About
Catalysts Consulting
Overview​
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Lisa Cooper and the Catalyst Consulting team expertly guide people through the often overwhelming world of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Her career includes 35 years of international experience and over 20 years of top management experience (Alcatel, Thales and IMDi) from the private and public sectors. She has lived and worked in four countries, calling Norway home since 1989, and sits on several boards in the private, public and humanitarian sectors. Together with her team, she has a keen ability to make change by meeting people where they are, listening and building authentic relationships.
Catalysts Consulting Founder​
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Lisa Cooper was born and raised in the US and has lived in 6 countries, and has called Norway her home since 1989.
It was her journey to Norway in 1989 that sparked her passion and purpose to work with diversity. At 25 years old she was the New York District manager in a large consumer products company and upon arrival in Norway noticed and felt first hand the lack of understanding of the power of differences and diversity.
After completing her MBA from the Norwegian school of business in 1991 she started her working life in Norway with a large telecommunications company. Within 3 years, she was the first woman and minority expatriated to the Baltics where she was the Country Senior Officer and Regional director for 3 years. Later, upon return to Norway she held the position of Divisional Director of Customer Service and Support at an international defence communications firm.
In 2001 Lisa initiated and was project manager of the “Hidden Assets” research project. The project was funded by Innovation Norway and researched by Dr. Laura Traavik of Kristiania University College. The research showed that international women have a very high level of formal and informal competence that are not fully utilised in Norwegian working life. Thereafter Lisa initiated and ran the “Top 10” research project and yearly award which promoted the positive stories of successful minorities in Norway. A project that remained on the State budget in Norway for 10 years.
In 2006, Lisa switched sectors to follow her passion for diversity working at the head of the National unit for the Norwegian Directorate for Integration and diversity. In this position she was responsible for all integration programs in Norway and worked directly with state owned companies to promote diversity and inclusion.
In 2008 Lisa formed her own NGO and created several social enterprises focused on creating social change with a focus on diversity and inclusion, arts and culture and youth.
Lisa has extensive Board experience and is today the Chair of the Board of the School of Architecture and Design in Oslo, her own companies and Deputy of the Oslo Municipality Council for minorities. She has previously held board positions within defence communications, banking, pharmaceutical industries and the humanitarian sector.
Lisa is also the founder and CEO of a non-profit that focuses on delivering mentor programs to minority youth and adults.
Catalysts
Catalysts
Catalyst
Catalysts