Our Story
In the fall of 2023, at an arts conference, Jamie Joeyen-Waldorf experienced a moment of revelation. Participating in an HR roundtable with fellow theatre professionals, she was enveloped in discussions about the trials of hiring, keeping employees engaged, and the intricacies of labor laws. It became unmistakably clear to Jamie that the arts community was in dire need of more comprehensive support to support their employees.
With her unique blend of expertise as a Tony Award-nominated theatrical arts producer and an HR professional, Jamie saw herself as ideally positioned to address these challenges. This realization was the catalyst for the creation of Kokoro Consultants, a venture born out of a deep understanding of the arts sector's specific needs and a commitment to meeting them.
Our Name
Kokoro, a nuanced Japanese term, extends beyond mere translations of 'heart' or 'spirit.' It represents a blend of thoughts, emotions, and expressions unique to each individual. Encompassing a person's aspirations, accumulated wisdom, and the full spectrum of their emotions, kokoro is the driving force behind every action.
Yet, the essence of kokoro transcends its individual components. It embodies these elements simultaneously, giving each person a distinct 'color' and 'shape' to their being. This uniqueness forms the core of every human, endowing them with unparalleled inner richness. At Kokoro Consultants, we deeply respect and celebrate this uniqueness. We are dedicated to acknowledging and honoring the diverse and special qualities each individual brings to their workplace.
Our Founder
With previous HR roles at LifeLabs Learning and The New York Times under her belt, Jamie founded Kokoro Consultants to serve small companies with a focus on creative endeavors. She firmly believes that even small companies can create a caring culture with exceptional benefits, systems, and processes.
Jamie is a licensed health and life insurance broker as well as Professional in Human Resources (PHR)-certified and a member of the Society of Human Resources Managers (SHRM).
Aside from her work at Kokoro, Jamie is a Tony-Nominated Broadway producer, Vice President of the Board of Directors of Young Artists of America, and an escape room enthusiast.
