COUNCIL ROOM

Harnessing Neuroscience of Appreciation: Engaging Care and Kindness Across Differences

Shannon Murphy

Why is exhibiting kindness and care across differences challenging? How can we reverse the effects of polarization and bridge the us-them divides? We are inherently wired to connect, to feel like we belong, and to matter—but there’s a significant challenge at play. From a brain perspective, our brain is primed to view others through the lens of "us versus them," particularly when encountering those who seem different. In this session, we’ll explore how the brain’s natural tendencies toward fear and separation can interfere with our capacity for connection and well-being. These brain dynamics can hinder our ability to build meaningful, inclusive relationships, reducing empathy, and increasing isolation. Join us for this session and you will gain a deeper understanding of the neuroscience of appreciation, and why consciously cultivating positive emotions is essential for overcoming bias and fostering inclusivity. Through the A.C.T. Inclusively framework—Appreciate, Choose, Toward—you will learn practical, tangible tools to shift from automatic reactions to intentional, empathetic interactions based on kindness and care. You will leave with actionable techniques to strengthen your brain’s capacity for curiosity, empathy, and kindness—ultimately building deeper, more meaningful connections and creating a lasting positive impact on your teams, organization, and communities. Join us for an enlightening session that blends neuroscience with actionable insights, equipping you with the tools to navigate and nurture relationships that transcend differences.

AULA MAGNA

AI and Happiness

Raj Raghunathan

hAIppiness unleashed: Using LLMs to generate multimedia assets. Working in small groups of 3-4, participants in this session will be using LLMs (Large Language Models) such as ChatGPT, Discord, Suno, Runway, and ElevenLabs to create a short video on the set of things/activities that associate with GGH. This video will then be shared with others in the workshop as a means of getting to know each other and build a sense of community. The video may be displayed at a common event or party later in the conference.

HOLISTIC CENTRE

Make Flourishing Your Competitive Edge

Ashish Kothari

In today’s fast-paced world, organizations and individuals who prioritize flourishing gain a sustainable advantage. This interactive workshop at the Happiness Summit will explore why investing in flourishing is not just a nice-to-have but a strategic imperative. We’ll dive into the Sunflower Model for individual well-being and the Pearl Model for collective flourishing, providing a roadmap to unlock peak performance and fulfillment. Participants will experience 2-3 actionable tools that they can immediately apply with their clients to foster resilience, connection, and growth. Join us to learn how flourishing can become your most powerful competitive edge.

01

Intercultural Communication

Bethzaida Fernández

This World Café session will focus on activities and follow up discussions on strategies to develop intercultural skills to engage in a more respectful, appropriate, and joyful manner in any intercultural contexts.

02

Dreamers’ Den: The Dream Needs You

Kevin Ryan-Young

Step into a space where bold visions take flight and possibilities expand. The Dreamers’ Den is an invitation to explore your greatest dream and discover what it takes to live it. Connect with fellow visionaries, spark new ideas, and leave inspired to take bold steps. Your dream is waiting. Will you answer?

03

Migration Policy for Happiness

Sandra Peña

Let's reflect on how migratory policies for a regulate and safe migration can promote wellbeing and happiness, both migrant people and receiving communities. Through participatory dynamics, we will analyze current challenges and explore humanitarian and sustainable approaches to build more inclusive and empathic societies.

04

How to Network

Ricky Surie

Making human connections to enrich your life and advance your career. Learn how to build meaningful relationships that enhance your personal and professional life. This class explores the science of connection, practical networking strategies, and ways to foster trust and empathy. Strengthen your communication skills and create lasting, impactful relationships for personal growth and career success.

05

GROW Coaching Model for Happiness

Vanessa Lecorps

This session will allow participants to leverage the GROW coaching framework to set achievable goals, tackle obstacles and set themselves up for success. This interactive session will allow participants to leverage the GROW coaching framework to set achievable goals, tackle obstacles, gain clarity, enhance motivation, develop action plans, and build resilience for long-term success.

06

Artful Wellbeing

Kim Black

Unleash your inner artist and discover the power of creativity for wellbeing! Join us for a relaxing and rejuvenating session where we'll explore the therapeutic benefits of art. Through mindful drawing and coloring, you'll learn how to reduce stress, boost mood, and enhance your overall well-being.

07

Nature v$. Nurture: Buying into Happiness

Tom Shepard

Which matters more to financial happiness - Nature or Nurture - do you buy it? Explore the balance between nature and nurture in shaping financial happiness. This class examines psychological and behavioral factors influencing money mindset, spending habits, and overall well-being. Gain insights into how beliefs and environment shape financial success and discover strategies for greater financial fulfillment.

