Happy at Work | Coding Happiness into the AI Workplace

Tatiana Koval; Tony Koval | Why the Future of AI workplace is Human Happiness

In today’s fast-paced corporate world, achieving true wellbeing and happiness isn't just a nice-to-have; it’s a business imperative. We are pulling back the curtain on how top companies are navigating massive digital transformation without losing their human touch. Every week, we explore with international experts how cutting-edge AI is reshaping how we work while helping HR teams build an irresistible employer brand that attracts top-tier talent. We don't just talk about abstract concepts; we break down actionable strategies. We'll show you how to embrace digital transformation and leverage.

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S1 · E81
Tuesday · 29 min
The Leadership Mistake That Makes Transformation Cost More | with Mark Green
Hierarchy kills transformation when leaders forget the people doing the work. If your company is pushing through constant change, this conversation is for you. Tatiana Koval, host of Happy at Work, sits down with Mark Green, founder and CEO of Change Rebellion, to unpack why so many transformations fail before they even begin - and what leaders must ask before launching the next big initiative. Tatiana and Mark explore one of the biggest tensions in modern transformation: should organizations plan everything in detail, or start fast and adapt? Mark’s answer is refreshingly practical - it depends on the goal, the context, and whether the approach actually fits the people involved. Essential listening for leaders, HR professionals, change managers, and anyone trying to guide a team through uncertainty without losing trust, energy, or momentum. Mark Green is the founder and CEO of Change Rebellion, a change management service and consultancy. With nearly 30 years in change management, he is known for a practical, people-first approach that challenges traditional thinking about transformation. Connect with Mark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-green-3368744/ Timecodes: 00:00 - Intro01:02 - Mark Green’s background in change management and Change Rebellion02:04 - Why leaders must ask whether a transformation is truly needed03:27 - Using common sense to test whether change adds value06:24 - Why the human side of change must come first07:11 - Supporting both employees and leaders through transformation08:36 - Using the threat-reward scale to understand people’s reactions10:26 - How change can create inspiration, not just fear11:08 - Creating energy, openness, and psychological safety in workshops13:04 - Why comfortable environments get better participation14:08 - Leading transformation when time is short and pressure is high15:07 - Openness and transparency during urgent change17:05 - Preparing leaders for tough decisions and difficult conversations17:34 - Why leaders benefit from working with change professionals20:32 - Waterfall versus agile and why no single method fits every case22:08 - Why destination matters more than blindly following a method23:54 - Changing behavior over time through positive reinforcement25:52 - Celebrating small wins and keeping momentum alive26:30 - What employees should do in a constantly changing workplace27:09 - Why people should get involved if they want to shape change29:31 - Mark’s 3 leadership tips for transformationSubscribe to Happy@Work for more insights on modern leadership, organizational performance, and human-centric workplace culture. #ChangeManagement #LeadershipDevelopment #OrganizationalChange #PeopleFirst #WorkplaceCulture
S1 · E80
October 6 · 33 min
The Human Way to Use AI in Communication Without Sounding Robotic | with Regine Nelson
How to build effective internal communications across generations, cultures, roles, and work styles — without losing their voice or overwhelming employees?In this episode of Happy At Work, host Tatiana Koval speaks with Regine Nelson, an internal communications and employee engagement consultant, about making workplace communication more relevant and people-centered. Regine shares practical ways to understand your audience, tailor the delivery of messages, and maintain a consistent organizational tone.They also explore how tools such as Enneagram, DISC, and Myers-Briggs can help teams understand communication preferences and encourage participation. And as AI becomes more common in communications, Regine explains how to use it as a support tool while keeping human judgment, context, and authenticity at the center.Regine’s advice for leaders and communicators: stay curious about your audience, your business, and your profession.Connect with Regine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginenelson/Timecodes: 00:00 — Intro01:29 — Regine Nelson’s background in internal communications03:21 — Why one-size-fits-all communication no longer works05:47 — Learning from audience segmentation in external marketing09:12 — Personalizing messages while keeping a consistent brand voice11:43 — Managing communication with small teams and limited resources13:06 — Setting communication goals: what people should know, feel, and do16:35 — Segmenting communication in large international organizations18:26 — Using personality assessments to understand employee groups20:20 — AI’s potential for personalizing communication at scale21:37 — Helping people build the mindset and skills to act on change23:40 — Applying Enneagram insights to communication planning25:56 — Using group dynamics to encourage participation and build EQ27:41 — Keeping a human touch when using AI31:46 — 3tips for leaders: stay curious about people, business, and the professionSubscribe to Happy@Work for more insights on modern leadership, organizational performance, and human-centric workplace culture.#InternalCommunications #EmployeeEngagement #WorkplaceCommunication #CommunicationStrategy #PeopleCenteredLeadership #OrganizationalCulture #Leadership #AIandCommunication #HappyAtWork
