When Charles Elias, Associate Director for US Salon Education at Kao Corporation, enrolled his national education team in Culture Conscious’ Enneagram Essentials workshop, his goals were clear: improve team communication, build trust between managers and their direct reports, and lay the groundwork for a more connected and resilient culture.

"We needed a better way to communicate—especially between leaders and their teams. Too often, people hesitate to speak up or feel misunderstood. I wanted to shift that dynamic."

The impact was immediate. Team members began referencing one another’s Enneagram styles in conversations and one-on-ones—adjusting their approach, listening more closely, and communicating with greater empathy. Barriers between team members and managers began to dissolve. In one instance, a team member who previously remained silent stood up during the workshop and said, "Thank you for the safe space. I finally feel like I can say this." That conversation sparked a follow-up coaching session that would not have happened otherwise.

Charles noted that what made the program unique was its stickiness. “This isn’t like other personality programs we’ve done that fade after a few days. This is sticking—and it’s changing the way we lead.” The Enneagram became part of everyday language, reinforcing team cohesion long after the sessions ended.

To ensure the work continues, Charles and his senior managers are embedding Enneagram-informed communication into the team’s goals and OKRs for the year. “We’re making this part of how we measure success—not just because it’s helpful, but because it’s essential.”

The transformation was also deeply personal. Charles shared that the process helped him step out of self-doubt and fully embrace his leadership style. “I’ve stopped apologizing for who I am, and I’ve learned to meet others where they are. That shift changed everything—at work and at home.”

For Charles, the power of the Enneagram lies in its ability to enable true understanding. "People think they know each other, but they really don’t. This program helped our team truly see one another—not just as professionals, but as people."