Shows
The Happy ManifestoThe Evolving Role of AI in a Creative and Happy Workplace with DJDJ, from Happy, shares his wisdom with us today about the evolving role of AI in work and life in 2025.Sharing insights on using AI as a “co-thinker” to boost creativity and critical thinking, you'll hear practical examples, from DJ, Maureen, and Henry, of AI effectiveness in the workplace, with examples, as we address data security, ethical use, and the importance of verifying the output of AI.DJ highlights the balance between human skills and AI, the value of clear workplace AI policies, and how to explore AI with curiosity, creativity, and caution.DJ's...
2025-10-1631 minThe Happy ManifestoHow Caring Leadership Can Transform Your Ability to Lead Others with Heather R. YoungerWhat are you prepared to do, to get the thing you want?Heather R. Younger, a TEDx speaker, author, and leadership expert, chats with our hosts, Henry and Maureen, discussing self-leadership and its vital role in effective leadership. Heather shares her personal journey, including a pivotal realisation about prioritising her own well-being, and offers practical self-leadership habits. You'll hear how caring leadership can boost productivity and recounts a story of compassionate leadership during her layoff experience. Our conversation covers overcoming imposter syndrome, building workplace trust, and fostering team bonds. Heather’s insights reveal th...
2025-10-0226 minThe Happy ManifestoCultivating Joy and Inclusivity: How Wildfire’s Employee Ownership Model Creates a Happy Workforce with Debby PentonDebby Penton is the CEO of Wildfire, a B2B PR consultancy recognised for its outstanding workplace culture and employee ownership.In today's chat with Henry and Maureen, Debby shares insights on building a happy, inclusive, and high-performing team through autonomy, flexible work, and clear values.Our discussion covers Wildfire’s creative campaigns, B-corp certification, apprenticeship programs, and commitment to employee well-being.You'll hear personal stories and practical advice revealing how investing in people and a sense of purpose can drive business success.Debby's tips for a happy wo...
2025-09-1820 minThe Happy ManifestoCreating Speak-Up Cultures for Happier Workplaces with Elaine Lin HeringToday, Elaine Lin Hering, bestselling author and expert on speak-up cultures, joins Henry and Maureen for an insightful conversation on creating a happier workplace.Elaine reveals insights from her global work on “unlearning silence” in workplaces, explaining how silence is often learned from childhood and reinforced by leadership and cultural norms.Elaine also shares practical strategies for fostering genuine speak-up cultures and the importance of recognising systemic silencing, with actionable steps leaders can take to create more inclusive, human-centered, and joyful work environments. In this conversation, you'll hear new ways, ideas, and opportunities to d...
2025-09-0442 minThe Happy ManifestoHow NK Chaudary and Jaipur Rugs are Redefining Business with Heart and LoveNK Chaudhary (NKC) shares his journey from humble beginnings to building a global social enterprise that empowers over 40,000 artisans, many from marginalised communities. Chatting with Henry and Maureen, NKC shares his commitment to dignity, inclusion, and love in business. He talks about his efforts to break caste barriers and his focus on self-management, mindfulness, and introspection. We reflect on NKC’s inspiring leadership and the transformative impact of Jaipur Rugs, celebrating the creativity and empowerment of women artisans, as well as the deeper meaning woven into every rug.NKC's tips for a happy wo...
2025-08-2120 minThe Happy ManifestoManaging Mental Chatter for a Happier Life and Workplace with Srikumar RaoDr. Srikumar Rao, TEDx speaker and creator of the pioneering course, Creativity and Personal Mastery, joins our hosts, Henry and Maureen, and shares how our internal mental chatter shapes our reality and can cause unnecessary suffering. Drawing on the Buddha’s "parable of the second arrow" and other stories, Dr. Rao offers practical advice on observing thoughts, reframing challenges, and cultivating happiness in life and at the workplace. You'll hear personal anecdotes, Srikumar's reflections on joy, and tips for feeding positivity in ourselves and others. Srikumar's tips for a happy workplace:Observe yo...
