Beyond The Class: From Knowledge To Action

Every organization has a culture. The real question is whether it's happening by design or by default. Culture is something organizations can build, but the question for many leaders is: how? In this episode of Beyond the Class, Misty Janks, Organizational Psychologist and CEO, breaks down the Chapman Foundation's Caring Workplace program—what it is, why it exists, and how it helps organizations intentionally build culture that supports both people and performance. Throughout the conversation, Misty walks through the core philosophy behind the program: that culture is not defined by mission statements or values alone, but by the daily experiences leaders create for their people. She explains how the Caring Workplace program was designed to move organizations beyond developing individual leaders and instead toward building a shared, human-centered culture. This episode then breaks down how the Caring Workplace program's three-part approach is implemented and explains that the foundation is expanding its reach across industries such as healthcare, government, educational institutions, and nonprofits. And lastly, Misty discusses a case study of the Caring Workplace partnership with Capital Credit Union in Wisconsin, demonstrating the program's growth and impact on their culture metrics. LEARN MORE Caring Workplace webpage – https://chapmancommunities.org/caring-workplace-program/ Caring Workplace PDF – https://chapmancommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Caring-Workplace-One-Pager.pdf Foundational Classes - https://chapmancommunities.org/learn-to-connect/ CONTACT US ABOUT THE CARING WORKPLACE PROGRAM Caring Workplace contact form – https://reg.learningstream.com/s_reg/reg_registration_maintenance.aspx?ek=0063-0031-066235de88684833844fa36adcb4f1ab CHAPTER MARKERS 1 - 00:00 – Culture as Strategy: Care, performance, and why it matters 2 - 02:12 – Human-Centered Culture: Definition, impact, and why it matters 3 - 05:13 – Culture and Performance: Data, risk, and real-world impact 4 - 11:12 – Empowering People: Building skills and shared language 5 - 12:48 – Equipping Leaders: Aligning teams to intentionally shape culture 6 - 15:06 – Measuring What Matters: Tracking progress and building a roadmap 7 - 19:56 – Culture Strategies: The infrastructure that makes culture real 8 - 24:44 – Case Study: Capital Credit Union in action + measurable results 9 - 30:55 – Final Reflection: Culture as a daily leadership choice KEY TAKEAWAYS Culture is not separate from performance—it is the environment where performance happens. Strong cultures are built through consistent leadership behaviors, not intention alone. Human-centered cultures balance care for people with accountability and results. Culture identity defines the destination—culture strategies provide the road system. When people thrive, organizations perform—and the impact extends beyond the workplace.

"Direct your energy toward what's within your control. This opens space for gratitude, joy, and connection." -Katie Trotter, Chief Program Officer at the Chapman Foundation for Caring Communities We've all been there—pretending we're okay with someone's behavior while secretly stewing inside. That moment when you tell yourself, "It's fine, I don't care," even though frustration and resentment are bubbling under the surface. This pattern of false acceptance can quietly erode your wellbeing and relationships, keeping you stuck in cycles of irritation. In this enlightening episode, Katie Trotter, Chief Program Officer at the Chapman Foundation for Caring Communities, shares her powerful six-step framework for breaking free from false acceptance and fostering true, meaningful acceptance. Through personal stories and actionable strategies, Katie reveals how to recognize when we're merely tolerating behaviors, identify the deeper roots of our irritation, and approach others with curiosity instead of judgment. True acceptance isn't about agreeing with someone's behavior or ignoring your feelings. It's about reclaiming your peace by choosing thoughtful, healthier responses. These simple yet powerful steps can help you separate the person from their actions, strengthen connections, and create space for genuine understanding without sacrificing your mental wellbeing. Tune in to discover how this approach can help you move from frustration to inner calm. Freedom and clarity might be closer than you think! Key Points Discussed in the Episode Recognize the signs of false acceptance, like physical tension or internal irritation. Identify the root of frustration by questioning values, past experiences, and if behaviors are harmful or just annoying. Shift from judgment to curiosity by exploring what might motivate others' actions. Reframe expectations by accepting that your standards aren't universal. Set clear and consistent boundaries using "I" statements without assigning blame. Direct energy toward what you can control and choose peace over frustration. To maintain a connection without condoning behaviors, learn to separate a person's actions from who they are. Six Steps to Free Yourself from Frustration: Step 1: Identify the Root of Irritation Step 2: Practice Curiosity Instead of Judgment Step 3: Decide What's Worth Addressing Step 4: Reframe Your Expectations Step 5: Set Healthy Boundaries Step 6: Choose Peace and Redirect Energy THE BLOG: https://www.chapmancommunities.org/from-tolerance-to-true-acceptance/ https://www.chapmancommunities.org/ https://www.chapmancommunities.org/partner/

