roots

Translate knowledge and experiences into intrapersonal, interpersonal, and systematic change

Leaves

Inspire deeper thinking and awareness of who we are and how we engage with people

roots

Translate knowledge and experiences into intrapersonal, interpersonal, and systematic change

Seeds

Cultivate learning that protects and nourishes individual expression and the authenticity of diverse voices and identities

Our Story

Drawing on her background in public health and expertise in adult learning theory, founder Kimberly McNeil started Gold Mind Instructional Services (now known as Root Causes Consulting) to go beyond check-the-box training and drive real understanding, growth and change. She believes there is an art to cultivating a physical or virtual atmosphere where participants are comfortable enough to give of themselves to receive information and appreciate the experiences and knowledge of others.

Our logo centers a Sankofa which is an Andinkra (Ghanaian symbols) bird of proverbial lore. The Sankofa adage is translated as ‘go back and get it’. In the very design of the Sankofa, with its head turned backward, it is the only bird that can fly forward and look in reverse at the same time. Therefore, it can “go back and get” the lessons from the past while still progressing onward.

Root Causes Consulting views its interactions and educational opportunities in the same way. Participants explore and self-reflect on their roots and share what they have learned about themselves, others, history, and processes. They can implant and implement the seeds of what they have learned into their present. This application results in the sprouting of leaves that inform perceptive interactions in the future.

Our Approach

Root Causes Consulting incorporates the intrapersonal, interpersonal, and structural framework to provide a comprehensive lens for addressing challenges and fostering growth in individuals, teams and organizations. We believe that focusing on an individual’s experiences, thoughts, feeling and abilities impacts how they interact and build relationships with others and ultimately influences the polices, resources and culture of the organization.

We believe meaningful transformation happens when we learn from the past, take intentional action in the present, and cultivate a future rooted in equity and justice. Guided by the Sankofa principle—which teaches us to retrieve the wisdom of the past to move forward—we help individuals, teams, and organizations create sustainable change.

ROOTS: Learning from the Past (Building Awareness & Reflection)

Before we can build something new, we must understand where we’ve been. Our approach starts with deep reflection, helping individuals and organizations:

Identify root causes of systemic challenges, organizational barriers, and team dynamics
Examine historical and cultural influences that shape personal and collective experiences.
Foster self-awareness and learning to create intentional, equity-driven leadership.

Related Service We Offer:

Team Dynamics & Development

We guide organizations through intrapersonal growth work, helping leaders and teams recognize biases, reflect on past patterns, and use this awareness as a foundation for strengthening team cohesion, trust, and communication.

SEEDS: Taking Action in the Present (Fostering Growth & Collaboration)

Real change requires intentional action today. We help teams and organizations turn awareness into practice by:

Building trust and collaboration through team development and leadership coaching.
Providing practical strategies for embedding equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (EDIB+) into daily operations.
Equipping individuals with the tools to engage in meaningful dialogue and create lasting culture shifts.

Related Service We Offer:

Leadership & Management Development

Through facilitated conversations and workshops, we help teams strengthen relationships and communication, ensuring that equity is embedded in both mindset and practice. This plants the seeds of inclusive leadership by equipping leaders to foster belonging and drive systemic change.

LEAVES: Shaping the Future (Sustaining Systemic Transformation)

Sankofa teaches us that we cannot move forward without carrying forward the lessons and wisdom from the past. Root Causes Consulting helps organizations:

Design and implement sustainable systems that promote long-term equity and inclusion.
Develop leaders who challenge the status quo and foster belonging at every level.
Create policies and structures that support equity-driven growth for future generations.

Related Service We Offer:

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB+) Education & Strategy

We guide organizations beyond compliance-focused EDIB work, helping them embed equity into their systems, policies, and culture—ensuring that transformation is deep, lasting, and future-focused.

Ready to grow?

Let’s start the conversation. Every organization’s journey is unique. If our listed services don’t fully capture what you're looking for—or if you’re unsure where to start—we’re here to help. Reach out, and let’s explore how we can support your goals.