2025-08-0733 minThe Happy ManifestoThe Corporate Rebels’ Guide to a Happier Workplace with Pim de MorreeIn this episode, Pim de Morree from Corporate Rebels, shares his journey, from corporate frustration to pioneering self-managed workplaces worldwide. Pim discusses with your hosts, Henry and Maureen, how he and his co-founder left traditional jobs to research and promote organisations with employee-focused, hierarchy-free cultures. Pim explains Corporate Rebels’ evolution from blogging to investing in companies, radically transforming them through transparency, autonomy, and profit-sharing. Today's conversation highlights the challenges and successes of these transformations, offering practical tips for happier workplaces while revealing the growing global movement toward more meaningful, people-centered work.Pi...
2025-07-2426 minThe Happy ManifestoCreating a Happy Culture of Empowerment and Trust with Samantha GreenSamantha Green is the leader of a UK charity working on animal welfare in Sri Lanka. In today's conversation, Samantha shares how the Level Seven Senior Leaders programme helped her shift from top-down leadership to empowering self-managed teams. Samantha discusses her experience with cross-training staff, adopting 'Toyota-inspired' continuous improvement, and fostering a workplace of trust and transparency. Samantha also emphasises the importance of local leadership and provides practical advice for fostering a happy and inclusive workplace. You'll hear about the transformative impact of innovative leadership and investing in team development.
2025-06-1933 minThe Happy ManifestoThe Power of Play: How to Boost Engagement and Satisfaction at Work with Sophie BryanSophie Bryan works at the deepest level of workplace culture: where energy, trust, & curiosity shape everything. In today's episode, Maureen and Henry are joined by Sophie to explore how Montessori principles such as freedom, curiosity, and play can transform workplace culture. Sophie shares stories from her HR career, advocating for employee autonomy, transparency, and coaching over traditional management. Sophie also discusses the positive role of sexual energy in creativity, the importance of belonging and authenticity in the workplace, and how recognising individual contributions can boost engagement. Her journey with dance underscores...
2025-06-0537 minThe Happy ManifestoBuilding a Happy Workplace: Strategies for Connection and Well-Being with Vanessa KingIn this episode of the Happy Manifesto podcast, hosts Maureen and Henry converse with Vanessa King from Action for Happiness. Vanessa is an expert in positive psychology and the author of The Ten Keys to Happier Living.In this episode, Vanessa discusses the active pursuit of happiness, distinguishing between short-term pleasure and long-term fulfilment. Vanessa shares the importance of making connections, gratitude, and psychological safety in the workplace. We also discuss practical strategies for enhancing well-being, such as fostering positive mental habits and creating supportive work environments. Vanessa's insights offer actionable steps toward...
2025-05-2230 minThe Happy ManifestoBoost employee motivation and organisational profitability with Stephan MeierCan organisations gain a strategic advantage by investing in their employees?Stephan Meier, a Columbia Business School professor, and author of The Employee Advantage, shares, in this episode, the relationship between employee motivation, organisational culture, and profitability. Stephan reveals that organisations prioritising employee well-being, ones that align with their core values, foster ethical behaviour and a positive work environment that benefits all with profitability and increased job satisfaction.Hear Stephan share examples from companies like ING and Zappos, highlighting the benefits of an employee-centric approach. You'll also hear outlines for four key motivators...
2025-05-0831 minThe Happy ManifestoEmpowering Healthcare Staff for Lasting Change with Kelly McGovernKelly McGovern is the Chief Nurse at the West Hertfordshire Foundation TrustIn this episode, Kelly shares how she has fostered a transformative culture of trust and empowerment in a healthcare environment.Kelly shares her leadership journey, highlighting the importance of empowering staff to drive change and celebrate small wins. She recounts how her hands-on approach and role modeling have led to significant improvements in patient care, such as reduced waiting times and better discharge rates. The conversation reveals the positive impact of a supportive work environment and the importance of...
