WHAT IF THE PROBLEM ISN’T TRAINING – BUT CULTURAL INTELLIGENCE?
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Ever wondered why community engagement, inclusive service delivery, or cross-cultural teamwork in public service organisations doesn’t come naturally to everyone – even when you think it should be common sense?
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Across the public service sector – from international aid agencies and NGOs to government departments – cultural intelligence is often the missing piece behind miscommunication, disengagement, or unintended bias.
I’ve worked with public service professionals around the world – from frontline teams to senior leaders – helping them navigate cultural expectations with practical, real-world strategies.
Choose from any of the following delivery options:
- Professional Coaching (1-on-1 or small groups)
- Team Training (in-person or virtual)
- Advisory & Consultancy Services
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 Craig Shim, Alphacrane Intercultural SpecialistsÂ
QUICK LINKS
 Find what you need on this page.
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FEATURED PROGRAMS
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Cultural Competency Checklists for Public Sector Leaders
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How to Apply Cultural Intelligence in Leadership Decisions and Organisational Processes
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For Managers seeking Straightforward, Practical Ways to be More Culturally Inclusive
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Delivery Options:Â
Professional Coaching | Training  | Consulting (done-for-you design and delivery)
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Cultural Safety and Inclusive Language Toolkit
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How to Embed Cultural Competency and Set Behavioural Expectations
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For Leaders and HR Teams Embedding Cultural Inclusion Into Everyday Practice
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Delivery Options:Â
Professional Coaching | Training  | Consulting (done-for-you design and delivery)
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Cultural Safety in Managing Meetings
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How to Achieve Cultural Inclusion and Productive Cross-Cultural Engagement
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For Leaders Wanting Practical Tools to Make Meetings Inclusive - Not Just Efficient
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Delivery Options:Â
Professional Coaching | Training
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MOREÂ PROGRAMS
Public Service
Designing In-House Cultural Inclusion Listening Circles
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How to Plan, Run, and Report on Listening Circles with Cultural Safety and Sensitivity
For Time-Poor Professionals Tasked With Designing and Facilitating Listening Circles
TAKE A LOOKAchieving Cultural Diversity in Senior Leadership
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How to Create a Culturally Diverse Leadership Pipeline
For Organisational Change-Makers Driving Diversity and Inclusion in Senior Leadership
TAKE A LOOKGuiding Culturally Diverse Talent into Senior Leadership
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How to Prepare, Mentor and Champion Employees, With Cultural Intelligence
For Managers Committed to Shaping Inclusive Career Pathways for Culturally Diverse Staff
TAKE A LOOKAdvancing into Leadership for Culturally Diverse Professionals
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How to Navigate Cultural Expectations and Crack the Glass Ceiling
For Talented Professionals Ready to Be Seen as Future Leaders
TAKE A LOOKLeading Culturally Diverse Teams and International Projects
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How to Achieve Peak Team Performance With Cultural Safety and Awareness
For Professionals navigating Cross-Cultural Business Situations or Stakeholder Relationships
TAKE A LOOKUnderstanding the Asian Business Mindset
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How to Engage with Asian Customers, Clients and Stakeholders
For Business and Public Sector Professionals Managing Asian Stakeholders
TAKE A LOOKCross-Cultural Communication Techniques for Meetings in the USA, UK & Australia
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How to Speak Up, Influence, and Be Remembered in Workplace Meetings
For Professionals Navigating Workplace Norms In English-Speaking Countries
TAKE A LOOKCross-Cultural Service Delivery: Lessons from International Airlines
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How to Deliver Premium Service In Any Industry With Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity
For Frontline Staff in Any Industry Who Serve International Customers or Clients
TAKE A LOOKFoundations for Improving Cross-Cultural Relational Skills
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How to Relate to Customers, Clients and Colleagues From Any Cultural Background
For Professionals Wanting Practical Skills to Earn Trust Across Cultures
TAKE A LOOKCOACHING FOR INTERNATIONAL RELOCATIONS
Global Mobility, with Cultural Intelligence
Intercultural Coaching for International Relocations
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How to Navigate Country-Specific Cultural Nuances in Business and Social Settings
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For Employees on International Postings and Assignments
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Delivery Options:Â
Professional Coaching | Training
ADVISORY & CONSULTANCY SERVICES
Public Service
We partner with public service organisations – including government agencies and public-interest NGOs – to embed cultural intelligence into their strategies, programs, and stakeholder engagement.
