About KŌTA

Our Company

KŌTA is a heartfelt endeavour devoted to making a meaningful difference in the world through deep social research and transformational leadership.

We are passionate about uncovering the stories and experiences that shape our society, believing that understanding the past and contemporary issues is the first step towards empathy and change. Our research delves into the complexities of human behaviour and our relationships with each other and the environment, providing insights that inspire compassionate action and informed decision-making.

Our leadership programs are more than skills building; they are journeys of personal growth and inspiration. We aim to empower individuals to become leaders who stand tall and lead with heart and vision. We believe that true leadership is about empowering others, and we are committed to helping people discover their unique strengths and potential.

At KŌTA, we are driven by the belief that when we understand each other better, we can create a more connected, resilient and beautiful world.

“

We’re committed to partnership excellence, and value the outcomes and impact that can only be achieved through developing strong, collaborative relationships over time.

Our History & Experience

Established in 2009, our business and purpose has evolved over the past 15 years to meet the growing needs of our clients and the communities we serve.  

With a brand refresh in 2020—previously Earth Imprints Consulting—we relaunched as KŌTA, an impact consultancy and leadership academy. While remaining true to our roots, our expanded suite of services incorporate a broader focus on cultural planning, organisational development, community development and social impact, and leadership and business programs for the heritage, environment and social sector. Our team has worked on projects across Australia in remote, regional and urban locations, providing services in:

  • Community engagement and development

  • Cultural heritage planning and management

  • Social and micro enterprise development

  • Stakeholder mapping and partnership development

  • Qualitative research and analysis

  • Social impact assessment and evaluation

  • Strategic advice, gap analyses and feasibility studies

  • Facilitation, negotiations, and agreement making

  • Leadership and business coaching, education and training

  • Media communications and journalism

Founded by Renée Gardiner, an award-winning coach, consultant and social entrepreneur.

KŌTA was born out of Renée’s evolving odyssey into the heart of humanity, and an ongoing exploration of conditions for thriving, across cultures and throughout history.

Renée is social researcher, coach and consultant. She is the recipient of a 40 Under 40 Business News Award and has been acknowledged in Australian Parliament for her community leadership in social and environmental wellbeing.

Renée has over 18 years’ experience leading teams consulting to community, business and government. She has worked as an archaeologist across Australia and internationally; and, is the founder of an award-winning social farming enterprise in Western Australia. She has delivered tailored leadership programs for individuals and businesses and is a former columnist for The West Australian specialising in leadership and wellbeing.

Renée has been a member of both government and private boards and committees; lectured on the topic of social impact and wellbeing at various universities; and has featured on radio and in local, national and international news media publications.

Renée has a B.Arts from the University of Queensland, a B.Arts (Honours) from La Trobe University, and is enrolled in a Master of Philosophy in Anthropology at Griffith University. She is a Certified Coach and Mindfulness Practitioner.

 

Our Virtues

The KŌTA virtues are our core company values. They are the code of wisdom we live by, and embody the principles and ethical standards we adhere to.

 
 

  • We push the edges to open up new paradigms and go beyond. We take a stand when and where it matters. We operate outside of the norm, to develop new world-class integrated solutions for the future — for health and life.

  • There is unity in community and to go far we have to go together. We partner for change, and embrace collaborative and regenerative culture and business. We align with and contribute to positive health, social and environmental impact initiatives.

  • We uplift humanity and open hearts and minds with courage and compassion. We empower people to embody their spirit and light as their own source of truth, power and inspiration.

  • We are stewards of the Earth, keepers of the garden. We respect the Earth as our home and our teacher. We honour the spirit of nature, animals, and all living systems — the Earth’s living library.

  • By blending innovative thinking with rigorous research and analysis, we drive groundbreaking solutions and open up new possibilities for social and environmental change.

 

Change begins with a single step, take one of our coaching programs today.