Culture isn’t a department. It’s a daily practice.

In this episode of Beyond the Class, Misty Janks, CEO of the Chapman Foundation, returns to tackle a common misconception: that organizational culture belongs only to HR or leadership. Misty reminds us that culture is a lived experience shaped by every interaction—every email, meeting, and hallway conversation.

She shares five actionable steps that anyone can take to make culture everyone’s responsibility:

• Lead by example—model trust, respect, and accountability.
• Foster meaningful connections—because culture thrives on relationships, not just processes.
• Communicate with transparency and trust—and learn the four elements that make trust stick.
• Take ownership of problems and solutions—move from commentary to contribution.
• Recognize and reinforce positive behaviors—because people repeat what is appreciated.

From connection questions to stay interviews, Misty shows how intentional actions—big and small—create a workplace where trust grows, and people feel they matter.

LEVEL UP OPPORTUNITY:
Pick one of these five steps and put it into action this week. Write it on a sticky note, set a reminder, and make it happen. Ownership starts with you.

Creating a culture of accountability and trust is a cornerstone of our Caring Workplaces program and our foundational class, Our Community Transforms. Visit the link below to learn more.

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

RELATED RESOURCES:

• Beyond The Class - 006-Rebuilding Trust When You’ve Messed Up
• Beyond The Class - 005-How To Build An Ownership Mindset
• Our Community Transforms - Learn More

BLOG: Organizational Culture: Everyone’s Responsibility

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Everyday actions, not just policies, shape culture.
• Everyone—not just HR or leadership—owns culture.
• Five steps: Lead by example, build connections, communicate with trust, take ownership, and recognize positive behaviors.
• Trust grows through competence, caring, commitment, and consistency.
• Appreciation drives repetition—recognize what’s working.
• Small actions compound into cultural norms.

Culture doesn’t change by memo; it changes in singular moments.

In this episode of Beyond the Class, Misty Janks, CEO of the Chapman Foundation, joins us to demystify the concept of culture change. Drawing from behavioral psychology and real-world examples, Misty shares how meaningful transformation begins not with sweeping initiatives, but with intentional, everyday actions.

She outlines three actionable steps that anyone can take to shape a healthier, values-driven workplace:

1. Define and operationalize your values
2. Provide feedback that shapes behavior
3. Recognize and celebrate what’s working

From basketball free-throw contests to thumbnail reviews, Misty shows how even small interactions can reinforce culture. She reminds us that “people repeat what is appreciated” and that celebrating progress—not just perfection—is key to lasting change.

LEVEL UP OPPORTUNITY:
Choose one interaction this week and use it to model, reinforce, or recognize the culture you want to see.

Creating a plan for your organization's culture is a key component of our third foundational class, Our Community Transforms, within our model for Caring Leadership and our Caring Workplaces program. Visit the link below to learn more.

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

RELATED RESOURCES:

• Caring Workplaces program
• BTC-007-How to Build a Coaching Culture Through Everyday Conversations
• Listen First Podcast-103–Dissecting Top Secret F.B.I. Statements
• Learn about Our Community Transforms

BLOG

Culture Change Feels Overwhelming—Here’s Why It’s Worth It and How to Start Today

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Culture change is about people, not policies.
• You don’t need a perfect plan—just start with intention.
• Step 1: Make values visible and actionable.
• Step 2: Use feedback to reinforce and coach behavior.
• Step 3: Celebrate progress to fuel positive change.
• Appreciation drives repetition—recognize what’s working.
• Anyone can lead culture change, regardless of title.
• One intentional moment can spark transformation.

Culture doesn’t shift through policy—it transforms through presence.

In this episode, Katie Trotter, Chief Program Officer at the Chapman Foundation, explores how a coaching-centered culture is built not through programs, but through everyday conversations.

Katie shares that coaching culture starts with intention, not titles. It’s about how we show up: listening with curiosity, asking thoughtful questions, and supporting ownership. She goes on to unpack how leaders and teammates can foster growth through small, meaningful interactions.

Katie wraps up with six practical tips to help you start building a coaching culture today:

1. Listen with curiosity
2. Use powerful questions wisely
3. Support ownership
4. Set clear goals
5. Make it safe to grow
6. Take one step at a time

Whether you're leading a team or supporting a colleague, this episode offers actionable insights to help you grow others with care and clarity.

SKILL SNIPPET - FIVE REFLECTIVE LISTENING SKILLS: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2462065/episodes/16817640

005-HOW TO BUILD AN OWNERSHIP MINDSET - https://www.chapmancommunities.org/btc-005/

CONNECT WITH US: https://www.chapmancommunities.org/speaking-and-public-engagement/

BLOG: https://www.chapmancommunities.org/coaching-culture/

Coaching culture is a key component of our third foundational class, Our Community Transforms, within our model for Caring Leadership and our Caring Workplaces program. To learn more, visit https://www.chapmancommunities.org/partnerships/.

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

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.

---

CONNECT WITH US: https://www.chapmancommunities.org/speaking-and-public-engagement/

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

---

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.

Ever snapped at someone and instantly thought, “Wait… what just happened?” That split-second of self-awareness might hold the key to transforming how we lead, connect, and communicate.

In this episode of Beyond the Class, we’re joined by Misty Janks—CEO of the Chapman Foundation for Caring Communities and a leading voice in organizational psychology. Misty unpacks a deceptively simple idea: every behavior is a clue to an unmet need.

What if that “difficult” colleague isn’t defiant, but just needs to feel secure? What if that unmotivated team member is actually craving purpose? Misty demonstrates how shifting from judgment to curiosity can unlock empathy, enhance relationships, and even transform workplace culture.

You’ll walk away with practical tools—including two powerful questions that can change how you respond to challenging behavior—and a deeper understanding of how self-awareness and DISC assessments can guide personal growth.

Plus, Misty and host Adam Salgat share candid stories that bring these insights to life.

Subscribe to Beyond the Class for more insights rooted in Chapman Foundation principles. Visit chapmancommunities.org to learn more. Remember—you are the message!

READ THE BLOG!

Key Points Discussed in the Episode
• Every action, reaction, and decision stems from an underlying need
• Psychology confirms behavior is purposeful, not random or purely oppositional
• Instead of labeling behavior as good/bad, ask what need it expresses
• Two key questions to ask: What might this person need? How can I support constructively?
• Leaders create stronger teams by understanding people, not just managing tasks
• DISC assessments help teams understand behavioral tendencies and style preferences
• Self-awareness allows us to recognize our own needs driving our behaviors
• Three action steps: shift to curiosity, lead with empathy, reflect on your own needs

"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/