165. MiniCast: The Truth on How Social Media Impacts Your Happiness
Episode Overview:
How does social media affect your well-being? Can reducing screen time boost your happiness and strengthen connections? In this MiniCast episode, I share data-backed information on the relationship between social media usage and personal happiness. I conducted a personal month-long experiment, blending research insights from my Happiness Research with actionable strategies to reduce screen time and create intentional, meaningful moments offline and I share my findings of that.
Whether you're aiming to reclaim your time, foster better connections, or just learn how to balance social media and real life, this episode is packed with tips, reflections, and action items to improve your relationship with social media and your personal happiness.
00:00 Introduction and Background
00:20 The Research on Social Media
01:15 Personal Screen Time Reduction Journey
01:46 Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Goals
02:21 Tracking Happiness and Connection
02:30 Challenges of Social Media Comparison
03:04 Social Media as a Tool
03:30 Approach to Reducing Screen Time
09:34 Results and Reflections on the Journey
09:55 Encouragement for Listeners
11:54 Conclusion and Additional Resources
Loved this episode? Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast. Your feedback helps the show grow and share more actionable content with amazing listeners like you!
Find me on social media for more everyday content!
Instagram @speakmichelle & @bethehappyist
164. MiniCast: The Remote Work Debate
Episode Summary:
Should businesses offer remote work, hybrid options, or require employees to return to the office? This week, I’m sharing research and offering insights for managers and business leaders to consider the answer to this question. While research shows that office-based employees often feel happier and more resilient, the desire to have a choice in work environments remains significant. Join today’s conversation as I discuss connection and collaboration across remote and hybrid teams, emphasizing the importance of intentional team-building activities.
00:00 Introduction to Remote Work Debate
00:08 Research Findings on Employee Happiness
00:44 Importance of Team Connection
01:13 Practical Steps for Team Building
01:37 Case Study: Remote Sales Team
02:25 Connection Questions
03:24 Learning Clubs and In-person Meetings
04:03 Conclusion: Importance of Connection
Stay Connected:
If you’re ready to cultivate better connections within your team, start the conversation today.
Tune in next week for more insights on leadership, productivity, and creating thriving workplaces!
And don’t forget to Download the Happiness Research Reports Here
Loved this episode? Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast. Your feedback helps the show grow and share more actionable content with amazing listeners like you!
Find me on social media for more everyday Happiness content!
Instagram @speakmichelle & @bethehappyist
161. MiniCast: The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Workforce Productivity
Episode Summary
What role does emotional intelligence play in workplace productivity? Turns out, it’s a big one! In today’s episode, I share how emotional intelligence—along with happiness and resilience—impacts innovation, teamwork, and overall performance. All insights come from my happiness research report. In this episode, I share actionable tips for leaders to implement emotional intelligence trainings and foster a positive, more productive work culture for their teams. Tune in to learn how you can create a happier, high-performing team!
00:00 Introduction
00:13 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence
01:36 Practical Applications and Solutions
04:02 Leadership and Empowerment
04:45 Conclusion and Resources
Download the Happiness Research Report
Loved this episode? Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast. Your feedback helps the show grow and share more actionable content with amazing listeners like you!
Find me on social media for more everyday content!
Instagram @speakmichelle & @bethehappyist
160. Bridging Generational Gaps: A Conversation On Generational Diversity with Karen McCullough
In today’s episode, Karen McCullough, a renowned generational diversity expert, joins me as we discuss the complexities and opportunities of multi-generational workplaces. We discuss the challenges leaders face when managing different age groups and the impact of changing communication styles, work-life balance perspectives, and technology. Karen shares insights drawn from years of experience working with top organizations like NASA, McDonald's, and World Bank, offering practical advice for thriving in workplaces powered by generational diversity.
Whether you're a leader striving for adaptable leadership or an employee navigating cross-generational interactions, this episode delivers actionable tips for bridging the divide and fostering a positive, collaborative workplace.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to the Episode
00:34 - Karen's Journey into Generational Studies
01:17 - Generational Dynamics in the Workplace
04:23 - Generational Stories and Work Ethics
09:42 - Adapting and Authenticity in Leadership
13:07 - Challenges in the Workplace
26:13 - Virtual Work and Building Relationships
29:42 - Final Advice and Closing Thoughts
About Our Guest, Karen McCullough:
Karen McCullough is a leading speaker and expert in generational diversity, founder of Your Killer Keynote Academy, and a member of the National Speakers Association (NSA). With experience working with top organizations like the World Bank, McDonald's, Johnson Space Center, Humana, and NASA, Karen inspires and educates audiences with actionable tools for workplace success. Through her work, she unlocks the secrets to crafting impactful messages and mastering the stage.
