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

PUBLISHING

CARTER’S PUBLICATIONS
‘I particularly liked your quote ‘Get it right mate.’

GLOBAL EXCHANGE
‘When I was teaching at Newcastle University one of the most popular books by far was yours. It was a bit too popular as I was trying to get a spread of ideas but the issues you raised were discussed at length and everyone agreed it was a very useful book.’

HODDER HEADLINE PUBLISHING
‘We needed the aid of a good communicator who understood the principles of customer service and corporate change. Cathy was speaking to a team who had just seen the company they work for downsized. Her research insured that the message was targeted and in context. Twelve months later then team still quote her.’

KWIK KOPY
‘We had such a great response to the breakfast, the accolades continue from customers in the form of additional orders-which is terrific. Brookvale has experienced record months in both February and March.’

‘Your presentation was great and particularly appropriate at a time when good service is becoming more and more paramount to business success’.

‘The feedback from those in your session was extremely positive and a number of owners commented that your ‘Keynote’ was one of the best presentations on customer service they have heard. It would appear your strategies will be well copied – I believe your book was a sell-out, with many owners also buying copies for their staff!’

PRINTING ASSOCIATION
‘Great to have met you and listened to you speak. Thanks again for kick starting my belief system again’

VISION PUBLISHING
‘Congratulations on an outstanding performance. Not only were attendee’s expectations met, but exceeded in their estimates by ten fold. I personally want to thank you for your professionalism and flexibility and the way you have been willing to give more and fit in with our program.’

‘Thank you for your invaluable contributions to the high achiever’s weekends.’

‘Being relatively young in the business world and listening to your proven success strategies, I feel you have given me a platform for success that is unsurpassed to any of my peers. You have given me great insight into the future and I sincerely thank you.’

‘The clarity of your ideas and excellence in customer service have been invaluable to me.’

PRENTICE HALL (PEARSON)
‘Thanks for a great presentation!’

REAL ESTATE/PROPERTY DEVEOPMENT

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.’
 
FAMILY HOME DESIGNERS
‘Dynamic & entertaining with a message relevant to us all.’

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.’

FLETCHER & PARKER REAL ESTATE
‘Thank you for your inspirational words. I found your presentation entertaining and
motivating.’
 
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.’
 
HOUSE TO HOME
‘Have really enjoyed reading your book. Many thanks for all the knowledge gained from both your talk & book.’
 
JENNINGS HOUSING
‘As we set about creating an even more service oriented business, we do believe that service can be developed as a key competitive advantage, and your presentation proved to be very effective in communicating this concept to our team.’
 
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!’

 
‘…of the special people that touch our lives from time to time, you are one of those.’ 
 
RETIREMENT VILLAGE ASSOCIATION
‘It was great to work with such a professional speaker – I will certainly recommend you to other clients.’
 
‘There has been very good feedback on the RVA conference, and on your speech in particular.  So thank you for doing such a good job and making me look good.’
 
SELF STORAGE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
‘You were an audience hit’

‘Thank you for hitting the ball out of the park (perhaps I should have used a tennis analogy) At any rate, the audience truly appreciated your delivery and message.’

‘Thanks a million for an entertainfont>
 
‘ I read a chapter or two a day from your book and meditate on what I can make better of myself.’
participant
 
UNITED REALTY - NEW ZEALAND
‘It was wonderful to have you speak at our conference. Your presentation was sensational!’
 
WOODS REAL ESTATE
‘Congratulations on your wonderful presentation at the Convention on the Gold Coast. Whilst we have read your books and have purchased a number over the past couple of years I was not aware that you were such a great performer on stage. Your family story bought a tear .....or two to my eye. I loved your "footy story"... and of course the rest of the presentation was "full of great content".

AUSTRALIAN LAND & HOUSING
REAL ESTATE INSTITUTE OF QLD

RETAIL

APPLIANCE & ELECTRONIC INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION.
‘What a pleasure it was having you with us in Christchurch. Only very positive comments on your presentation and it set the standard for an excellent convention.’
 
