Presentation subject: 

This session explores how positive psychology graduates move from education to real-world impact. Integrating research on positive psychology entrepreneurship with lived experience, building applied work and professional visibility, it offers a roadmap for translating training into sustainable influence.

Abstract:

How do graduates of positive psychology translate formal training into sustainable real-world impact?

This session builds on the article “Navigating Success in Positive Psychology Practice: From Education to Application,” published in The Journal of Positive Psychology (Ólafsson et al., 2026), which examines how individuals trained in positive psychology develop viable entrepreneurial and organizational ventures. The study identifies the strategies, skills, and resources that support sustainable practice, as well as the obstacles practitioners commonly encounter when translating education into application.

Extending beyond the empirical findings, this presentation integrates applied lessons from building organizational initiatives and a personal brand grounded in positive psychology and coaching psychology.

By bridging research and entrepreneurship, the session offers a framework for moving from academic education to scalable and sustainable real-world implementation.

Please Note: Registration ends two days before the event, please register before April 14th!

Biography:

Dr. Bergsveinn “Beggi” Ólafsson is an organizational psychologist, executive coach, researcher, and entrepreneur from Iceland. He completed his PhD in Positive Organizational Psychology at Claremont Graduate University in Los Angeles, with a focus on the intersection of coaching psychology, well-being, and AI.

In parallel with his academic research, Dr. Ólafsson develops applied initiatives at the intersection of coaching, leadership, well-being, and performance. He is the co-founder of PerWell Group, a consultancy integrating executive coaching, scientific research, and AI-powered insights to support organizational performance and well-being. He is also the creator of Unlock, a psychology-based conversation framework designed to strengthen connection and leadership development.

Beyond academia and executive practice, Dr. Ólafsson is an active public scholar who translates positive psychology insights for a global audience through digital platforms, where his work reaches millions internationally.

Through research, executive practice, and public scholarship, Dr. Ólafsson focuses on bridging the gap between positive psychology education and real-world implementation.