Struggling with silos, miscommunication, and a lack of cross-team connection?
You’re not alone, collaboration breakdown is one of the biggest barriers to productivity, performance, and wellbeing in today’s workplace.
In this episode of How to Be Happy at Work, happiness researcher and workplace consultant Declan Edwards explores why effective collaboration is a competitive advantage and what leaders and organisations can do to foster a culture of connection, trust, and shared success.
🎯 You’ll learn:
Why most collaboration efforts fail (and how to fix them)
How psychological safety impacts innovation and performance
What real cross-functional collaboration looks like (with real-world stories)
5 practical, evidence-based strategies to boost team collaboration
How to shift from siloed teams to connected, human-centred workplaces
💡 Featuring research from Harvard, Deloitte, and the Institute for Corporate Productivity, plus stories from real organisations, this episode is packed with actionable tools and leadership insights to help you build better relationships at work… and better results because of them.
🔔 Subscribe, rate, and share to help us build happier, more effective workplaces.
Want to bring me in to work with your team? Check out my speaker site here: https://declanedwards.com.au/
Feel like a fraud? You’re not alone. In this episode of How to Be Happy, we’re unpacking the truth about imposter syndrome, and why that uncomfortable voice in your head might actually be a sign that you're on the right track.🎙 Join Declan Edwards, happiness researcher and founder of BU Happiness College, as he shares a powerful reframe of imposter syndrome, blending science, storytelling, and real-life insight.You’ll discover:
To access our free happiness tools and explore upcoming projects like my new book, click the link below. Please remember to subscribe and share the show to help spread the ripple effect.
https://linktr.ee/that_happiness_guy
Ready to fast track your personal growth and happiness skill development? Check out our courses and coaching services at https://buhappinesscollege.com/
Whether you're launching something new, stepping into a leadership role, or simply pushing yourself outside your comfort zone, this episode will help you embrace the journey with more clarity, courage, and compassion.
What causes burnout, and how do we fix it at a systemic level?
In this powerful conversation from our Working Well podcast archive, I sat down with Hamza Khan: award-winning keynote speaker, best-selling author of Leadership Reinvented, and globally recognised expert on burnout prevention, toxic leadership, and human-centred work.
Since this interview, Hamza and I have become great friends, and fellow new dads! But back in 2021, we explored:
Why burnout isn’t just a personal failure, it’s a cultural signal
How toxic leadership breeds disengagement and distress
What hopeful, human-centric workplaces could look like
This is one of those episodes I keep coming back to and I’m thrilled to bring it back for you here.
🗣️ Co-hosted by my former colleague Josh, GM of BU Happiness College at the time.
🎧 Please note: Some links mentioned may be outdated but the conversation is evergreen.
Links in the shownotes:
Click here to connect with Declan: https://linktr.ee/that_happiness_guy
Click here to bring Declan to your workplace: https://declanedwards.com.au/
Click here to connect further with Hamza Khan: https://www.hamzakhan.ca/
Dec Update
Let’s face it; most workplace training feels like a chore. It’s too often a box to tick, not a meaningful experience. But what if training could actually boost engagement, performance, and retention?
In this episode of How to Be Happy at Work, we explore what separates forgettable training from transformational learning. You’ll learn:
✅ Why most corporate training fails (and how to fix it)
✅ The neuroscience behind why we forget 70% of what we learn
✅ How to co-design learning experiences that your team will value
✅ Why soft skills are the new hard skills: and how to teach them effectively
✅ Practical frameworks to embed learning into culture, not just calendars
If you’re a leader, manager, or HR professional who wants to build a team that grows and thrives this episode is for you.
🔔 Subscribe, rate, and share to help us build happier, more effective workplaces.
Want to bring me in to work with your team? Check out my speaker site here: https://declanedwards.com.au/
What if the key to being happier wasn’t fixing what’s “wrong” with you but doubling down on what’s right with you?
In this episode, we explore how discovering and using your character strengths can transform your happiness, performance, and relationships. You'll learn how to shift away from the self-help trap of endless self-improvement and instead recognise what already makes you uniquely powerful.
We dive into the science-backed VIA Character Strengths framework, unpack how to identify your signature strengths, and explain how to apply them across key areas of life; including work, parenting, and love.
