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Our Approach: Evidence-Based Methods for Lasting Change

At Dr. Culture Shift, we believe that effective cultural competency and DEI work requires more than just awareness—it demands a systematic approach that creates sustainable change at individual, team, and organisational levels. 


Dr Culture Shift is dedicated to transforming how individuals, institutions, and organisations navigate cross-cultural adaptation and thrive in diverse environments. We specialise in evidence-based approaches to global competence development, offering programs and consulting services that help people not just adapt to diverse environments, but lead, collaborate, and thrive within them. 


Our programs and consulting services address the full spectrum of intercultural capability — from cross-cultural preparation, cultural awareness and managing culture shock, to navigating difference, fostering inclusive mindsets, and developing the practical skills needed for effective intercultural communication and engagement. 


Founded and led by Dr. Su-Ann Tan — a practitioner-researcher with 20 years experience in international education and engagement — Dr Culture Shift bridges academic research with real-world practice. Drawing on Su-Ann’s seminal research on expectancy violations in cultural transitions and her teaching in intercultural communication, our work supports both individual growth and institutional transformation.


We serve a wide range of clients, with a particular focus on enhancing international student preparedness, experience, retention, success, and re-entry back home. But our impact goes beyond students — we empower staff, educators, and leaders to embed cultural competence into systems, policies, and everyday interactions, creating truly inclusive, globally capable environments.

The Science of Cultural Transformation

 Our methodology is grounded in:


  • Cognitive Behavioural Science: Understanding how beliefs and attitudes translate into behaviours
  • Organisational Psychology: Applying research on how groups and systems change
  • Adult Learning Theory: Using proven methods for professional skill development
  • Implementation Science: Ensuring new practices are successfully adopted


This research-based foundation ensures that our training programs deliver measurable results rather than just temporary inspiration.

Taking notes while listening to others' needs

Our Four Phase Process

1. Discover

1. Discover

1. Discover

 

We begin by understanding your organisation’s unique context:


  • Comprehensive cultural assessment using validated tools
  • Stakeholder interviews across organisational levels
  • Review of existing policies, practices, and data
  • Benchmarking against industry standards and best practices

This discovery phase ensures that our solutions address your specific challenges rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

2. Design

1. Discover

1. Discover

 

Based on assessment findings, we create customised solutions:


  • Tailored learning objectives aligned with business goals
  • Content relevant to your industry and organisational context
  • Delivery methods that fit your team’s needs and constraints
  • Measurement frameworks to track progress and ROI


Our design process involves close collaboration with your team to ensure alignment with your organisational culture and objectives.

3. Deliver

3. Deliver

3. Deliver

 Implementation focuses on engagement and application:


  • Expert facilitation by experienced practitioners
  • Interactive methods that promote dialogue and reflection
  • Real-world scenarios and practice opportunities
  • Tools and resources for immediate application
  • Follow-up support to reinforce learning


Whether delivered virtually or in-person, our programs create psychologically safe spaces for meaningful learning and growth.

4. Develop

3. Deliver

3. Deliver

 We believe in creating sustainable change:


  • Regular progress assessments and feedback loops
  • Coaching for key stakeholders and champions
  • Refresher sessions to reinforce concepts
  • Advanced training for continued development
  • Community of practice to support ongoing learning


This development phase ensures that cultural competency and inclusion become embedded in your organisational DNA rather than fading after initial training.

The Dr Culture Shift difference

 What sets our approach apart:


  • Business Focus: We connect cultural competency and DEI directly to business outcomes
  • Customisation: No cookie-cutter solutions—we tailor our approach to your needs
  • Practicality: Emphasis on applicable skills rather than abstract concepts
  • Measurement: Clear metrics to demonstrate impact and ROI
  • Integration: Strategies to embed new practices into existing systems
  • Sustainability: Focus on long-term change rather than quick fixes


Our approach has been refined through work with organisations across industries, resulting in a methodology that consistently delivers meaningful results.

Our Facilitators

Group learning session

 Our diverse team of facilitators brings:


  • Advanced degrees in relevant fields (organisational psychology, intercultural communication, diversity studies)
  • Minimum 10+ years of professional experience in cross-cultural environments
  • Industry-specific expertise across sectors (healthcare, technology, finance, manufacturing)
  • Multilingual capabilities 
  • Lived experience navigating diverse cultural contexts


This combination of academic knowledge, professional experience, and personal background allows our facilitators to connect authentically with participants while delivering expert content.

Smiling Doctor

Dr. Su-Ann Tan

Founder, Chief Education Officer


Dr. Su-Ann Tan is a strategic leader and cross-cultural specialist with a proven track record in driving large-scale initiatives that foster inclusion, belonging, and international collaboration. With a PhD in Intercultural Communication and Cross-Cultural Psychology, her doctoral research specifically focused on international student adaptation, and she has over 20 years of experience in international education management, strategic partnerships, and cross-cultural training. This unique combination of scholarly expertise and practical knowledge allows her to address a critical market need—enhancing international student adaptation and success.


As the founder of Dr Culture Shift, Su-Ann delivers research-driven solutions to help institutions and professionals navigate cultural transitions with clarity and impact. She has designed and led capacity-building programs across Southeast Asia, delivering training in cultural capability and intercultural communication to diverse audiences, including professionals from industry, government, and the health sector, alongside higher education academic and administrative staff and students. 


Su-Ann is an casual academic at The University of Queensland where she teaches intercultural communication. She previously held key leadership roles at Go8 institutions, including as Director of the Southeast Asia Liaison Office for The Australian National University (ANU) at the Australian High Commission in Singapore and Director of Outreach and Communication at the ANU Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs. She has served as Regional Manager for International Student Recruitment at both UQ and ANU, driving recruitment strategies across key markets. 

Pensive man

Mr Mark Monteagle BSoSC MGPP

 Chief Development Officer


Mark Monteagle is a trusted leader who believes success across cultures begins with confidence, connection, and the right support. He brings significant experience with the Australian Government, having held various roles within the Refugee, Citizenship, and Multicultural Programs and International Policy Division. With extensive experience working across diverse communities and years spent living and travelling across Southeast Asia, he has earned a reputation for building trust, navigating challenges with clarity, and creating environments where people feel respected and understood.


At Dr Culture Shift, Mark’s leadership is driven by a passion for helping people grow. His first-hand experience adapting to new cultures allows him to bridge perspectives and support individuals and organizations through change. His steady, people-first approach ensures cultural transitions become smoother, more empowering, and ultimately, more rewarding.

Contact Us

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Dr Culture Shift

Australia

theteam@drcultureshift.com


© Dr Culture Shift        ABN: 12 347 822 875

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