Playful and practical is a powerful mix.
Here’s my official story.
As a best-selling author, wellbeing teacher, and playful change activator, I’m passionate about translating cutting-edge research from neuroscience, positive psychology, leadership, and change into practical strategies that build thriving workplaces, flourishing schools, stronger communities, and healthier lives.
For the unofficial version, after growing up in family overwhelmed with mental health challenges, violence, and drug abuse I longed just to be happy. Despite steadily ticking off the realization of a great career, financial security, good friends, a loving family, travelling the world and more, while my life came to look great on paper, I was a stressed-out mess who couldn’t keep up with the life I had created. So, I went back to school to discover the latest science and to seek playful and practical ways to thrive, even in the midst of the struggles we all encounter.
1994
Climbs public relations ranks and becomes youngest general manager for large ad firm – along the way loses 100 sheep in the middle of Melbourne.
2001
Travels the world working for IBM and PwC and becomes global brand director in New York – along the way realizes most efforts to change organizational behavior get compliance, but rarely commitment.
2008
Flies from Melbourne to Philly every 3 weeks to complete Masters of Applied Positive Psychology – loses her passport and still manages to get customs to let her into the country.
2009
Joins PwC Australia’s HR team and uses positive psychology to build a thriving firm culture – teaches accountants and auditors the value of sometimes being optimistic.
2012
Creates The Wellbeing Lab to help people boost thriving and navigate struggle – along the way delivers a workshop to a football stadium filled with workers in America.
2019
Completes her PhD and co-creates The Change Lab to help people embrace the mess and magic of change – along the way talks to positive change leaders all over the world.
2019
Co-creates The Leaders Lab to help leaders build cultures of CARE – along the way creates a new leadership measure.
