Client comments on presentations by Catherine DeVrye

Below are comments from delighted clients. There are 2 sections. The first-'What everyone is saying'-is simply a representative overview of a cross section from various organisations around the world.

The second contains comments specific to your industry-listed alphabetically for easy referral. Original documentation or client referrals are available upon request.

What everyone is saying

Alphabetically by Industry

Accountancy/Auditing
Advertising and Marketing
Automotive
Building/Construction
Charities, Institutions & Associations
Education
Energy/Mining
Financial Institutions
Franchise (may be duplicates from industry)
Government
Hospitality/Tourism
Human Resources
Information Technology
Insurance
Legal
Manufacturing
Medical/Pharmaceutical
Publishing
Real Estate/Property Development
Retail
Rural
Shipping/Transport
Speaking
Sport/Recreation
Telecommunications
Utilities – Gas/Energy/Water
Women (may be duplicates from industry)
Writer’s Festivals

ACCOUNTANCY / AUDITING

ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES
‘Thanks…I am finding your book useful’

COOPERS & LYBRAND
‘Thank you for your presentation! I am sure our staff will also be veryenthusiasticto put your message into practice.’

CPA AUSTRALIA (Comments from various occasions)
On behalf of CPA Australia and The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia, thank you for your contribution at the CPA/ICAA Newcastle Convention. As a means to maintain and develop the quality of Professional Development activities we do ask attendees to evaluate the presenters. I have listed below a summary of the attendees’ evaluation of your session.

Target Rating	4.50	Very Good to Excellent
Your Rating	4.53	Very Good to Excellent
Overall Convention Rating	4.07	Very Good

‘Great!’
‘Great choice for a breakfast speaker.’
‘Very good speaker’
‘Enjoyed the session’
‘Motivational speaker really enjoyed it. Its easy to loose focus and direction.’
‘Great speaker, interesting, great for breakfast, not heavy.’
‘A great wake up session and speaker’
‘Get off your bum, look for different thinks in your job. Change the culture you work with.’
‘Entertaining, but didn’t get a lot out of it.’

‘Catherine once again thank you for your time and effort in presenting this session, its good to see the positive comments above.’
‘On behalf of CPA Australia thank you for contributing at our National Financial Planning Conference 2002. Summary of comments from CPA Evaluation form:

‘Just as good the second time’
‘Very Inspirational and moving’
‘Entertaining, funny and very personal. Saw her speaking last month of the AMPFP Conference’
‘Quite an emotional presentation. Good business related delivery but with very strong personal underlying theme. I think Cathy touched a chord with many at the presentation’
‘What an experience that was listening and sharing with Catherine. Congratulations on the superb choice of speaker 10/10’
‘You’re a true inspiration and very much appreciated’

‘Congress was a great success and your contribution ensured this as your presentation was one of the ‘highlights’
‘Cathy was a delight to deal with even after her presentation – her follow-up is a nice touch’.

Summary of comments from CPA Evaluation survey:
‘Fantastic – empowering’; ‘Top professional and interesting speaker’; ‘Bright and pacey’; ‘By far the most enjoyable session attended’; ‘Relevant, interesting, entertaining. Very professional delivery’; ‘Lively and polished’; ‘Very humorous and entertaining but with good messages’; ‘6 out of 5’; ‘An excellent speaker for the ‘end of the day’’; ‘Great!!’ ‘A lot of enthusiasm’.

‘Worth taping and listening to again!’
‘Very inspirational and motivational presentation. It made me realise what appears to be the ‘obvious’’
‘Great relevance, flowed and captured the audience’s attention.’
‘Catherine’s presentation was educational, practical and entertaining at the same time.’
‘Thank you for an excellent speaker. We need to be reminded about balancing our lives.’
‘Refreshing and positive. Enjoyable.’
‘Just what I needed.’

‘Very pleased with Catherine. Excellent. Very productive. Fantastic – related to my every day needs.’

CPA AUSTRALIA
‘You were a pleasure to work with and the reviews of our first Women in Business breakfasts for 2006 were a raging success because of you. You have a wonderful outlook on life and on business and I’m glad I was able to be there to share in the stories of your experiences.

I have attached the information gathered through our evaluation form from the event for your interest. If you remember what my only request for your presentation was- “I want it to be something that the attendees feel was worth getting out of bed for!” - Reading the comments on your presentation, I think you certainly achieved it!’

‘Excellent speaker - worth getting out of bed for!'
‘Very inspirational’
‘Wonderfully inspirational start to the day’
‘Great venue, excellent speaker’
‘Great speaker’
‘Thank-you, she was a fantastic speaker, very motivational’
‘Great venue, great presentation’
‘What a great way to start the day! Thank-you’

ERNST & YOUNG
‘Mammoth effort...sterling job...hope we have the opportunity to work together again in the near future.’

‘Your presentation gave our partner's conference a flying start and our client service objectives a great boost. Thank you also for autographing the books so they have a handy reminder.’

GREENWOODS & FREEHILLS
‘A great success and I hope we move forward from it...emphasising excellence in client service was exactly what was needed.’

IAG - ACCOUNTING
‘…it went over very well and you covered good ground for their delegates.’