S1 · E79
September 29 · 34 min
Employer Branding Is Not Recruitment Marketing Anymore | Jess Mattewman
Employer branding is no longer just recruitment marketing - it is the difference between attracting people who fit and losing them after the first few months. Jess Matthewman, employer brand, people engagement, and culture transformation specialist with a marketing background, reveals how to build an employer brand that is authentic, holistic, and actually helps people want to stay.Why the old “best place to work” playbook is no longer enough? Jess shares practical advice on aligning employer brand with corporate brand, avoiding copy-paste EVP language, and using data from engagement surveys, website behavior, and alumni feedback to prove what is actually working.This episode is especially useful for HR leaders, employer brand practitioners, recruiters, people and culture teams, and marketers who want to move beyond surface-level employer branding and create something people genuinely believe in. If you want a stronger reputation, better-fit candidates, and a workplace experience that people talk about for the right reasons, this is essential listening.Timecodes:00:00 - Intro02:34 - What employer branding really means beyond recruitment03:35 - From selling jobs to shaping the full employee experience06:11 - Finding the right balance between attraction and reality07:37 - Why authentic employer branding starts with your real differentiators09:07 - The risk of saying “authentic” without doing the internal work10:34 - Do the groundwork first before creating content12:23 - What a holistic employer brand means across the employee lifecycle14:20 - Why employer brand must involve leadership, HR, and the wider business17:16 - Using offboarding data to improve experience and spot real issues18:40 - Alumni networks, boomerang employees, and keeping former employees connected19:36 - Handling layoffs with fairness, kindness, and support22:16 - How employee advocacy programs work best when they are authentic24:10 - Turning lived moments into shareable stories without forcing it25:39 - Rewarding ambassadors with skills and development, not just incentives26:55 - AI, employer brand content, and how LMM search behavior is changing discovery28:21 - Why human experience still matters more than automation29:17 - Setting guardrails for AI use, ethics, and organizational intent31:16 - Aligning corporate brand and employer brand without losing employee focus33:43 - How employer brand can also strengthen product and corporate reputation34:57 - Three tips for building an authentic, holistic employer brandSubscribe to Happy@Work for more insights on modern leadership, organizational performance, and human-centric workplace culture.#Employerbranding #recruitment #EVP #talentacquisition
S11 · E78
September 22 · 37 min
Why Efficient Work Can Make Employees Miserable | with Thomas Bertels
What if better productivity, happier employees, and more satisfied customers were not a trade-off, but the same design problem? Thomas Bertels says most organizations still get work design wrong—and the hidden cost shows up in burnout, bureaucracy, and AI projects that speed up individual tasks but not the whole business.Tatiana Koval sits down with Thomas Bertels, a transformation expert, work design specialist, and host of the Work Matters podcast, to explore how leaders can redesign jobs and operating models. Hence, people actually want to do the work. Drawing on his experience with startups and Fortune 500 companies, as well as Hackman and Oldham's research, Thomas explains why meaningful work, autonomy, and feedback matter more than ever. If your team is dealing with too much bureaucracy, too many handoffs, or an AI rollout that feels more like task elimination than meaningful transformation, this conversation offers a practical way forward. Essential listening for HR leaders, middle managers, and executives who want work that performs better because it feels better to do.Connect with Thomas Bertels:• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasbertels/• Substack: https://purposeworks.substack.com• Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@WorkMatterspodcastTimecodes: 00:00 — Introduction: workplace design and the future of work01:18 — How AI can reshape jobs—for better or worse03:58 — The foundations of motivating work: meaning, autonomy, and feedback07:52 — How to assess the current state of work design10:39 — Why employee experience and efficiency are not a trade-off12:19 — Giving employees real influence over process improvement15:54 — Common work-design problems and practical ways to spot them20:08 — Rethinking workflows when adopting AI24:33 — Lessons from the Work Matters podcast27:28 — Building the right team to lead workplace redesign30:14 — What triggers organizations to redesign work31:53 — How to measure whether work-design changes are succeeding32:57 — Helping people embrace organizational change35:11 — Three key takeaways for leadersSubscribe to Happy@Work for more insights on modern leadership, organizational performance, and human-centric workplace culture.#WorkplaceCulture #WorkplaceMentalHealth #WorkplaceWellbeing #Happiness #TalentAcquisition #JobDesign #FutureOfWork #Leadership #HappyAtWork
