"I recently attended a "Keeping the Stars" seminar in Bloomington. The information presented was presented in a very user-friendly manner that I could take back to work and use in my own department. The presenters interjected personal experiences to help correlate some of the philosophies into "real life". I would definitely recommend this seminar for HR professionals and front-line managers and supervisors."

- Jen Kelley, Director HR, Simtra BioPharma Solutions

Certificate Program Graduates
“I don’t want to sound corny here, but the courses have really benefited me at work and even at home.  When I signed up for the classes, I thought that they would just fulfill some generic requirement by Corporate and I wouldn’t really learn anything.  I learned a lot in the classes about why I do the things I do and also about other people.  I guess my eyes were opened and it has made me more patient and less judgmental toward others.”

“I have learned so much from these classes and am very excited about the next ones.”

“Loved the activities and practical application- the activities helped relate to real-life at work.”

“I’ve always known that I’m a little bit of a control freak, but I never really saw the reason to change.  I thought I was doing the right thing and so it was okay for me to be upset with the way other people did things.  The classes taught me that I could relinquish the need to control things and focus more on controlling my own emotions in certain situations.  I can’t really express HOW MUCH my stress levels have decreased since I began the classes.  It was also nice to see others in the class had similar feelings and dealt with similar situations.”

“Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge about many facets of leadership.  Even though it is ‘your job’, doing your job and doing it well are two different things.  You both do your job well.  I appreciate the opportunity to work as a team towards a common goal on a path to success.  Thank you for taking the time to plan ahead and strive to do your job well, while also pulling in your audience to want to push higher and farther.”

“I have learned to focus less on appeasing everyone, but rather to focus on tasks that are of importance first rather than urgent.”

“I am more aware of the need to be open minded with ideas even when I feel mine is best, especially with regards to simply learning how to really listen versus faking it but thinking about the next statement I want to make.”

“Thank you for your enthusiasm and dedication.  It is evident by the way you guys carry yourselves that you do have a passion and much talent with applications to effective leadership.  The final exam was a bit of a rough one.  Thanks again for everything!” 
(This individual made 100% on the exam)

“One of the best things about Jennifer and Susie’s teachings—it’s okay to do the right thing (be willing to be unpopular).  Where I worked before, I was taught that it was more important to be liked, rather than following the right path.  But the right path translates to respect, which has a deeper impact.  I have really, really enjoyed the supervisor development classes.”

"Having taught at four different colleges and universities, I considered myself somewhat of an expert on teaching methods and techniques. When I recently attended my first workshop conducted by the Direkt Approach team, I seriously doubted that they had anything they could teach me, and I approached the workshop with a critical attitude. To my pleasant surprise not only did I learn much about Customer Relations, but I observed that the Direkt Approach team knew all of the teaching techniques that characterizes good teachers. I would highly recommend these workshops to anyone wishing to improve their business skills."

- William L. Roberts, Professor Emeritus of Music, Indiana University

"I used Direkt Approach to help me develop a program for integrating a new team of communication specialists with an existing department. Over the course of four months, the staff at Direkt Approach worked with me and my senior management staff to set priorities and develop a retreat-based orientation program for all staff. The retreat was a great success thanks to the creative and professional services Direkt Approach provided. I certainly will use Direkt Approach in the future as we build on the wonderful start they provided us."
- Karen Lewis Alexander, Associate Vice President for Communications, The University of Chicago

Participant Testimonials

"Concepts presented in the course have not only changed how I work, but also how I live! I know that my leadership skills are light-years better than they were when I started the course, and will only continue to improve as I continue to apply the lessons learned."

"I took from the training the courage to have a great conversation with a colleague that has been overdue.  I told her that I am going to start telling her immediately when she frustrates me and explain why instead of holding onto it.  I'm really hoping that this will create a stronger work relationship for us in the long run.  I really value her knowledge, opinion and high expectations and want to just make things better."

"Everyone that I talk to loves to go to Jennifer's classes.  I always agree with that statement!"

"I was thinking about the classes with Jennifer and the tips regarding dealing with a challenging employee situation. After a few difficult conversations, she is now one of my best workers.  She is respectful and even comes to me for advice on how to handle other people now.  It's amazing to me that we have such a good working relationship.  Thank you so much for the tools to improve this area of my management experience."

"Susie is very knowledgeable and makes the environment comfortable."

"It was really beneficial to learn through dialogue and the instructor perspectives."

"Great discussion and identified significant opportunity to develop and apply."

"Very relative content and going to use it soon!"

"I am always excited to attend the training and excited when I leave- to think about my actions regularly. Really makes an impression."

"Material was very good and eye opening."

"Jennifer gave good examples. She made me want to participate and I don't usually like that."

"Was really effective to hear different types of complex issues to be managed."

"The most effective part of the program was the opportunity to apply the principles and techniques discussed to actual issues currently faced and decisions in progress in the organization."

"The real life problem solving techniques will be easy to remember. Susie was good at drawing/talking out issues."

"Great instructor – Susie was easy to listen to, kept attention, really good at communicating effectively."

"Jennifer was clearly versed in the topic and tailored her session to be grounded and relevant."

"The training was very insightful and enjoyable."

"I learned a lot about communicating with clients and prioritizing topics when I speak with them."

"Susie was very engaging and helped me focus my energy on productive behaviors."

"The training is effective because it made me focus on identifying what I can improve and actually visualizing myself making positive changes."

"We are free to ask any question and Jennifer is excellent at framing the answer in a way it applies to other areas."

"Very to the point and informative. The interaction is so engaging."

"The training illuminated the importance of building respect and the fact that it is continuous."

We are happy to customize any topic or series for your organization and offer it virtually or on-site at your location.