About me

Growing up, I wanted to be a science fiction writer but I was really good at math and science. So, I listened to the advice from my parents and my guidance counselor and became an engineer because “you’ll always have a good job.” After two engineering degrees and a decent career, I realized I didn’t want to settle for “a good job.” I wanted a fulfilling career so, I declared myself a “recovering engineer” and changed direction.

These days, I am a professional speaker, author, and educator. I love to engage audiences through storytelling and humor.

I’ve learned three core lessons in my life:

Happiness precedes success.

Life is about the stories you can tell.

Regrets are the echoes of the stories you cannot tell.

I believe that happiness precedes success in all facets of life. And, people are happiest when they are doing work where they genuinely enjoy using their natural skills and abilities.  People need simple systems or processes to help them make intentional and consistent efforts at tracking their level of happiness, focusing on their strengths, and understanding their inner motivations. I call this process “serious happiness” because you can hack your habits and raise your personal level of happiness even if nothing else around you changes.

A few years ago, I teamed up with Andy Cope and the team at “The Art of Brilliance.” These days, I deliver keynotes and workshops focused on wellbeing, happiness, and career satisfaction for businesses, schools and organizations across the U.S. and around the world. My goal is to transform lives by immersing people in cutting edge content and connecting people with their life’s calling. There are plenty of laughs guaranteed along the way.

I’m also full-time faculty member at Bentley University where I teach sales and marketing courses and deliver Executive Education workshops. You can learn more about my professional background on LinkedIn.

Thanks for stopping by!

Jim “Pouli” Pouliopoulos

Facts about Pouli:

• Pouli has been married for longer than he can remember and has three grown-up children

• He is part bionic (2 knee replacement surgeries and 5 - yes five! - hip replacement surgeries)

• He has several interesting items on his Bucket List including putting his replacement parts to good use climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro

• He co-authored the book, How to be a WELL BEING: Unofficial Rule to LIVE Every Day