TESTIMONIALS
The more than 400 individuals who have completed Henry Givray’s leadership learning programs have noted the powerful impact the experience has had on their professional and personal lives. Below is a small sampling of past participant reflections.
“I’ll admit I was slightly skeptical when I read the testimonials about this program being life-changing. However, I now understand, and it truly was life-changing for me. It was a privilege and an honor to participate.“
Courtney Mesmer
Vice President, Event Programming and Experience,
U.S. Travel Association
“Leadership’s Calling® was truly a remarkable experience and forever changed who I am. The leadership principles covered impacted me both personally and professionally by providing tangible tools that I now use daily.“
Brian Joyce
Business Development Manager, DTC Hardware Group (current)
District Sales Manager, Stiles Machinery (during program)
“Leadership’s Calling is one of the most precious gifts I’ve ever received. It unlocked the art of leadership for me in a way that makes this most powerful of human forces accessible and understandable. It’s the first class I’ve ever taken and I think it may be the last I ever need. I’m truly grateful for the time spent with the people in the class, including Henry (definitely!) and all the other people who helped make this a memorable experience that I shall treasure.”
Sanza Kazadi, PhD
President and Founding CEO, Kazadi Enterprises
“Leadership is incredibly complex, yet we are often thrust into roles without fully understanding why we were “called.” Leadership’s Calling unpacks this journey and distills it into a simple framework. The program helps you navigate the instinctual qualities you feel deep in your gut that define a true leader while also identifying blind spots and opportunities for growth. Henry creates the space with the cohort to develop conscious competence in leadership, all while laying the foundation for a lifelong mission of learning. I have taken deep principles as well as practical examples into my personal journey and I can safely say I’ve been forever changed.”
Sofia Lopez Chalmers
Vice President, Sales, Mintel
“Leadership’s Calling has been a profound and transformative journey, one that has equipped me not only with the tools to lead but with a newly found sense of confidence in my ability to do so. The program invited me to look inward, challenging me to confront my hesitations and embrace the call to leadership. Through every carefully crafted session, I gained invaluable insights—both about leadership and about myself— that I know will guide me for years to come. The thoughtful discussions, expertly facilitated by Henry, and the camaraderie of my classmates created a space for growth that was both personal and professional. While I entered the program with uncertainty, I leave it with a deep-seated belief in my capacity to lead my organization into the future. For this, I am deeply grateful to Henry and to the program—a gift whose impact will last a lifetime and will empower countless others in the years ahead.”
Karrie Pece
CEO, Autonomy Works (current)
Vice President, AutonomyWorks (during program)
“Leadership’s Calling® was truly life-changing. It helped me to redefine leadership in a way I had never contemplated, reinforcing things I had been doing well and helped me explore the many ways that I could make a greater, lasting impact on those I had been invited to lead.”
Michelle Ernsdorff-May
Founder & CEO, Compass to Care Childhood Cancer Foundation
“Leadership’s Calling® is not so much a program but a journey designed to be equally valuable for those early in their career all the way up through C-level. The insights and introspections are relevant professionally and personally. This journey is a gift that I wish I could share with all of the world.”
Jeff Illian
CTO, Virtus Investment Partners (current)
CIO, Harris Associates (during program)
“After attending some of the best business schools in the country, I found they prepared me very well for managing people, but spent little time on leadership. Leadership’s Calling® was focused only on leadership. As I continue on my journey, I am thankful for the experience I had, and my duty now is to share with others.”
Jim Harris, Jr.
President, Janitronics Facility Services
“The curriculum was unique, rigorous, and tremendously rewarding. No other learning opportunity I have experienced in 30 years compares. The practical tools, reading materials, and relationships I have gained allow me to continue to be a lifetime learner, mentor, teacher, role model, and outstanding leader.”
Deb Ward
CEO, Televergence Solutions, Inc.