08

Lifequake: Unexpected Changes

John Heinsen

In late 2023, I was celebrating the launch of a museum exhibition in Hamburg, Germany when I was struck down by a sudden illness. Everything I had, my three kids, my career as a producer in Hollywood, and my dreams of making an impact in the world all took a back seat to the day to day fight for my life. My survival was a miracle and in this year of recovery, I've gain so much knowledge about myself, life, and humanity. What happens when a major and unexpected event turns your world upside-down? Do you succumb to the momentum of the disruption OR realize it's the wind of change you life's been waiting for? This intimate discussion explores overcoming and embracing the fear of change and finding peace with your true calling and how to find the strength to put it into motion.

09

Beyond Burnout: Embracing Vulnerability in Leadership

Diego Lineiro

Reshaping our understanding of leadership by emphasizing humane metrics for success through better understanding people and positively impacting their lives. Advocating for unity and kindness in leadership, balancing achievement with empathy, and leading with both the mind and heart.

10

Portals of Possibility through Collaborative Poetry

Stephanie Knox Steiner

In this brief encounter, we will explore imagination, creativity, and community-building through a flash collaborative poetry exercise. Whether you're a seasoned poet or a first-time writer, all are welcome—just bring an open mind and heart. With creative prompts centered around peace, happiness, and dreams, we will co-create portals of possibility, weaving our words together into a collective treasure: a poem that reflects our shared vision for a world rooted in peace, happiness, care, and love. Join me and let's see where the portal takes us!

COUNCIL ROOM

How Conscious Parenting Can Save the World

Mihaela Plugarasu

The 4 C's of conscious parenting are Connected, Curious, Compassionate and Calm. Theory is not enough for parents and early childhood educators. We need actual tools that are easy to understand and apply in every day life, multiple times a day. These tools must be neuroscience and compassion-based. In my workshop, I will teach parents the following tools: i) Special Time. ii) Emotional Containment. iii) Listening Without Interruptions. iv) Playful Parenting /Play to Connect. v) Self- Care & Self- Compassion. My workshop materials are based in my trainings as a certified parenting- by- connection instructor; neuromindfulness master coach ; and trauma studies under the mentorship of Dr. Gabor Mate's program, Compassionate Inquiry for Professionals.

AULA MAGNA

How Happy Are You? Why Should You Know and How You Can Tell

Alphonsus Obayuwana

Question: How Happy Are You and Why Should You Know? Answer: When seeking physical fitness, you monitor your weight; when building wealth, you monitor your finances; and when in pursuit of happiness, you should know how happy you currently are and how much happier you wish to become. You therefore must learn how to monitor your Personal Happiness Index (or PHI). This is the workshop for every happiness seeker.

HOLISTIC CENTRE

Happiness and the Blue Zone: Embracing Your Nature

Liliana Núñez & Hugo Cebrowski

In this interactive workshop you will learn from our exploration of the Blue Zones how is life and how it relates to happiness in these places where the percentage of people that live more than 100 years is higher than the rest of the world and will experience LANHUC model for a healthy and happy life style.

AULA 3

Improvisation & Well-Being

Lori Crever & Jim Robinson

Confidently cultivating imagination, allowing grace for yourself and others, and tolerating ambiguity are essential to well-being and happiness. In this workshop, participants will explore the fundamental principles of comedy improvisation (“improv”) and how to apply them to their daily life. Learners will experience how adopting a few improv basics enriches their well-being by helping them to become more flexible, resilient, and empathic. Through dynamic exercises and light personal feedback, participants will gain understanding of how an improvisational mindset awakens a sense of play, deepens listening and communication skills, helps to reframe negative self-talk, and strengthens awareness of the mind-body connection.

COUNCIL ROOM

Your Story, Your Strength: Awakening Authentic Power

Heidi Blackie - Marta Elliot - Karena Kilcoyne

Moderator: Dr. Arthur Sherwood

Join us for an engaging and transformative workshop that celebrates the strength, resilience, and authenticity within each of us. Through the inspiring stories of three remarkable individuals, you’ll explore themes of awakening, self-discovery, and empowerment. This interactive experience invites you to question the narratives that shape your life, uncover your soul’s purpose, and embrace your authentic self. Through storytelling, reflection, and connection, you’ll find the courage to own your journey and share your truth. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, clarity, or a sense of community, this workshop promises to be powerful, fun, and full of possibility.

AULA MAGNA

Mind/Body Synergy: The Physical Side of Leadership, Happiness, and Well-Being

Alessandro Carpentiero - Andrea McDonald - Dr. Caetana Varela-Hall

Moderator: Mohit Mukherjee

Join us to explore the crucial connection between physical health and effective leadership. This dynamic panel brings together experts to discuss how movement, fitness, and overall well-being enhance decision-making, resilience, and happiness. Gain actionable insights on optimizing your body to unlock your full leadership potential, boost energy levels, improve mental clarity, reduce stress, increase productivity, foster team engagement, and sustain long-term performance in both personal and professional life. Discover practical strategies for integrating healthy habits, improving focus, enhancing emotional intelligence, preventing burnout, strengthening discipline, and cultivating a high-performance mindset.

