Making Positive Psychology Work Podcast

Robert Biswas-Diener, is a leading researcher on culture, wellbeing, positive psychology coaching and author of several wonderful books including the The Upside of Your Dark Side.  With recent political changes in the United States and the UK leaving many feeling fearful and apprehensive about the future, Robert shares his insights on how to become comfortable with these uncomfortable feelings.  He suggests rather than trying to whitewash them, by accepting them, and seeing them as signals that something isn’t right, you can then decide on a constructive response to what’s unfolding.  You can also apply this in workplaces when looming mergers or restructures stir up similar feelings of uncertainty and fear. Connect with Robert Biswas-Diener Robert’s Website - RobertDiener.com PositiveAcorn.com IntentionalHappiness.com You’ll Learn: [01:37] - Robert talks about how emotions are like signals giving us a mental thumbs-up or thumbs-down about the quality of our life.   [05:35] - If you are fearful, it’s telling

Paloma Lopez is the global sustainability director for Kellogg. She helped lead the launch of the Kellogg origins program in sustainable agriculture in Europe.  She is now helping roll that program out on a global scale.   Paloma shares Kellogg’s long history with “purpose”.  She explains how it is increasingly important for employees that the values of the organization align with their own.   Paloma has great insight into what Kellog have learned on their journey about having the right programs, the right partners and the right messages.  Connect with Paloma Lopez Twitter - @palomalpez You’ll Learn: [01:21] - Paloma talks about embedding purpose within an organization.  She shares how Kellogg has done this. [3:34] - Paloma also explains why this strategy is important for their millennial employees. [7:14] - Paloma talks about the role that leaders play in implementing and maintaining these strategies. Paloma also shares a new initiative that aims to connect employees with their sustainable agriculture sourc

Vincent Stanley is an author and chief story-teller with Patagonia.  In this conversation, you will hear Vincent talk about Patagonia’s journey from sustainability to responsibility, the mistakes they've made along the way and how they've won the hearts and minds of employees.  Connect with Vincent Stanley Vincent Stanley’s Website You’ll Learn: [02:18] - Vincent shares why he believes organizations shouldn't focus on sustainability. [04:23] - Vincent talks about Patagonia’s journey towards responsibility. [07:17] - Vincent explains how Patagonia have used story-telling and experiences to convince their employees to embrace this change. [13:15] - Vincent shares how Patagonia's willingness to stumble on it's responsibility journey has helped the company plan more proactively. [14:30] - The lightning round with Vincent Stanley. Your Resources: The Responsible Company: What We’ve Learned From Patagonia’s First 40 Years - Vincent Stanley and Yvon Chouinard Let My People Go Surfing: The Education of a Relucta

Dr. Peggy Kern is a senior lecturer in the University of Melbourne’s Graduate School of Education in the Center for Positive Psychology.  Peggy has published over 50 peer reviewed articles and chapters.  Her research addresses the question, “Who flourishes and why?” In this conversation, you will hear Peggy talk about the role our behaviors and habits play in our well-being. With Julie Butler, Peggy has developed Permah Profiler, which is designed to measure different elements of well-being. She has also developed Permah Workplace Survey.  Peggy also shares that she recently received some criticism and she shares some valuable insight on how to react to criticism and ways to learn from it to become a better researcher.   Connect with Peggy Kern: Peggy Kern’s Blog - http://peggykern.org You’ll Learn: [01:40] - Peggy talks about our behaviors and habits and determining if these are undermine or uplift our well-being. [03:29] - Peggy shares her thoughts on why these little practices to promote well-being are s

Kevin Schnieders is the Chief Servant Leader and CEO of Educational Data Systems, Inc. (EDSI). EDSI is a workplace development, customized training, and consulting company who provides innovative solutions to close workforce skill gaps around America.  Since Kevin became CEO, EDSI has tripled in size.   In this conversation, you will hear Kevin talk about models and systems that he has implemented at EDSI.  By talking with 450 EDSI employees in 45 days through this servant leadership model, Kevin has been able to understand his employees as individuals.  You will hear him share the logistics of maintaining these relationships.  EDSI has experienced incredible growth under Kevin and he explains the role that this model had in the success of the company. You’ll Learn: [01:50] - Kevin talked with 450 EDSI employees in 45 days. He talks about what led him to making the decision to take on this challenge and what he took away from these conversations.   [02:40] - Kevin believes leaders need to understand their em

