Helen Russell

The Year of Living Danishly – Uncovering the Secrets of the World’s Happiest Country

This lecture is based on Helen’s bestselling book, The Year of Living Danishly. The lecture, as well as the book, covers the key areas that psychologists and experts agree we need to live a more content life. These include: Trust, security, a sense of belonging, equality, addressing the aesthetics (& ‘getting hygge with it’).

An entertaining, insightful and useful guide to getting happier, suitable for group events, human resources professionals as well as CSR agendas.

Culture clashes and leading in a global context

How do we address the culture shock and conflicts that may arise between internationals and Danes working together? What can we do to foster greater understanding, empathy, respect – and resilience? In this informative and engaging talk, Helen explores the origins of the traditionally ‘Danish’ way of working, how it aids productivity, where it falls short, the importance of rest, plus where Malcom Gladwell missed a trick.

From arbejdsglæde to autonomy and entitlement to equality, we take a fresh look at the landscape of big business in Denmark, the rocks in the path and how diversity is our best hope of navigating them.

The expat experience (and how to survive it)

An engaging cross-cultural talk on the challenges internationals face when moving to Denmark, combining personal experiences and humorous anecdotes with practical, useful ideas and tools for making Denmark feel like home. Areas covered include: Culture shocks and what to expect, how to feel at home without losing your own identity, getting the best out of Denmark, how befriend a Dane, what not to do (…from someone who’s been there and made all the mistakes!), 10 top tips for living Danishly.

This lecture is perfect for international groups and work placement initiatives as well as companies hiring expats.

The cultural differences between Denmark and the UK

Archetypal Londoner Helen Russell has worked in Europe, America and Asia – and each time she leaves her home country, she discovers more about what it is to be British. Moving to Denmark was no exception and she was appalled to discover that Danes have no word for “please” (the most commonly used word in her vocabulary), don’t hold open doors for each other and discuss money in broad daylight – something that verges on taboo in the UK. An amusing look at why Brits behave as they do and the informal codes in British society, including: Manners, money, the weather, family matters (at least, some of the time), traditions, honesty (& how it can be overrated).

Great for companies with employees working in the UK or thinking of expanding there as well as cultural adventurers, schools and universities.

The science of change and taking leaps into the unknown

Helen spent several years researching into the science of change and the best tools and techniques we can all use to get better at it for her 2016 book, Leap Year – how small steps can make a giant difference. Drawing on the expertise and advice of neuroscientists, psychologists, business leaders, scientists, nutritionists, physical education experts, and even FBI hostage negotiators, Helen can speak about our fear of change and what we can do about it. She can share the tools and techniques
to help with confidence and better decision making; how to reverse a downward spiral; the power of making changes in incremental steps; and why support networks are key to success; as well as her top 10 tips for making leaps into the unknown.

The secrets of happiness from around the world

Join Helen for an entertaining and insightful trip around the world to discover the secrets of happiness from 30 countries. From Australia to Wales, via Bhutan, Ireland, Finland, Turkey, Syria, Japan and many more, Helen will share the insights from her new book The Atlas of Happiness, uncovering lots of fascinating habits, attitudes and actions and how we can use them to improve our lives.

Anxious? Take Icelandic inspiration and get some Þetta reddast. Lost your way in life? Make like the Chinese and find your xing fu. Too much on your plate? Learn the Italian art of dolce far niente.

Helen talks about how the book came about and why this matters, right now, in these days of rolling news and in the facre of negativity bias. She can inspire with her manifesto on how optimism isn’t frivolous: it’s necessary, now, more than ever,
before sharing some examples of unique happiness concepts around the world and what she learned during the course of her research that can help us all move forward as global citizens.