Three generations of people working side-by-side in today’s workplace, plus the explosion of technical advances in communication has fueled the demand for etiquette training.  The Culture and Manners Institute was created to meet this demand by improving the manners and social skills of people in business .

The Culture and Manners Institute was founded by Callista Gould, a certified etiquette instructor and an award-winning speaker. After Gould's business clients began asking for help at home and in their social lives, seminars in Social Etiquette were added to polish the traditional social manners of individuals and families.  The “Culture” in Culture and Manners Institute is for clients who want to further their conversation skills and challenge themselves intellectually.

Gould has given etiquette lectures across the U.S. and also in China.  She is a member of The Etiquette Institute of St. Louis and her expertise is in Business and Social Etiquette, as well as Civility and Ethics training.

Her career experience includes leading the public relations department for Amana Appliances and advising executives on media relations and protocol.  Prior to Amana, she was at Sony Music in Chicago, where she specialized in marketing celebrities and event planning for artists such as Celine Dion, Billy Joel, Mariah Carey, Luther Vandross, Ozzy Osborne, Pearl Jam, and Korn.

Her most recent experience prior to becoming a certified etiquette instructor was in New York City and Stamford, Connecticut as Director of Marketing for InterTech Media, a web consultant for the nation’s largest radio groups.  She also interned at the National Journalism Center in Washington D.C. and worked in public relations for Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. Gould has an MBA from Loyola University of Chicago and BA in English with a Certificate of Medieval Studies from the University of Iowa.  Her articles on business etiquette can be seen in The Des Moines Register.

Contact Callista Gould at the Culture and Manners Institute by email: cgould@cultureandmanners.com or by phone: 515-225-2710

Trusted Associates of the Culture and Manners Institute include:

Brenda McGuire, WorldWide Connect
Brenda McGuire, founder of WorldWide Connect, is a cross-cultural communication specialist whose research and work have taken her to over 60 countries on six continents.  Her experience with global corporations is extensive and she has lived in Australia, England, Ireland, Switzerland and Japan.  Her expertise includes cross-cultural business etiquette, global leadership development, intercultural business training, multi-cultural diversity and expatriate coaching. McGuire is based in Des Moines, Iowa.

Tim De Ford, Lord's Clothing
There is nothing that looks better than a suit tailored to fit you. Tim De Ford takes his store on the road to make buying custom business suits, shirts and ties a snap for the busy executive.  De Ford, who has been featured in the New York Times, outfits some of the top executives in the Midwest and covers a territory that includes Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, South Dakota and Nebraska. His store, Lord’s Clothing is based in Perry, Iowa. Contact Tim at 515-465-2972 or 1-800-894-4607.

Terrie Kohl, Country Club Market
London broil?  Shrimp Pad Thai? Cherry Clafouti with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream? Professional Chef Terrie Kohl has fabulous and fun gourmet cooking classes for both the foodie and the non-cook who wants to learn. She is founder of Country Club Market, which offers catering, personal chef services and culinary arts classes.  A graduate of the prestigious New England Culinary Institute in Vermont, Kohl brings a wealth of culinary experience from New York’s South Hampton to the Des Moines Embassy Club.  Learn more about Terrie Kohl at www.countryclubmkt.com

Jean Groben, Jasper Winery
Robust, dry or fresh and flirty -- there is always so much to learn about wine. Jean Groben at the Jasper Winery makes it easy. Groben, renown for her extensive knowledge of wine and food gives wine education classes throughout the state of Iowa. And for those who are in Des Moines, the Jasper Winery's new location on the George Flagg Parkway, just off Fleur Drive, is easily accessible from the downtown area. Stop by and pick up a bottle of one of Jasper's own vintages on your way home for dinner. Find out all they have to offer at www.jasperwinery.com