Positive psychology has been on the radar for Karla Chin ever since she first learned about the MAPP program at Penn a number of years ago. But it wasn’t until she serendipitously opened an email from Carin Rockind, that CAPP found Karla. In her words:
“I went straight to the bottom of the email and saw the link to the Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology. I knew I had to take a look. So I clicked on the link and I was like, what is this program and how did I not know about this?! I was immediately excited and called Louis shortly after. When I know something feels right I just have to pursue it.”
And pursue it she did. As a member of the inaugural CAPP cohort in Philly, Karla brought a unique and inspiring perspective to our group of change makers.
Positive psychology aligns closely with the work Karla does in her professional life. In September of last year, Karla became President of the Total Well-being division at Exude, which is an organization that helps other organizations proactively improve their workplace culture, health and well-being.
Karla speaks passionately about workplace well-being. She says, “People are the critical, most important piece of your organization’s success and to not invest in them is a missed opportunity.”
According to Karla, well-being programs shouldn’t just be “tack-on” measures, but rather integrated into overall business strategy. The way she sees it, thriving people contribute to thriving organizations. Happier, healthier employees mean better engagement and productivity, which ultimately impacts the bottom line.
Karla came to CAPP looking for a way to help her prove this isn’t just “fluffy” stuff.
For her private coaching practice, it wasn’t as important to have compelling research to back up claims. Proving the business case to corporate clients was a different story. To really demonstrate its value, Karla knew she’d have to make it more credible from a scientific perspective.
CAPP gave Karla the framework to tie everything together and communicate in a way that is more scientifically grounded. What’s more, Karla was able to “learn while doing” by practicing what she learned in CAPP classes directly. After each CAPP weekend, Karla could go back to the office and run a workshop for her staff. She says, “I’d learn something and I’d go back and teach it. I was re-learning it in another way as the facilitator…I think that’s what allowed me to digest it and have it stick.”
For her final project, Karla created a new initiative she’s launching this month within her organization called Exude Happiness. One component of the program is a training series that leverages aspects of positive psychology and integrates it with self-leadership and resiliency concepts. The vision is to create “thriving self leaders” both within Exude and beyond.
As the mother of a young daughter (the adorable Karina!) and a new homeowner (congrats!), Karla will have a full plate in the coming months. But this ambitious lady with a growth mindset knows that all the hard work she’s putting in is always worth it when she cares for her own wellbeing as paramount.
Karla’s way of being radiates joy, warmth, and vitality. As someone who embodies the spirit of positive psychology, she is the ideal messenger to share the science of happiness and wellbeing with the world.
We are so grateful she is in our community. She adds so much love and light and wisdom — deep wisdom.
<This Student Spotlight contributed by Kim Quick, MA, CAPP>
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