How do you use marketing to achieve success?

In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O’Brien offers an honest and practical deep dive into the realities of publishing, writing, and marketing “Thriving Talent.” From deciding to create a dedicated website to navigating the emotional journey of seeking endorsements and handling criticism, you’ll hear how success depends on much more than just writing the book. Aoife also pulls back the curtain on the hard work and resilience it takes to market a book, building relationships, orchestrating publicity, and celebrating community support.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• The strategic process of building a dedicated book website and the value of collaborating with professionals for web development and copywriting.
• Insights into reaching out for endorsements, the importance of having credible voices support your work, and tracking outreach efforts with methodical organisation.
• The emotional challenges of putting yourself out there: Facing judgment, criticism, and the importance of focusing on feedback from those who are “in the arena.”

Related Topics Covered:

Writing a book, Idea development, Personal Goals

Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

Related Episodes You’ll Love:

Episode 297: Creating Space for Talent to Thrive

Episode 293: Recognising and Understanding your Drivers at Work

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®.

Editing by Amanda Fitzgerald.

Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

Mentioned in this episode:

Thriving Talent book - out now

Book

Have you ever wondered what the next steps are after writing a book?

In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O’Brien dives deep into the realities of the book writing and publishing process, sharing personal challenges, victories, and lessons learned while creating "Thriving Talent." If you’ve ever doubted your ability to write a book or are simply curious about what it takes, this episode uncovers the structure, self-doubt, editing hurdles, and feedback loops essential to bringing a book to life. Aoife also sheds light on the ongoing journey of editing, proofreading, and preparing to get the book into readers’ hands, with a sneak peek into the marketing efforts still to come.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• The importance of having a clear book structure and breaking content into subsections for clarity and direction.
• Understanding the value of slowing down and considering your audience’s perspective, ensuring your message is clear to readers who may be new to the topic.
• How to market your book: It is practically a full-time job, but is an essential next phase for getting your message out.

Related Topics Covered:

Writing a book, Idea development, Personal Goals

Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

Related Episodes You’ll Love:

Episode 297: Creating Space for Talent to Thrive

Episode 293: Recognising and Understanding your Drivers at Work

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®.

Editing by Amanda Fitzgerald.

Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

Mentioned in this episode:

Thriving Talent book - out now

Book

Are you curious about what really goes on behind the scenes of publishing a book?

In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O’Brien offers a candid, insightful look into the journey from book idea to publication week for her debut business book, "Thriving Talent." From early aspirations and overcoming doubts to finding the right writing community and publisher, she demystifies the often opaque world of book publishing. Whether you’re dreaming of publishing your own book or simply intrigued by the process, this episode provides both encouragement and practical wisdom.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• The difference between the writing process and the publishing process, and why each matters
• The value of joining a writing community for accountability and motivation in early drafts
• Insights into word counts for business books and how content evolves through editing

Related Topics Covered:

Writing a book, Idea development, Personal Goals

Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

Related Episodes You’ll Love:

Episode 297: Creating Space for Talent to Thrive

Episode 293: Recognising and Understanding your Drivers at Work

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®.

Editing by Amanda Fitzgerald.

Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

Mentioned in this episode:

Thriving Talent book - out now

Book

Today is publication day for my book, Thriving Talent: How Great Leaders Drive Performance, Engagement and Retention.

https://www.thrivingtalentbook.com

This isn’t just a milestone moment—it’s a chance to pause and reflect on what this journey has really been about.

Because writing a book isn’t just about getting your ideas down on paper. It changes how you think. It forces clarity. It challenges what you thought you knew.

In this short solo episode, I’m sharing:

1. What surprised me most about the writing and publishing process
2. The deeper message behind Thriving Talent
3. Why this book isn’t about fixing people at work
4. And what I hope this sparks for leaders, teams, and organisations

If you’ve ever felt frustrated by disengagement, burnout, or “quiet quitting” in your organisation—this episode (and the book) is for you.

1. Most workplace challenges are framed as people problems—but they’re often system problems
2. Engagement, performance, and retention are outcomes of the environment leaders create
3. Writing a book forces you to move from ideas to clarity—and from clarity to conviction
4. Leadership isn’t about having the title—it’s about how you show up and the conditions you create
5. Small changes in culture, recognition, and psychological safety can have a significant impact

Thriving Talent introduces a practical, research-backed framework to help leaders create environments where people can perform, grow, and stay.

