Raves & Reviews on Speaking
Casey Coven
Columbia Charter Chapter
Maryland Capital Chapter
American Business Women’s Association
April, 2007“Thank you so much for speaking to our group. I apologize for it being such a small group, but as you said in your presentation, one never knows why but something will come of it for someone. I think many of us had some ah ha moments. I appreciated the way you responded to the group. I know everyone that was fortunate enough to be there really enjoyed your presentation and took something away with them.”
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Comments on Ginny Robertson: “Creating a More Joyful Workplace”
Clemson University’s Professional Development for Women Conference
Asheville, NC
April, 2007“Excellent.”
“Very, very useful and inspiring.”
“She offered some very thoughtful, wise observations about attitude/life outcomes. Excellent.”
“Good ideas for keeping things in perspective—at work and home.”
“Wonderful.”
“Very good applications; good handouts; I plan on starting a gratitude journal and using some of her tips at work.”
“I learned to take a chance and do what really makes me happy.”
“Good message.”
“Did well since she only had a few hours to prepare—she stepped in at the last minute and delivered effectively.”• • • • •
Comments on Ginny Robertson: “Getting Out of Your Own Way” Keynote
Clemson University’s Professional Development for Women Conference
Asheville, NC
April, 2007“Very good speaker.”
“Very confident, informed, and above all, in touch with reality.”
“Powerful message that was delivered in an easy to understand manner.”
“Good energy set the tone for the day.”
“Good message.”
“Funny and easy to relate to.”
“Engaged audience and gave scenarios that everyone could relate to.”
“She said what I needed to hear.”
“Very good—kept my attention.”
“Motivational”
“Great opening speaker and easy to relate to, good topic.”
“She gave me some useful advice concerning really knowing what I want out of life.”
“Great inspiration.”
“Great way to start the day.”
“Positive and uplifting.”• • • • •
Comments on Ginny Robertson’s Career Day Keynote from the Students at Mt. DeSales Academy in Baltimore
February, 2007“You started Career Day with a bang!”
“We loved you. Thanks for Coming.”
“Thank you. You pumped us up for the rest of the day.”
“Thank you so much! You gave me many things to think about. You are a very strong and independent woman and I want to be just like you. Thanks for speaking to us.”
“You make me want to go out and make something happen for me! Thanks for the inspiration!”
“You made me feel wonderful!”
“You’ve a lovely person.”
“After listening to you speak, I feel I have so much to offer the world. You’ve inspired me to avoid fear and take every opportunity.”
“You speech was so great! It inspired me! Thanks a lot.”
“I loved hearing your cute childhood stories!”
“Loved it!”
“Thank you much. You changed everyone’s life.”
“You were so much fun and so inspiring.”• • • • •
Annelie E. Weber, DTM, Immediate Past Governor Select Distinguished District 18 Toastmasters International
January, 2007“I have known Ginny Robertson for many years, and I have personally invited her to many of my conferences and meetings as a speaker, trainer, and workshop presenter. I first met Ginny at a motivational speaking event in Baltimore, MD where several speakers presented talks on a variety of subjects—all directed to move the audience to action. Ginny stood out as such a speaker that evening and I met with her that night to ask her to be a workshop presenter at the Women’s Fair in Frederick County, MD.
“I was then serving as the President of the Frederick County Commission for Women, and I was the Chair for the Fair. The Fair, a long standing tradition in our county (20 years) attracted women from all walks of life and age groups to network, to learn, to be motivated, encouraged, and to reinforce their dreams, visions, and determination to succeed, no matter what their circumstances or needs. The Fair also served as an information exchange of services available to women and their families throughout Frederick County. Ginny was an instant “hit.” I invited Ginny to attend two additional Fairs.
“Subsequently, I have asked Ginny to be a presenter, speaker, for many Toastmasters activities—workshops, conferences. As District Governor of Toastmasters 18, I was fortunate to be able to have Ginny’s talents to enrich our conference attendees. Our paths continue to cross throughout the year as I motivate those whom I meet to become better speakers and leaders and Ginny encourages all those who cross her paths by instilling in them the power of invincibility.
