"Growth is contagious. When you choose to learn and adapt, you give others permission to do the same." Misty Janks, CEO of the Chapman Foundation for Caring Communities, captures the transformative potential of adopting a learner mindset—both for ourselves and the environments we create. The world isn't standing still. At work, at home, and within ourselves, those who grow, adapt, and learn are typically the ones who thrive. But what does it really mean to have a "learner mindset"? As Misty explains, it's approaching challenges with curiosity and resilience, seeing failures not as setbacks but as stepping stones for progress. When paired with a culture that encourages and rewards growth, we create spaces where innovation flourishes. Discover how to unlock growth at every level—from personal development to organizational transformation. This conversation dives into five actionable tips for individuals to cultivate a growth mindset and five powerful strategies for leaders to create learning-rich environments. Tune in to explore how intentional growth fuels innovation, performance, and retention. As Misty puts it, "Organizations don't grow. The people inside of it do." Whether you're looking to transform your personal approach to challenges or create a workplace where growth thrives, remember that change starts with one intentional step. What action will you take today to model a learner mindset? Visit our website to explore how the Caring Workplace program can guide your organization in integrating a culture of learning into what you're already doing.

Read the full blog: https://www.chapmancommunities.org/the-power-of-a-learner-mindset-and-a-culture-of-learning/

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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.

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How do you build a Caring Community?Today, we have the privilege of being joined by Misty Janks, CEO of Chapman Foundation for Caring Communities, and Micki Gibbs, Senior Director of Caring Communities.Together, we embark on a journey of exploration, innovation, and transformation as we discuss our organization's exciting initiatives and goals.Join us as we uncover the key to creating Caring Workplaces and Caring Communities, paving the way for impactful change within our regions.Tune in, listen closely, and let's learn, grow, and lead together.https://connect.chapmancommunities.org/f/cfcc-caring-workplace-caring-community-interest-form

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.

Discover How Our Foundation is Working Alongside Multiple Organizations to Transform the Entire Colorado Valley—You Won't Believe the Impact! ----If this story of the Chapman Foundation for Caring Communities and the Roaring Fork Valley sparks your interest, we invite you to connect with us for more information on how we can assist your team. Your journey towards a more empathetic and cohesive workplace begins here: https://connect.chapmancommunities.org/f/organization-interest ---What you will learn in this episode: •The significance of effective communication and continuous learning in fostering caring communities. •Personal insights and experiences with the program's impact on increasing empathy and understanding among individuals and teams. •Strategies for cultivating a culture of care and the broader benefits of applying these principles in various settings.---"Empathy in Action" dives deep into the heart of The Roaring Fork Valley, Colorado, where the Chapman Foundation for Caring Communities is sparking a revolution. Witness firsthand how empathy, understanding, and continuous learning reshape workplaces and lives. This compelling narrative brings you stories of transformation, showcasing the power of caring and creating a legacy. Stay tuned to hear from CFCC's Community Relationship Specialist and Facilitator, Mary-Margaret Thomas. She is a resident of the Roaring Fork Valley and has been a facilitator for 10 years. Mary-Margaret discusses the valley's history of change from her perspective, the skills that have stood out over time, and her excitement about adding the Our Community Serves class to her facilitating tool belt.---0:00-15:10 - The Story of Transformation in the Roaring Fork Valley15:15 - Conversation begins w/Mary-Margaret Thomas

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 our 100th episode of the Listen First Podcast, Leanne Van Beek joins me to reflect on the podcast's growth since 2018. We discuss how the podcast began supporting alumni, the human connections behind the data, and the power of real-life testimonials.Leanne also shares some surprising thoughts on the Chapman Foundation's evolution, and we both express gratitude to founders Bob and Cynthia Chapman. After our conversation, continue to Part 2 of the Skill Snippet—Next-level Nonverbals in a World with Emojis. As we continue to delve into the world of nonverbal communication, explore with us when to amplify or restrain your nonverbals, how to navigate face-to-face interactions with those that might have a flat effect, and glean practical tips on when and how often we should style flex.We would love to hear from you, our audience. Your support of the Chapman Foundation and the podcast makes us jubilant and provides us with the fuel to keep changing the world.Please download the CFCC Leads app. Under the menu, you'll find a link called Share Your Story. Please fill out the form and let us know how the podcast, classes, or interactions with our team have impacted your life.https://www.chapmancommunities.org/

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/

Join Kat Edmondson, Content Leader for the Chapman Foundation for Caring Communities, as she discusses her latest blog - Mastering Emotional Awareness: An Expert's Guide to Navigating Holiday Stress.Stay tuned for a teaser of the Self-Reflection Guide-12 Days of Positivity on-demand course after the conversation.BLOG: https://www.chapmancommunities.org/emotional-awareness/12 Days of Positivity PDF: https://chapmancommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/12%20Days%20of%20Positivity%20for%20Web.pdf

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.