KPMG SINGAPORE AND MALAYSIA
Thank you for delivering your talk on Powerful Strategies for High Achievement (in Penang) with such deep personal conviction. I believe we have all benefited from it. The impromptu standing ovation that we all gave you at the end of the session signifies how high a regard that KPMG Singapore and Malaysia has of you. This is the first time in memory that KPMG Malaysia or Singapore has ever expressed their appreciation to any speaker since its inception in 1970’s.

Thank you for your wonderful presentation on simple strategies that would create a profound impact in our future business transactions. Your presentation opened our eyes to our limitations and indeed we believe that our paradigms have shifted to a higher plateau. The standing ovation that was accorded at the end of your delivery surely spoke volumes of the quality and dynamism of your presentation.

We have also heard some wonderful remarks made by the attendees with regard to your superb presentation, as follows:

"An excellent refresher of common sense principles on marketing strategy."

"A very motivating presentation especially on how to build one's self esteem."

"Super good talk. The presentation was very interesting and in congruent with KPMG's vision. It was also very practical and interactive which would enable us to put in to practice certain pointers raised during her presentation."

‘Your sharing especially towards the end was very inspirational and enlightening. We were touched in many ways. Hope you will continue to touch many lives through your powerful speech and deep love for humanity’.

NATIONAL TAX & ACCOUNTANTS ASSOCIATION
‘Inspiring, easy to learn from stories, rather than boring lectures.’

PRICE WATERHOUSECOOPERS LEGAL
‘Thank you again for speaking at our conference. Your book is a great hit. I hope to see you at another one of our conferences in the not too distant future.’

ADVERTISING / MARKETING

AUSTRALIAN MARKETING INSTITUTE/SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
‘Tops! A week later and I've already recommended you to others.’

‘With 1400 registrations, it is the premier marketing event and success is attributable to world class speakers like you.’

‘Your presentation on doing business in Japan was excellent-you are a vibrant presenter, well prepared, innovative and a master at getting audience participation.’

HOO MARKETING-TATTERSALLS
‘The feedback is extremely impressive and a reflection of your dedication to the task, your enthusiasm and your commitment to the service area. Those of us who had the pleasure of working with you were equally as impressed with the prevalence of these qualities.’

IDA (multi level marketing-sells Amway products)
‘People are still thanking us for having had you to speak!’

JAC LABELS
‘Excellent-very relevant & gained strong audience participation on such a relevant topic.’

MIKI Group Seminars-Multi level marketing
‘We really appreciate your wonderful and informative speech at Opera House. Our 2,400 customers and also our staff have come home with a deep impression.’

PACIFIC RIM CONFERENCE
‘Energetic and very pertinent. Feedback has been absolutely great and we look forward to working with you again.’

‘Thank you for your participation in Pac-Rim 2000. Your presentation was well received and greatly contributed to the overall success of the conference.’

PAN PACIFIC DIRECT MARKETING SYMPOSIUM
‘After overwhelming response to your presentation last year, delegate response was once again fantastic...entertaining and offering practical solutions which attendees could immediately implement.’

PILGRIM (Advertising, research & marketing)
‘Great talk-very relevant and practical which was exactly what was needed.’

PERMAIL- MAILING HOUSE
‘Excellent...even the cynics thought she was terrific!’

PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION
‘Your message was well received and talked about by delegates long after your presentation.’

RIKA TITEISHI, VISIT AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
‘Not only professional but also enjoyable and friendly speech. I will strongly recommend her to my future clients. Very helpful, without that I couldn’t satisfy such a demanding client.’

BRISBANE ADVERTISING ASSOCIATION
MELBOURNE DIRECT MARKETING CLUB

AUTOMOTIVE

BEAUREPAIRES TYRES
‘Beaurepaires thought you were perfect for their event and were very pleased with the outcome.’

FORD AUSTRALIA - PRESIDENT'S AWARD
‘Obviously thoroughly researched. Great overall delivery with a definite message but light hearted. Over the four years of this event, she was the best (speaker).’

FORD AUSTRALIA
‘Dealer feedback has been unanimous-the meeting was clearly successful in communicating our brand vision for the future.’

FORD INDIA
‘I have just not stopped talking about her presentation to people back home here in India! No doubt it was most enjoyable and please mention to Catherine that she has a number of friends and admirers here.’

IVECO TRUCKS
‘Thanks you for your words of wisdom and the belt around the back of the head and once again, thank you for a job well done.’
‘Really enjoyed your ‘breath of fresh air’ into our ‘culture’.

MARTEC
‘Many thanks...appreciated by all and an important contribution to the success of the day.’
‘Entertaining and enlightening...much positive feedback...thank you for your professional involvement.’

MERCEDES-BENZ
‘Our sales staff learned a lot and gained confidence from your presentation on selling to women in a sales situation. Mercedes had an all time record year and I am confident you contributed to attaining this fine achievement.’

HUNTERMOTIVE (GENERAL MOTORS DEALER)
‘Your presentation on customer service was first class and much appreciated by both the directors and management.’