“That she is successful as a speaker, author, writer, trainer, is verified through the countless successes she has enjoyed and through the many honors given to her by organizations, associations, and non-profits throughout the State of Maryland.
“She is an excellent speaker who speaks from the heart and, more importantly, she cares about those with whom she speaks. As such she gives much of herself and her warm, friendly and sincere speaking style makes her an ideal candidate for your conference. As a 20+ years Toastmaster, I can highly recommend Ginny. She will motivate your audience through her expertise and ability. Her professional appearance and enthusiasm makes her an ideal candidate as a motivational speaker and attendees who have the pleasure of listening to her will take valuable nuggets away from her speech.”
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Felicia Barlow, Women in Film & Video
January, 2007“I haven’t had an opportunity yet today to thank you! It was a GREAT first event for 2007 and you offered so much more than even I thought was possible for the event. I know every one of the attendees walked out “transformed” in some way.”
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Charolene Oliver, President, CCBC Catonsville Chapter
American Association for Women in Community Colleges
October, 2006“We were looking for a dynamic speaker to give us an inspiring start for our fall AAWCC meeting. The selection of Ginny Robertson was indeed an outstanding choice. Ginny has a wealth of knowledge about life that she delivers in a down-home folksy style that makes everyone in the room comfortable with her. Her words of wisdom about “Getting Out Of Your Own Way,” caused all in attendance to think of the decisions we make and how we let our insecurities and doubts control our thoughts and actions. She also very skillfully addressed how we allow other’s opinions to influence critical decisions in our lives. One colleague told me she became angry as she listened to Ginny, because she realized that she chose her profession not because of what she wanted to do, but because of what others told her she should do. She now realizes that she could have become the doctor she always dreamed of being, if she had only pursued her interest and not allowed others to manipulate her. Listening to Ginny and analyzing how her script pertained to our lives was like going to a free counseling session.”
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Pat Hogan
Director for Community Education, Harford Community College
October, 2006“Ginny Robertson was the keynote speaker at several Harford Community College events (ATHENA Women’s Leadership Breakfast, New Visions for Women) in addition to hosting some OPN meetings here in Harford County. She is EVERYWHERE and always leaves her audiences and table mates thinking, and feeling good about themselves. I thank her for the differences she has made in Harford County.”
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Alice Houck, President Frederick Business & Professional Women
February, 2005“Thank you for your presentation to FBPW. You were great and we appreciate your expertise.”
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Barbara Burdett, The Jr. League
February, 2005“Thank you for such a wonderful presentation—I thoroughly enjoyed it and I know a lot of the members walked away with a little more courage and confidence to continue the self-reflection and the journey to their point of “intention.” Thank you for your preparation, your engaging approach and your illustrative examples—just wonderful!”
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Comments on Ginny Robertson: “Creating a More Joyful Workplace”
Clemson University’s Professional Development for Women Conference
Harrisburg, PA
September, 2004“I am going to suggest that our office keep a gratitude journal. It is sometimes too easy to get caught up in all the negativity around us. This will be a great way to keep us motivated.”
“Best session of the day—lots of good input very helpful in many areas of life—not just work.”
“Exceptional. I would like to spend more time in seminars she hosts. This session gave me good food for thought—kind of an epiphany! (personal life not work).”
“Very helpful information—there are many things Ginny said that I will think about more deeply and work on and put into action.”
“I will be teaching others the importance of finding joy in their days—this was a great session.”
“I walked away from this session with a definite action plan and I would like to begin keeping a journal of all the things in life I am grateful for and recognize the many I take for granted.”
“Making joy win out of choices thought provoking I like her ideas of self care; I don’t do that.”
“It’s hard to concentrate on lesson after lunch but she was good.”
