Happy People Doha’s January monthly gathering held recently.
Doha, Qatar: In an age where networking is often reduced to hurried introductions and the exchange of business cards, Happy People Doha (HPD) is reshaping what professional connection looks like.
At its core is a simple but powerful idea: intentional networking focused on building trust and mutual support, rather than transactional exchanges.
“Happy People Doha isn’t about walking into a room and handing out business cards to as many people as possible,” says its founder Ann Pluto Williams.
“It’s about slowing things down and actually getting to know who you’re standing next to. We focus on conversations, not pitches.” What began in 2019 as a small WhatsApp group quickly evolved into a structured community with a deeper purpose. What started as casual conversations among like-minded individuals soon evolved into a structured community with a clear purpose, creating genuine human connections in a fast-paced expatriate environment.
Seven years on, HPD has evolved into a formally recognised professional networking group bringing together more than 300 members including several ambassadors, diplomats, CEOs, senior leaders and creatives from more than 75 nationalities.
Yet its measure of success remains deeply human. “I measure it in stories, not numbers,” Ann says. “When someone tells me they found support, a collaborator, a friend, that’s success.” “Happy People Doha isn’t about walking into a room and handing out business cards to as many people as possible,” said Ann who is also a communication professional and President of the Swedish Association of Qatar.
“It’s about slowing things down and actually getting to know who you’re standing next to. We focus on conversations, not pitches.” That intentional slowing down is central to HPD’s ethos. Monthly gatherings and curated events are designed to feel relaxed and welcoming, with no pressure to perform. Members are encouraged to bring guests, ensuring that each event introduces fresh energy and perspectives.
This approach resonates strongly in today’s professional culture, where many feel fatigued by constant selling and competition. “People are tired of being ‘sold to,’” she said. “When someone shows up with real interest and kindness, it stands out. Business may start with a meeting, but it only grows through trust.” Trust, Ann believes, is what transforms a network into a community.
“Without it, a network is just a crowd. With it becomes a community,” she says. Within HPD, trust enables members to share ideas openly, make introductions, and support one another, often without expecting anything in return. The focus on happiness is not accidental. Ann’s professional background in business development, combined with her desire to foster joy and belonging among expatriates, shaped the group’s philosophy.
“Happiness is what connects us all,” she explains. “When people feel good, they collaborate better, communicate better and create better things together. Happiness isn’t soft, it’s powerful, and kindness is a true superpower.” For many expatriates in Qatar, HPD offers more than professional opportunity; it offers belonging. “Living abroad can be lonely,” Ann says. “Communities like Happy People Doha turn a city into a home.” Her message on networking is clear and timely: “People don’t remember your business card — they remember how you made them feel.”
