Happiness is a choice.

It’s a bold statement, but it’s one I wholeheartedly support. Whether you agree with this statement, or whether the idea sits a little uncomfortably with you, I think you are going to get a lot out of this uplifting conversation. My guest is Mo Gawdat and he has been at both ends of the spectrum on which we might consider happiness lies. And he’s unlocked the key to true contentment, no matter what obstacles you may come across in life.

You might know Mo as the former Chief Business Officer of Google X – a role with status and riches that many might aspire to. You may also know him as the respected ‘happiness expert’, speaker and bestselling author of self-help books like Solve For Happy and his latest book, That Little Voice In Your Head.

We begin our conversation by talking about the concept of success and fulfilment and why his money only gave him joy when he gave it away. We also chat about how the sudden and tragic death of his son at the age of 21 set him on a path to make a billion people happier.

This is a wide-ranging, personal and heartfelt conversation. Listening to Mo’s account is incredibly emotional, yet he’s so full of love, truth and gratitude. I’m so grateful to him for sharing so honestly and authentically but I get the idea that Mo knows no other way. This man embodies the idea that happiness is a set of skills and beliefs that we can all practice. And you can choose to practice them, no matter what life puts in your way. When you listen to him speak, it’s hard not to agree.

Watch the video version of this interview – click below.