Podcast

Beyond Rankings: Redefining Happiness in Universities

When we talk about universities, the conversation often drifts toward global rankings, research output, or employability scores. But what if the true measure of a university’s success isn’t found in numbers, charts, or titles—but in how happy, purposeful, and well its people are?

That is precisely the theme explored in Episode 20 of the Amity Happiness Podcast, where Prof. Nitin Arora, host and Chief Happiness Officer at Amity University, welcomed Vicki Thomson, CEO of the Group of Eight (Go8) Universities in Australia. Representing eight of Australia’s most research-intensive institutions, the Go8 is synonymous with academic excellence. Yet, as Vicki reminds us, happiness and well-being in academia cannot be overlooked if we want education to truly transform lives.

Happiness: A Personal Choice Beyond Titles

For Vicki, happiness is not tied to accolades, rankings, or even professional milestones. Instead, it’s rooted in contentment, purpose, laughter, and connection. She emphasizes that happiness is a deliberate choice—especially in challenging times.

Whether it’s laughing with family, finding joy in morning runs, or even singing while walking, she believes that small, intentional moments of joy are powerful tools for resilience. The lesson is simple but profound: happiness is less about external validation and more about cultivating presence and purpose in everyday life.

Balancing Leadership and Well-being

As the head of Australia’s top universities, Vicki carries a heavy responsibility. Yet she insists that leadership must be seen as an opportunity for growth, not just a burden. The key, she says, lies in staying grounded: remembering what really matters—family, friendships, and self-care.

Physical activity plays a big role in her own routine. Running serves as her mental reset button, and singing brings unfiltered joy. These practices are more than hobbies; they’re tools that keep her emotionally balanced and mentally sharp in high-pressure roles.

Parenthood, Priorities, and Support Systems

One of the most personal reflections Vicki shares is how parenthood changes the lens of leadership. Being a mother has profoundly shifted her priorities, pushing her to value well-being as the foundation for everything else. She stresses the importance of strong support systems—from family and spouse to professional staff—because leadership, like happiness, cannot be practiced in isolation.

Well-being in Universities: Beyond Rankings

Universities are often seen as competitive spaces, chasing global rankings and measurable outcomes. But as Vicki points out, happiness and well-being are essential for academic excellence itself.

Research-intensive universities like the Go8 thrive when students and faculty feel safe, valued, and inspired. This requires a mix of bottom-up energy from students and academics and top-down commitment from leadership. A culture that balances academic freedom with respectful debate, collaboration over competition, fosters not just knowledge, but human flourishing.

Embedding Well-being into Institutional Practices

The Go8 universities, along with others like the University of Melbourne, have been pioneers in embedding well-being metrics into institutional strategies. From large-scale student surveys (with over 10,000 participants) to annual well-being audits, universities are increasingly holding themselves accountable—not just for academic outcomes, but also for emotional and social well-being.

Practical steps include:

• Mentorship programs that offer guidance beyond academics.
• Mental health support systems integrated into campus life.
• Inclusive curricula that prioritize belonging and diversity.
• Yoga and meditation as part of daily routines for both students and staff.

As Vicki explains, universities must become environments where individuals are not just educated, but nurtured as whole people.

Challenges in Research and Emotional Well-being

Research is at the heart of Go8 universities, yet it can be isolating and emotionally draining. Vicki highlights the importance of mutual respect between researchers and professional staff, as well as a recognition that researchers are human beings first. By listening, collaborating, and embracing diversity, universities can create emotionally supportive research cultures.

Spiritual Intelligence: A Missing Link in Academia?

One of the more thought-provoking insights in this episode is Vicki’s take on spiritual intelligence. She defines it as finding meaning and purpose, and acting with compassion and integrity—going beyond material success.

While academia traditionally favors evidence-based metrics, Vicki argues that universities can still be powerful spaces for spiritual exploration, provided it’s approached inclusively and non-religiously. After all, students are not just future workers; they’re human beings searching for meaning in uncertain times.

