Culture Grove LLC

⬇️ Tune in to real talk about real culture change ⬇️

Culture isn’t soft—it’s a strategic advantage when done right.
Join me and my co-host Monica M. Smith on the Collaborative Culture podcast as we explore what it really takes to create inclusive, high-performing teams in today’s evolving workplaces.

🎧 Expect candid conversations on:
• Leading cross-cultural teams
• Debunking culture myths
• Creating collaborative environments
• The post-pandemic shift in teamwork and trust

𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁 • 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲

⬇️ Book a keynote or workshop that drives real change ⬇️

Culture is your operating system—not a side project.
In my signature talk, “The C.U.L.T.U.R.E. Effect: Creating a Workplace Where Teams Flourish,” I decode what culture really is and how to shape it intentionally. Based on decades of research in cultural anthropology, this framework makes culture actionable for leaders at every level.

🎤 Great for:
• Leadership retreats
• Team off-sites
• Company-wide summits

📚 I also offer a variety of workshops related to culture and team building

𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿 • 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖.𝗨.𝗟.𝗧.𝗨.𝗥.𝗘.™ 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸

⬇️ Choose the right assessment for your company size and goals ⬇️

The first step to changing your culture is understanding it.
Our three-tiered culture assessments blend qualitative insight with actionable metrics to give you a clear picture of what’s working—and what’s not.

✔️ Mini-Audit: Culture Roots Review
✔️ Mid-Level Assessment: Culture Growth Audit
✔️ Full Assessment: Culture Foundations

𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 • 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

⬇️ Discover the roots of lasting culture change ⬇️

You don’t fix culture. You cultivate it.
If your business is missing targets, losing talent, or struggling with disengaged teams, the root issue may be your company culture.

The Culture Grove Foundations program is a 12-month, high-impact engagement that helps growth-minded organizations design and build cultures that drive performance and retention.

👉 Ideal for companies with 100–10,000 employees navigating growth or change

𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 • 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

Texas Health Resources

Played a key role on the system-wide Strategy & Innovation team at one of the largest faith-based nonprofit health systems in the U.S., serving over 7 million patients annually. Led initiatives that integrated consumer insights, cultural research, and business intelligence to improve patient experience and organizational performance.

Partnered with executives and clinical leaders to co-create strategic transformation plans aimed at improving patient and employee experience, operational outcomes, and cultural alignment.

Led qualitative and ethnographic research projects to understand unmet patient needs, barriers to engagement, and cultural dynamics affecting care delivery.

Facilitated system-level workshops and planning sessions that translated data insights into actionable strategies to enhance consumer trust and satisfaction.

Supported the design and implementation of high-impact initiatives, including experience-based care models and workforce engagement strategies.

Director Consumer Strategy & Foresight

US Probate Leads

Oversaw operations, marketing, customer experience, and strategy for a niche data firm serving legal and real estate professionals nationwide. Played a key leadership role in transforming the company’s offerings, improving service delivery, and aligning internal culture with customer-focused innovation.

Directed operational strategy and day-to-day functions across multiple departments, optimizing internal systems and workflows to better support customer satisfaction and business growth.

Led the redesign of customer experience touchpoints—enhancing onboarding, support, and service processes—resulting in improved client retention and positive feedback metrics.

Developed culture programs to align internal team performance with company values and client expectations.

Collaborated with leadership to identify emerging market needs and introduce new services, including customer education programs and value-added content.

Applied research and systems thinking to diagnose process inefficiencies and implement solutions that enhanced the overall client journey.

Managed and mentored cross-functional teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and shared accountability for client success.

Vice President Innovation

Deutser

Worked with a boutique consulting firm specializing in organizational culture, leadership, and communication to support Fortune 500 companies, healthcare systems, and nonprofits. 

Led projects that addressed strategic alignment, employee engagement, and internal communications to drive performance and cultural clarity.

Advised executive teams on aligning organizational culture with strategic goals, leading to improved employee experience and stronger consumer-facing brand alignment.

Conducted qualitative research—including executive interviews, focus groups, and environmental assessments—to inform culture strategies and communication plans.

Designed and facilitated leadership retreats and strategic workshops to co-create cultural frameworks and guide decision-making during times of change or disruption.

Partnered with HR, marketing, and operations leaders to translate abstract cultural concepts into tangible initiatives that improved employee and stakeholder engagement.

Developed strategic messaging and internal communication strategies that reinforced organizational values and built trust during transformations.

Supported culture integration efforts during mergers and leadership transitions, helping clients maintain consumer trust and team alignment.

