My name is Ian Carlstrom
Being raised by entrepreneurs I learned to creatively think outside the box, break the script, and do things a little differently. I learned the value of hard work and how to work smarter - not harder.
I live in Fargo, ND where I'm... an Integrator, consultant, coach and master of special projects. I have an MBA and a well rounded professional background. Over the years I've simply organized the things that I've learned so I can continue to use, and share, tools that work. Below is a little more about myself, my family, education, and professional background (connect with me on LinkedIn for more!).
My wife Kendra and I have a spunky and fun kiddo named Sylis. Were family-first kind of people, so we spend a lot of time together making memories and exploring new things. You can probably find us making wine, maple syrup, cooking, entertaining or just hangin' out. As an avid outdoorsman, I also do plenty of hunting and fishing.
Personal
Straight out of high school I completed an HVAC degree and got a year of "experience" before listening to my Dad's advice (work with your brain, not your back). From there, I earned a Business undergrad and an MBA from NDSU in Fargo (Go Bison!). I've also taken various training courses over the years, as a life-long learner, the journey never ends.
Education
My professional journey has always been fun and rewarding. I've had the opportunity to work with and learn from some awesome, growth-minded people. All of this has blessed me with valuable experience in HR, training & development, finance, project management, operations management, EOS, coaching, business consulting, and more.
Professional
MY VISION
I Imagine... a world in which the vast majority of people wake up every single morning inspired to do what they love, feel safe going out into the world, and feel fulfilled at the end of the day.
With that said, I’m definitely not perfect, I’m not always right, and I’m not good at everything. I am the most curious, I surround myself with good company, utilize my strengths and the strengths of others, stay positive, and focus on what I can do every day to be better.
My Signature Strength Themes (from CliftonStrenghts)
ANALYTICAL | STRATEGIC | RESPONSIBILITY | LEARNER | INDIVIDUALIZATION
My Core Values
guiding principles to a better life, work, and relationships
STAY CURIOUS…
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Seek to understand, start by listening
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Continuous learning and improvement
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Driven to understand the “why”
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Challenge the status quo, catalyze change
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Different, unexpected, unorthodox, innovative, outside the box
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Expect more, exceed expectations, go above-and-beyond
CULTIVATE LEADERSHIP…
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Serve others, lead by example, followership, peer, all-in
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Open-minded, kind, fair, honest, just, humble, generous
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Inclusive, trust first, give respect to all
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Pick your battles, give away wins, share
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Strengths-based, individualized, team, delegation
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Everything is neutral, not personal
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Solution oriented, team core issue solving
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Accountability, ownership, responsibility, integrity
BE STRATEGIC…
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Analytical, predictive, big picture
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Logical, realistic, reasonable yet creative
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Thorough, robust, dynamic
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Simplify, do more with less
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Talkers talk, doers do
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“How” means everything
COMMUNICATION MATTERS…
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Listen first, give the benefit of the doubt
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Transparent, clear, open and honest
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Have the tough conversations
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Vulnerable, brave, courageous, say what everybody is thinking
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Say it, and say it like it is
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Throw hand grenades at the elephant in the room
Read more about the integrator role, consulting and special projects.