Links & Resources:
Learn more about Karen McCullough and her work HERE.
Follow the Podcast:
Don’t miss upcoming episodes—subscribe and follow for more insightful conversations on happiness, high performance, and everything in between.
If you enjoyed this discussion or found it helpful, share it with your team, write a review, or tag a colleague who needs to hear this!
Stay tuned for more episodes designed to inspire and empower your workplace journey.
159. MiniCast: Strategies for Leaders to Improve Employee Happiness and Productivity
Episode Overview
Let’s focus on the vital role of employee engagement and emotional well-being in today’s MiniCast episode. In this episode I share the research findings on ways bosses, leaders, and managers can enhance the happiness and productivity of their teams and employees.
Episode Breakdown
00:00 Introduction: The Cost of Low Employee Engagement
00:27 Staggering Statistics: The State of Workplace Happiness
01:15 Actionable Strategies for Improvement
01:57 Promoting Open Communication Channels
02:44 Emotional Intelligence: A Top Priority
04:26 Conclusion: Implementing Emotional Wellness Training
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review this podcast, and join the conversation on social media @speakmichelle I'd love to hear your thoughts and stories about resilience!
And if you’re curious about what else affects happiness at home and in the workplace? Check out more of the 2024 State of Happiness Report here.
158. MiniCast: 5 Toxic Leadership Traits that are Hurting Your Team Productivity
Episode Overview
Let’s talk about the critical topic of leadership and its impact on team productivity in today’s MiniCast. In this short episode, I share five toxic leadership traits that can undermine team resilience and productivity. Whether you're a seasoned leader or new to the role, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice to help you refine your leadership skills.
Episode Breakdown
00:00 Introduction
00:18 The Importance of Resilience
01:01 Leadership Traits to Avoid
01:06 Trait 1: Lack of Support
01:27 Trait 2: Dishonesty
01:55 Trait 3: Unreliability
02:14 Traits 4 and 5: Selfishness and Laziness
03:02 Conclusion
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review this podcast, and join the conversation on social media @speakmichelle. I'd love to hear your thoughts and stories about resilience!
And if you’re curious about what else affects happiness at home and in the workplace? Check out more of the 2024 State of Happiness Report here.
157. MiniCast - Top Three Things You Can Do to Build Resilience Reserves
Episode Overview
With life's constant challenges, building up your resilience reserves can make all the difference. In today’s MiniCast, I share my 3 favorite strategies to boost your mental and emotional strength which will aid you in tackling issues like overwhelm, fear of failure, lack of confidence, and mental health struggles. Don’t miss it.
Key Segments
00:00 Introduction
00:41 Real-life Example
02:25 Statistics and Overwhelm
05:06 Fear of Failure
05:19 Lack of Confidence
11:05 Mental Health Struggles
11:56 Conclusion and Encouragement
I hope this episode gives you the tools and inspiration to start building your resilience reserves today. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show, and join the conversation on social media @speakmichelle I'd love to hear your thoughts and stories about resilience!
And if you’re curious about what else affects happiness at home and in the workplace? Check out more of the 2024 State of Happiness Report here.
156. MiniCast - Why Employee Engagement is Low and What We Can Do About It
Episode Overview
In this mini episode, I talk about the pressing issue of why your employees aren’t sticking around. This working pandemic affects businesses across the globe and in just 4 minutes I share effective strategies to reinvigorate your workforce. I talk about understanding the emotional commitment employees have towards their organization and why it is crucial in fostering a productive and committed team. High engagement in employees not only enhances productivity, but it also boosts morale, retention rates, and innovation. Tune in as I discuss practical tips for leaders to create a thriving workplace culture.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction: The Current State of Employee Engagement
00:22 Challenges Affecting Employee Engagement
01:35 Impact of Mental Wellness and Sense of Purpose
02:05 Actionable Tips for Leaders
02:46 Benefits of Live Events and Mentorship
03:13 Importance of Managerial Influence
03:42 Additional Research Insights
04:00 Closing Remarks
Curious about what else affects happiness at home and in the workplace? Check out more of the 2024 State of Happiness Report here.
