"What exactly do you do?" and other FAQs

A typical conversation with someone new often goes like this:

"What do you do?"

To which, I reply, "I am a Happiness Scientist!" ??

The response is almost always pleasant surprise or curiosity. "What does that mean? Happiness and Science don't seem to go together.."

So here's a short FAQ to share with you a little bit more...

What do you do?

• Technically, I use the science of Positive Psychology to inform practices and strategy related to well-being and happiness - using different modes (i.e. training, speaking, coaching)
• In layman terms, people come to me feeling low (??????)and leave with clarity on how to be happier and live more fully (??????).

What gives you the credibility?

• I did my Masters of Applied Positive Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, and I'm the first Singaporean to do so! My teacher was the founder of the field of positive psychology, Dr Martin Seligman
• I am a trained coach and counsellor, and am trained in Mental Health First Aid, Basic counselling skills, Grief counselling
• I am a 2x TEDx speaker and I've trained more than 30,000 people in Asia-Pacific

?? Please check out all my testimonials on my website!

What makes you different from others?

• As a former teacher, I bring expertise in designing programs that keep people engaged and be able to apply what they have learnt.
• The activities in my workshop are meticulously created to be experiential i.e. it makes the content topics come alive, and participants can feel connected and willing to take action
• I draw on many of my own experiences testing out the strategies and understanding what works (and what doesn't). I don't just study it and tell people it works, I share how I did it, how it's impacted me and then how they can do it too.
• People often tell me that the stories I tell connect very personally with them and that I am very real. They resonate with the messages and feel seen, heard and valued. That's because I speak from the heart and consider what the audience needs to feel, hear or experience.
• I can break down heavy jargon that is accessible, and digestible. I do the heavy lifting (and reading) so you get the best parts of that journal article, research or book.

Why do you do it?

• As a teenager, I was bullied and found myself struggling to manage my emotions. Life, to me, was very bleak and mostly, I felt helpless. A teacher came along to remind me that there were strengths in me, and that I could believe in myself. I hope to be able to shine the light for others in the same way.
• My parents are stuck in a very toxic relationship, and that has affected me in a big way. I was often their mediator through their fights. I realise that in order to make sure this doesn't pass down to the next generation, I must equip myself with the tools to be more positive, more aware and more forgiving. Many of the participants in my workshops also experience this, and want to let them know (a) they are not alone (b) there are ways to support yourself (c) they can learn how to lead a happier life. After all, we only have one life!

Who do you work with?

I work with 2 main audiences:

1. Schools. As a former teacher, I see great value in sharing the tools and strategies so that we can help increase the well-being of the next generation. They face challenges that are different from our generation and might not always have the necessary tools to navigate. Teachers spend so much time with students, and by equipping the teachers and working with the school leaders, we can hopefully create a nourishing place to learn and grow.
2. Corporates. Most of my clients are very people-focused, and believe in investing in the well-being of their staff, beyond yoga days and once-off talk. I know that the challenges facing employees and leaders are great, especially post-pandemic. By introducing the tools, strategies and language, both employees and leaders can really find work more fulfilling.

How do you work with them?

1. Schools. I provide both expertise training as well as consultation on how to implement well-being tools and strategies into their programs and school culture. Some positive outcomes include reduced disciplinary cases, reduced anxiety and increased school attendance.
2. Corporates. I provide expertise training, uplifting keynotes as well as consultation on how to develop a well-being strategy that will build a positive workplace culture. Some outcomes include: increased engagement, retention and for leaders, greater confidence, better connection with team members and better emotional management.

What specific areas or content topics do you train on?

In the past 2 years, here are the main topics my clients are looking for:

1. Schools: Growth Mindset, Cultivating Resilience, Positive Teacher-Student Relationship, Positive Classroom Culture, Mindfulness, Nourish to Flourish (for teachers well-being), Positive Discipline (discipline that is kind and firm)
2. Corporates. For corporates, there are 2 groups:

• Leaders/Managers: Connecting with staff, Empathy and communication, Emotional Agility, Leading in Times of Change, Mental Well-being, Psychological Safety
• Staff: Handling difficult conversations, Stress Management and relief, Preventing Burnout, Optimism in Difficult/Challenging Times, Purpose at Work

How can I engage you for a training session, speech or consultation?

?? You can book a call with me using this link, and take a look on my website as well. Of course, you can DM me on LinkedIn too!

?? You can also check out my past videos here!

?? Want to empower yourself? Check out this Preventing Burnout course. Use the code SHAEN20 to get yourself a lovely discount!

Any last words?

We only have this one life to live. Having experienced the loss of my student to suicide, going through burnout, seeing my loved one experience workplace bullying, years of parental fighting, I recognise that life is not easy.

However, I also see that it is possible to equip ourselves with the tools for a positive life. We can create it for ourselves, and not have to wait for anyone's permission, agreement or validation.

Sharing with you one of my favourite quotes!

I look forward to connecting with you, and working with you. ??