César Carvalho, Founder and CEO of Wellhub, joins the Executive Council

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We believe the future of work will be shaped by leaders who understand that wellbeing is not a benefit to be offered, but a foundation that must be built into how organisations function, grow and sustain performance.

Today, we welcome a voice that brings this belief into practice, at scale and with clarity. César Carvalho, Founder and CEO of Wellhub , joins Happiness Camp 2026 as part of our Executive Council.

César has spent his career removing the barriers that make wellbeing feel optional at work. His work is grounded in a simple but powerful truth: when people break, businesses break. And when people are supported as whole humans, organisations become stronger, healthier and more resilient.

At the heart of his perspective is a clear conviction. Wellbeing isn’t a perk. It’s what allows people to function, grow and live well. And it should never depend on individual resilience alone.

As César shared with us:

“I believe that all companies should be wellbeing companies.”

This belief is not theoretical. It is built into the systems, platforms and choices he has developed to make wellbeing accessible, integrated and part of everyday work life for millions of people.

Who is César?

César is the Founder and CEO of Wellhub, a global workplace wellbeing platform connecting people with accessible tools for physical, mental and emotional health. His work focuses on helping organisations move from intention to action, embedding wellbeing into how work is designed and experienced.

His leadership is shaped by a deep understanding of human sustainability and by personal experience. Becoming a parent reinforced what he already knew to be true: rigid structures serve no one. Work needs to reflect real life, not compete with it.

In his conversation with us, César shared reflections that are both direct and deeply human:

•⁠ ⁠The part of work culture he would cancel forever: glorifying burnout as a badge of honour for leadership
•⁠ ⁠The moments he feels most human in his work: when work mirrors real life and allows people to show up as they are
•⁠ ⁠The wellbeing practices that keep him grounded: rest, movement and reset moments

These reflections point to a necessary shift. Sustainable success does not come from pushing harder. It comes from designing work that supports people before they reach their limits.

What to expect at HC 2026?

César joins a growing group of global leaders who are challenging outdated models of performance and redefining what success looks like in modern organisations.

His presence strengthens our collective commitment to human sustainability, reminding us that wellbeing is not an individual responsibility. It is a systemic one.

More voices will be joining the Executive Council in the coming months. Each one bringing a perspective that pushes the conversation forward.

For now, one thing is clear.

Happiness Camp 2026 just became more grounded, more honest and more focused on what truly sustains work and life.

Welcome, César.
The Reset is in motion.
And you are an essential part of it.

Staying Human Is a Leadership Skill by Claude Silver

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In fast-moving creative and tech environments, speed is often celebrated as strength. Endurance is praised. Pushing through becomes a quiet badge of honor.

But here’s what I’ve learned the hard way: staying human isn’t what slows leaders down – It’s what helps leaders sustain themselves – and their teams.

When work moves fast, emotions don’t disappear. They go underground. And when emotions go unnamed, they don’t go away – they leak. Into tone. Into tension. Into how safe people feel showing up as themselves.

Most leaders I know care deeply. They want people to feel well, valued, and energized. And yet they’re carrying pressure, expectations, and the weight of constant change. That tension – between care and performance – often stays unspoken.

That’s not a failure of values. It’s a lack of skill.

We talk a lot about emotional intelligence. Awareness matters. But awareness alone doesn’t help in moments of stress. What leaders need is emotional fluency – the ability to name what’s happening, regulate themselves, and respond with clarity instead of armor.

What we can name, we can navigate.
What we can’t name tends to run the room.

Staying human at work doesn’t mean oversharing or lowering the bar. It means creating conditions where people can do hard things without losing themselves. It means leaders naming the moment before trying to fix it. Holding hope and honesty at the same time. Treating leadership not as distance or power, but as service and connection.

People don’t burn out because work is challenging. They burn out when it’s challenging and lonely. When they don’t feel seen. When they believe being human is a risk.

Cultures that stay human don’t move slower.
They move with more trust and more resilience.
More room for joy and flourishing—even under pressure.

The goal isn’t to survive work.
It’s to thrive while doing meaningful things with other humans.

Staying human isn’t a personality trait.
It’s a leadership skill.
And it’s one we can all practice.

