Testimonials
The Leadership Journey class was instrumental in my journey to self discovery and the realization of my key skills. I want to thank you for your leadership and insight. Claudio Valdes
Thank you for being a great coach and for shining your light! I looked at all my notes from our discussion several weeks ago and it really helped me focus my thoughts and commit them to paper. I understand myself so much better now and that is helping me to communicate positively and build better relationships. I have been applying what I learned on this journey and I see my work relationships improving, alot actually. So I am truly grateful to you for all your guidance and support. Natalie
“Thanks Mike, I cannot tell you how much you have influenced me over the last three years to make sure we follow up and provide process to everthing we do. I know we have along way to go but you have been a major factor in getting us the results organizationally that we are achieving.” Steve Pruett
“I enjoyed the Leadership Journey very much. More importantly I have learned much about other styles which is very helpful in understanding how and when to proceed with initiative. Change management was also a great tool for me as in today’s economic environment there is much change across the board but especially in sales. Having the tools to help the team adjust to change has already been of benefit. I would highly recommend this class to every leader out there and because I believe everyone is a leader…everyone would benefit.” - Kauley Jones, VP Sales Immuno Laboratories
“This Leadership Journey was the best program I have been to. It helped me to gain some perspective on the point of view of others, particularly when you consider their “type.” Good instruction. You can quote me…” –
B Stanton, Communication Corporation of America
I recently had a great opportunity to participate in Leadership Coaching with Scott Walkinshaw who represents PeopleTek. The company, PeopleTek, has been instrumental in training on leadership and helping us develop the vision, mission and goals for not only our Company, but for KPEJ. So, being able to expand on what I already learned through Coaching, only enhanced my experience.
It was a six months that went by in a hurry! And, though it was done on an appointment basis through the telephone, it was an experience that changed my life. Did I always like it? No. Did I get annoyed at times because I was so caught up in my work that who had time to take an hour out to be coached? Yes. Was I always glad when it was over that I took that hour? Absolutely yes!
Coaching with Scott Walkinshaw changed my life. I fully expected results for my career. What I did not expect, was the way this spilled over into my personal life. Learning was non-stop, in how I dealt with others, how I dealt with situations, but most importantly how I dealt with myself. I always knew in my head that I couldn’t control others, that I could only control my actions and reactions. What coaching taught me was how to take that “out of what I knew” and put it into practice. It is becoming a habit and I am a much better leader today (and employee) because I can step back and assess. There were a thousand things I learned and this is but one of the valuable tools I now use.
Most dramatically, is the “spill-over” into personal growth. I have always been a confident, self assured, over-achieving woman! And, I have always over-compensated in these areas so that people would immediately see past my weight problem. With a quiet calm, I had a major shift in myself, resulting in a 100 lb weight loss thus far. For those of you who don’t know me- this is a miracle in itself. It wasn’t by talking about my personal issues, or using Scott as a therapist. It was truly a shift that came about solely because of my Executive Coaching. It was effortless.So, I took my personal life and my professional life and I “welded” it together for the greatest adventure a human being could go on. By taking my blinders off, I have met some remarkable business associates, some new friends, and I met myself, which is the most thrilling introduction of all. This is no longer a job or a career path, but a journey-and it is exhilarating! After all “life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and proclaiming “Wow, what a ride!!!”
Thank you Scott Walkinshaw for making me do the work that resulted in so many wonderful things!
Laura Wolf
General Manager
Fox 24 – KPEJ TV
“You (PeopleTek) should be happy you have turned us into a process based company. Without your leadership which guided our team to true leadership and processes, we would not be able to affect the performance we have to date or are going to do in the future”.
- Steve Pruett
“The course is very good. I had never taken the tests which I have taken in this class. The results are accurate. When you put the findings together they provide you with information which reveals your strengths and weaknesses”.
- Abe Fischler, President Emeritus, Nova Southeastern University
“The Journey provided the overall ability to step back, assess current roles, and provided amazing diagnostics via the tools/instruments regarding leadership styles for myself and others.”
- T.Strong. Accelerated Ecom
“I don’t know what you did or how but wow did they change!!” Each person changed a behavior that was special for his or her personal development. One now listens instead of talking. Another stands up for himself and the third has much better boundaries.”