2025-04-2429 minThe Happy ManifestoHow Engaging Employees Shapes a Happier Workplace with Ann HartlandAnn Hartland, Deputy CEO and Growth Director of Cedar, discusses the importance of joy at work, personal growth, and leadership as well as her experiences in the Level 7 Senior Leadership Programme.Ann shares insights into her role highlighting a people-first approach and the significance of listening to employees. Today's conversation reveals some of the challenges and successes of implementing a positive workplace culture and the practical application of theoretical learnings. Ann also touches on her personal interests, including dog massage therapy and triathlons, underscoring the value of maintaining joy both in and out...
2025-03-2028 minThe Happy ManifestoHow Can Employers Create a Happier Workplace For Generation Z?Jenny Fernandez is an executive coach and professor at Columbia and NYU. In this episode, we explore some of Gen Z's unique characteristics, such as being digital natives and the impact of "helicopter parenting." Jenny highlights the challenges Gen Z faces, including communication skills, job security and concerns exacerbated by the pandemic. We also explore the need for supportive work environments, effective onboarding, clear training paths, and why mentorship is important. Jenny's tips for a happy workplace:Set your employees up for successHave a very clear training path so people...
2025-03-0629 minThe Happy ManifestoHow Embracing Trust Can Build a Happy Learning Culture in Your Organisation with Helen StuartIn this episode of the Happy Manifesto Podcast, co-hosts Maureen and Henry engage with Helen Stuart, Managing Director of Now You're Talking. Helen Stuart, Managing Director of Now You're Talking discusses her transformative experiences from a leadership program at TLC, emphasising trust, empowerment, and psychological safety in management. Helen shares practical insights on fostering team ownership, leveraging individual strengths, and creating a supportive work environment based upon 'pre-approval', trust, and ownership.The conversation also touches on the importance of vulnerability in leadership and the benefits of recognising and utilising team members' unique skills.
2025-02-2022 minThe Happy ManifestoHow Embracing a Learning Culture Cultivates a Happy Workplace with Nigel PaineNigel Paine, head of people development at the BBC, discusses the evolution of workplace learning, the creation of the BBC's iPlayer, and the importance of fostering a true learning culture in organisations. Nigel emphasises the need for trust, autonomy, competence, and connectedness toward creating an effective learning environment and shares with us examples from Danone and WD-40 to illustrate successful learning practicesNigel also highlights the significance of leadership qualities like courage and humility underscoring the critical role of continuous improvement and open communication in building a happy workplace culture.Nigel’s tips fo...
2024-12-0528 minThe Happy ManifestoHow Does Employee Happiness Have an Impact on Workplace Productivity with Nic MarksDid you know that there's a strong link between happiness and success? In today's episode, we explore the surprising connection between happiness, productivity, and workplace culture.Nic Marks, a happiness expert and founder of the Centre for Wellbeing at the New Economics Foundation, and CEO of Friday Pulse, sheds light on this fascinating relationship and dives deep into the Happy Planet Index.We discuss the impact of happiness on productivity and how a positive workplace environment can boost creativity and efficiency. Nic also reveals the important role of social networks and how the...
2024-11-2131 minThe Happy ManifestoUnlocking Business Success Through Employee Happiness: Insights from Mark PriceMany businesses still focus solely on financial metrics to understand why they are underperforming. However, one crucial factor is often overlooked—the well-being and happiness of employees who contribute to those results.Mark Price, former Marketing Director of Waitrose and founder of WorkL, discusses the critical role of employee happiness in driving business success. Drawing from his 32-year career at the John Lewis Partnership, Mark shares valuable insights into the direct impact of a positive work environment on productivity, employee retention, reduced absenteeism, and overall business growth. He also reflects on his experience turning around Somerfield stores by...
2024-10-2435 minThe Happy ManifestoHow Celebrating Mistakes Creates a Culture of Trust with Ben ClarksonIn many workplaces, mistakes are not tolerated or easily forgotten, leading to environments where employers are feeling pressurised to be perform perfectly and potentially nervous to innovate new ideas.Ben Clarkson, Chief Finance and Operating Officer at Parkinson’s UK, joins the podcast today to share his journey implementing the principles of the Happy Manifesto, including the idea of celebrating mistakes rather than admonishing them. Previously at Asthma and Lung UK, Ben recounts his leadership experiences there, highlighting the importance of empowering people, recruiting for attitude and fostering an inclusive culture.Ben reveals the impact on...
