This autumn has been super busy and very productive. Here are a few notes from folks who attended seminars in the last month or so…

October 13-16 Merck Rahway Lab Leading Innovation Seminar for 28 Scientists

Feedback summary note from Dr. Alison Strack:

Based on an analysis of the survey forms and 1:1 conversations, the general feedback was unanimously positive. The attendees conveyed that they learned valuable tools and methods for problem solving and conflict resolution, presentation & communication skills, seeking win-win situations, & collaboration. Most people shared the sentiment that in this time of change and stress, they appreciated learning tools to stay centered, focused, listening with empathy and mind mapping. Some of the quotes from the feedback surveys are:

• “wish I had the course early in my career”
• “recommend to associates and incoming band 6s”
• “excellent course; right balance of examples, practical games”
• “course more than fulfilled my expectations”
• “great course – I was expecting to waste most of my time and was pleasantly surprised”
• “more training like this, please!”

October 20-23, 2009: Orchestrator and Keynote Speaker for Conscious Capitalism Summit

Note from Dr. Jean Houston, author The Possible Human

“Michael Gelb brings state of the art knowledge of the working of the brain and the quickening of creativity to his immensely popular presentations and facilitations. He is a master of the art of bringing his audience to experience new ways of exploring their own minds and creative possibilities. Great lectures leavened by high hilarity, juggling, mind mapping and the exploration of the nature and practice of genius (especially in his presentation of the principles that informed the life of Leonardo da Vinci) make for an experience that illumines while it entertains. He is unique in what he offers and raises any conference or seminar to unexpected heights.”

October 28, 2009 Institute for Management Studies

Innovate Like Edison Seminar in Houston

I just wanted to say what a great job you did this week in Houston. I have gotten more personal emails from people who attended raving on what a great session it was. Several called it the best IMS session they ever attended! I really enjoyed having you here and look forward to getting you back with the DaVinci program.

Nov 3 and 4, 2009 Microsoft Operations Division 2-day Seminar (160 participants)

Summary from Chief of Staff Dan Klein:

Michael scored an average of 5 out of 5 from our participants. He was a very engaging, thoughtful speaker that appealed to Operations’ traditional left brain thinking while encouraging us to leverage our right brain creativity. Excellent examples backed by statistics/numbers/data that helped sell the message to Operations. Tailored his comments and approach to the Operations audience.

Nov 15, 2009 in Cleveland – one day seminar for 80 member of Legal and Audit departments of University Hospitals Health System, Inc.

Note from Janet Miller, Senior Vice President & General Counsel

Michael, Everyone ranked the presentation yesterday as the best that they had every heard. Today, people are still energized and juggling balls. The seminar was the most inspiring that they had attended and, one of the most liked features, was that it applied both to work and to their personal lives. So, thank you for making a positive difference in our lives. It was great to meet you and see one of the human geniuses who writes about geniuses. I look forward to working with you in the future.

These are some of the comments from the group:

• “Michael Gelb was very engaging as a speaker. He brought up some really interesting concepts and some valuable ideas as how to apply them. Plus, who doesn’t love juggling!?!?”
• “Favorite part was discovering to use the right side of my brain. The retreat was interesting and well worth it.”
• “Very informative. Really enjoyed it and would love to have him present again.”
• “Interesting history, energized and good presentation style.”
• “Inspiring ideas to approach things differently/from a different perspective.”
• “Enjoyed the combination of thoughts re: Edison and DaVinci.”
• “Michael Gelb’s presence – he truly was motivating…”