Dr. Tom Krause started Behavioral Sciences Technology in the 1980s with a partner, and from its modest beginnings in Ojai, it has become a global leader in the workplace safety field. Even beyond global, as one of their biggest contracts was from NASA, when they were hired on after the space shuttle Columbia disaster in 2003.

We talk about Tom's entry into psychology during the heated debates between devotees of two very differing philosophies - Carl Rogers' humanism and B.S. Skinner's behaviorism. Moving to Ojai to set up a private practice, Krause became interested in applying a scientific rigor to the psychology of workplaces, of its culture and its practices, and how the two interacted. He was able to measure safety improvements in a way that made dollars and sense for overburdened executives. The company thrived until Krause sold it in the 2000s, but he continues to work in the field.

Tom entered into St. John's College's Great Books program when he was in his 50s and had already achieved career success, and wanted to wrestle with the big questions of humanity - the role of religion and philosophy and the big "whys" of humanity. He spent time on campus in Santa Fé while continuing his busy travel schedule.

Tom served on the Krishnamurti Foundation of America's board and has a lifelong interest in community service, helping found the Agora Foundation, which brings the Great Books program to Ojai and beyond. One of the efforts of the Agora Foundation is the Ojai Chautauqua events, which bring together expert panelists to discuss and debate issues of national and local importance. He mentioned that the next Chautauqua will be a virtual event about the use of pesticides.

Sources: agorafoundation.org, sjc.edu and for more information about the Skinner v. Rogers debate https://www.bartleby.com/essay/Carl-Rogers-Vs-F-Skinner-Which-Perspective-P35G4TZAEPP