Inside this episode:
✅ Why most people scroll straight to the bottom of their strengths report (and why that’s a mistake)
✅ How to use your top five character strengths to become more of your best self — not someone else’s version of you
✅ Why using your strengths daily can boost happiness, productivity, and wellbeing
✅ How to access your free VIA Character Strengths profile
✅ Examples of strengths in action; from teamwork and creativity to kindness and perseverance
✅ How to stop seeing yourself as a “self-improvement project” and start seeing yourself as already capable
If you’ve ever felt like you’re not doing enough or not “good enough,” this episode is your reminder: you’re stronger than you think.
To take your free strengths profile, access tools, or join the waitlist for my upcoming book, tap the links below. Please also subscribe and share the show to keep the happiness ripple going.
https://linktr.ee/that_happiness_guy
https://www.viacharacter.org/
What really makes us happy at work, and why do so many people struggle to find it?
In this special archived episode, we sit down with Dr. Tim Sharp (aka Dr. Happy); one of Australia's leading voices in positive psychology, and a true pioneer of the science of happiness. Founder of The Happiness Institute and Adjunct Professor at UTS, Tim shares his insights into how happiness shows up (or doesn’t) in the modern workplace.
We explore:
What workplace happiness actually means
Why mental health and performance are inseparable
Practical strategies leaders and employees can apply today
This conversation was originally recorded as part of our 2021 podcast Working Well, and it’s packed with timeless insights that still resonate in today’s working world.
🗣️ Note: You’ll hear an extra voice in this episode — my former co-host Josh, who was GM at BU Happiness College back then.
🎧 Some links and references may be outdated, but the conversation remains just as relevant.
Links in the shownotes:
Click here to connect with Declan: https://linktr.ee/that_happiness_guy
Click here to bring Declan to your workplace: https://declanedwards.com.au/
Click here to connect further with Dr Tim Sharpe: https://drhappy.com.au/
Ever feel like you’re drifting through life without a clear direction? You’re not alone. In this episode, we explore a popular but underutilised happiness skill; uncovering your values.
Values aren’t just words you put on a wall. They’re your internal compass; shaping your decisions, your relationships, your habits, and your sense of fulfilment. But most of us were never taught how to identify them, let alone live in alignment with them.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ The difference between core values and contextual values, and why both matter
✅ How to stop living on autopilot and start living on purpose
✅ The “Values Tree” method to identify your personal guiding principles
✅ Simple tools to reflect on your values across different life areas (like work, relationships, health, money)
✅ Why knowing your values boosts self-awareness, confidence, and happiness
✅ How values help you navigate tough decisions and avoid the “chameleon effect” of people-pleasing
If you're ready to feel more grounded in who you are, and to start living in alignment with what really matters to you, this episode is a must-listen.
To discover your values, explore free tools, or join the waitlist for my book, tap the link below. Remember also to subscribe and share the show to help us grow the happiness ripple.
https://linktr.ee/that_happiness_guy
It’s one thing to communicate your organisation’s goals it’s another to make your team care about them.
In this episode, we explore what it really takes to gain genuine buy-in from your people. Not through cheesy gimmicks or corporate jargon, but by making meaning matter. Because let’s be honest, most teams don’t wake up excited about "quarterly KPIs"… but they do care about purpose, autonomy, belonging, and impact.
Drawing from positive psychology, workplace culture research, and years of real-world coaching, we break down:
✅ Why logic alone doesn’t create buy-in — and what actually does
✅ The crucial link between team engagement and personal meaning
✅ How to connect your business goals to what actually matters to your people
✅ Why care, trust, and authenticity beat strategy decks every time
✅ What not to do if you want people to rally behind a vision (spoiler: don’t just rebrand a boring task)
✅ Tangible ways to inspire intrinsic motivation and lead with purpose
This one’s for leaders, emerging leaders, and anyone who wants to create a more motivated, connected, and resilient team culture.
To access free happiness-at-work tools, book a scoping session for a workshop or keynote, or explore all our resources, click the link below — and don’t forget to subscribe and share the show to keep the ripple effect spreading.
https://linktr.ee/that_happiness_guy
Everyone wants higher self-esteem, stronger self-worth, better self-care... but all of those begin with the same word for a reason: self. And yet, so many of us are moving through life disconnected from who we truly are.