TOYOTA
‘From the 600 people present, there was unanimous appreciation and enthusiasm for both the content of your presentation and the ease and practicality in which you delivered your key thoughts.’

GENERAL MOTORS

BUILDING/CONSTRUCTION

AMBER TILES
‘Thanks for your fantastic presentation and for the great effort you obviously put into preparing it. Comments we have received from our Franchisees have been extremely complimentary and they certainly enjoyed discussing with you the successes you have created. Thank you very much again, and I look forward to seeing you again in the future.’

APP ENGINEERING
‘What a thrill for us to have you open our conference. On behalf of everyone at APP, I want to say a huge thank you for opening our conference with such style and impact. Your presentation demonstrated that – although we’ve all heard the message before- it’s all in the delivery. The word “service” will never be the same again, thanks to your wonderful acronym and all the anecdotes that went with it.

You gave us such wonderful food for thought, and simple stories to illustrate your principles. The themes were picked up throughout the rest of the conference, and re-iterated by our CEO. I know the quality and calibre of your presentation helped to make this year’s APP conference: the best conference ever. Three cheers to you from all your friends at APP.

Cathy’s presentation was very visual –used props and music to hook into the audience. Her ‘customer service’ message was very well put across, via the tennis themes and balls.’

BUNNINGS BUILDING SUPPLIES & HARDWARE
‘Spoke to a mixed audience ranging from junior staff to senior executives...all walked away inspired. We will work together again.’

CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING PERSONNEL CONFERENCE
‘The feedback was, without exception, highly commendatory. Your verve and style commanded attention and generated challenge rarely seen in engineering conferences.’

CSR TIMBER
‘It was great to see someone with so much energy at our launch.’

FEDERATION OF MASTER PAINTERS AND SIGN WRITERS
‘Your presence proved to be a wonderful experience to all attending delegates. As organisers, it is always a pleasure to work with an adept speaker such as yourself.’

JAMES HARDIE
‘Thank you…not just for an excellent speech but also for the way you mingled with the people. You scored very highly in the post conference feedback reports.’

LAPORTE CONSTRUCTION CHEMICALS
‘There has been nothing but positive feedback!’

NEW ZEALAND MASTER BUILDERS FEDERATION
‘Your role was critical to the success of our conference. The content was relevant and thought provoking and gave delegates a substantial amount of new information to put into practice. You had a difficult act to follow from our keynote speaker at our previous conference and I congratulate you on being 100% successful.’

STEEL INSTITUTE OF AUSTRALIA
‘There is no doubt in my mind that your presentation was the highlight of the convention & want to thank you for a magnificent contribution.’
‘Everyone enjoyed and will certainly remember your message.’

WOOD & GRIEVE ENGINEERS
‘Highly relevant subject matter and a refreshing review of key items in our program.’

WORMALD SECURITY
‘I was so taken by the content [of your after dinner address]. As I always believed good service will result in a strong organisation, I bought the book. … I am placing an order for some more and some tapes, as I believe all my Line Managers need to hear your thoughts and experiences. Needless to say I am very impressed.’

CHARITIES, INSTITUTIONS & ASSOCIATIONS

AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS WEEK
‘Outstanding contribution. You made a great impact on the students and the most valuable accolade will be the response of the audience and knowing you have made a personal contribution to their future development.’

AUSTRALIAN CUSTOMER SERVICE ASSOCIATION
‘As with your clients, our members deserve value. Thank you for a super presentation.’

AUSTRALIAN INCENTIVE ASSOCIATION
‘What a fabulous asset you were to our conference.’

AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT
‘Thanks to you for coming to Adelaide to speak at our breakfast. Your presentation was motivational, inspirational and all round fantastic! I have received some wonderful feedback from guests. It was a great start to our series for 2003 (only you've set a high standard now!)’ It was great to see so many people interested in your books. I look forward to being able to welcome you back again.’

AUSTRALASIAN PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION
‘Feedback has been more than positive and your participation is undoubtedly one of the major contributors towards our success. Your interactive and dynamic method of presentation was enjoyed and much valued by all-and your generosity in agreeing to present the awards was also very much appreciated’

AUSTRALIAN WOMEN'S EXECUTIVE NETWORK
‘Fabulous presentation...you were exceptional’

BOY'S BRIGADE
‘Particularly helpful. I'd been attempting to articulate those ideas for a number of years without success.’

AUSTRALIAN WOMEN'S EXECUTIVE NETWORK
‘Fabulous presentation...you were exceptional’

BPW (BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL WOMEN)
‘It was a pleasure to have at BPW. There were so many wonderful comments back from the ladies, even the young ones and I surely appreciated the time you took to spend with us.’

CANCER COUNCIL
‘Thank you, for your wonderful presentation, at the inaugural Cancer Council Awards. Your speech matched the occasion perfectly and helped to make the awards such an outstanding success.’

CENTRUM EVENTS
‘Your presentation “Conquering the Challenge of Change” was extremely well received by all our delegates and we had many comments from guests leaving the function as to how much they had enjoyed the morning and how much they had learned! Not to mention a number of comments about your incredible thirst for adventure!

