A Ripple Story…

Lisa Wilson

Senior Claims Consultant,
Partners Life

Lisa applies positive psychology by using evidence-based communication, strengths, and goal-setting tools in her life insurance work to support clients and colleagues toward sustainable wellbeing, resilience, and long-term recovery, creating positive ripples through everyday interactions.

Auckland, New Zealand

Alumni:

🎓 Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing

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

"I wanted to understand the tools and techniques behind positively influencing wellbeing and goal attainment, and to use them to mentor and coach my broader team."

My work as a senior claims consultant in Life Insurance involves assessment of disability claims and also supporting clients back to optimal wellbeing. I’ve done this for the past 14 years and am passionate about supporting clients to navigate their journey to wellbeing and achieve long-term recovery goals.

I was drawn to learning the research and theories behind optimising wellbeing. More specifically, a lot of my work involves listening and talking with clients, where the style of communication can have a substantial influence.

The course was incredibly effective in balancing how to ‘check in with yourself before checking in with others.’ I really did go on a personal journey of self-analysis and discovery, and experienced flourishing at its best.

 

How was your experience studying this course?

"The course was everything I expected and more. I was surprised that undertaking the assignments was continually captivating, and I never lost interest throughout, even while working full-time."

I found Barbara Fredrickson's Broaden and Build theory most interesting because it reinforced that small steps can lead to greater outcomes. My ‘ah ha’ moment was understanding how resilience is built and achieved, and learning that simple tools can help us explore ‘meaning and purpose.’

My ability to help others work through effective goal-setting to achieve progressive, sustainable results has added a whole new level to the way I work with clients and to my own life journey. The course was everything I expected and more.

Learning my strengths profile was incredibly empowering and helped me to reframe, approach, and problem-solve personal and professional issues from a position of strength and positivity. I was glad I attended the six-day immersion course, where I put in a lot of work up front and then built momentum to develop the completion of the first six units. I found the hardest part was the two elective units, where you had to rely on yourself to pull everything together. But it did allow you to go in a direction based on what interested you most and figure out what may and may not work when applying theories.

 

How are you spreading positive ripples in your world?

"Positive ripples seem to occur simply by talking about the course and what it is about."

I have a greater appreciation of what allows us to live a good life. My outlook and behaviour are geared towards what allows me to remain balanced and maintain perspective. I am a changed person in the everyday way I think and act towards myself and others, with a gratitude and altruistic lens. This extends to my work in the health and rehabilitation field and has provided an enhanced perspective and toolkit. I’ve channelled my energy into making moments of joy throughout my day, and for those around me, by influencing behaviour and action and in turn I feel the rewards. Achievement, personally and professionally, has been a natural outcome.

I've also had an opportunity to begin introducing the theories to my colleagues and look forward to delving deeper into positive communication as a way of empowering clients to improve their own wellbeing and further facilitating our work as health and rehabilitation professionals.

To summarise, the Diploma has had a profound effect on my life. I have never been happier and feel these effects will be with me for life. Professionally, this is just the beginning of the next chapter, and I am excited to see where it takes me.

Inspired by Lisa's ripple story?

Isn’t it powerful how Lisa:

  • Uses evidence-based communication and positive psychology to deepen her impact with clients in life insurance and rehabilitation

  • Applies strengths, resilience, and meaning-focused tools to support sustainable recovery and long-term wellbeing

  • Transforms everyday conversations into opportunities for goal clarity, motivation, and positive change

  • Builds self-awareness and balance by learning to check in with herself before supporting others

  • Integrates theory into real-world practice to mentor colleagues and strengthen team capability

  • Experiences personal flourishing alongside professional growth, creating positive ripples at work and beyond

Discover how positive psychology, grounded in research and practical application, can strengthen communication, resilience, and wellbeing in real-world roles, just as Lisa has experienced.

Join our next Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing or Certificate IV in Wellbeing Science intake and learn tools you can apply immediately. For yourself, your work, and the people you support.

Enquire here or book a call to learn more.