MEET KUTU
The first thing that most people are curious about is the origin of Kutu's name. She's always happy to share more about her story of being born in West Africa, escaping a war torn country and learning to navigate new countries and cultures. This life experience has shaped how she sees the world and why she aspires to be a catalyst for human thriving.
As a coach, Kutu creates a safe space where people can reimagine their goals, redesign their careers, and courageously take the steps needed to achieve their dreams. With a firm belief that we should all live fulfilling lives (because we only have one), Kutu works with professionals and leaders who are tired of playing it safe and are ready to embark on their own journey of transformation but desire a journey partner. Practically speaking, Kutu helps her clients unearth and clarify their desires, evaluate their options, develop a plan, and achieve their goals. She serves as an accountability partner, challenger, and cheerleader.
For the past 18+ years, Kutu has held progressive leadership roles in human resources for small and large global companies in the non-profit, healthcare and manufacturing industries. In addition to this experience, Kutu holds a coaching certification from Northwestern University, a master's degree in Human Resources Management from North Park University, and a bachelor's degree in Marketing from Trinity Christian College.
As a former people leader, hiring manager and talent management leader, Kutu offers excellent thought partnership and guidance to those seeking to make a career transition (up, laterally or out), negotiate their employment package, develop their leadership skills, or make major life or organizational decisions. With over 15 years coaching executives through significant organizational transformations, Kutu is also an excellent sounding board for those seeking perpetual collaboration as they navigate change or are stepping into a high visibility role. Finally, her knowledge and expertise in leadership and professional development, change management, human resources, and organizational leadership, as well as her own leap into entrepreneurship, gives her clients unique insights as they build their careers and/or exit strategies.
When not working with clients, Kutu can be found in West Michigan's harbor country hiking, "beaching", reading and hosting family and friends. As a self-described "foodie" and home chef, Kutu is always cooking up something new, preferably with fresh ingredients from the local farmers market or her garden. Don't hesitate to share your favorite recipes or restaurant recommendations with her.
Kutu is certified in the Wiley DISC Assessment, KornFerry 360 Assessment and holds a Senior Professional in Human Resources Certification. She is experienced in utilizing other assessments and tools such as the Hogan Leadership Series, Gallup StrengthsFinder, MyersBriggs, Communications Styles and Reflected Best Self to aid clients in developing greater self-awareness and learning how to play to their strengths.
Kutu may be a good fit for you if you're an individual and/or leader who -
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Wants to pursue executive or leadership coaching to develop your capabilities, improve your performance, ensure successful onboarding into a new role, or simply gain an external sounding board and thought partner
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Wants a safe space for deeper reflection to clarify your purpose, your values and how to better integrate these into your life and career
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Wants to pursue a better work/life integration and to work with someone who can help you define and design it, negotiate for it, and integrate practices to sustain it
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Is interested in thought-partnership and coaching using a faith-based or spiritual lens as you make career, life and work decisions
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Identifies as a Person of Color navigating non-profit, healthcare or corporate spaces and would like to work with someone with potentially a similar identity and experience