Why am I passionate about this?

I'm Matt Phelan, and I've always been fascinated by how people think and feel, especially in the workplace. That's why I co-founded The Happiness Index, where we use data to help organizations understand and improve their workplace culture. I love exploring the connection between happiness and performance, and I'm eager to share the insights I've gained along the way. 


I wrote...

The Happiness Index: Why Today's Employee Emotions Equal Tomorrow's Business Success

By Matt Phelan,

Book cover of The Happiness Index: Why Today's Employee Emotions Equal Tomorrow's Business Success

What is my book about?

My book explores the critical link between employee happiness and organizational success in the age of AI. It delves into…

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of Happiness by Design: Finding Pleasure and Purpose in Everyday Life

Matt Phelan Why did I love this book?

This book offers practical strategies and tools to boost creativity and foster a more fulfilling work experience by encouraging innovative thinking and problem-solving.

It promotes a human-centered approach, emphasizing empathy and understanding in the workplace. By applying design thinking principles, you can create a more enjoyable and productive environment for yourself and your colleagues.

By Paul Dolan,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Happiness by Design as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

How can we make it easier to be happy? Using the latest cutting-edge research, Professor Paul Dolan reveals that wellbeing isn't about how we think - it's about what we do. By making deliberate choices that bring us both pleasure and meaning, we can redesign our lives for maximum happiness - without thinking too hard about it.

'Outstanding, cutting-edge, and profound. If you're going to read one book on happiness, this is the one' Nassim Nicholas Taleb

'Bold and original ... what I wish for my grandchildren: a life that is rich in activities both pleasurable…


Book cover of Leading Beyond the Numbers: How accounting for emotions tips the balance at work

Matt Phelan Why did I love this book?

This book challenges traditional leadership models that solely focus on metrics, advocating for a more holistic approach. It explores the importance of emotional intelligence, ethical decision-making, and meaningful connections to cultivate a thriving workplace culture.

By prioritizing employee well-being and fostering a sense of purpose, leaders can inspire greater engagement and job satisfaction.

By Susan Ni Chriodain,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Leading Beyond the Numbers as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Emotions at work: irrational, or invaluable?

For centuries we have divided mind and body, valuing reason over emotion. But new research is fundamentally changing our understanding about how our brains and bodies work. What might be possible when we leverage both our reason AND emotion?

Explore the vital link between emotions and organizational performance. Knowing more about our body and brain and how we are interconnected and interrelated can positively impact people, performance and profit.

Leadership coach and experienced finance director Susan Ni Chriodain sits at the nexus of business and emotion and reveals how to reintroduce humanity into the…


Book cover of The Happiness Advantage: How a Positive Brain Fuels Success in Work and Life

Matt Phelan Why did I love this book?

This book highlights the science behind positive psychology and its impact on workplace success. It demonstrates how happiness fuels productivity, creativity, and resilience, leading to improved performance and better outcomes.

By cultivating positive emotions and fostering strong relationships, you can create a more supportive and enjoyable work environment for everyone.

By Shawn Achor,

Why should I read it?

7 authors picked The Happiness Advantage as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Most people want to be successful in life. And of course, everyone wants to be happy. When it comes to the pursuit of success and happiness, most people assume the same formula: if you work hard, you will become successful, and once you become successful, then you'll be happy. The only problem is that a decade of cutting-edge research in the field of positive psychology has proven that this formula is backwards. Success does not beget happiness.

Based on the largest study ever conducted on happiness and human potential (a survey conducted by the author of more than 1,600 students),…


Book cover of Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience

Matt Phelan Why did I love this book?

This book delves into the complexities of human emotions, providing a nuanced vocabulary to understand and navigate our inner experiences. It explores the power of vulnerability, empathy, and authentic connection in building trust and fostering a sense of belonging.

By developing greater emotional literacy, you can improve communication, strengthen relationships, and create a more compassionate workplace.

By Brene Brown,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Atlas of the Heart as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • In her latest book, Brené Brown writes, “If we want to find the way back to ourselves and one another, we need language and the grounded confidence to both tell our stories and be stewards of the stories that we hear. This is the framework for meaningful connection.”

Don’t miss the five-part HBO Max docuseries Brené Brown: Atlas of the Heart!

In Atlas of the Heart, Brown takes us on a journey through eighty-seven of the emotions and experiences that define what it means to be human. As she maps the necessary skills and…


Book cover of Two Mirrors And A Cheetah: Think Differently, Own Your Career & Succeed By Being Yourself

Matt Phelan Why did I love this book?

This book uses insightful fables and metaphors to explore the dynamics of human behavior within organizations. It offers valuable lessons on leadership, teamwork, and personal growth, encouraging self-reflection and a deeper understanding of workplace interactions.

By recognizing and addressing common challenges, you can contribute to a more harmonious and fulfilling work environment.

By Fiona McDonnell,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Two Mirrors And A Cheetah as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Different to so many personal growth books, and packed with inspiration, this book will change how you think about your career, and set you up to have it your way. Coach yourself or coach your team, with easy to relate to ideas, advice and stories.

Are you a passenger in your career, wanting more but fearful of change or failure? Do you wish you could just be yourself at work?

Two Mirrors and a Cheetah will help you to challenge the assumptions and choices that hold you back, and inspire you to find real career fulfilment, just by being yourself.…


Explore my book 😀

The Happiness Index: Why Today's Employee Emotions Equal Tomorrow's Business Success

By Matt Phelan,

Book cover of The Happiness Index: Why Today's Employee Emotions Equal Tomorrow's Business Success

What is my book about?

My book explores the critical link between employee happiness and organizational success in the age of AI. It delves into the science of emotions, offering data-driven insights and practical strategies for cultivating a happier, more engaged, and ultimately more productive workforce.

Drawing on extensive research and real-world examples, the book examines the impact of emotions on employee performance, collaboration, and innovation. It provides a roadmap for leaders to create a workplace where happiness thrives, leading to improved business outcomes and a more fulfilling work experience for all. 

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Secret St. Augustine: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure

By Elizabeth Randall, William Randall,

Book cover of Secret St. Augustine: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure

Elizabeth Randall Author Of Secret St. Augustine: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Reader Baker Teacher Matriarch Adventurer

Elizabeth's 3 favorite reads in 2024

What is my book about?

Tourists and local residents of St. Augustine will enjoy reading about the secret wonders of their ancient city that are right under their noses. Of course, that includes a few stray corpses and ghosts!

Secret St. Augustine: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure

By Elizabeth Randall, William Randall,

What is this book about?

It is no wonder the ancient city of St. Augustine is steeped in secrets.

St. Johns, the oldest continuously occupied county in America, celebrated its 450th birthday on September 4, 2015. More like a European enclave than an urban landscape, it is a place of cannon fire, street parties, historical reenactments, concerts, and more. From admiring replicas of fine art at Ripley’s Believe or Not, to hunting haunts in restaurants and museums, to eating ice cream from a recipe originated by World War II bombardiers, St. Augustine has it all from beaches, gourmet dining, festivals, and attractions.


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Interested in emotional intelligence, life satisfaction, and work?

Life Satisfaction 224 books
Work 30 books