BADASS Solutions for Better Business & World
Offended by the term BADASS? That's okay. We're not for everyone. We are bold truth-tellers, bringing out the uncomfortable topics when other remain politely silent, or reframe situations in a rosier-than-reality light. No rose-colored glasses with us. And we need more badasses today than ever!
SHERPA Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to continual improvement, research, education, and global collaboration for A WORLD WE ALL WANT
ABOUT US
SHERPA Institute is a non-profit driven by BADASS Sherpas. These are people with the courage to tell the truth, the honesty to face hard realities, and the humility and integrity to do the work without undue fanfare. This fuels our Continual Improvement, research, education, and global collaboration for A WORLD WE ALL WANT.
We know we're not a fit for everyone. That's okay. We're built for the bold ones with the fortitude to do this work. We are proud to have collaborators with professionals and students of all ages, and career focuses, from around the globe, represented multiple languages and cultures throughout our team. BADASS Sherpas are driven by courage and integrity, no matter their role or years of experience. Combined, we have several hundred years of experience in a broad range of disciplines, with a drive to continually pursue and embrace changes in technology, social norms and emerging processes.
The Institute's diverse leadership and key contributors are seasoned professionals with decades of experience across a broad range of industries and disciplines. At the same time, we actively seek fresh, bold perspectives by providing internships to early-career professionals and students. Some of our best insights have come from high school students!
About our name
CLIMBING MOUNTAINS
The Sherpa people of Nepal serve as guides in the Himalayas, clearing the way for groups of adventurers on the journey upward to a major summit. Sherpas have a well-worn method for getting to the top of the mountain, with the goal for all climbers to safely reach the summit and make their way back to base camp.
The Sherpas’ primary role is that of guide; while they do help transport supplies, they do not carry the climbers up the mountain. The preparation for the climb, and every step of the ascent, belongs to the climbers. We are Sherpas – the journey is yours.
It is critical to understand that your journey toward BADASS breakthroughs; an ideal state of sustainability, and your commitment to future generations through regeneration, does not belong to the Institute. The journey is yours, and your organization's.
We guide, you climb. With roots in Lean Six Sigma, we bring a unique, proven and successful methodology, with many tools and techniques, to make that journey successful and collaborative for the group.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
In international political summits, the term "Sherpa" refers to the representative of a head of state or government, who prepares for an international summit and attends multiple conferences where possible agreements are laid out ahead of time. This preparatory work reduces the time and resources required at the negotiations table when heads of state meet for the final summit.
While this type of Sherpa contributes to the well-being and sustainability of society, the final acts of diplomacy must be conducted by those with the official authority, on behalf of their citizens. A political Sherpa paves the way for honest, courageous communication, in which all concerns have been heard, and mutually beneficial outcomes are the goal.
Similarly, many of SHERPA Institute's CISR (sounds like scissor) tools and techniques give teams a framework for honest, open, authentic discussions about the most sensitive topics in the workplace; the conversations most organizations avoid. We've seen measurable improvements in organizational culture through our CISR Methodology. Continual Improvement for Social Responsibility isn't just about running project after project. It's about creating Culture Change in your organizations and A WORLD WE ALL WANT, one BADASS breakthrough at a time.
It's our honor to serve as guides on these journeys. But remember, we are not a fit for everyone; we are just for the courageous, the humble, and the ones with the fortitude to do the hard work.
When we were first founded in 2015, we were a Colorado Benefit Company named SHERPA Sustainability Institute. In 2020, we reorganized to a 501(c)3. We also abbreviated our name from SHERPA Sustainability Institute in 2020 to better reflect a broader mission that includes Regenerative Development. Today, we are simply SHERPA Institute. Sustainability has not been dropped from our goals, we have simply expanded our view.
We are working hard to create A WORLD WE ALL WANT, but we don't take ourselves too seriously. Humor and humility are core BADASS values, at the heart of everything we do. But remember, we are not a fit for everyone.
Check out our 3-part video series blast from the past on LinkedIn to learn more and have a few laughs (of course we welcome likes, comments and shares). While you're there, please follow SHERPA Institute on LinkedIn!