Dr. Aaron Jarden is a senior lecturer in psychology at Auckland University of Technology. He is also the president of the New Zealand Association of Positive Psychology. Aaron has done a lot of research on occupational wellbeing and in this conversation, he talks about how to introduce these practices to workplaces from the upper levels to the front-lines using a  “me, we, us” framework. Aaron also shares his thoughts on the links between the research community and practitioners.  He also speaks about the gap between the academic world and the general public's perception of wellbeing. You’ll Learn: [01:40] - Aaron talks about some of his research findings on occupational wellbeing. [03:12] - Aaron shares his thoughts on introducing these practices to workplaces. [05:08] - There are different ways organizations implement these practices and Aaron shares the different strategies and his thoughts on the variety of techniques. [06:23] - A challenge in implementing occupational well-being strategies is convincing

Sarah Lewis is the founder and managing director of Appreciating Change in the UK. Sarah consults for organizations around the world on how to effectively create sustainable change. In this conversation, you will hear Sarah talk about her philosophies on change and how she helps organizations through the change process. We discuss the questions that must be asked to unleash change. Often, the questions asked pertain to what is going wrong or what is broken. Instead, Sarah talks about the questions that need to be asked to unleash the power to move forward through positive change. Sarah also explains some other methodology for positive change, like World Cafe and Simu-Real. In the Lightning Round, Sarah shares several authors and books for which she has great appreciation. She also shares that “positivity is a state as well as a trait.”These methodologies are not about ignoring the negativity in life, but rather to help us get to a state where we are coping and thriving. You’ll Learn: [01:30] - Sarah shares t

Chris White is the managing director of the Center for Positive Organizations and the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. Chris developed and co-teaches the MBA class on social intrapreneurship. In this conversation, Chris explains social intrapreneurship - leading positive change without authority - and compares this with social movement activists.   Chris talks about how organizations can create workplace environments to foster more social intrapreneurship,  and where these efforts can go wrong. You’ll Learn: [01:24] - Chris talks about his presentation on leading positive change without authority. He draws parallels between social movement activists and trying to create change in organizations. [02:06] - Chris goes over the 4 things that occur in social movement theory literature and those also apply to social intrapreneurship . [04:24] - Chris talks about social intrapreneurship. [06:25] - Chris shares his thoughts on the roles of passion, meaning, and purpose play in social intrapreneurshi

Jason Wilburn is the Vice President and General Manager for the Industrial Services Division of Conco Services Corporation. Conco was a finalist in the 2016 Positive Business Project competition, presented by The Center for Positive Organizations at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. Conco has a lot of remote employees that only see each other face-to-face twice a year, yet are expected to have the familiarity to be able to work effectively together. In January, Conco launched their program to develop and build high-quality connections. In this conversation, Jason talks about how he and Conco implemented these positive psychology practices. He shares the results and growth that Conco has experienced in 2016, with these practices in place. He also talks about the next steps of maintaining this program of high-quality connections. You’ll Learn: [01:36] - Jason talks about what he and his team have done at Conco to make 2016 the year of high-quality connections. [04:18] - Jason explains how C

Neil Garrett is a cognitive neuroscientist at the University College London. His research investigates the mechanisms by which individuals learn information about the world and the factors that influence learning processes. Neil Garrett’s website: http://neilgarrett.org/ In this conversation, Neil shares that research suggests that our brains may be wired for optimism. People tend to over-estimate the likelihood of positive events in the future and under-estimate the likelihood of negative events in the future. Although this is not the case with everyone, as there are external factors that can influence this in individuals. Neil’s findings can help leaders determine the best ways to deliver information in workplaces. There are some negatives that come from this optimism and Neil talks about what those negatives are and explains the necessary balance that needs to happen. You’ll Learn: [01:27] - Neil shares some takeaways from his presentation at the European Conference on Positive Psychology. [02:13] - Accor