- B.W. IBM Global Services (Brenda Williams)
“Prior to working with PeopleTek our Technology Organization didn’t know what direction to head and our staff was constantly complaining about our leadership skills. After the PeopleTek assessment and intervention we now are clear with our leadership direction, our hiring strategy, our leadership and employee development program and how to measure our success. The complaining has stopped and we are working as a focused integrated team.”
- D.B. American Express Technologies (Diane Brito)
“We just couldn’t get along. Our staff is a group of highly technical and competent people who weren’t achieving the results we needed. PeopleTek came in and got us working together on a common goal. They got us to understand how to appreciate each other’s value, how to resolve conflict, and handle difficult situations. They did this across department boundaries that were previously barriers. PeopleTek coaching helped us understand what we needed to do as leaders to create the environment we wanted. Projects that were previously delayed are now on schedule, productivity has improved by 75%, and the best of all we all have higher morale across the company”.
- S.P. Pruett Advisors (Steve Pruitt)
“The journey exceeded expectations. It was very insightful learning about “me” and how to relate to others. The tools/instruments were very powerful and certainly increased my awareness levels”.
- D.D (Dan Duffy) Accelerated Ecom
“All management should take the class. It would facilitate focusing on listening and learning skills. The Journey opens minds to future capacity/growth and assists with how to manage and be managed”.
- D.D. ( Dan Duffy) Accelerated e-com
“PeopleTek coaches/instructors are very committed and have a strong desire for others to get value from understanding themselves and others. The Journey really adds value and can really make a difference with the dynamics of a team”.
- D.H (Deb Heagney)
“The Journey provided an opportunity for a team forum. We learned about our colleagues and their styles which revealed and unveiled a lot of information. As a result we are more collaborative and possess a better level of understanding. The tools allowed this to happen”.
- D.H (Deb Heagney)
“The training was very comfortable and I fully trusted confidentiality levels by attendees and instructors”.
- A.L. (Alan Levenson)
“The Leadership Journey is a better way to teach difficult concepts. Prior to attending PeopleTek’s unique coaching and facilitative approach I attended many managerial workshops that just dumped large amounts of complex information. I didn’t get a chance to talk about the concepts with a professional coach, practice what I learned and discuss issues with my peers and our PeopleTek consultant. This is what I should have taken years ago when I started my career in a leadership position. I am addressing the non-performers and my staff told me that I have increased my leadership effectiveness by 100 percent.”
- Z. T. (Zan Thompson) AMEX/IBM
“I found the Tools very enlightening (and frightening!) and a useful guide to understanding how others view myself and a means to identify strengths/weaknesses within my own character and abilities. I recommend my Director and VP take this course – while they both demonstrate different leadership styles, it would be good for them to see themselves in their current role and have a chance to reflect on the impacts they are having in our work environment and to the company as a whole. They may also learn alternative techniques than those they deploy today”.
- J.C. (Jonathan Carroll) Project Manager, AMEX
“Anyone that deals with people would benefit from attending the Journey; all levels should attend. Level is irrelevant as the program helps you understand yourself and better understand others”.
- D.C. ( Doug Chamis) AMEX
“It was the theme of the class that was most valuable; you don’t have to be perfect. Create your mission/ vision/goals and accept that you can’t be everything to everyone”.
- John Allen, Lead Technician, American Express
“The Leadership Journey affords an opportunity to look at your lifestyle at work, and outside of work. Feedback was an eye opener. The Journey took feedback a step further and provided clarity. I have been told “”Boy have I seen a change in you”. I too have personally felt a change. All the tools were really good”.
- Barry Shapiro, Lead Technician, American Express
“Different instruments, self perceptions. All blended well together and were fundamental to the class. Case studies added to the learnings. The dynamics of the class were GREAT. Feedback was excellent”.
- Francisco Rivera, Lead Technician, American Express
“At first I was reluctant to attend the Journey and considered it “just another class, more training, etc”. I discovered it to be a great opportunity to be with and learn about my colleagues. We opened up and shared much of “who/why” with the team. As time went on I got a real appreciation for the class. I feel I have really grown; it was worth every penny! I share my development deck with my staff for coaching purposes and I’m learning to step away from the technical roles, leave that to my team, and focus on development, coaching, and team collaboration.”
- Bob Begun, Director Technologies, American Express
“The tools presented were great and motivated me to continue believing in the evolution of management effectiveness in this company”.
- Walter Sakai, Lead Technician, American Express
“I liked the group dynamics and the duration. Initially I was not that high on the class, but the tools and modules put it (leadership skills/styles) all together. The brown paper and group discussions were critical”.
