Finnish philosopher and psychologist Frank Martela, author of Stop Chasing Happiness joins hosts Henry and Maureen in today's episode, sharing insights on what makes life meaningful, why chasing happiness can backfire, and how the importance of autonomy, trust, and equality can foster meaning at work

Drawing on Finnish culture and education, Frank reveals practical ways leaders can create and cultivate meaning at work, through the value of connecting with others, and how a “militarist” mindset—seeking constant improvement—can boost well-being.

We also explore Finnish attitudes toward happiness, modesty, and resilience, offering you a fresh perspective on creating joyful, purposeful lives and workplaces.

Frank's 3 tips for a happy workplace:

1. Connect with yourself: reflect on who you are and what you enjoy
2. Connect and spend time with people you love
3. Do good for other people: find your way to make a meaningful contribution

Links and resources mentioned in this episode:

1. Frank's book, Stop Chasing Happiness
2. Happy Workplace

Dr. Vernon Bainton, Chief Medical Officer at Havas Lynx and co-founder of the Health and Happiness Lab, shares his journey from medicine to healthcare innovation, focusing on patient-centred care and the importance of measuring happiness and well-being in both patients and staff.

Vernon shares insights on the limitations of traditional clinical metrics, the impact of the pandemic on workplace well-being, and practical strategies for fostering trust, purpose, and joy at work.

Today's conversation highlights the essential role of well-being in healthcare and organisational success.

Vernon's tips for a happy workplace:

1. Move beyond traditional job satisfaction (consider people's lives as a whole)
2. Change how you capture information and set goals
3. Foster trust and accountability (build a culture of trust)

Links and resources mentioned in this episode:

1. Havas Lynx
2. Happy Workplace

Talent is everywhere; opportunity is not.

In this episode, Joe Seddon, founder and CEO of Zero Gravity, shares his journey from a single-parent household in West Yorkshire to launching an award-winning tech platform that supports over 15,000 talented students from low-income backgrounds, providing mentoring, coaching, and career pathways to help them gain entry into top UK universities and secure successful careers.

Joe is widely recognised as a leader in tech for social mobility, and has been named in the Forbes 30 under 30 list, and received a British Empire Medal for services to social mobility.

The conversation reveals the importance of having an authentic company culture, taking risks, and cultivating mission-driven leadership. Joe highlights, to your hosts, Henry and Maureen, Zero Gravity’s impact on social mobility, the power of mentoring, with Joe offering practical advice for building a happy and high-performing workplace.

[Guest's] tips for a happy workplace:

1. Measure what matters
2. Distil your culture into a culture deck and make this part of your onboarding process
3. Human beings are self-interested creatures: Incentivise and reward

Links and resources mentioned in this episode:

1. Zero Gravity
2. Happy Workplace