Major Service: We help global leaders and their teams understand and manage cultural differences and minimize cultural risk.

Education / Certifications:
• Masters in Public Policy with a concentration in International Policy and Finance from Columbia University (SIPA)
• Bachelor of Arts, University of Toronto (Victoria College)
• Certified Protocol Professional (www.ispep.org)
• Certified Executive Coach
• Certified Emotional Intelligence Practitioner

Professional Associations:
• International Coaching Federation (www.coachfederation.org )
• National Speakers Association (www.nsaspeaker.org )
• American Society for Training and Development (www.astd.org )
• Women in Communications (www.nywici.org )
• Manhattan Chamber of Commerce (Global Business Committee & Women’s Executive Business Committee) (www.manhattancc.org )

Business Network Profiles:
LinkedIn: hilkaklinkenberg
FaceBook: Global-Coaching-and-Consulting-Group
Twitter: @Global_Coaching

On a Professional Note:
Dealing with other cultures is an endlessly fascinating field of exploration and growth. As the founder of the Global Coaching and Consulting Group, and before that Etiquette International, I enjoy the constant learning that is required in this ever-more connected and changing world. Whether I’m coaching, training a group, speaking to a large audience, or writing, every day is different, and it is always exciting to work with people who want to build strong cross-cultural relationships and excel in the global arena.

The biggest challenge for us in with current economic conditions is getting people to understand the need to learn about and manage the cultural risks they may encounter before a crisis occurs rather than after the fact.

I am personally inspired by: All my friends who are among the unsung heroes & heroines working to make the world a better place and by the stories of the wonderful women who have won the IWEC awards

My Secret to success is: continual learning, perseverance and sharing with others

My favourite quotes are:
“It’s never too late to be who you might have been.” (attributed to George Eliot)

“In the time of your life, live - so that in that wondrous time you shall not add to the misery and sorrow of the world, but shall smile to the infinite delight and mystery of it.” (William Saroyan)

As an individual, my commitment to bring about positive change is to share my expertise by pro bono speaking engagements to volunteer organizations and by coaching individuals just starting out.

I believe that the key ingredient to make our world a better place is: tolerance, understanding & respect for people of other cultures and beliefs

I support the community by:
• Sitting on the board of Friends of FAWE (www.friendsoffawe.org), the US organization to support the Forum for African Women Educationalists (www.fawe.org)
• Volunteering as a Learning Leader (www.learningleaders.org) at a school in Harlem and at a soup kitchen on major holidays
• Working with the Women’s Network for a Sustainable Future
• Contributing to numerous organizations that have particular meaning to my friends and the health challenges they face

I find balance in my life by: exercising, reading for pleasure, going to the ballet & theater, and spending as much time as possible with my amazing friends and beloved family

My hobbies & extramural activities include: morning power walks in Central Park or on the beach in Southampton, skiing, rollerblading, golf, painting, gardening

As a cultural ambassador for my country:
When visiting the USA, I would suggest you explore as much of this diverse land as possible to get a better understanding of its scope, its people and its beauty.

If you were to visit New York City, I would want you to look beyond the overwhelming skyscrapers & concrete; New York is a string of small neighborhoods with friendly people. I would urge you to forget the shopping, and realize you don’t have time to visit all the museums and art galleries or eat at even a fraction of all the restaurants. Instead, wander around and explore this city’s diversity where you can find people who have come from virtually every country in the world and where over 135 languages are spoken. And, visit the UN; despite its flaws, it is a valuable force for peace and understanding in this world.