COUNCIL ROOM

Engineering Happiness: A Left-Brain Journey into MidLife

Dr. Rahul Razdan

This ted talk applies a left-brain, analytical approach to the pursuit of happiness by leveraging mental models with a focus on the second half of life. By treating happiness as an objective function, the speaker explores the impact of scarcity, set-points, and relative income on long-term well-being. He argues that just as engineers optimize systems, individuals must consciously design their mental models to reframe success, consumption, and social expectations. Through frameworks drawn from engineering, behavioral economics, and decision theory, the talk provides perspective for individuals looking to reprogram their mindset and optimize for sustainable happiness beyond financial and career achievements. The results have interesting implications for society as well as the critical role for a university such as Upeace.

Strategies from Poetry to Enhance Well-Being in Prison: The Case of the Creativity Lab

Jose Daniel Matul Romero

For the past eight years, the pedagogical initiative 'Creativity Lab' has published over 25 poetry books written by individuals deprived of liberty. Through pedagogical strategies, poetry, writing, and reading contribute not only to improving personal well-being but also to enhancing interactions with oneself, with family members, and with society. This process has been termed the 'Pedagogy of Reconnection'.

AULA MAGNA

The Impact of Checking In and Out of Meetings on Belonging, Mattering, Kindness, Happiness

Amy Smith

During this session we will explore the practice of checking in and out of meetings and the impact on belonging, mattering, curiosity, kindness, and happiness. The routine of checking in and out cultivates kindness, as it encourages empathy and understanding within the group. This, in turn, fosters a positive environment where happiness can thrive. By integrating these practices into meetings, organizations can significantly enhance the emotional well-being of their teams, leading to more engaged, motivated, and cohesive groups. We will explore and share insights into how these seemingly simple practices can have profound effects on individual and collective experiences in a team setting.

Metamorphosis of the Heart: A Journey of Purpose & Change

Veronica Carrera

Took a leap of faith, leaving my successful career in corporate America to pursue my true calling—creating a haven for healing, connection, and transformation! Nestled in a five blue zone area and just minutes away from one of the most beautiful beaches on the Pacific side of Costa Rica, my holistic retreat offers a sanctuary for those seeking renewal. As you shed the old and welcome the new, you embark on a transformative journey that reveals the beauty that comes from letting go of what no longer serves you. While this process can be challenging, it is essential not only for your own healing but for the healing of humanity. Join me for inspiration and the courage to follow your dreams, creating a life filled with purpose and meaning! Together, let’s embrace transformation, support one another, and ignite positive change in the world!

AULA 3

Appreciating Everything: Recognizing the Value of Complaints

Lonica Smith

Explore the surprising connection between complaints and happiness. This session reveals how acknowledging and allowing complaints—both our own and others’—can lead to greater emotional awareness, problem-solving, and well-being. Learn to navigate negativity constructively, turning frustrations into opportunities for growth, connection, and increased happiness. Through interactive discussions and practical strategies, you’ll discover how to reframe complaints, foster resilience, and create more positive, solution-oriented conversations in both personal and professional settings.

The Power of Perspective: Overcoming the Negativity Bias

Terrie Nathan

Discover the transformative power of a positive perspective in this engaging session, The Power of Positive Perspective: Overcoming the Negativity Bias. You'll gain insights into how our brains are wired to focus on the negative and learn practical strategies to shift this bias. Through relatable examples and actionable tips, this session will empower you to reframe challenges, cultivate optimism, and foster a mindset that embraces possibilities. Perfect for anyone seeking to navigate life's hurdles with greater resilience and positivity, this session promises to leave you inspired and equipped for lasting change.

HOLISTIC CENTRE

Essential Elements of Creating a Peaceful World

Jack Purdie

The road to happiness is paved with the five essential elements of peace. Discover the five essential elements of peace and how they shape a happier, more harmonious world. Led by Jack Purdie, this session explores practical ways to cultivate peace within yourself and your community. Learn how these core principles foster connection, resilience, and well-being. Through insightful discussion and actionable strategies, you’ll gain tools to create a more peaceful world—starting from within. Join us on the path to lasting happiness and harmony.

Double Plot Twist: A Life in Frequencies

From Searching to Tuning In

Irina Naithani

In a world fractured by ‘us vs. them,’ true peace demands a bold new approach. In this inspiring talk, Irina introduces the PeaceSetter—a leader who moves beyond polarity to foster connection, innovation, and coherence. She’ll unveil a simple yet powerful tool you can apply in any area of life—work, relationships, even global challenges—to dissolve division and ignite transformation. Join this session to discover how you can step into your leadership and help shape a more unified, interconnected world.