Senior Manager, Director of Research & Integration
Yaffe Deutser
2010 - 2015
• Developed the firm’s Organizational Effectiveness Profile (OEP) survey used as an entry point for clients including: Katy ISD, The Kinkaid School, Texas Heart Institute, and other oil and gas and aviation clients. 
• Developed research plans and budgets ranging from $20,000 - $300,000 for clients. 
• Designed and implemented a coaching program for clients to improve their leadership team.

Managing Consultant, Research + Integration

Rice University

• Worked with graduate students and post-docs to develop their career search strategy. 
• Conducted career assessments including Myers Briggs Type 2 and Strong Interest Inventory.
• Developed and implemented career preparation programs and workshops to prepare students for the job search process. 
• Organized the Graduate Students and Post-Docs speaker series.

Graduate Student and Postdoctorate Advisor, Center for Student Professional Development

Auburn University

• Taught Introduction to Anthropology; Culture, Marriage, & Family; Anthropology of Gender; and Women's Studies.
• Furthered a research agenda on the human dimensions of natural resource management in Belize and Honduras with publications and conference presentations on women's experiences in tourism employment and the impacts of ecotourism on household livelihood security and vulnerability.

Visiting Assistant Professor

𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗖𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗦 

Most companies focus on surface-level perks—office decor, ping-pong, & snacks—thinking these will transform their culture. But real change doesn’t come from rearranging furniture.  

When your culture isn’t strong, here’s what happens:  
✅ Hard to attract & retain top talent  
✅ Low employee engagement & high turnover  
✅ Low productivity
✅ Innovation & growth stall 
✅ Low customer satisfaction  

The good news? 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀. 

𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗜 𝗛𝗘𝗟𝗣
  
I help business leaders create thriving workplace cultures that drive engagement & growth. 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝟮𝟱+ 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁, I bring a research-driven, people-first approach to solving complex workplace challenges. My passion is helping leaders go from feeling frustrated by "people issues" to 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲s 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲.  

At 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲, we don’t do superficial change.   

𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗟 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗦: 𝗖𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘 𝗜𝗡 𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡  

💡 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝗳𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗳𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻  
A multi-campus community college struggled with a fractured culture. Each campus operated as its own entity, creating silos & inconsistencies. We developed a shared values framework to align decision-making & unify culture.  

📞 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗱𝗼𝗿𝘀  
A software company faced high turnover and low customer satisfaction. We built a culture program focused on employee recognition and customer experience. Turnover dropped, morale improved, & customer satisfaction increased.  

✈️ 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲-𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆  
An aviation company needed to reinforce a safety-first culture across its global bases. We developed an immersive 9-month safety culture program. The result? A major industry award & a culture where employees were actively invested in safety.  

𝗟𝗘𝗧’𝗦 𝗕𝗨𝗜𝗟𝗗 𝗔 𝗖𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗪𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘 𝗣𝗘𝗢𝗣𝗟𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗕𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗜𝗩𝗘  

🚀 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗲 𝗮 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗳 𝗮 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶-𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂:  
👉 www.culturegrove.com/call  

Let’s connect—because great cultures don’t happen by accident. They’re built with intention.

On this 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, I’m asking for your support for a project that’s very close to my heart.

I co-founded 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁, 𝗮 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 with Maggie Segrich of The Sesh Foundation and Sheana Hamill. In partnership with The Sesh Foundation and United Way of Greater Houston, we’re helping women step onto bigger stages with a professionally filmed 5-minute talk, a speaker reel, photos, and a one-sheet they can use to grow their businesses and careers. It’s designed for the woman who has a powerful story or expertise, but lacks the assets and access that often decide who gets the mic.

Our goal is to build a 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱 so cost is never the reason a brilliant woman can’t participate. Each full spot is nearly $4,000, so every contribution truly matters:
 • $250–$500 helps cover coaching and prep
 • $1,000+ makes you a key supporter of a scholarship seat

𝗔𝗻𝘆 𝗮𝗺𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽𝘀 𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗱.

If you’re looking for a way to invest in women’s leadership and real, tangible opportunity this Giving Tuesday, I’d be so grateful if you’d support Podium Project, and, if it feels right, share this with another woman in your network who cares about elevating women’s voices.

You can also help by planning to attend the event (Save the Date: Feb. 17, 2026 and join us for lunch at the United Way), sponsor the event, or connect us with potential sponsors and vendors.

Use the QR code to donate or DM me to set up time to chat and learn more. 

Thank you for considering it. 💛

Culture Grove LLC, Molly Reyes, Amplify {Women of Color, Catherine Brown, Sharita M. Humphrey, Kymberly Nielsen, Yvette Valdenegro, Judy Schoenberg 🦋, Linda Lautenberg, Laura Garcia, Heather Kelly Sasser, podium project

Kristine McKenzie Gentry, PhD

Center for Houston’s Future’s Business/Civic Leadership Forum Graduate

Won award for The Deutser Way video and book for "Integrated marketing campaign."

