Welcome to Gems & Gemisodes®
Easy-to-digest insights on workplace, personal, and leadership optimization
Dive into our most popular gems for actionable insights to help you optimize
We speak candidly about the workplace, leadership, and personal optimization insights you need to know, but others often shy away from.
In sharing our perspective, our goal is simple: to spark curiosity and inspire the actions needed to create a more optimized future for all.
Ever wondered why you miss small errors in your work even after hours of perfecting it? It turns out, the brain's quest for efficiency is to blame—overworking leads to missed details and biases that hinder optimization, but with the right mindset and tools, you can train your brain for growth and success!
The Keys to Personal and Business Optimization are...
gem | Organizational Optimization
When you think of leadership, do introverts come to mind? This post challenges traditional views, highlighting how introverted leaders—like Charmaine—excel through deep listening, empathy, and thoughtful decision-making.
Quiet Strength: Embracing Introverted Leadership in Business
gem | personal optimization
Grief knows no timeline. Supporting grieving employees is essential for cultivating a compassionate and resilient workplace culture. This post delves into how leaders can create environments where grief is acknowledged, employees feel supported, and both emotional well-being and productivity are strengthened, fostering a more loyal and engaged workforce.
Grief and What Every Leader Needs to Get Right
gem | personal optimization | leadership optimization
A Gemisode® Series – Part I If you’ve been keeping up with the headlines, you may have noticed that leadership is undergoing a profound transformation, specifically what is expected of those in leadership positions. Gone are the days when leadership was solely about authority and profit margins; instead, authenticity and social consciousness have emerged as […]
As shared in our September 1st Gem post, this month we’re focused on all things Artificial Intelligence (AI)! With AI seamlessly integrating into nearly every facet of our lives, the inevitable impact on the business landscape is being increasingly felt. True to our commitment of sparking conversation and inspiring action by educating readers on issues […]
Hello September! As you’ve come to learn, prioritizing wellness and well-being is core to the Chapter tOO™ business model. In alignment with this priority, we took a break from writing and publishing new Gems & Gemisodes™ in August to allow our minds time to rest, and we’re so grateful that we did because so much […]
Ah, summer— The season’s vibrant energy encourages us to break free from our daily routines, explore new horizons, and embrace the limitless possibilities that lie ahead. In the spirit of breaking from routine, this Gem post will be our last until September 2023, as we take a break to prioritize intentional wellness. But don’t worry, […]
The sun’s rays have a remarkable ability to stimulate the production of serotonin, a hormone associated with enhancing mood, fostering calmness, and improving focus. So, as the summer season is in full swing in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s the perfect time for those who can, to get outdoors, soak up the sun, and engage in […]
Did you know that June is Men’s Health Month in the United States, and that this year, International Men’s Health Week is June 12-18th? These important periods aim to raise awareness about the health issues affecting men worldwide. Men face unique health challenges, some of which disproportionately affect them compared to women, ranging from Parkinson’s […]
Pride Month, celebrated annually in June in the United States, holds deep historical significance for the LGBTQ+ community and community allies. Its roots trace back to the Stonewall uprisings that took place in New York City in June 1969, which ignited a transformative movement for equality and liberation. Beyond parades and festivities, Pride serves as […]
A Gemisode™ Series – Part II As highlighted in Part I, workplace wellness is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, and organizations that fail to prioritize workplace wellness often experience significant impacts on productivity, innovation, revenue growth, retention, and workplace culture. Companies with strong cultures are more profitable because they understand the importance of investing […]
A Gemisode™ Series – Part I May is a significant month in the United States for two important observances: Mental Health Awareness and Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage. For those who may not be aware, AAPI Heritage Month is a yearly celebration that honors the vast contributions, achievements, and influences of Asian Americans […]
Concerned about retaining and engaging your employees? You’re not alone! Shockingly, Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace 2022 report revealed that only 21% of employees are engaged at work. Factors contributing to this lack of engagement are numerous, and as we pointed out in our previous essay, “Assumptions Impact Retention,” we believe that assumptions, specifically, organizations […]
Emily Bradish
Head of Corporate Recruiting, workday,
Workday
"...[They're] a talent and business optimization consultancy that not only understands the intricacies of strategic HR but also prioritizes workplace equity and leadership development..."
"Their expertise, dedication, and commitment... will empower you and your organization to thrive..."
ALNIE FIGUEROA
Former Head of Product & Design Operations,
Netflix
"...They [Chapter tOO] have a special gift of assessing and communicating business strategy and connecting it with people's motivations. They do not shy away from difficult conversations and I am amazed by their courage to encourage, coach and challenge leaders and team members they interact with. This results in positive momentum to the business and an enduring culture that uplifts the people in the organization..."
"I am a much better leader and human because of their influence..."
Johnetta "Netta" Elzie
Activist, Speaker, and Writer
"It did not take long for me to fully understand that it was kismet that Charmaine would become my executive coach during a storm in my life. I greatly appreciated the candidness, care, and overall approach to collaboration... I highly suggest working with Chapter tOO™ if given the opportunity ".
"it helped me to see and plan beyond the moment."
Hannah Hackley
Sr. Partner Development Manager,
google
"We are already getting rave feedback on your session, specifically how empowering and thought provoking it was.
Thank you for partnering with us on this, and helping to lift our community."
"Thank you for partnering with us on this, and helping to lift our community."
Gina Cherwin,
Former Chief People Officer,
MIKE WORLDWIDE
"Through every session, [Chapter tOO™ was] engaging, encouraging, insightful and inspiring as they led our agency on this journey to better understand ourselves so we can... continue to grow our business."
"The Work of Leaders gave our senior management team critical insights [and] helped our mid- level employees...develop"
Noble Varughese,
former Executive Director,
Lincoln Hall
"Their collective expertise, and commitment and passion to bridging the inequality gap was evident from the first time we spoke. It was a privilege of collaborating with Chapter tOO™ on creating a [custom training series]."
"What impressed me the most was that their number one priority was to listen and understand [our] needs"
Susan L. Taylor,
FOUNDER & CEO,
NATIONAL CARES MENTORING MOVEMENT,
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EMERITA, ESSENCE MAGAZINE
"...they are experts in human and organizational development. They partner brilliantly in applying concepts from their years of leadership in the corporate and social sectors. They are proving to be invaluable in helping us with people processes and building a [new]culture..."
"Chapter too has brought [our organization] robust planning strategies that are leading to winning results."
Gillian Williams,
Partner & Founder,
Monday Talent
"We were incredibly fortunate to have [Chapter tOO] speak to our team about the importance of emotional intelligence in business... [they have] a natural way of engaging with others...Anyone who has the opportunity to partner with them is truly lucky”
"The knowledge we gained coming out of the session continues to be invaluable."
Diane Wallace Booker,
Executive Director,
US Dream Academy
"...It was a pleasure working with Chapter tOO on [our] HR needs for... [their] commitment to equity and designing healthy work environments undergirds their expertise and compassion..."
"their ability to streamline processes and to create a [more] meaningful employee experience was very valuable...."
Dr. Peter A. James,
President and CEO,
HCG Consulting Solutions
"...by partnering with organizations [on] critical thinking, advocacy, equity and cultural competence...thereby positively impacting both employees and stakeholders alike".
"the preeminent expert in leading organizations and their leaders to 100% clarity about how to strengthen their culture..."
Dr. Achiamah Osei-Tutu,
Founder & Lead Clinician,
Osei-Tutu Dermatology
"...Their ability to understand the unique personality and culture of my business, while adhering to local, state and federal mandates has truly been a blessing".
"The strategic advice and tailored counsel has been instrumental to supporting my small business..."
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