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TESTIMONIALS  /

Our Clients Speak

Michael Arena, Phd

Former Chief Talent Officer, General Motors
Now VP Talent & Development, Amazon Web Services

Executive Presence training equips High Potentials to advance to the next level, poised to address the complexities of the their new roles. Corporate Class Inc. uses a clearly delineated system to develop and reinforce authentic presence. This training addresses the real-life challenges of the corporate workplace: effectively managing unforeseen interactions, navigating political waters and developing preeminent communications skills.

Michael S. Spangler

President and Chief Executive Officer, Nationwide Funds,
Senior Vice President, Nationwide Financial Proud Nationwide Member, Investment Management Group

Corporate Class conducted a workshop on Board Presence for our key presenters to Trustees. We immediately saw improved effectiveness from those people in the next Board meeting. We also got valuable feedback from the participants as part of the workshop on how to improve Board/Management interactions.

Bryce Phillips

Chief Executive Officer | Premier dirigeant
Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority

I thought you did a very strong job in the training session.  We have received positive feedback, and I thought you struck the right balance of ‘educating’ and ‘engaging’ us.  I liked how you addressed the drivers of people’s behaviour, i.e., their emotions and beliefs, and our own ‘personality types’ (our behaviours).  I see value in continuing this journey to help us to better understand each other and thus becoming a stronger team.

Greg Purdy

SVP, Marine Operations, Royal Caribbean International,
Miami FL
Thank you again for the training you provided for our team. All the tips and advice were very helpful and the delivery of the overall message regarding image was priceless from my standpoint. You created awareness that I can now build upon as the leader of this team, and for that I am most appreciative!

Bill Huffaker

Senior Vice President, Integrated Talent,
Cerner Corporation, Kansas City MO

I have worked with coaches before to support my personal and professional development – but the two-day training and subsequent assessment and coaching from Diane and Corporate Class has absolutely been a game changer for me.

Through our discussions, I have much greater awareness and understanding of how my behaviors and impressions may hold me back from unlocking my potential as an executive. The approach is based on research and the latest thinking on executive presence. The advice has been truthful and direct, yet delivered in a kind way that helps me internalize it, remember it in the moment, and reach for different behaviors. There are certainly other vendors in this space, but I’d be surprised if their service came close to that offered by this high touch, highly effective team.

Adriana Quevedo

Director of Executive Search and On Boarding, Intel Solutions

Your workshop on Leadership Presence provided great insights in helping us tackle some of our daily communication opportunities. The experience was engaging and interactive. The real life examples made it even more compelling. Thank you!

Mohammed Djelmami-Hani, MD, FHRS

Clinical Adjunct Assistant Professor,
Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology, Aurora Health Care, Milwaukee, WI

Corporate Class’s Executive Presence Workshop delivered two stimulating days of hands-on training. Now, I’m as comfortable in the boardroom as the operating room!

Diane Craig facilitated a totally comprehensive program and introduced me to what it takes to have ‘presence’ in my executive role – from meetings and presentations to daily interactions. Now, across every aspect of my life, professionally and personally, I’m equipped to project presence even in demanding interactions. Diane’s coaching opened my eyes to becoming a better leader.

Peggy McColl

New York Times Bestselling Author,
Ottawa ON
The investment I made with Corporate Class has helped me personally and increased my business exponentially.This program has reinforced the value we place on a work environment that is based on respect, understanding and consideration for our internal and external clients. This training has also supported our employees in their career development, proving to be a great professional and personal investment for everyone who attended.

Lorna Dueck

Former CEO,
Crossroads Communications Inc. and Yes TV
I highly recommend Corporate Class for all levels of business and entertainment. Corporate Class is gracious and creative in building your confidence to new levels. They put you at ease. I have found Corporate Class invaluable in building the foundation of how I will present to the tens of thousands in our audience. Whether it is skills for working a room or hosting a banquet for hundreds, their insights are invaluable.