It is always a challenge to find a speaker for these breakfasts who can not only speak well, but also appeal to a wide range of job titles, ages, industries and business attitudes. You not only provided information that appealed to all criteria but you delivered this with passion, expertise and humour and provided valuable information that guests could immediately apply to their lives and careers.

I can only say, as the organiser, that it was an absolute pleasure to deal with you – you are organised and easy going – a treat for an event manager! I look forward to keeping in touch and to future opportunities. You are professional, friendly and a delight to work with!’

‘Your name keeps popping up - you wowed a lot of people!!’

CENTRUM EVENTS MELBOURNE
‘Why can’t all speakers be as lovely and together as YOU! As always you were brilliant!!!!’

DEE WHY SCHOOL FOR SENIORS
’Such an interesting talk today of a wonderful life. It was inspirational.’

DYNAMIS CLUB FOR WOMEN
‘What a wonderful night we all had and what enthusiasm you generated amongst us.’

FRENCH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN TOKYO
‘Our members found your lecture most interesting as evidenced by numerous questions at the end.’

FUND RAISING INSTITUTE OF AUSTRALIA
‘Your talk was great.... Very relevant and practical.’

IIR CONFERENCES
‘Very enthusiastic reaction to the topics covered…absolutely spot on-a great scene starter.’

‘Fantastic, impressive, superb energy, vibrant, humorous.’

‘I’ve read the book but the live show was even better.’

‘Delegates commented that your presentation was both practical and intellectually stimulating and inspiring.’

IIR CONFERENCE, New York
‘Thanks for your support and for being a great speaker and friend in Oz.’

ILLAWARRA SMALL BUSINESS CLUB
‘Your presentation was spectacular to say the least. The feedback I've received from members has been nothing but positive and everyone seemed to have a really terrific time.’

ILLAWARRA AREA CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE
‘From the feedback I have received, you were a definite hit. I have had several phone calls from our members saying how much they enjoyed listening to you and how they had all taken something away with them to think about when times get challenging.

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BUSINESS COMMUNICATORS (IABC)
‘Thanks for your dynamic presentation to our international conference in Washington DC. We received the conference evaluations back from attendees, and your session was very well received. I’m sure this is no surprise, given the audience response and the lengthy line at your book signing.

‘Attendees loved your enthusiasm, your wit and insight and your dynamic speaking style. You motivated the audience, and set the tone for a successful closing day of the conference.’

‘Your service orientation is impeccable, Cathy. You’re unlike any keynote speaker we’ve ever worked with at IABC in your communication and follow-up.’

‘We would be glad to follow on with a reference letter for any future potential speech engagements.’

On a 10 point scale with 10 being extremely satisfied, your rating was 8.4 overall. (A rating in the 8-10 point range is considered excellent)

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
‘Best motivational speaker I have ever heard... interesting and inspirational. There should be more like her to boost business women.’

MAYORESS OF BRIGHTON LADIES COMMITTEE
‘Excellent…Catherine made the day a huge success!’

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
‘Nothing but wonderful feedback from those who attended. One lady told me her daughter had just gone through a broken romance and an unfortunate experience, but after listening to your presentation walked away saying that you had 'changed her life.’

REDCROSS
‘Cathy was the perfect choice as a keynote speaker, she really researched her work.’

RED CROSS LUNCHEON - NOVOTEL
‘Your presence at the function certainly was a major factor in making it a very successful fundraising activity. More than $8,000 was raised on the day … I really appreciate that you were doing me a favour.’

ROCKINGHAM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
‘Excellent!’

ROTARY CLUB OF SYDNEY
‘Interesting and entertaining good news story.’

ROTARY DISTRICT INTERNATONAL
‘On behalf of all delegates at our Conference last weekend let me say thanks a million.
For me I found your presentation very illuminating. The story from your family certainly brings to life so much about what drives you. The Conference has been widely acclaimed as the BEST EVER. The quality of guest speakers is the recurring comment in the feedback which continues to roll in.’

SPECIAL OLYMPICS TEXAS
It was a pleasure to have you speak and meet you in Austin. I enjoyed your philosophy, joyfulness and energy. Your talk was interesting and challenging- think differently, never let the past get in the way of the future and what’s adding cost and not value to your business.’

SYDNEY INSTITUTE
‘Many thanks for a fine address to the Sydney Institute.’

UNICEF
‘Very professional and thought provoking-it fitted so well with the message I wanted to get across to our group.’

YOUNG ACHIEVEMENT
‘Your professionalism, improvisation and focus you brought to the evening made it a delight to have you as our compere.’

‘Sixteen year olds can be quite unforgiving but you had them in the palm of your hand.’

‘A memorable, moving & wonderful speech! Thank you for sharing a personal glimpse of what appears on the surface to be so easy & perfect.’

YOUNG ACHIEVEMENT
‘Many thanks for sharing your time and your story with us last night. We have received very positive feedback from those who attended and appreciated your message.’

EDUCATION

AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT
‘Participants enjoyed the session. But, even better, they felt what they learned would be useful in their own job situations.’

BURSAR’S (QUEENSLAND)
Thanks very much for attending the Bursars Conference last week – you knowledge is invaluable.

