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About Culture Coach
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.  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. 

A man explains a point on a display to a diverse group of colleagues.

WE MEET YOU WHERE YOU ARE

We provide services for organizations at all stages of the inclusion journey.

Getting Started
Building Effective Teams

  • Developing strategies that align with organizational goals and values. 

  • Creating training programs that builds a positive curiosity about others

  • Working with internal groups and teams to improve team cultures

Building Infrastructure
and Writing Strategy

  • Consulting to create action and implementation plans

  • Assisting with implementation through thought leadership and partnerships

  • Providing interactive and engaging training programs

Deep Dive with Customized Teamwork Resources

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  • Through training of trainers programs, supporting the development of in-house expertise and skills to deliver programs

  • Providing customized tools and resources.

OUR APPROACH

We engage with our clients in meaningful ways to gain the most impactful outcomes from our programs.

Quality Deliverables

Deliverables aligned with and that support strategic organizational goals.

Client Focused

We know everyone starts in a different place. We meet our clients where they are at.

Customized Programs

We create customized training programs, strategic plans and curriculum that are tailored to meet their specific needs.

Adaptable

Priorities change, life happens. We get it. We adapt as we need to so that we can help our clients succeed. 

Forward Thinking

Our engagements start where you are at and move forward in practical and actionable ways.

A group of diverse business people gathered around a tablet

Our Principles

Our work is based on the clarity derived from a set of core principles:

  • We live our values, we don’t sell an agenda.

  • It is our belief that when we engage people with positive curiosity this results in collaborative and innovative teams that we all want to be part of.

  • Everyone is involved in creating a workplace culture where they feel they can thrive.

  • We partner with internal teams to Increase productivity, Reduce conflict, and Increase the rate of innovation. We do this through using the “psychology of teamwork” to help teams and individuals to improve their performance. 

OUR BELIEFS

We have come to understand these core truths that guide our work.

  • 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.
A black man and a white woman wearing a hijab conference at work

OUR TEAM

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. The Culture Coach team has worked with corporations, healthcare institutions, construction companies, 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 Heaistad Headshot

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:

  • Acclaimed Public Speaker: Kari has captivated and educated over 18,000 individuals through her dynamic presentations at conferences, training programs, and client organizations.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Picture of Bill Aalerud

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:

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Innovation Champion: Introduced Columbia to strategic A3 planning and Lean construction practices, revolutionizing project management and workflow efficiency.

  • Workforce Development Leader: Developed the Building Advancement Externship (BAE) program, engaging over 40 education professionals to promote construction industry careers across Massachusetts.

  • 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.

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