Client Raves

Client List

Over the past 23 years, I am honoured to have partnered with hundreds of organisations to assist them in achieving their goals – for their teams, their individual staff and their entire workplace.

Some of these organisations include:

Testimonials

Listed below are the categories for the testmonials, click the one most relevant for you:

Team Re-Building

“Fantastic opportunity to get my new team to get to know each other and learn tips that can make our team work cohesively in the future (as well as to help with relationships outside of work!) - thanks, Sandi!”

Estelle Dimand - Team Leader, State Revenue Office Victoria

“The course exceeded my expectations. Having attended similar courses, my mind was slightly closed. Sandi's presentation skills, professionalism, enthusiasm and content proved very insightful, entertaining and valuable.”

David Grant - Investigator, State Revenue Office Victoria

Angelica Rose - Principal, Voice & Movement

“Sandi, your presentation was a fantastic way to start the year. It catered for both the new and old staff, making for a smooth introduction for them all. The team spirit was well and truly lifted with the members aspiring to achieve new goals and ready to take on 2012. Thank you.”

Helen Spargo - Business Manager, Buckley Park College

“The retreat was an outstanding success.  Sandi’s style of presentation and engagement was dynamic, enthusiastic and inclusive.  She took the time before the retreat to ensure the program content fully catered for our corporate needs.  Her obvious high skill level and subject matter expertise gave her the cognizance to develop and include content material to deliver a program that was exceptional.  Sandi’s willingness to share ideas and personal life experiences endeared her to all.  Participant feedback after the event is very encouraging and as a result I am working with Sandi to determine the scope and frequency of further programs for us.”

Vladimir A Prpich - Director, Monash Residential Services

“Thank you again for leading the Library Staff Let Loose day. Your engaging style and significant professional expertise gave everyone a sense of trust and confidence. You certainly assisted Deakin University Library in working with staff on issues that they had raised through our recent Top Third Staff Survey, including communication, working together better and understanding each other.”

Anne Horn - University Librarian, Deakin University

“I liked the no-nonsense way the content was presented – created a relaxed atmosphere to generate discussion.”

Karen Barrow - Finance Project Manager, McDonalds Australia Ltd

General

“After more than 10 years in the speaking industry I have seen a lot of speakers and trainers and I can say without hesitation, Sandi Givens is one of the finest.  Sandi's attention to detail, professionalism, genuine care for her audience and outstanding presentation skills make her a must for any organisation seeking improved performance.  I had the privilege of working with Sandi and a team of other presenters, to deliver a 3-month leadership program for one client over four years. I can tell you, Sandi was a favourite with the different groups ever year.  I would happily recommend Sandi Givens as a speaker, trainer or MC to any company or event organiser.”

Paul McCarthy - Director, Business Support Network Pty Ltd

“Sandi is particularly adept at engaging an audience and moving their mindset as she shares and explores ideas with them.  She confidently adapts her style to suit the audience's requirements and keenly senses their mood and matches or balances it in pace and delivery style.  I'm delighted to recommend Sandi as a speaker, workshop facilitator and master of ceremonies.”

Sandra Baigel - Director, Voice & Word Pty Ltd

“I have known Sandi Givens for many years and highly recommend her.  I have witnessed Sandi around the board table and highly respect her thinking and creating skills.  Sandi can help you to not only break the glass ceiling but push through anything that may be in the way of you becoming all that you are capable of becoming.”

Ian Berry, CSP FAIM - Past National President, National Speakers Association of Australia

“Sandi is a wonderful blend of passion, compassion and expertise. Her audiences love her for her integrity, her connectedness and her wisdom - as do I. She's real, authentic, calls it as it is - and delivers what she says she will.”

Anne Riches - Director, The Riches Group Pty Ltd

“Sand's style is open, accepting and most importantly engaging.  At a recent conference, her workshop was full and created a real buzz in the room. She is very approachable and easy to work with, a credible professional in the speaking industry both as a leader and role model.”

