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About Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar – Co‑Founder & Master Teacher
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"Tal is the Master Teacher of Happiness"

Prof. Martin Seligman

"Tal is the Master Teacher of Happiness"

Prof. Martin Seligman

Tal Ben-Shahar’s Global Academic Impact

Harvard University

Harvard University

At Harvard University, Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar earned his PhD in Organizational Behavior and quickly became one of the most popular lecturers on campus. He taught two record-breaking courses—Positive Psychology and The Psychology of Leadership—which attracted over a thousand students a semester. His dynamic teaching style, coupled with his ability to bring together rigor and accessibility, helped bring the science of happiness into the academic mainstream.

Columbia University
Columbia University

Columbia University

Following his success at Harvard, Dr. Ben-Shahar brought his expertise to Columbia University, where he continued to develop and teach. At Columbia he taught Happiness Studies, going beyond positive psychology and incorporating different disciplines from philosophy to economics, from neuroscience to literature.

Centenary University
Centenary University

Centenary University

Dr. Ben-Shahar currently teaches at Centenary University, where he co-founded and leads the groundbreaking MA in Happiness Studies—the first fully accredited master’s program of its kind in the world. This innovative program reflects his commitment to blending academic rigor with real-world application, empowering students to explore the science and practice of a meaningful, fulfilling life.

About Tal

Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar is an internationally renowned teacher, speaker, and author in the fields of happiness and leadership.
With academic roots at Harvard, Columbia, and Centenary University, and a broad global reach through his writing and teaching, Tal has shaped conversations on wellbeing, education, and human flourishing across sectors. He is the cofounder of the Happiness Studies Academy and creator of both the Certificate and MA in Happiness Studies programs, as well as the Happier School initiative for educators and students. Tal holds a PhD in Organizational Behavior and is widely recognized for integrating rigorous science with practical tools for everyday life. As Dr. Martin Seligman has said, "Tal Ben-Shahar is the Master teacher of Happiness." A certified yoga instructor and former U.S. Intercollegiate and Israeli National squash champion, Tal’s work bridges ancient wisdom and modern research, the humanities and the sciences, theory and practice. His books have been translated into more than thirty languages, and have appeared on best-seller lists around the world. His latest books are “Happiness Studies” and “Happier, No Matter What.”

Prof. Martin Seligman, Director of the Positive Psychology Center, University of Pennsylvania

Invite Tal to Speak

Tal Ben-Shahar has been invited to lecture and lead workshops at some of the world’s most influential organizations, including Google, P&G, Danone, Microsoft, Dr. Reddy’s, YPO, Orange, and Intel. He has also worked with educational institutions and healthcare providers around the world. His engaging and research-based approach to happiness, leadership, and resilience has made him a sought-after speaker across industries. To invite Tal for a lecture or workshop, please fill out the booking form below.

Invite Tal Ben-Shahar  to Speak

Intel Microsoft Google Accenture Dr.Reddy's PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Whirlpool Qualtrics SHARP Talanx Asset Management Biogen Cipla Orange Fidelity Sura GRUPO DANONE State Farm P&G Merrill Lynch YPO

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FOX NEWS

Author Tal Ben-Shahar on new book "Being Happy," you don't have to be perfect to lead a richer, happier life.

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The Daily Show with Jon Stewart

Professor Tal Ben-Shahar describes what it is like to teach happiness at Harvard in his book, "Happier."

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TODAY

Tal Ben-Shahar shares advice for creating a resolution that will last all year.

Books

The New York Times

BEST SELLERS

Tal Ben-Shahar is a prolific writer who has authored numerous books on happiness, leadership, wellbeing, and personal development. His works have appeared on best-sellers lists around the world and have been translated into more than thirty languages, reaching readers across cultures and continents.

Happiness Studies Academy
Happiness Studies: An Introduction

A new interdisciplinary field of study that is dedicated to exploring happiness.

Happiness Studies Academy
Happier, No Matter What

Cultivating Hope, Resilience, and Purpose in Hard Times

Happiness Studies Academy
Short Cuts to Happiness

Life-Changing Lessons from
My Barber

Happiness Studies Academy
The Joy of Leadership

How Positive Psychology Can Maximize Your Impact (and make you happier) in a Challenging world

Happiness Studies Academy
Choose the Life You Want

101 Ways to Create Your Own Road
to Happiness

Happiness Studies Academy
Being Happy

You Don’t Have to Be Perfect to Lead a Richer Happier Life

Happiness Studies Academy
Even Happier

A Gratitude Journal for Daily Joy and Lasting Fulfillment

Happiness Studies Academy
Pursuit of Perfect

Stop Chasing Perfection and Discover the True Path to Lasting Happine

Happiness Studies Academy
Happier

Learn the Secrets to Daily Joy and Lasting Fulfillment

Happiness Studies Academy was co-founded and created by Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar

Bringing together the thinking of the world's leading scholars and the latest scientific research.

Happiness Studies Academy
Certificate in Happiness Studies (CiHS)

The CiHS is a year-long online academic course that includes academic lectures and live webinars. Offered in English, Chinese, Hebrew, Japanese, Spanish, French, Vietnamese & Portuguese.

Happiness Studies Academy
Master’s Degree in Happiness Studies

The Master of Arts in Happiness Studies prepares dedicated leaders to foster wellbeing and positive change in individuals and communities.

Happiness Studies Academy
PhD in Happiness
Studies

This degree is offered in partnership with Centenary University. Helping students gain the skills and connections they need to prosper in today's world.

Happiness Studies Academy
Spire Yoga

A 200-hour online training that blends yoga with the SPIRE model—Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Relational, and Emotional wellbeing. Certified by Yoga Alliance.

Happiness Studies Academy
The Happiness Coach

Certification program grounded in the science of happiness and coaching excellence. Equips professionals with tools to support lasting change.

Happiness Studies Academy
Happier School

A multi-year program that integrates happiness science into school culture through teacher training, SPIRE-based lesson plans, and wellbeing practices.​

Happiness Studies Academy
HSA for organizations

A structured, data-informed initiative helping organizations improve employee wellbeing, engagement, and performance through applied positive psychology strategies.

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