Testimonials

Robert K. Banks
Former EVP, Albertsons

I first utilized Leadership Outfitters' Power of Choice when I was looking for a program for part of my management team that had been deeply involved in significant restructuring and downsizing activities. I was so impressed with the impact the program had on the attendees and how well it helped them adjust to the challenges that I decided to send my entire management team as well as a few high potential and key associates through the Power of Choice program.

Throughout the time my staff and key associates were attending the program, I collected anonymously their opinions to make sure that the Company's investment continued to be appropriate. When the data was collected, they were asked if the Power of Choice retreat introduced new information about behaviors, how it related to their leadership styles, and what kind of sustaining changes they had experienced. A representative sample of those anonymous opinions is listed below:

"I've learned to delegate and trust the talented people I work with instead of trying to do everyone's job. Since I've stopped trying to steamroll my associates, they've taken ownership of their duties and our workplace has become more harmonious and efficient."

"Because of my new awareness of triggers that made me defensive (when I had no real reason to be), I now take a more intellectual approach, leaving my baggage out of the equation. The end result is a more positive influence with everyone I encounter."

"The Power of Choice gave me insight into my communication style, learning how I'm perceived by others, and how to quickly gather support and communicate so we can get things done. By understanding the needs of others, you communicate at a deeper level, building trust and confidence."

I witnessed dramatic positive and sustained changes in my employees upon their completion of the Power of Choice. The Power of Choice program focuses on personal growth and self-awareness. Self-awareness is the key to leadership development. Professional growth is closely intertwined with personal growth. A person must intimately and realistically understand themselves in order to develop their leadership and professional potential. As my staff demonstrated a willingness to become more self-aware, they became more teachable and coachable regarding new approaches to dealing with people and they became more effective in leading others.

Power of Choice uniquely addresses each of us as individuals, helping us to understand why we act the way we do and how to change our behaviors. Its unique, personalized approach and introspective nature resulted in positive sustainable behavioral changes in my employees and me. I was so impressed with the results that I took my adult son to the Power of Choice retreat with me.

Tom Allen
VP. Quincy Broadcasting Company

I've done quite a bit of interesting development work through the years, and this experience was extraordinary in so many ways. First of all the setting for the Power of Choice retreat is spectacular - very beautiful and serene. I was amazed how quickly I unplugged from the outside world. Joe Esparza and Ris Higgins do a remarkable job of creating a safe, comfortable space for their guests to do this very profound and life-changing work.

Genuine connections happen with people when you are willing to be vulnerable yourself, and great leadership can only occur when you make those types of connections. Sharing emotion in the workplace is part of our human experience - not something to be managed, stifled or ignored. When a leader is willing to be real and vulnerable, it creates an authentic space. That authenticity creates fertile ground in which to plant a deeper level of communication and understanding.

I would recommend this program to others simply because "you don't know what you don't know." If you think you already know what you need to know to be a great leader, the horse will help you think again. Working with a horse at the Power of Choice retreat was like looking in a mirror, but the horse gave me the new eyes I needed to see myself differently.

Julie Carbon
Zone Director for Florida, Heineken USA

The Power of Choice retreat was hands down, the best and most beneficial program I have ever experienced. Every element of the program — from the location, to the food, to the facilitators, to the information gained during the course — was exceptional. I have attended other courses that teach very similar elements contained in this course, and the other programs do not compare to the content or the format of this program.

I had a lot of confidence in Ris Higgins and Joe Esparza going into the retreat, as I have been working with them at Heineken USA for years. I really was not sure what to expect from the retreat, however. At the beginning of the week, I had fear, skepticism and was very guarded. About half way through the week, I realized that I had a choice. My options were that I could resist the experience, or I could go toward my fears. It was the most courageous decision of my life, and it was truly what changed my life because it opened a door that had never been opened. It was as though the flood gates had opened not only from an emotional perspective, but from my willingness to learn about myself and grow.

The experience has helped me and has changed my relationship with the people in my life and those I encounter on a daily basis. It truly was the first week on a journey to happiness.

Hans Reich
SVP, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)

The Leadership Outfitters Power of Choice retreat reaffirmed to me that reflection and, more importantly, the sharing of my feelings, is an important ingredient in all interpersonal relationships — including leadership.

The retreat was somewhat of a mind-altering experience that was exceptionally emotional, both in the process of identifying my 'hidden fear' and then successfully applying my re-discovered authentic self in the exercises with my horse partner, Crackers.

Being around horses can raise your Emotional Intelligence quotient exponentially by creating greater self-awareness and helping you realize your impact on those around you. It permits the adventurous to be comfortable with being themselves. What really struck me was that my horse partner, Crackers, provided instant feedback, like looking into a mirror. Anyone who embraces the Power of Choice concept may be surprised by what they see in that mirror.

As a result of my work with Leadership Outfitters, I no longer fear speaking to large audiences, something I dreaded before attending the Power of Choice. Family and friends have commented that I have become more open about what I feel and not just about what I think.

I have suggested this program in business and social settings as one of the most enriching experiences I have ever gone through.