Emma 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 workplace

1. As a leader, build a culture of multiplying
2. Build radical candor: empathy and feedback with team members
3. Take the joy of joy at work seriously

Links

Multipliers, book by Liz Wiseman

Radical Candor, book by Kim Scott

Learning 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.

Natalie's tips for a happy workplace

1. Building cultures of trust in the workplace
2. Modeling self-inquiry as leaders and managers
3. Motor activity is more movement, thought and rest

Links

Connect with Natalie via LinkedIn

Figure 8 Thinking (Natalie's website)

The Creativity Leap (Natalie's book)

Understanding 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, highlighting the role of leadership.

Maja’s tips for a happy workplace:

1. Allow people to pursue their own interests regardless of skill

2. Identify and address draining work elements

3. Recognise individuals needs for fulfilment

Links:

The Possible Self - Maja's book

Gallup

Maja Djikic