Mark Holder

Associate Professor at the University of BC, Award Winning Teacher and Researcher and TEDx Keynote Speaker

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Vancouver, Canada

Mark Holder
Biography

Dr. Holder is a leading, international researcher who studies the science of happiness. Dr. Holder earned his Ph.D. at the University of California at Berkeley. He then completed his postdoctoral training at the Brain Research Institute at UCLA where he conducted brain transplants to reverse impairments caused by brain injuries. As a professor at Memorial University of Newfoundland, he studied how natural chemicals, 200 times the strength of heroin, were released when people ate chocolate chip cookies. He worked as a Biological Consultant with the NutraSweet Company to determine whether aspartame is safe for pregnant mothers and their offspring. He also spent a research sabbatical at the University of Hawaii swimming with dolphins in studies of their language and creativity.

Dr. Holder led a research team for at the University of British Columbia focused on the science of happiness. He has identified factors that contribute to happiness in children (e.g., temperament, friendships, spirituality and religion) in Canada, India, Brazil, Iran and Zambia. He now investigates strategies to enhance happiness in children and adults, and the links between personality disorders (e.g., psychopathy), brain injury and happiness.

Dr. Holder is an award-winning teacher and researcher. His highly acclaimed TEDx talk entitled "Three Words that will Change your Life" has nearly 2 million views. He regularly gives keynote addresses and workshops on happiness in the workplace and in one's personal life. Dr. Holder frequently appears on television and radio, his research is featured in prominent international newspapers and magazines from four continents, and he has published over 100 academic papers, including three recent books focused on positive well-being, cited over 4600 times.

Mark Holder
Featured Video

Current: TEDx 3 Words change your life

Time 16:33

Mark Holder
Featured Keynote Programs

Happiness and Medicine

Medical research has a long tradition focused on deficits, disease and dysfunction. However, a new field of research has recently emerged. This new research focuses on how you can use your strengths to thrive. The research shows how you can live longer and happier, with less pain, fewer prescription drugs, and a better immune system.

Happiness and Children

There is a near universal desire to increase our own happiness and our children’s happiness. However, until recently scientists have provided little evidence-based guidance on how we can increase our happiness and that of our children. Dr. Holder is a world leader in the study of children’s happiness. In an accessible and engaging fashion, he describes how his research can help you increase your family’s well-being.

The Science of Happiness

Medicine and psychology have traditionally focused on dysfunction and illness (i.e., what is wrong with you and how do we fix it). Recently, science has placed an increased emphasis on positive well-being (i.e., what is right with you and how do we promote it). Join Dr. Mark Holder as he outlines his research, and the research of his colleagues, on what contributes to long-term happiness. Learn how happiness is associated with improvements in your social relationships, sleep, cognitive flexibility, longevity, tolerance, creativity, and career. Share a laugh while learning scientifically proven methods to increase your happiness and the happiness of your friends, colleagues, students and family.

Happiness and Choices

Science has placed a new focus on positive well-being including happiness. Dr. Mark Holder leads a research team investigating how our choices impact our happiness. With humor and knowledge, he outlines recent research findings related to human flourishing, optimism, and positive self-concept to inspire you to make the right choices to increase your well-being starting right now.

View More Featured Keynote Programs

Mark Holder
Featured Books

Emotional Processing Deficits and Happiness: Assessing the Measurement, Correlates, and Well-Being of People with Alexithymia

by Mark Holder

Happiness in Children: The Measurement, Correlates and Enhancement of Positive Subjective Well-Being in Children

by Mark Holder

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Quick answers to some of the most common questions about booking Mark Holder for your event.

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Availability Check: Contact us with your event date and budget to verify if your desired speaker is available.
Hold Date: We place a temporary "hold" on the speaker's calendar while you finalize internal approval.
Contracting: We issue a contract outlining the fee, cancellation policy, and event expectations.
Logistics: Once signed, our event management team handles all travel booking, itinerary, and AV requirements.

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