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.’
 
CENTRE FOR RETAIL AND WHOLESALE TRAINING AUSTRALIA
‘Your presentation was very much enjoyed by all.’
 
CHEEERS LIQUOR GROUP
‘Both informative and entertaining. Feedback from members and sponsors was all favourable...our AGM was lifted to a higher perspective.’

DeLORENZO HAIR CARE
‘Thanks a million - I have had two calls already this morning saying how much they enjoyed your talk.’

FINESSE PHOTOGRAPHY
‘Brilliant, impeccable, meticulous and comfortable are words which easily come to mind when recalling your presentation.
 
Your integrity puts you in a position to serve as a worthy role model. Thank you for the connection I now feel you have to my life.
 
Thanks for sharing the many facets of your life so we could all see that it is possible to be truly successful.’

GOLDWELL COSMETICS
‘An ideal opening conference speaker. Delivering with warmth, humour and relating to personal experiences.’

HARVEY MACKAY ENVELOPE CORPORATION
‘Once again as I told you in person, you were awesome on the podium.’
 
HARVEY NORMAN
‘very, very pleased with your presentation. Feedback from the audience was good, giving you high marks, so many thanks for your presentation.’
 
HOTSPRINGS
‘Your vision and inspiration has given my life a huge lift.’
‘You changed my life around on that weekend and I now hold my head high knowing where I want to be in my life.’
 
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.’
 
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF RETAIL GROCERS
‘Thank you for participation in our conference and making it such a success. From the inquiries I have received since your presentation, I am sure there will be follow up work for you.’
 
PHOTO CORPORATION
‘I thoroughly enjoyed your presentation. I was very inspired by yourself and your words of wisdom. Now inside my studio I have many of your sayings and acronyms stuck up on the walls to try and keep myself and my staff motivated.’
‘Catherine did a marvellous job. She researched our company thoroughly. She kept everyone enthralled and the delegates left on a high.’

PHOTO MARKETING ASSOCIATION
‘Thank you for playing such a great part in speaking to our delegates and giving so much of your time and knowledge.’
‘An outstanding success at our convention, we have had many requests for Cathy’s tape.’

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!’
 
RETAIL TRADING SERVICES OF NEW ZEALAND
‘Excellent.’
 
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.’
 
TASMANIAN INDEPENDENT WHOLESALERS
‘Very positive feedback…delegates were most eager to return home to apply some of these principles to their businesses as soon as possible’
 
 ‘Once again Cathy’s presentation was solid and thoroughly enjoyable.’
 
W A LOTTERIES
‘Outstanding presentation – The professionalism and enthusiasm displayed by you on the night was greatly valued. I am pleased to say that both the Lotteries Commission Management and our Retailers were very impressed with the energetic and motivating performance you delivered.
 
All in all, your success was our success and so once again – thank you.’
 
WOOLWORTHS
‘Your presentation was excellent.’.... Paul Simons, Chairman
‘ I enjoyed your tape which I listened to whilst driving around on the weekend.’
 
3D PAINTS
DAVIDS FOODS
DICK SMITH ELECTRONICS
HOMECARE AND INNOVATIONS
KENNY’S CARDIOLOGY
LEND LEASE-SHOPPING CENTRE
NEWSAGENTS ASSOCIATION

RURAL

COOTAMUNDRA COMMUNITY DINNER
‘I couldn’t let it pass without thanking you for your vibrant talk last week. It was the example we all need to aspire to-life on this land is a wonderful way of living but the hard physical work is causing our lands to grind to a halt as the year creeps up. On the surface seeing everyone so buoyant with the expectation of rain that evening did a lot for our spirits-then to drive home with the wipers on after such a happy evening was great. Thank you for your contribution in sharing your story.’

