Are you happy? It’s a question I’ve been pondering since hearing Ted Leonsis speak in February about his new book, “The Business of Happiness: 6 Secrets to Extraordinary Success in Work and Life.”
After I read his insightful 305-page tome, I was intrigued — and slightly bemused. Sure, happiness is something we all aspire to, but is it really possible when you are trying to grow a business in a troubled economy, and (oftentimes) grow a family in an era when enough is never enough?
Happiness according to Ted Leonsis: “It took me a quarter century to connect these dots and understand how they amount to a formula for achieving happiness,” Leonsis states. He then gives us a road map, explaining that to him, the Business of Happiness relies on three concepts:
1. “You should treat the attainment of happiness in the same way an entrepreneur would approach building a business — with a vision, plan, goals, and a systematic approach and metrics to measure your progress.”
2. “Enterprises — like companies, businesses, charities, sports teams, and political campaigns — that consider themselves in the ‘business of happiness’ will do better than those that pay no attention to the tenets outlined [which include goal-setting, having communities of interest, personal expression, gratitude, empathy expressed in giving back, and having a higher calling].”
3. “Happiness is a driver of success, not the other way around.”
Sounds pretty good. But I wanted to know more. Since I like to go right to the source, I invited Ted Leonsis to be our April Entrepreneur of the Month. He said yes. I also asked his co-author, John Buckley, to answer a few questions. See those interviews below, and also read Leonsis’ Tips for Entrepreneurs.
I also asked our 20 columnists this month to tackle the topic of happiness. Each interpreted the topic for their own industries, and I think you’ll enjoy their insights:
• LEADERSHIP expert Angela Sontheimer talks about Bhutan’s “Gross National Happiness Index.”
• MANAGEMENT expert Dr. Alice Waagen provides an “Anti-Burnout” guide to help managers keep employees happy.
• FINANCE guru John Hasenberg knows that a healthy retirement fund makes for all kinds of happiness. He asks, “Do you know where your retirement savings are?”
• Talk about happiness. Learn not only how to appreciate WINE, but how to make a barrel (=300 bottles) yourself at Vint Hill Craft Winery.
• Bognet CONSTRUCTION vp Jennifer Bognet interviews Fernando Murias, founder of the Greater Washington Sports Alliance, a nonprofit that brings sporting events to DC and helps children and the homeless thrive through sports. At its annual SneakerBall, the organization honored dozens of athletes and supporters, including Ted Leonsis.
• And in our PARENTING column, we learn about the power of staying happy despite all odds from Laurie Strongin, author of “Saving Henry.” In her new book, she inspires us to “live well and laugh hard” as she shares the heartbreaking tale of how she and her husband Allen fought for 7 years to keep their son alive despite a genetic disease. Grab a box of tissues, and get ready to read an amazing story by a truly amazing woman.
Speaking of Truly Amazing Women: Make a strong, powerful, inspiring woman that you know happy by sharing her story with us. I am planning to profile hundreds of women on the website for my new book, “100 Truly Amazing Women Who Are Changing The World.” Click here to submit her name and contact info.
Until next month, here’s to your happiness — and your success!
— Hope Katz Gibbs, editor and publisher
Be Inkandescent magazine
