Human on the Inside with Cooper Chapman
Human on the Inside. We’re big believers in the power of human skills. But don’t just take our word for it - the evidence for excellence powered by human (‘soft’) skills is everywhere! In this engaging, ever-enlightening series, we speak with industry leaders, innovators and game-changers to learn a little about their personal career journeys, and how human-led strategies, philosophies and cultures are proving a force for good in their working worlds …
Maxme: Welcome Cooper, and thanks for stepping into the #SuccessIsHuman Spotlight!
You’re the Founder of The Good Human Factory - an initiative dedicated to making mental health accessible through workshops, keynote speaking, and community engagement.
In 1 sentence - ok, we’ll give you 2 - what does this role entail?
Cooper Chapman: As the Founder of The Good Human Factory, I lead engaging workshops, keynote talks, and community initiatives that empower individuals with practical tools to improve their mental well-being. My role is all about fostering meaningful conversations, breaking down the stigma around mental health, and inspiring people to take small daily actions to live a more mindful and fulfilling life.
M: While The Good Human Factory is over six years old now, your career story is of course much deeper.
After spending over a decade competing around the world as a Pro Surfer, ranking among the top 100 for eight consecutive years, you transitioned into mental health advocacy following personal struggles and the loss of two friends to suicide. This led you to create The Good Human Factory, and clearly the rest is history!
Through your work, you’ve had the opportunity to impact over 35,000 students and 10,000 corporate professionals across Australia, delivering "Feel Good" workshops that teach practical mental health skills.
In parallel, you host the Good Humans with Cooper Chapman podcast, which has amassed over 700,000 downloads, featuring conversations with inspiring individuals about their mental health journeys. Your advocacy extends into merchandise and a community-driven movement called the 1% Good Club.
How does all this work speak to your personal purpose and what drives you as an individual?
CC: My work with The Good Human Factory and the Good Humans Podcast is deeply connected to my personal purpose—helping people realise that small daily actions can have a huge impact on their mental well-being.
In my mid-twenties, I discovered that service to others is my true passion, and since then, my mission has been to make mental health conversations more accessible, relatable, and proactive.
Having experienced the pressures of professional sport and the heartbreaking loss of friends to suicide, I know firsthand how important it is to equip people with simple, practical tools to navigate life’s challenges. What drives me is seeing the ripple effect of these conversations—whether it’s a student learning the power of gratitude, or a corporate professional finding new ways to manage stress—fuels my passion to keep growing this movement.
M: Tell us a little about your personal education pathway/s - what led you to where you are now? How closely do your formal qualifications match your current career?
CC: My education pathway has been quite unconventional. I finished high school but chose to pursue a career as a professional surfer rather than following a traditional university route. Competing at an elite level for over a decade became my real education—it taught me resilience, discipline, and the importance of mental strength. However, it wasn’t until my mid-twenties that I discovered my true passion for service to others, particularly in the mental health space.
While I don’t have a formal degree in psychology, I’ve dedicated myself to continuous learning. I’ve completed my Mental Health First Aid training, a Meditation Practitioner’s course, multiple Science of Well-Being short courses, and I’m currently studying to become a certified Breathwork Practitioner. Beyond that, most of my knowledge has come from interviewing over 200 experts in well-being, neuroscience, and life through my Good Humans Podcast.
Importantly, I don’t do any one-on-one work—everything I do is about sharing my story and experiences through workshops, keynote speaking, and podcasting. My approach always comes from a mental health lens rather than a mental illness lens. I focus on proactive strategies that help people build resilience, self-awareness, and daily habits that support well-being, rather than diagnosing or treating mental health conditions. My goal is to make mental health conversations accessible, practical, and empowering for everyone.
M: If you could share one piece of career advice to your 18 year old self it would be ...
CC: "Prioritise learning over outcomes, and trust that passion and purpose will evolve over time."
At 18, I was fully focused on becoming the best surfer I could be, but I’ve since learned that growth comes from being open to new experiences, continuous learning, and adapting to what truly excites you. If you follow what genuinely lights you up and keeps you curious, the right opportunities will come—often in ways you never expected.
M: Maximising the potential of individuals, communities and businesses through the power of human skills is the reason Maxme exists. Can you tell us a little about the role and / or value of human skills in mental health &/or allied health care right now?
CC: Human skills are at the core of mental health and well-being because they shape how we connect, communicate, and support both ourselves and others. Skills like empathy, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and resilience are crucial in both personal mental health management and within the broader allied health space.
Right now, as mental health conversations become more mainstream, there’s a growing recognition that it’s not just about clinical interventions. It’s about equipping individuals and communities with proactive tools to navigate life’s challenges. In my work, I see firsthand how simple human skills like active listening, gratitude, and self-reflection can transform well-being.