FARM MANAGEMENT 500
‘Cathy it was a joy to work with you, your flexibility and willingness to fit in to what we wanted was muchly appreciated.’
 
QUEENSLAND RURAL WOMEN’S NETWORK
‘I thought you may like to see the great effect your address had on this writer and to know how far a field the ideas you presented have been spread since your time in Stanthorpe.’
 
RIDLEY AGRI PRODUCTS
‘I found the talk valuable and stimulating.’

SBS IAMA-RURAL PRODUCTS
‘The feedback over the following two days from your speech can only be described as outstanding! I did not hear one negative comment and every delegate had glowing reports.’
 
NW AGRICULTURE

SHIPPING/TRANSPORT

BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF REMOVERS
‘Came top in evaluations…best thing since sliced bread…had audience in the palm of her hand…great legs & great message…a joy to work with…wonderfully normal…sublimely professional.’
 
ROCKWELL COLLINS PASSENGER SYSTEMS WAEA
‘Your talk was a fantastic and inspired many folks’.

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.’
 
CHEP
‘I enjoyed your speech.’
 
FIDI (INTERNATIONAL REMOVALISTS ASSOCIATION)- EGYPT
‘Thank you for all that you did!’ To us, you were the very welcome 'out of the ordinary' touch to the conference.’
 
‘This email is to congratulate you once again for the lovely presentation you gave the FIDI participants and I am sure we all have learnt quite a bit from it and will be able to now activate it within our organizations. I have already started reading your book and will listen to the CD in due course.’
 
‘Your lecture in Egypt at the FIDI conference last year kick started my "personal journey" again. Your book was the shot in the arm I needed.’

CORPORATE EXPRESS
FREIGHT CORP
TOLL HOLDINGS
QUEENSLAND RAIL

SPEAKING

DRIVE TIME RADIO
‘You convinced our luncheon guests that service is a must...not a fringe benefit! The feedback was fabulous!’
 
GREAT EXPECTATIONS SPEAKERS BUREAU
‘You give so much of yourself during your presentations, that’s why all the people related to you. Your genuine and speak from the heart and that’s what makes a great speaker. Seeing the effect you had on them speaks for itself. I love working with you and will always look for opportunities for you.’
 
‘You are an angel. Not only are you an honest, decent and honourable person, you are a living icon of the Abundance Mentality. This morning, Tuesday, your letter and cheque arrived as the most powerful tangible proof of what I had been saying. Thank You. Not only are your qualities and values exemplary, your timing is impeccable.’
 
‘Thanks for your thanks. We really enjoyed working with you again also. There must be something in this being easy to work with, we were thinking exactly the same about you.’

ICMI
‘Continuing to hear great stuff about you.’
 
IGAB
‘Catherine DeVrye was one very special speaker and her extensive experience in the business world was very apparent’.


INTERNATIONAL CELEBRITY MANAGEMENT-ADELAIDE
‘Thank you for being not only a sensational speaker but also for your support to me throughout the year. It is a pleasure working with you and I look forward to many more engagements in the future.
 
They loved you - the feedback I had was excellent. Thank you so much for being so great - it makes my life much easier.’
 
INTERNATIONAL MEETING SPECIALISTS
‘We know the audience were suitably impressed by your presentation.’

LEADING AUTHORITIES SPEAKERS BUREAU
‘I wanted to thank you for all of your hands on work on this event, you definitely made it easy on me and I really appreciate that, if only all the other speakers were as good as you.’
 
MEETINGS INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA
‘Your presentation was both informative and entertaining, just what is needed for an early morning session. Participants arrived needing their coffee and left not only awake but also thinking about their attitude toward situations that can arise daily.’
 
NATIONAL SPEAKER'S ASSOCIATION
‘Your presentation was delightful, refreshing, informative and above all valuable to all of us.’
 
