strive for even greater success. 



On the topic of reflection, Aoife is currently creating a digital planner/workbook specifically designed to guide you through the process of reflection. Stay tuned for more information on this valuable tool that will help you stay on track with your personal and professional goals. 



Finally, we extend our deepest gratitude to all of you who have taken the time to complete our survey and submit questions for the upcoming listener questions segment. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9RLXFY7  Your feedback and engagement are invaluable to us, and we appreciate your continued support of the Happier at Work podcast.



Past episodes: https://happieratwork.ie/14-emiliana-simon-thomas-on-happiness-at-work/ 

 

Do you have any feedback or thoughts on this discussion? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know. Aoife would love to hear from you!

 

Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:

Website: https://happieratwork.ie [https://happieratwork.ie/] 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQ 

Instagram:

184: A framework for building happier work cultures with Aoife O’Brien

How can you maximise employee engagement by leveraging feedback loops?

In this episode, we had the pleasure of hosting the brilliant Matt R. Vance, an expert in employee feedback and online reviews. Matt shared some invaluable tips and strategies on how to harness the power of employee feedback to create a happier and more productive workplace. One of the standout ideas he emphasised was the importance of having strong internal feedback mechanisms in place. By addressing employee concerns privately, we can prevent unnecessary drama and protect both the employee and the company's reputation. 

On the note of feedback, Matt shed light on his expertise in managing online reviews. He shared his unique techniques and strategies in optimising both customer and employee feedback to enhance business outcomes. By actively engaging with user-generated content, businesses can showcase their care for customers, job seekers, and employees alike. 

Furthermore, Matt introduced us to his software, Mobrium, which streamlines the employer review cycle and offers a free service of conducting an employer reputation audit. This tool is a game-changer for businesses looking to improve their online reputation and strengthen their company culture. 

Lastly, Matt left us with a reminder to proactively ask for feedback and not rely solely on the hope of positive experiences generating goodwill. By making it easier for individuals to share their feedback and lowering barriers to participation, we can create a more accurate and representative sample of employee experiences. After all, their voices matter!

The main points throughout this podcast include:

 * the importance of promptly responding and taking every suggestion seriously
 * The difference between internal and external/ public feedback
 * the importance of having strong internal feedback mechanisms in place
 * the employer review cycle
 * proactively ask for feedback




 

Connect with Matt

Website https://www.thecultureprofit.com/ 

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattrvance/ 

Twitter https://twitter.com/MattRVance 

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@thecultureprofit 

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TheCultureProfit 



 

Do you have any feedback or thoughts on this discussion? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know. Aoife would love to hear from you!



Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:

Website: https://happieratwork.ie [https://happieratwork.ie/] 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.ie/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/happieratwork.ie

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

183: Navigating Employee Feedback for Positive Change with Matt R. Vance

Are you worried about being an ineffective leader?

In this week's episode, we had the pleasure of chatting with Debra Corey, a dynamic speaker and expert in the field of employee engagement and HR. Debra opened up a discussion about power dynamics at work, particularly focusing on the concept of hoarding information. She explained how hoarding information can be a power play, with individuals deliberately withholding knowledge and positioning themselves as gatekeepers. The negative impact of this behaviour on colleagues and overall team morale cannot be underestimated. 

During our conversation, Debra highlighted the importance of distinguishing between different types of bosses. On one hand, there are those who simply don't care about the harm they may cause to their team members. On the other hand, there are well-intentioned bosses who may be unaware of the negative impact they have on others. 



Debra shared personal experiences of working with terrible bosses who fell into both categories. To tackle this issue, Debra suggested the importance of educating people on being great bosses and fostering self-awareness. It's essential for individuals to understand the impact they have on their team and to create an environment where open and honest feedback is encouraged. 



Debra mentioned that sometimes people may be afraid to give direct feedback, and it got us thinking about how we can create a safe space for such conversations. One fascinating point Debra brought up was the power of humour in diffusing tense situations. She believed that humour could play a role in turning a difficult situation into something that can be laughed about and learned from. We couldn't agree more - finding ways to bring lightness into our work lives can make a significant difference in our overall happiness. 