- Cliff Mays, Director Technologies, American Express
“Business partners and out- task partners would benefit from attending the Journey. They need the leadership skills too and the interaction. It will also help with clarity and knowing when to ask for help; it teaches accountability”.
- Ulises Garcia, Lead Technician, American Express
“How can I say “thank-you” enough? The class was top notch. At first I thought it was just another class and felt I couldn’t do it (due to my work load). I ended up loving the class and making IT my priority:”
- Joyce Axell, Lead Business Analyst, American Express
“The Personal Accountability class led me to being interested in the Journey. I found it to be inspiring and therapeutic; I always felt good and my beliefs were reinforced”.
- Linda McFarlin-Schwartz, American Express
“As a result of the outstanding leadership coaching I have received from Tom Kurtz, I have been able to not only identify the core areas for development that we hindering me from being the best leader possible, but I also got in touch with what is important to me both professionally and personally. My leadership skills and competencies have truly been refined as a result of the coaching I have received.”
- Alexis Megeath
“I feel that what I learned on ‘the journey’ helped me to be selected for IBM’s ‘Leadership Excellence Program’. I was the only person selected from 225 candidates.”
- Anil Daya (DHL US)
“The Leadership Journey provided me with an understanding of my strengths and weaknesses (DISC Tool). It’s not always easy to verbalize what they are. The tool provides the insight. In the majority of the analysis was pretty close. It also provided me with areas that I could work on. I have already begun applying some of them and my Leader has noted the change. I also have to say that I am experiencing less stress as a result and am enjoying my work more”.
- Jennie Maroney Project Manager,American Express
Hello Julie,
Thank you again for organizing, and to Alicia for supporting and funding, this PeopleTek Training. Mastering Change was extremely helpful. I used one of the techniques learned in the class that very same day to good benefit with a seller. Everyone who I talked to who attended the class thought it was well worth attending and appreciated the opportunity.
I believe you have my next selections for future classes; but just in case, Listening would be terrific. Also, either Interpersonal Influencing Inventory or Communication Styles would be helpful.
Kind regards,
Holly Hickman, Realtor, RCRS
Hi Pat,
Thank you so much for your feedback. I just wanted to say that I really appreciate your guidance and coaching during our Leadership Development Journey. Now, I know what’s really “wrong” with the rest of the people 8). No, what I meant was, I’ve learnt to appreciate our differences.
Thank you for an eye opening experience!
William Oon, PMP®
Tech Lead
TCPS Technologies
American Express
I just want to express that I find your newsletters enlightening and pertinent. Some so much that I share them with family and my son’s high school (even though he’s now in college!)
Thank you for providing such interesting and useful tips and perspectives.
Regards,
Fran Spitz
Lead BSA, Servicing & Sales Portal Technologies
Hi Mike,
Just a quick note to thank you for arranging the Video Coaching session. I’ve gained alot from the session, thanks to Susyn’s insight and expertise in this area. I will recommend the program at every opportunity!
Thank you!
Robert Frantzen
Learned so much about myself that I didn’t know. The tools helped me greatly such as MBTI, DISC, 360 feedback, Conflict etc. Before I went through the program, I thought I knew myself and wow I was off course. I now can recognize others and how they handle situations may not be wrong. This program provided me a way to use new filters of how I deal with others. It also gave me an opportunity to step back and not take things so personally.
- B.D.
I was looking for a silver bullet for immediate impact to my results and received so much more. I now share a vision, mission and goals. I look at things through other individuals perspective and not just my own. I now understand my traits and how to look for mutual success. I am taking a group of people where they’ve never been before. I also utilize an egg timer to allow others the time to speak and be heard. I also schedule one-on-ones and understand their importance to my success.
- B.J.
When I was first assigned I didn’t really know what I was going to get. I got so much and it was a very powerful impact to my career, family and life. I have created principals that will stay with me. I now listen much better and understand others. My husband noticed the changes and said so.
- G.H.
Before I had a technical managerial focus. That has all changed. I will use these skills for the rest of my career and with my family as well.
- B.H.
I have seen major positive changes at work in how I deal with others. I have discovered my magic dust and can now speak clearly about it to others.
- F.S.
I learned specific techniques to handle conflict, relationships and change management and major things about my career. I now understand how important it is that feelings can be shared and honored at work. It doesn’t always have to be about the logic. I never made room for this at work before and it is such an advantage.
- J.K.