Paul Gavoni

Dr. Paul Gavoni (born July 9, 1970) also known as Paul "Paulie" Gavoni, is an American behavioral scientist, author, and speaker. He specializes in applying behavioral science principles across education, organizational leadership, and sports. Gavoni serves as the Director of Program Development at the Professional Crisis Management Association (PCMA) and manages Heart & Science Consulting LLC.
With over two decades of experience, he has held influential positions in various fields, including roles as Chief Operating Officer, Vice President, Director of School Improvement, and Clinical Coordinator.
Gavoni is also a respected coach in mixed martial arts (MMA) and the author of several best-selling books and articles.
==Early life and education==
Gavoni was born on July 9, 1970, in Plymouth, Massachusetts, and raised in South Florida by his mother and stepfather. He earned a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) with a concentration in Organizational Leadership and a Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. He also holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Barry University and a Bachelor of Social Work from Florida Atlantic University.
==Career==
Gavoni, widely known as "Paulie Gloves," has built a multifaceted career spanning behavior science, leadership development, and sports coaching. He is currently the Director of Program Development and Public Relations at the Professional Crisis Management Association, where he oversees the implementation of behavior science in training and crisis management procedures.
Gavoni also serves as the managing member of Heart & Science Consulting LLC, offering expertise in performance management, behavior leadership training, and organizational development. He has held several academic roles, including adjunct professor at Endicott College, Mary Baldwin University, Nova Southeastern University, Florida Atlantic University, and Indian River State College.
Additionally, he has held executive roles, including Vice President of Organizational Leadership at Brett DiNovi & Associates and Chief Operating Officer at Kaleidoscope Interventions and Puzzle Box Academy.
===Coaching and Sports===
Gavoni, also known as "Coach Paulie Gloves," is a former Golden Gloves Champion and a respected coach in mixed martial arts (MMA). With over 25 years of experience, he has trained elite fighters, including UFC and Bellator competitors, using evidence-based training rooted in behavioral science.
Gavoni is the co-founder of MMA Science. His innovative "controlled chaos" boxing style, blending natural mechanics and Muay Thai elements, has earned recognition across the MMA community. His work has been featured in publications such as Beast: Blood, Struggle, and Dreams at the Heart of Mixed Martial Arts and A Fighter’s Way and the reality series Leave it to Geege. He has also contributed to platforms like Bloody Elbow, where his Fight Science series explores the application of behavioral science in combat sports.
===Publications and media===
Gavoni has co-authored several works on leadership, education, and behavioral science. He is the co-author of MMA Science: A Training, Coaching, & Belt Ranking Guide, which is USA Today and Wall Street Journal best-selling. His work emphasizes the practical integration of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) to improve performance and leadership.
In addition to his books, Gavoni hosts the Thoughts & Rants of a Behavior Scientist and Crisis in Education podcasts, where he discusses the application of behavioral science across various sectors, including education and organizational leadership.
Gavoni is also a regular speaker at conferences and events.
==Bibliography==
* Adaptive Intelligence: The Evolution of Emotional Intelligence Through the Proven Power of Behavior Science (February 2025)
* Quick Wins!: Using Behavior Science to Accelerate and Sustain School Improvement (2nd edition, 7 July 2023)
* Positional Authority Is Not Leadership: The Behavioral Science of Navigating Bull$hit, Optimizing Performance, and Avoiding Bullshit (Spanish Edition) (November 2024)
* Deliberate Coaching: Optimizing Teaching and Learning Through Behavior Science: Education Edition (September 2024)
* Classroom Management Leadership: Unlocking Behavior to Unleash Student Potential Through Behavioral Science (September 2024)
* Positional Authority Ain’t Leadership: Behavioral Analysis for Navigating Challenges, Optimizing Performance, and Avoiding Class Clownery - Educational Edition (June 2024)
* QUICK Responses to Misbehavior for Reducing Misbehavior and Suspensions (March 2019)
* Positional Authority Ain't Leadership: Behavioral Science for Navigating Bull$hit, Optimizing Performance, and Avoiding A$$ Clownery (January 2024)
* The 5 Scientific Laws of Life & Leadership: Behavioral Karma (September 2021)
* MMA Science: A Training, Coaching, & Belt Ranking Guide (October 2020)
* Deliberate Coaching: A Toolbox for Accelerating Teacher Performance (December 2018)
* Quick Wins! Accelerating School Transformation through Science, Engagement, and Leadership (November 2016)
==Awards and recognitions==
* Adjunct Professor of the Year from Endicott College
* Wall Street Journal and USA Today Best-Selling Author for the book The 5 Scientific Laws of Life & Leadership: Behavioral Karma 
==References==
==External links==
* The Behavioral Toolbox
* 
* 
* 
Category:1970 births
Category:Behavioural sciences
Category:American scientists
Category:American authors
Category:American consultants	
Category:Florida Atlantic University alumni