Happiness has long been linked with success in Western society. We’ve been taught to measure our self-worth by the amount of money we make or the material possessions we own. But is this really the key to happiness? Is success truly the same thing as happiness?
Recent studies and research in the field of positive psychology have shown that happiness is not necessarily tied to success. In fact, happiness can come from a variety of sources and can be found in the most unexpected places.
Why Is Happiness So Important?
One of the key factors in happiness is our mindset and attitude. Positive outlook as well as growth mindset often lead to greater happiness.
Happiness can also be found in our relationships with others. Having strong, supportive relationships with friends and family can provide a sense of connection and belonging, which can contribute to overall happiness.
Additionally, practicing gratitude and mindfulness can increase happiness. Taking time to appreciate the good things in life and being present in the moment can lead to increased feelings of contentment and happiness.
How to Find Happiness?
But what about those who are struggling to find happiness? Is happiness something that can be learned or taught? The answer, seems to be that yes.
In recent years, the topic of happiness in the workplace has gained increasing attention. As the importance of mental health and wellbeing has become more widely recognized, companies have begun to realize that they need to take care of their employees’ mental health in order to create a positive and productive work environment.
Happy employees are more engaged and motivated, leading to increased productivity and overall success for the company. As a result, many companies increasingly champion employee well-being and mental health initiatives. This can range from offering mental health support and resources, to creating a positive company culture and providing opportunities for personal and professional growth. By prioritizing their employees’ happiness and wellbeing, companies can create a positive and healthy work environment that benefits everyone.
Top 10 Happiness Speakers
Looking to improve the happiness of your employees? We got you covered. We have compiled a list of the world’s top happiness speakers to give you ideas on who to invite to motivate your workforce and inspire positive change. Moreover, these are internationally respected experts in the field of positive psychology and happiness, ready to help. From best-selling authors to Harvard University professors, our speakers are globally recognized as leading authorities in the field. Here’s our list:
Tal Ben-Shahar
Tal Ben-Shahar is a leading expert in the field of positive psychology and happiness. He is a best-selling author and a former Harvard University professor, where he taught the most popular course on happiness. His books, including “Happier” and “The Joy of Leadership,” have been translated into more than 25 languages. He covers topics such as the importance of allowing ourselves to be human, simplifying our lives, and recognizing the connection between the mind and body. He also introduces tools and ideas that can help us increase our happiness.
Mo Gawdat
Mo Gawdat is the former Chief Business Officer at Google X and the author of “Solve for Happy: Engineer Your Path to Joy.” A former engineer and successful entrepreneur, Gawdat applies his scientific mind to the pursuit of happiness. Keynote speaker Mo Gawdat shares his insights and strategies with audiences around the world. In his talks, he discusses the biggest myth about happiness in the modern world and also offers practical solutions for overcoming unhappiness. Mo introduces the 6-7-5 model, a framework for achieving uninterrupted happiness. He guides the audience through actions they can take to start their journey towards happiness.
Daniel Gilbert
Daniel Gilbert is a professor of psychology at Harvard University and the author of “Stumbling on
Happiness.” In his book and his talks, Gilbert explores the science behind happiness and how our brains influence our feelings of joy and contentment. We often think we know what will make us happy and our only challenge is obtaining it. However, research in psychology, economics, and neuroscience reveals that we are not very good at predicting what will bring us happiness, how happy it will make us, and how long that happiness will last. Is the problem that we can’t accurately imagine what our futures will hold? Is it that our friends and family give us misleading information about the true sources of human happiness? The answer to both of these questions is yes.
In his talks, Professor Gilbert will explain why we can’t always rely on our imaginations or our loved ones when it comes to finding happiness.
Jay Shetty
Jay Shetty is a former monk turned motivational speaker and author. His book “Think Like a Monk” shares wisdom and practical advice for living a happier, more fulfilled life. Shetty has gained a huge following on social media for his inspiring messages and has become a sought-after speaker on the topics of mindfulness, and happiness. In his talks, keynote speaker Jay Shetty shares the wisdom he gained as a monk and shows how it can be applied to daily life. His sessions focus on how to overcome negative thoughts and habits in order to access inner calm and purpose. Shetty offers simple advice and exercises that can help us reduce stress, improve relationships, increase self-discipline, and give the gifts we find within ourselves to the world.
Dan Buettner
Dan Buettner is a National Geographic Fellow and the author of “The Blue Zones of Happiness.” In his book and his talks, Buettner shares the secrets of the world’s happiest places. He also offers practical advice for incorporating those lessons into our own lives. Buettner’s work has been featured on Oprah and in major publications. Moreover, he is a popular speaker on the topic of happiness and longevity. In his talks, Dan shares the results of his research on the happiest places in the world. He and his team identified three areas with the highest levels of well-being, or happiness, and then studied each of these “hotspots” to determine the common factors contributing to their happiness.