In this episode of How to Be Happy, we explore why understanding yourself is the foundation of a fulfilling life; and how to actually begin that journey. I share what it means to reconnect with yourself after years of being a “human chameleon” (something I know all too well), and why true happiness starts with self-awareness, not just surface-level self-help.
We’ll cover:
✅ Why self-understanding is essential before self-confidence, self-worth, or self-care
✅ The danger of outsourcing your answers, and why no one else can define a happy life for you
✅ How introspection can reconnect you to your values, your voice, and your vision
✅ Practical tools to start understanding yourself, including journaling prompts, mindfulness practices, and coaching/therapy support
✅ Why the best expert on your life… is you — once you take time to know yourself
This episode is your starting point for building an authentic, joyful, and purpose-driven life from the inside out.
To access our free happiness tools and explore upcoming projects like my new book, click the link below — and don’t forget to subscribe and share the show to help spread the ripple effect.
https://linktr.ee/that_happiness_guy
What actually makes a workplace a great place to work, not just in theory, but in the eyes of the people who show up every day?
In this powerful episode of How to Be Happy at Work, host Declan Edwards sits down with Rebecca Moulynox, CEO of Great Place to Work Australia & New Zealand, to unpack the most important trends emerging from surveying over 20,000 employees across the region.
Together, they explore:
The top drivers of employee engagement in 2025
Why flexibility and autonomy are non-negotiables in thriving workplaces
The tenure and retention crisis facing many organisations today, especially within gen Z employees
Where most companies fall short when it comes to future-ready leadership
What truly forward-thinking businesses are doing differently
Whether you're a leader, HR professional, or culture champion, this episode offers practical insights and inspiring examples to help you build a workplace that attracts, retains, and empowers great people.
✨ Don't miss this data-driven and heart-led conversation about the future of work and how to make happiness a strategic advantage in your workplace.
👉 Subscribe to the show, share this episode with your team, and click the links below to connect with Rebecca Moulynox and explore how your organisation can become a certified Great Place to Work.
https://greatplacetowork.com.au/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-moulynox
In this episode of How to Be Happy, we sit down with Brianna Cumming, a BU Happiness College graduate who made the courageous decision to put her wellbeing first and completely redefine what success and happiness look like in her life.
Brianna shares her journey of learning to slow down, set boundaries, and reconnect with herself after years of chasing achievement and people-pleasing. Her story is honest, relatable, and a powerful reminder that happiness isn’t something we find, it’s something we build.
If you’ve ever felt burnt out, stuck on autopilot, or unsure how to prioritise yourself again, this episode will speak straight to your heart.
Join the happiness ripple effect by:
Following Declan on:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/declan-edwards-bu-happiness-college
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/declanedwards_bu
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@that.happiness.guy
Following BU Happiness College on:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bu-happiness-college
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bu_happiness_college
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bu.happiness.college/
Starting your personal happiness development journey at: https://buhappinesscollege.com/individual-happiness/
Connecting with our guest via:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannajane4
We all know those conversations; the ones you put off, rehearse in your head, and hope magically resolve themselves. Whether it’s giving feedback, setting a boundary, or addressing tension with a teammate or boss, tough conversations are a non-negotiable part of working well with others. But most of us were never taught how to have them.
In this episode of How to Be Happy at Work, I unpack the real reasons we avoid difficult conversations (spoiler: fear, discomfort, and people-pleasing play a big role), and share evidence-based tools to help you show up with clarity and compassion. We’ll dive into:
✅ Why Brene Brown says "clear is kind", and how vagueness erodes trust
✅ Kim Scott’s Radical Candor model, and how to challenge directly while still caring personally
✅ The psychology behind our avoidance, including fear of rejection and the nervous system response
✅ The dangers of the dreaded “sh*t sandwich” feedback method (and what to do instead)
✅ Prompts, prep tips, and real-life examples to help you navigate hard conversations with confidence
Whether you're a leader, teammate, or just someone who wants less awkwardness and more honesty at work; this one’s for you.
🎧 Listen now and learn how to make your next difficult conversation feel a little less... difficult.