2024-10-1027 minThe Happy ManifestoLeading with Heart: Insights on Building a Positive Workplace Culture with Helen TaylorCreating a culture of trust and collaboration and empowering frontline staff in the pressurised environment of Adult Social Care could be a challenge but it’s possible when leaders are given a clear blueprint, and the skills needed. Helen Taylor, Head of Services in Adult Social Care at Hounslow Council took on that challenge when she joined our Level Seven Senior Leader Apprenticeship programme and joins us today to share her transformational journey of embedding coaching practices within her teams, successfully creating a positive workplace environment that values individual strengths and encourages open communication and innovation. ...
2024-09-2624 minThe Happy ManifestoLeading with Happiness: Insights from the Original Chief Happiness Officer - Alex KjerulfAlex Kjerulf is the original chief happiness officer and in today's episode shares insights from his 25-year journey, emphasising that true workplace happiness stems from meaningful results and positive relationships; rather than superficial perks. Alex reveals the growing global interest in workplace happiness, the benefits of remote working, four-day workweeks, and the pitfalls of relentless positive thinking. Hear practical tips for fostering a happy work environment and to finding joy outside of work distinguishing it from mere job satisfaction.Alex's tips for a happy workplaceStop wasting money on the wrong things...
2024-09-1229 minThe Happy ManifestoHow Gen Z Leaders Can Embrace Radical Candor To Empower Their Teams with Emma HalahanEmma Halahan is an apprentice who has worked with the Dog Star Foundation and is now at Guy's and St Thomas's NHS Foundation Trust. In this conversation, Emma shares her journey as a Gen-Z leader, discussing her experiences with leadership, the challenges of transitioning between organizations, and the impact of her apprenticeship. Emma also highlights the importance of empowering her team, developing team members who show initiative, embracing agile methodologies, and practicing radical candor with her colleagues.Emma's tips for a happy workplaceAs a leader, build a culture of multiplyingBuild radical candor: empathy...
2024-07-2527 minThe Happy ManifestoEffective Strategies for Embracing Errors and Fostering Creativity in a Happy Workplace with Dr. Natalie NixonLearning from mistakes can create a more fulfilling work environment says our guest, Dr. Natalie Nixon, a creativity strategist, who draws upon parallels with jazz music's improvisational nature, to explore the intersection between creativity, organisational culture, and productivity. Natalie advocates for a human-centric approach to problem-solving and balancing curiosity with discipline towards fostering innovation. Additionally, Natalie challenges traditional work culture by proposing the "motor framework" (MTOR), which values movement, thought, and rest. Her passion for dance exemplifies the joy found in activities outside of work, underscoring the episode's theme of creativity in a happy workplace....
2024-06-2028 minThe Happy ManifestoJoyful Work: More Than Just a Happy Workplace with Maja DjikicUnderstanding that happiness can be tied to outcomes, and that joy can be connected to the process of growth and potential, in both life and at work, can be key to developing happiness in the workplace.In this episode, Maja Djikic, an associate professor at the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto, and author of The Possible Self, shares her "Wheel of Self" framework and explores the distinction between happiness and joy; and the implications of focussing on joy over happiness.Maja also emphasises the impact of organisational culture on problem-solving and employee well-being...
2024-05-2330 minThe Happy ManifestoThe CoppaFeel Approach to Breast Cancer Awareness, with Natalie HaskellEarly and accurate diagnosis of breast cancer, particularly in younger individuals, is important not just in the workplace but to any individual in any team or community and this is at the heart of CoppaFeel's mission: to promote early diagnosis to 18-24 year-olds, which can lead to treatments being more effective and less invasive whilst working towards higher survival rates. CoppaFeel is a breast cancer awareness charity taking a happy and positive approach to serious business.In this episode, CEO, Natalie Heskall, shares details of the organisation's training programs that enhance communication and teamwork, and the implementation...
