Mo Gawdat: A Journey from Tragedy to a Mission to Make the World Happier
Happiness — we all seek it, yet few of us know how to truly find it. For Mo Gawdat, a former Google X executive and successful entrepreneur, happiness was once a calculated equation — until life rewrote the formula in the most unexpected way.
Who is Mo Gawdat?
Mo Gawdat was once the epitome of modern success — a brilliant mind with an engineering background, rising through the ranks of global corporations like IBM and Microsoft, before landing a top position at Google X, Google’s “moonshot” factory for futuristic innovations.
He had wealth, influence, and a brilliant career. But despite these achievements, happiness eluded him.
The Life-Changing Loss of His Son
Everything changed in 2014 when Mo’s 21-year-old son, Ali, passed away unexpectedly due to a routine surgical complication. Ali wasn’t just his son — he was his best friend, spiritual companion, and guide. Kind, wise beyond his years, and deeply insightful, Ali had a calming presence that touched everyone he met.
In the depths of grief, Mo made an extraordinary decision: to honour his son’s legacy by sharing the happiness framework they had worked on together — a model they believed could help anyone achieve happiness, no matter their circumstances.
The Birth of a Global Mission: #OneBillionHappy
Following Ali’s passing, Mo didn’t collapse — he transformed. He began a mission to bring happiness to one billion people around the world.
Not through vague positivity or blind optimism — but by reframing our approach to life, pain, and thought using logic, neuroscience, and mindfulness.
His message resonated. His TED Talks, interviews, and podcast appearances have reached millions. And his books continue to inspire people seeking clarity, healing, and purpose.
Books by Mo Gawdat You Should Read
Mo Gawdat has poured his heart and intellect into books that go beyond just “self-help.” These are tools for deep transformation, whether you’re navigating loss, seeking purpose, or simply wanting to quiet your inner critic.
1. Solve for Happy: Engineer Your Path to Joy
Written as a tribute to Ali, Solve for Happy explores a clear, logic-based formula for lasting happiness. Drawing from Mo’s engineering mind, it offers practical steps to deconstruct negative thinking, challenge fear, and find peace even in suffering.
It’s not just a book — it’s a guide to emotional survival and joy, even after loss.
Check it out on Amazon → Solve for Happy
2. That Little Voice in Your Head: Adjust the Code That Runs Your Brain
This book dives deep into how our brains are programmed — and how we can reprogram them. Mo simplifies complex neuroscience to help you silence self-doubt, reduce anxiety, and live more intentionally.
Think of it as a user manual for your mind, written with heart, science, and humour.
Get the book here → That Little Voice in Your Head
Final Thoughts
Mo Gawdat’s story is one of incredible loss — but also unmatched strength, compassion, and clarity. His mission isn’t just about happiness. It’s about healing. About questioning the voices in your head. About honouring love, even in grief. And above all, it’s about choosing joy, every single day.
If you’ve ever struggled to find peace in a chaotic world, his books might just be the nudge your soul needs.
