ABOUT ME
Dr. Anna Kallschmidt
From a working-class culture to an Industrial-Organizational Psychologist, I’m dedicated to revealing the invisible cultural landscapes that shape professional experiences.
My Academic Journey
My groundbreaking research challenges traditional workplace narratives by identifying working-class background as a socially stigmatized identity that persists even after social mobility. Drawing from my personal journey of navigating multiple social class experiences—from a large, working-class Catholic family to academic and professional success—I’ve developed a unique lens for understanding workplace dynamics.
My dissertation delved deep into the professional experiences of Black and white individuals from low-income backgrounds who advanced through employment. By meticulously documenting their stories, I uncovered the hidden barriers and unspoken challenges that shape career trajectories, revealing how cultural background silently influences professional success.
The most powerful cultures are written nowhere and spoken by no one—yet understood by everyone.
Decoding the Unwritten Rules of Work
Through rigorous research, I’ve identified nine critical unwritten rules that fundamentally shape workplace interactions and success. These rules go beyond traditional diversity and inclusion approaches, offering a nuanced understanding of how organizational cultures truly operate.
My work exposes the profound impact of cultural mismatches in professional environments. When an organization’s unwritten norms differ from those of diverse employee groups, the consequences are significant: increased employee stress, higher turnover rates, communication breakdowns, and subtle forms of discrimination. By making these invisible dynamics visible, I help organizations create more inclusive, understanding, and effective workplace cultures.
Currently, my research continues to expand, exploring unwritten rules across various identity groups—including different racial identities, gender identities, neurodivergent experiences, and expanding to international contexts.
My dissertation delved deep into the professional experiences of Black and white individuals from low-income backgrounds who advanced through employment. By meticulously documenting their stories, I uncovered the hidden barriers and unspoken challenges that shape career trajectories, revealing how cultural background silently influences professional success.
Services: Transforming Workplace Culture
I offer comprehensive solutions to decode workplace dynamics through
Coaching
Personalized guidance to:
- Master the unwritten rules in your workplace
- Develop effective cultural navigation strategies
- Enhance inclusive leadership
- Create action plans for professional success
Workshops
Interactive, hands-on sessions where participants:
- Identify the unwritten rules in their workplace
- Develop strategies to navigate organizational culture
- Learn to create more inclusive and transparent environments
- Implement tools to bridge cultural gaps
Consulting
We work with your organization to:
- Assess current culture through specialized diagnostics
- Uncover unwritten rules through surveys and focus groups
- Develop strategies to streamline communication and minimize setbacks
- Implement changes that promote belonging and retention
Keynote Speaking
I share transformative insights about the Unwritten Rules of Work, inspiring audiences to recognize and navigate the hidden cultural codes that impact professional success.
Uncover Your Leadership Potential and Organizational Breakthrough
Every organization has invisible rules that determine success.
Discover how “The Unwritten Way” can transform your leadership approach and organizational culture. I help leaders and teams decode the invisible dynamics that make or break workplace success. My proven methodology helps leaders and teams decode these hidden dynamics, creating more inclusive, effective, and innovative workplaces.