—
If you haven’t subscribed yet, shared the show, or explored our free tools this is your sign! Find all our happiness resources and links via the link below.
https://linktr.ee/that_happiness_guy
Burnout isn’t just stress, it’s what happens when stress goes unaddressed for too long. And recovering from it isn’t something you can fast-track with a weekend off or a quick fix. Real recovery takes time, intention, and support.
In the final part of our burnout series on How to Be Happy, we dive into what it actually takes to heal from burnout; emotionally, mentally, and physically. Drawing on the 12-stage burnout model, I’ll walk you through what recovery can look like at different stages, why it often takes months (not days), and how to rebuild your energy and sense of self from the inside out.
We’ll also explore:
✅ Why burnout is often the result of neglecting yourself, your needs, and your values
✅ The role of guilt, people-pleasing, and over-identification with work in slowing down recovery
✅ How to process burnout in your body, not just your brain
✅ Tools to refill your cup and how to get the courage to leave unsustainable environments ✅ The long game: sustainable strategies to protect your energy going forward
Plus, we answer some listener questions, including: “What does burnout feel like — and how do I know if I’m in it?” and “How do I recover when I feel totally depleted?”
This one’s for you if you're healing from burnout now, or want to support someone who is.
To access our free happiness tools or book in for support, click the link below and don’t forget to subscribe and share the show to help spread the ripple effect.
https://linktr.ee/that_happiness_guy
What really drives culture in the workplace? And how do we evolve it in the face of uncertainty, hybrid work, and shifting employee expectations?In this episode, I’m joined by Karl Treacher — Group CEO of The Culture Institute of Australia and one of the leading voices in culture, leadership, and brand alignment. Together, we explore the real-world challenges that organisations are facing today, and what it actually takes to build a healthy, high-performance culture from the inside out.We talk about:* The difference between values, behaviours, and true culture* Why trust and psychological safety are non-negotiable for the future of work* How to diagnose cultural issues before they become costly* What the most adaptive and successful organisations are doing differently post-pandemic* Karl’s insights from decades of working with government, education, healthcare, and global brandsWhether you're in HR, leadership, or just someone who wants to influence your team in a more meaningful way; this conversation is packed with practical insights and forward-thinking ideas. Ready to become a more conscious culture leader? Tap play and dive in. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show if you haven’t already, we pay to protect 1 square metre of forest for every new subscriber.Connect with Declan on social media, and get all of his happiness resources via this link: https://linktr.ee/that_happiness_guyLoved this conversation with Karl and want to stay connected? Follow his work via the links below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/treacherhttps://cultureinstitute.com.au/about-ver4/
If you're tired of constantly flirting with burnout and wondering why the same patterns keep showing up, this episode is for you.
In part two of our burnout series, we move beyond early warning signs and dive into the heart of why burnout keeps happening even when we think we’re doing everything “right.” We explore the systemic and psychological traps that fuel burnout, including perfectionism, people-pleasing, lack of boundaries, and the deeper drive for validation.
You’ll learn:
Why great intentions often still lead to burnout
How to create environments (at work and in life) that support energy, not just effort
The critical difference between sustainable self-care and reactive self-soothing
Why saying "yes" too often is costing you more than you realise
This one’s not just about tips and tools, it’s about shifting the whole way you think about work, worth, and wellbeing.
🎧 Tap play to start preventing burnout in a more meaningful way. And if you’re enjoying this series, make sure to follow the show so you don’t miss the final part on recovery.
🌱 Only 20% of regular listeners have hit that subscribe button. If you’re one of the 80% who hasn’t yet, we’d love for you to join us because for every new subscriber, we now protect a square metre of rainforest.
💚 And if you’re ready to take things further, click the link below to access free tools like our Happiness Scorecard, book a complimentary call, or jump on the waitlist for my new book.
THIS IS THE LINK YOU'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR: https://linktr.ee/that_happiness_guy
Let’s beat burnout and build a life that feels good to live.
Resilience at work isn’t about pushing through at all costs; it’s about learning to adapt and grow through change.
In this episode, we’re diving into what real resilience looks like in a modern workplace. Spoiler alert: it’s not about being the toughest person in the room. It’s about building a culture that bends without breaking, that learns and evolves when the pressure is on.
We explore why resilience is the fifth and final pillar of workplace happiness and why it won’t stick unless your wellbeing, engagement, culture, and leadership foundations are strong.
