A Ripple Story…
Toni Williams
Consultancy Business Owner
Sydney, Australia
Alumni: Byron Bay, Australia
In our 11069NAT Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing we always talk about the ripple effect; starting with self and creating a ripple out there in the world - whatever that may mean for each person.
In this interview, one of our Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing graduates recounts her inspiring journey which led her through formal education, entrepreneurship and the establishment of a successful consultancy. Toni's story is a testament to the profound impact of positive psychology on personal growth and wellbeing enhancement. It highlights how this field has reshaped careers and lives, challenging traditional ideas of retirement with a vibrant pursuit of meaningful work.
What drew you to complete the Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing?
I was first introduced to Sue Langley and the positive psychology work of the Langley Group in 2017 while working at the Sydney Opera House. I found the content inspiring and very complimentary to the work I was already doing in the people skills and leadership development space. My colleague and I were inspired to gain accreditation in the Strengths Profile tool and further reaped the benefits of these concepts by implementing them across the business.
As I pride myself on having a Growth Mindset and am constantly engaged in all kinds of informal continuous learning, this experience, and the fact that I was considering doing some further qualification as my Master of Adult Education from UTS gained in 2008 seemed a very long time ago, prompted me to look for some further formal learning opportunities. It was also that year that my mother peacefully passed away at the very positive age of 99, and I was keen to do something meaningful with the small inheritance she left me. Thanks to my knowledge of Sue’s work and my peaked interest in positive psychology, it was an easy choice to undertake the Diploma, and thanks to my Mum, I was able to jump in boots and all by enrolling into the residential course in Byron Bay in February 2018.
How was your experience of the Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing?
I pleasantly discovered that the course surpassed my initial curiosity. The six days spent in Byron Bay turned out to be an incredibly valuable experience. The course content is beyond excellent, with the depth of research and evidence-based delivery.
Sue Langley's fabulous, high-energy style made the week a very exciting learning environment. I am sure those undertaking the course virtually will also attest to this value. Still, I have to say that the immersion experience and the opportunity to share this face-to-face with 19 others from all over Australia and New Zealand made it even more valuable.
Learning activities such as going forth in Byron to deliver our random acts of kindness as well as the fabulous meaning-based activity of working in a small team to build a prosthetic hand also reminded of the value of going outside one's own habits and comfort zone.
We were able to share and grow together, in the daily workshops and on early morning beach walks, swims in the pool and by sharing stories over breakfast or a drink with dinner. The gorgeous environment of the Byron Bay hinterland and the superb peace and solitude of the Elements of Byron resort further enriched this. I left with a new perspective on my work and a new network of positive psychology colleagues and some lifelong friends.
How are you spreading your positive ripples, and how has the Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing helped you achieve this?
I completed the Diploma in August 2018 and have since built an ever-expanding toolkit of knowledge, practices, theory and skills to apply in my life and ongoing work.
In January 2020, my role at the Sydney Opera House was made redundant. I was faced with a life choice – to find another great internal Learning and Development role, retire or take the plunge and branch out into my own business. I chose the latter and credited much of my confidence to do so at this late stage in my career to have done the Diploma and incorporated many of the theories and practices into my life. In February 2020, I established my own little consultancy business and chose to combine a play on my own name with the notion of positivity to title it Positive Tone Learning as a homage to this perspective as a key driver of my business.
Little did I know at the time that we were on the cusp of a global pandemic. Thanks to my great networks, growth mindset and overall positive outlook, I can happily say that my little business has thrived through this challenge. Now, four years on, I am still going strong and absolutely loving bringing all the wonders of positive psychology into the learning and coaching initiatives I deliver.
Undertaking the Diploma has definitely helped me to positively influence people to become a better version of themselves and move towards a higher level of thriving and wellbeing.
Whether I am coaching using a strengths-based approach, facilitating a team-building activity to explore meaning and purpose or running training sessions on everything from mindfulness to how to use your emotions as data, in the years since I went out on my own, I have had the joy of working with a wide range of clients. These small changes ignite a ripple effect of positivity for all involved. This is an ongoing learning pursuit, and thanks to my continued network of colleagues from my course, others in the Diploma ‘tribe’ and my connections via Learn with Sue, I have been able to keep my knowledge alive and up to date.
I will be 65 this year, and I envision myself continuing to actively engage in my work for the foreseeable future!