COUNCIL ROOM

From Positive Affect to Novel Thought: Theoretical Perspectives, Psychological Mechanisms, and Empirical Evidence for Happiness as a Catalyst for Creativity

Dr. Gillian Mandich

Creativity and happiness share a powerful, bidirectional connection. Research shows that positive emotions, especially happiness, enhance creative thinking by expanding cognitive flexibility and problem-solving abilities. Grounded in the broaden-and-build theory, this session explores how heightened happiness fosters innovation and how engaging in creative activities, in turn, boosts well-being. Creativity has been linked to greater fulfillment, personal growth, and emotional resilience, reinforcing a cycle of positivity. By examining psychological theory and empirical research, this presentation offers insights into cultivating both creativity and happiness. Attendees will gain practical strategies for leveraging creativity as a pathway to a richer, more fulfilling life.

AULA MAGNA

Management 3.0: Managing for Happiness

Juergen Mohr

Managing the system, not the people is a modern, human-centered approach to management and the core message of Management 3.0. Management 3.0 is a mindset that comes along with a bunch of practices that can be used the very next day. Practices to start off your organizational transformation from being profit-oriented to becoming purpose-driven and human-centered. In this interactive session you will experience the tool Moving Motivators and learn to understand its universal applicability. It can be used with teams, with students in schools and universities, in job interviews, in management boards, in organizations within any industrial sector, public and private, for-profit and nonprofit.Next to Moving Motivators we will have a look at the characteristics of human-centered reward systems according to Management 3.0. This will be a highly interactive working session where you will learn the six rules for rewards according to Management 3.0.

AULA 3

Ikigai: From Japan to the World - An Exploration of a Powerful, Visual Purpose and Happiness - Finding Tool

Sue Shinomiya

Ikigai: What is it that gets you out of bed in the morning, and then keeps you going, gives you purpose? Ikigai is a Japanese concept that roughly translates as “having value in living every day”. Intercultural practitioner and internationally known specialist in Japanese culture, session facilitator Sue Shinomiya, invites you to join her on a journey of self-discovery to determine if there a correlation between having a central “purpose” and a living longer, happier life. The session incorporates the latest works and research of experts on Ikigai, and the findings from residents of the “Village of Longevity” in Okinawa and other Blue Zones. Sue will guide the learners through a series of visual self-reflection and mindfulness exercises, both written and through discussion, designed to uncover “who we are, and what we love”. From there, we can access our individual overlaps and gaps, and discover our core themes, with the potential to give our life unique purpose and renewed meaning - in other words, our Ikig.

HOLISTIC CENTRE

Against the Dictatorship of Happiness

Paulina Nava

As happiness, consciousness, and spirituality gain popularity, the surge in related books, courses, and programs has led to widespread adoption by individuals and organizations. However, it's essential to recognize that merely adopting these concepts within the existing paradigms and systems may not yield meaningful change. Therefore we must approach with utmost mindfulness. Even with the knowledge of these "new" or "enlightened" currents, the same old patterns and structures may persist, limiting the potential for genuine transformation. This ignite session aims to create deep awareness on this topic and our own paradigms and biases so we can really create new narratives that enhance happiness and well-being as a right and not as a means to profit.

COUNCIL ROOM

Cultivating Joy in Service: Balancing Compassion Satisfaction & Compassion Fatigue

Dr. Adrianne Trogden & LoriAnn Stretch

This workshop is designed for attendees who are dedicated to making a positive impact in the world but find themselves struggling to maintain their own sense of joy and fulfillment when serving others at work, at home, and in their community. In an era where the demands of service can often lead to emotional exhaustion, it is helpful to explore strategies for sustaining happiness while continuing to serve others effectively. Topics explored in this workshop include: understanding compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue, practical tools for enhancing compassion satisfaction, balancing compassion and self-care, and cultivating a culture of joy. By the end of this workshop, participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how to cultivate joy in their roles. They will be equipped with practical tools and strategies to enhance compassion satisfaction, mitigate compassion fatigue, and foster a more joyful and sustainable approach to their work in making the world a better place.

AULA MAGNA

Compassion In Action - A Leadership Paradigm That Cultivates Organizational Happiness

Lars Kure Juul

The future of leadership isn’t driven by technology—it’s driven by humanity and compassion. At GGH 2025, I will present "Compassion in Action – A Leadership Paradigm That Cultivates Organizational Happiness," drawing from my #1 international bestseller Organizational Happiness, the Happiness Sweet Spot (THSS) framework, and insights from my upcoming book, Compassion in Action (March 2025). Leadership is at a turning point. Rising burnout, disengagement, and dissatisfaction make it clear that traditional models no longer serve today’s challenges. Organizations need leaders who prioritize well-being, purpose, and connection. Together, we’ll explore how to lead as Gentle Giants—leaders who see well-being as both an obligation and an opportunity for sustainable success. This session provides the mindset, framework, and tools to bring compassion to life in leadership and organizations. The time for compassionate leadership is now—because taking care of people isn’t just a moral duty, it’s the key to lasting success.