Camille Valvo - Professionally Speaking

Workshop Facilitation

“Sandi is without doubt one of the most skilled communicators and facilitators of change that I have ever encountered in my professional career. Her skill as a communicator is truly extraordinary, and the creativity and spontaneity she brings to the learning environment is exceptional. Many participants comment that their learning with Sandi has been a ‘life changing experience’.”

Denise Lavell - Training Service Manager, Synergy Plus Training & Development

“Sandi was brilliant! Lovely, freindly, funny! Sandi put me at ease as I was put forward by my manager to attend, saying I needed this information to progress in my job. Sandi kept me engaged at all times and I feel it has developed me professionally and personally."

Kylie Houghton - Drives Coordinator, Zurich Financial Services

"Your programs consistently rate the highest of any we offer.  Your facilitation is powerfully energetic and engaging.  Your uniqueness is just how easy you make it look and feel for the participants – you hold out to them that learning new skills is not beyond their capability.”

Russell Fisher - L & D Consultant, Environment Protection Authority (EPA), Victoria

“What I liked most about Sandi was her passion for the content, grounded, friendly, wonderful to work with, very engaging, honest and use of true life examples – not just theory.”

Carla Lusica - Operations Accountant, Canon

“Sandi provided a dynamic and polished presentation – she uses her body and voice in a way that grabs and maintains your attention.  She adds richness with stories that beautifully underscore the message and leave you feeling empowered and able to tackle any challenge.  She creates an environment that is alive with the air of possibility.

It is wonderful to find a consultant who is both flexible and responsive to our needs, and who acts with great integrity at all times.”

Kerrie Lawrence - HR Consultant, Human Resources Services Division, Deakin University

“Sandi is an amazing instructor, and she connected on more than just a ‘pupil-trainer’ level.  I really feel inspired.”

Linda Pieterse - Secretary, Canon

“Sandi’s words and behaviour are completely consistent: she projects genuine interest in other people and passion for what she’s teaching.  Her wisdom and good humour give us confidence.  She is my first choice of consultant to work with for personal and professional development.”

Margaret Ruwoldt - Web Projects Manager, Web Centre, University of Melbourne

“Inspirational seminar. Motivating. Credit to Sandi Givens for her passionate, humourous manner in which she presents 'Life Skills' in her seminar. Sandi captivates and engages her audience. Very beneficial.”

Sue Page - Integration Aide, Buckley Park College

Personal Leadership

“You exceeded my expectations.  I have learned so much about self belief.  I know now if I put my mind to something, I can do it – not just at work, but in all areas of my life.  Thanks, Sandi.”

Kathy Zahra - Test Analyst, IOOF Holdings

“Sandi's approach to life and its challenges is truly an effective way to overcome the obstacles we encounter as well as deal with change. Her message and manner in which she delivered her presentation motivated me to try harder to get out of my ‘known zone’ and find the many opportunities 'out there' in the 'learning zone'.”

Karin Capparelli - Library Assistant, Buckley Park College

“Sandi is fantastic – the content is all inspiring.  We hung on to every word.  Encouraging, clear, inspiring, funny, knowledgeable.  Never met anyone that has taught me so much in a small amount of time.”

Vicki Boyle - Assistant Accountant, Canon

“You were an excellent ambassador of your country (Australia), and believe me you will be the subject matter of our PA's for sometime.  They just loved your presentations and most importantly the YOU.  We would definitely love to have you again if we can.  Thank you so very much, you were and are just marvelous.”

Mea R Lou - President, Papua New Guinea Secretaries Association

“Sandi is very approachable and ‘REAL’.”

Karen Pearse - Licensee, McDonalds Australia Ltd

MC Services

“The Palladium Ballroom at Crown had well over 1100 people enjoying a fabulous breakfast, being entertained by Glenn Shorrock and listening to keynote speaker Adam Thompson.

Sandi, you stole the show!  Your delivery style of connecting with the audience and holding their attention was the highlight of the morning. How many people present a corporate message and get a call for two rounds of applause from the MC – and enthusiastic response from the guests?  You did!  You exceeded expectations!”

