Llewellyn van Zyl
Department / Institute

RESEARCH PROFILE
Llewellyn van Zyl (Ph.D) is an internationally recognised positive psychologist and thought leader in the strengths-based talent assessment, development and optimisation space. He holds an extraordinary professorship in positive psychology with the Optentia Research Unit at the North-West University and is currently attached to the Eindhoven University of Technology. He also serves as the Co-Speciality Chief Editor of Frontiers in Psychology (Positive Psychology). Over the last 15 years, he has pioneered new frontiers in data-driven, technology infused talent assessment methodologies and development strategies as both a distinguished behavioral scientist and accomplished management consultant for major global organisations. As an applied positive psychological scientist, Llewellyn's groundbreaking research has led to the development of cutting-edge talent assessment tools, evidence-based coaching models, and strengths-based interventions that unlocks human performance. He is one of the foremost experts on leveraging advanced data-analytics to map, understand, elevate and develop individuals’ strengths as a means to help individuals flourish and organisations to thrive. In parallel, Llewellyn founded and led a successful multinational management consulting firm specializing in data-driven talent assessments and optimization. He has partnered with major global organisations to map employee capabilities, develop strengths-based assessments tools and techniques, and designed targeted data-driven talent development programs with proven ROI. Llewellyn's rare fusion of academic vision and business acumen has bridged the gap between talent research and -practice. He is passionate about driving transformational change by translating cutting-edge behavioral science into targeted, practical talent assessment and development strategies that is proven to empower individuals to perform and organizations to thrive.
ACADEMIC BACKGROUND
Llewellyn van Zyl holds a PhD in Industrial Psychology, an M.Com in Industrial Psychology (cum laude), a B.com (Hons) in Industrial Psychology (cum laude), and a B.com in Behavioural Sciences (cum laude), all obtained at North-West University, South Africa.
Key Publications
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The Critiques and Criticisms of Positive Psychology:
Journal of Positive Psychology (2023) -
Positive Organisational Psychology 2.0: Embracing The Technological Revolution
Journal of Positive Psychology (2023) -
Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling: Practical Guidelines and Tutorial With a Convenient Online Tool for Mplus
Frontiers in Psychiatry (2022) -
Positive Psychological Coaching Definitions and Models
Frontiers in Psychology (2020) -
PERMA+4: A Framework for Work-Related Wellbeing, Performance and Positive Organizational Psychology 2.0
Frontiers in Psychology (2022)
Prizes & Grants
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2016Honorary Member: Society of Industrial and Organizational Psychology of SouthHuman Performance Management
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2016North-West University’s Young Alumni Award of ExcellenceHuman Performance Management
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2013Academic Citizenship AwardHuman Performance Management
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2012SIOPSA Presidential AwardHuman Performance Management
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2022Best Teacher Award (2021): Talent AwardHuman Performance Management
Current Educational Activities
Ancillary Activities
- Extraordinary Professor, North-West University, South Africa