By: Zach Miller

Happiness is a word that is often used. Yet for Pete Pallares, it became a lifelong pursuit.

Born in Barcelona and now based in the Bay Area, Pallares’ career is centered around service, empathy, and leadership. Over the years, he has received recognition such as Entrepreneur of the Year 2018, Healthcare Leader of the Year, and a spot on Inc. 5000. He was also named a “CEO to Watch” in 2021.

But titles and honors only tell part of his journey. Pallares has the ability to turn difficult experiences into lessons that benefit others. His years of work in autism support, behavioral health, and community development have shown him the significant role emotional well-being plays in human life.

That led him toward one of his most important projects to date: co-authoring the book Happiness Declassified.

Happiness Declassified: A Manual for Emotional Strength

Published in 2024, Happiness Declassified is described as “a comprehensive guide for developing emotional intelligence.” Pallares teamed up with internationally recognized psychologist Rafael Santandreu to write it. Together, they created a book that blends cognitive-behavioral tools with personal experience, making emotional well-being approachable and attainable.

• Practical roots: The philosophy outlined in the book is grounded in decades of research and practice. Thousands have applied these ideas to address challenges like anxiety, depression, isolation, and communication difficulties.
• Real-world insights: Happiness is not something to wait for. It’s something to work toward. The book includes exercises, examples, and stories of individuals who changed their outlook.
• Accessible to everyone: While based on cognitive-behavioral therapy, the tone is engaging, direct, and optimistic. Readers feel guided rather than lectured.

The result is a resource that readers describe as life-enhancing. People who once struggled with anxiety and self-doubt now talk about calmness, clarity, and resilience. The personal stories resonate more than any accolade.

A reader shares, “‘Happiness is in your hands.’ As a woman and a mother of three adult children, this book spoke to me. The authors provide case studies grounded in real-life situations and evidence-based research and practices. This allows the reader to reflect, strategize, and harness her own power to build a path to happiness. I passed this book on to my children and feel it has universal appeal, making it a must-read, distinct from other self-help books. Happiness is within our control.”

Another reader notes, “Don’t read this book if you like being unhappy!” While yet another says, “It invites you in and gives you an opportunity to view your life through a different perspective. Your own. It’s truly a gift.”

Beyond the Book: The Pedro Pallares Foundation

Writing a book is one part of Pallares’ journey. The other is his ongoing work through the Pedro Pallares Foundation (PPF), which he founded in 2016. The foundation was created to fight poverty, improve mental health, and expand opportunities for under-resourced communities. Its programs range from food security to scholarships for neurodiverse students.

Here’s how PPF makes an impact:

Food Security: Providing access to safe, nutritious meals for families who face difficulties meeting basic needs.

Affordable Housing Support: Promoting stability for families by ensuring safe, affordable housing that helps them focus on education and growth.

Mental and Behavioral Health: Supporting individuals through healthcare systems and offering access to quality mental health services.

Scholarships: Funding higher education for students from neurodiverse and underserved communities.

Sports and Inclusion Programs: Creating environments where equity, diversity, and inclusion are actively practiced.

Pallares believes that “everyone deserves a fulfilling life.” The foundation exemplifies how those words can be turned into action across local and global communities.

Summary

Pete Pallares has embraced many roles: entrepreneur, researcher, author, and foundation leader. He is dedicated to human growth and serving others with empathy. Through Happiness Declassified, he distilled years of experience into a guide for anyone who seeks to live with more strength, purpose, and joy.

The book is not just a theoretical concept. It is a practical resource for everyday life. It offers readers tools to build resilience and hope. Paired with his foundation’s ongoing initiatives, it underscores Pallares’ commitment to providing people with the tools, resources, and mindset needed to thrive.

Pallares demonstrates that happiness is not a hidden secret. It is something that can be learned, practiced, and shared.