Recharge Institute

Sandy & Lars - Founders

The Founders Dr. Sandy Kolberg and Dr. Lars Sikes have come together to create the RECHARGE Institute. Although their paths were different, they both have similar interests in helping people.

Sandy started her career in education teaching at the secondary school and university, and then moved into sales and executive management. A product of a downsizing effort, in 1993, she started an organizational consulting firm, StrateGEMS. As part of business development, she became interested in women in business leadership and joined the Tempe Chamber of Commerce. An early version of RECHARGE came out of that experience. Her vision for RECHARGE was to have an educational institute that helped peoplefind life purpose. In 1996, Sandy started teaching part time at the University of Phoenix and segued into online teaching.

During the next couple of years, she combined teaching along with her organizational consulting business. In 1997 and 1998, University of Phoenix began developing doctoral programs in organizational leadership. Sandy was on the ground floor development of curriculum and still teaches in those programs today. In Phoenix, Arizona, one of the utility companies has a two-year business-mentoring program for small, minority women owned enterprises. Sandy has been involved with that program since its inception as a presenter, advisor, and curriculum developer. It was through working with small businesses and the adult learning model that she actualized the first modules of the RECHARGE Institute, the Essential Leadership Growth Tools.

Sandy holds a BA in English with a minor in Psychology. She has two Masters Degrees; one in Secondary Developmental Reading and the other in Social Foundations. She holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy. Together they bring the vision of the RECHARGE Institute, to help people explore and develop an integral path in life and business.

Lars path came through the University of Phoenix Doctor of Management and Organizational Leadership program in 2000. Schooling is a Process and Learning is the Journey. That was the phrase used at the start of a doctoral class in Organizational Leadership where Sandy and Lars met. From that meeting came a mentorship and completion of Lars dissertation, Visionary Leadership: The Organizational Mystic. At the end of Lars doctoral studies, Sandy and Lars became business partners and formed the RECHARGE Institute.

Leadership comes naturally to Lars. With over 25 years in management and executive leadership positions, Lars has developed an in-depth and practical understanding of individuals and organizations. He has provided project management for a diversity of programs ranging from technologically challenging small $5M projects to complex international projects in excess of $100M. He has coached and mentored individuals to become successful managers and leaders. Lars has also helped to reshape and align organizations aligned with the future by constructing sustaining organizational visions. Lars holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Masters in Public Administration, and his Doctorate is in Management with emphasis on Organizational Leadership.

The RECHARGE Institute is a catalyst in creating learning environments to develop an alignment of individuals and organizations through consulting, virtual learning, workshops, seminars, and personal coaching experiences.

We would like you to join us in our endeavor to bring quality programs, workshops, and consulting services to you and your organization. Take a tour through our site to see how we can help you. To arrange for consulting services, virtual learning modules or life purpose coaching sessions, go to the Shop page.

SubjectMatter Experts (SMEs)

Staff