310: Creating Impact and Value at Work with Dr. Shirley Kavanagh

Are you struggling to see the true value and impact of your work in today’s fast-paced environment?

In this episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien welcomes Dr. Shirley Kavanagh for a deep dive into creating real value and impact at work. Together, they explore how to align daily activities with desired business outcomes, the importance of discipline and pausing for reflection, and why HR practices need to be connected to business strategy. Shirley shares her journey from financial services to executive coaching and organisational development, drawing on her PhD research into how people practices are actually implemented in organisations. The conversation highlights the challenges of keeping up with rapid change, especially with new technologies like AI, and emphasises practical ways individuals and leaders can prioritise what truly matters.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• The frequent disconnect between people (HR) practices and the real needs of the business.
• Key findings from Shirley’s PhD research: the different ways line managers implement or adapt HR practices like appraisals, and why “translation” can add value.
• The necessity for HR professionals to deeply understand business drivers, KPIs, and strategy to earn credibility and influence at the decision-making table.
• How to articulate the impact and value of HR or other support functions, especially when seeking investment and support from leadership.

Related Topics Covered:

Human Connection, AI in the Workplace, Diversity at Work

Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

Connect with Dr. Shirley Kavanagh | Executive Advisor, Shirley Kavanagh Consulting:

• LinkedIn
• Website

Resources & Episodes You’ll Love:

Glean Research

Episode 195: Workplace Culture Dynamics: Creating a Positive Work Environment with Caroline Collins

Episode 236: Navigating Uncertainty in Leadership with Maggie Jackson

Episode 228: Fostering Curiosity and Building Trust at Work with Julie Pham

About Happier at Work®

Happier at Work® is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive.

If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work®.

Join Aoife O’Brien for weekly insights on leadership, workplace culture, career clarity, imposter syndrome, and creating work that works for you.

Editing by Amanda Fitzgerald.

Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