Episode #13 - Why Happiness Matters In The Workplace w/Dr Suzy Green + CEO Of Starlight Foundation Louise Baxter

The Examined Life with Matt Purcell

If a positive workplace culture is important to you and your role within your organisation, then this is the episode for you. I recently hosted a webinar with two of Australia's top experts in positive psychology Dr Suzy Green and CEO of The Starlight Childrens Foundation Louise Baxter.

With the emergence of positive psychology over the past twenty years, a stronger focus on the proactive approach to wellbeing and optimal human functioning has occurred, at the individual, group and organisational levels.

Dr Suzy

Dr Suzy Green is a Clinical and Coaching Psychologist (MAPS) and Founder and CEO of The Positivity Institute, a positively deviant organisation dedicated to the research and application of Positive Psychology for life, school and work. She is a leader in the complementary fields of Coaching Psychology and Positive Psychology having conducted a world-first study on evidence-based coaching as an Applied Positive Psychology.

Suzy was the recipient of an International Positive Psychology Fellowship Award and has published in the Journal of Positive Psychology. She lectured on Applied Positive Psychology as a Senior Adjunct Lecturer in the Coaching Psychology Unit, University of Sydney for ten years and is an Honorary Vice President of the International Society for Coaching Psychology.

Louise Baxter

Louise Baxter has significant experience in senior marketing, sales and communication roles and is described as an "inspiring and authentic leader". In 2001, seeking greater purpose in her career Louise first moved from the Corporate to the "Profit for Purpose" or NFP sector.

Louise returned to the sector as Starlight's Chief Executive and Executive Director in 2009. Under her leadership Starlight has experienced significant growth in fundraising and program delivery, which is underpinned by the principles of positive psychology. She also established the "Positivity at Starlight" program for the team, with Starlight being one of the first organisations in Australia to champion positive psychology. During this time Starlight has also been awarded AON Hewitt Best Employer accreditation, is in the top 20 in Australia's Great Places to Work and #1 most reputable charity brand supporting children and young people.

Louise has been acknowledged by CEO Magazine as Australia's NFP Executive of the Year in 2016, and in March 2019 Louise was acknowledged in Pro Bono Australia's Impact 25 Awards which recognise the 25 most influential and inspirational people in Australia’s social sector as nominated by their peers.