“My colleagues from Australia, Jan Elsner ...arguably the leading practitioners in the area of Strengths...have really helped me understand what strengths mean...”

Tal Ben Shahar: acknowledgements to “The Pursuit of Perfect”; McGraw-Hill 2009

Our Coles HR community came together for a day to sharpen our lens in managing and leading change. We were delighted that Jan could be a big part of that day and challenge us with the latest in the neurosciences of our brain. Jan enlightened us on unique aspects of being human, how to get to our best-self, moving from a deficit based approach to a strengths based approach. She helped us understand the questions to ask and the experiences to drive in building and delivering change. We received great feedback from our teams:

“Engaging, thought provoking, Jan made complex ideas simple easy to understand and interactive exercises help me to be bold enough to give it a go.”

“Building rather than solving, 0 - 10 + and balancing our focus on what is working – a game changer.”

“Active constructive listening and some talk of "flipping it" - that part certainly resonated widely.”

Jacqui Bourne, Head of Business Improvement, Coles

"As a former elite athlete we always had access to the best coaches to develop our knowledge and skills of the game. It amazes me it took me so long to apply the same logic to my career and personal life. 

My time spent with Jan developing an understanding for what drives me and utilising the tools need to support my passion was not only rewarding but a thoroughly enjoyable process that I highly recommend for anyone at any phase of their life."

Mel Jones, Former Australian Women's Cricketer, now Cricket commentator

“ The program that (company) ran with Jan... has received better reviews than just about any development program I have come across during my career.”

Program Sponsor evaluation, major bank

"Last week I mentioned that I had been for a job interview and I am pleased to say that I have go the role....  The interesting thing is I am the first female to hold this role.  I am sure that without this program I may not have had the confidence to go through the rigorous process that was required for this role."

Program participant, nab

"I feel truly blessed to have had the privilege and opportunity to be involved in such a program, ... and grateful for the personal journey the program has been the catalyst for.  I feel my learning’s will enhance my ability to parent well and my performance when working with and managing others in the professional environment also."

Program participant, AESOP

You have made a real and sustainable difference to how I operate .. so for that I thank you and you will

receive eternal good karma...

Executive Program participant and Coaching Client, IBM

“Your great clarity of thought and reassurance helped me through a difficult period and gave me the courage to make the decisions that were fundamental to me being able to lead the life I had visioned for myself and that we now live. We are all very happy with the changes we have made as a family and so - thank you very much for helping me get above all the noise and sort through to what was important.”

Coaching client

“Jan... what a great legacy you ...will have in our business.”

Sue Sjuve, ex Global Head of Diversity, nab

“I would rate the sessions as one of the best that I have participated in my career... It has my full support and would encourage others to participate in this program.  I took a lot more away from this than any of the coaching sessions that we have recently been through.  The application of the material is challenging but it is very useful for self and team development.  The power of focusing on our strengths with a positive mind set were the key learning’s.  It also increased my self- awareness and being aware of what was happening around clients and work colleagues.”

Senior Partner, PwC. PwC Sponsoring Women Partner's Program participant. 

“I just wanted to pass on my personal thanks for such an inspiriting and positive few days. It really has had the biggest impact on my life and I feel so different.”

Program participant

“Everyone at work was asking about the course, what did you do etc, and I found it really difficult when asked what we did because it felt too personal and special to share. I think it was probably the best time I have invested in myself in years as I got so much out of it. I left feeling energised and clear about what I had to do.”

Program participant

“This course by far, has had the most significant impact on my working life. I have been in business 20 years (and I thought I had seen it all) and then you both came along...”.

Program participant

“I have been thinking a lot about mindsets since our (program) and just want you to know that I am putting myself well out of my comfort zone today and applying for a senior role that I really want, thanks to you. I have changed jobs many times over the years and so I used to think of myself as being really flexible and adaptable, ....The multiple jobs that I had applied for were relatively easy for me and because I have not stretched myself, my career has been in 'ground-hog' mode for the last few years (i.e. I have had different roles but was not really developing). Now that I understand what has been holding me back, I am going to put myself out there and risk failure for the first time in my life. Thank you again for helping me realise this.”

Program participant

“I’ve had numerous calls since last (month...offering me) a lot of money...I have to say that over the holiday period I had a serious decision to make as there was an offer on my table then. The only reason I am still here was how I felt walking away from (the program). “

Program participant

"The program is the best course I have been on in my 13 years with...The program has helped me shift my mindset in the way I approach situations in both my personal and professional life. My positive outlook has become infectious for those around me....Thank you for a great course that came at the right time in my life”

Program participant

“ This was one of the most thought provoking  programs that I have attended....I have new skills to help me with my interactions with not just our female team members but a broader range of groups across the diversity spectrum.”

Partner, PwC, Sponsoring Women Program participant

“The program really enabled me to believe that my leadership progression as a female at (company) is visible, flexible and possible."

Program Participant

“The skills I learned in the (Sponsors) program help in every aspect of what I do - coaching, client relationships, focus of mind etc”

Partner, PwC, Sponsoring Women Program participant

"I attended you master class ... and I thought it was fantastic! I have attended a fair amount of leadership training and what you delivered on the day resounded with me, so much more than anything I have done before. I found the day confronting, revealing, motivating and refreshing! I attained a huge career goal last year by practising as a nurse in an operational environment (Afghansitan) and I think it started whilst I was over there, the question of what next. I didn't realise how goal focused I was until I didn't have one. But since .... putting it together with your class I have seen where I want to work towards in the future.'

Women in Emergency Services Masterclass participant

Jan has been an early leader in relation to professionalisation of executive coaching and the understanding of the rigour and science in the Positive Psychology field. Jan co-hosted the initial international meeting in Sydney Australia to launch the International Positive Psychology Association (IPPA) with Prof. Martin Seligman (2006), was appointed to the Advisory Committees of the two Australian Positive Psychology Conferences (2008, 2010) and appointed as a Committee Member for the Australian Psychological Society inaugural National and State Committees for Coaching Psychology (2003/4). Jan actively attended the Academy of Management international meetings for many years.