Meet Cassie Mogilner Holmes, Professor at UCLA Anderson School of Management and author of Happier Hour. Cassie has spent her career uncovering the true source of fulfillment—not in money, but in how we value and spend our time. Her journey from academic curiosity to personal revelation inspires millions who struggle to balance ambition, relationships, and purpose. Featured by Humans of Fuzia, Cassie’s story reminds our 5M+ community that empowerment begins with awareness and intentional living—values that drive our mission of supporting women everywhere.
Q: What inspired you to begin your journey in studying happiness and the role of time?
Cassie:
It started during my PhD when I noticed that most business research focused on money—how much people earn, spend, or save. But I found that time was the real resource driving satisfaction. Personally, I struggled with time scarcity—especially after becoming a mother while working toward tenure. I wanted to understand how we can feel fulfilled rather than burned out, how to end each day tired but happy, not exhausted and regretful. That curiosity became my life’s work.
Q: What were the biggest challenges you faced along this journey?
Cassie:
Initially, my focus on emotional well-being was seen as “fluffy” in academic and business settings. I had to convince others that happiness and life satisfaction matter just as much as productivity and profit. Then COVID-19 happened, and suddenly everyone understood how critical emotional well-being is. It was rewarding to contribute evidence-based insights at a time when people needed them most—both personally and professionally.
Q: Do you work independently or with a team?
Cassie:
Academia is unique. We’re independent thinkers pursuing our own research questions, but we’re also part of a supportive ecosystem. I mentor Ph.D. students, collaborate with colleagues, and rely on university staff for teaching and research logistics. So, while I often work independently, I’m surrounded by brilliant, self-driven minds who share my passion for discovery.
Q: What’s your proudest milestone so far?
Cassie:
Creating and teaching my course Applying the Science of Happiness to Life Design was transformative. It led to my book Happier Hour, which makes these lessons accessible to everyone. My proudest moment, though, wasn’t professional—it was personal. One night, I saw my daughter asleep with my book beside her pillow. She was proud of what I’d built, and I realized I had achieved something deeply meaningful—proving that you can pursue purpose and success without sacrificing your relationships.
Q: What are your thoughts on women in leadership today?
Cassie:
Women bring an essential perspective to leadership, especially around time poverty—that constant feeling of having too much to do and not enough time. Research shows women, particularly working mothers, feel this more acutely. When women lead, they bring empathy and awareness that help shape supportive workplaces—policies that benefit everyone, not just women. Leadership needs that compassion and insight.
Q: What message would you give to future women leaders and entrepreneurs?
Cassie:
Time can feel like our biggest barrier, but it’s also our greatest tool. Be intentional about how you spend it—align your time with what truly matters to you. It’s not about how much time you have, but the quality of how you spend it. Protect time for joy, purpose, and presence. That’s where real success and fulfillment live.
Q: What’s your idea of success?
Cassie:
Success is when the way you spend your days reflects the life you want to be remembered for. If your time today aligns with your values and goals, that’s success.
“Time isn’t just a problem—it’s the solution. When we invest it intentionally, we create lives that are not just busy, but beautifully full.”
Connect with Cassie Holmes
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