9th May 2025
Learning Lab
Ajmol Ali, Professor of Sport and Exercise Science, Massey University and co-founder of Imago Wellness Coaching
Business North Harbour’s first Learning Lab of 2025 set a high bar for the year!
Aj is an engaging speaker who draws on both personal anecdotes and extensive scientific research to offer meaningful insights and advice. At the core of all his work is a simple premise: promoting wellness to prevent illness.
When considering a “healthy” workplace, Aj urged participants to think of culture as a verb rather than a noun – constantly evolving and requiring nurture.
During a highly interactive 90 minutes, Aj brought to life the principles of his “Four Pillars of Wellness”:
1. Think well
2. Move well
3. Eat well
4. Sleep well
Among the many resources Aj provided were a short (but revealing) wellbeing assessment and a performance profiling circle to help really focus on the specifics of where we are, where we want to be, and what we need to do to achieve this.
He stressed that progress doesn’t happen all at once. Small steps every day are what’s important, he reassured, recommending Carol Dweck’s TED Talk as an excellent way of learning about moving from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset.
Aj also illustrated the six phases of change. This was fascinating, explaining why efforts, for example, to give up smoking, sometimes fail, and why mass, generic health messaging (“Stop smoking!”) isn’t necessarily the most effective approach.
To help people on their wellbeing pathways every day, Aj has created a special deck of cards. Instead of suits, these feature his Four Pillars and either a quick tip or a fun /thought-provoking proverb or quote.
Because AJ encouraged everyone to speak up and get involved, there was a great energy in the room throughout the session. As they left, the chatter continued, and participants seemed keen to put the new ideas into practice.