155. Monetizing Your Message with Lois Creamer
Join me in today’s episode where Lois Creamer, a renowned speaker and consultant in the speaking industry, and I have a conversation on monetizing your message and the strategies that can transform speaking engagements into lucrative opportunities.
Lois dives deep into current trends affecting the speaking industry, emphasizing the importance of video content and virtual presentations, Lois's early interactions with the National Speakers Association (NSA) and her direct approach in helping speakers find their niche. This episode is packed with valuable insights.
She also shares highlights from her newly updated book, “Book More Business: Make Money Speaking” which provides crucial advice on navigating modern market challenges.
Key Takeaways
00:00 Introduction to Lois Creamer
00:17 Initial Meeting and Insights on Positioning
01:01 Lois Creamer's Direct Approach
01:48 Transition to Helping Speakers
02:54 Importance of Niche Audiences
04:45 Current Trends in Speaking Industry
07:44 Virtual Presentations and Aftercare
10:07 Lois Creamer's New Book
15:42 Video's Role in Modern Speaking
21:05 The Importance of Direct Communication
24:00 Setting Speaking Fees
27:32 Conclusions and Where to Find Lois
Links
Connect with Lois:
Order Your Copy of “Book More Business: Make Money Speaking”
Try OpusClip - The AI Video Repurposing Tool
About the Guest
Lois Creamer is highly sought-after for speakers, consultants, and subject matter experts aiming to monetize their messaging effectively. She authored "Book More Business: Make Money Speaking" and "The Speaker Author" with Cathy Fyock. With a background in sales and marketing at United States Steel Corporation and business management for successful speakers, Lois has been a pivotal figure in the speaking industry since 1998.
Her expertise has been showcased at every chapter of the NSA across the U.S., at Canadian Association of Professional Speakers events, and at various international speaking associations. Honored as "Honorary Fellow" by the Professional Speakers Association UK/Ireland, Lois brings unparalleled knowledge and experience to her clients.
Lois resides in Missouri with her husband and Buddy the Intern, her canine companion. In her downtime, she enjoys reading, beach vacations, and visiting her family in Lake Tahoe.
154. MiniCast - Key Happiness Indicators and Generational Differences at Work
Episode Summary
To say that happiness requires an intentional pursuit isn’t new, but today I share insights from the 2024 U.S. State of Happiness Report that validates the idea that happiness requires you to be intentional. I discuss factors that influence happiness, while examining data on generational trends, that provide us with actionable steps to build connections and joy in everyday life. I share research that shows how Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers view happiness differently. It’s a good one!
Key Points Discussed in This Episode:
00:00 Introduction
00:05 U.S. Happiness Study 2024
00:57 Universal Happiness Factors
01:32 Generational Differences in Happiness
02:08 Building Connections and Relationships
02:16 Challenges in Adult Relationships
03:06 Work Environment and Happiness
03:25 Intentional Happiness Strategies
04:32 Creating Your Happiness List
05:32 Reflecting on Past Joys
06:09 Adapting Happiness Over Time
07:29 Daily Pursuit of Happiness
07:46 Weekly Challenge and Community Engagement
08:38 Final Thoughts and Community Sharing
Curious about what else affects happiness at home and in the workplace? Check out more of the 2024 State of Happiness Report here: https://www.speakmichelle.com/research
153. MiniCast - Resilience is Not a “Soft Skill”
Episode Summary
In today’s episode, I’m sharing all there is to know about resilience and why it should be considered a critical skill in the workplace, not just a personal trait. I share how resilience impacts productivity, teamwork, employee engagement, and present research findings that debunk the myth that resilience is merely a 'soft skill'.
Key Points Discussed in This Episode:
00:00 The Rollerblading Tale
02:08 Lessons from Embarrassment
03:37 Resilience in Life and Business
03:45 Research Findings on Resilience
05:51 Recommendations for Organizations
07:36 Training Methods for Resilience
10:08 The Importance of a Resilient Environment
11:31 Final Words
To learn more about resilience and its role in your life, download the 2024 State of Happiness Report. This comprehensive report includes an infographic and a three-video series about why happiness is a business challenge, complete with strategies to foster a happier and more productive team. Get it all sent straight to your inbox!
