NZAPP Learning Event with Kristina Shea, PhD Scholar (September 08, 2026)

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 07:30:00 GMT

About the session:

Positive Energizing Leadership is a new form of leadership that is relational in nature, and combines relational energy and transcendent virtues to support people to be and do their best.

During this session, we will explore the construct that was originally conceptualized by my mentor, Dr. Kim Cameron, share about the validation which we recently published, and also explore the preliminary results of a year-long longitudinal study about the construct, and what we know to date. We will also explore the dark sides of leadership as well and what we have found about this and the impact on well-being.

About the speaker:

What happens when you combine 15+ years of finance leadership, cutting-edge well-being research, and a passion for unlocking human potential? You get Kristina Shea, a leader who's traded spreadsheets for breakthrough science and is now revolutionizing how we think about leader and leadership development, coaching, and human flourishing.

From her roots as Deputy Director of a major government agency, to working for many years in international non-profits, to the research labs of three prestigious universities, Kristina has always been driven by one question: How do we help people become the best versions of themselves?

Her journey took a pivotal turn during her Masters at Pepperdine University, where she discovered Appreciative Inquiry, an approach that flips traditional problem-solving on its head by focusing on what's already working brilliantly. This wasn't just an academic exercise — it was a complete mindset shift that led her to earn certifications from Gallup, become an ICF-certified coach, and dive headfirst into the University of Pennsylvania's renowned MAPP program.

Now, as a PhD candidate at the University of Bologna, where she studies leader and leadership development in the Italian and European context, Kristina is bridging the gap between rigorous academic research and real-world impact. Her work focuses on developing leadership interventions and research that enhance collective well-being — because she knows firsthand that sustainable success requires leaders who can thrive personally while creating environments where their teams flourish too.

With academic publications, book chapters, and proven well-being interventions under her belt, Kristina is now focused on delivering these evidence-based solutions at scale.

Connect on LinkedIn Kristina Shea or visit https://eluvera-website.onrender.com/

Cost:

The event is free for NZAPP members and a limited number of guest tickets are available for $25. The recording and slides of the event will only be available to members of NZAPP.

Not already a member? The Association membership is $80 per annum (waged) and $40 (student). To join, click here and take advantage of our free to members annual calendar of events (eight per year).

NZAPP Community Connection Event: Strength for the Stretch Ahead - Building resilience for the year end (September 24, 2026)

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Spring in Aotearoa New Zealand is a season of new beginnings. As the days grow longer, many of us also begin looking ahead to everything the remainder of the year holds. For some, that's exciting; for others, it brings an ever-growing list of commitments and competing priorities. Whatever this season looks like for you, it's the perfect time to pause, take stock of your wellbeing, and intentionally prepare for the months ahead.

Join us for this engaging and collaborative 90-minute online Community Connection Event, where you'll create a practical wellbeing plan to support your own thriving through the remainder of the year. Together, we'll draw on evidence-informed positive psychology, alongside the collective wisdom, lived experience, and practical ideas of our community. Rather than being given a one-size-fits-all solution, you'll leave with ideas and strategies that are meaningful, realistic, and tailored to you.

Together we'll:

Reflect on the opportunities, challenges, and demands the coming months may bring.
Explore practical ways to build on what's already going well and strengthen your capacity to thrive through the busier months ahead.
Share ideas, experiences, and positive psychology practices in supportive small-group conversations.
Develop a personalised wellbeing plan based on your own strengths, priorities, and goals.

This will be a highly interactive session with opportunities for reflection, conversation, and shared learning. Whether you're new to positive psychology or have years of experience, your perspective will enrich the discussion and help shape the learning for others.

You'll leave with:

A personalised wellbeing plan ready to put into action.
Fresh ideas and practical strategies inspired by the collective wisdom of the group.
Stronger connections with others in our positive psychology community.
Renewed energy, hope, and confidence for the final months of the year.

Come as you are - curious, experienced, or somewhere in between. We look forward to welcoming you.

RSVP: Please register to receive the Zoom link.

Ngā manaakitanga | Best wishes,

NZAPP Executive Committee - Annalise, Ruth, Eryn, Tina, Mary Rose and Jane

New Zealand Association of Positive Psychology upcoming events

NZAPP Learning Event with Kristina Shea, PhD Scholar (September 08, 2026)

NZAPP Community Connection Event: Strength for the Stretch Ahead - Building resilience for the year end (September 24, 2026)