Case Studies
Event Overview
Three - hour session at Global Leadership Summit for the Senior Sales Engineering Leaders. Topic: Talent Retention
Problem/Challenge
Retaining top talent and ensuring they remain engaged, motivated and positive during this period of transition was critically important to the client. The goal moving forward was to equip their leaders with the required skills to preserve their culture, navigate through change and communicate effectively with their teams. The client's talent management strategy remains top of mind and the manner in which leaders connect with their best people is a key priority.
Client brief
EMC is in the process of being acquired by Dell. The $60B is the largest technology merger in history. In the client’s words: “Michelle’s messages regarding retaining top talent would resonate well with these leaders, and serve as a great inspiration for the months ahead.”
The client saw Michelle present at a Leadership Conference several months prior. The client subsequently hired Michelle to present a three-hour session with 70 Global leaders at the conclusion of their annual customer conference, with 16,000 attendees from their Fortune 5,000 client base. Decision-maker said: “We are thrilled to have Michelle provide us some tools and advice to strengthen our leaders in this critical time.”
Objective for Michelle’s session
Give leaders the tools to keep them motivated and lead proactively into the future with a standard of excellence.
Result
Michelle provided tools, insights and powerful examples in a highly customized program that were extremely well received. Attendees were completely engaged in discussions and activities, leaving the conference inspired to immediately apply takeways with renewed conviction.
Event Overview
Annual Conference Opening Keynote and Full-Day Academy Session: “How to Build Outstanding Internal and External Business Relationships”, City Clerks Association of California.
Problem/Challenge
Many cities are coming off of budget cuts due to the great recession which trimmed staff levels making it difficult to maintain status quo while looking forward to innovation, best practices in an attempt to improve efficiencies. Clerks must be the “jack of all trades.”
Morale is dropping as employees are tired and citizens are frustrated with government response times, issues, etc. Clerks tend to continually take on work no one else will step up to do, leading to disappointment, frustration and burnout. The client hired Michelle based on her extensive experience and success working with local government groups.
Client Brief
The Clerk interacts daily and directly with the City Manager and City Attorney on a variety of issues, as well as all departments, typically around the preparation of City Council agendas and related documentation and materials. Strong working relationships are key to the success of the organization.
The Clerk is the connection of the public to the elected officials. Strong relationships with key external organizations, citizen groups, community service organizations is key to building trust in local government and working toward collaboration on public matters.
Objective for training session
In this fully customized course: How to Build Outstanding Internal and External Workplace Relationships participants will embrace personal accountability, the importance of building and maintaining outstanding relationships within the workplace, as well as the local citizens who are the customers served by organizations (cities/special districts). Clerks from across California will attend this event. Focusing on the work of the Clerk’s office and the value it adds to the organization helps our members grow personally and professionally.
Result
Approximately 50 participants registered for this full-day session, leaving with strategies to implement immediately in order to enhance workplace relationships and increase understanding regarding the importance of their role. Through a series of collaborative exercises, attendees were inspired by the overall learning experience and excited to hear ideas from their peers regarding best practices. The educational workshop provided new insights and opportunities for city clerks to raise their overall profile and influence. Client said “It would be my pleasure to be a reference for you.”
Event Overview
World Conference - Keynote Address “How to Lead Yourself First Through Change and Uncertainty”
Problem/Challenge
Club-based organizations are being challenged all over the world to change their structure. The sooner we accept this reality, the more energy we can direct to renewal. Some members are resisting expansion and prefer the status quo. The “why fix what is not broken conundrum” is a concern. The organization has an aging membership base and needs to experience an increase in participation (membership) as well as the number of exhanges/hosting opportunities. Some clubs haven’t grasped or accepted the reality of overall membership in decline. In addition, reciprocity in terms of home-hosting and serving as “ambassadors” within communities to spread the word, attract new members and contribute to organizational goals for growth are key strategic initiatives in order for Friendship Force to survive and thrive.
