UNF faculty research on joyful leadership gains global attention

April 8, 2025

An impactful piece co-authored by University of North Florida faculty member Dr. Matthew Ohlson and UNF alumni Dr. Ali Badi Banga is making waves in the business and leadership community. Their article, "Start with Happy: How Positive Leadership Impacts the Workplace," was recently featured on HR.com, a leading global resource for human resources professionals. 

The one-pager explores how optimism, gratitude and authentic leadership practices contribute to improved workplace culture, increased employee retention and stronger performance outcomes. Drawing from research in positive psychology and leadership development, the authors highlight practical strategies such as weekly recognition rituals, gratitude-driven meetings and daily reflections that help leaders inspire teams and build resilient organizations. 

Since its publication, the article has been downloaded over 10,000 times and adopted in six business schools for use in leadership and organizational behavior courses, underscoring its wide-ranging relevance and appeal. The response reflects a growing shift in workplace culture, where emotional intelligence and a culture of appreciation are increasingly seen as key drivers of long-term success. 

Dr. Ohlson, Warren and August Hume Foundation Endowed Professor in Leadership, is a longtime advocate for strength-based leadership and services as the director of UNF's Taylor Leadership Institute Taylor Leadership Institute (TLI). Dr. Badi Banga, a former UNF doctoral student of Dr. Ohlson, is a Talent Management leader who has worked with Fortune 500 companies, including Meta and Tyson Foods, and adjunct faculty member in UNF's psychology department. 

Their collaboration exemplifies UNF's commitment to impactful scholarship and student-faculty partnerships that reach beyond the classroom to shape the future of work. You can read the full article on HR.com: Start with Happy: How Positive Leadership Impacts the Workplace