A Conversation with Dr. Beth Kaplan, Thought Leader on Belonging

Dr. Beth Kaplan is a visionary thought leader, researcher, and keynote speaker who has redefined the intersection of belonging and leadership development. She empowers companies to enhance employee engagement and retention while significantly lowering turnover costs. Beth is a sought-after consultant and advisor for Fortune 500 companies, non-profits, government, and educational institutions. She is currently pioneering a groundbreaking belonging tool with the University of Pennsylvania designed to measure belonging and predict the propensity to thrive.

Drawing from more than two decades of experience as a workplace executive and extensive research on belonging and workplace trauma, Beth distilled her expertise into her debut book Braving the Workplace: Belonging at the Breaking Point. Named one of the world’s leading experts in belonging, Dr. Beth Kaplan is sharing her insights on navigating the rapidly changing, modern workplace landscape. Her nonfiction book, Braving the Workplace: Belonging at the Breaking Point, combines groundbreaking research with engaging storytelling to offer a comprehensive guide for both employees and senior leaders to transform their work environments. Dr. Kaplan provides a clear, actionable framework to help individuals and organizations cultivate a sense of belonging at work while promoting mental health.

Belonging is fundamental to our humanity, and the profound consequences of failing to foster it are clear. Gallup reports that more than 80% of Americans are dissatisfied with the way things are going across the board – at work and beyond. Braving the Workplace offers a valuable roadmap for many, from individuals grappling with personal belonging issues to senior leaders tackling leadership challenges and driving inclusivity.

In this heartfelt and helpful book, Dr. Kaplan shares her personal journey of discovery, guiding readers through the importance of belonging in workplaces, while offering compassionate insights and practical wisdom. Braving the Workplace serves as both a mirror and a guide, helping readers recognize unhealthy work environments and providing them with the tools to make informed decisions about their professional and personal lives.

Inside Braving the Workplace, readers will find:

 Strategies for personal growth in finding a sense of belonging in the workplace

 Practical tools to help people cultivate a strong sense of personal belonging in any environment

 A step-by-step guide on how to understand the modern-day worker and lead with belonging, taking action to increase well-being and bottom-line results

 Quizzes and writing prompts for self-reflection to help each reader make informed decisions about their professional and personal lives

Dr. Kaplan has spent 15 years helping companies unlock success through a culture of belonging. As a trailblazer in her field, she integrates cutting-edge neuroscience with behavioral development, ushering in a new era of human connection. Her extensive expertise in learning, leadership development, and post-traumatic growth makes her a standout in her field well-positioned to write a book on the subject.

“We are in a loneliness epidemic, and I don’t think people know where to go or who to turn to. I wrote Braving the Workplace to help people feel less alone. My hope is that this book transforms isolation into a powerful sense of belonging for my readers,” Beth explains. For her work and insights, many call her your workplace best friend.

Dr. Kaplan holds an M.S.Ed and Ed.D in learning and leadership strategy from The University of Pennsylvania. She currently lives in Bucks County, Pennsylvania with her husband and two sons.

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