Creating Real-World Ripples in Wellbeing for Schools, Communities and Organisations – Susie Edmonds

Susie Edmonds

Founder and Head of Program,
Inner Directions

Susie provides coaching, mentoring, and workshops for workplaces, schools, and communities, helping people maximise their potential and build wellbeing through strengths, mindset, and positive culture.

Sydney, Australia

Alumni:

🎓 Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing

🎓 Certificate IV in Wellbeing Science

What drew you to study the Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing?

"Chatting with Yulia (the CEO of LGI) confirmed my feeling that this was exactly what I was looking for: a chance to invest in myself and my business while being part of a diverse, inspiring learning community."

Having left a full-time high school teaching position where I was involved in the wellbeing of senior students, I had spent the previous five years building my business, running workshops in schools, businesses, not-for-profits, and community projects.

Throughout my teaching and business journey, I had always valued working with a team, sharing ideas, building on visions, being challenged in my thinking, and learning from one another. What I found myself missing was that sense of community and growth. I was searching for something that would expand my knowledge and also connect me with like-minded people who were energised by learning and curious to explore new ideas.

I had long been interested in positive psychology, both in my teaching and in shaping my business, and wanted to deepen my understanding. As often happens, once I started searching, Google led me to the Langley Group Institute (LGI). I was immediately impressed by what they offered and quickly joined a live webinar introducing the Diploma.

 

How has completing the Diploma impacted you personally and professionally?

"Sue’s teaching style is engaging and interactive, and I found myself easily absorbed, interested, and genuinely motivated by what we were learning."

Personally, it was exciting to step back into the role of student. The resources were excellent and so clearly presented that I enjoyed adding my own thoughts, notes, and reflections as I went along.

Going with the in-person intensive course option was a good fit for me. It allowed me to leave other responsibilities behind and fully focus on the experience. I loved meeting new people, hearing their ideas and perspectives, building connections, and having time to reflect and chat with others about what we were learning.

One of the biggest “ah ha” moments for me was realising that while I had been working independently, I wasn’t on my own. Through the Diploma, I became aware of the wider community of positive psychology, a robust and active network of practitioners and researchers around the world, grounded in solid scientific studies. That really appealed to my science teacher brain and gave me confidence that I was engaging with ideas that were both practical and evidence-based.

I also found real value in the Strengths Profile tool. I liked seeing how it could be applied to individuals and teams, as well as what it revealed about my own style of working. Before even finishing the Diploma, I also chose to become an accredited Strengths Practitioner through Langley Group, and that has been a really worthwhile step.

 

How are you creating positive ripples since completing the Diploma?

"It has added depth and perspective to my work, giving me new ways to support others and help them navigate challenges. My work is diverse, responding to both individual and group needs, and I’ve developed practical ways to guide people forward through difficult situations."

Since completing the Diploma, I’ve integrated a lot of what I learned into my workshops and coaching. Some of the key projects where I’ve applied what I’ve learned include the following examples.

I worked with learning mentors at Indie College, a program for young people who’ve disengaged from mainstream education, teaching them how to integrate a strengths-based approach into their support. For young people who have internalised failure or carry complex stories, naming strengths can feel overwhelming. By understanding each learner and building trust, mentors can create conditions for strengths to emerge safely and meaningfully. This approach helps students re-engage, build confidence, and discover new possibilities.

I have built a mentoring support program for the Norfolk Island community called ‘Beyond Norfolk: Relocation and Connection,’ which helps recent school leavers transition into post-school study or full-time work. Leaving the island and the familiar can feel isolating and challenging, so the program provides practical guidance, encouragement, and connection to help young people navigate this transition and feel supported as they build their new life. Drawing from positive psychology, I’ve trained mentors to foster positive emotions, build meaningful relationships, and recognise and develop strengths. This approach helps young people feel capable, uplifted, and resilient, empowering them to overcome challenges and thrive in their new environments.

I’ve also worked with volunteers at St John Ambulance, exploring how individual strengths can be harnessed to build energised, productive teams while sustaining wellbeing. Volunteers often juggle busy lives while giving their time and energy to help others. Compassion fatigue is real, yet understanding what energises each person and applying strengths-based strategies can help teams perform effectively while supporting the people behind the work.

These examples show just some of the ways positive psychology has shaped my work and the impact it can have.

"It has influenced how I lead, relate, and show up, and supported me in creating positive ripples, sometimes visible outcomes, sometimes quiet mindset shifts, grounded in evidence-based approaches and a deep understanding of the people I work with."

 

What made you decide also to study the Cert IV in Wellbeing Science?

"The Certificate IV is a great way to simplify positive psychology concepts and build on them in a practical, logical, and helpful way."

I wanted to see a streamlined approach that was grounded in self-reflection, action, and personal growth. Having the depth of knowledge from the Diploma allows me to approach the activities with perspective, recognising both possibilities and how simple actions can make a difference.

The Certificate IV also helps solidify what I’ve already learned while offering new insights when material is approached from a different angle. It includes practical topics and applications not covered in the Diploma, which adds further value and depth to my work.

 

How could the Diploma or the Cert IV shift the education sector?

"Positive psychology provides students with practical tools and strategies to navigate challenges confidently, trust in their abilities, and develop a positive outlook on personal growth and resilience. For educators and school leaders, accessing this kind of learning can transform classrooms, teams, and whole school communities by embedding evidence-based approaches that have an ongoing, meaningful impact."

Schools do a great job valuing the wellbeing of students and creating opportunities for them to build resilience and positive experiences. However, personal growth and change take time, and the teenage brain presents a unique window of opportunity to introduce new ideas. The practical steps outlined in the Certificate IV give teachers real wellbeing tools that support students and help them build skills they can apply in their own lives. It also provides a shared language for educators to use when fostering wellbeing.

The activities and strategies can engage students in meaningful discussions, helping them develop resilience and a positive approach to challenges. In the final years of school, students are often focused on achieving outcomes and grades, which can leave them feeling lost or stressed. The Certificate IV equips educators with practical solutions to encourage healthy striving for excellence without getting caught in the spiral of perfectionism.

 

What would you like to share with someone who is thinking about studying either one of the courses?

"The great thing is you don’t know all the positive outcomes that could come from saying yes. It’s not about making the “perfect” decision; it’s about exploring the opportunities in what might be."

If you’re sitting on the fence with doing one of the courses, I’d suggest thinking about what might be holding you back and whether there’s a practical way to work around it. If you have the time to commit and can engage fully, the course is absolutely worth the effort, both personally and professionally. The investment in either the Diploma or Certificate IV will be valuable, and the professionalism and support of the Langley Group Institute is second to none.

Sometimes taking the first step is the hardest. For me, I just decided to say yes and see where it would lead. It can feel difficult to justify spending money on yourself or investing in your own growth, yet what are the options to make that work?

 

Inspired by Susie's ripple story?

See how a strengths-based approach and positive psychology tools can transform your school, workplace, or community.

Join our next Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing or Certificate IV in Wellbeing Science intake to start creating meaningful wellbeing ripples.

Enquire here or book a call to learn more.