2024-05-0928 minThe Happy ManifestoCreating workspaces where neurodivergent people can thrive, with Ludmila PraslovaEmbracing neurodiversity in the workplace not only benefits neurodiverse individuals, but creates a more inclusive, flexible, and productive environment for everyone. By understanding and acknowledging different strengths and needs, we can reshape jobs and work cultures to foster a sense of belonging and joy, leading to more effective organisations.Ludmila Praslova is an organisational psychologist at Vanguard University in Southern California. Her work focuses on embracing neurodiversity in the workplace and promoting a more inclusive, flexible, and productive environment for everyone. She champions the idea of understanding and acknowledging different strengths and needs to foster a sense...
2024-04-2530 minThe Happy ManifestoBuilding and nurturing a team of A players – with Dominic MonkhouseGoing from startup to scale-up takes strategic planning and insight, along with a real understanding of employee happiness. Plus, crafting great job descriptions and letting people make their own decisions once they’re in a role are key to developing a team of A players.Dominic Monkhouse has a distinguished career in scaling up businesses, especially within the IT sector. He successfully built two web hosting businesses from 0 to £30,000,000 within 5 years, and is an author of two books that demonstrate his insight and experience in business growth and people management.Dominic’s tips for a happy...
2024-04-1135 minThe Happy ManifestoIs employee happiness really a viable metric for success? with Pieter Jelle de BrueEmployee happiness makes a big contribution to a company's success, as can self-management. But how do you know what’s really working, driving the business forwards, and helping it meet its targets?This week's guest is Pieter Jelle de Brue, founder of digital agency Statik, a company that values employee happiness and has adopted a self-managing structure with multiple autonomous teams. They’re continuing to grow and evolve, and one of the metrics they’re currently conducting an experiment to find out if what people say about employee happiness really does have a measurable impact on a compan...
2024-03-2124 minThe Happy ManifestoAndrew Barnes, creator of the 4 Day Week movementA four-day work week doesn’t simply lead to longer weekends. When implemented right, organisations can maintain the same level of productivity, and give their employees significant – and measurable – increases in happiness.The four-day week challenges traditional concepts of work and productivity and encourages companies to measure output rather than time spent working. This shift in approach has led to reduced stress, fewer sick days, and enhanced team cohesion.Andrew Barnes is the originator of the four-day work week idea, which has now become a global movement and has been implemented in multinationals, governments, and NGOs w...
2024-03-0735 minThe Happy ManifestoBuilding workplaces for long-term success, with Howard YuBefore chasing the latest technologies or trends, organisations need to focus on building a strong foundation and core capabilities. They need a culture that encourages learning, collaboration, and transparency, and to have leadership that prioritises long-term success over short-term gains.In this episode, Henry is joined by Howard Yu, a renowned strategist and innovation expert, a Thinkers 50 strategy award winner, and the Lego Professor of Innovation and Management at the IMD business school in Switzerland. With extensive experience studying and analysing companies' longevity and their ability to sustain new growth, Howard is now the author of Leap, a...
2024-02-2228 minThe Happy ManifestoCreating freedom-centred democratic workplaces, with Traci FentonCreating democratic workplaces lead to accelerated growth and a culture that people love. By giving power to employees and treating them with dignity and fairness, companies can tap into the full potential of their workforce.Transitioning to a democratic workplace takes a specific mindset, democratic leadership skills, and the implementation of systems and processes that value transparency and accountability. But not only does it increase employee satisfaction and engagement, it can also result in significant revenue growth.Traci Fenton is the author of Freedom at Work and the CEO of WorldBlu, an organisation focused on de...
2024-02-0828 minThe Happy ManifestoHow Autonomy Leads to Profitability at HandelsbankenA culture of trust, empowerment and respect towards employees leads to a successful and sustainable business model, higher levels of customer satisfaction, and a happy workplace. That ethos has been key to Handelsbanken’s operation for over 40 years, and has led them to top ratings in UK customer satisfaction for 15 years.It also makes financial sense. The banking group has been the most profitable within its peer group for nearly 50 years.Bernard Charles is Chief HR Officer at the UK division of Handelsbanken, a decentralised banking environment that prioritises individual and corporate banking customer relationships. Th...