“Leadership’s Calling® has much to offer. Henry’s passion to grow leaders shines bright and his enthusiasm for the material is contagious. All that is learned is immediately applicable and will age even better throughout the second half of my career.”
Jeff Wrobel
Managing Director, Private Wealth Management, CIBC Bank USA
“Life changing. That is not an overstatement in speaking about the impact of Leadership’s Calling®. You will use everything you learn every day, both in your professional and personal life. The rewards of participation are profound.”
Karen Litscher Johnson
Director, MCLE Board of the Supreme Court of Illinois
“Leadership’s Calling® is a once in a lifetime opportunity to know yourself better, to learn valuable and practical leadership lessons, and to apply them in real-time. The class gives you a framework and tools to unlock your full leadership potential which, in turn, enables you to unlock the true potential of others.”
Kristen Freund
Managing Director & Group Head, CIBC Bank US (current)
Managing Director, CIBC Bank US (during program)
“I have attended many classes and courses. One stands out: Leadership’s Calling®. The experience had a profound impact in my life and it is by far the deepest body of work I have been exposed to on the topic of leadership. There is not a day that I don’t think about and apply the learnings.”
Jacqueline Camacho-Ruiz
CEO, Author, International Speaker, JJR Marketing
“The Leadership’s Calling experience has had a profound impact on me. It is an absolute gift and will provide you with the true knowledge and perspective on leadership. It is a life-changing event that will deeply instill within you the right tools and intellect, setting you on the correct path to becoming a true leader in life, business, family, relationships and most importantly, within yourself. Words cannot explain how grateful I am to have gone through this experience.“
Chris O‘Neill
CEO
Logical Media Group
“I’ve known Henry for several decades and I expected that his Leadership’s Calling program would be pretty good, but it exceeded my expectations at every level. It’s hard for me to explain to others how I could sit in a class for seven hours and never feel bored for an instant, but Leadership’s Calling is so engaging, the exercises so interesting, and the opportunities for collaborative work with classmates so enjoyably challenging that the time flies by. I found myself wishing that each two-day class would last a bit longer. The timing of the class could not have been more fortunate for me. My team at work is currently going through a challenging transition period, and I’ve found the lessons of Leadership’s Calling to be particularly important and useful right now. I would recommend this class for anyone who is serious about personal growth.”
Kevin McDermott
Chief Technology Officer
Chicago Cook County
“Leadership’s Calling is an exceptional venue to be self-reflective in transformative ways. The unique and compelling frameworks provided have given me clarity of how to better connect my actions to my core values. The opportunity to reflect and grow in a collaborative environment has been a truly meaningful experience with a positive and deep-rooted impact.”
Deidre Stoken McClurg
President
Stoken Asset Management LLC
“Leadership’s Calling has had a profound impact on my life both personally and professionally. The readings and exercises pushed me to look inside myself and define the relationships that are truly important and meaningful. The journey unfolds in a way that does not feel like traditional academic teaching; it is natural, intellectual, and practical. “Leadership is invited and can only be given willingly” is a lesson that has left a lasting impression on the way I approach all the relationships in my life.”
Lisa Goodwin
Director of Medical Staff Services
Kootenai Health
Coeur D Alene, ID
“Leadership’s Calling is an awakening. It is the catalyst for an expedition in all directions. Inward self-discovery. Outward connection with others. Onward drive for continuous personal learning and growth. Its series of intentional challenges unlocks the immense power of new ideas, but also cements core values already revered in our heart of hearts. Through exploration of many diverse facets of leadership, one overriding priority resonates again and again: the vital and singular importance of the human element. I’m honored to have contributed to this defining experience and am humbled to serve in the spirit of its teachings.”
Zack Weber
Chief Financial Officer
Harris Associates
“This journey could not have come at a more perfect time in my personal life and career. Leadership’s Calling has provided me with dozens of new approaches and techniques to put myself in the best position possible to be seen as a leader among family, friends, and colleagues. I once felt that the sky was the limit, but now I know it to be true.”