Client Brief
The Friendship Force was founded by Wayne Smith and introduced on March 1, 1977, by President Jimmy Carter at a White House gathering of state governors. The Friendship Force has since brought together millions of people. Today they are active in 70 countries, promoting friendship and goodwill through an extensive program of home hosting, or exchanges. Friendship Force International is a nonprofit organization supported by membership, exchange fees, donations, and foundation grants. To date, the organization has over 16,000 members.
For their 38th World Conference, the client wanted their audience to hear and act of Michelle’s messages on self-leadership, accountability and change to help lead their organization into the future. In the client’s words: “The best way to take FFI forward is to keep to our values of peace and friendship. How we affirm those values is where we must focus our attention.”
Objective of session
To harness the energy of members. There is a huge reservoir of goodwill and passion within the organization. Conference participants embody that power. Client also had two goals for the 500 conference participants to adopt, commit to at the end of Michelle’s session, and take back to their clubs. Once Michelle introduces the concept of energy and power, client will join her on stage to present the two goals.
Result
Event Overview
Michelle Ray conducted two full-day workshops in Yellowknife for Client Service Offers (CSOs) of the Government of the Northwest Territories, Income Securities Division. Based on the briefing provided in advance of the event, Michelle’s presentations at the conference were based on the theme of Client Service Excellence and Self-Leadership.
Problem/Challenge
Customer service is a critical piece in terms of meeting the needs of the clients; i.e. individuals that once were able to meet the needs of their families find themselves requiring government assistance. Professional skills such as interpersonal communication, empathic listening, stress management and a proactive approach to dealing with volatile clients were determined to be essential in order for CSOs to manage their respective roles with confidence. Some CSOs work remotely and are reaching out to their colleagues for support and advice.
Client Brief
The conference was organized for the CSOs to have an opportunity for some professional training, with an emphasis on client service. Recognizing the tremendous responsibilities of the attendees, who are the delivery agent for Income Security Programs that include Senior Citizen Home Heating Subsidy and Income Assistance), Michelle Ray’s brief was to assist the CSO’s in their goal of moving clients from a choice of last resort to an opportunity for self reliance.
Objective of Training
The annual conference provided the entire team of CSOs to collaborate and share their experiences and expertise in order to return to work with an increased sense of pride, knowledge and motivation.
Result
Event Overview
Leadership, Health & Productivity Conference - Keynote Address “The Power of Personal Leadership”. Opening session that applies to all.
Problem/Challenge
Very diverse audience with an array of challenges. Not necessarily one common issue although one example is younger groups wanting to use technology to access services (common to many companies). Employee engagement across all age groups, retention strategies, for leaders to focus on what is within their control, be attuned to employee needs and aspirations. Externally, customers more aware of flexible health benefits…this gives an organization a competitive edge.
Client Brief
Majority of attendees are key decision makers from our clients’ HR departments (VP, Directors, Managers). Also some Medavie Blue Cross senior management team, select and preferred advisors who are key partners selling our products and services. Most delegates attending from Atlanic Canada. The conference theme is meant to open dialogue on exploring new ways of addressing timely issues and challenges in today’s workplace. Along with providing excellent sessions and ideas given by knowledgeable speakers from across the country, the conference gives our clients, consultants and advisors the opportunity to network, socialize and have some fun.
Objective of session and conference
For Michelle: To provide a dynamic, informative engaging session that inspires all leaders in the room to take the lead, pracitce accountability in their respective roles. Rise above the negativity and be the best version of YOU.
For the Conference: To provide our top clients, consultants, advisors, sales representatives, and prospects excellent sessions and ideas given by knowledgeable speakers from across the country
To provides the opportunity to network and socialize
To position Medavie Blue Cross as thought leader in the Atlantic market.
Result
Let Michelle help transform your organization through her speaking, workshops, consulting, or coaching.