Elaine Dickson - National Director and Past Victorian President, Australian Institute of Office Professionals

“Sandi, you are by far the best MC I have ever seen in action, you are so attentive and showed a genuine interest for our industry.  You conducted proceedings in a soft, casual manner and with a lot of added humour without the time schedule slipping (we are organizers after all), thanks so much Sandi, I will certainly be recommending you to others!  Warmest regards, Adele”

Adele Blair - Director/Lifestyle Manager, Blair Lifestyle Management Pty Ltd

"Sandi is the most amazing person, MC, speaker and businesswoman. She has the ability to put the whole audience in the palm of her hand with ease, grace and genuine care. She has the ability to rescue an event from almost certain death and is a delight to listen to no matter which part of the experience she is involved in. I highly recommend her."

Kim McGuinness - Founder and Director, Network Central

“Fabulous MC! I haven't laughed so much in a long time. Informative, Quick to the point and keeps you interested. Thanks so much Sandi!”

Laura White - Owner, Simply Office Support

“Hello gorgeous Sandi … Fleur and I just wanted to take a moment to say thankyou from the bottom of our hearts for being the BEST MC we have had in a very long time. It was an absolute privilege and honour to be sharing the same stage. We really enjoyed ourselves and were so grateful for your professionalism, humour, sincerity and endorsement of us. It was very special. Hopefully we will get to catch up again some time with you. You are a very special woman who we are very grateful to have met.”

Kim Morrison & Fleur Whelligan - Authors, Health & Lifestyle Educators, Speakers

Presentation Skills

"Hello again Sandi -  This week I gave my first presentation since reading your book 20 Tips from (more than) 20 years - How to Deliver Powerful and Persuasive Presentations ... with Pizzazz! and it made such a difference to my presentation as well as my stress levels. Your book is so comprehensive and practical. I was able to prepare more effectively, know what to leave out and what to include, and even helped me stay calm when there was a technical glitch! It really is a must read for anyone who wants to master the art of presenting to a group."

Angela Esnouf - Director, Creating Order from Chaos, Expert AAPO Professional Organiser

“Sandi delivered more than expected, if that's possible. Public Speaking would have to be my worst fear and now I really feel I have the toolkit to engage with an audience, leaving my fear in the past. I can now view pubic speaking in a positive light.”

Jikara Liddy - Project Manager, Telstra

“An immense sense of freedom in the room. A very safe space.”

Clare Singleton - Physio/Director, Embrace Sports Medicine

“I have presented for 40 years in many venues but have become lazy and even boring. I now have a structure I know will work and work every time. I learned so much. Thanks, Sandi”

Les White - CEO, Maximum Impact Professionals

“I enjoyed being encouraged to present and learning that the only thing stopping me from doing this well were the thoughts in my head.”

Kimberley Dixon - Manager Southern Region, Canon Australia

“Fantastic Presentation. I learnt a great deal in a short time – imagine what I could learn from you in a day!”

Chris Grove - C Squared Virtual Admin Services

“Stimulating, Intellectually seductive, Professional & Polished. I have taken some ‘aha's’ … Thank you.”

Joseph D’Souza - Executive Coach, Questunique

“Thank you for your wonderful seminar on Critical Presentation Skills. I enjoyed it immensely – as well as being thoroughly challenged throughout the day. But all day you provided strong encouragement and support, your warm manner made us all comfortable and suddenly all things became possible.  Thanks for a great day.”

Anne Morton - Business Manager, Lifestyle Videos

Work/Life Balance

“I got a lot of ‘Ah-ha’s’ on how to identify and take action steps towards work/life balance.  Brilliant facilitator – warm, engaging, sincere and very knowledgeable.”

Rebecca Zappala - Marketing Consultant, McDonalds Australia Ltd

“Sandi always gives so much value and take away information. Always a delight to watch and be a part of.”

Anita Kilkenny - Owner, AKA Virtual PA

“I enjoyed Sandi’s teaching style and feel I have learnt more than just work/life balance – but how to be the best person I can be.  Loved her honesty, knowledge and ability to provoke my way of thinking.”

