"You possess a remarkable understanding of how people and organizations think and behave, and can decipher objectively all viewpoints of an issue. You break down complex problems into surmountable obstacles and then mobilize people with divergent backgrounds and perspectives into coherent, results-oriented teams. You do all this with a quiet, unassuming manner that belies your outstanding, clear thinking and common sense. You have inspired confidence and performance at all levels of our organization."

- Louis G., President and Owner

"What sets you and your work apart from any other company I have experienced is the level of commitment, caring, and thoroughness you provide. At every turn, you have validated my feelings, dealt forthrightly with my fears and concerns, and helped me to continue to be a whole person. You have become a valued asset to my company. You possess skills that go far beyond your stated business services. I am confident in every project and product you have put your hands on. I welcome your input in the decision making process because of your ability to think critically, and your integrity and honesty."

- Richard S., President of a start-up company

“You handled a complicated set of family dynamics plus a highly critical group of managers to create an inspiring common vision. You were able to generate an important spirit of accountability and a commitment to lead and initiate from my senior managers. You made this experience so worthwhile by being results-oriented, holding us to task, and spearheading a very trusting process. You are an extremely effective facilitator. You are a genuine leader. Thank you.”

- Jerry R., President and Owner

“I must tell you that the retreat was everything we had hoped for and more. The two of you are incredibly thoughtful, perceptive, helpful (without being obtrusive) and “facilitative” in every good sense of the word. I still smile as I think about the crown and scepter ceremony. I assume you must have planned this in advance, and it was really incredible. In that moment, which was both lighthearted and intensely meaningful, Jim and I (and all the other partners) were finally able to accept change, clear up ambiguity, and begin to move forward.”

“At so many times during the two days I was amazed at the productivity of our discussions and the openness with which everyone participated. We never could have done this without your help.”

- Cynthia C., Managing Partner of a professional services firm

“…I would like to convey our appreciation for the extraordinary services you provided. The success of this innovative project is largely due to your talented design on the background sessions. It also required excellent and tireless interpersonal skills in working with a diverse group. You provided an inspiring model, both in your individual contributions and in your amazing teamwork with Karen Nell Smith. Perhaps the most telling testament to your rare skills was the transformation we witnessed on the part of the participants from a diverse assemblage of individuals with different backgrounds and personal agendas into a unified and committed group of citizens with a strong group identity.”

- Laura R., Director of a public discussion project

“You created an environment where muddled thinking suddenly became clear, and complex problems suddenly seemed simple. Through insightful, provocative questions, you encouraged and guided the group to resolve differences, and formulate a plan. Using your services was a wise business decision. It greatly collapsed the time and thus money required for busy professionals to resolve issues and plan constructively for the organization. In addition, you provided us with new skills in independent problem-solving and productive planning, which we can use proactively in the future.”

- Fran S., President of the Board of a trade organization

“I want to personally thank you for the wonderful job you did guiding our group last week. We far exceeded our own expectations as to what we could accomplish during that session, and frankly, our success was largely due to your skillful management of the entire process. I especially enjoyed participating in the meeting with the backdrop you provided on the Myers Briggs and Kolbe results. It really helped me to be more open-minded about how we each get to our own opinions and behaviors. I think this will continue to be helpful as the Board continues to gel.”

- Katharine K., Executive Director of a professional association

“Thank you for such a beautiful experience. Through your efforts, we were each enriched and motivated to take risks to become better leaders and mentors. Personally, I experienced such joy from the creativity and nourishment you provided. You have made a meaningful impact on my leadership abilities and the ways I will invest in others here at (Company) and in the community.”

“This was by far the best seminar I have ever attended, and your team’s performance was the best I have ever experienced.”

- Jerri J. and Sally I., Participants in a women executives forum

“Your facilitation skills were the key to our gaining a greater appreciation for the subtle and not so subtle pressures that test our ability to work together as a team. You were able to gain our trust in the interview process you conducted, thus raising everyone’s comfort level with the prospect of face-to-face discussions of sensitive issues. Throughout the day, everyone was at ease, willing to work, enthusiastic, and energetic.”

- Patricia B., Project director/team leader

“The information and the dialogue conjured up as a result of your facilitating were incredibly powerful and eye-opening. You are so effective at making that happen.”

- Susan G., Chief Operating Officer

“Just wanted to drop a line and let you know how much I appreciated the opportunity to attend the Leading with Grace course. Leslie, Denise and Jenny were all fantastic. I was very skeptical about going to this course, especially since it was asked of us on a weekend. I highly recommend it now. I think it should be taught by Kagan Associates at all the branches. This course gave me a good insight into my colleagues as well as myself. I can now get a better understanding of who I’m dealing with and how to deal with them, colleagues and clients. Thanks again for a great course.”

- Curtis F., Project manager

“I can’t express how important your little chat with me was to my well-being and attitude. In addition to the numerous practical ideas, I feel differently about myself. My conversation with you was like turning a corner. I haven’t realized how much my confidence has been worn down and you made me remember how I used to feel about myself. Thanks so much!”

- Donna D., Entrepreneur “coachee”

“We were delighted with our choice of Kagan Associates. From the first, we had the sense of good listeners who understood our goals, and who had sensible ideas about the kind and mix of exercises and substantive discussions. We were particularly pleased by their flexibility in responding to our suggestions and requests. Most of us had never participated in a facilitated meeting, and many expressed the view afterwards that they had arrived with skepticism, but left with respect and admiration for the process and especially for our three facilitators."

- Michael F., Program Director

“The sessions, facilitated by you and your associates, help us understand ourselves and each other. They enabled us to synthesize our diverse views into a statement of vision and a set of strategic imperatives to reach this vision. Finally, we started the process of evolving an organizational structure to implement the imperatives. This last task is where I give you particularly high marks. Left to ourselves, we would not have prodded, questioned, coached, or handled the owners and key managers as skillfully or artfully as you did. A slip-up here would have had dire results. The resulting organization is a stronger, more focused one than seven months ago."

- John M., Treasurer

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