On Friday, November 22, 2024, the Sustainable Leadership Forum at National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU), led by Professor Timo Eccarius, hosted an inspiring lecture by Michael Eckolt, Managing Director of kyona Academy GmbH. The event focused on “Positive Leadership” as a transformative approach to sustainable leadership, drawing connections to the principles of positive psychology.

Eckolt, a seasoned leader with a diverse international career spanning over 30 years, emphasized the growing importance of leadership styles that foster adaptability and innovation in today’s dynamic and complex business environment. He introduced the PERMA model—a framework rooted in positive psychology—and its application in the PERMA-LEAD model, which integrates positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment to enhance workplace well-being and productivity.

The lecture highlighted key strategies for promoting sustainability in leadership, including adopting agile methods, fostering team autonomy, and aligning organizational principles with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Eckolt underscored the necessity of leadership that drives business success and contributes to environmental and social progress.

In addition to the lecture, the event included a dynamic group exercise where students collaborated in teams to explore the practical application of the PERMA-LEAD model in their studies and future careers. Eckolt actively engaged with the groups, providing feedback and insights that deepened their understanding of positive leadership.

The forum offered students a unique opportunity to bridge theoretical knowledge with real-world practices, inspiring them to consider their roles as future leaders in fostering sustainable and positive change. This interactive and thought-provoking session gave attendees valuable perspectives on integrating positivity and sustainability into leadership, preparing them to tackle global challenges with innovative and empathetic solutions.