Madalena Carey, CEO at Happiness Business School, joins the Executive Council

We believe the future of work depends on leaders who understand that learning is not about answers, but about awareness, courage and conscious growth.

Today, we welcome a voice that embodies that belief with clarity and intention. Madalena Carey, CEO at Happiness Business School, joins Happiness Camp 2026 as part of our Executive Council and invited specialists.

Madalena has been shaping a vision that aligns deeply with the movement we are building. One where education is not treated as a transfer of knowledge or a checklist of skills, but as a living process that transforms people, cultures and the way organisations evolve.

At the heart of her work is a simple but powerful idea. Learning should help people reconnect with themselves, question certainty and build cultures that are human at their core.

As she shared with us:

“I co-create people-centred cultures by helping organizations embrace agility, purpose, and real human connection.”

This perspective is not theoretical. It is lived, practiced and deeply embodied in the way Madalena teaches, leads and builds learning spaces.

Who is Madalena?
Madalena leads Happiness Business School, an academy dedicated to human development, leadership and conscious learning. Her work sits at the intersection of education, culture and human sustainability, supporting people and organisations in moments of growth, change and uncertainty.

Her approach is grounded in presence, curiosity and courage. And in challenging one of the most limiting patterns of modern work culture: the illusion that certainty equals safety.

In her conversation with us, Madalena shared reflections that feel both bold and deeply human:
• The part of work culture she would leave behind forever: certainty disguised as security
• The mindset that guides her in moments of doubt: choosing movement over waiting
• The moments she feels most human in her work: learning environments where people feel safe to question, explore and grow

These moments may sound simple. But they point to something essential. Growth does not come from control. It comes from awareness, courage and conscious choice.

What to expect at HC 2026?
Madalena joins a global group of leaders who are redefining how organisations think about learning, leadership and human sustainability. Together, they are shaping conversations about the future of work that are honest, challenging and deeply human.

More global voices will join the Executive Council soon, and we will be sharing them in the coming months.

For now, one thing is clear.

Happiness Camp 2026 just became more curious, more courageous and more intentional.

A reminder that growth rarely lives in certainty.
And one the future of work can no longer afford to ignore.

Welcome, Madalena.
The Reset is in motion.
And you are an essential part of it.

Felicia Cheng, Director of Global Wellbeing and Mental Health at Salesforce, joins the Executive Council

We believe the future of work depends on leaders who are willing to bring humanity back to the centre of everything they build.

Today, we welcome a voice that embodies that belief with clarity and warmth. Felicia Cheng, Director of Global Wellbeing and Mental Health at Salesforce, joins Happiness Camp 2026 as part of our Executive Council and invited specialists.

Felicia has been shaping a vision that resonates deeply with the movement we are building. One where wellbeing is not treated as an initiative, a benefit, or a reaction to burnout, but as a conscious choice that shapes culture, leadership, and everyday work.

At the heart of her work is a simple but powerful idea. People deserve to reclaim their ability to choose happiness. And technology and innovation should exist to fulfil the human experience, not diminish it.

As she shared in her Executive Council interview:

“I am dedicated to helping people reclaim their ability to choose happiness, fostering a warmer future where technology and innovation serve to fulfil, not diminish, the human experience.”

This perspective is not theoretical. It is lived, practiced, and deeply human.

Who is Felicia?

Felicia leads Global Wellbeing and Mental Health at Salesforce, one of the world’s most influential technology companies. Her work sits at the intersection of leadership, culture, and human sustainability, shaping how organisations care for people at scale.

Her approach is grounded in presence, connection, and joy. And in challenging one of the most damaging patterns of modern work culture.

In her conversation with us, Felicia shared reflections that feel both honest and necessary:

• ⁠The part of work culture she would cancel forever: the all hustle, no rest or recovery mindset
•⁠ ⁠The wellbeing ritual that keeps her grounded: her very spiritual hot vinyasa yoga session every Sunday at 10am
•⁠ ⁠The moments she feels most human at work: laughing with anyone about anything in a meeting

These moments may sound simple. But they point to something essential. Humanity is built in small, everyday interactions, not grand strategies alone.

What to expect at HC 2026?