The Role of AI and Compassion in Modern Education

Artificial intelligence is often viewed with suspicion in academia. But Vicki suggests a balanced approach: AI is inevitable, so let’s use it wisely. She believes students can even help faculty learn to embrace these technologies.

However, she warns that compassion is crucial—policies must consider the human side of AI adoption. Used intentionally, AI can enhance efficiency and learning without undermining deeper reflection on purpose and values.

Global Collaboration: India and Australia

Another highlight of the discussion is the immense potential for global collaboration in well-being. Vicki sees India and Australia as natural partners, with opportunities for:

• Student exchanges focused on happiness and well-being.
• Cultural sensitivity training to foster inclusiveness.
• Joint programs embedding emotional and spiritual health in higher education.

Such collaborations can help create models that are adaptable across diverse cultural contexts.

Leadership with Humility and Humor

What makes Vicki’s leadership philosophy stand out is her blend of humility and humor. She openly acknowledges that leaders are replaceable, and it’s essential to focus on those who matter most in life. Laughter, compromise, and perspective are her tools for emotional resilience. Sometimes, she jokes, even “shouting privately” can be a healthy reset.

By not taking herself too seriously, she models a leadership style that is both human and relatable.

Redefining the Future of Universities

The vision Vicki paints is compelling: universities must evolve into holistic ecosystems that balance intellectual rigor with emotional and spiritual well-being. They should not be degree factories, but transformative spaces where people learn to live, thrive, and contribute meaningfully to society.

This involves a cultural shift—embedding happiness into the DNA of education through leadership, inclusiveness, mentorship, meditation, and a daily culture of belonging.

Happiness as a Practice, Not a Promise

Perhaps the most resonant takeaway from this conversation is the idea that happiness is not automatic—it’s a practice. From biological wiring that prioritizes survival over joy, to the challenges of modern academia, happiness requires conscious effort.

It means choosing empathy over anger, laughter over stress, and presence over distraction. In Vicki’s words, happiness is found in small, deliberate moments—even during adversity.

Closing Reflections

Episode 20 of the Amity Happiness Podcast goes far “beyond rankings.” It’s not just a conversation about universities, but about the deeper human dimensions of leadership, learning, and life itself.

Vicki Thomson’s reflections remind us that excellence and well-being are not opposites—they’re complements. A truly great university is not just where brilliant ideas are born, but where happy, resilient, and compassionate human beings are nurtured.

For students, faculty, leaders, and policymakers alike, this episode offers both inspiration and practical wisdom: happiness is a choice, a practice, and a shared responsibility.

 Top 10 Takeaways

1. Happiness Beyond Rankings – True happiness is not measured by university rankings or professional accolades but by purpose, presence, and meaningful human connections.
2. Universities as Well-being Hubs – Higher education must integrate mental health, inclusiveness, and belonging alongside academic excellence.
3. Everyday Joys Matter – Small acts—laughter, singing, running at dawn—are essential happiness practices that leaders and students alike should embrace.
4. Parenthood Shapes Priorities – Personal experiences, like raising children, provide perspective and balance, reminding leaders of what truly matters.
5. Spiritual Intelligence in Leadership – Compassion, integrity, and self-awareness can transform education into a holistic and humane system.
6. Compassion + AI in Academia – Artificial Intelligence must be balanced with empathy and human values to ensure education remains meaningful.
7. From Competition to Collaboration – A shift in campus culture toward cooperation, inclusiveness, and accountability fosters collective well-being.
8. Well-being as a Measurable Metric – Just like rankings, institutions should conduct well-being audits and surveys to track happiness and growth.
9. Global Collaboration on Happiness – Australia and India have powerful opportunities to co-create frameworks for student well-being and leadership development.
10. Happiness as a Choice – Regardless of external challenges, happiness is cultivated by intentional living, gratitude, and self-care practices.