Are women capable of taking up a leadership role in organizations? Put forward this question, and they will surely prove that gender doesn't matter to be a great leader. The current business world is defined by complexity, disruption, and change which desperately need leaders with a holistic approach, diverse skill sets, multi dimensional perspectives, and empathetic mindset. Considering the several hats worn by women in their professional and personal life, they possess all the qualities to be a leader who integrates the view of people and profits.

In the cumbersome world of entrepreneurship, women are now seen to break through the glass ceilings to reach the top level of positions in organizations. Leaders like Christie Caldwell of Integrate Consulting are not only uplifting their own business but also transforming other organizations with profound experience in consulting and organizational development. Carving a niche for herself, she portrays the best in every aspect & role for her life. With the intent of showcasing her significant contribution to the business sphere, Women Entrepreneur India presents to you the journey of Christie Caldwell.

Walk Us Through Your Early Professional Journey. What Incited Your Foray Into The Leadership Development Space?

While I was pursuing my post-graduate degree in global poli-tics from Harvard University, I got an opportunity to work as a consultant with Harvard's Program on Negotiation and I loved it. I enjoyed the opportunity to solve problems by leveraging my knowledge and helping leaders make decisions. That's how my exposure to leadership development and consulting began. Later in 2007, Aperian Global hired me as a consultant, where I managed large-scale consultative projects for key clients in Europe and the Middle East. I spent a decade with Aperian, eventually taking on the role of Director of Consulting for APAC based out of Shanghai.

In this role and also after leaving Aperian, I did a lot of leadership work within the Asia Pacific region, particularly for multinational companies that were growing but lacked leadership representation in the region. We started working with leaders to help them redefine leadership in a way that was much more inclusive. With over 20 years of experience spanning roles in the United States, Europe, Middle East, Africa & Asia Pacific, I decided to craft Integrate Consulting as a holistic organizational development solution.

What Was The Motivation Behind Pursuing Entrepreneurship In India?

Moving to India was a personal decision on how I wanted to live my life. It was more about my work-life balance and well-being. I had taken some time off to research and work in the area of wellbeing and started a company with a friend of mine who's a psychologist here in India. We did leadership retreats and coaching for leaders who were really burnt out due to stress. We worked with them on a very deep level to promote a holistic lifestyle and leadership. It made me think of combining my consulting work with such in-depth coaching to bring in inclusive and sustain-able leadership. My entrepreneurial journey actually started by combining my business background and these deeply personal factors that mattered to me.

“Christie designs creative global solutions based on deep listening and a focus on desired outcomes”

Tell Us About Integrate Consulting Along With Its Services. How Do You Uniquely Run The Functions Of The Company?

Although Integrate Consulting is a young company, it is backed with long years of experience and expertise to offer global-focussed organizational development solutions. We provide Research-led solutions based on global industry best practices tailored for our clients' businesses across countries. I am actively involved in the overall functions of the organization and devote my time to design and facilitate holistic talent solutions with measurable impact, cutting-edge research, global business best practices & in-depth thought leadership.

I have a deep understanding of the APAC market and bring particular expertise on business cultures in various countries. The global mindset and long-term partnership to deliver strategic outcomes for organizational culture and talent development are the most unique aspects of our business.

Do You Have Any Advice Or Suggestions In Mind For Budding Women Entrepreneurs?

One of the crucial lessons I have learned is to not do everything by ourselves. I would like to say the same to the young women. Whenever you feel overwhelmed or confused, remember that you are not alone. You can always partner with people and work with a collaborative mindset rather than competing. In my opinion, this will act as an advantage and help you scale. Personally, I am blessed with such supportive friends, and it makes all the positive difference in my life.

Christie Caldwell, Founder, Integrate Consulting

Christie hails from the US and has lived in six countries including Taiwan, Mongolia, China, Bangladesh, the UK, and India. She holds advanced degrees from Harvard University and Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies.

As a woman with immense interest in global culture and human well-being, Christie adheres to the `CoActive Coaching' approach. She believes that a coach doesn't have any solution; all the answers that people need are inside them.