As a psychologist who has worked with businesses, government agencies, non-profit organizations, families, and leaders across the world for over 20 years, I am often asked to speak on how to improve workplace relationships and make work environments more positive and healthy. A coauthor of three books including, The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, written with Dr. Gary Chapman (author of the #1 NY Times bestseller, The 5 Love Languages), my most recent book, The Vibrant Workplace, is receiving outstanding reviews.
My primary professional focus is helping “make work relationships work.” Given that the current state of the workplace is often a negative toxic environment, I have helped create resources to help individuals survive toxic workplaces and organizations avoid becoming one. 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.
Lecturing 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, the leadership of HUD, and numerous national organizations.
I have given dozens of media interviews on television, radio, Internet-based media, and for print media (such as U.S. News & World Report and the Chicago Tribune). And I have published numerous articles in leading business and professional publications including Bloomberg Businessweek, Forbes, Fortune/CNN.com, Entrepreneur.com, Fast Company, FoxBusiness.com, Huffington Post LIVE, and Business News Daily.
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 37 years and am the father of four adult children (all married) and five grandchildren. I relax by fishing, enjoying nature, going to music theater, listening to all kinds of music, and watching college sports. I really like to laugh and have fun.
