This podcast episode features an insightful conversation with Mr. Edwin Edebiri, a globally recognized Chief Happiness Officer and TEDX Speaker, who defines happiness as a present-moment state encompassing contentment, peace, and joy, and emphasizes it as a learnable skill fostered through meditation, gratitude, and self-compassion. Edwin discusses the evolving role of Chief Happiness Officer in driving creativity, resilience, and sustainable success within organizations and communities, sharing inspiring stories from projects like the I Am Happy Project and the Happy Neighborhood Project that demonstrate how small acts of kindness and mindful awareness can transform lives. The episode also explores the integration of spirituality through faith and connection, concluding with practical advice for fostering happiness personally and professionally. In today’s fast-paced world, the pursuit of happiness is more important than ever. This article explores a captivating conversation with Mr. Edwin, the Global Chief Happiness Officer, who has dedicated over 40 years to transforming lives, organizations, and communities through the power of happiness. The discussion delves into the essence of happiness, its integration with spirituality, and practical strategies to cultivate it as a learnable skill. Join us as we unpack key insights from Edwin’s remarkable journey and his innovative approach to fostering happiness at every level of life. Background Edwin is a globally recognized pioneer in the field of happiness studies. Holding an MBA with honors and a bachelor’s degree, Edwin has created groundbreaking initiatives such as the “Happreneurs,” “Happy Neighborhood Project,” and the “I Am Happy Project.” His work emphasizes that happiness is not merely an emotion but a skill that fuels creativity, resilience, and sustainable growth. Edwin’s TEDx presentations and motivational talks have inspired thousands worldwide, positioning happiness as a cornerstone of leadership, workplace culture, and community well-being.In this exclusive podcast episode titled “Executive Harmony: Conversation with a Chief Happiness Officer on Happiness and Spirituality,” Edwin shares his philosophy, experiences, and actionable advice, bridging science and spirituality to reveal how happiness can be cultivated intentionally. Main Perspectives Defining Happiness: Contentment in the Present Moment Edwin defines happiness as a state of mind characterized by contentment, peace, and joy rooted in the present moment. He emphasizes that happiness is not about dwelling on the past or anxiously anticipating the future but about appreciating the ‘now.’ This clarity has been consistent throughout his life, though it crystallized more fully with experience and research.He highlights that happiness is a learnable skill, not just a fleeting feeling, which aligns with his mission to help individuals and organizations embed happiness deeply into their daily functioning and culture. The Role of a Chief Happiness Officer: A New Paradigm in Leadership The title “Chief Happiness Officer” (CHO) may be unfamiliar to many, but Edwin explains that it represents a transformative leadership role. Unlike traditional officers such as Chief Marketing or HR Officers, a CHO is responsible for fostering happiness across the entire ecosystem: employees, customers, suppliers, and shareholders alike.Edwin shares that the role initially emerged organically when someone recognized his deep commitment to happiness and coined the term. Today, he envisions CHOs as key figures who set the tone for organizational culture and community well-being. He also advocates extending this role into the family, where heads of households can serve as CHOs, ensuring happiness is holistic and pervasive. Personal Journey and Commitment to Happiness Edwin’s commitment to happiness was profoundly shaped by personal experiences and his grandmother’s teachings about gratitude and appreciation. Meditation played a pivotal role in igniting his inner happiness and resilience. He recounts a powerful story from a bookstore encounter where he asked a couple how happy they were on a scale of 1 to 10 and what they were thankful for. Their identical responses prompted him to encourage them to focus on shared positive aspects to resolve their conflicts. This moment sparked his dedication to spreading happiness through everyday interactions and research. Happiness as a Learnable Skill and Spiritual Practice A major breakthrough in Edwin’s work is the shift from viewing happiness solely as an emotion to understanding it as a learnable skill. He advocates practices such as meditation, gratitude—especially gratitude during difficult times—and self-compassion. These practices help individuals maintain equilibrium amid emotional ups and downs. Edwin also discusses the importance of spirituality, defined broadly as faith in something greater than oneself, whether religious or personal belief. This faith anchors individuals, providing peace and guidance. His daily routine includes smiling affirmations and multiple meditation sessions, alongside laughter—he stresses the power of laughing at oneself as a tool for happiness. Practical Advice: Cultivating Happiness Daily Edwin offers concrete steps to foster happiness, such as: • Waking up with a smile and promising oneself to be happy for 24 hours. • Practicing self-compassion and treating oneself as kindly as one would treat a dear friend. • Accepting compliments graciously to boost positivity. • Avoiding comparisons, which often breed jealousy and unhappiness. • Using small rituals like laughter and walking alone to recharge. He encourages starting small—perhaps committing to an hour of happiness gradually extending this duration. The brain, he explains, responds to these intentional practices by finding reasons to increase happiness, such as noticing small joys previously overlooked. Impactful Projects: I Am Happy, Happy Neighborhood, and Happreneurs Edwin summarizes his key initiatives: • I Am Happy Project: A grassroots campaign encouraging individuals to serve others through genuine listening and smiling, fostering community connection. • Happy Neighborhood Project: Extends happiness principles to businesses and neighborhoods, promoting social cohesion and well-being. • Happreneurs: A new endeavor focusing on groups of businesses working together, emphasizing that happiness should precede success, not follow it. These projects have reached thousands globally, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic, providing virtual spaces for joy and resilience. Rapid-Fire Insights and Inspiration In a lighter rapid-fire segment, Edwin shares personal favorites and habits: • Favorite mantra: “I wake up happy.” • Instant well-being booster: Stop comparison. • Recharge method: Laughing. • Celebrates small wins with a simple treat like ice cream. • Inspired most by his grandmother’s wisdom and the book The Power of Positive Thinking. His long-lasting marriage and joyful demeanor serve as living proof of his philosophies in action. Conclusion Edwin’s insights redefine happiness from a passive emotion to an active, learnable, and teachable skill integral to personal fulfillment and organizational success. His pioneering role as a Chief Happiness Officer highlights the growing recognition that well-being must be embedded at every level—from individual to corporate to community. Key takeaways include the importance of mindfulness, gratitude, self-compassion, and maintaining faith or spirituality as foundational pillars of happiness. Edwin’s approach demonstrates that happiness is accessible through intentional practice, simple daily commitments, and genuine human connection.For those aspiring to bring happiness into their lives or organizations, Edwin’s advice is clear: start with yourself, embrace the simplicity and complexity of happiness, and cultivate it as a skill to be honed over time. As we celebrate International Happiness Day and beyond, let us remember that happiness is a powerful force for resilience, creativity, and transformative leadership—one that Edwin Edur exemplifies and inspires us to embody. This article celebrates the rich dialogue from the Executive podcast hosted by Professor Nitin Arora, featuring Edwin Edebiri , the Chief Happiness Officer. It invites readers to explore happiness not just as a concept, but as a practical and spiritual journey toward a more joyful and harmonious life.