Emma Seppala

We all want to be happy, yet the pursuit of happiness has never been more elusive as we drown under the responsibilities of work and our other responsibilities. Yet research shows that a happy life does not involve big changes. It involves small habits we can incorporate into our daily lives in a practical and life-changing. Using empirically-validated data, Seppälä inspires us to live a more fulfilling life, and shows us how in very concrete ways. 

Research shows that happy workplaces are more productive workplaces. Employees prefer to be happy at work than to receive more pay and benefits. What makes for a happy workplace? A workplace characterized by values, where people are connected to each other in positive ways. There are a number of simple and science-backed ways that leaders and employees can make their professional experiences more meaningful and valuable. This talk is not just empirically validated and inspiring, it also provides the audience with some science-backed tools and techniques to apply in their work lives right away.

Leaders need to both exert influence and be “likable,” commanding loyalty – yet the two often seem at odds. New research, however, shows how we can have both – in fact, if you are a leader who is more positive, you also have employees who are more engaged, hard-working and dedicated to you. Characteristics like compassion, humility and kindness are actually a competitive edge. The question is – how do you exert these characteristics while also leading a team. This talk will share science-backed tools and techniques to help leaders and managers create teams that thrive and excel.

The workplace brings stress and we are only as successful as our ability to bounce back in the face of challenges and difficult times. In order to maximize your resilience, you can use science-backed techniques to weather tough times and come out on top. The audience will leave with tools they can start implementing right away to navigate office politics, remain calm during tough negotiations, and grow from mistakes and difficulties.

Everyone wants to be happy and successful, yet it seems like an elusive goal to attain. As work and personal demands rise, we try to keep up by juggling everything better, moving faster, and doing more. While we might succeed in the short term, it comes at a cost to our well-being, relationships, and, paradoxically, our productivity. Our inability to achieve sustainable fulfillment is tied to common but outdated notions about success. We are taught that getting ahead means doing everything that’s thrown at us (and then some) with razor-sharp focus and iron discipline; that success depends on our drive and talents; and that achievement cannot happen without stress. Emma demolishes these counter-productive theories, and shows that finding happiness and fulfillment is in fact, the most productive thing we can do to thrive professionally. Filled with practical advice on how to apply these findings to our daily lives, this talk is a life-changing guide to fast tracking your success and creating the anxiety-free life you want.