AULA 3

Stuck in Silos: 7 Habits That Hold Us Back

Lindsey Keck

Stuck in Silos: 7 Habits that Hold Us Back is an interactive workshop that uncovers the common habits creating silos, impacting team functioning and organizational wellness. We’ll identify these barriers and explore their antidotes, empowering you to break through silos and accelerate progress toward your most important goals. Through engaging discussions, real-world examples, and practical exercises, you’ll gain deeper insights into collaboration, trust-building, and communication. Learn how to foster a culture of openness, enhance cross-functional teamwork, and create lasting connections that drive innovation, efficiency, and long-term success in your organization.

HOLISTIC CENTRE

The Pursuit of Happiness – and How to Close the GAP

Gillian Wagner

Happiness often feels just out of reach—but what if we’ve been looking for it the wrong way? In this engaging session, Gillian Wagner explores what the Dalai Lama, Seinfeld, and even your dog can teach us about living with more spontaneity, joy, and love in both work and life. Through humor, storytelling, and research-backed insights, you'll uncover the GAP—the disconnect between how we think happiness works and how we actually experience it. Learn how to break free from limiting patterns and cultivate a mindset that fosters presence, resilience, and fulfillment.

COUNCIL ROOM

Ageism's Impact: Creating a Happier, Age-Inclusive Team

Shari Collins

This session addresses one aspect of the workforce that is often forgotten – ageism. Beginning with an infographic and AI, we will discuss how we think and feel about ageism. Don’t be fooled, ageism also impacts young professionals. We will analyze the data, coded language and bias that is embedded in language and in our actions. Finally, we will change the negative misconceptions about ageism with immediate actionable items for all. Come to this session to become an advocate against ageism and to strengthen a happy, multi-generational workforce!

AULA MAGNA

Amplify Your Impact: AI Meets Community Intelligence

Afrin Huq Khan & Arefin Huq

Think of this as brain fuel for bold thinkers, where AI meets human genius, and your ideas get the boost they deserve. This isn’t another dry tech talk; it’s a playground for possibility, where we blend community intelligence + AI into a 6-step framework designed to help you build faster, lead smarter, and create impact that actually lasts, all while keeping it playful and human.

AULA 3

Quantum Physics & Flow: New Paradigms for Happiness with Simple Tools

Cynthia Milani

If the human brain is the hardware, happiness is the software. Learn from Nobel Prize-winning neuroscientists how you can find individual happiness that can generate world peace and reduce conflict in this body+mind+culture approach by neuroanthropologist Cynthia Milani. This transformative session explores the neuroscience behind well-being, the cultural factors shaping our emotions, and practical strategies for rewiring thought patterns. Discover how small shifts in mindset can lead to greater resilience, compassion, and collective harmony. Walk away with science-backed tools to enhance emotional intelligence, foster deeper connections, and contribute to a more peaceful, thriving world.

HOLISTIC CENTRE

The Power of Storytelling: Creating Happy Communities

Martha Ortega

At the Gross Global Happiness Summit, I will lead a storytelling workshop on building community through personal stories—exploring how the narratives we share shape our connections, strengthen our sense of belonging, and contribute to our happiness. I believe that storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for human connection, and through this workshop, participants will discover how sharing their own personal stories can create stronger, more compassionate communities. We will be exploring new ways to inspire creativity and human connection. Whether through education, storytelling workshops, or leadership initiatives, my mission remains the same: to help individuals unlock their voices, build deeper relationships, and cultivate a life rich in purpose, joy, and shared humanity.

TENT

The Art of Togetherness: Building Joy Through Synergy

Tarek Saker

Embark on a vibrant journey of creative self-reflection and experience the power of synergy. Thought interactive dynamics and innovative exercises, this workshop will help you unlock your positive potential and build meaningful connections. Prepare to laugh, learn and grow as you unleash your ripple effect of positivity and transformation.

FIELD

Healing the Roots of Happiness: Transforming Trauma through Somatic Practices & Inner Child Work

Marina Triner

In this immersive and interactive session, we will explore the profound connection between unresolved trauma and the barriers to experiencing authentic happiness. Through the lens of somatic practices and inner child work, participants will uncover practical tools to foster emotional resilience, deepen self-awareness, and heal core wounds. Together, we will journey into the body’s innate wisdom, learning how to recognize and release the patterns that keep us stuck in cycles of reactivity and disconnection. By addressing the root causes of emotional pain, this workshop offers a path to profound healing, self-compassion, and the rediscovery of joy, empowering participants to embrace a more fulfilling, trauma-informed life.

