Why Happiness Is the KPI That Matters - Dr. Dorian von Freyhold

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Sep 17, 2025

Dr. Dorian von Freyhold, a consultant and researcher with a PhD in consumer psychology, shares insights on redefining success through the lens of happiness. He discusses how his global upbringing fostered adaptability and a people-first approach in business. Dorian emphasizes the importance of genuine networking over transactional relationships, and how life experiences shape professional growth. He also highlights the role of personal character in achieving success and the impact of AI on the consulting landscape.

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INSIGHT

Happiness As The Core Metric

Dorian defines success as being happy, not titles or wealth.
Happiness comes from balancing career, purpose, family, and other ingredients.

ANECDOTE

Idyllic Farm To City Childhood

Dorian grew up between Australia and Germany on a hobby farm, then moved to Cologne at six.
That mix of rural childhood and European city life shaped his adaptability and love of seasons.

ANECDOTE

Military, Engineering, And A Homecoming

After high school Dorian did a year in a helicopter battalion and then studied engineering and business.
He returned to Australia mid-GFC, choosing home over an Ernst & Young offer abroad.

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Redefining Success with Dr. Dorian von Freyhold: From Global Upbringing to Consulting & Private Equity

In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Dorian von Freyhold to unpack success beyond titles and trophies. Dorian shares how an international upbringing, a PhD in consumer psychology, and a career spanning consulting and private equity shaped a people-first view of success rooted in happiness, relationships, and real-world experiences.

We explore the transition from academia to industry, why organic networking beats transactional connections, and how hard work, openness to experience, and adventure accelerate personal growth. If you’re navigating career choices, building authentic relationships, or seeking a broader definition of success, this conversation will resonate.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
• Why happiness is a practical foundation for success
• How a global childhood builds adaptability and openness
• What a PhD can (and can’t) teach you about real-world impact
• The difference between genuine networking and collecting contacts
• How life outside work compounds professional development
• Why hard work and humility are still unbeatable character builders
• How education can better bridge academia and industry
• Why openness to experience drives innovation adoption
• Practical ways to cultivate relationships that last
• How to embrace adventure and growth at any career stage

Connect with Dorian:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-dorian-von-freyhold-20716479/
B8N: https://www.b8n.com/

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