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION-WIDE BAY REGIONAL OFFICE
‘I wish you could be here to witness the effect you had on staff! I am constantly hearing your catch phrases echoing around the building. Your presentation provided an excellent springboard for our planning session. Down to earth but highly professional style’

DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION & TRAINING
‘Entertaining and pertinent...you certainly gave us some insights and tips for our strategy.’

DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION
‘I gained a great deal from listening to your words of wisdom and have already passed the tape on to my husband who is managing customer focus in his company.’

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION-OPEN ACCESS CENTRE
‘Our client service standards were developed as a result of your visit-and we’re very pleased with the results.’

‘I am retiring next Friday and wanted to thank you for being an inspirational person to me over the years. You were a catalyst in instilling into our workplace a client focus that was of tremendous benefit and gave us a sense of pride and direction to our team.’

FAMILY DAY CARE-TOWNSVILLE INNER CITY
‘My colleagues and I had the great fortune to be able to see you last Saturday at the National Family Day Care Conference in Sydney. We have been changed forever by your dynamic presentation, thanks for all the belly laughs, we are healthier too for having been in the audience as laughing is the best medicine

GOLDCOAST INSTITUTE OF TAFE
‘Informative, energetic and motivational presentation.’

INSTITUTE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
‘I really enjoyed your message as did others. Several women have asked how they can contact you and to congratulate me on finding such a fabulous speaker. I bask in the light of your reflected glory.’

KOROWA GIRLS' SCHOOL
‘Your vivacious enthusiasm and articulate intelligence kept the proceedings moving briskly.’

MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY
‘Outstanding video... We always receive positive feedback when we show it as part of our course on Strategic Marketing in Finance but the response in Singapore was overwhelming.’

MT ELIZA BUSINESS SCHOOL (formerly AUSTRALIAN ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF COLLEGE)
‘The session was an outstanding success. Worthwhile information in an inspiring and entertaining format... It's certainly a bonus for us to know that your sessions will always be a great success!’
‘Tremendous contribution...6.78 out of 7’

‘Inspiring and informative, and participants continue to make reference to your ideas. They particularly appreciated your examples and commitment to your ideas.’

‘Dynamic presenter who is able to draw in vast industry experience to demonstrate issues.’
(I have about twenty more from this client, but repetitive comments).

MONASH UNIVERSITY
‘Entertaining, as well as tops for educational value.’

NARRABEEN SPORTS HIGH SCHOOL
‘Thanks very much for your kind words and for the great talk you gave on Friday night. A number of parents have indicated that they enjoyed your presentation.’

NATIONAL FAMILY DAY CARE
‘Congratulations. I was blown away by your address at the National Family Day Care Conference on Saturday. You had me laughing and crying - and I took in every word. I hope to pass on some of your thoughts to carers in our scheme. May you continue to enrich the lives of those who have the opportunity to be inspired by your talks.’

QUEENSLAND PRINCIPALS
‘Thank you for your presentation to the Principals Conference. I was rapt’

RIKKYO UNIVERSITY BUSINESS SCHOOL JAPAN
‘Your lecture was so inspiring that even now my students keep telling me about it.’

‘What an excellent talk you gave us! It was so nice that many students made a long line to ask you their own questions. Thank you so much for making our inaugural lecture quite successful. I am sure that everyone (including me and my colleagues) attending your lecture becomes very much confident in his/her life.’

‘Today is my luckiest day to be able to be an audience of your fantastic presentation. Thank you very much. I am today much convinced and deeply inspired from your speech how wonderful it is to be of someone else's help by growing our own leadership within ourselves. Your sincere words and passion echo to me and I will keep those deep in my heart. Once again, thank you very much for sharing with us today.’

SCEGGS REDLANDS SCHOOL
‘Long may such standards prevail!’

SEYMOUR COLLEGE
‘I have just finished reading your book again for the 4th time. It’s a great book and one I always find encouraging and affirming.’

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
‘Your address was the hit of the day-not only informative but delivered in a witty and entertaining manner.’

SYDNEY UNIVERSITY
‘We were all impressed with your thorough and detailed preparation, skill as a presenter and engaging sense of humour.’

THE PENINSULA SCHOOL
‘Your address to our staff really hit the spot. Many of the ‘uninitiated’ are now talking about moments of truth and I have received many suggestions of how we can better serve our clients. We very much enjoyed your humorous and thought provoking talk.’

UNIVERSITY OF NSW-INSTITUTE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
‘What an inspirational talk - I bask in the light of your reflected glory.’

UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY-SYDNEY
‘Your presentation was well received and stimulated lively discussion.’

THE WENONA SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
‘Few speakers have the ability to bring their topic 'alive' as you did so enthusiastically and capably.’

WOMEN IN EDUCATION
‘You were great.’

ENERGY/MINING

AMPOL
‘Your natural and inspiring style was very refreshing to listen to.’

‘Delegates also appreciated the added touch when you spoke to them personally at the dinner tables afterwards.’

‘Like all motivational messages, there will be a retention issue. I feel that the sale of your tape and postcards will be very useful reminders for us-great idea.’

