About Susan Heathfield and ValuesCrafting
Living Your Values in Real Life—With Confidence and Integrity
People have always told me their stories. Not just friends or colleagues—strangers, clients, people I’d just met. Over and over, they’d sit across from me and pour out their fears, struggles, and regrets. And without thinking, I’d know—what was fixable, what wasn’t, and where they needed to go next.
Bill Hamilton, my husband, saw this in me long before I fully understood it myself. He called it my superpower—this ability to make people feel safe enough to open up, to know I wouldn’t judge them, only hear them.
ValuesCrafting isn’t just a newsletter about values. It’s an extension of that superpower. A space where you can bring the hard questions about who you are, what matters most, and how to live in alignment with it.
Because that’s the real challenge, isn’t it? Most of us know our values. But when life is messy, emotions run high, and the stakes are real, how do we live them in practice?
What You’ll Find Here
ValuesCrafting is for people who want to live, lead, and connect with integrity, kindness, and authenticity. If you’re a person who believes values should be more than just words—who wants to see them in action every day—this space is for you.
At ValuesCrafting, we don’t focus on abstract ideals. Instead, we explore:
How to navigate challenging conversations without losing yourself.
Making decisions you won’t regret—even under pressure.
Building workplaces and relationships where trust is the foundation, not a fragile hope.
Knowing when to hold on, let go, or walk away.
These are the moments that define us. And if you’re here, you’re the kind of person who doesn’t want to drift through them; you want to face them with clarity, courage, and deep self-respect.
Why I Write This
Because I know what it’s like to fight for what matters. I know what it’s like to stand at a crossroads, knowing my choices will shape everything that follows. I know the weight of responsibility, leadership, and being the one people turn to for answers.
I write ValuesCrafting because I want you to feel less alone in that.
Every week, I bring real-world insights, strategies, and stories—not from textbooks but from life. My own and the lives of those I’ve had the privilege of guiding.
Not because I have all the answers but because I know the power of asking the right questions.
And I know that when people feel genuinely heard, they find their best way forward.
My Experience
I’ve spent decades guiding leaders, teams, and individuals through the most demanding challenges—not by giving them a script but by helping them live their values confidently. My work has been shaped by real-world leadership experience, building an employee-owned company, and consulting for organizations that wanted to create meaningful, values-driven cultures.
I founded my management and HR consulting company in 1987, consulting with over 100 clients and facilitating over 2,000 training and planning sessions. I spent 25+ years writing about leadership, management, and workplace culture for About.com and The Balance Careers. I was a source for insights in publications like The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Forbes, and The Washington Post.
Alongside my husband, Bill, I helped shape the culture of TechSmith Corporation, a global leader in screen recording and screen capture. TechSmith remains a company where people matter deeply—and that philosophy has influenced everything I do.
What Others Say
“I watched the culture video by Susan and Bill this morning, and I was moved to tears. I’ve spent my entire adult life as a part of TechSmith, and this was a beautiful reminder of why.” — Employee Co-Owner.
“You may not have realized the impact or importance that you played in my life, but I want you to know that I have recognized it. You are a part of and an influence on what I am proud of about who I am.” — Employee Co-Owner.
“Your management training taught me not just how to be a better manager but how to be a better man. I am humbled and grateful for your training, which helped me improve my communication and relationships with my wife and my children.” — Employee Co-Owner.
“Susan is often recognized as the web’s premier human resources expert. She is a treasure trove of knowledge on HR, an incredible writer, and a community leader.” — Colleague.
What Readers Are Saying
The ValuesCrafting community is growing—and I’m grateful for every person who takes the time to read, reflect, and reach out. Some readers have shared about how these weekly reflections have impacted them.
“Your pieces are always so relatable and insightful—I truly look forward to each new one you share.” —Colleague.
“Thank you for this priceless gift! I’d love to sit and chat about these vital aspects of healthy relationships. You remain in our thoughts as you walk in this new season.” —Colleague.
Join Me
I created ValuesCrafting to close the gap between defining values and living them. I want to give you the tools and support necessary to bring your core values to life, especially when guiding others.
I hope you’ll subscribe, read, and share. Subscribe to ValuesCrafting for thought-provoking insights and actionable steps to align your actions with what matters most. Let’s explore these questions together. I’m glad you’re here. — Susan
