How ValuesCrafting Began—and Why It Matters More Than Ever
What inspired this space, and what it offers you each week
How ValuesCrafting Began—and Why It Matters More Than Ever
What inspired this space and what it offers you each week
Dear Readers,
Today, I want to tell you how ValuesCrafting came to be.
Some of you have been here since the early days—when I was still testing titles, refining the focus, and listening closely for what resonated. Your feedback helped shape this space more than you know. Thank you.
But this letter is for you if you’re newer to the community.
Where It All Started
ValuesCrafting didn’t arrive fully formed. It started with a question that kept surfacing in my consulting, writing, and leadership work:
“We know what our values are… but how do we live them—especially when things get messy?”
For decades, I’ve worked in and alongside companies navigating real challenges: hiring, layoffs, culture repair, rapid growth, interpersonal breakdowns, stalled strategies, and everything in between.
As co-owner of TechSmith Corporation, a values-driven company of 300+ employee-owners, I’ve seen how hard it is to stay grounded in what matters most when the stakes are high or the pace is fast.
But I’ve also seen what becomes possible when people lead with integrity and follow through with small, meaningful actions.
A Pattern Emerged
Years ago, I worked with Michigan Modernization Services. We paired HR and management consultants with engineers and process experts to evaluate and help small manufacturers strengthen their systems and teams.
We delivered competent recommendations—well-researched, relevant, and tailored.
However, implementation often failed.
Why?
Because leaders didn’t know how to turn recommendations into action, they couldn’t paint a picture of what change looked like. And most crucially, they didn’t realize that to shift their culture, they had to shift their own behavior first.
That experience shaped everything that followed.
The seeds of ValuesCrafting were first planted following this experience.
What I Saw—and Still See
Most values content stops short. It names values like trust or empathy but doesn’t show how to practice them day by day in real situations—especially when the pressure’s on.
I saw leaders hungry for examples. Helping professionals needing resources. Employees are eager to contribute but unsure how to align with vague cultural ideals.
That’s why I started writing ValuesCrafting.
Not as a series of lectures. But as weekly support. I wanted to provide a place to explore what it means to live and lead with your values in messy, meaningful, beautiful real life.
What You’ll Find Here
Each week, I share one idea—grounded in experience, shaped by questions people have asked hundreds of times.
You’ll find:
Concrete behaviors that build trust, empathy, and credibility
True stories of people trying, stumbling, and showing up anyway
Encouragement for those guiding others through change
Gentle reminders that values don’t live in our intentions—they live in our choices
Thank You for Coming to ValuesCrafting
Whether you’re an HR leader, manager, coach, or an individual simply trying to live with more alignment and heart—thank you.
I hope ValuesCrafting feels like both a guide and a companion.
And if you find these insights helpful, please share them. We grow stronger when we grow together.
With gratitude,
Susan
Why Subscribe to ValuesCrafting?
Thousands of newsletters have been written, so why choose this one?
Because ValuesCrafting isn’t just about ideas. It’s about putting values into action.
Practical guidance you can use right away
Each issue offers clear, actionable steps to help you live and lead with greater alignment—at work, at home, and in everyday moments that matter.
Real-life insights from the field
These beliefs aren’t just theories. They’re shaped by decades of hands-on experience leading teams, shaping culture, and helping people grow.
Support for people who guide others
Are you a manager, mentor, coach, or HR professional? In that case, ValuesCrafting gives you tangible ways to guide people with clarity and purpose.
Rooted in real life
Values don’t stop at the office door. This is about life. Relationships. Decisions. Growth. ValuesCrafting bridges it all.
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