BRAMBLES
‘Well, what a stunning contribution to our Congress you made! I can’t thank you enough for exceeding all the expectations and objectives that we could have dreamed for. My colleagues were stunned by the way you took them on a journey unlike any other they had previously experienced. Their feedback was unanimous in that your presentation was the best overall.

As testament to your success was the long queue to have your book autographed by so many tough-minded males who would not normally have taken such a book, let alone get it signed by the author. Equally strong was the emotional impact felt throughout the room by so many people who would not normally show their feelings.’

BORAL
‘The feedback was very positive and many commented on the relevance of your subject matter and personal involvement.’

‘Excellent-met my expectations and related well to audience.’

CALTEX
‘An example of what can be done when quality is the focus; compering an evening that went like clockwork.’

ARAMCO SERVICES
‘Your keynote is on the SAP intranet site. It is a message that you can watch over and over! I am having my team watch it too and telling everyone I know that they too can see it!’

FRANCHISE ORGANISATIONS

(may be duplicates from other industry categories)

BLOCKBUSTER
‘Catherine’s warm, professional and engaging style was a tonic for all. Powerful stuff indeed!’

CAMERA HOUSE
‘What she delivered was more that I anticipated, a humorous and action packed presentation that had the audience in fits of laughter. Through this she also managed to deliver a business message on “Change” with appropriate examples from real life that we could all relate to.

One key phrase was apparent in her presentation.

“CHANGE IS INEVITABLE. LEARNING FROM CHANGE IS OPTIONAL”

We then continued to use this throughout the rest of the meeting as we delivered the required message for our retailers to move with the times.

For anyone who is looking for a person to motivate an audience and give them an opportunity to rethink their personal goals, then you cannot go past Catherine.’

CENTURY 21
‘Thank you for an inspirational talk from an outstanding and inspirational person’

ELDERS
‘Feedback has been tremendous-delegates found it both extremely motivational and relevant to the real estate industry…. I have no doubt this will lead to fostering better client relations.’

FIRST NATIONAL REAL ESTATE
‘A short little note to tell you how much I enjoyed your session at our convention. It still leaves me with a 'warm fuzzy' feeling when I reflect on my notes. You certainly will assist many people, whatever their walk of life, with your message.’

HARCOURTS
‘Thank you for being part of our conference. You did a tremendous job for us – your address to the team was outstanding.’

‘You are such a sweetie – you were a real pleasure to work with – just the best.’

‘Feed back from our delegates has been superb – 95% of delegates who sent in evaluations rated your keynote very good to excellent. I look forward to keeping in touch with you – you are a very inspirational and fun lady.’

‘I have just seen your presentation on video-you were awesome!’

‘Thanks a million for an entertaining and informative address at the Harcourts conference. Got some neat stuff to go away and work on. Looking forward to reading your books, and to gifting the others you signed for me, I know they’ll be appreciated.’

HARVEY NORMAN
‘very, very pleased with your presentation. Feedback from the audience was good, giving you high marks, so many thanks for your presentation.’

IDA (multi level marketing-sells AMWAY products)
‘People are still thanking us for having had you to speak!’

IGA
‘Great entertainer as well as educator-worked well with audience.’

‘Your enthusiasm would defy anyone to be bored. Your true commitment to service is outrageous and always challenges me to lift my game. The evaluations have overwhelmingly talked about your presentation. Thanks for helping to make our conference a success.’

‘Your presentation went over well – congratulations. Retailers can be hard to please some times.’

JAVANA SPA
Once again I must congratulate you on a marvellous presentation at International Beauty Expo I was very motivated and entertained.’

MICHAEL HILL JEWELLER
‘I would like to thank you very much for your time taken for joining us in Noumea at our conference and for providing such an outstanding presentation. You were able to motivate the managers and to inspire them to achieve the best for themselves and for Michael Hill Jeweller.’

MIKI (Japanese multi level marketing)
‘We really appreciate your wonderful and informative speech at Opera House. Our 2,400 customers and also our staff have come home with a deep impression.’

PRICE ATTACK FRANCHISING PTY LTD
‘Everyone considered your address to be both informative and beneficial to their business and also on a personal level. Again, thank you for your participation as a guest speaker at our Conference. We had been anticipating hearing you speak for a long time and it was well worth the wait!’

RAY WHITE REAL ESTATE
‘It is always a pleasure to have you at our conferences. I have had great feedback on your session…delegates felt both enlightened and motivated. We appreciate the time and effort you put towards the Conference and hope you enjoyed the day as much as we did.’

‘It is indeed rare to find a guest speaker so ‘in tune’ with our philosophies. It was an absolute joy to have a speaker of your calibre upholding what we believe to be the absolute basis of our business - SERVICE, SERVICE, SERVICE! Great to have you on the team.’

‘As a receptionist/secretary, I thought sitting in on the session would be of little benefit but found it related not only to sales but anyone who came in contact with the general public; and I gained a lot from it!’

REMAX
‘Catherine was fabulous - well researched and knew her audience hot buttons - funny and tearful all at once - a great way to start the day for the convention - so much positive feedback from all the delegates and we wouldn't hesitate to recommend Catherine to anyone needing such a versatile presenter.’

