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 believe the best outcomes come from partnerships—strong, collaborative relationships that grow and deliver impact 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, a social impact consultancy and leadership academy. While remaining true to our roots, our expanded suite of services allow us to partners with organisations, communities, and leaders to create meaningful social, cultural, and environmental change. The business operates by combining deep social research, strategic advice, and practical capacity-building programs to support sustainable outcomes across heritage, environment, and social sectors.
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, consultant and coach. 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 heritage practitioner and 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 social impact, 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 Environmental 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.