Keynote speaker Dan Buettner discusses what governments can do to maximize the well-being of their citizens, what companies can do to increase employee happiness, as well as what individuals can do to increase their own one. His presentation includes National Geographic photographs and video clips that transport audiences to these happy places around the world. Buettner offers universal strategies for achieving a balanced and fulfilling life.
Shawn Achor
Keynote speaker Shawn Achor
is one of the world’s leading experts on happiness and human potential. A Harvard-trained researcher and best-selling author, he is known for his groundbreaking work on positive psychology and its impact on performance. His books, including “The Happiness Advantage” and “Big Potential,” explore how happiness fuels success rather than the other way around.
Through years of research and work with organizations around the world, Achor demonstrates how small mindset shifts can dramatically improve productivity, creativity, and resilience. His engaging presentations combine humor, research, and actionable strategies that audiences can immediately apply in their personal and professional lives.
In his talks, Achor explains how happiness is a competitive advantage in the workplace. By cultivating positive habits and strengthening social connections, individuals and teams can unlock higher levels of performance and well-being.
Carl Honoré
Carl Honoré is an award-winning journalist and the global voice of the Slow Movement. His work focuses on helping people slow down, live more mindfully, and rediscover balance in an increasingly fast-paced world. His books, including “In Praise of Slow” and “The Slow Fix,” challenge the idea that faster is always better.
Honoré’s research explores how slowing down can improve happiness, creativity, health, and productivity. By encouraging individuals and organizations to rethink their relationship with time, he helps audiences discover how a more mindful pace can lead to greater fulfillment and well-being.
In his presentations, keynote speaker Carl Honoré shares insights into the cultural obsession with speed and how it affects our happiness. He provides practical strategies for creating healthier work cultures, improving focus, and finding balance in both professional and personal life.
Arthur C. Brooks
Arthur C. Brooks is a Harvard professor, social scientist, and best-selling author who studies happiness, leadership, and purpose. As a professor at Harvard Business School and Harvard Kennedy School, Brooks focuses on the science of human flourishing and how individuals can build more meaningful lives.
His books, including “Build the Life You Want” (co-authored with Oprah Winfrey) and “From Strength to Strength,” combine research in behavioral science with practical guidance on achieving happiness and fulfillment.
In his talks, keynote speaker Arthur C. Brooks explains that happiness is not something we stumble upon by chance. Instead, it can be intentionally cultivated through meaningful relationships, purpose-driven work, and habits that strengthen emotional well-being. His presentations help audiences rethink success and focus on building lives that are both meaningful and joyful.
Mel Robbins
Mel Robbins is a globally recognized motivational speaker, podcast host, and best-selling author known for her practical strategies for personal growth and confidence. Her books, including “The 5 Second Rule” and “The High 5 Habit,” have helped millions of people overcome self-doubt and take action toward a happier life.
Robbins focuses on the psychology of motivation and how simple behavioral tools can transform mindset and productivity. Her approach combines neuroscience, psychology, and relatable storytelling to help audiences break negative patterns and build empowering habits.
In her keynote presentations, speaker Mel Robbins teaches audiences how to take control of their thoughts and actions. By applying simple techniques that interrupt hesitation and fear, individuals can build confidence, reduce stress, and create more happiness in their daily lives.
Susan David
Keynote speaker Susan David is a psychologist at Harvard Medical School and one of the world’s leading experts on emotional agility. Her best-selling book “Emotional Agility” explores how individuals can navigate their thoughts and emotions more
effectively in order to live happier and more meaningful lives.
David’s research focuses on how emotional awareness and flexibility contribute to well-being, resilience, and leadership effectiveness. She argues that true happiness does not come from suppressing negative emotions, but from learning how to work with them in constructive ways.
In her talks, David helps audiences understand how emotional agility can improve decision-making, strengthen relationships, and increase psychological resilience. By developing a healthier relationship with our emotions, individuals can build more fulfilling lives and stronger workplaces.
Bring a Happiness Speaker to Your Next Event
Our list of top happiness speakers includes internationally recognized experts in positive psychology, wellbeing, and human flourishing. Tal Ben-Shahar, Mo Gawdat, Daniel Gilbert, Jay Shetty, Dan Buettner, Shawn Achor, Carl Honoré, Arthur C. Brooks, Mel Robbins, and Susan David have helped millions of people understand how happiness works and how it can be cultivated.
These speakers combine scientific research, inspiring stories, and practical tools to help audiences build happier and more fulfilling lives. Whether your event focuses on workplace wellbeing, leadership, personal growth, or mental health, these speakers can provide powerful insights that inspire lasting change.
Booking one of these happiness speakers will give your audience practical strategies to improve wellbeing, strengthen resilience, and create a more positive workplace culture. Contact us to learn more.