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Our consultancy projects range from designing Culturally Inclusive Listening Circles and reviewing Sister City relationships, to advising on international-ready economic development strategies and inclusive leadership pipelines.
We also support Learning & Development teams by designing in-house training programs and resources that build cultural intelligence across departments – helping employees at all levels navigate cultural complexities with clarity, professionalism, and confidence.
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ENQUIREÂ NOW
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Submit your enquiry by providing a few details in this Enquiry Form, and I'll be in touch as soon as I receive your response.
- I’ll personally review your responses to help customise my reply and next steps.
- If you’re unsure how to answer a question, just type something like "unsure" and continue.
- Your information will be kept confidential and will only be read by me. For more details, please refer to my Privacy Policy
By clicking "Submit" you agree for me to email you at this address with intercultural tips and important updates only. I don't send spam. Unsubscribe at any time. Contact me via the Contact page if you require help.Â
CRAIG SHIM'S EXPERIENCE
Public Service
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PUBLIC SECTOR LISTENING CIRCLES
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Craig Shim has designed and facilitated Listening Circles for key public service agencies, including the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Australian Public Service Commission.
These sessions brought together hundreds of APS employees to explore lived experiences around cultural diversity, inclusion, and systemic challenges faced by CALD staff.
The outcomes informed organisational strategies, strengthened cultural intelligence, and contributed to the development of the APS Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Employment Strategy and Action Plan.
VIEW PROGRAMÂ
CREATING A CULTURALLY DIVERSE LEADERSHIP PIPELINE
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Craig Shim has advised both public and private sector organisations on addressing the underrepresentation of culturally diverse leaders in senior roles.
His work focuses on identifying hidden barriers to progression and implementing strategies to build inclusive, future-ready leadership pipelines.
This includes designing development pathways, supporting culturally intelligent decision-making, and embedding inclusion into leadership frameworks.
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INTERCULTURAL CULTURAL COACHING FOR AUSTRALIA’S TRADE COMMISSIONERS
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Craig Shim is contracted by Austrade to provide cultural coaching for Australian Trade and Investment Commissioners posted around the world.
These sessions focus on preparing Commissioners to represent Australia effectively in culturally diverse contexts, with strategic briefings tailored to their host country’s expectations.
Outcomes include improved cross-cultural influence, stronger relationship-building with foreign counterparts, and practical frameworks to navigate sensitive diplomatic and commercial interactions.
VIEW PROGRAMTESTIMONIALS
“Finally — something we could actually use.”
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We didn’t need another strategy document. We needed tools leaders could apply immediately. Craig developed practical checklists we now use when forming interview panels, reviewing secondment opportunities, and embedding cultural competency into our leadership KPIs. It’s lifted the cultural lens on everyday decisions.
— Director, Workforce Strategy – Justice & Corrections Department
“Craig Shim brought a level of clarity that cut through the complexity.”
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We work across multiple regions and cultures, so addressing diversity in leadership can get tangled in competing priorities. Craig helped us identify the critical levers within our internal processes — and how to make inclusive leadership part of business as usual.
— HR Partner, Global Humanitarian Relief Organisation
“Incredibly practical and deeply insightful.”
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Every session with Craig has been packed with relevant strategies, frameworks, and real-world scenarios. His cultural coaching has been invaluable — I walked away each time with practical actions I could apply immediately.
— Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner (Hong Kong)
A QUICK INTRODUCTION: CRAIG SHIM
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As a qualified intercultural business consultant, I specialise in enhancing cross-cultural business and relational skills. Having lived abroad for much of my career before returning to Australia, I've gained valuable insights into how cultural competency is crucial for building strong relationships. Drawing on this experience, I provide coaching, training, and advice to corporate and government clients to boost their cross-cultural capabilities.
My intercultural guidance is trusted by companies like Boeing, Nike, PepsiCo, and Mastercard, as well as the Australian Government and United Nations agencies. I also serve on several advisory panels, including those for the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Australian Public Service Commission.
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Craig Shim, Director, Alphacrane Intercultural Specialists
