Samantha Clarke: happiness consultant and changemaker

Samantha Clarke is a happiness consultant and changemaker, lecturer and style educator. The Londoner previously worked with brands, but after some soul searching and streamlining, realised that what got her out of bed was spurring great ideas and inspiring individuals to make changes and be their best. Step into the shoes of this stylish woman with the sunniest portfolio around.

How did you end up with the sunny job title of happiness consultant?

I love to help people transform, grow and be inspired to make changes. It brings me joy and happiness so I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my working days!

This beautiful portfolio of work means that I spend part of my time as Head of Happiness for a remote working tech company helping to develop their people and culture. I also deliver energetic and interactive workshops and talks to founders, leaders and HR managers across creative, tech and finance industries. I help put the ‘humanness’ back into their companies by catalysing change and serving up innovative concepts to transform how they work and how happy their employees are.

And the changemaking part?

As a changemaker I can also be found delivering talks and workshops for the Guardian, Soho House and as a faculty lecturer at The School of Life. I inspire individuals to make changes in diverse areas like; authentic leadership, realising your potential, enhancing communication at work, building a portfolio career, presentation psychology, happiness, increasing emotional intelligence and confidence building.

What gets you excited and out of bed for work in the morning?

Good music, sunshine and the thought of working with and inspiring people to be their best.

What are the most common barriers to happiness and what are your tips on overcoming them?

People forgot to count their blessings and show gratitude daily. We can end up spiraling into a place where nothing seems to go our way or we can’t see the positivity that surrounds and this affects our happiness levels. Keep a diary or a journal of all the greatness, good deeds and happiness you have achieved in the day to focus on.

Do you have any cool projects in the pipeline?

Too many to spill the beans but it’s turning out to be a great year! I’m very excited to be speaking at the Innocent Unplugged Festival in May.

What inspires you to have a happy disposition?

Conversations with my aunt; she’s no longer here but she always had such a get up and go attitude always pushing me to be better. Super creative, always experimental and never defeatist. Her smile was the first thing you could see from miles away. Also Maya Angelou – her wisdom, grace and poise. And then there are my shoes, which are like sunshine for my feet.

I khoollect a few…

Shoes. The quirkier the better.

What’s your most treasured item in your khoollection?

A necklace from my aunty.

Favourite song or album?

Seven Steps to Heaven by Miles Davies.

Who’s your crush?

My top five style crushes have to be Shala Monroque for her effervescent energy, style and zest for life be it in NY or St Lucia. I love her Instagram rawness; modern day Solange Knowles (people say we have a resemblance – ha, if only!). I would love to access her wardrobe for just a day; Tamu McPherson; Yasmin Sewell; and Donna Wallace for her understated cool.

In the world of business, it’s all the female entrepreneurs I know pushing ahead with their dreams. Also my parents and circle of friends.

Where do you call home?

London. I have any number of places I can call home in the city and I love that each place feels like family. But I love my flat in Bethnal Green.

Your favourite place for coffee?

Franze and Evans for the hustle and bustle, great salads, cakes and family ethos.

Go-to spots for fashion finds?

YOOX, Ebay, Shoescribe, vintage stores and markets, lots of independent boutiques around East London and gems I find on my travels.

The best spots for meeting inspiring people?

Everywhere. I had a great conversation with a stranger at Bethnal Green station the other day.

The best ‘feel good’ nook in the city.

Hampstead Heath on a sunny day.

How do you spend a lazy Sunday?

Lots of jazz, movies, good food and company.

If not in London, where would you be?

Somewhere with more sunshine in either Ghana, Thailand, Bali or somewhere in South America.

You’re pretty well travelled – where in the world are people the happiest?

Ooh I can’t tell you where people are the happiest, but I can tell you where I have experienced the most the heartwarming, joyful and warm time: Brazil. I travelled for over six weeks and probably only scratched the surface, but it’s a very memorable place.

Do you have a motivational quote to help change people’s state of mind?

‘Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage’ from Anaïs Nin. It’s about pushing yourself and stretching into the unknown to discover more about yourself, grow as an individual and do new things.

What sort of people should you surround yourself for a feel-good vibe?

People who are positive, forward thinking and insightful.