Putting decades of experience to work for you.
Culture Coach International is a consulting and training firm with decades of experience in building inclusive workplace cultures. We came to our work through the lens of cultural competency. Since 1998, the idea of helping people to understand and bridge differences has helped our clients to build workplace cultures that leverage the contributions of all employees in a focused and productive manner. Like our clients, we continue to learn, adapt and change while remaining focused using the principles of building workplace cultures to help our clients to be successful.
OUR BELIEFS
We have come to understand these core truths that guide our work.
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Creating a positive workplace presents a different set of challenges and opportunities for every organization, there is no “one size fits all.”
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Building the competence of our clients supports the sustainability of the work we do with them.
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Training, programming and strategy work can be competently and confidently conducted by any client – with the right coaching and planning.
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We meet our clients where they are at and empower them to move forward in practical ways that align with their organizational culture.
OUR TEAM
Our team comes from different continents, countries, cultures, religions and educational backgrounds. We all bring a shared dedication to helping individuals understand themselves and each other better. This understanding helps bridge divides that cause teamwork, communication, and collaboration problems. Thus, our commitment to helping individuals drives the outcomes our clients need. Based on the backgrounds of our team members we are able to bring cultural competency work to our clients who work across cultures and national boundaries.
The Culture Coach team has worked with corporations, healthcare institutions, government agencies and non-profit organizations that range in size from 25-350,000 around the globe. The team prides itself on its ability to work effectively across all levels of an organization while supporting clients. While common themes have emerged over the years, CCI has worked with each client to create a solution which speaks to them and their employees in a way that is accessible and practical in nature.
Kari Heistad, LinkedIn Profile
Kari Heistad, a visionary leader with three decades of experience, spearheads the Culture Coach team. Her mission: to bridge divides and foster understanding across global populations, ultimately cultivating workplace environments where respect, and employee engagement drive organizational success.
With a track record spanning industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, construction, armed services, banking, and insurance, Kari's expertise has left an indelible mark on countless organizations. Her influence extends beyond the corporate realm, as she has served as both a consultant and board member for numerous non-profit entities.
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She has received awards recognizing her contributions to the workplace and to multicultural education. She has spoken before more than 18,000 people, served as a resource for the media.
KARI HEISTAD
Key Achievements:
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Acclaimed Public Speaker: Kari has captivated and educated over 18,000 individuals through her dynamic presentations at conferences, training programs, and client organizations.
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Award-Winning Thought Leader: Kari garnered the External Partner award from Catalent Pharma and the Leadership Award for Educational Excellence from the United Nations Association of Greater Boston.
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Innovative Educator: As an instructional design expert, content developer and subject matter expert, Kari has contributed her invaluable insights to cutting-edge platforms such as Access, VR (virtual reality), and Sollah Training.
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Prolific Resource Creator: In collaboration with the CCI team, Kari has developed an impressive portfolio of over 500 tools and resources, empowering teams to enhance communication and collaboration.
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Kari Heistad's multifaceted expertise and unwavering commitment to fostering workplaces where employees can thrive continues to transform organizations and inspire positive change across industries.
Bill Aalerud, LinkedIn Profile
Bill Aalerud
Bill Aalerud, a seasoned construction industry professional with over four decades of experience, leads with a visionary approach to business, employee development, and workplace development initiatives. His career documents his strong commitment to fostering growth and innovation in the workplace.
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With an impressive tenure in Massachusetts' construction sector, Bill has consistently championed organizational improvement and employee empowerment. His expertise spans strategic planning, lean construction practices, and cultivating corporate cultures that support high employee engagement.
Key Achievements:
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Culture Change Pioneer: For four years, Bill spearheaded comprehensive an internal working group through assessment, strategy and implementation focusing on creating a better corporate culture focused on psychological safety.
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Industry Influencer: Served as Board Chair of the Associated General Contractors of Massachusetts (AGCMA), identifying and addressing critical industry priorities including workforce shortages, health and safety, and sustainability.
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Innovation Champion: Introduced Columbia to strategic A3 planning and Lean construction practices, revolutionizing project management and workflow efficiency.
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Workforce Development Leader: Developed the Building Advancement Externship (BAE) program, engaging over 40 education professionals to promote construction industry careers across Massachusetts.
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Corporate Culture Transformer: Created "Columbia Thrives," a holistic corporate wellness program focusing on physical, mental, emotional, and financial well-being.
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Bill's multifaceted approach to leadership extends beyond his own organization. He has been instrumental in fostering partnerships with Underutilized Business Enterprises (UBEs) and securing substantial training grants to develop soft skills programs. His dedication to mentoring, coaching, and implementing innovative strategies continues to shape the future of the construction industry and cultivate a new generation of skilled professionals.