workplace culture & communications consulting for creative organizations
based in los angeles, ca
available anywhere
every organization’s culture tells a story, but not always the one it means to.
In theater, a gestus [pronounced je-stis] is a single gesture that reveals the entirety of a relationship that drives a scene. It shows what a character’s behavior conveys rather than what the character claims about themselves.
Organizations work similarly. An organization’s culture doesn’t just exist in its stated values or the language in a job posting. It’s what characterizes the work environment when a deadline moves up, a disagreement on approach surfaces, or a budget shrinks.
While an organization’s culture matters in any industry, it operates differently in creative and passion-driven sectors. In many industries, ambiguity and varying approaches signal problems. Traditional consulting might develop a process to clear up gray areas and standardize results. But for innovators and creatives, the gray is the engine. Ambiguity signals originality. Subjectivity is inherent in taste. These elements shouldn’t be designed out of such work cultures, they should be embraced because they are what keep people inspired.
Gestus is a workplace culture consultancy that develops bespoke solutions rooted in the nuances of how a company lives its values and empowers the people who make it that way.
engagements designed to fit what you do and how you do it.
Partnerships often start here with context gathering or assessments, followed by strategy development and/or implementation including specialized support such as AI x culture alignment and ERG/BRG/Affinity Groups. Regular trusted advisory with senior leaders and key stakeholders ensures recommended changes are feasible and easy to integrate.
culture strategy & advisory
Essential to empowering teams to enact culture changes, learning opportunities include expert-facilitated workshops, conversations, and labs offered in-person or virtually. Topics range from communication, feedback, and people management to values-informed AI usage, mental health in passion-driven fields, and handling polarizing issues at work.
learning & development
How you communicate about your work is how you show what you do is aligned with what you mean both internally and externally. Guidance can range from internal communication norms and discussion to brand storytelling, content development, and more, all with a goal of matching your company’s values and identity with how you operate and what you produce.
communications & content consulting
“Gestus consistently provides forward-thinking solutions that help the Television Academy build a sustainable culture of belonging. In particular, Gestus has proven to be an invaluable contributor to social impact conversations and offering expertise that bridges strategy, implementation, and accountability. Gestus’ strategies across the media and entertainment landscape is bar none.”
- Brandy Curry, Chief of Staff
“Gestus’ exceptional approach tailors easily to an organization’s unique needs and goals. The Old Globe has entrusted Gestus to conduct custom staff trainings for 200 employees, advise on sensitive topics, guide leaders & Board members, gather valuable stakeholder input, and develop strategic roadmaps for the Globe’s future. It’s hard to sum up the positive impact Gestus has had on our theatre.”
- Jamila Demby, Director of EDIA
let’s get started
Book a free discovery call to take the first step.