Culture Resource Centre

27 Years of Expertise in Intercultural Learning & Development

Our Story

Since 1999, the Culture Resource Centre has been at the forefront of delivering high-quality intercultural learning solutions to businesses and government agencies across Australia and internationally. Led by founder Joost Thissen and partner Kees Hoefsloot, our team brings over 27 years of experience in helping organisations build intercultural competence to ensure effective cross-cultural interactions. For feedback and testimonials from our clients, please refer to the Clients section.

Our team consists of accredited specialists in culture, management, and leadership, holding Certificate IV in Training & Assessment. We provide training and support tailored to both local and global business needs. Many of our clients have gone on to achieve greater success both within Australia and abroad, thanks to the practical skills and knowledge acquired through our programs. To learn more, please visit Recent Projects page.

Our Purpose

We are committed to supporting organisations in fostering cultural understanding within their workforce, expanding into global markets, and enhancing multicultural team skills. Our programs are grounded in current research and delivered by cultural experts, ensuring that your organisation can rapidly build the necessary skills to operate effectively across diverse cultures.

What we do

Recognising that each client brings unique challenges and requirements, we focus on delivering customised learning and development solutions that align with your organisation’s specific objectives. Our team takes the time to fully understand how cultural differences and diversity impact your corporate culture and overall business operations. Our interventions are driven by your priorities—your needs, concerns, and workplace challenges.

Once we have a clear understanding of your organisation’s requirements, we design targeted learning and development programs that equip your staff with relevant knowledge, practical tools, effective strategies, and enhanced competencies. Whether your goals involve increasing cultural awareness, building cultural knowledge, developing intercultural skills, designing strategies, or fostering cultural competence within your organisation, we are ready to support you.

We offer a range of learning interventions, including virtual or face-to-face presentations, training sessions, workshops, briefings, coaching, and expat preparation. Each program is carefully tailored to address your specific concerns and provide practical solutions for the challenges your organisation faces. For more information about our offerings, please see Training & Coaching  page.

The benefits

Miscommunication, workplace tensions, mistrust, and unclear roles and responsibilities can have a significant negative impact on inclusivity and productivity. Cultural differences are often underestimated, yet they play a vital role in creating an effective and harmonious work environment. Our interventions are designed to identify sources of workplace disruption and support the development of teams with greater unity, cohesion, and the ability to leverage each other’s strengths.We specialise in preparing organisations to work both in multicultural workplaces and during international expansion, whether that involves collaborating with overseas offices or equipping leaders with the skills required for new markets. By investing in our professional intercultural learning and development solutions, your team and organisation will gain the knowledge, attitudes, and competencies necessary for improved collaboration and operational effectiveness.

How We Enhance Cultural Competence

Cultural competence includes the motivation, knowledge, strategies, and behavioural skills that empower leaders, professionals, and teams to succeed in diverse cultural contexts. When leaders and employees are able to engage effectively with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and apply cultural understanding and competence in their interactions, they are well-positioned to build strong business relationships and operate successfully in global environments.

References and Quotes

“CRC have taken cultural awareness to a level whereby the dynamics of cultural competencies has cultural awareness as an underpinning skill.”

“Yes, every individual is different. And yes, when you work with people from other cultures, you shouldn’t make assumptions about individual traits based on where a person comes from. But this does not mean learning about cultural context is unnecessary. If your business success relies on your ability to work successfully with people from around the world, you need to have an appreciation for cultural differences as well as respect for individual differences. Both are essential”.
Professor Erin Meyer

“CRC doesn’t just do cultural awareness but provides pathways to build cultural competence and cultural intelligence that improves and develops our team’s communication, productivity and efficiency.”

“If you don’t like something, change it;  if you can’t change it, change the way you think about it”.
Professor Mary Engelbreit

“The benefits of CRC’s approach was demonstrated through the improved communications and business outcomes that emerged after the workshops.”

“Culture is more often a source of conflict than of synergy. Cultural differences are a nuisance at best and often a disaster “.
Professor Geert Hofstede

“CRC’s training has greatly benefited our professional workforce as it has both a multicultural flavour locally in Australia, whilst also assisting our people managers consider their actions when interacting with a culturally diverse workforce who are located offshore in virtual teams.”