S1 · E77
September 15 · 24 min
Change Doesn't Fail, We Design It Poorly | Ashley Jablow
Why do organizational changes fail, and how can we design work that fuels us? In this episode, Ashley Jablow shares how intentional human-centric design elevates Workplace Mental Health, transforms Workplace culture, and boosts overall workplace well-being.We often blame employees or company culture when transitions fall flat. But the truth is much simpler: change doesn't fail—we design it poorly. Today on Happy@Work, I am sitting down with Ashley Jablow — founder of Wayfinders Collective and Life Design School, author, former Presidential Innovation Fellow at the White House, and ex-IDEO leader. Ashley brings her deep background in innovation, creativity, and practical change to show leaders how to guide their teams through complex transitions with clarity, courage, and care. We dive into how designing clear career strategies drives Happiness, strengthens talent acquisition, and builds resilient, adaptive organizations. Whether you are an executive leading a major corporate transition, an HR strategist looking to elevate employee retention, or a professional redesigning your career, Ashley's actionable strategies will help you navigate what's next. Connect with Ashley Jablow:• Website: https://www.wayfinderscollective.com/• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyjablow/Timecodes: 00:00 Welcome to Happy at Work00:31 Ashley’s path into design thinking02:25 Empathy as the foundation of people-centered design03:02 Bringing empathy into hiring, leadership, and organizational change04:49 The business impact: retention and employee advocacy07:06 Designing for diverse, global teams10:38 Questions leaders can ask to better understand their people14:11 Staying open when employee feedback challenges assumptions18:43 Common mistakes in workplace design thinking20:26 “Go slow to go fast” in leadership22:22 Leading as a whole person24:28 Closing thoughts and thank youSubscribe to Happy@Work for more episodes on modern leadership, organizational performance, and human-centric workplace culture.#WorkplaceMentalHealth #WorkplaceCulture #WorkplaceWellbeing #Happiness #TalentAcquisition #LeaderSkills #Leadership #EmployeeRetention #EmployeeEngagement #HappyAtWork
S1 · E76
September 9 · 37 min
Gamal Yafai: The Key to a Fulfilling Career and Happy Life
How do you move inclusion from a checkbox exercise to a core business strategy? In this episode, Gamiel Yafai shares how designing for equity transforms Workplace culture, elevates Workplace Mental Health, and drives overall employee Happiness.For too long, organizations have treated diversity and inclusion as ad-hoc initiatives rather than fundamental architecture. Today on Happy@Work, we are sitting down with Gamiel Yafai—author, award-winning diversity strategist, and founder of Diversity Inclusion.Gamiel breaks down his actionable blueprint for "Inclusion by Design." We explore how leaders can build sustainable, long-term impact by aligning leadership behaviors with hard metrics, embedding inclusive practices across the entire employee journey, and using an authentic culture to strengthen talent acquisition and workplace wellbeing.Whether you are an HR leader refining HR best practices, an executive driving talent attraction strategies, or a founder building an inclusive Workplace culture, Gamiel’s practical and strategic insights offer a masterclass in modern Leadership.Connect with Gamiel Yafai:• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linkedingamielyafai/Timecodes:00:00 — intro01:16 — Meet Gamel: diversity and inclusion strategist03:31 — What diversity and inclusion means in business07:11 — Common misconceptions and implementation mistakes12:29 — The business case for inclusion17:01 — Inclusive leadership and overcoming bias21:59 — Challenges: measuring progress and establishing a baseline26:03 — Turning diversity into innovation and business growth32:24 — Three practical actions for leadersSubscribe to Happy@Work for more insights on modern leadership, organizational performance, and human-centric workplace culture.#WorkplaceCulture #WorkplaceMentalHealth #WorkplaceWellbeing #Happiness #TalentAcquisition #InclusionByDesign #DiversityAndInclusion #Leadership #HappyAtWork
S1 · E75
September 8 · 34 min
How to communicate layoffs | with Lynn Zimmerman