TERRACE

Exploring Global Lessons on Happiness Outdoors

Aino Puro & Karuna Skariah, NBCT - Global Education Alliance

Embrace the outdoors and connect with other participants as we delve into the multifaceted nature of happiness through collaborative activities inspired by learning spaces from around the world. This session draws inspiration from happy learning spaces in Finland, New Zealand, Uganda, and Montessori schools in the U.S. This invigorating outdoor session is designed to engage participants in dynamic, hands-on activities that embody the four quadrants of our happiness framework: Belonging, Empowerment, Tranquility, and Verve. Participants will rotate through activities tailored to highlight and explore different building blocks of our happiness framework. This session offers an opportunity to experience and reflect on these elements of happiness through interactive and energizing activities. By participating in these hand-selected activities, you will gain practical strategies for building happy learning spaces and learn how each area contributes to holistic happiness and well-being. We hope, of course, that you’ll leave the session energized and inspired.

FIELD

Embody the Joyous Self

Gwen Fluhr

Do you find yourself in the position of staying small to keep the peace regularly? This might be the place for you. An activity-based session (outdoors) where we will look towards reclaiming ourselves and empowering wholeness. This is based on the thought that we cannot achieve happiness just by thinking/talking ourselves into it. The body also has to join in on the fun and to do so, one has to meet themselves as completely as possible. It is a practice that can take some time to develop as both the mind and body learn to connect. Join us to discover how we might begin this process. Transcend the old and bring out the new. Let’s meet our joyous selves. We will actively engage with the natural environment while sharing (optional) with the community for mutual support. Please honor all guests in the space including the more than human parts (plants, animals, insects, elements, etc). They may also have something important to share.

COUNCIL ROOM

From Silence, for Connection, to Leadership

Rodolfo Carrillo

Take a deep-dive into the possibility of expanding your leadership through this interactive and dynamic experience of silence connection and leadership! In order for there to be any level of leadership there needs to be connection… Embracing silence is essential to deepen any level of connection within and around… If we understand silence as the absence of noise, then we can identify that there are different levels of it that we can access. Each level can help us deepen our experience of the situations that we face, develop a greater connection and expand our leadership potential. Too often we think that in order to drive deeper bonding we need to actively engage in verbal communication, this translates into getting to know each other better, sharing thoughts, ideas, and details of our own lives. In this workshop we will explore how the power of silence can deepen our understanding of ourselves and others. We will work on becoming familiarized with it’s different levels to acknowledge the impact it has in developing deeper connections and potentiating our leadership.

AULA MAGNA

The One Thing

Dr. Allen Steven Lycka

What if there was one thing that could transform both your business and your life? Many people search for success, fulfillment, and happiness separately—believing they must choose one over the other. But in reality, happiness is not just a personal pursuit; it’s a powerful driver of business transformation. In this enlightening session, Dr. Allen Steven Lycka unpacks the common misconceptions about happiness and reveals its true impact on leadership, productivity, and long-term success. Drawing from science, psychology, and real-world business cases, Dr. Lycka will guide you through a deeper understanding of how cultivating happiness can create stronger teams, better decision-making, and more resilient organizations.

AULA 3

Transforming Insecurities into Collective Empowerment

Alexia Georghiou, MA, BSSW

Through engaging activities, role-playing, and group discussions, you'll uncover the root causes of insecurity, shift from competition to connection, and practice communication strategies that foster empathy and emotional intelligence. By the end, you'll have practical tools to cultivate vulnerability and trust, empowering you and those around you to grow together rather than compete.

HOLISTIC CENTRE

The Write to Happiness: Journaling as a Tool

Sandra Wartski, Psy. D.

Writing is an incredibly valuable tool that most anyone can access at most any time as a way to tap into happiness. Writing is not only a release but can also be a way to explore new strategies, experiment with novel ideas and solidify plans for change. Following some discussion about the beneficial use of writing that has been found through decades-long research, several exercises and prompts will be provided for some personal exploration. More happiness, joy and contentedness can be discovered as connections are made, feelings are released and focus is shifted. Discussion and sharing opportunities will be provided within this experientially-oriented workshop but are not required.

Laugh for Love: Finding the Joy in Every Moment

Mónica Escudero Vigil

The choice to be happy lies in our own hands and hearts. Through a smile filled with love, we can share the joy we hope to bring to others at meaningful moments in their lives. While we may not always feel happy, we know that a simple, heartfelt smile can touch another person's soul. Often, without us even realizing it, that genuine smile can brighten someone’s entire day. So, spread plenty of laughter—it’s free and incredibly valuable.

Laughing Yoga - Tales from the Outside

Kristie Lazenberry

We all need a little laughter in our lives, right? Well, have you ever tried laughing yoga? Did some due diligence and investigated laughing yoga? I've done both and as someone who lovingly embraces a full bodied, bend over, belly laugh, I struggled with it! Join me as we do a little investigation together into what it is and what I experienced when I tried to genuinely laugh as I ran around and swayed my arms about.