RETRAVISION APPLIANCES
‘Thank you for being such an integral part of the success of our seminar. Your messages were well received by our members and suppliers; and you were certainly the subject of many a conversation over the remaining days of the seminar.’

UNITED REALTY - NEW ZEALAND
‘It was wonderful to have you speak at our conference. Your presentation was sensational!’

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

ADELAIDE BANK
‘Thank you for your presentation to our Retail Banking Team. The content was right on the mark and the energy of the delivery created a most inspirational, motivating yet moving presentation. I can assure you that you were the talk of the network.’

ADVANCE BANK
‘Polished speaker whose humorous style kept the audience's attention (after a heavy night) while ensuring her message was clearly understood. I would have no hesitation in recommending her to all and sundry.’

AGC
‘Highly regarded... The highest rating of all fourteen speakers.’

AMERICAN EXPRESS FOREIGN EXCHANGE
‘Thank you for adding so much to our team weekend. Everyone enjoyed you, your ideas and stories. Even our most negative team members were totally impressed. You made quite a difference.’

ANZ FUNDS MANAGEMENT
‘My team especially my managers have since volunteered to me that they received a great deal of benefit from it. Personally, I could not be more pleased!’

APOGEE FINANICAL SERVICES
‘Thank you once again for your contribution to the success of these days-your professionalism was greatly appreciated by us and the advisors- (who commented-Hit all the right notes & goose bumps as well, entertaining but very relevant, terrific and down to earth, inspirational)

’Catherine was an absolute pleasure to work with. A great relief to know she'd be there on time and willing to stay back to sign books and talk to delegates and staff. Also she covered for late speaker in Melbourne - a great sport!’

AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF CREDIT MANAGEMENT
‘It was especially good of you to offer your time in enhancing the professionalism of our members allowing them to express themselves and communicate with clients by providing superior customer service. Our members certainly had an enjoyable time and the laughter and comments continued well after the presentation ended.’

BANK OF QUEENSLAND
‘Thank you for making such a meaningful and committed contribution... Feedback from our delegates has been totally positive and it was a pleasure to work with you.’

‘Entertaining and informative and thanks for also taking time to be a real part of our group.’

BANKWEST
‘Positive feedback from all staff is still coming through so we certainly achieved what we set out to do.’

CHALLENGE BANK
‘Enthusiastic, fresh approach...and professional presentation. A most enjoyable hour.’

CHAMBERS INVESTMENT PLANNING

‘Your approach to the audience was light but decisive which I found to be very refreshing in comparison toother seminars.’

CIRCUS CAPITAL HONG KONG
‘The evening went very well’

COMMONWEALTH BANK
‘The presentation was very beneficial and I especially enjoyed the activities which involved the audience.’

Chairman: ‘I have had a browse of your book already and it seems to me that you have put your finger on some very key issues.’

COMMONWEALTH BANK EASTERN SUBURBS NETWORK
‘Thank you for your inspiration and encouragement.’

COMMONWELATH BANK ADELAIDE
“The launch went well and the region is well and truly fired up ready to take on the new challenges - the proof will be in the pudding over the coming weeks. The Area Managers all have their books signed by you. Many thanks for your enthusiasm and external support for my transformational change.’

‘I found your presentation very powerful and dynamic - certainly I have jotted a few key quotes which I hope you won't mind me using at my seminar next week (attributable to you of course !)’

‘A great presentation which was very reflective of where we are heading CBA wise. My Managers were rapt and have taken your messages away with them.’

CREDIT UNION SERVICES CORPORATION
‘The response from the participants was very positive. Judging from feedback, it was very clear your contribution was highly appreciated by all; and rated the feature presentation by the majority.’

‘A quick ‘must read’ for all executives who think they understand customer service. The analogies at first seem simple, but Cathy has produced a very sound, up-to-date, instructional tool on the service ethic.’

DEUTSCHE BANK
‘You combined the content and the laughs in an exceptionally effective way. And I'll never look at a wombat again without thinking of your talk.’

ESANDA FINANCE
‘The best presentation we have ever heard on customer service...delivered with conviction and simplicity.’

FINSIA
‘The presentation went exceptionally well - each person was able to take something difference from Catherine's presentation and this made it memorable for everyone.’

‘They loved it and found it very useful…we have indeed had very positive feedback from staff around the country so we are all very pleased.’

FLEXIPLAN
‘The feedback has been nothing sort of fantastic-people were relating your stories to their businesses which was an ideal outcome.’

IPAC SECURITIES LIMITED
‘Feedback was extremely positive and you have really made an impression - especially the "hot lemon and honey" story. We are going to have a "reward and recognition" award around this point.’
ISLAND STATE CREDIT UNION
‘Catherine was very motivating & entertaining who captured the audience immediately. Talk was relevant interesting and thought provoking. Everyone was impressed!’

LEND LEASE
‘Feedback from advisers in the field has been nothing short of remarkable. Your motivational closing session left our financial planner with a clear message that ‘Good Service is Good Business’ and has many of our people re-thinking the way they add value and provide service to our clients in the future.’

‘Feedback to your presentation has been excellent and has made a substantial difference in producing one of our most successful events ever.’

