A Kamloops entrepreneur has launched an online consulting business aimed at helping multicultural teams communicate more effectively, with support from Venture Kamloops’ VK Accelerate program.
Cross Cultûra was founded by Ruhann Fourie, who has more than two decades of international experience in education, leadership development and intercultural training. The company works primarily online with executives, professionals and organizations seeking to improve communication, collaboration and leadership within multicultural workplaces.
Services target hidden cultural challenges
Cross Cultûra offers cultural assessments, executive coaching, leadership development and customized cross-cultural training.
“Many leadership challenges are often hidden cultural challenges,” Fourie said. “When people understand how culture influences communication, decision-making, leadership styles, and workplace expectations, they can build stronger relationships and achieve better outcomes.”
Fourie, who is originally from South Africa, learned about the VK Accelerate program through business workshops hosted by Thompson Rivers University’s International Training Centre.
VK Accelerate program provides business foundation
Fourie said the program helped him strengthen the company’s foundation and refine his approach to entrepreneurship.
“The VK Accelerate Program has been life-changing,” Fourie said. “The structure, guidance, documentation and personalized feedback helped me develop a stronger business foundation.”
Venture Kamloops economic development specialist Samiul Khan said the program helped Fourie refine his business model and growth strategy while addressing a growing need among organizations with increasingly diverse workforces.
VK Accelerate offers entrepreneurs personalized coaching, business planning, financial analysis and strategic support at various stages of a company’s development, including startup, growth, succession and sale. The program is one of several local initiatives supporting business growth in the region, alongside recognition efforts such as the Kamloops Chamber’s annual Business Excellence Awards and broader economic development work tied to projects like the Tourism Kamloops convention centre feasibility study.