It brings together five core elements:

1. Psychological safety
2. Culture
3. Drivers of motivation
4. Capabilities and strengths
5. Leadership

This is not about adding more to your plate.

It’s about focusing on what actually makes a difference.

If you’d like to explore these ideas further, you can get your copy of Thriving Talent here:

👉 https://www.thrivingtalentbook.com

(First week orders make a huge difference for first-time authors, so thank you for your support.)

If this episode resonated, I’d love to hear from you:

1. What stood out?
2. What are you seeing in your own organisation?

Connect with me on LinkedIn or explore more resources at:

🌐 https://happieratwork.ie

podcast@happieratwork.ie

If you enjoy the Happier at Work podcast, don’t forget to:

1. Follow or subscribe
2. Leave a review
3. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it

Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

Are you ready to become a more effective and conscious leader?

In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O'Brien wraps up the Thriving Talent series by delving into the realities of leadership, what it really takes to lead both yourself and others. Drawing on research for her forthcoming book "Thriving Talent" and reflecting on personal experiences, Aoife O'Brien explores the crucial role of self-awareness, the challenges many first-time leaders encounter, and the traits that set great bosses apart from the rest.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

1. The critical importance of self-leadership and self-awareness as the foundation for leading others.
2. The impact of emotional triggers and how understanding your reactions can enhance your leadership.
3. Practical steps to become a more empowering, effective leader.

Related Topics Covered:

Bad Bosses, Emotional Awareness, Toxicity at Work

Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:

1. Website
2. LinkedIn
3. YouTube

Related Episodes You’ll Love:

Episode 75: Let go of fear and Craft your Career with Tiana Madera

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

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®.

Editing by Amanda Fitzgerald.

Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

Mentioned in this episode:

Thriving Talent book

Book

In this bonus episode of the The Happier at Work Podcast, host Aoife O’Brien reflects on her recent conversation with Dr Mary Collins, exploring the tensions that can arise between generations in the workplace.

Rather than framing generational differences as a “people problem,” this episode highlights a more powerful perspective: intergenerational conflict is often a leadership design problem. When expectations, communication systems, and feedback processes aren’t clearly defined, misunderstandings and frustration naturally follow.

Aoife breaks down five key insights from the conversation and shares practical actions leaders can take to create stronger collaboration across generations.

Here are the key takeaways:

1. Intergenerational dynamics at work
2. Why generational tension is often a leadership design issue
3. Communication breakdowns across different work styles
4. Delivering effective feedback across generations
5. Rethinking learning and development in modern workplaces
6. Leveraging generational strengths within teams

Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:

1. Website
2. LinkedIn
3. YouTube

Connect with Dr. Mary Collins | Chartered Psychologist & Senior Coach Practitioner:

1. Instagram
2. LinkedIn

Related Episodes You’ll Love:

Episode 262: Foster Connection Using Compassionate Leadership with Jen Marr

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.

Editing by Amanda Fitzgerald.

Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

Mentioned in this episode:

Thriving Talent book

Book

Are you navigating the challenges of leading a multi-generational team at work?

In this enlightening episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O'Brien welcomes Dr. Mary Collins, a chartered psychologist and expert in leadership, talent development, and workplace wellbeing. Together, they unravel the complexities and opportunities that come with managing people from different generations, including Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z, side by side in today’s workplace.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

1. Why generational differences at work get so much attention, and the real science behind those headlines.
2. The unique values and drivers shaping each generation’s approach to work, with a special focus on Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z.
3. The importance of self-awareness, empathy, and emotional intelligence when managing diverse teams.
4. How to move away from deficit thinking and stereotypes, instead leveraging the strengths and “deep smarts” of every generation.

Related Topics Covered:

Conflict at work, Attitudes at work, Workplace Dynamics

Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:

1. Website
2. LinkedIn
3. YouTube

Connect with Dr. Mary Collins | Chartered Psychologist & Senior Coach Practitioner:

1. Instagram
2. LinkedIn

Related Episodes You’ll Love:

Episode 262: Foster Connection Using Compassionate Leadership with Jen Marr

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.

Editing by Amanda Fitzgerald.

Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

Mentioned in this episode:

Thriving Talent book - out now

Book