I am trained as a psychologist, and have worked with businesses, non-profit organizations, families, and leaders across the world for over 20 years. As coauthor of the book, The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, written with Dr. Gary Chapman (author of the #1 NY Times bestseller, The 5 Love Languages), I am often asked to speak on this topic.
My primary professional focus is helping “make work relationships work.” Given that the current state of the workplace (in for-profit, not-for-profit, and for volunteers) is often a negative, toxic environment. Fortunately, by working with organizations across the country, Dr. Chapman and I have figured out the key components necessary for organizations to motivate and support their team members in ways that lead to increased job satisfaction, higher employee performance, and enhanced levels of trust.
I have given lectures around the world, including North America, Europe, South America, Asia, and the Caribbean. I’ve had the privilege to speak to an annual summit of global managers for Microsoft, at the Milken Institute, Princeton University, Napa Valley Community Foundation, Dartmouth University, the Houston Community Foundation, Dave Ramsey’s staff, and numerous national organizations.
I have given dozens of media interviews on television, radio, Internet-based media, and for print media (such as the Chicago Tribune and Investors Daily Report). And I have published extensively in professional journals devoted to work-based relationships (Journal of Diversity, Journal of Christian Nursing), business and wealth transfer issues such as Worth, Journal of Financial Planning, Journal of Practical Estate Planning) as well as psychological journals like Individual Psychology, and the Journal of School Psychology.
In the past, I have worked with a variety of different businesses and organizations, which gives me a broad range of experience in relating to audience participants. Over my lifetime, I have worked:
- In factories
- As a carpenter, silk-screen printer, and tree trimmer
- In customer service for an insurance company
- As a third shift crisis counselor in residential treatment for adolescents
- In a state social service agency investigating child abuse
- For community mental health centers
- For private medical treatment centers
- On the Board of non-profit organizations and inner city ministries
- As a small business owner
- Consulting with multimillionaire families and businesses.
Academically, I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Wheaton College (IL), earned my Masters of Counseling from Arizona State University, and received my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Georgia State University, where I received the Outstanding Doctoral Student award during my final year of study.
I grew up outside of Kansas City, within the context of a family-owned manufacturing firm. I have lived in Chicago, Phoenix, Atlanta and now live in Wichita, Kansas. I have been married for over 30 years and am the father of four adult children (and three daughters-in-law!). I relax by fishing, enjoying nature, going to music theatre, listening to all kinds of music and watching college sports. I really like to laugh.
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