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Dr. Liz Goldenberg and Dr. Samantha Spanos lead a diverse team of wellbeing scientists, social psychologists, personality experts, academic researchers, behavioural scientists and neuroscientists, based across Australia, the U.S., the U.K., and Europe. 

Together, we have developed several evidence-based programs to teach the skills that enable individuals, communities, and systems to flourish. 
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Dr. Liz Goldenberg – Executive Director and Head of Programme Development

  • Dr. Liz Goldenberg is a psychologist with expertise in Social Psychology, Emotion Regulation, Motivation Science, and Leadership, completing her PhD on the Effects of Emotion Regulation on Achievement, at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney Australia. 

  • Based in the U.S. for the last 5 years, she worked at Harvard Business School as a Behavioural Scientist in “Happy Lab” in the Negotiation, Organizations & Markets unit.

  • She also worked as an Adjunct Professor of Organizational Management at New York University’s Graduate School of Public Service. 

  • Dr. Goldenberg worked as a Consultant at the United Nations (UN Women), leading the National Advocacy and Communications Strategy and Action Plan for Gender Equality in the Ukraine. 

  • In 2018, she also founded The Adaptology Institute, an organization dedicated to educating a wide range of clients on the principles and practice of Adaptive Intelligence. www.adaptologyinstitute.com

  • She was a Researcher in the Cambridge University Wellbeing Institute.

  • She was also a Policy Advisor in the U.K. Department of Health.

  • Throughout her career, Liz has also co-founded a number of social enterprises in Australia and the U.S.

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Dr. Samantha Spanos – Deputy Director and Programme Coordinator 

  • Dr. Samantha Spanos is a Mental Health Research Officer and specialist in Program Implementation Design at the Black Dog Institute in Sydney. 

  • She has coordinated and managed online clinical trials delivering insomnia and depression treatment for youth, implemented depression prevention programs in high schools across NSW, and spearheaded health program implementation strategies in healthcare contexts.

  • Dr. Spanos completed her PhD in Health Psychology at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney Australia and the University of Birmingham in England. 

  • Her research explored social impacts on health behaviours, and health-related cognition and affect, with implications for optimising health and wellbeing. 

  • During her PhD, Samantha taught extensively about theoretical frameworks for behaviour change and the design and implementation of community health promotion interventions. 

  • Samantha was also a School of Psychology Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Leader.

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A/Professor Ashley Whillans – 

Scientific Advisor
Harvard Business School 

  • Dr. Ashley Whillans leads “Happy Lab” at Harvard Business School, where she also teaches the Motivation and Incentives course to MBA students. 

  • Her research seeks to understand how to bolster employee motivation and well-being, with a focus on how time and money shape employee happiness. 

  • In both 2015 and 2018, she was named a Rising Star of Behavioral Science by the International Behavioral Exchange and the Behavioral Science and Policy Association. 

  • In 2016, she co-founded the Department of Behavioral Science in the Policy, Innovation, and Engagement Division of the British Columbia Public Service Agency. 

  • Her research has been published in top academic journals and popular media outlets including Harvard Business Review, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. 

  • Her first book "Time Smart: How to Reclaim Your Time & Live a Happier Life" was published in October 2020 by Harvard Business Publishing. 

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Dr. Ayse Yemiscigil – 
Scientific Advisor 
Harvard University 

  • Dr. Ayse Yemiscigil is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University. 

  • As a behavioral scientist with an interdisciplinary background in management and economics, she studies how people find meaning and purpose in their lives and work. 

  • She is an instructor at the Harvard Division of Continuing Education, designing and teaching the course Leading with Authenticity and Purpose. 

  • As a consultant, she uses evidence-based insights and methods to help organizations design learning and educational programs that help people reconnect with their authentic identity and purpose, and craft a meaningful life. 

  • Ayse completed her PhD at Warwick Business School and was a Research Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School prior to her current appointment. 

Dr. Jessica Pow –
Strategic Advisor    
Boston Consulting Group 

  • Dr. Jessica Pow is a Consultant at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), where she helps clients solve their most complex and pressing problems. 

  • She was a research associate at Harvard Business School where she studied social relationships and stress management. 

  • Jessica completed her MA and PhD degrees in Health Psychology at The University of British Columbia (UBC) as well as a BSc First Class Honors in Psychology at the University of Calgary. 

  • In 2015, she won the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Vanier Award for leadership, academic excellence, and research potential. 

  • Her research examined how people navigate stressful situations—both independently and collaboratively. 

  • Jessica has provided strategic consulting services for a variety of clients, including non-profit, private equity, & government.

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