The Happiness Institute thrives as a dynamic coaching community dedicated to cultivating joy and well-being. Through a series of innovative, uplifting events held year-round, it creates transformative experiences designed to inspire participants to embrace a more fulfilling life. These programs, infused with laughter, smiles, and positivity, aim to uplift individuals and empower them to discover their happiest selves. At its core lies the belief that everyone possesses the potential to radiate positivity. By actively encouraging participants to become happiness coaches, the Institute offers a profound journey of self-discovery, enabling individuals to align with their passions and purpose.
This vision is championed by its founder, the trailblazing Happiness Coach Chandra Kant Arora. Driven by his mission to empower a million people to “Laugh Their Way to the Bank” while pursuing their passions, he continues to innovate. The community offers an array of groundbreaking tools, systems, events, workshops, retreats, and immersive experiences, all meticulously designed to create lasting happiness and enrich lives.
From laughter-filled workshops to transformative retreats, the Happiness Institute equips participants with practical tools to sustain joy in their daily lives. These ripple effects of happiness extend far beyond the events, touching communities and inspiring widespread positivity.
In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World, Chandra Kant Arora, Founder of the Happiness Institute and President (Delhi Chapter) of the Professional Speakers Association India, shares his journey as a happiness coach. He also highlights the implications of stress, reveals how happiness can thrive without expectations, and provides actionable strategies for fostering workplace well-being. Drawing from his extensive experience conducting happiness coaching sessions for diverse audiences, he offers invaluable insights. Here are the key takeaways from his inspiring interview.
Q: Could you explain your role and responsibilities as a happiness coach?
A: I am a happiness coach dedicated to fostering a culture of happiness within organizations. This begins with prioritizing employee welfare as the cornerstone of success. While companies often focus on customer satisfaction, they risk neglecting the very people who drive their operations—their employees. The question arises: if everyone focuses solely on customers, who will care for the employees?
My approach emphasizes taking employees along on the journey of organizational growth. When companies do this effectively, employees develop a deep sense of loyalty, reducing attrition rates. Attrition remains one of the primary challenges for IT companies, especially at the startup level. Startups often open their doors wide, attracting young talent with enthusiasm. However, many fail to build systems that inspire long-term loyalty to the entrepreneur or the business.
This is where I step in. I design happiness systems tailored to ensure employees feel valued, supported, and committed. Ultimately, the success of any organization depends on the people behind it—and those people need a workplace culture that nurtures their well-being and happiness.
Q: How significant is the issue of stress in today’s corporate world, and what are its key implications?
A: Stress is the ultimate silent killer, surpassing even heart disease, diabetes, and other major health threats. Extensive research conducted in the US and India reveals a startling reality: stress has now claimed the top spot as the leading cause of death. It isn’t just a standalone issue—it serves as the root cause, the mother of all diseases. This pervasive and insidious force quietly undermines physical and mental health, leaving a devastating impact in its wake.
Q: In your view, what defines true happiness in today’s world, and who do you think achieves it?
A: A person free from expectations finds true happiness. Without the burden of anticipation or demands, they experience contentment in its purest form. Expectations often lead to disappointment, but when one remains unattached to outcomes, happiness becomes inevitable.
Q: Is it possible for a person to experience true happiness without harboring any expectations?
A: Yes, there is one person standing before you. If you approach this moment with no expectations, you will find yourself receiving far more than you anticipated—motivation, joy, and contentment. Another key principle is gratitude. We must always be grateful. Mother Earth has gifted us with vital resources: air, soil, water, fire, and space. These five elements are what we are made of, and eventually, we will return to them.
If we can create a practice to harmonize with these elements, we align ourselves with the natural flow of life. I’ve designed a routine to help us reconnect with them. When we wake early, we should first ground ourselves in the five elements. You can find a step-by-step guide on my website and channels on how to establish this connection.
Let me offer an example—because this process has many steps. If you’re eager to start, here’s one powerful practice: as soon as you wake up, before even leaving your bed, write down ten things you are grateful for. They could be simple—your bed, your sheets, the air you breathe, the sun, your family, your work, or the people who support your efforts. Gratitude anchors your mindset for the day ahead.
Next, after you rise, cleanse yourself. Once refreshed, head outdoors for yoga. Practicing yoga in an open space fills you with oxygen from the fresh air, warmth from the sun, and the grounding energy of the earth beneath you. The greenery, the flowers—this connection with nature brings immense happiness.
Finally, as you practice pranayama, you breathe deeply, absorbing life-giving air, nourishing your body and soul.
This routine, step by step, aligns you with the world around you and sets a powerful foundation for your day.
Q: What suggestions or strategies would you recommend for the corporate world to foster happiness and reduce stress among employees?
A: There are two perspectives to consider here: one from the learning and development manager’s point of view, and the other from the employee’s.
From the employee’s perspective, it’s important to set expectations appropriately. Don’t expect too much from the organization. They offer a supportive environment where you can excel in your areas of expertise. They provide you with opportunities for career growth, training, and skill development. These factors are often overlooked because many focus solely on salary. But salary should be seen as a bonus, not the primary focus. By increasing your skills, you naturally enhance your market value. Rest assured, if your current employer doesn’t recognize your worth, another will.
Allama Iqbal’s words, “Khudi ko kar buland itna ke har taqder se pehle; Khuda bande se ye poche bata teri raza kya hai,” meaning “Elevate yourself so high that before issuing every decree of destiny, even God will ask: What is your intent?” highlight that those who deserve the most will have fate on their side.
From the employer’s perspective, the key is to manage expectations realistically. Don’t expect too much from your employees. Provide them with a positive environment, but avoid setting unrealistic deadlines. Overburdened employees will eventually leave. Your goal should be to retain the talent you’ve recruited. Once you’ve carefully filtered and selected candidates based on clear criteria, trust that they are meeting the expectations. There’s no need for constant judgment.
Q: Could you share how many sessions you have conducted so far?
A: Our organization has implemented coaching at various levels. I have personally conducted sessions for CEOs and CXOs, working with individuals on a one-on-one basis as well as leading classes for up to 1,000 participants. Additionally, I’ve provided training for 5,000 professionals in the middle tier and coached 10,000 executives.
