How I Used the Diploma of Positive Psychology to Inspire Leadership and Purpose – Selma Ozkan

Selma Ozkan

Head of People and Culture,
Brigthside Co

Selma is a Strategic People and Culture Executive, applying Positive Psychology to transform organisational culture, strengthen leadership capability, and create workplaces where people and performance thrive together.

Sydney, Australia

Alumni:

🎓 Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing

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

"I could tell immediately this course would help me achieve my goals of having a positive impact on the culture of Brightside and helping our leaders become the best version of themselves."

As the Learning and Development Manager for Brightside, my team and I are responsible for the growth and learning of all personnel across the global business, with my role particularly focused on the leadership team and organisational development.

I attended the Health and Wellbeing Expo and heard Sue Langley speak, and was instantly drawn to her research and thinking on Positive Psychology.  This encouraged me to meet with her, which led to finding out about the Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing course.

How was your experience studying this course?

"There were too many standouts to list, yet the four that resonated the most were: Positive Goals, Positive Engagement, Helping Hands Program and Strengths Profile."

This course helped me grow on a personal and professional level by providing me with a variety of skills and techniques that I could apply on a daily basis for myself or a variety of stakeholders and learners across the business. The practical application throughout the face-to-face component allowed me to apply the learning immediately and receive instant feedback to confirm the learning had been transferred effectively.

I had such a great experience with my learning that I went back to complete the Strengths Profile accreditation with Langley Group (Langley Group Institute's sister company) and look forward to using this across Brightside.

How has the Diploma helped you spread positive ripples in your world?

Upon completing the course, I incorporated many of the learnings into the Global Leadership and Talent Management Program at Brightside. One of the highlights was facilitating the Helping Hands Program, introduced as a meaningful activity during the Diploma course, as a team activity. I used this activity to drive awareness, highlight the impact of achieving a shared goal, the effectiveness of teamwork and most importantly why we need to have PURPOSE in everything we do.

Regardless of role, responsibility or title, every employee contributes to the growth of a business. They just need to know how their role fits into the strategy, understand how they’re driving growth and ultimately find meaning and purpose in what they do. This has become the foundation of our current Talent Management Program.

Inspired by Selma's ripple story?

Discover how our courses can equip you with practical tools to strengthen leaders, build engagement, and create meaningful impact in your own workplace.

Turn everyday interactions into lasting positive change - just as Sandra has.

Join our next Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing or Certificate IV in Wellbeing Science intake and start shaping a culture of growth, resilience, and purpose.

Enquire here or book a call to learn more.