‘Feedback from advisers has shown your subject has created a large amount of interest and in many cases action within their businesses.’

‘What a privilege to get to know you and to experience the dynamics you bring to the platform. Business life won’t be the same without you. You were a huge hit.’

‘An enjoyable and thought provoking read…Having employed many of the suggestions in your book in my everyday practices, I have experienced many successes.’

‘I met my first lady client and thought back with a smile to your story. Needless to say, she is now a client and have already received my first referral from her.’
‘Having employed many of the suggestions in your book in my everyday practices I have experienced many successes.’

MACQUARIE BANK
‘The conference went really well and your time and content was great. I know it’s a hard audience – peaching to the converted (very few) and others that are much more transaction driven and in a harder basket.
For your feedback we’ve had some exceptional feedback as well as some feedbacks that it didn’t hit the mark with people. Generally though, it has been positive (I suspect you may get some additional work out of it) and people felt the messages were strong and very valid.’

NEWCASTLE PERMANENT BUILDING SOCIETY
‘Interesting & thought provoking-the staff who attended gained immensely.’

PERPETUAL TRUSTEES
‘Informative and invigorating-our managers gleaned a great deal they can use in our financial environment.’

STATE BANK OF VICTORIA (COMMONWEALTH BANK)
‘Very appropriate and professional.’

STATE SUPER FINANCIAL SERVICES
‘Wow! What energy packed sessions you gave! The feedback has been fantastic.’

‘Your SERVICE acronym was excellent and everyone has said you were one of the highlights of the conference.’

‘You really spoke from the heart and gave your own personal experiences which brought your messages to life. ‘

‘In our session you had an IMMEDIATE effect on Tony our boss who stood up and let us all know what a good job we did.’

THOMPSON FINANCIAL – RAINMAKER INFORMATION PTY LTD
‘Your part in this year’s Symposium certainly helped us achieve our goal of delivering to the delegates a first class forum of ideas’

TRANSRAIL CREDIT UNION
‘Very relevant to our business… Very informative with enough humour and examples to get the point across.’

WESTPAC FINANCIAL SERVICES
‘You sowed the seed of change... The quality program developed from these beginnings will result in a 40-50% improvement in productivity.’

‘Staff started to realise their jobs only existed because clients are prepared to invest funds with us.’

WESTPAC RETAIL
‘Feedback has been very positive. I know a number of the audience have been in touch with you about may be doing other stuff (surprise, surprise WOMBAT-repeat business speaks for itself!) - making your agents job pretty easy!’

WESTPAC
‘Feedback has been great, it seems you won over the 'Product Infrastructure and Channel Infrastructure Team'. I will send you through the comments from the feedback once it's all collected.

‘Catherine was great-feedback from guests has been extremely positive and encouraging.’

WILSON HTM
‘Found her very entertaining and interesting to listen to. Thoroughly enjoyed her. General feedback from the advisors was very positive.’

ZURICH (participant only)
‘I was impressed by you the twice I have heard you speak - you are an inspiration.’

BRIDGE FINANCE
CITIBANK
ST GEORGE BANK
STATE STREET

GOVERNMENT

AUSTRADE SYDNEY
‘Very energetic, informative and enjoyable presentation. You did exactly what we asked i.e. to give the group an external perspective of best practice in client servicing and made it fun while doing it. The group greatly appreciated your presentation and I am particularly grateful to you for doing this at such short notice.’

‘You exemplify client service!’

AUSTRADE participant
‘A big thanks for your presentation. I am going through some significant change in my life at the moment, and your presentation was informative, inspirational and motivational. I'm off to enjoy this day above ground!’

AUSTRADE COPENHAGEN
‘I have only received positive feedback to your presentation at our Europe Education Team meeting and would like again to thank you for an engaging session. I personally felt that my objectives of your presentation to the team (entertaining and educational) were met and judging from comments from individuals all appear to have taken valuable elements with them.

The book which they all received will be a long term reinforcement of your presentation, something I think that is very valuable.’

AUSTRALIA POST
‘Congratulations on your talk to the CPA’s. I enjoyed it.’

AUSTRALIAN PROTECTIVE SERVICES
‘Your sessions at both seminars were universally rated as excellent by all participants. In fact, some of them were moved to give you a 6 on our rating scale which had a maximum of 5!’

‘Your eminence in the field of customer focus, combined with your exceptional presentation skills, provided a great deal of assistance to me in getting this important message through to the troops and I feel sure that we will see tangible improvements as a result.’

BLUE MOUNTAINS CITY COUNCIL
‘Thanks for the impact your presentation had on so many at the conference. Feedback has been tremendous and it appears as though many people are starting to think “outside the square.”

CHIEF MINISTERS DEPARTMENT
‘You hit Canberra like a cyclone after a presentation that nearly left your audience speechless. In question time, you mesmerised/hypnotised your audience.’

CITY OF TOWNSVILLE
‘Thoroughly enjoyable...We could use more of that enthusiasm and dedication in industry and government in Australia.’

COOTAMUNDRA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
‘One of the best motivational speakers we have heard.’

FAIRFIELD CITY LIBRARY

Catherine DeVrye