‘What a treat, your performance was superb. You managed to retrieve a very shaky start of the earlier presenters and get the program back on track. Your presentation was very relevant and very moving’
 
‘Thank you for your wonderful presentation-great start to the conference because we have done a few conferences and we were inspired by what you had to say.’
 
‘No wonder bureaus love you-you were a pleasure to work with… Your usual informative, warm and down to earth presentation.’
 
‘Your session on formulating, writing, publishing and producing a best selling book, was most informative and carried a lot of insights…people really felt connected to you and your message’

‘What a wonderful presentation you gave us in Washington DC. Your energy, spirit and personality, combined with real life experiences, made for some magical moments on the BIG stage. I am thrilled that you represented, not just Australia, but all women who speak from the platform.’
 
NSA of Australia
Thank you for being our guest speaker in February 2001. You were simply brilliant.
I have worked with many speakers in a number of roles in federal and state government, Chair for the Personal Empowerment Committee, A.I.M and as a Manager of a Training Centre. I found working with you and absolute pleasure.
I was extremely impressed by your openness and willing to share with our members and quests.
Your delivery on the night was powerful, insightful and practical. You illustrated and outlined strategies that our membership can put into practice immediately.
On a personal note I think you took the people to the threshold of their own mind to the world of possibilities. You are an icon and a true professional.
I look forward to reading your next book.

‘You helped to “Add value” to our members by providing such useful information. I personally took home ideas to implement immediately.’’
 
‘A number of members have mentioned taking action as a result of the evening and enjoyed the different perspectives.’
 
‘Your contribution I believe gave each and every participant at least 1 and many others a whole lot more gems that they l definitely use to make their business flourish.’

OVATIONS SPEAKER’S BUREAU
‘Thank you for a wonderful presentation-what a great way to start the day. I have stuck the laminated picture above my desk to remind me of your terrific messages.’
‘As always-outstanding feedback.’
 
PURELY CREATIVE SOLUTIONS EVENTS PPANNERS
‘What can I say!? You are amazing! Love your work!!!!! Thanks for being you! The world is a nicer place because you are a part of it!!!!’
 
SAXTON SPEAKERS BUREAU
‘Wonderful feedback as always. Feedback from the participants was very good to excellent for the whole.’
 
SEMINAR COMPANY INDIA
‘You have heard this before but excellent work bears repetition – you have a very powerful message – and you will be back into India’
 
SPEAKERS NETWORK INTERNATIONAL SPEAKERS BUREAU
‘You are a true professional. Thank you for your flexibility and fantastic presentation.’
‘It is not often that we would recommend an Australian presenter on the international circuit but for many reasons Cathy is ideally suited for almost every market from our large and varied clientele.’
‘An absolute delight to work with; a total professional who always achieves the specific objectives of the meeting planners.’
 ‘Please let me add my most sincere congratulations and best wishes for your NSAA award ‘Speaker of the Year’ The bureau was behind you all the way and I am personally very proud of what you have accomplished in your brief career. I am constantly talking to people who tell me they have experienced your counsel and friendship and were most appreciative. You are an outstanding role model for all those others who are serious about helping others through what we refer to as ‘the privilege of the platform
 ‘Thank you again for your professionalism and your friendship.’

SUSAN RALLINGS SPEAKERS BUREAU
‘Thank you for making our showcase the best we have had to date. We appreciate your contribution and support and look forward to gaining many more bookings.’

‘We are very pleased with the overall result and look forward to generating some more bookings for you as a result.’ Comments received:
‘Alive, enthusiastic.
Inspiring and motivational,
 Each time I hear something new,
 Dynamic-Great Refresher,
 Energetic, I have heard her before bit this time was even better,
 Brilliant speaker,
 She was great, passionate and very committed to what she believes.
 Has great commitment and beliefs on motivating oneself into believing in yourself.’

STAR SERVICES SEMINARS - SWAP
‘Your energy just shone as you shared your experiences.’

SWAP
Thank you for your time so selflessly at NSW SWAP State Conference 2002! It was great to see you enjoying yourself as much as you did! I hope you agree with my assessment.

