In this issue of the Hopebeat Weekly, we’re exploring stories, strategies, and the science behind hope—specifically, how it impacts the workplace.

Shining Hope at BUILD Chicago

I had the pleasure of meeting Bradly Johnson, Chief Community Officer at BUILD (Broader Urban Involvement & Leadership Development), at a violence prevention event hosted by Strides for Peace. Bradly is featured in this week’s episode of The Hope Matrix Podcast.

Build is a nationally respected gang intervention, violence prevention, and youth development organization based on Chicago’s West Side. Since 1969, they’ve been dedicated to saving lives and mentoring young people in the city’s most challenged neighborhoods, reaching over 2,500 youth annually. Find out more at www.buildchicago.org.

Photos taken at the Strides for Peace Expo

Thanks to the fantastic team at BUILD Chicago, I recently had the honor of sharing the science and power of hope, training their staff on how to write their own Shine Hope Story. It’s important to navigate moments of hopelessness proactively, especially in challenging positions at work, where these moments often arise. As BUILD addresses significant challenges in Chicago, their team faces many obstacles, which is why practicing Shine Hope skills is so essential. I’m grateful to BUILD Chicago for prioritizing hope and well-being training in their workplace.

A hopeful workforce is a happy, engaged, collaborative, and productive one.

Kathryn Goetzke with Dominique Young, who once went to Build and is now a youth mentor.

Hope is  critical in the workplace, and a unique whole-team approach to mental health, violence prevention, and retention. Hope is also a great strategy for achieving goals (no, it’s not a wish!). Discover the top ten reasons why hope is a strategy in the workplace.

The Shine Hope Story of Bradly Johnson

As mentioned earlier, we’re featuring Bradly Johnson this week on The Hope Matrix Podcast, Episode 38. Bradly shares his journey of overcoming bullying and moving on to become a community leader, while also discussing his vision for empowering young people in Chicago through our Shine Hope program.

Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or community leader, Bradly’s story is a powerful testament to resilience and hope. Listen to the full podcast episode and read his Shine Hope Story here.

Do You Want to Write Your Own Shine Hope™ Story

Sign up for the My Shine Hope™ Story Course! This mini-course (only 30 minutes, and $10!) offers easy-to-follow videos and a template to guide you in crafting a powerful narrative. By sharing your story, you empower yourself and others to navigate future challenges. Start your story today!