Optimism & Pessimism: Using Both to Think Better at Work
Optimism and pessimism training
Optimism and pessimism are often framed as opposites—one good, the other bad. In reality, both play an important role at work. Each shapes how we assess risk, make decisions, and take action. This session helps participants understand when…
Cognitive Reframing
Communication Skills Practice
Journalling & Reflection
Metacognition Training
Metaphoric Thinking
Workshop
Description
Optimism and pessimism are often framed as opposites—one good, the other bad. In reality, both play an important role at work. Each shapes how we assess risk, make decisions, and take action.
This session helps participants understand when optimism helps and when it can hinder, and how pessimism—used well—can be protective rather than limiting. Through discussion and short exercises, participants explore how “yes” and “no” mindsets influence thinking and behavior, and learn four practical ways to use optimism more effectively: seeing both sides, noticing what’s going well, challenging unhelpful self-talk, and using pessimism strategically so optimism doesn’t feel naïve or unsafe.
Benefits
Benefits:
Clearer thinking, better decision-making, healthier risk assessment, and a more flexible mindset at work.
Hosted by Louise Lambert
About the Host
Dr. Louise Lambert is a psychologist, researcher, and internationally recognized wellbeing expert who brings the science of happiness and human connection to life. With over 20 years of experience working with governments, healthcare institutions, and private sector organizations, she is known for translating rigorous research into engaging, relatable experiences.
Her sessions blend evidence-based positive psychology with humour, practical examples and the small absurdities that make life what it is. She invites people to reflect, take their happiness more seriously, and leave with insights and strategies they can actually use. The result is wellbeing programming that is credible without being clinical, thoughtful without being heavy, and joyful without being superficial.
Dr. Louise Lambert is a leading wellbeing expert living in Dubai, UAE. A former university professor and clinical psychology supervisor, she brought positive psychology to life, founding the Middle East Journal of Positive Psychology, a peer-reviewed academic journal investigating the roots of wellbeing. She is also the Editor of the first positive psychology university textbook and continues her work as a researcher with over 50 peer-reviewed studies in wellbeing and happiness.
About Dr. Louise Lambert
As Head of Happiness Programming and Policy Design with www.happinessmatters.org, Dr. Louise has developed and applied positive psychology intervention programs in workplaces and universities across the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Canada. Her work includes the design, delivery and assessment of the positive education programs at Dubai College and Kuwait’s Al Nowair Foundation, with previous training and keynotes in companies like Cigna Insurance Middle East, GEMS Education, Emirates Global Aluminum, Aldar, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, King Abdullah University for Science and Technology (KAUST), Canadian Consulate/Embassy in the UAE, Deloitte Middle East, Dubai Police, etc.
Travel Locations
I'm happy to travel where the work takes me. For travel beyond the UAE (and Gulf region), please bill flight cost and accommodation to the client, as well as 1 day for travel to destination and 1 day return at "travel" day rate of 2000$US per day.
Focus Areas
Well-being/HealthDevelopment/Coaching
Location
Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Languages
English, French
Corporate Experience
Significant
Certifications & Credentials
not applicable
Session Types Offered
Interactive & Passive
Past Experience Doing Sessions
Yes - Interactive
Client Requirements
Eg. microphone, whiteboard, projector, laptop, min. 20sqm space etc.
Past Clients
Cigna Insurance Middle East, Deloitte Middle East, Merck, Beyond ONE, GEMS Education, Dubai Police, AL Nowair Foundation
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