That's What They Said
Each individual is different each team is unique and every training program that Create-Learning develops is customized, developed, and facilitated according to you. Here is how some of the valued clients have responded.
I met Michael Cardus at a retreat kicking off the Executive MBA program at Rochester University’s Simon School of Business. In a fast-paced day and a half, he managed to get newly formed teams of students started up and equipped with the tools we will need to establish a successful group process. Very energetic, talking at a hundred miles per hour, Michael manages to combine real content with a light note and most importantly some brief but very insightful exercises to apply the newly acquired wisdom and – importantly – illustrate where things can go wrong. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend Michael Cardus’ Create-Learning to anybody seeking to build successful teams.
Frits Kroon
Global Category Director - Cardiopulmonary
Welch Allyn Inc.
I had attended a few retreats and participated in several team building exercises over the years. Quite frankly, I did not expect much prior to coming to Simon School weekend retreat. I am still amazed at how Mike’s fun and engaging personality, his strength based approach to working with individuals and teams, and his careful choice of exercises that have relevance to the context of the meeting turned me into a believer. We started the weekend as 5 individuals and we left the retreat a TEAM. Great job Mike.
George Nasra, M.D.
Medical Director – Acute Psychiatric Services
Unity Health System, Rochester NY
"Because Teamwork is a critical core competency at Lumsden & McCormick, it became part of our Lumsden & McCormick University. Having no internal experts with the credibility to deliver such a key piece of training, I looked outside the organization and met with Michael after he was recommended by a friend of the firm.
From there, it became apparent that he was eminently qualified to provide this development experience – and he brought an energy to both the development AND the delivery of the training that I would not have expected when I first went looking for a trainer!
He was enthusiastic and it was evident from our interactions that he is passionate about the subject and how – when done right – teamwork drives an organization to excellence.
He was such a pleasure to work with also – very easygoing and receptive to all of our "well, this is what our firm is like…" caveats and concerns."
Here’s a few of our attendees’ comments:
"Mike has a lot of energy and was very engaging. He was good at keeping our attention!"
"Great presenter – very dynamic and interesting to listen to."
"Mike opened my mind to new ideas."
"Good job working with a tough group! Talking to a bunch of accountants about their feelings is not easy."
Thank you again, Mike, for a terrific start to our 2010 L&M University – can’t wait to have you back!"
Eileen M. Connor-Costilow, MBA, SPHR
Director of Human Resources
Lumsden & McCormick LLP
"Through the use of group presentations and 1:1 meetings, Michael was able to give me the tools to become a better supervisor. Supervisory skills such as delegation, team building and planning are presented in a manner that makes you think of the processes in as a clear set of easy to follow steps. Largely in part to our 1:1 meetings, Michael was able to assist me in increasing the productivity of an employee who has struggled for years. Michael was able to provide suggestions for new strategies on dealing with this employee. And once some success was noted with the employee, he offered suggestions on how to maintain the current level of work and monitor future performance."
Michael Samulski
Director of Finance
Autistic Services, Inc.
"This leadership program helped me to step out of my everyday management routine and focus on how I interact with other managers, what my leadership strengths are, and the impact of my style on the team. It also gave me time to reflect strategically on issues and a variety of ways to approach solutions. The final leadership project was by far the best part of the program for me. The action project challenged me to apply my learning by working through an actual problem using new resources. Nice job as a facilitator Mike!"
Sandra Klimas
Education Director
Autistic Services, Inc.
"Michael facilitated leadership and team building sessions that were challenging and thought provoking. He was successful in pulling even the most difficult participants into the various activities and discussions while remaining respectful of them and their input."
Nancy Palumbo
Vice President, People Inc.
Buffalo, NY
"Mike gave us the confidence to believe we would not have any bad experiences and would totally enjoy the day - and we did! Mike's intuition and insight to team dynamics had each of us profit from the day - individually and as a team. All of us experienced growth by the way he wrapped up each exercise relating our hands on experience to the mechanics of our office/team. State Farm Buffalo NY Agency Field Office recommends a team building day!"
State Farm Agency Field Office
Buffalo, NY
“It was a pleasure spending the day with you during our team building exercises. To say the program that you put together for us had impact would be a huge understatement. This was by far the BEST team building experience that we have ever had. I learned so much more about my team and what we are capable of. We all leave this experience confident that we can accomplish anything we collectively set our minds to. I want to sincerely Thank You for all of your time, patience, direction, and teamwork.”
Top qualities: Personable, Expert, and Creative
Neuroscience
Abbott Laboratories
Rochester, NY
"Michael Cardus is fabulous, full of energy and insight. His workshop made everything so much clearer to me, and empowered me to take full responsibility for my actions. He made me understand that I really have been on the right track all along, that what I think and what I feel and what I have to contribute is important. Thanks Michael for a great workshop!"
Annette
Triple-Track: Work-Life Jam Session
Buffalo, NY
"Michael is a high-energy guy with a great grasp of team building and leadership activities. Twice he has led day-long sessions with my administrative group and on both occasions we learned a great deal. We also achieved the goal; that was to grow as a team. We will work with Mike again; he has my highest recommendation."
Tim Cottrell
Head of School, The Harley School
Rochester, NY
"Over the last few years, Just for Kids Before and After School Programs has partnered with Create-Learning Team Building numerous times, from new staff orientations and trainings to on-site programming with the kids at our various After School Programs.
Mike competently involves children and adults alike in experiential activities, and knowledgably guides participants along with activities building on newly developed skills. He can troubleshoot with the best of them, and his out-of-the-box thinking lends a hand to intriguing and engaging both kids and staff. When planning our staff trainings, Mike can be counted on to provide a level of insight, creativity, and professionalism that is difficult to match! We look forward to our next opportunity to work with him."
Kristina Capozzi, M.A./C.A.S.
Director, School Age Programs, Just For Kids
Williamsville, NY
"Michael is a gem in a field of trainers; he truly stands out, bringing his own brand of passion and enthusiasm to each individual training situation. Whether you have team building needs or training within a specific area, Michael dedicates his time and extensive training knowledge, translating your ideas into active, experience-based learning to ultimately achieve your organization’s desired goals."
Janine Tramont
Business Development & Special Programs
University at Buffalo School of Management
Buffalo, NY