CEO Global Network Podcast
🎙 Hosted by John Wilson, founder of CEO Global Network and author of GREAT CEOs and How They Are Made, this podcast delivers powerful insights for CEOs and executives looking to grow as leaders and drive lasting success.
Each episode features candid conversations with high-performing business leaders, expert speakers, and industry trailblazers—all focused on sharpening your leadership edge, building resilient companies, and improving your life, your team, and your impact.
Join a community of CEOs helping CEOs succeed.
CEO Global Network Podcast
Dr. Adam Stoehr, Award-Winning Professor & Employee Happiness Researcher - The Truth About Workplace Happiness
Can free snacks and ping pong tables really make employees happy? Not according to Dr. Adam Stoehr, award-winning university professor and employee happiness researcher.
In this episode of the CEO Global Network Podcast, host John Wilson sits down with Adam to unpack the myths around workplace happiness—and what leaders should really be focusing on instead. Adam shares insights from his PhD research, teaching thousands of students, and delivering talks to more than 30,000 people.
From why excellence drives happiness across every level of an organization, to the surprising role of connection in leadership, to three simple daily habits anyone can use to increase happiness—this conversation is filled with practical takeaways for CEOs and leaders at every stage.
00:00 – Welcome
John introduces Dr. Adam Stoehr and asks about myths of workplace happiness.
00:01 – What is one myth about workplace happiness that leaders get wrong?
Adam explains why perks like free snacks and ping pong tables don’t create real happiness—and what leaders should focus on instead: satisfaction, engagement, and morale.
02:26 – Your PhD explored the link between quality strategy and happiness. What was the most surprising connection?
Adam shares how organizations that focus on excellence eliminate differences in happiness across roles, tenure, and sectors.
05:04 – What leadership lesson sticks with your students long after graduation?
Adam emphasizes the power of connection over frameworks and models, and why creating a “want to be there” culture matters.
08:44 – With over 30,000 talks delivered, what’s your most memorable audience moment?
Adam recalls a talk where he accidentally set off a fire—but turned it into a lesson on connection and authenticity.
12:18 – What small daily habits make the biggest difference in happiness for teams?
Adam shares three simple practices: shine a light on strengths, do things that light you up, and be the light.
16:12 – Closing
John thanks Adam for the conversation and insights.