2023-12-1420 minThe Happy ManifestoCelebrating Intelligent Failures and Taking Responsibility, with Psychological Safety author Amy EdmondsonCreating a culture of psychological safety is crucial for organisations. By fostering an environment where people feel safe to speak up, share their ideas, and take intelligent risks, companies can promote learning, innovation, and growth. Celebrating failures – especially intelligent failures that result from thoughtful exploration – can encourage individuals to take risks and contribute to the collective knowledge of the organisation.Amy Edmondson is largely credited as the founder of the Psychological Safety movement. She’s written five books, and her work focuses on the importance of psychological safety in organisations and how it contributes to innovation, learning, and su...
2023-11-2328 minThe Happy ManifestoExploring Maverick's Influence on Modern Workplaces, with Zahid MalikRicardo Semler’s radical book Maverick is now 30 years old. Happy was an early adopter of some of its key principles, and when software company cofounder Zahid Malik was looking for implementation examples, Happy was just about the only one he found.As Semler’s work suggests, implementing a culture of trust, freedom, and autonomy can have a transformative impact on a company. By allowing employees to make decisions, fostering open communication, and providing guidelines and frameworks, organisations can create a happy and productive workplace. But it’s important to strike a balance and ensure that the right pe...
2023-11-0223 minThe Happy ManifestoHow to Create and Maintain a Strong Culture in a Growing Team, with Michelle HillAs an organisation expands and new people come on board – either remotely in or in satellite offices – it can be hard to ensure everyone’s aligned with the same values and goals. This can lead to a lack of cohesion and a sense of disconnection among team members.So organisations need to find creative ways to maintain their culture as they grow. TLC, a relationship charity based in Greater Manchester, which invests in its employees’ wellbeing. They give staff the freedom to plan their own career paths and make decisions across the organisation rather than working in a purely...
2023-10-1227 minThe Happy ManifestoHow to make your workplace more inclusive, with Femi OtitojuCreating a truly inclusive and happy workplace means understanding and addressing the unique needs and feelings of each individual. This involves actively listening to and communicating with employees, recognising and addressing implicit biases, and creating a culture of trust and fairness.Creating connections between teammates and increasing knowledge and understanding of each other's backgrounds and strengths will help foster greater inclusion and happiness in the workplace.Femi Otitoju is the co-founder of EW Group, an equality, diversity, and inclusion partnership. She’s been helping organisations become more inclusive since 1988. In her conversation with Henry and Ma...
2023-09-2826 minThe Happy ManifestoTreat your team like adults, with Lisa GillPsychologically safety isn’t just about creating a comfortable climate, but about embracing discomfort. That’s because discomfort helps us grow and address complex problems, which in turn leads to greater psychological safety.This means shifting from a parent-child dynamic to an adult-to-adult relationship within teams. That involves relating to people's potential, treating them as competent professionals, and involving them in the decision-making process.A psychologically “safe” environment without a level of discomfort can hinder people’s growth and professional development, which can affect innovation and creativity.To create a more psychologically safe environmen...
2023-09-1423 minThe Happy ManifestoEmpowering teams: a case study in co-management, with Matt PerezCo-management is a radical and fair way to run a company. One company’s approach of having no hierarchy and no bosses has allowed for a more collaborative and communicative environment, where teams can solve problems together.Matt Perez is the co-founder of Nearsoft, a software company that practices co-management. Instead of having bosses, they have leadership teams that solve problems and make decisions. They also have a unique approach to dealing with poor performance before it comes an issue.Matt’s tip for a happier workplaceWorkplace happiness involves being true to ones...