“Very helpful.”
“Wonderful presentation. Took so much from this talk to practice at work and home. Thank You!”• • • • •
Comments from participants in Ginny’s workshop, "Getting Out of Your Own Way" for the Region VII Toastmaster’s Conference.
Baltimore, Md.
June, 2003“She really knew her subject matter.”
“Very dynamic, professional presentation.”
“She had us in her hands and offered valuable information that was down to earth.”
“Excellent!! But you terrified me!! I failed at my dream once. I need to figure out whether I’m in the same place and hot to get out of it. You challenged me. Nothing really new but, hopefully, you inspired me.”
“She made great use of audience participation and was very energetic.”
“Excellent presentation. She offered many ways to achieve success.”
“A good conversation with a fun ending.”
“She was outstanding and inspirational.”
“I enjoyed her very much.”
“High energy, focus, conversational tone. An excellent job.”
“Very friendly, warm and gracious.”
Comments on Ginny Robertson’s workshop, Joy is an Inside Job—Creating a More Joyful Workplace from participants in Clemson University’s Professional Development for Women Program, Richmond, Va.
November, 2002“Ginny’s message was inspirational. We hear about joy in church all the time. Today it was even more touching to hear about ‘Joy.’”
“Very intellectual and positive, yet informative and sincere. Allows me to be more grateful in a voicing way (say it more).”
“She gave advice that I can use. Ginny was focused and informative. The material and topics were things I considered, but now I am willing to surpass circumstances as I progress towards change.”
“Ginny is good at bringing the audience into interaction and has a good sense of humor.”
Comments on Ginny Robertson’s workshop, Joy is an Inside Job—Creating a More Joyful Workplace from participants in Clemson University’s Professional Development for Women Program, Harrisburg, PA
November, 2002“Excellent presentation on how to bring a better attitude to life.”
“Great speaker. Very interesting.”
“Gave a lot of great tools to work with.”
“Showed me ways to get outside myself and make me happy!”
“Demonstrated valid differences between guilt, resentment, gratitude, joy, worry. Gave examples to let guilt, resentment go to realize gratitude and joy in your life.”
Pam Amberman, Project Director
Women’s Business Institute
October, 2002“On behalf of the Women’s Business Institute I would personally like to thank you for taking the time from your busy schedule to come to our October 4, 2002 Southern Maryland Regional Symposium, Women On The Rise: Redefining Leadership. Your Seminars, Effective Presentations: Being a Dynamic Speaker and The Keys to Effective Communication and Successful Networking provided the attendees the knowledge to help them proceed and be successful in their business endeavors.
We were delighted with the positive feedback we received on the conference, due in part to your most educational presentations. I had the opportunity to speak with some of those who attended your workshops and they commented on how they enjoyed your personal interaction with them and how well everyone communicated. They received a lot of valuable information and they would have liked to have spent more time with you.
As you know, The Women’s Business Institute is a non-profit organization that provides services to women entrepreneurs and professionals. Your presentations are just two fine examples of our efforts to bring much needed education and training to this under-served market. It has provided us with a few more successes in delivering our services.
Thank you again for sharing your time and experience with us.”
“I so enjoyed your talk on Joy at the Empowering You in 2002 event. I certainly learned something about guilt and resentment. You confirmed what I’ve strongly suspected for some time now, both are ways we attempt to punish ourselves and others for not being perfect. Essentially, they are a waste of energy and time. I will use your suggested approaches to having more joy in my life. Thanks. Oh yeah, and I love your speaking style… so very easy, warm, and conversational. I’m looking at your website. It’s gorgeous! I’m intending to attend one of your networking meetings, very soon. I will check the site for information of upcoming meetings. ”
DeBora Ricks
EmPowered Woman
August, 2002
“I truly honor and appreciate friends like you in my social circle. I’m sending you this formal letter of thanks to say thank you for being one of seven speakers to help make Empowering You In 2002 (part 2) the Event Series a BIG Success on Monday, May 20, 2002 in Baltimore. Ginny, after the event I learned from several attendees that your presentation Getting Out Of Your Own Way connected with them deeply, and has propelled them to take more aggressive steps of action toward achieving their dreams and goals. Your passion to make people more self-aware and hopeful was evident in your presentation from the platform. Keep doing what you’re doing Ginny, you’re making a difference in the World! Thank you again for being YOU and for being a giving person I can truly call ‘FRIEND!’”
