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

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