Small Bits of Happiness: 12 Habits (Virtual)

Mercedes & Anastasia Korngut

Teen happiness entrepreneurs, Mercedes and Anastasia Korngut, share the 12 simplest daily habits to finding happiness in everyday and boosting family connection. Mercedes and Anastasia will be joining us for this session from Canada with a virtual lesson.

Measuring Happiness: The Promise and Peril of Business Impact Metrics

Sam Wolf

How can businesses seeking to promote happiness and generate positive impact on their communities best accomplish these goals? In recent years we've seen a huge rise in the popularity of the B-Certification movement, with the non-profit B-Lab identifying over 6,000 Certified B-Corporations in eighty countries. While the rigorous "Business as a Force for Good" assessment provides a valuable structure, its voluntary nature and growing marketing cachet bring conflicting pressures and incentives. As an executive in the world's 4th-highest scoring B-Corp, I'll propose a new paradigm for business leaders to use in thinking about their communities and their impact on the world and on global happiness.

Work-Life Balance: Old Topic, A New Lens called OPERA

Dr. Kris BM Krishna

This cliché topic gets a new twist in my reflections. My re-imagined schema for Work-Life Balance rests on five pillars: 1. Olympics: Own your game; 2. Personify your play; 3. Externalize to the Human Universe; 4. Respect the Ratio; and 5. Altruism of a higher kind. Captured in a helpful acronym OPERA, for years, I have been a happy guinea pig for this potion, and I have glimpsed it in others, in varying degrees. Together, let's sing this OPERA. Together, let’s share this healing potion with the world.

Wave Physics: From the Comfort Zone to Growth

Victor Hugo Rojas Garro

In the comfort zone we all feel safe, it is a known and familiar place, and you feel being in control. If you challenge yourself to get out of it (or life does it on your behalf), you will have to cross a fear zone barrier in which there are excuses, rationales, opinions, and different reasons for not doing so. If you do so, you will have to “jump” with your own fears and will land in the learning zone in which there will be new challenges, opportunities and skills to put in place or develop new ones; it can end up being an expanded comfort zone. After going through all that, you will experience growth, dreams and goals will come a reality, you will be living them, and fulfilling your purpose. But guess what, it does not end there, and it is not a linear constant process. As life itself, there will be ups and downs, backwards and onwards, there might be some areas in which your comfort zone is highly expanded and you keep living new growth experiences, and others that feel so hard to take that step and even if circumstances force you, there are openings to find the way back to comfort. Come and join me so that I can walk you through my own experience and how I see wave physics applied to this as a tool for happiness.

Unfiltered and Unapologetic: Owning your Story in a World of Expectations

Lisa Joyce

Breaking free from societal pressures, rejecting the need for external validation, and embracing your authentic self. In a world that constantly dictates who we should be—through corporate culture, social norms, and personal expectations—many of us dilute our true selves to fit in. The power of owning your story, embracing your unique experiences, and leading with authenticity, even when it feels uncomfortable or disruptive. Because when you stop living for others’ expectations and start honoring your truth, you don’t just find your voice—you amplify it.

Embracing Your Weird: Unmasking Society

Juan José Sibaja

What if your “weirdness” is actually your greatest strength? What if embracing your true self could not only transform your life but also inspire others? Too often, we feel pressure to conform, hiding parts of ourselves to fit in. But true happiness, resilience, and belonging come from unmasking who we really are. In this empowering session, we’ll explore how authenticity leads to greater confidence, deeper connections, and a more fulfilling life. Through personal stories, real-world examples, and research-backed insights, you’ll learn how embracing what makes you unique can fuel success in both your personal and professional life.

01

Gratitude Joyshop

Vibha

When was the last time you felt or expressed gratitude to someone or something in your life? In the busy-ness of daily life, we hardly take out time to pause, pay attention and praise, all that we are given. And by not doing so, we miss out on something that has potential to enhance our well-being holistically, i.e., physical, mental, social and spiritual. In this Gratitude Joyshop you learn simple and fun activities that you can adopt to cultivate an attitude of gratitude and thus enhance your happiness and wellbeing. Based on Vibha's ReNEW framework, the Joyshop has insights from neuroscience, human chakra system and creates liberating structure for the whole person engagement. You will leave the Joyshop with a key of "Pause, Pay attention & Praise (appreciate)", that has potential to be a life changing experience.

02

Educating for Peace

Dr. Kennedy Waningu

Peace is not just the absence of conflict—it is something we must actively cultivate through education, leadership, and community engagement. In this inspiring session, Dr. Kennedy Waningu, a national hero of Kenya, global peace advocate, and founder of the International College of Peace Studies, explores the transformative power of peace education in shaping a more just and harmonious world. As an international speaker, author, and entrepreneur, Dr. Waningu has dedicated his life to promoting peace through education and mentorship. He is the author of Global Peace Signature and Invent Your Future through Mentorship and has led the Global Peace Appeal since 2023, bringing his vision to countries around the world.

