The Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles that Fuel Success and Performance at Work by Shawn Achor

Every six weeks or so a group of like minded women from NZBWN get together to discuss a nominated business book in a relaxed, affable environment. The book club not only combines discussion, friendship building and a great kick start to a Sunday, but it's always held at a kiwi-centric location. On this particular wintry London day, the book club enjoyed the hospitality, chic industrial aesthetic and superbly moreish food and coffee offered by Ozone Cafe.

Witty, engaging and easy to follow, that's how I'd describe The Happiness Advantage. According to author Shawn Achor, many of us fall into the trap of thinking happiness only follows success - i.e. the harder we work, the happier and more fulfilled we will become. However, Achor's premise is that this idea is both archaic and outdated. In fact, Achor says happiness is actually a precursor to success, not a result, and the happier we are the more successful we are likely to become.

Alys is a Functional Fashion Fitness Blogger based in South West England.

Alys originates from Hamilton and arrived in the UK in 2008. Motivation is her passion! Her career began as a camerawoman working on TV commercials and films such as King Kong. Alys then utilised her skills behind the camera and studied at The London College of Fashion, before moving into garment technology for high street labels before setting up her Blog. Now through her blog, oncebyalys.com she hopes to inspire her followers to be active and look their best whatever their situation, budget and fitness level. Alys is Crossfit level one and Crossfit kids trained and has support from her personal trainer husband who also doubles as her photographer.

Learn first-hand about getting board positions from Dame Judith Mayhew Jonas DBE

Applications are now open for a brand new expert-led mentoring group focussed on getting your first a non-executive director board position, starting in May 2016.

We are delighted to announce that we have created a rare and unique opportunity for you to join our 'Getting a Board Role' mentoring group led by a highly experienced board member, Dame Judith Mayhew Jonas DBE. 

Getting into the boardroom can be highly challenging and this is one of our most popular areas of demand for mentoring. Everybody in the network who is aspiring to get their first board role in the near future is encouraged to apply for our new expert-led mentoring group starting in May 2016.  

Having a mentor is widely recognised critical success factor for securing your first board role.  With the rich insights and know-how from Dame Judith and the support of your fellow mentees, this mentoring group will help accelerate your journey into the boardroom.  The sessions will help you to grasp what is involved with being on a board, understand how best to position your expertise and experience, and ultimately what you will need to do to successfully secure your first board position. 

This group is aimed anybody who is aspiring to be a board member in the near future and who wants to benefit from Dame Judith's practical guidance on how to go about it.  This group will suit anybody who is:

• Gathering information about what is involved with being on a board (i.e., expectations, responsibilities, liabilities, etc) and what is most valued in terms of experience, skills, expertise and personal qualities
• Evaluating relevant expertise, skills and experiences and/or identifying and addressing key gaps or challenges to being 'board ready'
• Ready to secure your first board role