Leadership doesn’t require perfection. It demands authenticity.

In this episode, Katie Trotter, Chief Program Officer at the Chapman Foundation, explores how leaders can effectively rebuild trust after making mistakes.

Katie shares that leadership is less about titles and more about influence, which is shaped through small, intentional actions that set the tone for those around us.

She introduces the concept of being chronically human, and points out that when leaders pretend to have it all together, they miss opportunities for genuine connection.

The conversation dives into the value of learning from missteps, and Katie outlines a practical five-step process for repairing trust:

• Regulate emotions
• Name the behavior
• Identify better choices
• Engage in conversation
• Listen to understand

Whether you're managing a team or navigating personal relationships, this episode offers actionable insights to help you lead with intention and care.

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BLOG: https://www.chapmancommunities.org/rebuilding-trust-how-to-be-a-good-leader-even-when-you-mess-up/

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Trust is a key component to our third foundational class, Our Community Transforms,* within our model for Caring Leadership and our Caring Workplaces program. To learn more, visit our Partnership page.

*Note: You must be an alumnus of Our Community Listens to register for Our Community Transforms.

Ever caught yourself thinking, “Why should I be the one to fix this?” or “That sounds like a YOU problem”?

That flash of defensiveness might feel natural, but it could be blocking a chance to grow, connect, and lead more effectively.

In this episode of Beyond the Class, Katie Trotter, Chief Program Officer at the Chapman Foundation for Caring Communities, explores the ownership mindset. This approach invites leaders to ask, “What part can I own?” even when the situation feels mostly out of their control.

Katie introduces the idea of “the gap." The space between what happens and how we choose to respond. It’s in this space that leaders can shift from blame to responsibility, from frustration to curiosity, and from reaction to reflection.

Through real-life stories and practical tools, Katie unpacks how small shifts in ownership can build trust, strengthen teams, and create psychological safety. You’ll learn how to:

• Recognize the difference between blame and responsibility
• Use reflection to respond with intention
• Ask questions that move conversations forward
• Build trust through consistent, small acts of ownership
• Create space for growth even when things go wrong

If you're ready to shift from defensiveness to development in your leadership journey, this episode offers the practical guidance and actionable steps to get started today.

If you're interested in exploring these concepts further, check out Our Community Serves, a two-day class on mindsets that help shift from a me-centric to a we-centric culture at https://www.chapmancommunities.org/learn-to-connect/

Emotions aren’t problems to solve—they’re messengers revealing what we truly need.

In this episode of Beyond the Class, CFCC CEO and organizational psychologist Misty Janks explores how emotional intelligence (EI) transforms relationships, decision-making, and leadership.

The conversation begins around Daniel Goleman’s five components of emotional intelligence:

• Self-awareness
• Self-regulation
• Motivation
• Empathy
• Social skills

These aren’t just abstract ideas—they’re practical tools that shape how we show up in every interaction. Misty explains how emotional catalysts—specific events that trigger strong emotional responses—can uncover our values and unmet needs. Whether it’s frustration pointing to a need for clarity or anxiety signaling a desire for safety, emotions guide us toward more profound understanding.

Listeners will gain three actionable strategies for managing emotional catalysts:

1. Identify your triggers—both positive and negative.
2. Pause before reacting—interrupting automatic responses and allowing space for thoughtful action.
3. Reframe challenges by viewing emotional moments as opportunities for growth.

The impact of emotional intelligence goes far beyond the workplace. Leaders with high EI foster cultures of trust, adaptability, and psychological safety, while individuals experience less stress and deeper, more fulfilling relationships.

Whether you're leading a team, navigating family dynamics, or simply striving to show up more intentionally, this episode offers practical wisdom for turning emotional awareness into your greatest strength.

👉 READ THE BLOG

👉 Visit https://www.chapmancommunities.org/ to learn more about bringing emotional intelligence to your organization.