03

Embrace All Parts: From Struggles to Strengths

Dr. Chaitra Wirta-Leiker

Join a dynamic, thought-provoking discussion exploring the spectrum where struggles and strengths intersect. Discover how to transform intense reactions, self-critical thoughts, and challenging emotions into opportunities for growth, self-awareness, and self-compassion. Learn to embrace the parts of yourself you find most challenging and uncover how they can empower a sense of pride in the unique and remarkable ways you engage with the world.

04

Happy for No Reason

Monika Estrada

Thru this World Cafe I participants will learn about the most exciting findings in happiness and will learn practical tools they can use right away to be happier. We will cover 7 areas on how to build the foundation of inner happiness, with options of tools for each area to work on.

05

Awaken Your Inner Child

Ananaya Chatterjee

Reconnect with your inner child in this fun and engaging activity! Through colors and creativity, you'll experience a glimpse of the wellbeing classes designed for vulnerable children in public schools.

06

AI, HI & Happiness in Career Readiness

Jamie Valenzuela-Mumau, EdD

This session will explore behavioral insight assessments, AI-driven career mapping, and social-emotional learning (SEL) activities to cultivate adaptability, decision-making skills, and overall well-being. Gain insights from UPEACE’s happiness at work model, aligning career readiness with global well-being frameworks. This workshop explores how AI can enhance Human Intelligence (HI) to drive career success and happiness along with practical strategies to integrate AI, happiness, and career growth in an evolving job market.

07

Primordial Sound Meditation

Angélica Coronilla

Primordial Sound Meditation is a style of meditation rooted in the Vedic tradition of India. It relies on a series of fundamental tones, or mantras, that help to attune your individual vibration to the unified field of energy that permeates all of existence.

08

Leadership from the Podium, P.E.R.M.A. with Baton

Ernesto Brenes Cordero

Conversation and workshop on the leadership of an orchestra conductor, why it is used as a common example of leadership, observations on how I find P.E.R.M.A in that leadership and what we can transfer to our teams

09

Hacking Your Personality

David Espinoza

A quick framework to understandings personalities and how to unlock their biggest potential. You and your team can understand what each personality prioritizes and how to increase agreements and decrease conflict.

COUNCIL ROOM

Intercultural Communication and the Art of Attention

Dr. Aaron Tyler

The philosopher Simone Weil wrote that "those who are unhappy have no need for anything in this world but people capable of giving them their attention." This workshop combines the art of attention with meaningful techniques and strategies for constructive intercultural engagement and peace-building.

AULA MAGNA

Unlocking the Hidden Light – The Alchemy of Leadership for Global Well-Being and Impact

Luis Miguel Gallardo

How do we unlock our highest potential as leaders while embracing the fullness of our human experience? In this transformative session at the Gross Global Happiness Summit, we will embark on an alchemical journey of leadership, integrating our shadows, essences, and gifts to cultivate soulful, regenerative, and impact-driven leadership. Drawing from the principles of Happytalism, hypnotherapy, and regenerative systems leadership, this immersive session invites participants to explore the hidden light within—the untapped wisdom found in our challenges, emotions, and subconscious patterns. Through guided introspection, interactive storytelling, and experiential exercises, we will illuminate how our shadows hold the key to our greatest strengths and how integrating them can unlock profound transformation in our personal lives, organizations, and communities.

AULA 3

Rethinking Digital Transformation: Enhancing Wellbeing and Happiness Within Organizations

Esteban Baradin

Transformation is often synonymous of new technologies, automation, and streamlined processes. But what if digital transformation could also become the catalyst for enhancing wellbeing and happiness within organizations, not just efficiency? This session will challenge the conventional view of digital transformation, proposing a groundbreaking framework that places people at the core. By prioritizing the wellbeing and happiness of employees, organizations can create processes, tools, and metrics that empower individuals to thrive, increasing both productivity and satisfaction.

HOLISTIC CENTRE

Exploring the Dimensions of Happiness: Inspiration from the Global Classroom

Kristal Funk, M.Ed & Karuna Skariah, NBCT - Global Education Alliance

Dive deep into the essence of happiness with Global Education Allies in this interactive workshop. Together we will explore our relational happiness framework, focusing on its four pivotal dimensions: belonging, empowerment, tranquility, and verve. You will have the opportunity to be part of our research project as we dissect each quadrant of the framework to uncover its core components, practical manifestations, and measurement approaches. You will gain a nuanced understanding of how to apply and measure the four dimensions of our framework in your context. Bring your passion and curiosity as we co-create innovative solutions for fostering joyful and effective learning and working spaces.