Martin Seligman, leader in Positive Psychology research, says “Psychology is much larger than curing mental illness or curing diseases. I think it’s about bringing out the best in people, it’s about positive institutions, it’s about strength of character.” Hence, Positive Psychology research focuses on identifying behavioral patterns and environment settings that foster wellbeing. The research findings within Positive Psychology gives valuable insight to practitioners for the design of effective interventions and best practices at the individual, organizational and community level. As OD practitioners, the use of these scientific based interventions and best practices will help build healthy, resilient and positive work environments and institutions. Resilient work environments foster learning, growth, development, change, innovation and overall wellbeing. The purpose of the session is to share the current scientific insights that can be applied at an organizational level and what organizations today are doing with these insights. Specifically, we will be discussing:

• Introduction to Positive Psychology and how this applies to the OD practitioner
• Current practical research findings for OD practitioners 
• Current best practices being applied in organizations and business
  

Let’s bring science into practice and have a meaningful and profound impact in our organizations.

Mercedes Sotomayor is a very passionate and enthusiastic professional who truly believes in the human spirit and its undeniable potential for change and growth. She is the Founder and Principal of ZGrowth, LLC an organizational consulting firm that focuses on bringing behavioral science insights into the solutions of problems within organizations and the workplace. ZGrowth, LLC works with leaders and organizations to set up working environments and develop an organizational culture that optimizes human potential. Mercedes is a qualified Industrial/Organizational licensed psychologist with a PhD in the field, who has over 8 years of experience in various roles. She has a range of professional experience in business solutions, training, teaching and research.