About Us

Founder’s Message

Partnering for Change. Empowering People and Organizations to Shape the Future Worldwide.

At Cornerstone Strategy, our name is more than just a metaphor. In architecture, a cornerstone is the first stone laid—the essential base that supports everything built upon it. This image resonated with me deeply. I wanted to create a company that lays the same kind of strong, strategic foundation for people and organizations, especially those striving to grow on the global stage. Over the past ten years, I’ve had the privilege of partnering with over 20 companies to lead projects in HR strategy, organizational transformation, system design, and leadership development. Through that journey, one belief has become unshakable: people and organizations are the true engine of sustainable growth. My path, however, hasn’t always followed a straight line. A major turning point came when my spouse’s international assignment brought us to the United States. I stepped away from my career, embraced life in a new culture, and devoted myself to raising our child. That time away gave me the rare opportunity to reflect—not only on what I had done, but on what truly mattered to me. What emerged was a clear and powerful calling: To use everything I had learned to support Japanese businesses and professionals taking bold steps into the world. That vision led to the founding of Cornerstone Strategy LLC in New Jersey in 2024. Today, we work alongside Japanese companies operating in or entering the U.S. market, supporting leaders and HR teams as trusted partners in their journey. By combining the precision of consulting with the depth of coaching, we strive not only to solve surface-level challenges, but to spark meaningful transformation from within. Our logo reflects this very mission: its lower-left corner represents a solid foundation, while the upper-right rises toward the future. This is how I see our role—as the cornerstone on which your ambitions can rise, strong and resilient. Japan to the world We are here to walk with you, every step of the way.
Founder & CEO
Shinsuke Kiyono

Background

  • Over 10 years of experience driving transformation in the field of organizational and talent development at leading firms including Accenture Japan, Deloitte Tohmatsu Consulting, and JDSC.
  • Led a wide range of projects such as HR strategy formulation, leadership development systems, organizational culture transformation, digital transformation (DX), workstyle innovation, and HR system redesign. Participated in over 20 organizational transformation initiatives across various industries.
  • Relocated to the United States in 2022 due to a family assignment abroad, taking a career break to focus on parenting and household responsibilities. This time of reflection sparked a renewed desire to support Japanese organizations through the lens of people and organizational transformation. Founded Cornerstone Strategy LLC in New Jersey in 2024.

Certifications

  • ACC, International Coaching Federation (ICF)
  • Master Practitioner of NLP, American Board of NLP
  • LAB Profile® Master Practitioner

Memberships

  • Individual Member, International Coaching Federation (ICF)
  • Individual Member, Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

Consulting

20+ projects
12 industries
6 areas

Training & Workshop

300+
participants

Coaching

300+
hours

Purpose

Japan
to the
World

Japan has strengths that can contribute to the world.

A commitment to craftsmanship and continuous refinement.
A culture that values people.
A quiet sense of aesthetics, discipline, and thoughtfulness cultivated over time.

We believe that when these strengths are connected with global perspectives, they can unlock the potential of people and organizations and create new value in the world.

“Japan to the World”

This is not simply about expanding beyond Japan.
It is about bringing Japanese wisdom and practices into the world.
It is about learning from diverse global perspectives and evolving Japan’s strengths in new ways.
And it is about enabling people and organizations to earn trust, grow across cultures, and shape the future together.

Through coaching and consulting, Cornerstone Strategy builds the foundation for that transformation.

We open perspectives, unlock potential, and cultivate the capability to create value in the world.
Mission
Connecting Japanese strengths with global perspectives, we unlock the potential of people and organizations and cultivate their ability to create value in the world.
Vision
Through coaching and consulting, we cultivate people, organizations, and ways of working that are trusted across countries and cultures, creating a future where Japanese wisdom and practices contribute to global growth.
Value
  1. Start with Purpose

    We help people and organizations move with clarity―aligned with what truly matters.

  2. From People to Organizations

    When individuals thrive as themselves, strong organizations emerge. We value uniqueness, culture, and rhythm as the seeds of growth.

  3. Strength Comes from Within

    The power to change is already there. We help uncover and grow it.

  4. Grow Together

    We grow through shared learning, mutual insight, and dialogue.

  5. Beyond Boundaries

    We bring global insights within reach, helping clients see and act beyond the familiar.

Company Profile

Company Name
Cornerstone Strategy LLC
Establishment
October, 2024
Founder
Shinsuke Kiyono
Business Domain

Coaching

  • Coaching for Business
  • Coaching for Individuals

HR Consulting

  • HR Strategy
  • Organizational Development & Culture Transformation
  • Change Management
  • HR Function Setup
  • HR Compliance Audit
  • HR Due Diligence
  • Learning & Development
  • Performance Management
  • HR Operations Transformation
  • AI Enablement
Location
New Jersey, USA

Contact

If you are a business leader facing challenges with HR strategy or organizational management in global markets, or a professional seeking to build a career in a global environment, we invite you to reach out to us.
We would be happy to propose tailored solutions that align with your company’s specific needs and context.