Dr. Anna Kallschmidt

Dr. Anna Kallschmidt is a trailblazing industrial-organizational psychologist, recognized as the first to publish research on social class background as a socially stigmatized identity in the workplace. Her groundbreaking work identified how social class continues to operate as a cultural identity even after experiencing social class mobility. The American Psychological Association has acknowledged Dr. K as a leader in research on socioeconomic status across all domains of psychology.

Her cutting-edge research identifying the Unwritten Rules of Work for people from low-income backgrounds and neurodivergents has attracted her global following. She shares her thought leadership on the Unwritten Rules of Work via her speaking, coaching, and consulting business. Her mission is to collaborate with leaders to build healthy work cultures that are both successful and sustainable. Her mantra, "people vs. profit doesn't have to be a choice; in a healthy organization, they support each other," encapsulates her approach to organizational development.

Dr. K's has worked with global organizations, including Big 4 Firms and Ivy League Institutions. She fearlessly confronts societal fears and cultural taboos, sharing insightful yet humorous stories of her own cultural snafus. This approach catalyzes courageous conversations that empower her audiences to become agents of cultural change with accountability instead of shame. Her work has resulted in significant improvements for her clients, including a 30% increase in employee retention, improved culture climate survey scores, and consistently positive trainee reactions.
Dr. K's mission is to pave the way for individuals to choose courage and harness the power of authenticity in their professional journeys, while enabling companies to elevate their development practices in ways that boost organizational performance and foster environments that people actually want to work in.