Creating Happier, Healthier Schools with Dr. Tim Sharp | Season 3: Episode 12

In this episode of the Well-Led Schools Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Tim Sharp, also known as “Dr. Happy”, to explore how positive psychology can transform the way schools approach staff wellbeing. Together, we unpack what truly drives happiness and resilience at work, from small daily habits to creating cultures of laughter, connection and psychological safety. Tim also shares how leaders can strike a balance between optimism and honesty, helping their teams feel supported even through challenges.

In this episode, we cover:

• How traditional Psychology differs from Positive Psychology
• A deeper look into Dr Tim’s audiobook ‘Habits for Happiness at Work’, and what inspired this framework
• What the habits for happiness are, and how they can be used by professionals in their everyday work environment
• How to practice optimism in a practical and realistic way
• The most important habits leaders should adopt and embed in their leadership to positively influence staff
• How to adopt the habits for happiness without adding more to your plate. Hint: It’s all about mindset!

About Tim

Dr. Tim Sharp, fondly known as Dr. Happy, is one of Australia’s leading voices in positive psychology, mental health and wellbeing. With three degrees in psychology, including a PhD, Tim has built an extraordinary career spanning clinical practice, academia, executive coaching, and corporate consulting. He is the founder and Chief Happiness Officer of The Happiness Institute, Australia’s first organisation dedicated solely to enhancing happiness in individuals, schools and workplaces.

As a best-selling author, keynote speaker, and podcaster, Tim has worked with everyone from schools and small teams to global organisations like Twitter, Coles, and Telstra. His books and Audible audiobooks, including Habits for Happiness at Work, provide practical tools for building resilience, positive culture and lasting wellbeing. With warmth, humour, and research-backed strategies, Tim helps people understand that happiness is not just about feeling good, but also doing good.

Links and Resources:

Explore our Well-Led Schools Partnership program

Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, so that we can inspire and educate even more people together.

Connect with Tim via:

His website: https://drhappy.com.au/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtimsharp/ 

Connect with me via:

My website: adriennehornby.com.au 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/ 

Email: hello@adriennehornby.com.au