Ben Dietz
Senior Vice President, Corporate & Customer Development
Mintel Group
“Leadership’s Calling is an exceptional program that has made a significant impact on my life both professionally and personally. The framework and fundamentals that we discussed and learned have allowed me to be equipped with practical tools that I can apply directly, resulting in meaningful changes in my behaviors and actions. This ultimately not only improves my impact as a leader, but I am evolving as a better manager, employee and person. I am excited to continue on the journey of lifelong learning and will consistently reflect on what I learned in the program.”
Alison Murphy
Managing Director, Middle Market Banking
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
“The rich, comprehensive learning made the effort 100 percent worthwhile. I can honestly say that I have remembered and applied something I learned every day since Commencement. It is like nothing you have ever experienced.”
Claudia Zacharias, MBA, CAE
President & CEO
The Board of Certification/
Accreditation, International
“I wanted to extend my sincere gratitude for Leadership’s Calling. It was an educational, challenging and thought-provoking seven months. I learned so many essential leadership lessons, and just as importantly I discovered a lot about myself. I am confident the lessons I learned will not be forgotten and I can already see the benefits for me, my team and my family. The program exceeded all of my expectations and is ideal for anyone who wants to build, improve or hone their leadership abilities.”
Robert Coulton
Co-Head, High Net Worth Sales
CIBC Atlantic Trust Private Wealth Management
“Leadership’s Calling was more than a classroom; it was a life experience. Having a candid space to learn and grow simultaneously with others is life-changing. Words matter. Leaders are not born, but they answer a calling. From that I’ve learned how to proactively nurture and redefine my true intention, create productive critical conversations and practice humility while understanding courage in resolution. True leaders make life look easy, but tirelessly work behind the scenes to master their craft at hand, all while continuing to learn and grow. Putting this into practice will be a life-journey and one that is truly rewarding.”
Heather Feaster
Director, Human Resources
Smithbucklin
“What a gift! I didn’t really know how the program would unfold over the 28 plus weeks. Or what I would get out of it. It turned out being better in every way than I imagined. It was organized and progressed with a logical sequence that built upon the last lesson. Before I knew it, my confidence was growing, not just as a leader, but as a person. As my confidence grew, I became both relaxed and excited about my new abilities and how it was enhancing my business and my life. About half way though is when interesting things started to happen – and are still happening now. Business opportunities are presenting themselves and I feel equipped to negotiate and make the out of them. Life seems to be unfolding the way I want it to, towards my goals and purpose in life. I truly feel changed, excited for my future and very thankful.”
Steve Arculeo, DC
Founder & Clinic Director
Peak Performance Health Care
“The Smithbucklin Leadership Learning Forum provides a far more introspective opportunity than I could have imagined. Instead of prescriptively telling you “how to be a better leader,” leadership’s invitation becomes clearer over the months of self-discovery and growth. After internalizing the classroom lessons, outside readings, and homework assignments, the lens through which you see things noticeably changes, impacting your goals and your ability to achieve them while bringing others along with you.”
Lauren Lawson
Manager, Education & Learning Services
Smithbucklin
“I came to the Smithbucklin Leadership Institute feeling quite competent in my leadership role. The program pushed me to question what I thought I knew about leadership, as well as what I thought I knew about myself. I have emerged with a foundation on which I can grow as a leader to improve the lives of those around me. Thank you for preparing me to continue this wonderful leadership journey.”
Tom Kruse
Senior Vice President of M&A
Marsden Holding, LLC
“Henry’s leadership program is an experience, not merely a classroom. I now understand that words matter; letting go of mistakes is critical to moving forward; high-functioning teams have specific qualities that are proactively nurtured and refined; critical conversations are crafted, not left to chance; change does not happen by accident; and difficult decisions require humility, understanding and courage. But this is only the beginning, as what I learned about myself is equally substantial and significant. Now I must put these concepts into action and continue to learn and grow. Leadership is not easy, but it is rewarding.”
