Parisa Khatabakhsh, leader in global supply and procurement, on the im

Why do you use earplugs?
I use earplugs because I am a very light sleeper and highly sensitive to noise. Even small sounds, such as the rustling of bedsheets when I move during sleep, can wake me up. Earplugs help me disconnect from my surroundings, relax more deeply, and improve the quality of my sleep. They are also especially valuable when I travel frequently for both work and leisure, as they help me rest well in unfamiliar or noisy environments. I also travel a lot, both for work and leisure, and they make a big difference when sleeping in hotels, on flights, or in other unfamiliar environments.

What does good design mean to you?
To me, good design in earplugs is all about comfort and functionality. They should feel comfortable in the ear, without creating pressure or discomfort, and effectively block noise without needing to be pushed in too far. I especially like that Happy Ears provide the right level of noise reduction. I can still hear some sounds when I am awake, which feels natural, but once I fall asleep, those same sounds do not disturb my sleep, even though I am very sensitive to noise. A well-designed earplug should also fit securely and stay in place throughout the night, regardless of how much you move. Ease of use is equally important. Good design also means a product that is simple to use and fits correctly without needing constant adjustments.

What situation in your daily life demands hyper focus?
Situations that require the most focus for me are making important decisions, solving complex problems, working on time-sensitive tasks with tight deadlines, or preparing for key presentations. In these situations, I need to minimize distractions and fully concentrate on the task at hand. While I mainly use Happy Ears for better sleep, they can also be very helpful when I need to concentrate in noisy environments. For example, when I am at an airport, on a train, or working somewhere with a lot of background noise, they help reduce distractions and make it easier to focus.

How has better sleep had an effect on your daily performance?
The biggest difference better sleep makes is how I feel when I wake up. I tend to be in a much better mood and have more energy from the start of the day. Since I usually go to the gym in the morning, I can clearly notice when I've had a good night's sleep because my energy and performance are much better. During the day, I feel calmer and more resilient when dealing with stress. I can focus for longer, make decisions more effectively, and be more creative when finding solutions to challenges. I also find that I am more patient and have better interactions with the people around me.

While discussing how earplugs make life better, tell us what makes you truly Happy?
True happiness for me comes from the simple things: meaningful time with family and friends, great food, new experiences, beautiful places, and moments of peace and presence. Happy Ears have become a small but meaningful part of that. Whether I'm traveling, resting, working, or just taking a moment for myself, they help create a sense of calm. When life feels loud and overwhelming, putting them in allows me to disconnect from the noise and reconnect with myself. Having that quiet moment in a busy world is something I truly value.