Most change communication fails for one simple reason: leaders talk to the project team, but forget the people who have to live with the change. Communications expert Lynn Zimmerman reveals how to keep employees informed, reduce resistance, and protect trust when your company is moving fast. If you are leading a merger, acquisition, restructuring, tech rollout, or any major transformation, this conversation shows why the real risk is not the change itself - it is confusion, overload, and the grapevine filling in the gaps. Tatiana Koval and her guest break down how to communicate sooner, smarter, and with more humanity. Connect with Lynn Zimmerman on LinkedIn Timecodes: 00:00 - Welcome and whychange communication matters for employees 02:05 - Aline’s 25-year path through internal communications and consulting 04:44 - Why employees are the most important audience in change 06:20 - The biggest stakeholder mistake companies make during change 09:20 - Why communications professionals must join early 12:05 - How to reduce burnout by involving employees in the process 14:42 - Using existing channels for two-way feedback 17:35 - Balancing openness with confidentiality and legal limits 20:56 - Global change communication across countries and offices 25:11 - Using vision, mission, and values to unify global teams 29:01 - Dignity and respect during layoffs and restructuring 34:21 - Three final tips for leaders preparing for change 36:16 - Why change communicators must stay flexible and ready to pivot Subscribe to Happy@Work for more insights on modern leadership, organizational performance, and human-centric workplace culture. #workplaceculture #layoffs #changemanagement #talentmanagement #communication #leaders #internalcommunications #HappyAtWork #Happiness
S1 · E74
August 26 · 36 min
Stop Asking "Where Are You From?": Natsuyo Lipschutz on Leading Globally Without Stereotypes
How do you build true employee happiness and align international teams? In this episode, we break down how modern employer branding, effective cross-culturalcommunication, and remote work strategies must evolve beyond basic nationality traits. Traditional approaches to global management often fall short because they reduce complex human beings to simple country flags. Today on Happy@Work, we are sitting down with global leadership and communication powerhouse Natsuyo Lipschutz. Natsuyo is an international keynote speaker, a TEDx speaker, and the creator ofthe game-changing framework, "The Culture of One®". Instead of relying on rigid, outdated generalizations about where a person is from, Natsuyo explains how leaders can look beyond labels to understand the individual behind theculture. We dive into why "common sense" is never universal, how microscopic differences in daily communication styles completely shape workplace trust, and how leaders can navigate deep ambiguity to turn team differences into a competitive superpower rather than a cultural barrier. Connect withNatsuyo Lipschutz: www.linkedin.com/in/natsuyolipschutzTimecodes: 00:00 Introduction — Rethinking culture in the workplace 00:46 Why culture and communication matter more than ever 02:55 The “Culture of One” framework 04:08 A consulting story: when assumptions cause misunderstanding 06:53 The Three A’s: Acknowledge, Analyze, Adapt 10:28 High-context vs. low-context communication 16:17 How to prepare better questions across differences 19:42 Helping leaders work effectively with diverse teams 26:59 Powerful questions that shift perspective 30:13 The personal origin of the Culture of One approach 34:12 3 tips for deeper connection Subscribe to Happy@Work for more episodes on the future of leadership, international business culture, and workplace happiness. #CrossCultural #EmployerBranding #RemoteWork #GlobalLeadership #TheCultureOfOne#DiversityAndInclusion #HappyAtWork #NatsuyoLipschutz
S1 · E72
August 19 · 29 min
Workplace Wellbeing That Actually Works: Dr. Louise Lambert on Fixing Broken Culture
Why do expensive corporate wellbeing programs fail, and what actually creates employee happiness? In this episode, Dr. Louise Lambert reveals why standalone initiatives fall short and how redefining your Workplace culture transforms Workplace Mental Health. Organizations spend billions every year on perks and apps, yet employee skepticism remains at an all-time high. Today on Happy@Work, I am sitting down with Dr. Louise Lambert — a Dubai-based positive psychology researcher and workplace wellbeing specialist with over a decade of research in the field. Dr. Lambert breaks down her upcoming research on the major disconnect between what management thinks it's providing and what employees actually experience day to day. We explore why traditional interventions fail and shift the focus to what truly matters: creating a culture where people feel seen, heard, respected, and valued through their everyday work experience. Connect with Dr. Louise Lambert through LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-louise-lambert Timecodes: 00:00 — Introduction to workplace wellbeing programs 01:53 — Why traditional wellbeing programs fail 07:39 — Why communication and trust matter 15:36 — Redesigning work for better wellbeing 28:27 — 3 practical tips for the leaders Subscribe to Happy@Work for more insights on modern leadership, organizational performance, and human-centric workplace culture. #WorkplaceWellbeing #WorkplaceCulture #WorkplaceMentalHealth #Happiness #TalentAcquisition #CorporateWellnessPrograms #EmployeeEngagement #EmployeeRetention #HRBestPractices #HappyAtWork