And make sure to follow @bethehappyist on Instagram where I share data-backed actions to take to grow your resilience reserves.
152. MiniCast - Money Can’t Buy You Happiness: Fact or Fiction?
In today’s quick discussion, I take you back to my first taste of entrepreneurship as a kid. It was a fun experience that got me hooked on the idea of being my own boss. I learned some valuable lessons about money, happiness, and what gives life meaning—lessons that still resonate today. In this episode, I chat about how each of our financial situations affect our feelings, and the connection between a higher income and feeling more fulfilled. I answer the age-old question: “Can money really buy happiness?” with data I pulled from my 2024 State of Happiness Study.
Join me as I discuss ways you can create joy and satisfaction in your life, no matter where you stand financially.
Key Topics Discussed
00:00 - Introduction: Childhood Money Memories
01:30 - Money and A Sense of Purpose
02:02 - Financial Stressors in Modern Times
03:08 - Income, Education, and Happiness
03:49 - Finding Purpose Beyond Money
06:39 - The Joy of Giving Back
07:07 - Conclusion: Control Your Happiness
To learn more about the intricate relationship between money and happiness, download the 2024 State of Happiness Report. This comprehensive report includes an infographic and a three-video series about why happiness is a business challenge, complete with strategies to foster a happier and more productive team. Get it all sent straight to your inbox!
151. MiniCast - Three Ways to Restore Your Resilience Reserves
Today I’m talking about "stretch capacity"—an analogy comparing your ability to handle the stressors and challenges of daily life to the elasticity of rubber bands. Join me as l discuss how everyone has different limits and how these limits are tied to resilience.
Key Points Covered in This Episode:
00:00 Introduction to Stretch Capacity
01:08 The Importance of Resilience
02:50 Impact of Current Events
03:31 Building Resilience Reserves: Three Principles
03:50 Principle 1: Focus on Habits
05:57 Principle 2: Movement
07:36 Principle 3: Practicing Gratitude
11:52 Conclusion and Resources
Call to Action:
If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Share this podcast with friends or colleagues who could benefit from learning about happiness and resilience. For more resources, visit my website https://www.speakmichelle.com/research
Follow Me on Social Media:
150. MiniCast - Why Women Aren’t as Happy as Men and What We Can Do About It
In today’s episode, I’m tackling a pressing issue—why women aren't as happy as men and what we can do about it. In my recent Happiness Research Study I conducted, I uncovered some surprising statistics about the happiness differences between men and women. And in this episode I explore factors contributing to these differences including confidence, career choices, and sense of connection. If you feel your happiness is lacking to that of your male counterparts, this episode is for YOU.
00:00 - Men’s Happiness vs. Women’s
00:23 - Statistical Differences
01:09 - Factors Affecting Happiness
03:51 - The Role of Connection
06:36 - Call to Action
These findings were nothing short of fascinating, and I was thrilled to share more on these insights with Fox 13 The Place earlier this month. Give it a watch and let me know what you think!
And don't forget to subscribe to the podcast for more insightful episodes. If you found this discussion helpful, please share it with your friends and family. Your support helps me reach more people and spread valuable insights on happiness.
Follow me on social media and join the conversation:
Instagram: @speakmichelle & @bethehappyist
149. MiniCast - Stop Comparing Yourself to Others - Do This Instead
In today's episode, I discuss how comparing yourself to others can be a significant hindrance to your happiness and overall well-being. I explore the effects of social comparison, backed by research findings on happiness, and provide practical strategies to reclaim your joy and focus on your own path.
00:00 Introduction to Happiness Research
00:18 Workplace Interactions and Happiness
01:26 Impact of Social Media and Comparison
03:49 Strategies to Reclaim Your Happiness
03:56 Conclusion: Honor Your Path
Let's face it - a lot of our happiness is affected by others, or at least perceived to be affected by others. That's what I discovered (and talk about!) in my 2024 State of Happiness research report. It's time we change that and reclaim our happiness.
