Former Partner Ashish Kothari (Chicago, Denver 05-22) is the founder and CEO of Happiness Squad, which aims to help both organizations and individuals flourish through enabling healthy habits that build happiness.
We sat down with him to ask him about exactly what he does, what happiness means to him, and what role technology can play in helping us be our happiest selves.
Tell us a bit about your organization.
Happiness Squad is on a mission to spark a happiness revolution, aiming to touch a billion lives over the next 20 years. We help individuals, teams and organizations unlock their full potential by integrating science-backed practices that foster joy, health, love, and meaning. Over the last year, we have supported teams at 10+ clients, including several Fortune 500 companies as well as universities and cities, in becoming more resilient, adaptable, happier and more connected.
How do you personally define happiness?
Happiness, to me, is about living in alignment with one’s purpose and values, building rich relationships that nourish us, investing in personal wellbeing and being equanimous and present in the here and now. It’s not about chasing fleeting pleasures or external achievements—it’s about cultivating a state of being where joy, meaning, and connection naturally arise. Ultimately, happiness is a choice—a practice we cultivate moment by moment.
The theme of this year's International Day of Happiness is "caring and sharing." Tell us a bit about what that means to you.
"Caring and sharing" beautifully embodies International Day of Happiness, reminding us that happiness thrives in connection. Caring means valuing others with empathy, while sharing is giving our time, attention, and presence. Science confirms that generosity fuels joy. To celebrate this year, we’re offering free access to the Happiness Squad community for shared learning and growth to anyone who wants to learn how to and practice making happiness their competitive edge.
What are some simple, everyday practices that individuals can adopt to cultivate happiness? How do you personally incorporate these practices into your daily life?
Happiness is built through simple, intentional habits. For example, our REWIRE program includes over 30 micro-practices to help individuals and teams thrive. Start with gratitude—each morning, reflect on three things you’re thankful for. Practice mindfulness by pausing to breathe deeply or savoring small moments, like your morning coffee. Prioritize connection by reaching out to loved ones or offering kindness to a colleague. Move your body daily, even if it’s just a short walk. Lastly, align your actions with your values—do something meaningful, no matter how small.
Personally, I integrate these by journaling gratitude, meditating for 5 minutes, walking in nature, and ensuring quality time with my family. These micro-practices anchor my day in joy and purpose.
Do you see technology playing a role in promoting happiness?
Absolutely, technology can be a powerful tool for promoting happiness when used intentionally. Apps leveraging AI, digital platforms, and online communities can make science-backed practices—like mindfulness, gratitude, and connection—accessible to millions and easy to integrate in our lives. However, it’s crucial to balance tech use with offline presence. Technology should enhance, not replace, real-world connection and self-reflection. When used mindfully, it can bridge gaps, foster learning, and create opportunities for growth, making happiness more attainable for individuals and organizations alike.
How do you measure the impact of your organization's efforts to promote happiness? What metrics or indicators do you find most meaningful, and what have been some of the most significant outcomes you've observed?
We measure impact through qualitative and quantitative metrics, including stress, engagement, productivity, and team connectivity. At PepsiCo, 80% of participants saw improved outcome in stress management, satisfaction, creativity, productivity and feeling more connected as a team. The real success is seeing teams flourish—becoming resilient and purpose-driven—while businesses benefit from lower attrition, reduced absenteeism, and increased productivity.