S1 · E71
August 11 · 25 min
Alex Her: How to Turn Employees Into Brand Ambassadors
In this episode, Alex peels back the curtain on how he helped GoDaddy scale its global reach to 6 million people and reduce external job board spending by a massive 83%—all by turning everyday teammates into organic brand advocates. We move past surface-level marketing talk to give you the exact framework you need to build an authentic, lived culture that naturally attracts elite talent. Whether you are an HR executive looking to stretch your budget, a founder trying to scale a global team, or an employer brand practitioner wanting to level up your digital strategy, this conversation is packed with real-world, actionable data. Connect with Alex Her on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alexherTimecodes:00:00 — Introduction and guest welcome00:48 — Trends shaping employer branding05:44 — Stop / Start / Continue for employer branding in 202708:44 — Employer advocacy and the shift to GEO / LLM visibility13:14 — AI in recruitment and employer brand risk17:24 — Storytelling across a global organization22:37 — Internal employer branding and retention25:16 — Top 3 tips for employer branding in 2026–2027Subscribe to Happy@Work for more insights on building a workplace that people genuinely love.#EmployerBranding #TalentAcquisition #EmployeeAdvocacy #RecruitmentMarketing #HRStrategy #FutureOfWork #HappyAtWork #AlexHer
S11 · E69
August 4 · 32 min
Nancy Zakharia: How to Build Real Psychological Safety (Not Just Buzzwords)
We hear the term "psychological safety" everywhere, but what does it actually look like in practice? Today on Happy@Work, I am joined by leadership coach Nancy Zakharia Ohanessian, who specializes in helping organizations build trust, sharpen leadership capabilities, and create genuinely human-centered environments.Together, we unpack why psychological safety is far more than just a trendy corporate buzzword—it is the non-negotiable foundation for real engagement, sustainable performance, and employee well-being. Nancy explains that everyday leadership behaviors, rather than formal company policies, determine whether people feel safe sharing ideas, admitting mistakes, and challenging the status quo.Connect with Nancy Zakharia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-zakharia-ohanessian-pcc-7608244/ Timecodes:00:00 — Intro and guest welcome00:22 — Nancy’s background and work in talent development01:35 — Biggest leadership challenges today02:53 — What emotional intelligence means for leaders04:37 — Cultural differences and psychological safety05:51 — Building psychological safety in teams10:47 — Why leaders should show vulnerability and mistakes14:07 — Becoming more people-centered as a leader15:31 — Practical steps: curiosity, questions, normalization of mistakes19:25 — Workplace well-being and mental health trends22:26 — Reducing stress for leaders and employees23:23 — Stress management: control vs influence28:45 — Team rituals for connection and recharge31:46 — Recognition, gratitude, and feedback33:09 — 3 key takeaways on psychological safetySubscribe to Happy@Work for more episodes on modern leadership, workplace culture, and building high-trust teams.#PsychologicalSafety #LeadershipDevelopment #EmployeeEngagement #WorkplaceCulture #HappyAtWork #TrustInLeadership #HumanCenteredLeadership
S1 · E69
July 28 · 29 min
High Performance Without Burnout: Kon Apostolopoulos on Sustainable Engagement
Do you dread the start of the workweek? In this episode, Kon Apostolopoulos reveals how to transform your approach to employee happiness, elevate talent acquisition efforts, and build sustainable performance—whether in the office or in remote work setups.We’ve all been there—staring down Monday morning with a mix of exhaustion and anxiety. But how do we move from merely surviving the week to genuinely thriving? Kon shares research-backed, practical strategies for leaders to cultivate deep meaning, manage team energy, and foster environments where high output doesn't cost people their mental health. We dive into why the way your team approaches Monday is actually a powerful diagnostic for your entire organizational culture.Whether you're an executive looking to protect your culture, an HR leader trying to boost retention, or a professional wanting to reclaim your weekly energy, Kon’s insights offer the practical roadmap you need.Connect with Kon Apostolopoulos on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkon/Timecodes:00:00 — Introduction to Happy at Work and guest intro01:07 — Why Mondays feel bad, and how that can change02:12 — Leaders have the biggest impact on Monday energy03:16 — People leave supervisors, not companies04:15 — The four needs: valued, connected, productive, supported08:42 — Practical leadership tips: safety, trust, respect, belonging, attention, appreciation13:24 — Leading remote and multinational teams19:16 — How trust is built: consistency between words and actions22:57 — How leaders can ask better questions and hear the truth27:49 — How organizations, HR, and leaders can help people enjoy Mondays31:32 — 3 takeaways: engagement, resilience, performanceSubscribe to Happy@Work for more episodes on leadership, organizational performance, and human-centric workplace culture.#WorkplaceCulture #EmployeeEngagement #Resilience #LeadershipDevelopment #HappyAtWork #HumanPerformance #burnout