Felicia joins a global group of leaders who are redefining how organisations think about wellbeing, leadership, and human sustainability. Together, they are shaping conversations around the future of work that are courageous, honest, and deeply human.

More world leading voices will join the Executive Council soon, and we will be sharing them in the coming months.

For now, one thing is clear.

Happiness Camp 2026 just became warmer, more intentional, and more human.

A signature message

In her own handwriting, Felicia left us a message that captures her philosophy perfectly:

A reminder that joy is not an outcome. It is a practice.
And one the future of work can no longer afford to ignore.

Welcome, Felicia.
The Reset is in motion.
And you are an essential part of it.

Riddhima Kowley, Global Head of Wellbeing at Nokia joins the Executive Council

We believe the future of work depends on the courage of those who are willing to reshape it.
Today, we welcome one of the most transformative voices in global workplace well-being: Riddhima Kowley, Global Head of Wellbeing at Nokia, joining Happiness Camp 2026 as part of our executive council and invited specialists.

Riddhima has been pioneering a vision that is gaining momentum across organizations worldwide:
well-being is not a perk, it’s a performance strategy.
A driver of results, innovation, and culture. A structural shift that asks leaders for more humanity, more presence, and more courage.

As she shared in her Executive Council interview:

“I’m on a mission to reframe well-being as the fuel to business performance. I shine brightest in courageous, heart-centred conversation spaces.”

It’s this clear and urgent vision that we’re bringing to the Happiness Camp 2026.

Who is Riddhima?

Riddhima holds one of the most relevant global roles in corporate well-being and has been reshaping Nokia by integrating well-being into the company’s strategic decision-making, influencing culture, leadership, and human impact.

Riddhima holds one of the most relevant global roles in corporate well-being and has been reshaping Nokia by integrating well-being into the company’s strategic decision-making, influencing culture, leadership, and human impact.

Her work is anchored in intentionality.
The focus is simple, yet demanding:
how do we build organizations where people thrive, not just produce?

In her conversation with us, she shared deeply human insights:
• The importance of intentional pauses throughout the day, “Pause, breathe and sigh”
• The power of human connection through small rituals, like sharing a hug or a meal with colleagues
• And the need to rethink reward systems based solely on individual achievements

A perspective that is honest. Clear. And necessary.

What to expect at HC 2026?

Riddhima joins a global group of leaders redefining the “S” in ESG, the future of leadership, and the role of well-being in organizational performance.
We will soon share more about other world leading professionals that will join Riddhima in the executive council.

For now, we simply want to celebrate:
Happiness Camp 2026 just became even more human, more courageous, and more transformative.

A signature message

In her own handwriting, she left us a sentence that captures her vision and marks a turning point for all of us:

“Well-being is a performance multiplier. Not a perk.”

And that’s exactly it.
The future of work won’t be built through perks, but through consciousness, strategy, and humanity.

Welcome, Riddhima.
The Reset is in motion.
And you are an essential part of it.

Happiness Camp announces the creation of its Executive Council

Happiness Camp announces the creation of its Executive Council

Happiness Camp is stepping into a new era. The movement is growing. It is becoming louder, more intentional, and more globally connected than ever.

Today, we are proud to announce the creation of the Happiness Camp Executive Council. This new group brings together global leaders and industry shapers who will support the long term vision of Happiness Camp and help strengthen its international impact.

These are not people who follow trends.

These are people who shape the future.

A global leadership body

The Executive Council brings together senior leaders from different regions of the world. The group includes executives from major organisations, researchers, academics, wellbeing specialists, and innovators who work to transform how companies lead, communicate, and care for their people.

The purpose of this Council is simple: Elevate the movement. Expand our impact. Strengthen the global conversation on Human Sustainability.

This is where bold ideas and global expertise come together.

Led by Jen Fisher

The Executive Council will be guided by Jen Fisher, our Director of Impact and Community.

Jen Fisher is widely recognised as one of the leading voices in workplace wellbeing. She is the author of Hope Is the Strategy, a strategic advisor, and the former Chief Wellbeing Officer at Deloitte in the United States. She is also the CEO of The Wellbeing Team and the host of the WorkWell podcast.

