testimonials
“Jeanie Cockell facilitated an Appreciative Inquiry for the Kings Innovation Council. Close to 100 individuals participated representing a wide range of business, non-profit agencies and community groups. Jeanie used her excellent facilitation skills and wonderful sense of humor to make the two day event extremely interesting, informative and very productive. Her engaging personality encouraged participants to explore collaboratively many strategies to increase creativity and innovation in themselves, their workplace and the community. She led the group to work together to develop and sustain innovative positive community economic development.”
Marianne Gates, Development Officer, Kings Community Economic Development Agency, Kentville, Nova Scotia
“Jeanie Cockell and Peter Davison customized a program for our fast growth company that engaged all staff in giving input to our strategic direction and the further development of the company’s vision, mission and values. They used the Appreciative Inquiry process that was highly interactive and very effective in inviting staff and management to build on what is vital, effective, and successful in our company. By all accounts, everyone was highly motivated to contribute during this fun interactive engagement process that values everyone’s contribution. I highly recommend Jeanie and Peter to organizations ready for deeper employee engagement and who are seeking a dynamic and meaningful process that can help move your company from good to great.”
Ray Ritcey, President, Heritage Gas Limited, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
“Jeanie inspired the members of our community group to view themselves in a more kindly and appreciative light, to celebrate our accomplishments and to remember who we were. She re-energized us in ways we had never expected.”
Bill McMichael, President, Collingwood Neighbourhood House, Vancouver, Canada
“I had the pleasure of attending an online Appreciative Inquiry course with professor Jeanie Cockell through the University of Victoria. What I learned the most from in this course was Jeanie’s exceptional modeling of what she was teaching. Jeanie respectively pulled out and celebrated only the best in her students and helped us find that within ourselves and our work. I deeply appreciate her clear, wise, and encouraging guidance throughout the course, allowing us to experience ‘the magic’.”
Lynn Taylor, Yellowknife School District
“Taking the Appreciative Inquiry course at the University of Victoria with Jeanie Cockell as my instructor was transformational. I benefited from her insightful and challenging comments and questions and also from the input of other classmates who represented various countries and sectors. Appreciative inquiry has infused my practice with an intentional view to the positive. Doing this has helped me build relationships and capacity of the teachers I coach because it opens the door to addressing other ‘issues’ through the lens of a strengths-based approach. I have also successfully used this approach in pastoral planning at my parish and with students I tutor. Thank you, Jeanie, for starting me on this fabulous journey.”
Adrienne Castellon, Education Consultant, Vancouver, British Columbia
“Attending Dr. Jeanie Cockell’s two day Appreciative Inquiry workshop, my thoughts were tentative going into it and by mid-morning, I was hooked. Jeanie guides the group to discover and explore the issues in their own way – a great way to learn! The ‘feeling’ (of togetherness and learning) – the ‘fun’ (while exploring and challenging others in an appreciative manner) – and the ‘not frantic’ pace (allowed for an experience like none other). This session was powerful, supportive and helpful!”
Sheryl Furlonger, Confederation College Foundation, Thunder Bay, Ontario
“Jeanie Cockell combines inspiration, deep knowledge, clarity and humor in her teaching and presentation style. Her down-to-earth approach and authenticity helped me get in touch with and talk about my interests and passions and create a compelling plan for future endeavors. I appreciated her warmth, insightfulness and responsiveness during the four-day course she co-presented, and admired her ability to work seamlessly with her colleague.”
Susan Belgard, Appreciative Inquiry Practitioner and Trainer, Certified Co-Active Coach, California
“I appreciated the mixture of content and practice. Our instructor, Jeanie Cockell, was flexible and met the participants’ needs. I have been reminded of the importance of bringing people together in common pursuit of positive outcomes.”
Rich Abreu, Learning and Development Delivery Consultant, Hewlett-Packard, Roseville, California
“Jeanie Cockell’s skill as a facilitator enabled our group to connect deeply and quickly on day one. We shared and learned freely, compassionately, respectfully and creatively.”
Susan Sanford, Nevada City, California
“This workshop was outstanding! I got much more out of it personally and professionally than I anticipated. It was well organized and the participant environment was wonderful!!! 10+ Thank you! This will make a difference in my life.”
Deborah Ballard-Reisch, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada
“Like many organizations, we were struggling with employee performance evaluation processes – they just seemed so cumbersome, focused on the negative and unable to adapt to different learning and communication styles. In working with Jeanie, she helped us understand and develop more appreciative approaches to consulting with employees. This enabled us to develop new ways of looking at feedback and goal setting – more focused on recognizing and applying our strengths in support of our College strategies. We are now moving away from traditional performance reviews to a program and approach that is based on learning, growth and employee success. I highly recommend Jeanie’s work to any organization that wants to take a more proactive and engaging approach to redefining employee programs.”