S1 · E68
July 21 · 34 min
Purpose & Transcendence: Jessica Grossmeier on the New Leader Skills
Are you ready to move past surface-level health initiatives? In this episode, Jessica Grossmeier shares how authentic leadership and deep personal purpose can fundamentally transform well-being, unlock lasting employee happiness, and redefine essential leader skills.Together, we explore how organizations can move beyond transactional health checklists to build cultures that truly nurture the human spirit. Jessica breaks down her research-backed framework for charting a course toward holistic organizational health, offering actionable strategies for leaders who want to create spaces where people feel profoundly connected to their daily tasks and to each other.Whether you are an executive shaping corporate strategy, a manager trying to protect your team from burnout, or an individual looking to realign your career with your personal values, this conversation is an absolute masterclass.Connect with Jessica Grossmeier:• Website: https://www.jessicagrossmeier.com/• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jgrossmeier/Timecodes00:00 — Introduction to the podcast and guest01:35 — Jessica Grossmeier’s background in workplace well-being03:02 — Why Jessica got into well-being and meaningful work04:23 — What workplace well-being should focus on now06:03 — Burnout: risks and prevention08:24 — Designing sustainable, people-centered organizations10:47 — Remote/hybrid work, loneliness, and connection13:47 — What brings Jessica positive emotions each day15:31 — Meaningful work and its role in well-being18:16 — Resilience at work21:09 — How to handle mistakes at work25:15 — Joy at work and “joy killers”28:15 — Unusual insights and a personal story from Jessica32:10 — Three leadership tips for more human-centered workplacesSubscribe to Happy@Work for more insights on building a workplace that people genuinely love.#WellBeing #WorkplaceWellness #LeadershipDevelopment #PurposeDriven #ConsciousLeadership #CorporateCulture #HappyAtWork
S1 · E67
July 16 · 27 min
Stop Micromanaging: How to Build a People-Centered Team with Daria Rudnik
Are you accidentally holding your team back by trying to save the day? In this episode, Daria Rudnik reveals how shifting your leadership habits can transform daily teamwork, elevate employee happiness, and unlock the essential leader skills needed to build a self-sufficient organization.Many managers start out with the best intentions: solving problems, making quick decisions, and protecting their people. However, over time, this "hero leader" mentality turns you into the ultimate bottleneck. Your team stops thinking independently, constantly waits for your approval, and struggles to operate without constant supervision. Connect with Daria Rudnik:• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariarudnik/• Get Daria's Book: https://dariarudnik.com/clickingTimecodes: 00:00 Intro and why this conversation matters02:09 Why leaders should stop being the hero03:52 How to empower your team06:47 Reframing control as the team grows09:39 Values, diversity, and culture fit11:30 Healthy conflict inside teams13:49 Feedback for future growth15:27 Psychological safety and anonymous feedback17:39 Connecting team members, not just with the leader19:58 How leaders can develop themselves22:07 Learning from mistakes23:39 Regular team reflection and retrospectives25:14 Three tips from Daria for leadersSubscribe to Happy@Work for more episodes on the future of work, culture, and high-performance leadership.#Leadership #Teamwork #ManagementTips #EmployeeWellbeing #Delegation #FutureOfWork #HappyAtWork #DariaRudnik
S1 · E66
July 6 · 31 min
The Disconnection Epidemic Is Getting Worse—Here's Why | with Jason Lauritsen
Why is employee engagement plummeting despite all the perks? In this episode, Jason Lauritsen joins us to explain why your performance management framework is failing without a foundation of real happiness and human connection—especially in a hybrid work world.While modern organizations spend fortunes on high-tech collaboration tools, structured processes, and corporate perks, something vital is quietly disappearing: the baseline relationships that make work meaningful. Today on Happy@Work, I'm talking with Jason Lauritsen, a renowned leadership expert, keynote speaker, and author who has dedicated his career to fixing employee engagement.Jason argues that the quality of our workplace relationships isn't just a soft "nice-to-have." It is a business-critical driver that directly dictates your company's retention, daily productivity, long-term wellbeing, and overall culture. We break down the real financial and human cost of corporate disconnection and outline exactly how modern leaders can change their approach.Connect with Jason Lauritsen:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlauritsen Timecodes:00:00 — Tatiana opens the episode and introduces the topic00:30 — Teaser question about office vs remote engagement01:33 — Jason’s background and his role02:49 — What connection at work means05:12 — Definition of connection08:57 — Research setup and employee sample size09:55 — Biggest surprise: highest disengagement among non-management on-site employees10:23 — Highest connection among fully remote employees14:19 — Meaning and resonance connection17:09 — Organizational resonance as the strongest predictor18:31 — How companies can cultivate meaning and purpose21:28 — Leadership’s role in building connection23:36 — Managers as the “linchpin”28:39 — Why focusing on moderately engaged employees works best34:08 — Three main tips for improving connection at work35:07 — Advice for employees to build peer relationships36:11 — Episode wrap-upSubscribe to Happy@Work for more insights on building a workplace that people genuinely love.#Happiness #Engagement #PerformanceManagement #HybridWork #FutureOfWork #LeadershipDevelopment #HappyAtWork
S11 · E65
July 1 · 35 min
How to Scale Your Company Identity Across Global Teams and Markets | with Raz Mitzna
Is your brand narrative a lived reality? In this episode, Raz Mitzna reveals how to bridge the gap between high-level HR strategy and everyday moments that unlock candidate experience and employee happiness. Employer branding is no longer just about clever messaging—it’s entirely about the real experience. The true power of an employer brand isn't found in your marketing guidelines; it is revealed in the small, everyday moments where employees and candidates interact with your organization.Today on Happy@Work, I’m sitting down with global expert Raz Mitzna to map out exactly how companies can bring their identity to life across the entire employee journey. Raz shares brilliant, practical insights on how to align your brand, culture, and day-to-day employee operations so your company values are actively lived, consistently activated, and seamlessly scaled across channels, teams, and international markets.Connect with Raz Mitzna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/razmitznaTimecodes: 00:00 – intro01:15 – self-presentation of Raz02:20 – guide from Raz on how to implement EVP first time06:33 – what touchpoints are the bottlenecks in EVP implementation 11:07 – employer branding is the responsibility of the whole company16:34 – internal communications: where should you focus?21:43 – real and transparent employer brand: tell the truth28:30 – why the candidate should work for your company?33:24 – 3 tips from Raz for companies whom wants to build a strong employer brandSubscribe to Happy@Work for more insights on building a workplace that people genuinely love.#EmployerBranding #HRStrategy #CandidateExperience #WorkplaceCulture #EmployeeEngagement #HappyAtWork #LeadershipDevelopment
S1 · E64
June 26 · 35 min
What Happens When Leaders Stop Treating Exhaustion as Individual Failure | with Dr. Kat Page
Are your employees thriving, or are they just surviving the grind? In this episode, Dr. Kat Page reveals how organizational psychology and intentional leadership can systematically dismantle burnout and protect your team's wellbeing.We often treat exhaustion as an individual failure—telling people to manage their stress better. But true transformation requires looking at how jobs are built. Today on Happy@Work, I’m sitting down with the incredible Dr. Kat Page, organizational expert and author of the groundbreaking book Good Work: Transforming Your Work from the Inside Out.If you are a CEO, an HR leader, or a professional trying to protect your own mental energy while making a massive impact, this masterclass with Dr. Kat Page is a must-watch.Connect with Dr. Kat Page:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kat-page-2366514/Timecodes:00:00 – intro 01:13 – self-presentation of Dr. Kate02:01– what is the "Good work" according to the Kat`s book02:35– 3-level powerful framework against burnout04:33 – level of “me”: improving your workplace by yourself06:15 – level of “leader”: what he has to provide for the team to prevent burnout09:38 – what factors affect positively and negatively on the psychological safety13:35 – how to prevent corporate bullying and toxic workplaces17:11 – the right to mistake: how to provide the culture of innovation 22:48 – may we talk about stress with the manager and colleagues?28:15 – should companies fight against the loneliness of workers?32:19 – 3 tips for leaders who want to build organizations that will be named by people “Good work”Subscribe to Happy@Work for more insights on building a workplace that people genuinely love.#BurnoutPrevention #WorkplaceWellbeing #OrganizationalPsychology #LeadershipDevelopment #JobDesign #FutureOfWork #HappyAtWork
S8 · E63
June 18 · 48 min
The Serendipity Mindset: Christian Busch on How to Engineer Your Own Good Luck