These aren’t just "soft skills"—they’re essential skills that allow people to build stronger relationships, manage stress, and create supportive environments, whether in schools, workplaces, or broader communities.
By prioritising human skills, we shift the focus from just treating mental illness to actively fostering mental wellness, helping individuals and organizations maximize their potential in a sustainable and meaningful way.
M: Self Awareness sets the critical foundation for all Maxme learning experiences. With that said … what’s your strongest trait / personal super power?
CC: My strongest trait—my personal superpower—is kindness.
For me, kindness goes beyond just being nice; it’s about showing up with empathy, compassion, and a genuine desire to uplift others. Whether I’m speaking on stage, hosting my Good Humans Podcast, or running a workshop, my goal is always to create a space where people feel heard, valued, and supported.
What makes kindness even more powerful is the neuroscience behind it. Acts of kindness trigger the release of oxytocin, often called the “love hormone,” which strengthens human connection, reduces stress, and promotes overall well-being. Kindness also boosts dopamine and serotonin, chemicals that enhance mood and create a sense of fulfillment. But what’s just as important as practicing kindness is developing self-awareness around it—recognizing when we have the opportunity to be kind, understanding how our actions impact others, and being intentional about spreading positivity.
Kindness isn’t just a value—it’s a scientifically proven tool for improving mental health, both for ourselves and those around us. When we become more mindful of how we treat ourselves and others, we can harness kindness as a skill to build resilience, strengthen relationships, and create lasting change in our communities.
M: And on the flip side, what’s one human / ‘soft’ skill you’ve had to really work on improving over the course of your career?
CC: One human skill I’ve really had to work on improving over the course of my career is active listening.
Early on, I was so focused on sharing my own experiences and message that I didn’t always give enough space to truly listen and absorb what others were saying. Through hosting over 200 podcast interviews and leading countless workshops, I’ve realised that real connection and impact come from deep listening—not just hearing words, but fully understanding the emotions, perspectives, and intentions behind them.
Active listening has been a game-changer for me. It’s helped me become a better communicator, a more thoughtful interviewer, and a more present speaker. It’s also strengthened my relationships, both personally and professionally. By consciously working on slowing down, asking better questions, and being fully engaged in conversations, I’ve learned that sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is simply listen.
M: If you could share one piece of career advice with recent Uni graduates or candidates keen to explore the world of mental health &/or allied health care, what would it be?
CC: "Focus on connection over perfection—your ability to genuinely connect with people will have a bigger impact than any degree or qualification alone."
Education and technical skills are important, but the real magic happens when you can take that knowledge and make it relatable and accessible to the people you’re trying to help. Whether you’re working one-on-one, in a clinical setting, or in a community space like I do, developing human skills—empathy, active listening, and emotional intelligence—will set you apart.
Also, never stop learning. The mental health space is always evolving, and some of the most valuable insights come from lived experiences, ongoing research, and real conversations. Be open to growth, stay curious, and remember that making a difference doesn’t mean having all the answers—it means showing up with compassion and a willingness to learn.
M: You’ve been granted approval to add one University graduate to your team, but have 100 applicants, all with outstanding academic results. How do you find your perfect candidate - what are you looking for?
CC: I’d be looking beyond just academic results—I’d be searching for someone who embodies curiosity, emotional intelligence, and a passion for service.
The perfect candidate wouldn’t just have knowledge; they’d have a deep desire to connect with people and make a real impact. I’d be looking for someone who can demonstrate self-awareness, strong communication skills, and a willingness to learn—not just from textbooks, but from real-life experiences and the people around them.
A big factor would be how they apply their knowledge—can they take complex mental health concepts and make them relatable? Can they show initiative, think creatively, and adapt to different audiences? Most importantly, I’d want to see authenticity—someone who genuinely cares about others, is open-minded, and isn’t afraid to bring their own personality into their work.
At the end of the day, qualifications can get you through the door, but it’s your character, emotional intelligence, and ability to connect that will make you stand out.
M: In the words of John Dewey, “education is not preparation for life, education is life itself.”
What’s next on your #learning agenda?
CC: Bringing The 1% GOOD Club Book to life—a project that’s been years in the making and one that continues to teach me so much about mindfulness, habit formation, and the power of small daily actions.
This book is an extension of everything I’ve learned through The Good Human Factory, my podcast, and the 1% Good Club community. It’s about helping people build better mental well-being through practical, science-backed strategies—but in a way that’s simple, relatable, and easy to apply in everyday life. Writing it has been a huge learning journey for me, pushing me to dive deeper into the research, refine my storytelling, and explore new ways to communicate powerful ideas.
Beyond the book, I’m always committed to growing—whether that’s through continuing my studies in breathwork, having more conversations with experts, or learning directly from the incredible communities I work with. Education truly is life itself, and I see every new experience as a chance to become a better version of myself and, in turn, help others do the same.
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