Toxic workplaces come in many different forms that we might not always notice.
And because we aren’t all affected in the same ways, even the most well-meaning managers can unintentionally contribute to an unhealthy culture if they aren't paying close attention.
Aoife O’Brien is an organizational psychologist, leadership expert, and author of Thriving Talent. Her work focuses on helping organizations create environments where people feel psychologically safe, aligned to meaningful work, and able to perform at their best.
In this conversation, we explore what actually makes a workplace toxic, practical ways to spot the early warning signs of an unhealthy culture, and clear, everyday actions you can take to foster trust, respect, and psychological safety. Because culture is something you create moment by moment, not something you merely declare.
Conversation Topics
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Keep up with Aoife O’Brien
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Guest Bonus: 10% Off Thriving Talent Book
In Thriving Talent, Aoife O’Brien challenges the idea that engagement and performance are trade-offs. Instead, she shows leaders how to create environments where people feel psychologically safe, aligned to meaningful work, and able to use their strengths every day.
Blending research with practical tools, the book introduces a clear framework for building cultures that drive performance, engagement, and retention without relying on perks or pressure.
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