Denise Roosendaal
Director, Business & Trade Industry Practice
SmithBucklin
“It was the most impactful, emotional and self-altering program I’ve ever participated in. The amount of candid introspection during the six-plus months empowered me to interact with my team, my clients and my association at a level that I never thought possible – and in the process strengthened every relationship I have.”
Keith Wewe
Vice President, Strategy and Solutions
Content Pilot LLC
“As a seasoned executive, I wasn’t expecting this experience would have such a powerful daily impact on my business. I am applying the training and insights gained from this program directly to my team, my clients and every other relationship in my life. Despite my years of experience, I now realize that I am at the beginning of my journey, and I have been given a special gift that I will carry forward the rest of my life.”
Dan O’Brien
President
Tech Image
“Through my words and actions, I have the opportunity to inspire and enable others. The Smithbucklin Leadership Learning Forum provided me with enhanced knowledge and skills to make these interactions more impactful for both the individuals and the organization. Through self-reflection, I have become even more self-aware and better understand how to develop my strengths through the lifelong journey in leadership. It has become clearer to me why I love to come to work each day.”
Stacy Miller
President
The France Foundation
“It’s not just a series of lectures where you sit, listen and go back home. You are stimulated to write, to reflect, to provide feedback, to listen, and to accept feedback. I can now see how being a leader requires a specific set of skills. This has offered me a broader view and a systematic way of looking at leadership.”
Roberto Civitelli, MD
Chief, Division of Bone and Mineral Diseases & Director
Metabolic Skeletal Disorders Training Program
Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine
“What I gained was not just leadership skills but exponential personal growth. I am a better person and a better leader, and the journey has only just begun. The gift of participating in the Leadership Institute is simply priceless.”
Michelle Day, MSN, RN, CGRN
Team Leader, Comprehensive Liver Center
Hartford Hospital
“What Henry has built with Leadership Calling is nothing short of exceptional. Each session is thoughtfully designed to build upon the last, creating a seamless and impactful progression. Henry’s unique ability to guide you deep into self-reflection and challenge your thought process is transformative. His program doesn’t just teach leadership—it invites you into it, reshaping how you approach your role.I think about the program and what I’ve learned every single day. The lessons stay with me, influencing how I make decisions, interact with my team, and grow as a leader. The depth of insight gained continues to shape my leadership journey long after the program’s conclusion. It’s not just a course; it’s a lasting shift in how you think, act, and lead.”
Bill Warnecki
President & CEO, SERVPRO of Alexandria
“Leadership’s Calling® was at once the most profound, challenging, timely, and ultimately valuable development experience I’ve had in my career. It was a truly special experience that I would highly recommend to anyone seeking to learn and improve as a person and as a leader.”
Danny Hest
CEO, Strongpoint Partners (current)
CEO, Roadpass Digital (during program)
“I wasn’t fully prepared for the impact and sharpened perspective I gained from Leadership’s Calling®. The teachings and classroom exercises opened my eyes to transformational growth in both my professional and personal life. Leadership’s Calling® was a profound experience that strengthened my relationship with myself and those I’ve been invited to lead.”
Sam Richardson
President & CEO, Identity Group
“As an experienced executive and CEO, I thought I understood the meaning of leadership. Leadership’s Calling helped me to reimagine that definition creating a more holistic and authentic understanding of leadership. Henry’s thoughtful curation of the curriculum, combined with his passion for growing leaders, shines through in every interaction. The opportunity to network with those who are just as motivated to become true leaders is icing on the cake. Thank you for the life-changing experience!”
Vibhab Prasad
Startup CEO Advisor
“Leadership’s Calling® challenged me at my core. It forced me to think, act, and respond differently. Through readings, exercises, lectures, and engaging discussions, I learned the true meaning of leadership and what is required to receive its calling. This program changed my life.”
