About Kwela
Testimonials
Highest "pearl per hour program" I have taken in years! Thank you very much. Michael McKeage, Chief Operating Officer |
This has been both relevant and practical. I'm leaving this session with the sense of optimism that I can support my staff. I've also gained greater appreciation of my peers through our discussions today. I believe we will be more inclined to turn to each other for support and advice as a result of this. Beverley Maxwell, Director - Certification |
Kwela did a great job of facilitating a team optimization process for our senior management. The work (which stretched over a period of 4 months) made a difference in better aligning us to our strategy and business plan. Kwela's work with us contributed to our business results: in the last year the MOV has seen its admissions rise by 35%, along with increases in membership, sponsorship and general media coverage. Our achievements have recently been recognized by the Canadian Museums Association (CMA) with the National Award for Leadership Innovation. Nancy Noble, CEO |
When I was introduced to your system, I could see the value to my clients however it has been your availability, level of service, warmth and attention that has really sealed my loyalty to working with Kwela! Geri Ramsay, Principal |
Kwela designed and facilitated our 'Transactional Leadership: Achieving Results Through Others' program. This program is aimed at emerging leaders in our organization and it comprises a number of components that stretch over a period of approximately 4 months. The feedback we’ve received from participants has been great. Kwela takes an experiential approach to development, emphasize practical approaches and tools and hold participants accountable through measurement and follow-ups. Susan Karda, Manager Organization Development & Learning |
While initially apprehensive about the process and what I would learn and discover, I found the coaching process of working with Nic a new experience, appropriately challenging, and one that expanded and continues to expand my leadership abilities. The best compliment came from my boss, who said he was glad I did this, for he sees a substantial and positive change in me! Geoff Sheppard, Chief Software Architect |
Our organization engaged Kwela to facilitate a number of leadership training workshops. They worked with all levels of management and the feedback has been very positive. I was impressed with how they linked the training to strategic initiatives and how they turned the training into a process. They also took measurement seriously. And the results were impressive. In one of the programs, the participants reported a 44% improvement in their knowledge, skill and ability. In another program, the participants' observers reported a 71% improvement in behaviours that the participants were targeting. Jean Rankin, Director Human Resources |
“Russel Horwitz and Nic Tsangarakis have worked with our organization, at all levels, over approximately 5 years. Their approach is practical because they’ve used the strategies they espouse as consultants. Their understanding of leadership development theory and practice is very deep. They have made a significant contribution to many of our initiatives. They’re great facilitators – energetic, passionate and credible. Donna Brown, Divisional Manager – Organizational Development |
I am extremely happy to write this testimonial for Kwela Leadership and Talent Management. We have had two cohorts participate in our Leadership Development Program which stretches over a 10 month period. Both groups have shown measurable leadership behaviour improvement. Mr. Nic Tsangarakis and Mr. Russel Horwitz excel in achieving measurable results. They are strong consultants, great trainers and they connect at all levels in the organization. They have provided Canaccord with an invaluable service and I highly recommend their programs and services. Giti Sepahi, Senior Vice President - Human Resources & Administration |
I've seen Nic Tsangarakis in action as a facilitator and coach in Canaccord's Leadership Development Program. Nic is a dynamic, energetic and insightful individual that does an excellent job of connecting with his audiences and coachees. His ability to help individuals re-frame their challenges and find solutions that can be implemented is incredibly valuable for busy executives and leaders that cannot always see how to solve their problems. Furthermore, his attention to detail and sincere approach provides me with the ability to maintain momentum without having to re-hash the past. Anthony G. Ostler, Senior Vice President, Group Risk & Capital Management |
Russel has delivered a time management and personal effectiveness program to many Hydro staff over the past few years. He is an effective instructor with an excellent background and pragmatic suggestions. His deskside coaching was particularly helpful for operationalizing the classroom concepts. I have continued to use Russel's expertise post-course - now 3 years later. Nicole Liddell, Manager, Leadership & Talent Programs |
Nic Tsangarakis has worked with our executive team by facilitating our succession planning / talent review session and by doing coaching skills training. He is an excellent facilitator and a wonderful presenter. He keeps us on track, makes the learning relevant and fun to boot. Our CEO always talks about having the "A" team show up when you contract for consulting services. He feels Nic is an “A” – type contributor and player. Agnes Ross, Executive Human Resources Director |
Nic Tsangarakis is very knowledgeable in his field. He grasps what is important for us, sees the forest for the trees and keeps us focussed. He has the ability to connect with our team and enjoys credibility. Shayne Ramsay, CEO |
Nic Tsangarakis has led a two-day strategic planning and team optimization process for our Department. Our relatively new team came together, grappled with difficult issues and came out with very satisfactory outcomes that helped make us a better, stronger team. He related well to the group and kept us focussed on our goals, yet he was flexible in allowing us to deviate from the planned path, to explore what was important to us.The evaluations from the session were very positive and complimentary of Nic’s style and presentation. I would not hesitate to recommend him for similar exercises. Stuart Whitley, Deputy Minister |
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Kwela worked with our organization to deliver a leadership development program for our senior team. Within days of launching the program, it was apparent that the entire group were making significant and positive changes to their leadership style, including myself. Kwela’s approach, combined with excellent coaching and facilitation, really helped us take the organization to the next level. Rodney Benson, CEO |
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Russel's Systems Thinking workshop was unlike any other I've ever seen. Participants were absolutely captivated by the way the facts were presented and in a few short hours, came away with a deep understanding of how global problems are not only interrelated to each other, but also to some of the things we treasure most in our own lives. Despite presenting an urgent and pressing picture of the current situation with no sugar-coating of the facts, his engaging style and consistent focus on solutions left participants energised and motivated in the belief that we can change the world. They could not stop talking about this workshop and many are now taking action in their communities. Jeff Gibbs, Director, Young Leaders for a Living Planet Program |
Kwela facilitates part of our training and entrepreneurship curriculum. The graduate and postdoctoral communities of BC Universities have benefited from a unique, hands-on, and highly interactive experience that has left them all wanting more! Kamilla Karoli, Skills Training & Entrepreneurship Program |
Russel implemented a 360-degree feedback and coaching initiative with our executive team. As a result of the success of the first initiative we asked him to help us implement 360-degree feedback throughout the organization, with associated manager training. He is an excellent consultant and facilitator - disarmingly straightforward with a gift for helping people keep it simple! Alison Taplay, Human Resources Manager |
