Friday 21st March was the date of the 3rd Canal CEO Breakfast, an initiative sponsored by PortAventura Business & Events and SaxoBank.
The highlight of this latest edition was an appearance from psychologist María Jesús Álava with her book “Las tres claves de la felicidad” [The three keys to happiness]. It was rather fitting that this new book was presented merely hours after the international day of happiness had taken place.
María Jesús Álava was interviewed by journalist Juan Ramón Lucas. Álava explained her experience and revealed her methods of research used to extract as much information and the best documentation possible. In preparation for the book, a study was carried out of more than 700 people from whom conclusions were drawn that were very interesting and crucial for this book. These include the importance of happiness, which is based on self-love, taking charge of one’s own life and, most importantly, learning to forgive oneself.
The study also highlights other areas such as „The happiness of women“. This particular aspect has been in decline over the last decade due to the increased number of roles women fulfil each day and it is also shown that within a corporate structure freelancers are the happiest.
Another issue that arose during the discussion was how is it possible to improve the workplace environment?
Alfonso Morodo, partner at Global Premium Brands, assured that it was necessary to be able to distinguish the orientation given to this type of action, as work must be targeted at producing value.
Productivity fully linked to motivation was also one of the key themes of this breakfast. Belén Madrid, MICE Director at PortAventura Business & Events, explained that it is important to know how to combine the operational role with a team approach to make it possible for staff to proceed in the same direction initiated by management.
Some of those attending the breakfast emphasised that the CEO must be a figure capable of inspiring and of being inspired and must know how to transmit this sentiment to their team or surroundings. Psychologist María Jesus Álava maintained that the primary point for this is personal engagement and with the culture and management of the company.