“Money can’t buy happiness” is a common idiom, but how true is it? Todd and Mindy spoke with behavioral scientist Dr. Ashley Whillans about her understanding of what can bring people happiness, especially during a time when social distancing is the norm. She shares her thoughts on finding happiness and fulfillment, and on the value of money and time. Ashley discusses the importance of prioritizing connections and how the pandemic has led people to a deeper understanding of what really matters in life.
Dr. Ashley Whillans is an assistant professor at Harvard Business School. Broadly, she studies how people navigate trade-offs between time and money. Her ongoing research investigates whether and how intangible incentives, such as experiential and time-saving rewards, affect employee motivation and well-being. In both 2015 and 2018, she was named a Rising Star of Behavioral Science by the International Behavioral Exchange and the Behavioral Science and Policy Association. In 2016, she co-founded the Department of Behavioral Science in the Policy, Innovation, and Engagement Division of the British Columbia Public Service. Her research has been published in numerous academic journals and popular media outlets including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post. Her first book “Time Smart: How to Reclaim Your Time & Live a Happier Life” will be published by Harvard Business Publishing on October 6, 2020, and is currently available for Pre-Order on Amazon. You can find out more about Ashley on her website.