Preston Manning

Retired Canadian Politician,
Founder, the Reform Party of Canada and the Canadian Reform Conservative Alliance

Excerpt from his book, Thinking Big – My Adventures in Life and Democracy:

“I also gave some attention to my image in the period running up to the 1997 election. In the beginning, I was loath to give this subject much of my time. Why couldn’t the media and the public just focus on what I had to say, instead of obsessing about my voice, hair, spectacles, smile and clothes? Of course I knew intellectually that if you are going to communicate effectively with people in this age of television, you simply can’t divorce substance from image. I just didn’t want to deal with the challenge on a personal level. Finally, my communications people convinced me by saying that if my personal appearance, bearing and idiosyncrasies actually distracted people and kept them from hearing or seeing what I was trying to communicate, it would be wise to do something at least to minimize the distractions. Diane Craig was invited to advise on clothes and manners, and we got to work on the “image”. And Diane Craig undertook to get me a more leader–like wardrobe and made sure the look was appropriate for whatever the occasion.”

Denis St-Amour

President & CEO,
Strategic Advisory Consulting Services, Beaconsfield, QC

Let me start by saying that I did not want to wait any longer to thank you for being able to benefit from a wonderful 2 days of superior learning. And what a stimulating group of people we were with! Your leadership was evident throughout as was your significant knowledge and acumen, undergirded by much savoir fare and – such taste and sensitivity in delivery. I also very much appreciated your team and their wonderful spirit and contribution. All in all, time so well spent. With warm regards and much appreciation.

Gerry O’Mahoney

Former COO,
TD Waterhouse, Toronto ON

At TD Waterhouse, we thrive on providing our employees with the training necessary to succeed in their job. As part of this commitment, we implemented an interpersonal communication skills program. Focusing on strengthening our business relationships with clients and improving our professional presence. This program has reinforced the value we place on a work environment that is based on respect, understanding and consideration for our internal and external clients. This training has also supported our employees in their career development, proving to be a great professional and personal investment for everyone who attended.

Michelle Aguayo

Director, Professional Development,
Mitacs Inc., Toronto ON

Our work with Corporate Class aims to provide Canadian graduate students and post-doctoral fellows with the soft skills needed to be successful in the workplace.

We have been partnering with corporate Class for 4+ years and are thrilled with the expertise and enthusiasm they bring to each workshop. Participant feedback from their Networking and Career Professionalism sessions are always positive, with many participants wanting to connect with them after the session is done to get more tips.

Working with Corporate Class has allowed us to effectively train the next generation of Canadian innovators for success in business. What we appreciate most is their ability to provide high-quality programming, delivering expected results each time and keeping everyone happy.

Deborah Kyrzakos

HR Manager, OD & Change Management,
Native Child and Family Services of Toronto
Thank you Diane and everyone at Corporate Classic Inc. for delivering state of the art Executive Presence training during your August 2018 workshop. It really was one of the most real-time learning experiences I have ever had. I was thrilled to discover, then practice, the Presentation Pyramid and recently delivered a speech using this technique where I received amazing feedback! What I appreciated about the workshop was how relevant the material was, that it was based on updated research and evidence, how synthesized it was, the resources and tools provided, and the great style of delivery. I highly recommend this course for everyone – at every level – who wants to develop Executive Presence. The skills I learned are valuable in my professional life – and my personal life.

Marwa Jazi

Director, Human Resources,
Ricoh, Toronto, ON
To the Corporate Class team, the training was absolutely phenomenal. I am not usually easily impressed, but I can say that this has been one of the best, if not the best, training session I attended in years. Diane, your insight and expertise, your sense of humor, your willingness to tactfully provide open and honest feedback that is totally on point, your tips and suggestions for improvement – and your stories made the last two days highly educational, memorable and fun. I am looking forward to the 16 weeks sustainability program.

Lois Cormack

CEO, Sienna Senior Living Inc.,
Toronto ON
I gained great insights into better navigating today’s professional arena. It was an honor and a pleasure to have had the good fortune of working with Corporate Class Inc. I have benefited greatly in so many areas from their guidance and expertise.

Joe Graci

President & GM, Board of Directors
Interwork Technologies, Toronto, ON

I wanted to thank you again for the great 2-day seminar. I learned so much in only two days.

Devonia Debeck

Founder, Debeck Group,
Toronto ON
Training with Corporate Class provided a series of true Aha! Moments. What a wealth of information. As I move forward with my career, I understand the importance of credibility and making a statement of confidence. This was great – thank you again.