In addition, Debra stressed the importance of setting clear expectations and practising effective communication. This includes being transparent about the time required for tasks and projects, as well as the level of quality expected. By reducing ambiguity, we can avoid confusion, overdelivering, or unnecessary stress. 



She also mentioned her upcoming book, in which she interviews 24 thought leaders to gain even more insights into workplace dynamics. We can't wait to get our hands on it and learn from her valuable findings.



The main points throughout this podcast include:

 * The negative impact of hoarding information
 * Distinguishing between different types of bosses
 * The importance of educating people on being great bosses and fostering self-awareness
 * The power of humour in diffusing tense situations
 * Setting clear expectations and practising effective communication


 

Connect with Debra

Website www.debcohr.com [http://www.debcohr.com/] 

LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/debracorey [http://www.linkedin.com/in/debracorey] 

Twitter https://twitter.com/debracoreyrebel

 

Do you have any feedback or thoughts on this discussion? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know. Aoife would love to hear from you!

 

Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:

Website: https://happieratwork.ie [https://happieratwork.ie/] 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQ </

182: Building Better Bosses with Debra Corey

How do you create more significance in your work? In this episode of Happier at Work, host Aoife O'Brien welcomes Zach Mercurio, a renowned expert in organisational purpose, meaningful work, and leadership. Zach shares his deep insights on how to find purpose and meaning in the workplace and create a work environment that brings out the best in everyone.

Zach's passion for values-driven leadership shines through as he highlights the importance of optimising interactions and equipping leaders to create meaningfulness, safety, availability, and support. He encourages us to shift our focus from short-term solutions like signing bonuses to the leading indicators that truly drive employee engagement and retention.

During the conversation, Zach unveils his personal journey, transitioning from working in higher education to becoming a sought-after speaker, consultant, and researcher in the field of meaningful work. His work at the Center for Meaning and Purpose at Colorado State University enabled him to study the essence of finding purpose and significance in both work and life.



The key points:

 * The difference between purpose and meaningfulness
 * Recognising our own significance 
 * Taking responsibility for fulfilling our unique purpose
 * Creating a culture of care that fosters growth, engagement, and success
 * Recognizing and affirming the unique contributions of each individual
 * Fostering an environment where everyone feels valued, seen, and heard




Intrigued? Don't miss out on this enlightening episode! Tune in to Happier at Work today and discover how unleashing purpose and meaning can lead to greater happiness and fulfilment in your work life.

Previous episodes:

Previous episodes:

174: The Role of Emotions in Workplace Dynamics with Dr Lola Gershfeld

https://happieratwork.ie/174-the-role-of-emotions-in-workplace-dynamics-with-dr-lola-gershfeld/ 



136: Excel in your zone of genius with Ian Hatton

https://happieratwork.ie/136-excel-in-your-zone-of-genius-with-ian-hatton/ 



Thank you for being part of our vibrant community, and as always, please feel free to share your thoughts, questions, or suggestions for future episodes. We love hearing from you!

 

Connect with Zach

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachmercurio 

Twitter https://twitter.com/zachmercurio 

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/zachmercurio 

YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/@zachmercurio 



 

Do you have any feedback or thoughts on this discussion? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know. Aoife would love to hear from you!

 

Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:

Website: https://happieratwork.ie [https://happieratwork.ie/] 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQ 

181: Exploring Leading Indicators for Happier Workplaces with Zach Mercurio

Aoife O'Brien (@aoife_ob) · Zencastr

Aoife O'Brien (@aoife_ob)

The Happier at Work podcast is for HR and business leaders who know that their people are their best asset, and who want to retain their top talent. Happier workers are more productive, more engaged, and stay in an organisation for longer. Through interesting guest interviews and solo episodes, the Happier at Work podcast episodes largely fall into one of four categories: leadership equity; engagement and belonging; productivity and performance; and the future of work. What does being happier at work mean for you and your organisation?

Happier At Work®