Talking Happiness with Happier CEO Nataly Kogan

Nataly Kogan is the co-founder and CEO of Happier, a leading life improvement platform  led by wellness and lifestyle. Nataly immigrated to the U.S. with her family when she was 13 years old and learned first hand that it’s possible to find small happy moments in even the most difficult of circumstances. A busy working mom always finding new ways to juggle, Nataly is on a mission to inspire millions of people to stop saying “I’ll be happy when …” and start saying “I’m happier now because.”

1. What makes you happy right now?

Teaching my 9-year-old daughter yoga. Going out for brunch with my husband and daughter. Wearing stripes and orange.

2. What do you think is the secret to longevity?

I don’t know the secret but I think taking care of your well-being — both physically and emotionally — is really important.

3. Do you have any rituals?

Yes! I think having small gratitude rituals is incredibly important and there is a lot of research that backs this up. A few of my favorite ones are: Every morning I go for a walk for a few miles. Rain, snow, whatever the weather, I go outside — it’s like a moving meditation for me. I put a note in my daughter’s lunchbox every day and I write something on it that I appreciate about her. Before I put my key in the ignition in my car after I get out of work I think of one good thing about the day that I appreciate.

4. What is your favorite thing to do?

The list is really long — I love doing, creating, exploring. I love to walk, especially in New York City. I’m a huge foodie so I love to find new awesome spots to eat or cook up big fun meals for my family and friends. I love doing art projects with my daughter.

5. Where/what is the happiest place on Earth?

For me? Where my family is. And Paris.

6. What is the last book you read?

1Q84 by Murakami, one of my favorite authors.

7. What is your guilty pleasure? Do you believe in guilty pleasures?

Of course — they are fun! One of my favorite guilty pleasures is to watch re-runs of shows like “West Wing” or “Criminal Minds” while eating animal crackers with cream cheese.

8. What is your favorite food?

Too many to list. Great steak and a glass of Rioja. Ripe cherries. Pomegranates. Crispy baguette with butter.

9. If you could give one piece of advice, what would it be?

It would be my life tagline: Life is made of moments. Create and collect the happy ones.