Kari Heistad, BS, MIA
founder and CEO of Culture Coach International
Diversity has been the hallmark of Kari Heistad's work and her experiences have brought her into contact with world leaders, inner-city youth, non-profit organizations and business people. She specializes in making the issues of cross cultural awareness and organizational development engaging and insightful to her clients. Her original programs on cultural and corporate identity have been called "insightful, unique, exciting" and "eye-opening". Her powerful approach makes these issues accessible and the skills gained become powerful tools in the workplace.

Kari has lived and worked abroad in Norway, Scotland and Greece and she travels regularly overseas. She is a frequent author and public speaker at regional and international conferences. She was a Fulbright scholar to New Zealand and holds a Masters in International Administration from the School for International Training.

 

 

 

Anjali Bhatia, LLM
India Specialist
Anjali Bhatia brings with her a unique combination of multi-cultural skills and experiences. Having lived and grown-up in four continents she has a deep understanding of the nuances of different cultures and customs. Anjali has worked at a leading bank in Amsterdam for five years. She completed her graduate studies in International Law at Vrije University Amsterdam, specializing in Human Rights Law. She has worked with an UN organization in Geneva and non-governmental organizations in India prior to moving to the United States. She is a teacher at the Indian School, Shishu Bharati, in Lexington, Mass.

 

Richard K. Field, BS, MS
Business Development, International Sales
Richard has built his career through working with and understanding cultural differences and cross-cultural organizations. He has lived and worked in 8 different countries uniquely ranging from France and Germany, to Saudi Arabia and Jordan. In so doing, he has a wealth of hands-on expertise in managing individuals and organizations spanning a multitude of cultures.

Richard brings 14 years of cross-border sales, marketing, and operational development experience gained from within the health care, high-tech, and software industries. Among his accomplishments, Mr. Field founded International Subsidiary Development Inc. a successful cross-border business development consultancy. He also started the US subsidiary of Computer Simulation Technology, which became a leading electromagnetic simulation software supplier within the defense and wireless component industries.

Previously, he founded the foreign subsidiaries of WorldCare, a global telemedicine, insurance, and medical education company. Mr. Field received his BS from Cornell University and his MBA in international finance & management from New York University.

 

Ming-Tai Kuo, MBA, BS
Business Specialist
Ming brings a broad range of international experience to his work. He has lived and worked in China, Taiwan, Singapore, Guatemala and the US. His background includes working in the areas of automation, pharmaceuticals, personal care and building materials. Within these industries he has worked in the management of sales, distribution and export initiatives both in the US and in Asia. In his roles, Ming has focused on helping companies to boost sales and to enhance productivity. He speaks Mandarin, Taiwanese and Spanish and he holds an MBA and a degree in Industrial Engineering.

 

Vincent Licenziato, BA
Healthcare and Curriculum Specialist
With a wide-ranging background - junior high school teacher, corporate trainer, vocational counselor and placement specialist for people with disabilities, violence prevention educator, and diversity consultant - Vincent brings a wealth of information and a unique perspective to educational programs. Using his degree in education from the State University of New York at Albany, with a minor in minority cultures, Vincent has developed and implemented a number of training and educational programs on a variety of topics that help people to explore issues of race, ethnicity, age, class, gender, vocational accessibility, and sexual orientation. In various roles for the past 16 years, Vincent has worked on a number of educational endeavors for the Tufts-New England Medical Center. He was most recently the senior editor for provider, parent, and patient materials through a partnership with two leading medical organizations: Massachusetts Medical Society, Recognizing and Preventing Youth Violence and the American Academy of Pediatrics, Connected Kids: Safe, Strong, Secure

One of Vincent's core beliefs is "how different we're not" and whether he is developing programs or editing materials he seeks to build linkages to address the many "differences" that tend to keep people separated. Vincent takes guidance from a statement by the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

 

Leah Pires,
Training and HR Specialist
Leah’s background is that of 20 years within the finance/banking industry. Her experience includes comprehensive Human Resources & Training Development Management. Leah has proven experience collaborating with senior management to conduct human resources strategic planning efforts in order to support and further corporate goals. In addition, Leah has demonstrated experience initiating cost containment strategies resulting in streamlining HR operations while ensuring compliance with various Federal and State laws and regulations.

With a Masters Degree in Instructional Design, from the University of Massachusetts, Leah has developed and presented various Human Resources related training topics including but not limited to, ADA, Diversity, Sexual Harassment & general management skills.

Andrew Towlen, DC, MSW, CPPM
Cross Cultural Specialist
Andy has a diverse background which includes leading workshops to increase cultural awareness and facilitate difficult conversations in groups and organizations. Working as a business coach with entrepreneurs, he has collaborated in assisting others with setting goals and working towards them, as well as developmental coaching for personal development, leadership, and growth. Andy has extensive experience leading men’s groups to foster communicative competency and emotional literacy.

Andy received his professional coach training from The Newfield Network, an International Coach Federation (ICF) accredited program. He has lived and worked in Spain and the Czech Republic. Andy has volunteered his time to lead men’s groups in the Massachusetts prison system, and is on the board of the Jericho Circle Project, dedicated to working with men behind bars.