Do you ever look around and think: how does everyone else seem so happy? If this thought hits you now more than usual, you’re not alone. Did you know that - on average - upwards of 30% of adults in the US report to the American Psychiatric Association that their stress levels significantly increase during the holidays? And 55% of us report experiencing loneliness throughout the season.

Stella Grizont, named a leading happiness expert by Time Magazine, is a speaker and executive coach who helps leaders achieve career fulfillment and organizations enhance employee well-being. Some of Stella's corporate clients include Google, Johnson & Johnson, VMWare, and Genentech. Her unique approach to being happier and more engaged on the job has been featured on MSNBC, The Today Show, and Vanity Fair.

Growing up, Stella often felt out of place. With immigrant parents from Ukraine, it was hard for her to relate to typical American childhood experiences, leading her to immerse herself in schoolwork in a bid for independence and self-reliance. As the first in her family to attend college, Stella pursued what she believed to be her path: climbing the corporate ladder. However, she soon found herself feeling stuck. It took a recession, being laid off, and ending an engagement for Stella to hit rock bottom—but in that challenging time (when many would give up) she managed to find her light and start anew… and it inspired her to help the rest of us do the same.

Tune in as she discusses how to rediscover joy in your work, overcome burnout, and use life's toughest moments as stepping stones to a more fulfilling career and a more meaningful life overall.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[1:45] Stella reflects on her childhood, losing her father, and how she felt different from other kids her age

[5:55] Stella talks about going to a new school and how independent she was from a young age 

[9:30] Stella explains going to Barnard and how she felt like she belonged there from day one

[13:43] Stella tells how she began her interest in marketing at Barnard 

[16:03] Stella notices how she began to change for the worse because of the job she was at 

[22:00] Stella starts a new journey of learning what it is to be an entrepreneur

[47:30] Stella talks about the Work Happiness Method and what it is 

[54:00] Stella lists the skills for the Work Happiness Method 

[1:03:20] Stella shares a story of a coaching client and how she helped her with her career

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[31:30] Stella explains how she found out what Positive Psychology is and her interest in it 

[43:11] Stella talks about how she started to embody gratitude when she was at a low point in her life 

[58:25] Stella shares tactical tips for finding gratitude on a daily basis 

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Show Notes:

(Full episode release November 18, 2024) 

A big thank you to Stella Grizont for joining the podcast and sharing your inspiring story. Your insight on career goals and being a self advocate is empowering to women everywhere. Follow Stella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stellagrizont/

Learn more about Stella Grizont: https://www.stellagrizont.com/

Purchase Stella's Book: The Work Happiness Method: Master the 8 Skills to Career Fulfillment 

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Make sure to follow Jamie @jamiehess on Instagram for news & updates, and visit our companion Instagram account @gratitudeology for a sneak peek into the personal moments discussed on the show.

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The Gratitudeology Podcast theme music is by HYLLS, performed by Nadia Ali @thenadiaali  

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