Happiness is not just a fleeting emotion but a skill that can be cultivated. It is influenced by our thoughts, behaviors, and environment rather than being purely dependent on external circumstances. Researchers and thought leaders like Mo Gawdat, Amna Al Haddad, and Hayley Mulenda have explored the science behind happiness, resilience, and mental well-being. Their insights are highly valuable for those looking to book a keynote speaker for an event on mental wellness or hire a professional speaker to discuss emotional resilience and self-improvement.
Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer at Google X and author of Solve for Happy, presents a mathematical approach to happiness. He argues that happiness can be simplified into a formula:
Happiness = Reality – Expectations
According to Gawdat, we often experience disappointment and sadness when reality does not meet our expectations. Since life is unpredictable, he believes the key to happiness lies in adjusting expectations, practicing gratitude, and focusing on the present moment.
Gawdat’s journey to understanding happiness became deeply personal after the tragic loss of his son. Instead of succumbing to grief, he dedicated himself to studying happiness scientifically. He emphasizes mindfulness, acceptance, and cognitive reframing—training the brain to see challenges as opportunities for growth. His approach resonates with those seeking motivational speakers for corporate events or businesses interested in hiring a keynote speaker for an inspirational seminar.
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Amna Al Haddad, an Emirati weightlifting champion and mental health advocate, highlights the role of resilience in happiness. She broke barriers in her athletic career, challenging stereotypes and overcoming cultural and personal obstacles. However, she also faced significant mental health struggles, which taught her valuable lessons about inner strength.
For Al Haddad, perseverance, self-belief, and emotional well-being are crucial for happiness. She encourages individuals to embrace their struggles as opportunities for self-improvement rather than setbacks. Her story demonstrates that mental resilience—the ability to bounce back from adversity—is a fundamental ingredient of long-term happiness.
Al Haddad advocates for mental health awareness, especially in high-performance environments. She believes that seeking help, building a support system, and developing a growth mindset can help individuals navigate difficult times while maintaining a sense of purpose and well-being. Her insights are particularly relevant for businesses and organizations looking to find a speaker for an event focused on mental strength and personal development.
Book Amna Al Haddad for an event.
Hayley Mulenda, an award-winning author, speaker, and mental health advocate, shares a deeply personal perspective on happiness. She experienced severe mental health struggles, including stress, burnout, and depression, at a young age. Instead of letting these challenges define her, she used them as a stepping stone to educate others about emotional well-being.
Mulenda believes that happiness is not about ignoring negative emotions but rather about acknowledging and processing them in a healthy way. She emphasizes:
✅ Self-awareness – Understanding one’s emotional triggers.
✅ Seeking support – Asking for help when needed.
✅ Breaking the stigma – Encouraging open conversations about mental health.
Her work aligns with the needs of companies and educational institutions looking for guest speakers for colleges, guest speakers for corporate events, or public speakers for hire who can offer valuable mental health strategies. She also makes an excellent choice for organizations booking a speaker for an event on mental well-being.
Book Hayley Mulenda for an event.
Happiness is not just a fleeting emotion but a skill that can be nurtured through intentional practices. Insights from thought leaders like Mo Gawdat, Amna Al Haddad, and Hayley Mulenda emphasize that mental well-being stems from resilience, mindfulness, and self-awareness rather than external circumstances. By incorporating gratitude, social connections, emotional intelligence, and a sense of purpose into daily life, individuals can cultivate lasting happiness. True fulfillment comes from within—by embracing personal growth, fostering supportive relationships, and maintaining a positive mindset, anyone can create a meaningful and balanced life.
