HTF 027: Happy Brain Science "We go about pursuing happiness backwards. We think once we accomplish our goals we'll be happy, but science shows that happiness is essential as a first step to accomplishing our goals."

 

Can we be truly happy at work? Science says yes. Hear from two leaders who have made it their mission to make you happy. When these experts say happiness, they mean deep, sustained well-being. New research on happiness is comforting. Learn what you can do to bring your "prime brain real estate online" and improve your life in ways that will make you a more satisfied person. This is not based on opinion, but backed by science.  

 

Host Amy Pearl, Executive Director, Hatch Innovation

 

Guests

Scott Crabtree, Chief Happiness Officer, Happy Brain Science

Ayla Lewis, Speaker and Facilitator, Happy Brain Science

In this episode you'll learn

1. Why happiness -- "subjective well being" -- could change your life.
2. Happier people are more successful, make more money, have more satisfying relationships, and even live longer.
3. Becoming happier is possible, in some cases within four week. This is backed by peer-reviewed research.
4. Why happiness has to happen before success and achievement can occur.
5. Learn the single most effective thing you can do to boost happiness.

More about Scott Crabtree

As the Founder and Chief Happiness Officer at Happy Brain Science, Scott Crabtree empowers individuals and organizations to apply findings from cutting-edge neuroscience and psychology to boost productivity and happiness at work.  Scott's audiences range from intimate groups of five CEOs to groups of thousands at conferences. Recent clients include Microsoft, Bose, Blizzard Entertainment, and Dreamworks. His insights have been quoted in Inc., InfoWorld, Fortune, and VentureBeat among other publications.

In his 25-year career, Scott has served as a leader in game development and software engineering. He's founded startups and worked at a variety of technology companies large and small. In early 2012, he resigned his position as Tech Strategist at Intel to pursue his passion full time: helping people apply science to be happier and more successful.

"I loved making games and apps," he says, "But when I began to delve into the science of happiness, I realized that I was onto something. Beyond just being pleasant, happiness at work can significantly increase productivity, creativity, and engagement. It makes for better organizations and more successful people."

Scott holds a B.A. in Cognitive Science from Vassar College. When he is not immersed in scientific data, he loves spending time with his wife, young daughters, and mutt, especially in nature, and also enjoys playing in a band. He lives in Portland, Oregon.

More about Ayla Lewis

An expert in utilizing systems and strategies, Ayla thrives on working with individuals and organizations to maximum their success. As a certified teacher with two education degrees, she is adept at guiding clients through a process of learning and application. Her experience includes helping organizations increase their outreach and impact, mediating department mergers, and instituting systems to increase purpose and productivity. Whether co-presenting or on her own, Ayla resonates with audiences in interactive workshops that help people get the best from their brains.

Ayla helps others live happier, healthier lives. Her current favorite authors are George Seldes, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Dr. Daniel J. Siegel and Napoleon Hill.

"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends. To appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Links to Resources Mentioned

1. Happy Brain Science  Find products, courses, and recommended reading here.
2. The How of Happiness: A New Approach to Getting the Life You Want by author Sonja Lyubomirsky
3. Harvard scientist Daniel Gilbert and his TED talk called "The Surprising Science of Happiness" and his book "Stumbling on Happiness"  Daniel Gilbert's Personal site
4. Simon Sinek's Ted Talk "How Great Leaders Inspire Action"
5. Kelly McGonigal Ted Talk: How To Make Stress Your Friend
6. Huffington Post article about our brains and work
7. Review of General Psychology Research Paper "Bad is Stronger than Good" 2001
8. Harvard Business Review article: Bad is Stronger than Good - for Bosses