Elise Sproll - Consumer Insights Executive, McDonalds Australia Ltd

“This program (The ‘B’Myth) has helped me identify and act upon key elements in my work that have enabled me to attain a richer work/life balance.”

Daryl Davis - Team Leader, Division of Student Administration, Deakin University, Victoria

“Sandi is a vibrant, excellent speaker. She gives you the tools to succeed and excel in business and in your personal life.”

Rhonda Charlesworth - Owner, Effective Admin Services

Leadership

“Thank you so much for your excellent contribution to the success of our Leadership Conference.  Your session was rated very high by the participants for both the content and the presentation.  People obviously got the message and found lots of ways to use this immediately back in their workplaces.”

Elizabeth White - National Training & Development Manager, First National Real Estate

“Most importantly, I’ve learned who I am and what I need to change in my life … NOW!  Sandi has a great energy and used lots of personal experiences that I could relate to.”

Olivia Bannister - Corporate Accounting Manager, McDonalds Australia Ltd

“Sandi, thank you for giving yourself to our 2-day session.  How refreshing to work with a ‘real’ person.”

Tracey Walsh - Services Co-ordinator, Canon

“With professionalism, enthusiasm and genuine interest, you have imparted many helpful techniques and provided us with plenty of encouragement and inspiration to put these to use.”

Pauline Anderson - Customer Services Manager, Random House Australia

Coaching

“Sandi - your professional feedback for me has been invaluable. I'm sincerely pleased that I have this experience with you and will contact you again soon when I’m ready for the next step in my professional development. It was lovely working with you, all your feedback and teaching is very much in my head and we'll be in touch.”

Justine Isard, Director, MyLearning 

“Sandi is an insightful mentor who provided me flexibility & accountability. My year with Sandi as a part of the Kerrie Nairn Professional Speaking Scholarship was invaluable and I recommend anyone that wants to grow, stretch and break through their own ceiling of achievement to work with her.”

Jen Harwood - Director, Direct Incite

“A massive thank you for the contribution that you made to me personally.  You are doing a truly amazing job by what you are providing to women in the workplace.   I have walked away from this program with a sense of leadership and with a sense of connectedness to my colleagues – this was not present before doing your MasterClass.  I also stepped up and led the way in a project recently and really saw myself to be a leader!  Thanks once again.”

Joanne Omer - Client Services Manager, Canon Business Imaging

Women’s Professional Development

“I love, love, love the way Sandi uses real life examples with us because I took everything in so much more.  Have never come across a better trainer.”

Leanne Jackman - Secretary, Canon

“Sandi’s enthusiasm, professionalism and commitment was very contagious.  Her personality created a fantastic, humourous and very enjoyable 2 days.  Sandi’s knowledge is excellent, she tied each step together and continued to reinforce issues.  I feel very much encouraged to take this new knowledge on board.”

Diane Hackett - Policy Officer, Dept of Veterans Affairs

“Thoroughly enjoyed the roller coaster of thoughts and feelings that presented for me and the contribution Sandi made using techniques and examples that were easily understood.  Sandi allowed me into her world for my benefit.”

Margarita Aljabary - Onsite Service and Support Co-ordinator, Canon

“Sandi is motivated and enthusiastic with a wealth of knowledge and willing to share experiences from her life.”

Joanne Krueger - Assistant Director & Senior Policy Officer, Dept of Veterans Affairs

“Sandi has a sense of humour, use stories and role plays and is generous in giving her personal insights and experiences.”

Tanya Boston - A/g Director, Dept of Health and Aging

“Practical explanations and tools that will impact me greatly in my work and life!  Sand is creative, enthusiastic, helpful and responsive!”

Rebecca Jeffery - Assistant Director, Dept of Health and Aging

“Sandi is a beautiful person that opened herself up so we could learn from her examples.  She also makes time to help you privately with your problems.  The workshop was really fun and interactive.”

Helen Willits - Client Services Co-ordinator, Canon

“Very enjoyable – down to earth with great strategies to put in place.”

Gayle Philipp - Marketing Specialist, Tech Online