SPORT/RECREATION 

AUSTRALIAN FITNESS NETWORK
‘Cathy was an excellent choice for our market. She adapted her keynote to appeal to the conference audience. Cathy certainly inspired the delegates and got them motivated right from the start.’
 
AUSTRALIAN OLYMPIC COMMITTEE
’The 2004 Australian Olympic Team was our most successful team ever. This achievement would not have been possible without the generous support of you and your organisation. On behalf of the AOC I thank you for your support.’

AUSTRALIAN SPORTS COMMISSION
‘Stimulating and entertaining which left the audience wanting more. Overwhelmingly positive feedback.’
 
AUSTRALIAN UNIVERSITY SPORTS ASSOCIATION
‘Inspiring...we were thrilled with your specialised treatment of the topic and the way you related your message to our theme.’
 
MANAWATU SPORTS FOUNDATION
‘It is very welcome, especially when one works in isolation, to have ideals and philosophies reinforced by a presenter who exudes sincerity and has a genuine interest in her clients.’
 
NEW SOUTH WALES GOLF CLUB
‘Thanks for such an entertaining time. I am quite sure we all enjoyed ourselves.’

NEW SOUTH WALES LADIES GOLF UNION
‘The evening went very well and we're sure the State team will benefit from it’ (They won the Australian championships)
 
NEW ZEALAND OLYMPIC FEDERATION
‘I felt such a burst of energy after your session.... I've already put some of the ideas you talked about yesterday into practice.’

PARKS & LESIURE ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA
‘Excellent presenter and excellent audience feedback’
 
RECREATION ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND
‘A very worthwhile investment.... thank you!’

RICH RIVER GOLF CLUB
‘The evening was voted a great success with everyone talking about the content for several days after.’

SEAGULLS RUGBY LEAGUE FOOTBALL CLUB
‘Great presentation... well received and highlighted by enthusiastic participation and continued comments and discussion days later.’

SIR EDMUND HILLARY COMMISSION-NEW ZEALAND
‘An excellent beginning to the weekend. You were often quoted and we look forward to inviting you again’

SPORTING SPECTRUM
‘Thank you for your fantastic presentation at the MIAA breakfast’. I was at your excellent High Achievers presentation last year so came with high expectations and was certainly not disappointed.’
 
SYDNEY KINGS
‘ Fantastic.... Outstanding.... Still waters the eyes.’
 
WOMEN’S SPORT PROMOTION UNIT
‘Thank you very much for your contribution. I really appreciate the time, effort and professionalism you out into your presentation.
 
WORLD TRIATHLON CHAMPIONSHIPS                                       
‘Inspiring messages, all providing motivation and direction.’

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

AUSTRALIAN TELEMARKETING ASSOCIATION
‘I was delighted to be a guest @ the ATA Breakfast Seminar last week. Your review on Customer Service was excellent and when I left I felt inspired and took that back to the work place with me.
I have started reading your Autobiography, Who Say's I Can't? So far it is amazing.’ (participant)
 
HELP DESK INSTITUTE - LONDON
‘Thank you for your tremendous contribution.’
 
HELP DESK SERVICE & SUPPORT FORUM COPENHAGEN
‘Thank you for your excellent contribution at the conference. Many of your stories and statements got peoples attention and were in circulation during the second day!
 
We were very happy for your presence and presentation at the ITIM Forum Conference in Copenhagen We wish to thank you for taking the time to prepare the presentation and for delivering a very interesting presentation. We’ve received very positive feed-back from the delegates, both during and after the conference. We’re looking forward to inviting you to future conferences!’
 
OPTUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS
‘Great person to have as a last speaker. She gave our delegates the gift of high spirits to leave the conference with.’
 
TELECOM
‘One of the best presentations during my eleven years in the service business in the private and public sectors.’
 