Ty Howard
Founder & Chairman, The Empowering You Event Series
July, 2002“I’d like to let you know how much we appreciate you taking the time to come to our June 11, 2002 Western Maryland Symposium”
Bonnie Hayman, Program Director
Women’s Business Institute
July, 2002“Thank you for speaking at the Maryland Consultant Dietricians in Health Care Facilities Spring Workshop. We were very pleased you could be a part of our program Topics In Long-Term Care. Your presentation on How to Stay in Joy was very well received by the attendees. The evaluations were very positive and noted that it was a light and enjoyable way to close the day long session. We appreciate your supporting our efforts to provide nutrition professionals with quality continuing education program. It has been a pleasure working with you on this event.”
Lin Nyce, RD LD
Chair-Elect, MD CDHCF
May, 2002“I just wanted to write you a note to thank you so much for speaking at our recent national conference. You were SUPERB!!!! In fact, many people told us how wonderful they thought you were in their conference evaluations. Your talent is extraordinary and you have my deepest thanks.”
Katharine C. Giovanni
President
International Concierge and Errand Association
March, 2002
Jessica Statesman, Employment Counselor
Marian House
October, 2001“I am writing to express my appreciation for the time that you shared with our residents during the Networking presentation sponsored by the Jr. League of Baltimore. The information that you provided was timely and helpful to all of the participants and each resident has expressed how your presentation has benefited her on an individual level.
“At Marian House, our goal is to assist women to transition from dependence to independence and I strongly believe that your presentation and energy was right in line with the work that we do here. it was also beneficial for me to be a part of the session, for I too gained helpful information that I can use both personally and professionally.
“Ms. Robertson, your support is highly valued and the time that you spent with our residents has added to the overall training enrichment that the Marian House program strives to provide. Thank you once again for agreeing to share your professional and personal experiences. I look forward to future opportunities to collaborate employment activities with your organization.”
“On behalf of Brethren Mutual’s 2000 Professional Insurance Women’s Conference Committee, I would like to thank you for participating in this year’s conference as a motivational speaker. It was such a pleasure to meet you last week. The committee members especially thank you for helping us out in short notice with such an empowering and entertaining presentation.”
Becky Barber, Communications / Public Affairs Manager
Brethren Mutual Insurance Company
November, 2000“Great message and excellent speaker.”
Comments on Ginny Robertson’s Closing Keynote Have It Your Way—Living the Life You Desire from participants in Clemson University’s Professional Development for Women Program, Reston, Va. March, 2000
“Thought provoking, stimulating and humorous. I am going to join the Ginny team!”
“She made me take a second look about why I sometimes do what I do.”
“Was able to bring closure to the day by encompassing many of the topics of the day.”
“Great info and interesting delivery style.”
“An excellent round up, a lot of food for thought that gave me a great exit feeling.”
“Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy—she really motivates.”
“Gave a powerful, motivating ‘pep’ talk. Some wonderful things to think about.”“Thank you for being the guest speaker at the Towson Business and Professional Women’s September Dinner Meeting. Your topic Geting Out Of Your Own Way was well received! There was a lot of interaction throughout your talk and it was an excellent topic. You did a wonderful job of helping us see just what was getting in our way of achieving our dreams!”
Mary Blake Thomas
February, 2000“Your topic, Getting Out of Your Own Way, was well-received! It was an excellent topic and you did a wonderful job helping us see just what was getting in our way of achieving our dreams!”