Christian Rinomato

Assistant Site Supervisor,
Country Homes, Tonlu Holdings, Toronto, ON
I just wanted to take the time to inform you how much I appreciated being a part of this experience. After digesting everything I’ve learned and experienced, I truly cannot wait to show the world the person I aspire to be. This has opened my eyes to new paths for myself, not only inside the office, but as well as in my everyday lifestyle. I feel so fortunate to have found you and learned such valuable life skills; it is truly an honor.

Grace Lau

Special Projects Consultant,
Aqua Event Management

Thank you, Diane and Georgette, for leading the impactful Women-in-Leadership’s Masterclass programme. Both of you demonstrated what strong presence means and were inspirational in so many ways. It was wonderful to meet fellow women leaders from diverse business sectors and backgrounds and having the opportunity to learn from each other’s experience to resolve real-life challenges at work.

Truly enjoyed the workshops whereby I learnt practical presentation techniques, shared freely in a safe space and identified new insights about oneself.

I would highly recommend Corporate Class Inc’s Women-in-Leadership Masterclass programme to all female leaders wanting to stay relevant in today’s market.

Our Team Speaks

Dana Maria Andrei

Colleague,
Bucharest, Romania

After my whirlwind training session in Toronto, I returned home confident that with my newly acquired expertise, I was bringing significant added value to my business. And that was exactly the case — my clients are thrilled.

As the first person to bring Executive Presence training to Europe not surprisingly, my clients are young, aspiring leaders, current leaders, and top-level business professionals. Having a well-established business and two kids at home, traveling to another continent presents a challenge – but what an extraordinary and rewarding journey it’s been!

Paula Lunn

President
BEYOND Ventures Group Inc. DBA BEYOND

In my work with clients domestically and internationally, I have often thought in addition to business development, entrepreneurs would benefit from guidance and training on many aspects of business – over and above cultural differences.

I researched globally, seeking a program with elements similar to Corporate Class Inc. and was thrilled to find what I was looking for, and so much more, here in Canada with Corporate Class Inc.

This innovative Executive Presence System is much more than a leadership program; it is a must for any business executive, from new recruit to C-suite. The growth in communication and presentation skills is invaluable along with the knowledge gained in executive best practices.

CCI’s state-of the art program is founded on solid research and 30-years experience mentoring business professionals – from Fortune 500 companies to multinational organizations. It provided a unique motivational and inspirational experience.

Inthida Ngeth

Business and Marketing Consultant,
Toronto ON

I would highly recommend this program for anyone looking for high-quality training that delivers real value, immediate impact and positive return on investment. The content exceeded my expectations and I found the material to be hands-on and practical. This training will allow me to apply my knowledge immediately in any setting, while also giving me the tools and methodology to effectively develop and coach others as well. The team is very gracious and inspiring; learning directly from their experiences was a definite highlight.

Christiane St-Amour Rivard

Executive Coach, Leadership Development Specialist,
Montreal PQ

Thank you for one of the most powerful sessions I have ever participated in. The 5-day Certification Program was a game changer for my business and me. I have been in the business of professional coaching for over 15 years and to walk away from a week with CCI having learned as much as I did was impressive and inspiring.

CCI’s Train the Trainer Certification addressed what I anticipated the program would provide, plus so much more. Executive Presence is a critical component to an individual’s success in business today and this is the missing component of my service offering I was looking for.

Not only did I learn how to work with my clients to help them with their executive presence but I also learned a tremendous amount about me, and my own executive presence.

The CCI team is incredibly knowledgeable, generous with their time, resources and materials – I was completely blown away by how much information and materials they shared and gave us. They made sure we are all set up for success.

Terri Williams

CCI Senior Consultant,
Federal Leader

The presentation materials are absolutely first-class. There’s a powerful engagement factor that attracts business professionals across all levels, so I can present to an extraordinarily diverse range of people using CCI’s techniques.

The materials are thorough — even potentially delicate issues are resolved with grace. The Trainer’s Manual is so comprehensive it’s like a Master-Class textbook for executives. I especially like the adaptability factor; I can adjust the timing and cover all the key points to accommodate unexpected scheduling changes. The Executive Presence System is easily understood and assimilated by everyone I’ve ever coached. Even participants only part way up the learning curve are motivated to continue their journey. The range of material covered is exceptional. This is a key factor for me because with every session, I find participants consistently want more and more information. They genuinely look forward to each session.

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