The Deutser Way

The campaign won an award for "Integrated Media Public Service Campaign." I was the project manager on this campaign.

Signs Anti-Human Trafficking Campaign

AAF-Houston Silver ADDY

AMA Crystal Awards 2016

Anthropology is the study of cultures. Studies focused on all aspects of culture including how cultures evolve and change, the drivers impacting culture, and a holistic approach to understanding cultures and solving problems.

American University

Double major. Studies included foundations of anthropology and environmental studies with an emphasis on research methods and design.

Baylor University

Studied culture change focusing on the social and environmental impacts of tourism on local populations (particularly in Belize).

Greater Houston Women's Chamber of Commerce

Women's Energy Network

EPIC (Ethnographic Practice in Industry Conference)

American Anthropological Association 

Society for Applied Anthropology

Culture Consultant for Growth-Stage Companies | Engagement, Retention & M&A Integration | Cultural Anthropologist | CEO, Culture Grove — Helping leaders build cultures where people & performance thrive

Business Consulting Program

Business leader, Thoughtleader, making things happen thru influence, relevance, & crowd-raising. Vice-President/CMO @ASTOUNDZ, Board Chair, The American Cancer Society, Co-Host of @Culture Club HTX

Worked with GHP to develop a name, create a brand for the program, and design and build a website (in partnership with Content Active) and other communication materials for UpSkill Houston.

Greater Houston Partnership - UpSkill Houston

Founder & CEO

Worked with the Mayor's Office and many other partners who donated their time and talents to develop a media campaign to educate the public on human trafficking.

Media Campaign for City of Houston Anti-Human Trafficking, Mayor's Office

Experienced marketing and communications professional passionate about leveraging storytelling to amplify strategic philanthropy. 

Worked with GHCF to develop a program to celebrate their 20th anniversary and recognize the impact the foundation has had on the Greater Houston community.

Greater Houston Community Foundation's 20th Anniversary Celebration

Checklist for leaders to identify company culture red flags

Talks

Culture-Driven Employee Retention Playbook, Building Communities, Not Just Companies

Schedule a Culture Consultation

Culture Isn’t DEI—And DEI Isn’t Culture

Company Culture Blog

Revitalizing Your Company Culture in 5 Steps

Culture First Houston

United Against Human Trafficking

Trained to lead trainings to spread awareness of human trafficking - how to identify it and what to do when you see it.

BAINES MIDDLE SCHOOL PARENT TEACHERORGANIZATION

Planned and implemented the Baines Middle School annual 8th Grade Career Day.

Sienna Crossing Elementary

Schiff Elementary School

Active volunteer including serving as room parent and coordinator of food/beverages at Shark-a-thon, the schools largest fundraising event.

Harvest United Methodist Church

Ten Thousand Villages US

Child Advocates

Irrepressible Community Builder | Catalyst for Change, Arts Empowerment & Holding Safe & Inspiring Space for All | Serial Entrepreneur

The Sesh Foundation

CMO 🌎 | Co-Founder, Podium Project | GTM & Capability Builder | SaaS, AI & Startups | Energy Transition | P&L Owner 🎯 | Equity & Inclusion Consultant | Board Member | Host of Womenthology 📣| Twin Mom 🙌🏽

Commercial Strategy | Market Intelligence | Business Development

Amplify {Women of Color

Super Connector* Microcommunity Builder* Chief Encouragement Officer* Biz Dev Expert* I created The Good Humans Growth Network®* We teach how partnerships with other humans will get you all you want in business.

Nationally Recognized Finance Expert I Rural Communities Champion | LinkedIn Top Voice | Business & Economic Development Advisor | 10KSB Alum

Certified ECM Empowering Entrepreneurs ♦️Supporting Female Founders ♦️Celebrating Small Business Success

We help women master SELF, which is the key to prosperity in life, relationships, love, and business. We also help them amplify their spiritual reality and co-create at a higher level of power & impact. COACH | SPEAKER

Advancing Women @ Work | Co-founder EvolveMe | Career Growth Workshops for Organizations & ERGs | Return to Work & Midlife Transition Coaching for Women | Keynote Speaker | Board Director | Wellness Warrior 🧘‍♀️

Advancing Women at Work | Co-Founder EvolveMe | Career Growth Workshops for Organizations & ERGs | Return to Work & Midlife Transition Coaching for Women | Keynote Speaker | Globetrotter 🌎

Pioneering Holistic Wellness Opportunities That Transform Lives and Businesses

Uncovering the Story | Crafting the Message | Bringing It to Life🎥 | VideoEnvy

podium project

Sponsors small

Culture Consultant for Growth-Stage Companies | Founder & CEO, Culture Grove | Co-Founder, Podium Project – Elevating Women & Underrepresented Speakers | Cultural Anthropologist

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