Mary Blake, President, Towson/Hunt Valley Business & Professional Women
October, 1999“I loved your talk and I learned a great deal. Thanks!”
Amy Rehkemper
Clutter Free
July, 1999“I want to thank you for the contribution you made to the success of the Professional Development for Women conference held last week in Baltimore, Maryland. The participants gave the conference high ratings and this is in large part due to the quality presentation you gave on October 4th. Sincere thanks for all your efforts in making this conference a winner!”
Helena Douglas, Assistant Director
Clemson University College of Business & Public Affairs
October, 1996“Thank you for coming to Towson University and presenting your talk, Getting Out of Your Own Way, as part of our Fall Speaker Series. The feedback I received from the participants was most positive. As a participant, myself, I found the talk enjoyable and enlightening. The information you provided to the audience was inspiring and relevant on both a personal and professional level. Additionally, it is always a pleasure for the Women’s Center to be able to spotlight a successful company owned and operated by dynamic women such as yourself. Thanks again for your time, commitment and enthusiasm.”
Jessica Hitch, The Women’s Center
Towson University
October, 1996• • • • • “Many thanks for last night’s presentation at the monthly Business Women of Baltimore meeting. I know I learned a great deal about the nuances of handling conflict and that I will quickly be applying these lessons in client relationships. Your useful insights are sure to make me more aware as to how I can manage conflict to my own advantage.”
Kate McDonald, President
Business Women of Baltimore
April, 1996• • • • • “Thank you for meeting with us today at our staff meeting. Your presentation was informative, entertaining and enjoyed by everyone. I also appreciate your time spent with Anna discussing our Shelter Foundation and your involvement in similar organizations.”
John Shannon, Regional Manager
The Shelter Group
March, 1996• • • • • “I am writing to thank you for the remarkable presentation you gave at our annual staff retreat on June 29th. As I mentioned, this is the first time that we had a speaker for the event and the reception was overwhelming. The staff felt that the topic you presented, Getting What You Want was thought-provoking, practical and relevant. Some believed that the information could enhance their personal and professional growth while others thought that they could now view things in a different light. In fact, they enjoyed your talk so much that they asked for an encore for the next retreat. Personally, I was very pleased that you gave me exactly what I needed for the staff despite the little information you had to work with. You were articulate and your delivery style was relaxed which made it al the more enjoyable for us. Thanks again for a job well done and best of luck with your new business venture.”
Cecilia Richardson, Director of Clinical Dietetics
Washing Hospital Center
July, 1995• • • • • “Thank you for opening our Annual Meeting/Leadership Conference. You really hit a ‘home run.’ You set the stage for a very successful meeting with a presentation that awoke some people. Thanks for your time and professionalism.”
Gary Melnick, Partner
Maryland Agency Insurance Associates
June, 1995• • • • •
Miscellaneous comments from participants in Clemson University’s Professional Development for Women Programs on Ginny Robertson’s talk Getting Out Of Your Own Way.
“Very insightful. She got me thinking about what I want out of life and how I can get it.”
“Very witty and interesting.”
“Good personal examples.”
“Excellent. Perfect in every way. She gave me so much insight and so many things to ponder and improve on!”
“Good speaker! Highly motivational. She looks deep into your inner workings. I loved this!”
“Great topic. Great speaker. She had lots of good things to say. Thought provoking. She also kept a good pace.”
“This workshop helped me to realize that it’s time to move toward knowing that I can confront my fears.”
“She made it easy to go away and live a revised way of thinking.”
“She made the participants think about themselves.”
“She made me realize that I can reach my goals and whatever I need to achieve my life’s goals, I have within myself.”
“Made you get to the root of what you want in life.”
“She told me it’s okay to put myself first and she made me aware of my core beliefs.”
“She allows you to look inside and see what makes you react/behave the way you do—and then shows you how to make changes.”
“A great presentation. I learned a lot and have already revamped my point of view on several things.”