2023-07-0624 minThe Happy ManifestoProfitable Happiness, with Dr PelèHappiness is not just a feeling, but an action that can be intentionally built within an organisation. By prioritising happiness and promoting engagement, pride, and appreciation, companies can create a culture that leads to profitability and success.Dr Pelè developed the concept of "profitable happiness", which centres around the notion that organisations can create a culture of happiness that leads to engaged and productive employees, and ultimately, profitability. Dr Pelè emphasises the importance of eudaimonic happiness, which focuses on engagement, meaning, and purpose, rather than just seeking pleasure.With this framework, managers can create habits of...
2023-06-1529 minThe Happy ManifestoBeyond Budgeting, with Bjarte BogsnesBudgeting is time-consuming, can lead to quickly-outdated assumptions, and can stimulate unethical behaviours like resource hoarding. Beyond Budgeting is a management philosophy that challenges traditional management practices, specifically the budgeting process.In this episode, Henry speaks with Bjarte Bogsnes about the problems with budgeting, and how some companies have broken free of the budgeting mindset. Bjarte is a senior advisor at the Norwegian company Statoil, now Equinor, and has been a key figure in developing and promoting the Beyond Budgeting philosophy.Bjarte’s tip for a happier workplaceFollow the 12 Beyond Budgeting principles ar...
2023-06-0132 minThe Happy ManifestoBe kind, break rules – with Sarah PughCreating a happy and productive workplace starts with a focus on culture. A coaching culture can help build trust and encourage open communication.Sarah Pugh is the CEO of Whizz-Kidz, the UK's leading charity for young wheelchair users. She shares her insights on leading a hospice to an Outstanding rating in just one year. She did this by making culture a fundamental part of the change process. She reveals how this experience has informed her work at Whizz-Kidz and the steps she’s taken there to put culture at the heart of everything.Sarah’s tips...
2023-05-1130 minThe Happy ManifestoHow self-management increases client and employee satisfaction, with Luke KyteImplementing a self-managing organisation requires a shift in mindset and a commitment to creating a positive work environment. This involves giving employees trust, freedom and responsibility, as well as promoting health and wellbeing. In this episode, Henry and Maureen speak to Luke Kyte, a senior leader whose company made this transition.Reddico is a self-managing SEO agency that implemented unlimited holiday, formed a salary panel, and measured success through metrics like the Net Promoter Score. All in place of things like pingpong tables and nights out that look great on social media, but don’t improve employee ha...
2023-04-2728 minThe Happy ManifestoBringing meaning to action, with Jason MitchellWhen Jason Mitchell escaped the office to reconnect with his tasks, he noticed something: he was losing sight of the relationships behind the tasks.“Action has meaning only in relationship; without understanding relationship, action on any level will only breed conflict. The understanding of relationship is infinitely more important than the search for any plan of action.” – Jiddu KrishnamurtiThis discovery led Jason to build regular check-ins with members of his team, that weren’t simply task-orientated, but were people-orientated.Jason is VP of Customer Experience at Typefi, and joins Henry to discuss what he experien...
2023-04-1334 minThe Happy ManifestoHow Mayden created a self-managing workplace, with Alison Sturgess-DurdenThe guiding principle at UK software firm Mayden is to manage the work, not the people. The company has put in place a clear decision-making process and a scaffolding structure that replaces most line management positions.Everyone within Mayden has access to an individual coach who is trained and experienced in coaching, and the company has retained a tier of directors who deal with residual line management responsibilities. Mayden's approach encourages individuals to manage themselves and take responsibility for decisions.The process of forming and growing a managerless team is outlined in a new book...
2023-03-2329 minThe Happy ManifestoFrom diminisher to multiplier: how to elevate your leadership style, with Liz WisemanA Multiplier is a leader who amplifies the intelligence and capability of their team, making work feel challenging yet exhilarating. Diminishers, on the other hand, unintentionally hold people back and create an environment where people defer to them. Both types of leaders have vastly different impacts on their teams.Liz Wiseman, the author of Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter, joins Henry and Maureen to discuss how to recognise the genius in others and create an environment that elicits the best thinking, provides challenges, encourages debate, and fosters ownership and accountability.Liz’s tip...
