Adrian N. Carter, with a Doctor of Philosophy in Conflict Resolution Studies, is a people and culture strategist, expert facilitator, and executive coach for corporations, government agencies, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations.
Dr. Adrian N. Carter is Conflict Resolution Practitioner, People and Culture Strategist, Executive Coach, and the CEO of Carter Development Group (CDG), a research and consulting firm specializing in inclusive leadership and organizational development. He is a certified Facilitator, Mediator, and Coach with over two decades of experience working with government agencies, corporations, educational institutions, and nonprofits. Dr. Carter is recognized for his expertise guiding organizations through complex changes, fostering inclusive environments, and advancing racial equity.
An innovative leader and visionary in inclusive community building, Dr. Carter is the architect of powerful tools and frameworks such as the OKRA Racial Equity Harm Assessment Compass®, designed to evaluate policies and practices through a racial equity lens, and The Gardener Metaphor, which explores leaders’ roles in dismantling systems of oppression.
Dr. Adrian N. Carter believes that understanding one’s identity, power, and emotions is critical in shaping human interactions and building systems that promote psychological safety. By gaining clarity on these personal elements, leaders and individuals can transform environments where diverse thoughts are heard and valued, and systemic inequities are addressed at their roots.
Dr. Carter has also developed a comprehensive Inclusive Leadership Certification, a 24-hour program designed to equip leaders with the skills and insights to develop psychologically safe environments. The program, available in self-paced and workshop formats, combines conflict transformation, policy review, strategic planning, and community building, ensuring leaders are prepared to meet the challenges of an evolving workplace.
He has taught courses that explore leadership styles, culture, conflict, bias, history, and leading social change. Dr. Carter earned his doctorate from Nova Southeastern University’s Conflict Analysis & Resolution program. He earned his master’s degree in Higher Education Leadership. He studied at Florida International University as an undergraduate, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism with a political science minor. A sought-after speaker and educator, Dr. Carter is committed to bridging gaps in equity and fostering environments where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. His dedication to inclusive leadership has made him a respected figure in his field and a catalyst for positive organizational change.