TELSTRA
‘Upbeat personality and approach to her topic. She is extremely articulate and keeps her audience wide-awake and enthusiastic with her many life experiences and observations. Provides leadership and practical implementation ideas.’
 
‘Based on the value she has provided both to Telstra and me personally, I look forward to continuing my association.’
 
AAP COMMUNICATIONS
AT & T – TELECOMMUNICATIONS 

UTILITIES – GAS/ENERGY/WATER

 ASSOCIATION FOR METERING
‘Presentation was delivered in an extremely professional manner…relevant to customer service issues and extremely motivational.’
 
ENERGEX
‘It was a pleasure to meet you and to share, albeit briefly, some of your interesting perspectives on service, change and life! Thanks for working with us on relatively short notice.’
 
The results from this session were excellent. 94% of staff overall rated the content of Catherine's presentation, excellent, very good and good. 93% of staff overall rated the qualilty of Catherine's presentation excellent, very good and good.
 
INSTITUTE OF WATER ADMINISTRATION
‘I would like to express our thanks and gratitude for you taking time out of your busy schedule to provide us with some insight into customer service. I am confident all members will benefit greatly from your presentation.’

PACIFIC POWER
‘Your enthusiastic and entertaining delivery of the seven simple strategies for quality customer service was enjoyed by all. Your presentation also promoted the development of many ideas for improvements.’

SYDNEY WATER
Great reminder of benefits of Service. Today is like the wedge in the continually improvement process – it keeps up momentum of the team.

YARRA VALLEY WATER
‘Catherine was extremely professional in all aspects of her conduct. We thoroughly enjoyed all aspects.’
 
‘Your ability to effectively communicate the brief of quality customer service in an environment of change provided the audience with great insight. We have received very positive response from staff and I would not hesitate in recommending you for future events.’

COUNTRY ENERGY X 2

DARLENE RICHARDS   
‘I’m thrilled to say, although I thought you were terrific that first time- you’ve gotten even better! What a blessing you are to Australia (and Canada)’
 
CHARLES SANT
‘Thanks for your super performance. You certainly know how to keep your audience interested and entertained and thirsting for more. I really enjoyed listening to (or is it participating with) you.’

CONFERENCE SOLUTIONS
‘I can’t wait to find another client I can recommend you to!’
 
KCP TECHNO MANAGEMENT R & D, INDIA
‘Almost all the delegates to your seminars rated you very highly. We wish you every success and hope that our paths will cross again.’
 
ANDERSON CONSULTING

WORLD FEDERATION OF BUILDING SERVICES

FRANCHISE ORGANISATIONS

(some 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.’

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!’ 
 

WOMEN’S ORGANISATIONS

(some duplicates from other industry categories)
 
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.’
 
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’
 
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!!!!’
 
CHAMPION EVENTS SERIOUS WOMEN’S BUSINESS
 
DYNAMIS CLUB FOR WOMEN
‘What a wonderful night we all had and what enthusiasm you generated amongst us.’


HEWLETT-PACKARD COLORADO
‘The Hewlett-Packard Women’s Information Network group of Northern Colorado would like to thank you for the wonderful presentation you did for HP on “Ignite your Dreams-Turning Obstacles into Opportunities” in Fort Collins and Loveland. You connected with individuals through your unique ability to make the presentation real to each person. You were able to touch their senses, keeping the audiences attention while motivating them to reach deep within themselves. The real life examples you used, and experiences you have lived through, brought life to the presentation. The emotions ranged from tears to laughter. It was very motivating and inspiring.
 
Each of your two presentations was modified slightly to address the needs of the different audiences enabling the audience to understand your message, and relate on their own terms. We heard great comments from the participants. Interestingly, we even heard from the Lobby Security on what an outstanding presentation you must have provided, as they overheard numerous people discussing your presentation as they left the building. Participants spoke about how they were motivated to reach higher and dig deeper to reach their goals. (“Focusing on the positive to produce professional and personal success to ignite their own dreams”) Attendees were also inspired to provide better customer service and look at the complaint calls they receive as opportunities to improve our products. By serving our customers better we will reach some of our business goals, as you stated in your presentation. Better service improves better market share and profitability. We would rather have the 6 people talking about how good we are than the 10-15 letting everyone knows how bad their experience was.
 
