About Ernest
Ernest Gundling is a renowned expert in global leadership and organizational development, known for his work with Fortune Global 100 companies and his insights into fostering inclusive and effective global teams.
Who is Ernest Gundling?
Dr. Ernest Gundling is a co-founder and Managing Partner at Aperian, a consulting firm specializing in global leadership and organization development. Based in Oakland, California, he primarily works with Fortune Global 100 clients to craft strategic global approaches to leadership, organizational growth, and managing relationships with key business partners. His extensive experience includes working and traveling across Asia, with significant time spent in Germany and Mexico.
Since 1993, Dr. Gundling has also been a Continuing Lecturer at the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley. There, he imparts his knowledge on Global Management Skills, preparing future leaders for the complexities of an interconnected world. He is recognized for his ability to facilitate discussions in both English and Japanese.
Quick facts about Ernest Gundling
| Role | Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Lecturer |
| Company | Aperian, UC Berkeley Haas School of Business |
| Based in | Oakland, California |
| Expertise | Global leadership, cross-cultural collaboration, organizational development, inclusive leadership, global teams |
| Notable for | Authoring six books, developing global strategies for Fortune Global 100 companies |
| BPI affiliation | Expert Faculty member |
What is Ernest Gundling known for?
- Global Leadership Development: Guiding executives and multicultural teams in formulating business plans that emphasize mutual understanding and shared commitment.
- Cross-Border Organization Development: Specializing in innovation, collaboration, and change management across international boundaries.
- Inclusive Leadership: Advocating for and implementing inclusive practices within global contexts, co-authoring "Inclusive Leadership, Global Impact" in 2021.
- Strategic Global Approaches: Partnering with major corporations like Adobe, Cisco Systems, Ford Motor Company, Hewlett-Packard, Intel, and Procter & Gamble to develop effective global strategies.
- Academic Contributions: Teaching Global Management Skills at UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business since 1993 and conducting research on global leadership behaviors and teams.
- Prolific Author: Penning six books, including "Leading Across New Borders" and "Working GlobeSmart," along with numerous articles on global management.
What is Ernest Gundling's background and experience?
Dr. Gundling's career began with extensive work and travel in Asia, and he has lived for extended periods in both Germany and Mexico. Prior to co-founding Aperian, he served as the Director of Consulting and Organization Development at Clarke Consulting Group. His academic foundation is robust, starting with his Bachelor of Arts degree from Stanford University.
He furthered his education at the University of Chicago, where he earned both a Master of Arts and a Ph.D. His doctoral research focused on Japanese management training, an area that underscored his early expertise in international business practices. This academic rigor, combined with his practical consulting experience, has established him as a leading authority in his field.
- Education:
- Ph.D., University of Chicago
- M.A., University of Chicago
- B.A., Stanford University
- Awards and Fellowships:
- Fulbright Dissertation Research Fellowship (for research in Japan)
- Best Case Award (Haas School of Business)
What topics does Ernest Gundling speak and write about?
Dr. Gundling frequently addresses the complexities of global leadership, focusing on how organizations can navigate cultural differences to achieve strategic goals. His work explores the nuances of cross-border collaboration, emphasizing the importance of inclusive practices to harness diverse perspectives within global teams. He delves into topics such as disruptive innovation within various industries and the critical role of effective communication in a globalized business environment.
His publications, including "The 3M Way to Innovation" and "What is Global Leadership? 10 Key Behaviors that Define Great Global Leaders," further demonstrate his comprehensive approach to these subjects. He consistently provides actionable insights for executives aiming to lead successfully across new borders and foster environments where multicultural teams can thrive.
How does Ernest Gundling contribute to the Best Practice Institute?
As an expert faculty member, Ernest Gundling reinforces the Best Practice Institute's mission to advance best practices in leadership and organizational development. His deep understanding of global leadership development, cross-cultural collaboration, and inclusive leadership directly aligns with BPI's research into creating Most Loved Workplaces®. By sharing his insights, he helps BPI members and the broader community understand how to build robust, globally-minded organizations that foster engagement and high performance.
Dr. Gundling's expertise complements the principles of the SPARK Model, particularly in fostering Connection and creating an environment where employees feel valued and empowered, regardless of their cultural background or geographic location. His contributions help leaders understand the critical elements for building a truly global and inclusive Most Loved Workplace®.
Where can you learn more from Ernest Gundling?
To gain further insights from Dr. Ernest Gundling, explore his published works, including "Inclusive Leadership, Global Impact," "Leading Across New Borders," and "Working GlobeSmart." He is also a Continuing Lecturer at the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley. Further details on his professional activities and publications can be found on the Aperian Global website and his faculty profile at UC Berkeley.