In her new role, she will:

• Lead the global impact strategy of Happiness Camp

• Strengthen the international community

• Develop international partnerships

• Oversee the Ambassador Programme and the Happiness Camp Awards

    “Workplace wellbeing is no longer a nice to have. It is a key driver of organisational success and human prosperity,” says Jen Fisher.

    “Happiness Camp has become a meeting point for the most innovative minds in this space. I am committed to helping expand its reach through strategic partnerships and meaningful community engagement.”

    A new chapter for Happiness Camp

    Happiness Camp returns on 24 September 2026 with the theme The Reset. The event will bring together 20,000 participants from Europe, the United States, United Kingdom, Brazil, and many other regions.

    Leaders, HR professionals, researchers, creators, and culture specialists will gather in Porto to explore new ideas, share case studies, and discuss people centred approaches to the future of work.

    “Jen’s appointment marks an important moment for Happiness Camp,” says António Pedro Pinto, CEO and Co Founder.

    “Her strategic vision and global network will help elevate the scale and influence of the event.”

    More news coming soon

    The members of the Executive Council will be revealed soon.

    And we can say with confidence that you will want to see who is joining.

    This is a significant moment for Happiness Camp.

    And it is only the beginning.

    Jen Fisher appointed Director of Impact & Community at Happiness Camp 2026

    Global expert in workplace wellbeing to lead the international impact strategy and ambassador programme of Europe’s largest Human Sustainability conference

    Happiness Camp, Europe’s leading conference dedicated to human sustainability and the future of work, officially announces its return in 2026 and introduces its new Director of Impact & Community: Jen Fisher.

    Internationally recognised as one of the foremost experts in workplace wellbeing, Jen Fisher is a strategic advisor and author of Hope Is the Strategy. In her new role, she will lead Happiness Camp’s global impact strategy, strengthen the event’s international community, and oversee the creation of transformative initiatives such as the Ambassador Programme and the Happiness Camp Awards — distinctions that will celebrate organisations redefining how they care for their people’s wellbeing.

    “I’m truly excited to be joining Happiness Camp in this role,” says Jen Fisher. “Workplace wellbeing is no longer a nice-to-have; it’s a critical driver of organisational success and human prosperity. Happiness Camp is now the meeting point for the most innovative minds and visionary companies in this space, and I’m committed to amplifying its impact through strategic partnerships and meaningful community engagement.”

    The 2026 edition marks a new chapter in the event’s history. Under the theme “The Reset”, Happiness Camp will bring together between 15,000 and 20,000 professionals from Europe, the United States, Brazil, and beyond on 24 September 2026, in Porto.

    For one day, business leaders, HR professionals, culture experts, academics, entrepreneurs, and creators will come together to share ideas, present case studies, and explore new people-centred approaches to the future of work.

    “Jen’s appointment represents a defining step in the evolution of Happiness Camp,” says António Pedro Pinto, CEO & Co-Founder of Happiness Camp. “Her expertise and strategic vision, combined with a global network of thought leaders, will elevate both the scale and impact of the event — positioning Portugal as one of the world’s leading stages for the discussion of the future of work and human sustainability.”

    Before taking on this role, Jen Fisher served as Deloitte’s first Chief Wellbeing Officer in the United States. She is currently the CEO of The Wellbeing Team, host of the acclaimed WorkWell Podcast, and works with organisations around the world to design wellbeing strategies that unite business performance with human flourishing.

    Unlocking Workplace Happiness: The Power of Real-time Measurement

    My experience at Heartcount has given me a deep appreciation for the profound significance of workplace happiness. Heartcount’s impact extended beyond our organization, catching the attention of Lionesa Hub and securing us an invitation to last year’s amazing Happiness camp. Imagine this: I stood at the forefront in Porto, engaging with like-minded individuals and exchanging insights on measuring workplace joy. It was a blast! But here’s the pivotal question: Can we truly measure it?

    Believe it or not, we can!

    Workplace happiness encompasses a spectrum of facets, including job satisfaction, work-life balance, employee engagement, a sense of purpose, relationships with management and colleagues, and more. However, the subjective nature of happiness presents a challenge. What brings joy to one employee might cause stress to another. Furthermore, employees may only sometimes express their genuine feelings due to concerns about consequences or a desire to present themselves positively. Thus, we must exercise caution when interpreting their feedback.

