Testimonials

“I encouraged leaders from three different companies to attend programs at GISC over the last five years. All of them indicated it was by far the best leadership development
experience that they had ever experienced. As result of GISC training, they are significantly more self-aware, make better use of their presence and are more able to design impactful and rewarding change interventions in their organization.”

Michael Walsh, Totem Hill Partner

“The leadership program at GISC was instrumental in developing a deep personal understanding of what effective leadership really looks like. I had very traditional views of leadership and management, and this program allowed me to stop trying to be those things and rather develop my skills in an inspiring, dynamic way that has shown clear, measurable results in my organization. Our restaurant chain is now the third largest independent pizza company in the US. I have stayed in touch with some of my classroom peers and to a person they experienced the same tangible results.”

Chris Adams Director of Operations
Nick's Pizza and Pubs

“I have participated in many leadership development seminars and programs. While I found the material to be informative and engaging, I rarely found that they had a lasting impact. In speaking to people about my experience at the GISC I have come realize that it is the most valuable and lasting program in which I have ever participated. I particularly appreciated the methodology of allowing individual participants to draw their own meaning and learning out of the program rather than lecturing participants on good leadership. My personal learning was so much more significant and lasting.”

Mitchell Bellman, President & CEO
Jewish Federation of Ottawa

“By helping me to more effectively lead clients and mentor staff, this leadership training has positively impacted my company’s work environment and I’ve achieved a 40%
increase in revenue generation. “

Lori Moretti, President
CM Communications

"The Cape & Islands Nonprofit Leadership Development Program was an extremely worthwhile and profound experience for me, both in my educational leadership role and in my position on the Board of Children’s Place. The Gestalt learning experience went beyond developing skills for leading and influencing people in an organization; it engaged the participants in reflecting on their own leadership styles, understanding the complexities associated with bringing about change, and applying these results-oriented leadership skills within professional organizational settings. The personal growth that I experienced went beyond my expectations and, to this day, I find myself integrating these leadership skills in all aspects of my life."

Gail M. Briere
Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum
Nauset Public Schools

“Thanks for asking my overall impression of the GISC experience. That experience has allowed me to become a powerful and gentle force in a large family with complex property and business dealings and no shortage of opinion or emotion. My goal has been to take at least one GISC program each year.I have always learned, become more aware, and kinder for each time I have visited your wonderful Center.”

Robert Greenberg, Minto Companies

“In the South African business environment, as in the rest of the country’s transitional social dynamics and quickly evolving identity scenarios, one quickly learns not to make any assumptions about the behaviour of those they are interacting with. I have found that my Gestalt learning and the tools and techniques that I learnt to practice and live by , have set me up to remain centred, present and aware of myself as I intervene. Knowing that I am the best tool that I have has taught me to constantly sharpen this tool through further learning, especially through practicing what I have learnt constantly. I can confidently say that now I am more aware of myself and my environment in the moment. I find that I engage others with intent and am able to manage my working relationships much better, easier and often with amazing shifts within large and small systems that I connect with. I know one thing for sure: you cannot do this Gestalt work and training and remain the same.”

Dumisani Magadlela PhD: Organisational Strategist. Development Bank of Southern Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa

"Nonprofit leaders rarely have or take the time to recharge themselves. I love that leaders get to rethink how to approach the work and to practice new ways of addressing their challenges. I’ve seen people change the way they interact with staff and board. They shift the conversations they have, to listen more effectively, to notice and name the things that might have escaped them before. By changing the conversations they change everything. What do we do with each other more than talk? Learning to engage in new ways has been essential."

Heather Berthoud, Berthoud Consulting, GISC Faculty for Leading Nonprofit Organizations