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Denmark
A charismatic speaker uncovering the secrets of the world’s happiest country and happiness around the world
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When she was suddenly given the opportunity of a new life in rural Jutland, journalist, archetypal londoner and exuberant speaker Helen Russell discovered a startling statistic: the happiest place on earth isn’t Disneyland, but Denmark, a land often thought of by foreigners as consisting entirely of long dark winters, cured herring, Lego and pastries.
What is the secret to their success? Are happy Danes born, or made? Helen Russell decided there was only one way to find out: she gave herself a year to uncover the formula for Danish happiness.
From childcare, education, food and interior design to SAD, taxes, sexism and an unfortunate predilection for burning witches, the resulting book The Year of Living Danishly is a funny, poignant record of a journey that shows where the Danes get it right, where they get it wrong, and how Non-Danes might just benefit from living a little more Danishly. As an author and expert on happiness, life overhauls, work-life balance and cultural difference, keynote speaker Helen Russell lectures internationally and can facilitate panels and give after dinner speeches.
Helen is a journalist and former editor of MarieClaire.co.uk. She now lives in Denmark permanently and works as a Scandinavia correspondent for the Guardian, as well as writing a column on Denmark for the Telegraph and humorous features for The Times, Metro, Grazia, Wall Street Journal and The Independent, among others. Helen wrote various books, among them the besteseller “The year of living Danishly” and “The Atlas of Happiness”.
‘A lovely mix of English sensibility and Danish pragmatism, vivacious speaker Helen Russell seems to have understood more about the Danish character than I have!’ Sandi Toksvig, BBC host and comedian. ‘Russell is possessed of a razor-sharp wit and a winning self-deprecation,’ The Independent.
Photo by Simon Meyer
See keynotes with Helen RussellHelen makes the case for why Denmark stands as a beacon of hope, good sense, and stability in these increasingly unpredictable times. With the UK’s coronavirus death toll now the highest in Europe and Denmark’s one of the lowest, Helen covers why Denmark has become a model for others to emulate. Mixing personal anecdotes with compelling examples and information, this is an exploration of the country regularly rated as one of the world’s happiest – and how it handles things when life isn’t so sunny, including:
Audience takeaways:
As a British journalist who has been studying the cultural differences between Denmark and the rest of the world for the past seven years, she is uniquely placed to bring the subject to life in a warm and witty way. Tackling important questions for our post-Brexit, post-COVID-19 landscape with a portrait of the nation Helen has come to call home.
Watch speaker Helen Russell talking about how does culture influence our view on happiness:
What makes the life in rural Jutland, Denmark, so attractive for you?
For me, living Danishly is about a different pace of life and a realigning of priorities. I spend less money on new shiny things and more time with my family and friends. I run, walk, bicycle (occasionally), indulge in ‘kaffe og kage’ (often), work a 40 hour week (max), and am a little kinder to myself out here than I ever felt I could be back home. Rural Jutland is the antithesis of media London – and it was a change I needed for a while.
What is the most curious insight into the Danish culture you have gained?
There are a few! I was fascinated to discover that a snake autopsy passes for a fun day out in Jutland (ditto crab racing and dancing cows). Being well-lit is also akin to a basic human right in Denmark; paying an extraordinary amount of tax isn’t necessarily a bad thing; and pastry and potatoes might just be the secret formula for happiness…
Can you provide three basic tips on how to be happier?
What characterizes 21st century journalism for you?
Today, journalism is about being open to diversifying – both in terms of content and medium. It’s crucial to take up offers of training and show willing by gaining as much experience as you can and developing your social media offering. Journalists can no longer luxuriate in long lunches and the prospect of a job for life – or even a decade. It’s important to be tenacious, courteous and brave. It’s great to have a specialism and become an expert in something – but be nice to everyone along the way as you never know when you’ll need them!
Why should clients use you for their next event?
A well-presented, experienced and entertaining speaker, Helen can add a touch of humour to any event covering insightful, thought-provoking topics in a light-hearted, accessible way. She can tailor talks for clients and will always research her audience to make sure her lecture is spot on.
Send a simple request. You’ll get a quick reply with fees and availability