2023-03-0938 minThe Happy ManifestoSelf-managing teams, with Helen Sanderson MBEWholeness, self-management and evolutionary purpose are three core principles that changed Helen Sanderson’s view on teams.Helen Sanderson’s MBE is the founder of Wellbeing Teams, an organisation providing care and support at home. As a self-governing team, they are able to create greater trust and autonomy for employees. But this wasn’t a framework that can just be dropped in:I thought it was like adding a new app on your phone, but it wasn't; it was transforming the operating system.Helen’s three tips for happy workplacesIncrease autonomy and social support...
2023-02-2332 minThe Happy ManifestoHow the Stroke Association is creating greater workplace autonomy, with Chris McQueenHenry and Maureen are in conversation with Chris McQueen from the Stroke Association. With Happy’s help, Chris and his team developed a set of five principles that drive the decisions the organisation makes, and how they want to work.The Association is a traditionally hierarchical organisation, but through Happy’s Level 7 Senior Leadership Programme, an MBA-level qualification, they’ve created more interdependence within team-members, with less need for knowledge and instructions to be passed down through the hierarchy.Chris’ three tips for a happier workplaceBuild a culture of trust.Set clear boundaries.Create a...
2023-02-0928 minThe Happy ManifestoCreating joy at work, with Cathy BusaniWhat if people could spend 80% of their time at work doing things that gave them joy? That was the question Happy’s Managing Director Cathy Busani asked herself that still informs her work, now 27 years later.What Cathy found is that when people spend time doing the things they’re good at, their work feels more effortless, and thus more joyful. In this chat with Henry, Cathy lays out her strengths, and how Happy’s approach has evolved over time.Cathy’s three tips for creating happier workplacesPut your people at the heart of what...
2023-01-2633 minThe Happy ManifestoThe magic of leadership is empathy, with Tom PetersA leader needs to be prepared to be available. That means not overbooking themselves with meetings, burning out, and being unable to think creatively. To author and columnist Tom Peters, empathy is the most important skill a leader can have.In May 1986, Tom wrote about having only five levels of management, even in big multinationals. In ‘88, he wrote Stuff the Bureaucrats, Embrace the Customer, Listen to the Workers, and since the ‘90s has been speaking on the importance of having women in leadership positions.Tom’s COVID-19 Leadership SevenBe kindBe caringBe patientBe forgivingBe present...
2023-01-1232 minThe Happy ManifestoIntroducing the Happy Manifesto PodcastLet's stop thinking about how to create joy at work, and start doing it.Join Henry Stewart and Maureen Egbe as they explore creating happy workplaces. Each episode features actionable examples from management experts and Happy clients, which you can put into practice in your own workplace.The show launches on January 11th, with new episodes arriving every two weeks.
2023-01-1000 min
Clinical Liver Disease16-2: Screening Adult Children of Hepatitis C-Infected Baby Boomers: Barriers to Testing and Prevalence EstimatesAudible Article by Maureen McCauley, Teniola Egbe, Alexandra Parris, Samantha Rosenberg, Crystal Carmichael-Kusy, and David Goldberg
2020-10-2509 min
Coaching in FocusS01 E06: Coaching Skills in Training with Maureen EgbeJoseph is in conversation with Maureen who is a Digital Confidence Coach and Trainer. The episode focuses on how coaching skills sit at the heart of many L&D activities including training and mentoring and Maureen provides practical ways how she uses these skills in her training sessions. The idea that even in training, focusing on just the task and imparting knowledge is not enough cuts across their discussion – finding out what motivates and engages somebody is key, and that’s when coaching comes in!
2020-09-0427 min
Coaching in FocusS01 E06: Coaching Skills in Training with Maureen EgbeJoseph is in conversation with Maureen who is a Digital Confidence Coach and Trainer. The episode focuses on how coaching skills sit at the heart of many L&D activities including training and mentoring and Maureen provides practical ways how she uses these skills in her training sessions. The idea that even in training, focusing on just the task and imparting knowledge is not enough cuts across their discussion – finding out what motivates and engages somebody is key, and that’s when coaching comes in!
2020-09-0427 min