Sharon Allen
CEO, Orthopaedic Research Society (current)
Executive Director, Neurocritical Care Society (during program)
“Participation in Leadership’s Calling® was a gift. Henry is a true practitioner and students are challenged to apply the lessons in real-time. I witnessed classmates make profound individual transformations. I have zero doubt the experience will positively impact the trajectory of my life. Don’t pass up an invitation.”
Max Rubin
Chief Financial Officer, BNZ Materials
“Though I have attended other leadership programs, I have never experienced the depth or impact of the Leadership’s Calling® experience. There is no superficial or osmosis learning. It is intense discovery through immersion and examination. This program engages a diverse group of participants and confronts assumptions and what comprises true leadership.”
Mickey Haryanto
Joint Replacement Program Manager, Medical University of South Carolina
“As a 30-year veteran of leadership who is committed to life-long learning, I have attended dozens of leadership seminars and classes. Of those, Leadership’s Calling® was by far the most comprehensive, inspirational, and impactful on me, professionally and personally.”
John Matelski
Executive Director, Center for Digital Government, eRepublic (current)
Chief Information Officer, DeKalb County Government (during program)
“Having completed many leadership programs over the past 25 years, there is nothing like Leadership’s Calling®. I was challenged to look beyond conventional ideas and clichés. Because of the deeply thought-out concepts, group discussions, and challenging personal assignments, I have been able to achieve positive, tangible results, professionally and personally.”
Michael Donnelly
General Manager, Daniels-Olsen / Metro Hardwoods
“Leadership’s Calling® has had a profound impact on my life, professionally and personally. The journey unfolds in a way that does not feel like traditional academic teaching; it is natural, intellectual, and practical. ‘Leadership is invited and can only be given willingly’ is a lesson that has left a lasting impression on the way I approach all the relationships in my life.”
Lisa Goodwin
Director of Medical Staff Services, Kootenai Health
“Leadership’s Calling® was the most transformational professional and personal learning experience I have had. The content design is impactful and powerful. The intentionality is truly an art. Every deliverable is presented in an application-based format allowing participants to use the learnings and tools at work and home immediately.”
Lindsay Miller
Co-Founder & Lead Consultant, Reverie Organizational Development Specialists (current)
co-CEO, Chief of Staff, d’aprile properties (during program)
“Leadership’s Calling® was the most challenging and rewarding leadership training that I have ever participated in. The content was truly unique, thought provoking, and immediately applicable. The program has a high-paced cadence, but is purposely designed to effectively provide just enough focused time for deep and lasting learning on all the critical aspects of leadership. A life and learning experience I will never forget!”
Ron Han
President & COO, Scot Forge (current)
Vice President & COO, Scot Forge (during program)
“Leadership’s Calling® was a transformative journey! It is a beacon for aspiring leaders, emphasizing continual learning, self-awareness, and the art of inspiring others. The program’s robust curriculum has provided valuable insights into leadership theories, practical applications, and real-world challenges.”
Cil Aquino Ross
Chief People Office, Hilco Global (current)
Head of People, Harris Associates (during program)
“It is not an easy task to capture in words the impact of Leadership’s Calling has had upon my life, both professionally and personally. It was readily apparent that the deep expertise and proven concepts that formed the program’s foundation would drive quality that I had not experienced in other programs. What I could not have anticipated, however, was the ongoing and lasting impact that Leadership’s Calling would come to have on my life. I can say with confidence that the experience has been transformative in a way I was not expecting. As the program progressed, the effect of the lessons would continue long after each in-person session. It became apparent that this lingering impact resulted from the intentional, thoughtful way the program components are integrated. Leadership’s Calling delivered on the promise of enduring impact; the very outcome I aspire to instill in my own organization and community.”