    The key to obtaining authentic responses lies in collecting real-time data. This approach enables HR teams and company leadership to gain a comprehensive overview of individual and collective sentiment on a monthly or quarterly basis. Why does an organization’s focus on employee contentment matter? It ensures a lower turnover rate, higher retention, reduced burnout, and overall happier individuals!

    A precise method of measurement involves gathering employee feedback through an automated tool. Its algorithm provides instant updates across several crucial areas, predicting and reflecting emotional exhaustion, motivation, engagement, and happiness. Moreover, it highlights individuals warranting attention, identifies areas of challenge, and pinpoints strengths and weaknesses within the organization. Real-time reports empower HR teams and management to optimize their efforts efficiently, resulting in timely decisions and elevated company success.
    If you’re interested in delving into success stories from companies centered around their people, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I would love to share these stories with you.

    / by Milica Jovic, Heartcount

    Happiness Camp Awards: Where Innovation Meets Joy

    In the vibrant backdrop of Europe’s largest corporate happiness conference, the Happiness Camp Awards unfolded, a ceremony that celebrated remarkable enterprises and personalities who have championed the cause of corporate happiness. Let us delve deeper into this grand celebration of joy and innovation.

    The Ceremony

    Under the vibrant leadership of Madalena Carey, Director at Happiness Business School, the ceremony was a grand affair, a testament to the spirit of joy and innovation in the corporate world. The jury panel, a blend of expertise and experience, played a pivotal role in steering the event to success. The panel comprised:

    • Ricardo Costa, CEO at Grupo Bernardo da Costa, bringing a rich corporate perspective to the panel.

    • Inês Vaz Pereira, Senior Partner People Advisory Services at EY, lending her expertise in people advisory.

    • Dora Martins, Head of the Masters in HR & Development at ISCAP, offering a deep understanding of HR dynamics.

    The Awards: A Closer Look at the Criteria

    The awards were grounded on key criteria, focusing on holistic commitments to fostering happy work environments, inclusivity, and sustainable practices. The jury sought projects demonstrating tangible improvements in employee engagement, productivity, and overall satisfaction.

    The Finalists: A Beacon of Joy and Innovation

    Let’s shine a spotlight on the finalists who have showcased remarkable efforts in their respective fields:

    Happiness Ambassadors

    • Frans Klassen, CC Manager Operational Excellence at SHELL INTERNATIONAL, initiated a special program to uplift refugees in the Netherlands, focusing on job security, a core pillar of happiness. His approach to nurturing talent through upskilling and promoting work-life balance stood out prominently.

    • Ana Baldaia, Co-founder of Happysoul, has been a force of positivity, promoting a harmonious balance between professional and personal life, and fostering a culture of care and joy in the corporate landscape.

    Happiness Innovators

    • Critical TechWorks, a venture between BMW Group and Critical Group, has been a frontrunner in promoting happiness at work through various initiatives such as Happy Hours, Happiness at Work Week, and a unique Volunteering Program, emphasizing personal development and social responsibility.

    • Retail Consult, a technology solution leader in the retail industry, introduced the Wellness@Work Project, addressing major happiness pillars including emotional, physical, social, and financial well-being through a series of programs and initiatives.

    • Klöckner Pentaplast (KP), a global leader in packaging, introduced signature initiatives like the Happiness Workshop and Career Ownership Program, fostering a culture of growth, fulfillment, and togetherness.

    The Champions of Happiness

    After a meticulous evaluation based on the stringent criteria, the champions emerged:

    Happiness Ambassador: 

    Frans Klassen, for his empathetic and innovative approach to fostering happiness through job security and personal growth.

    Happiness Innovator: 

    Critical TechWorks, for their holistic approach to promoting happiness at work, emphasizing personal growth and social responsibility.

    Conclusion

    As we wrap up this joyous recount, we extend our heartiest congratulations to Frans Klassen and Critical TechWorks, the deserving winners, and applaud the incredible efforts of all the finalists.

    Through the Happiness Camp Awards, we have witnessed the harmonious blend of innovation and joy, setting a benchmark for corporate happiness. Here’s to the champions who have shown that the path to success is paved with happiness and well-being.