James Pawelski is the director of education and senior scholar in the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania, as well as the author of the book The Dynamic Individualism of William James.  He serves as the founding director of the Masters of Applied Positive Psychology program for more than 10 years, where he teaches courses on positive interventions, the humanities, and human flourishing.  James is an international keynote speaker who regularly makes presentations in English and Spanish.  He has spoken in more then twenty countries and on six continents.  In addition, he also holds paid leadership positions as the founding executive director of the International Positive Psychology Association, member of the steering committee of the International Positive Education Network, and president of the William James Society. James Pawelski's website: (https://jamespawelski.com/) In this discussion, James and I talk about the relationship between positive psychology and philosophy, the roots of

Sue Langley, is a speaker, master trainer, global business consultant and leading advisor, and founder and CEO of the Langley Group of Companies. Sue has taught thousands of business leaders how to create positive work-places. Sue Langley’s website: http://suelangley.com/ In this discussion, you will learn about creativity and innovation and how they benefit us as individuals, but also how organizations can foster creativity and innovation beyond just having “a culture of creativity.”You will hear Sue’s thoughts on how leaders and organizations can develop the right climate for creativity and innovation to flourish. Sue shares a lot of valuable information on her approach with leaders and organizations. You will learn the vocabulary she uses, and how she convinces organizations to be open to the science and research of positive psychology. Sue also shares a recent example of an organization that wasn’t ready for these practices. You’ll Learn: [1:43] - Having a culture of creativity in an organization isn’t e

Felicia Huppert is the founding director of the Well-Being Institute at Cambridge University and a leading researcher on the science of well-being and promotion of human flourishing. Felicia Huppert’s website: http://www.wellbeing.group.cam.ac.uk/who-we-are/founder/ In this interview, you will hear Felicia share her definition and understanding of “wellbeing”, which is “our ability to feel good and function well.”She also talks about what she considers to be the foundation of everything we do, mindfulness. It’s that combination of mindfulness and skills that allows us to navigate life effectively. Felicia developed the .b (Dot B) program for adolescents to stop and reflect. Studies show the effects on well-being exist three months later. Felicia also discusses the role of self-compassion in our well-being. People who are more self-compassionate are more motivated to change their behaviors in ways they want. Felicia shares her thoughts on the importance of mindfulness training within organizations and how to g

Louis Alloro is the co-founder and director of the Certificate in Positive Psychology program. He consults on culture change initiatives all over the world. Louis Alloro’s website: https://certificateinpositivepsychology.com/capp-faculty/louis-alloro/ In this interview, you will hear Louis describe the Certificate in Positive Psychology program.  He talks about the technical content of this six-month program.  He also shares how the program helps participants “walk the walk” with the concepts that are covered.  This includes how the program prepares participants in how to handle some of the challenges in helping organization implement positive psychology practices. You’ll Learn: [1:44] - Louis talks about the different types of professionals that are drawn to the Certificate in Positive Psychology program and he describes what this program offers. [3:50] - The Certificate in Positive Psychology program is organized around the Perma-V model and Louis describes what this entails, in regards to technical conte

Maureen McKenna,is a partner at Innovation Works and author of "Pink Steel-Toed Shoes," a story about her experience as the first female manager in manufacturing at Xerox. She talks with us about her speech at the Canadian Conference about Positive Psychology, on creating a healthy organizational climate, and increasing return on energy. Maureen's Blog: https://momentsbymoment.com/ You'll Learn: [1:50] What she hopes people took away from her speech at the Canadian Conference [2:40] How to focus on return on energy in the workplace [4:40] Learning from the past, moving forward, and her "Fresh Air" framework [6:40] She tells an anecdote that is an example of self-awareness in the workplace [8:15] How we choose to respond to "Vertical Leadership" [9:10] How to help people to change their mindset and have a safe place for micropractices [12:20] How to challenge each other's thought processes without negative connotations [14:00] The Lightning Round with Maureen McKenna! Your Resources: Innovation Works Website