Jessica Robbins
Senior Manager, Line of Business Financial Planning & Analysis
Discover Financial Services
“Leadership’s Calling was one of the best learning experiences of my life. It taught me a discipline about the never-ending cycle of self-reflection and growth that gives meaning to life. During the six-month program, you are taken on several trips outside your comfort zone where the best growth happens. The self-reflection on how my innate attributes impact everything around me was the biggest aha moment. Come prepared and stay focused because every session ties back to the previous session’s experience. In addition, I’ve created enduring relationships with my classmates which will last a lifetime.”
Anthony D’Andrea
Director of Development
Wheaton College
“I am extremely fortunate to have accepted the Leadership’s Calling invitation; a powerful and life-changing experience! From looking within to better understand me and my search for on-going meaning to appreciating and acknowledging the impact and difference I have made and can make with those I serve, manage and lead, the program impelled me to garner my skills personally and professionally. Henry (and program co-facilitator Doug) pushed my fellow cohorts and me to go beyond comfort zones to discover, develop, and grow beyond my expectations. I truly cherish the enduring relationships I have created with my fellow cohorts as well as the good fortune to collaborate and learn from them. The journey is on-going and I am forever grateful to Henry for the opportunity to participate in the 2022 Leadership’s Calling. If one has the chance and call to join the Leadership’s Calling journey, do it!”
Kurt M. Wells
CEO
The Center for Great Work Performance
2020-2022 Executive Council Chairman, Chi Psi Fraternity
“Leadership’s Calling came into my life at the perfect time. It is a well-rounded program that has helped me challenge my way of thinking and being in my life. The progression from who I am to what I can enable is a profound journey. Through the entire thought-provoking experience, I developed into a stronger, more flexible and graceful founder in which I can facilitate unlocking potential in myself and others. My business is on track to double both in volume and in staff this year.”
Michele A. Kehrer, PT, DPT
Founder and CEO
Balance Chicago
“Thank you for this amazing gift of Leadership’s Calling. From a personal growth perspective, this exceeded my very high expectations. The ability to share the Leadership’s Calling experience with my senior team was invaluable! The significant investment you made in me and my leadership team was abundantly evident. The impact already seems profound; however, I know it has just begun to germinate.”
Derek Maunus
President & CEO
GILLIG
“The Smithbucklin Leadership Institute challenged my fundamental understanding of leadership. It provided a deep introspective look into my current leadership acumen versus my leadership competency. I encourage others to absolve themselves of their management facades and permit the ability to unlearn.”
Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE
Chief Executive Officer
Association Forum of Chicagoland
“Leadership’s Calling grabs you from the very start, demands considerable patience and focus throughout the program, but ultimately gives back much more during the sessions and intervening periods. The program pacing and cadence afforded the opportunity to absorb the nucleus of a particular session and provided ample time to apply the lessons in real-time in various work and personal settings. The open yet confidential nature of the sessions unlocked genuine candidness among our class, and the friendships forged were as deep as I have been able to build in 3 or 4x the amount of time. I would highly recommend Leadership’s Calling to those interested in challenging their closely held views, continuing the quest of lifelong learning, and making interpersonal connections that will endure well beyond the time spent in-session. I have grown professionally, while flourishing personally, and for that, I will be eternally grateful to Leadership’s Calling.”
Jake Goldstein
Managing Director, Corporate Banking
CIBC Bank USA
“It was an honor to be able to participate in Leadership’s Calling. Through various learning techniques and exercises the program pushed me outside my comfort zone. As I became more self-aware, my confidence grew. These lessons have inspired me to be a better person who is excited to enable great things through others. I am looking forward to my lifelong journey and all that there is to learn along the way. I will be forever grateful for this experience; it has truly changed my life for the better, professionally and personally.”
Tracy Olson
Account Manager
Geneva Advisors, LLC
“Leadership’s Calling provided me with a new inner perspective. I see my daily interactions and strategies impacted, and I feel personally changed by the experience for the positive. The philosophies and mindfulness that I learned are contagious. They have already become part of the culture, and I see that positive effect cascading throughout my organization.”