148. MiniCast - Finding a Deep-Seated Sense of Purpose and Meaning in Life
In today’s episode, I share a personal story that touched me a few years ago about a memorable trip to Disneyland with my dad. He taught me the importance of having a sense of purpose and how it can significantly enhance the satisfaction of life. I share actionable advice to help you create and maintain a sense of purpose in your daily life that will bring you longer lasting joy and happiness.
00:00 - A Disneyland Trip to Remember
02:38 - The Meaning of Life
04:14 - Finding Purpose in Everyday Moments
06:12 - The Crossing Guard with a Difference
08:37 - The Impact of Small Acts
09:14 - Creating Your Own Sense of Purpose
Looking for more ways to find happiness? Check out the findings in our groundbreaking happiness and resilience research, and follow along as we share the findings at www.speakmichelle.com/research.
147. MiniCast - Why Happiness Matters + Doable Tips Backed By Research
Have you ever encountered someone completely captivated by a newfound hobby? Now, imagine that same devotion, but applied to the pursuit of happiness because that’s where I find myself right now! Eager to share my discoveries with you.
My enthusiasm for happiness runs deep, and now, equipped with compelling evidence from my 2024 State of Happiness Study, I am more driven than ever to spread the joy.
And that’s precisely what I do in today’s episode!
00:00 - Introduction
00:34 - Personal Background
01:23 - Key Statistics
01:42 - Significance of Happiness
04:10 - Actionable Tips
05:44 - Episode Wrap-up
Feeling inspired to add more happiness to your life? Make sure to subscribe to the podcast for more doable tips backed by actual research!
Remember, happiness is contagious; let's spread it far and wide!
146. MiniCast - Exactly What to Say: Mastering Communication with Phil Jones
Join me today as I explore key communication strategies and insights from the book, 'Exactly What to Say' by Phil Jones in today's MiniCast.
I recently attended Phil Jones' "Open Book Mastermind" in New York and was blown away by his insights, particularly his emphasis on focusing on one business at a time to foster growth. Phil's book further impressed me with its practical phrases for effective communication, especially in sales environments. His emphasis on simplicity and clarity in business strategy inspired me to streamline my approach and explore new revenue streams. I've since adopted his techniques in my interactions, witnessing positive shifts in my relationships and business endeavors. In this episode, I encourage you to explore resources to enhance your communication and build meaningful connections in all aspects of life.
Buy the book here!
00:00 Introduction
00:14 Phil Jones - The Mastermind
00:45 Building the Right Business
02:06 Brand Building and Communication
02:27 Key Communication Phrases
06:53 Creating Win-Win Situations
07:23 Encouragement to Check Out the Book
145. MiniCast - Be the HappyIST and Choose Flexibility Over Frustration
In my book "The HappyIST," I share 30 happy habits for living my happiest life, and today I want to discuss tip number 14: Asking myself, "Should I be frustrated or can I be flexible?" I share an experience where needing to embrace flexibility resulted in a preserved relationship. This principle is applicable in various everyday situations. Listen as I share how to manage your expectations, be kind, and ultimately, opt for flexibility to enhance your happiness, relationships, and personal growth. Let's not just look for the bright side but live there.
If you'd like to purchase The HappyIST for yourself, click here!
00:00 Introduction to Happiness Principles
00:15 A Personal Story of Flexibility Over Frustration
01:49 The Moment of Transformation: Choosing Flexibility
03:17 Applying Flexibility in Everyday Life
03:53 The Broader Impact of Choosing Flexibility
06:06 Conclusion: The Path to Living Your Happiest Life
144. MiniCast - Happiness During Challenges
In this mini episode, I explore the topic of maintaining happiness through challenging times. I open up about discovering joy amidst adversity and draw from my personal life experiences. There's one story I don't often share and how it taught me invaluable lessons about facing challenges with a positive spirit. Join me as we explore the power of gratitude and personal evolution in times of difficulty. Get ready to be uplifted and find out how to harness happiness, even when the going gets tough.
Time Stamps
00:00 Discovering Happiness Through Challenges
00:19 The Power of a Gratitude Journal
01:57 A Shift in Perspective: The Impact of Gratitude
03:19 Gratitude as a Lifelong Practice
04:32 Facing Life's Challenges with Gratitude
05:38 Creative Ways to Practice Gratitude
07:44 The Transformative Power of Focusing on the Positive
08:35 Encouragement to Embrace Gratitude
08:57 Conclusion: The Journey of Happiness and High Performance