We’ll also talk about:
How to spot and prevent burnout before it spreads
Why trying to retain everyone isn’t the goal (and how healthy turnover can actually help)
A practical framework for guiding your team through change
Why false urgency and lack of clarity quietly drain your team’s energy
What we can learn from companies like Netflix and Atlassian about bouncing forward, not just back
Whether you lead a team, shape culture, or just want to make your workplace more future-ready then this one’s for you.
If you enjoy the episode, please hit subscribe (only 20% of regular listeners have so far!). We're proud to protect 1 square metre of rainforest for every new subscriber to the show.
💡 Want to dive deeper into your own happiness or create a thriving workplace culture?
Click the link below to access our Linktree; it’s your one-stop hub for all our free tools, including the Happiness Scorecard, upcoming projects (like the waitlist for my new book), and booking a complimentary connection call to explore how we can support your personal or workplace happiness.
ONE HAPPINESS LINK TO RULE THEM ALL: https://linktr.ee/that_happiness_guy
Burnout doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t always look like total exhaustion or quitting your job. It builds slowly. Quietly. And if we’re not careful, we miss the early signs until it’s too late.
In this first episode of our 3-part burnout series, we're exploring the burnout spectrum — including the 12 stages of burnout — and revealing how to recognise and address it before it derails your wellbeing, work, and relationships.
You’ll learn:
Why burnout is a spectrum, not a switch
The early warning signs almost everyone overlooks
Why high performers are especially at risk
What you can do today to pre-empt burnout in yourself and your team
How to begin shifting from survival mode back into sustainability
This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling stretched, stressed, or simply not themselves.
🔁 Share it with a friend, a colleague, or your team.
📲 Tap follow to catch the rest of the burnout series and protect your wellbeing.
🌱 New: We now protect one square metre of rainforest for every new subscriber — hit follow and make a difference today.
Join the happiness ripple effect by:
Following Declan on:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/declan-edwards-bu-happiness-college
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/declanedwards_bu
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@that.happiness.guy
Following BU Happiness College on:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bu-happiness-college
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bu_happiness_college
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bu.happiness.college/
Starting your personal happiness development journey at: www.buhappinesscollege.com
Complete your FREE Personal Happiness Scorecard: https://buhappinesscollege.com/scorecard/
What if the secret to a more connected, productive, and happier workplace wasn’t just about systems or strategy—but emotional intelligence?
In this energising episode, we sit down with emotional intelligence specialist and author Amy Jacobson to explore why EQ is one of the most valuable skills in today’s evolving work environment. Together, we unpack:
Why emotional intelligence matters more now than ever
How leaders can create emotionally intelligent cultures
Practical tools for building self-awareness, empathy, and better communication
And brand new highlights from Amy’s latest book, The Emotional Intelligence Advantage
Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting your career, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to grow their EQ and help others thrive at work.
Join the happiness ripple effect by:
Following Declan on:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/declan-edwards-bu-happiness-college
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/declanedwards_bu
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@that.happiness.guy
Following BU Happiness College on:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bu-happiness-college
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bu_happiness_college
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bu.happiness.college/
Starting your workplace happiness development journey at: https://buhappinesscollege.com/workplace-happiness-solutions/
💡 Connect with Amy Jacobson:
🌐 Website: https://amyjacobson.com.au/about/
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-jacobson-emotional-intelligence
📘 Check out her new book: The Emotional Intelligence Advantage – now available wherever you get your books and via this link: https://amyjacobson.com.au/books/
As a Mental Health Social Worker, Arna Kerklaan has spent her career supporting others. But like so many caring professionals, she once found herself giving so much to everyone else that she left nothing for herself.
In this honest and uplifting conversation, Arna shares:
This episode is a gentle reminder for anyone who pours energy into caring for others: your happiness matters too.
Hit play, feel inspired, and remember: you deserve to put yourself on your own priority list.
Join the happiness ripple effect by:
Following Declan on:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/declan-edwards-bu-happiness-college
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/declanedwards_bu
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@that.happiness.guy
Following BU Happiness College on:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bu-happiness-college
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bu_happiness_college
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bu.happiness.college/
Starting your personal happiness development journey at: https://buhappinesscollege.com/individual-happiness/