Author Kerry Wekelo talks about Workplace Culture

Kerry Wekelo, Chief Operating Officer of Actualize Consulting discusses her book Culture Infusion and how her focus on wellness helped her to write 8 books and transform her company’s culture.

Rick Lite: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

KW: When I was in high school, I was on the newspaper team. The teacher in charge told me I had a knack for telling stories and made me the editor. I have always journaled and as my career grew, I started to focus more on business writing.

Rick Lite: Tell me about your latest book and why you wrote it?

KW: My latest book, was the opportunity to combine both my technical business writing abilities with my storytelling skills.

One of my responsibilities at Actualize Consulting was to improve our culture by creating a sought-after work environment. When our turnover rate went from 33% to less than 1%, I was inspired to write about the impact we were having. Culture Infusion shares how applying 9 holistic principles to business can impact the life of every employee and change the culture of an organization. As I coach, I love to help others succeed and see them bring happiness into all aspects of their lives. The teacher in me enjoys putting forth easy to follow steps to achieve a desired outcome. I wrote Culture Infusion to share a business success story with other firms and people so that they can create and maintain thriving organizational cultures.

Rick Lite: How many books have you written?

I am the author of 7 children’s books that focus on mindfulness and Culture Infusion is my first business book. I also created Zendoway Cubes as fun extension of my books and seminars.

Rick Lite: Have you read any of your own book reviews? How do you deal with challenging feedback?

KW: Yes, and thankfully most to the reviews are positive. I make a choice to focus on the positive and I consider the challenging feedback to see what I can learn from it. I have learned that if something is really bothering me, I can talk about it with a trusted friend or coach. By talking I can release any feelings of shame surrounding the challenging feedback. Then I pivot to considering the feedback to see if I can grow from it.

Rick Lite: What does literary success look like to you?

KW: I get great joy when I help people. If my book helps just one person to see a better way, I am happy.

Rick Lite: If you could choose one superpower, what would it be? What would you do with that superpower?

KW: My super power would be filling others with joy and love. I have a tattoo on the back of my neck that is the infinity symbol and a heart…. always spread love is what is means to me.

KERRY WEKELO, MBA, is the Chief Operating Officer at Actualize Consulting, a financial services consulting firm, and founder of Zendoway, a company that encourages holistic wellness. In her leadership, Kerry blends her experiences as an executive coach, consultant, award-winning author, mindfulness expert, and entrepreneur. Her book and program  is the impetus behind Actualize Consulting being named a Top Company Culture by Entrepreneur Magazine. Kerry has authored multiple children’s books, including her award-winning title If It Does Not Grow, Say No, and her Zendoway Cubes received the Parents’ Picks Award. She has been featured on ABC, NBC, NPR, The New York Times, SHRM, Thrive Global, and Corporate Wellness Magazine.

Contact kelam@actualizeconsulting.com to discuss how her program can help transform you and your organization.