Suzie Mitchell
Senior Director, Client Delivery
TalentRISE
“Leadership is not a passive activity, and neither is this program. Leadership’s Calling provided an excellent structure, and more importantly a wonderfully supportive learning environment, to explore what leadership meant to me, what I want to become, and how I can create a more powerful future. I am forever grateful for the experience as it helped me address some daunting challenges and jumpstart the next stage of my leadership journey with clarity and confidence.”
Kirk D. Fleming, D. Ed.
Assistant Vice President, Global Talent Development
ReSource Pro
“I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to go through the Leadership’s Calling program. The principles and skills that I learned throughout have had, and will continue to have a lasting impact on not only my professional life, but my personal life as well. Every exercise and reading assignment is carefully and well-thought. I was able to implement the lessons learned in real-time throughout the program, and will continue to practice and grow these skills throughout my career. Additionally, a deep bond was developed with all of the students, making the class even more meaningful. While I have always had a passion for learning, Leadership’s Calling is easily the most provoking and influential program I have ever taken.”
Tracy Dempsey
Vice President, Account Management & Client Service
Mintel Comperemedia
“It was a life-altering experience that transformed my personal and professional leadership capabilities by creating a unique learning experience and lifelong friendships. Without a doubt, this experience was the most important learning experience of my life.”
Andre Williams
Director, Healthcare + Scientific Industry Practice
Smithbucklin
“I have attended many leadership seminars in my 30-year history. There is nothing that even begins to compare to the rich experience of the Smithbucklin Leadership Institute. The self-exploration was so deep and meaningful. The growth begins while taking the class, the journey continues well after.”
Catherine Pallozzi, CHAM
Director, Patient Access
Albany Medical Center
“When I was considering Leadership’s Calling, I questioned if I could make the investment and devote the time the program required. It was the best investment I could have made in myself. The value I derived was due to a combination of the comprehensiveness of the curriculum; the impressive and thoughtful contributions of my fellow students and the resulting relationships forged; and, the extra effort I chose to make in my contributions to the program so that I developed the specific areas of growth important to me.”
Don Souhrada
President
Ter Molen Watkins & Brandt
“Leadership’s Calling challenged me in all the right ways. The sessions, and more so the time in between, offered me the opportunity to reexamine how I spend my energy and pay attention to the leader I am. While at times I doubted myself and my efforts, it was that doubt that allowed me to break down barriers and preconceived notions of what I’m supposed to be and focus on who I want to be. I look forward to continually challenging myself and actively looking for ways that I can implement my growth and celebrate the accomplishments of those around me. I also immensely appreciated the setting of Leadership’s Calling, interacting with people from many different industries and in various parts of their careers – these connections are something that can only be created through a program like Leadership’s Calling.”
Kim Wiatr
Manager, Technology Industry Practice
Smithbucklin
“Leadership’s Calling is one of the most worthwhile professional development programs that I’ve ever attended. The program offered me valuable opportunities to deeply explore my own leadership capacity and grow with a diverse professional group. Because of this experience, I feel empowered and ready to lead my organization into the future.”
Geoffrey Brown, CAE
Chief Executive Officer
National Association of Personal Financial Advisors
“After hosting Henry Givray’s internal Smithbucklin version of Leadership’s Calling for many years, I jumped at the chance to join the inaugural class of this incredible program. The rigor and commitment required were well worth it. I gained personal and professional knowledge from the program, the people and the overall experience. It has already impacted how I lead and manage my company. My only regret is that I did not have an opportunity to take this course years ago!”
Louise Silberman
Managing Director and Chief Experience Officer
Summit Executive Centre
“The Leadership’s Calling experience exceeded all my expectations. From the self-reflection and self-discovery to the meaningful exercises and the forever friendships. My personal and professional growth has forever been impacted.”
Lark F. Stone, MPM
Global Account Manager, Global Project Management Organization
BCD Travel
