About Susan Heathfield and ValuesCrafting
Where your values stop being words—and start shaping your world.
Most people talk about values. I show what living them looks like.
Values aren’t slogans or ideals to hang on a wall. They’re daily choices, the quiet decisions we make when no one’s watching.
And when you’re navigating complex relationships, competing priorities, or moments that test your integrity, living your values gets complicated fast.
That’s why I created ValuesCrafting—a space for reflective, values-driven people who want to do more than talk about what matters.
You want to live what matters, with integrity, empathy, and courage, especially when life or leadership grows demanding.
ValuesCrafting exists for those moments when doing the right thing isn’t easy, but it’s essential.
You might lead a team, guide clients, raise a family, or be the person others turn to for perspective.
Titles don’t matter here. What matters is how you show up—for yourself, for others, and for what you believe in.
Here, you’ll find grounded insights, real stories, and clear, practical ways to live your values in everyday moments, the ones that shape who you are and what you leave behind.
ValuesCrafting isn’t lofty inspiration or corporate language.
It’s real-world support for making the right choice, even when it’s hard—and doing it with grace.
Who ValuesCrafting Is For
ValuesCrafting speaks to people who lead and live with reflection.
They may work in HR, management, helping professions, or simply be the steady, thoughtful ones others turn to for guidance.
They’re not looking for quick fixes or leadership jargon.
They seek meaning—the quiet strength behind actions, the integrity that shapes culture, the compassion that connects people.
They read ValuesCrafting because it provides language for what they already feel matters most—and helps them live it daily with intention.
What You’ll Find Here
You’ll feel at home if you believe values should be more than words—they should shape conversations, decisions, and the small actions that define your day.
At ValuesCrafting, we focus on:
Navigating difficult conversations without losing your center
Making decisions you won’t regret, even under pressure
Building trust, the foundation of every meaningful relationship
Staying true to your values when life changes, and knowing what to release when it’s time
These are the choices that define us.
This space exists to help you meet them with integrity, clarity, and self-respect.
I am nourished by the sea.
Why I Write This
I’ve lived and led through uncertainty, growth, loss, and reinvention.
I created ValuesCrafting to share what I’ve learned with people who are still finding their way—those who want to live by their values at work, at home, and in the quiet moments in between.
I know what it’s like to fight for what matters, to be the person others count on for thoughtful, steady answers.
I write ValuesCrafting so you don’t have to face those moments alone.
Through stories, strategies, and reflection, I offer not scripts, but clarity to help you live your values with confidence and purpose.
I don’t pretend to have all the answers. However, I believe in asking better questions and giving you space to hear your own answers.
If you’re seeking practical, real-world ways to align your actions with what matters most, subscribe.
You’ll receive insights to help you stay grounded and intentional—at work, at home, and wherever you lead from within.
Why ValuesCrafting Exists
People have always shared their stories with me—not just clients or colleagues, but also strangers, friends, and those I’ve met only once.
They open up quickly, and without effort, I can sense what’s fixable, what isn’t, and what comes next.
My late husband, Bill Hamilton, recognized this long before I did. He called it my superpower:
The quiet ability to make people feel safe, seen, and unjudged.
ValuesCrafting is an extension of that superpower.
It’s a place to explore who you are, what matters most, and how to live that truth—even when life grows messy and the stakes are high.
Most of us already know our values.
The challenge is living them every day.
My Experience
I’ve spent decades guiding leaders, teams, and individuals through complex challenges—not with scripts, but with strategies grounded in values and courage.
Founded my consulting company in 1987
Led over 2,000 training and facilitation sessions for more than 100 clients
Helped shape the values-based culture at TechSmith Corporation
Spent 25+ years writing about leadership and workplace culture for About.com and The Balance Careers
Featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Forbes, The Washington Post, and more
Everything I write is informed by that real-world work—and by the values-driven life Bill and I built together.
What Others Say About ValuesCrafting—and About Me
These reflections come from people I’ve worked with, taught, or written for—leaders, employees, colleagues, and friends. Their words remind me that when we lead with values, what we leave behind is often deeper than we realize.
What Readers and Colleagues Say
“I’ve worked for a lot of employers who say people are our most important resource but working here is the first time I have really experienced this. You and Bill really believe that people are your most important resource.” —Employee Co-Owner.
“I am in awe of the priority and respect you constantly show your employees. This was my first experience in an organization driven from admirable principles–and, I must say that I have been forever changed for the better. You have set a new benchmark against which I will measure. I have grown so much from the experiences you have provided me, and I hope I can impact others in the same way you impacted me. If there is ever anything I can do for you, please do not hesitate to ask.” —Former Employee.
"Your pieces are always so relatable and insightful—I truly look forward to each new one you share." —Colleague.
“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. You impacted the person I am today. You are a person that I think about when I think about who I want to be. You are a person who deserves my gratitude and a person who has earned my respect. With overwhelming appreciation and much love...” —Employee Co-Owner.
"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.
“Susan is an outstanding community leader and an exceptional writer. The extensive knowledge she shares in her indispensable guides are thoughtful, practical and inspirational. It is no wonder that Susan is the HR expert's expert.” —Colleague.
"Your training taught me not just how to be a better manager, but how to be a better man. I'm humbled and grateful for what you helped me build with my wife and children." —Employee Co-Owner.
"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.
“Susan is a seasoned professional who provides expert advice and commentary on Human Resources both for companies and for employees. In addition, she is a top level management and organization development consultant whose expertise has assisted hundreds of clients. Susan is a terrific resource for any organization seeking cutting-edge insight on Human Resources and management issues.” —Colleague.
"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.
"We love ValuesCrafting—not just for the ideas, but because this kind of writing feels more relatable than anything you've published. It's not just helpful. It's human. It sounds like you." —Two Colleagues.
Join Me
We don’t just need good ideas.
We need spaces that help us live them.
ValuesCrafting is one of those spaces—a quiet companion for those who choose integrity, even when it comes at a cost to their comfort.
Whether you guide others or hold yourself accountable, you’ll find reflections and real-world guidance to help you stay centered, clear, and kind—no matter how challenging the season.
I’m glad you’re here.
Let’s walk this path together.
Let’s build something that lasts.
— Susan Heathfield