“Change is inevitable- Learning from Change is Optional” The world we live in is one of rapidly changing environments, and you illustrated how it is best to be a change manager. A change manager is a person that embraces change and remains flexible. Your story about managing within a global environment while working at IBM Asia Pacific, made us see the need to be aware of our environment and the various cultures we are exposed to. You helped us to realise that in a global economy so we could be effective in reaching our dreams without causing obstacles for others. “Be victors from change rather than victims of change”
 
Thank you again for your very inspiring presentation and your valuable experiences you shared with us. You will always be welcome at HP I am confident that we will reap the benefits and become more successful by “Focusing on what we can do rather than wasting energy on what we can do”
 
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
‘Best motivational speaker I have ever heard... interesting and inspirational. There should be more like her to boost business women.’
 
KOROWA GIRLS' SCHOOL
‘Your vivacious enthusiasm and articulate intelligence kept the proceedings moving briskly.’
 
MANLY WOMEN’S WALL OF INSPIRATION
‘Thank you Catherine for being so giving of yourself & speaking for us’
 
MAYORESS OF BRIGHTON LADIES COMMITTEE
 ‘Excellent…Catherine made the day a huge success!’
 
NEW SOUTH WALES LADIES GOLF UNION
‘The evening went very well and we're sure the State team will benefit from it’ (They won the Australian championships
 
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.’
 
QUEENSLAND RURAL WOMEN’S NETWORK
‘I thought you may like to see the great effect your address had on this writer and to know how far a field the ideas you presented have been spread since your time in Stanthorpe.’
 
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.’
 
WOMEN IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT QUEENSLAND
‘I enjoyed working with you-you certainly were prompt with your answers and 'just flowed' with everything - makes my job (as an organiser) so much easier.  And I know the delegates at the conference loved you.  You have a warm inner glow, and it's passing your messages onto the delegates, handing them a 'key' then it's up to them if they take the initiative and start to change!’

WRITERS FESITVALS/EVENTS

CALGARY PUBLIC LIBRARY
‘This was our most successful author program at this branch in years….fabulous! It was a huge success, everyone is talking about it! We had many comments from customers about how much they enjoyed it and wished they could have talked to you longer. Many customers have commented that they would like enough copies for their book clubs. We have thirteen copies, they are all signed out and we have over 50 customers on the wait list for it.’

COMO WRITERS FESTIVAL
‘Thank you so much for your invaluable contribution in Writers at Como in conditions that can only be described as horrendous. The sessions were unfailingly stimulating and engaging, and the time and effort you put in is greatly appreciated.’

DYMOCKS BOOK STORE ADELAIDE
‘If only all authors were as delightful and interesting as you.’

MACLEAN’S BOOKS
‘staff came back to the conference on Wednesday night and completely sold out of your books - well done

NORFOLK ISLAND WRITERS FESTIVAL
‘As you are such an inspirational speaker, having heard you at the Writers and Readers festival on Norfolk Island in 2004, you would be perfect for this meeting. Just what we need to get us going in the New Year is to be inspired to keep writing.’

NSW SOCIETY OF WOMEN WRITERS
‘thoroughly enjoyed your talk at SWW yesterday. You are a very good speaker and kept the attention of all present. I have had three requests for your e-mail address already and am loving your story. It is very well written and I'm emotionally involved. I can just imagine how you must have felt. Well done.’

‘ that amongst the rather disturbing aspects of contemporary society and the rush to rationalise the corporate world, Catherine’s books still remind us of some of the more traditional and positive societal attitudes, like commonsense, kindness and caring.