Ilona Boniwell is the program leader for the first Master’s Degree in Applied Positive Psychology in Europe at Angila Ruskin University. She is also the CEO of Positran. In this interview, you will hear Ilona share her insights on making Positive Psychology real and tangible, and practical for people to integrate into their lives. She also talks about the role of Positive Psychology in the workplace, including how it can be integrated through play, the current state of these practices in Europe, and the terminology she avoids when proposing these changes to organizations. Ilona Boniwell’s website: https://lifelabs.psychologies.co.uk/users/579-dr-ilona-boniwell You’ll Learn: ● [2:00] - Ilona talks about her goal of making Positive Psychology “real and tangible.” ● [3:17] - Making strengths real by taking them from a questionnaire and knowing what to do with them. ● [4:52] - Ilona describes The Happiness Dashboard. ● [7:35] - Ilona talks about using the available tools to build our skills and maintain changes.

Gretchen Spreitzer is the faculty director for the Center of Positive Organizations at the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. In this interview, you will hear Gretchen talk about enabling sustainable performance. There are several factors that make it quite easy to get burned out at work and organizations need to implement certain things to promote sustainable performance and allow individuals to thrive. Gretchen gives practical ways for organizations to do this through her four levers to promote sustainability. Gretchen also shares some basic and easily implemented tactics for individuals to thrive. Gretchen Spreitzer’s website: https://sites.google.com/a/umich.edu/spreitzer/home You’ll Learn: ● [1:43] - In today’s world, it is easy to get burned out and we need to make performance sustainable. ● [3:44] - Gretchen shares the four levers organizations can use to promote sustainability. ● [7:42] - Gretchen talks about the balance of responsibility between organizations and individuals in re

Emiliya Zhivotovskaya is the founder of The Flourishing Center of Benefit Corporation.  She is the creator of the Certification in Applied Positive Psychology. Emiliya talks about the connection of mind and body, specifically in regards to vitality. Our bodies affect our thoughts and vice versa. So how do we bring that vitality into our lives?  It’s not through major interventions, but rather through daily life hacks.  Emiliya shares a few that you can implement into your life.  You will learn about the importance of our digestive system in this conversation.  Emiliya talks about how our gut is our “second brain.”  She describes its effect on our our mind body health and lists ways for us to keep the second brain healthy.  This is a conversation with a lot of practical and easily implemented tips and exercises.  Emiliya Zhivotovskaya’s website You’ll Learn: [2:06] - Emiliya shares her model of vitality. [6:28] - Why do many researchers teach the mind and body are separate components? [7:10] - Emiliya talks a

Wayne Baker is a professor of management at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. Wayne is also the first director of the Center for Positive Organizations.Wayne talks about the idea of a giving culture at work. People are inherently generous and often, the biggest barrier is getting people to ask for what they need. Wayne talks about the ROI that a giving culture brings to organizations. He also talks about who is likely to reciprocate and what their motivations might be. I enjoyed this conversation with Wayne Baker and I’m certain you will too! Wayne Baker’s website You’ll Learn: ● [1:41] - Wayne shares some takeaways from his presentation at The Positive Business Conference on creating a giving culture. ● [2:30] - Wayne talks about the reciprocity ring.● [3:21] - What steps need to be taken after an individual makes a request? ● [4:08] - The biggest barrier is getting people to ask for what they need. ● [5:07] - Wayne talks about why so many organizations struggle to create a giving culture

Jessica Amortegui is a leading expert in positive psychology and positive organizational scholarship in organizations. Jessica is the Senior Director of Learning and Development at Logitech, where she has developed a two-day workshop on positive psychology practices for her team members. Jessica shares how she organized this workshop, including her strategy to gain management support and team buy-in. Jessica also talks with us about job crafting and the idea of “the perfect job vs. the best job for us.” I think you will really enjoy this conversation with Jessica Amortegui. This interview was produced in partnership with the Center for Positive Organization’s Positive Business Project. Jessica's website: http://www.jessicaamortegui.com You’ll Learn: ● [2:15] - Jessica talks about need for meaningful experience in order to open people’s hearts and minds to new ways of leading. ● [4:05] - How Jessica got Logitech leadership and the team to buy into a two-day workshop course on leading through positive psycholog