Sophie 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 her value of joy outside work, rounding out a conversation on building happier and more innovative organisations.

Sophie's tips for a happy workplace:

• Transparency across the board. "Tell the goddamn truth!"
• Be respectful of belonging and authenticity
• Be aware of the impact and contribution you make as an organisation

Links and resources mentioned in this episode:

• TED Talk by Sophie Bryan
• Thinking, Fast and Slow, book by Daniel Kahneman
• Happy Workplace Conference

In 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 cultivating happiness in both personal and professional spheres.

Vanessa's tips for a happy workplace:

• Realise there is a business case for happiness
• Invest in connecting with people in person and building relationships offline
• Find individual focus time
• Invest in training, processes, and culture

Links and resources mentioned in this episode:

Vanessa's Book The Ten Keys to Happier Living

Can 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: purpose, autonomy, competence, and relatedness, that drive employee engagement and satisfaction.

Stephan's tips for a happy workplace:

• Listen to employees and engage with them
• Trust what comes your way
• Be very intentional

Links and resources mentioned in this episode:

Stephan's Lego brick-by-brick videos

And here is Stephan's story of why he does them on YouTube