After a pause to retool and reimagine our purpose, we're thrilled to return and welcome you back to our newly renamed audiocast, "Beyond The Class: From Knowledge To Action." The overwhelming support during our hiatus—with listenership continuing to grow, has deeply humbled us and reinforced that our message resonates with leaders seeking meaningful change. Bob Chapman, chairman and founder of the Chapman Foundation, believes business can be the most powerful force for good when leaders develop the skills and courage to care. We're creating a space where Chapman Foundation alumni and partners can take the knowledge gained in our classrooms and convert it into intentional, meaningful action in their organizations and communities. Our purpose remains steadfast: helping you sustain growth, deepen connections, and drive development that truly matters in today's leadership landscape. What awaits you in upcoming episodes? Expect immediately applicable tools to sharpen your listening skills, build trust, and empower your leadership capabilities. You'll hear from fellow alumni who've successfully walked this path and gain insights from the facilitators who've guided classroom experiences for the past 15 years. Whether you're tuning in for the first time or have been with us from the beginning, we invite you to join this journey from knowledge to action. Get ready for episodes filled with challenges, practical steps, and yes—even fun. This is about growth. This is about results. This is about you. We're grateful to have you with us as we move Beyond the Class together. --- https://www.chapmancommunities.org/

Can you actually enhance your relationships by utilizing the F.B.I.?In this episode of the Listen First Podcast, Kat Edmondson and I delve deep into the intricacies of handling anxiety and confrontation within personal relationships. Through this insightful discussion, we stress the significance of addressing these challenges constructively to foster healthier and more fulfilling connections. To do so, we revisit the Our Community Listens concept of utilizing the FBI formula to write prepared statements to turn confrontation into conversation. This innovative approach centered around crafting initial messages that clearly express our feelings, pinpoint specific behaviors, and resonate with the psychological needs of those receiving the message can foster deeper connections in your life.We explore the intricacies of effectively delivering the FBI message, including considerations like body language and timing. Additionally, we discuss utilizing the method to recognize and celebrate someone's positive actions in the workplace or at home.Join us on this enlightening journey as we share valuable insights, actionable strategies, and real-life examples to empower you to overcome relationship obstacles.

You will take away: • A reminder of the Three Moves from Our Community Listens • Practical application through shared experiences In a discussion rich with personal anecdotes and refreshers from Our Community Listens, Adam Salgat and Kat Edmondson, explore the nuanced dynamics of managing emotions in confrontations. They delve into individual experiences of frustration, anxiety, and passive-aggressiveness, highlighting the importance of the "Three Moves" to enhance communication and strengthen relationships. Their conversation sheds light on confronting issues with empathy and strategic techniques, including the FBI formula for effective communication.

In today's digital age, interpreting nonverbal communication can often be tricky. Many people, even in professional settings, often convey some non-verbal cues through emojis. We will not spend the following skill snippet discussing which emoji best fits calling in sick or bringing up your discomfort about a project timeline, because, despite their usefulness, they cannot entirely replace nonverbal communication. In this conversation with Leanne Van Beek, she discussed these challenges and provided concrete examples from her prior work as an HR professional. After a brief re-cap of the Mehrabian Communication Model, she lays out how to set up JPRs that show care and intention by considering the distribution method and timing. We also discuss how to use certain forms of technology to help us make sure our message isn't lost when communicating quickly.https://www.chapmancommunities.org/

So what happens when two 20-year military service members join forces to lead with empathy? Tune in to find out.The phrase "military leadership" typically evokes images of commanders and noncommissioned officers leading heroic charges or generals directing armies. In reality, however, most leadership in the armed forces is far more gentle. In little ways, all day long, at all levels, commanders and subordinates communicate just like in any other workplace environment. As a beacon guiding a ship through turbulent waters, effective communication can steer our military forces. It fosters trust, builds team cohesion, and translates ideas into action. The courses provided by the Chapman Foundation are a set of tools that create tangible actions to help make human connections and create strong leaders. But remember, all new skills, like a muscle, need to be worked on to become stronger. And to get stronger faster, it helps to have an accountability buddy. Or, in today's case, a Chief Master Sergeant in the National Guard.A little over two years ago, Matt Robins, a colonel in the National Guard, stepped into Our Community Listens course not knowing what to expect but looking forward to the opportunity to grow. While in the class, he met Jody Nitz, and as you will learn in the coming conversation, the two men have supported each other ever since. Listen as Matt shares how excited he was to bring Jody on as his Chief Master Sergeant in the National Guard and how they have excelled in their communication skills over a short time because they are both pulling tools out of the same toolbox, all to serve better the people they lead.Colonel Matt Robins has served the military for 22 years and was always drawn to fighter pilots as a young boy. He says he enjoys being "the glue" between broad strategic goals and supporting tactical leaders who are striving to accomplish specific missions. After serving at the Pentagon, where he used airplanes to positively affect the battlefield, Colonel Robins now resides in Clinton Township Michigan. He has been married to his wife for 23 years. They have two kids, two cats, one dog, and five fish. In his spare time, he likes building furniture, painting model figures, going out on his sailboat, and pretending to be handy around the house.Chief Master Sergeant Jody Nitz is also in his 22nd year of service. He originally joined the National Guard as a way to pay for schooling to become a registered respiratory therapist but quickly became accustomed to the military way of life. He loved the camaraderie and shared goals as they mirrored the many sports teams he grew up for. Chief Master Sergeant Nitz is thankful for his military family and also the opportunity to see many parts of the world and be immersed in various cultures. He now resides in Bay City, Michigan, with his wife of 15 years, two children, and toy poodle. In his free time, he enjoys anything outdoors, including hunting and fishing. He loves passing those skills to his children. He also enjoys gathering with friends and chatting about life over drinks whenever possible.