Can you actually engineer your own good luck? In this episode, Christian Busch explains how mastering serendipity transforms your networking, fuels innovative leadership, and opens unexpected doors in your career. We often look at highly successful people and assume they just got lucky. But according to groundbreaking research from world-renowned management scientist Christian Busch, author of the bestselling book The Serendipity Mindset, luck isn’t just a random stroke of fate—it’s a process you can actively cultivate. Today on Happy@Work, we are breaking down how to shift from a passive observer of life to an active catalyst for unexpected opportunities. Christian shares how leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals can develop a structural framework to spot hidden connections, turn unexpected moments into positive outcomes, and build a highly resilient mindset in the face of uncertainty.Connect with Dr. Christian Busch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianwbuschTimecodes: 00:00 — intro01:08 — self-presentation of Christian02:08 — what is the serendipity mindset?04:25 — how to increase the chances for luck?09:15 — creating the moments that can change our career14:35 — how to connect with an industry leader? How to build international connections?19:42 — Christian`s secret questions to establish connections with people23:20 — preparing for cultural differences during networking27:15 — strategies to create a strong connection with the business star35:44 — the role of personal brand in serendipity40:20 — how to present your ideas and services to partners44:15 — tips from Christian to minimize regrets during networkingSubscribe to Happy@Work for more insights on building a workplace and a life that you genuinely love.#SerendipityMindset #ChristianBusch #LeadershipDevelopment #NetworkingHacks #CareerGrowth #MindsetShift #HappyAtWork
S1 · E62
June 11 · 32 min
Beyond Yoga Classes: Building a Corporate Culture That Cultivates Happiness | with Laura Putnam
Are you tired of corporate wellbeing programs that don't actually work? In this episode, we dive into how to build true workplace wellbeing, unlock genuine employee happiness, and ensure your team is happy at work.For too long, organizations have treated wellness as an individual chore rather than a collective culture. Today on Happy@Work, we are sitting down with the phenomenal Laura Putnam — workplace wellbeing expert, international keynote speaker, founder of Motion Infusion, and author of the bestselling book Workplace Wellness That Works.Connect with Laura Putnam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraputnam/Timecodes: 00:57 – self-presentation of Laura01:20 – well-being approach to manage employees02:33 – balance between the result-oriented culture and care for employees03:58 – the burnout tips in 202606:57 – C-level responsibility for employee`s care10:37 – leadership model and psychological safety 16:11 – barriers for consultants teaching leaders for psychological safety 19:17 – 3 key wellbeing actions for managers22:04 – wellbeing program is not a set of benefits only27:35 – how can you personally improve your workplace and atmosphere?30:15 – 3 main workplace wellbeing tips from Laura Subscribe to Happy@Work for more episodes on building a workplace that actually works for people. Discover the text version of podcast episodes posted weekly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/happyatworkclub/ #Wellbeing #WorkplaceWellness #LeadershipDevelopment #HappyAtWork #CorporateCulture #EmployeeEngagement #LauraPutnam #podcast
S1 · E61
June 2 · 34 min
Keeping your workforce engaged when repetitive tasks are handed over to algorithms | with Rafael Uribe
How do you successfully navigate a digital transformation without losing the human touch? In this episode, Rafael Uribe shares how to balance AI in HR with an unshakeable focus on employee happiness.The rise of AI is doing much more than just automating tasks—it is fundamentally reshaping human behavior, workforce expectations, daily mindsets, and overall organizational dynamics. Today on Happy@Work, I am sitting down with Rafael Uribe, an experienced leader in culture, internal communication, and organizational transformation, to discuss how companies can successfully support their people through this massive technological shift.Rafael shares brilliant strategic insights on how modern organizations can balance speed with purpose, data with empathy, and automation with true meaning. We dive deep into why open communication and genuine human connection remain the absolute core of any successful corporate evolution.Timecodes: 00:00 – intro 00:53 – self-introduction of Rafael03:10 – how do the AI reshape the organizations?07:00 – erosion of connections inside the organizations and how to keep our culture14:08 – what competences should be developed among employees during digital hr transformation22:45 – typical mistakes made by organizations in the workplace AI transformation30:03 – 3 tips from Rafael for those who want to redevelop corporate cultureFollow more content from Rafael Uribe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafael-uribe-uribe/ Subscribe to Happy@Work for more episodes on building a workplace that actually works for people. Discover the text version of podcast episodes posted weekly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/happyatworkclub/ #DigitalTransformation #AIinHR #WorkplaceCulture #OrganizationalChange #Leadership2026 #HappyAtWork

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