Impact
Testimonials
The Refinery can share some great stories about the successes of our leadership programs, but our clients have some even better stories to tell about the results. Here they are.
Steve Reid
EVP and COO
Goldcorp Inc.
“Leadership development is absolutely critical and it’s critical because we are a growing organization and because the environments we work in are very diverse and because we have people move within those and the environment in which we operate is very, very fast changing at times. So it is very critical that we have people that can be leaders who can step up and react to those different circumstances.
When we were looking for what to do and who to help us with this program, yes, we went to the Refinery because we were looking for leading edge leadership training and the Refinery helps us.
For a very small organization they [The refinery] have a number of very, very unique people who are very talented. And working with people and doing it a coaching and a mentoring way without actually being out there (you know) kind of teaching and they are very, very constructive with what they do. The number of people that they have that are very good in such a small organization continues to surprise me and I am quite delighted with the fact that that’s the way they are.”
(Interviewer) Is this a long-term relationship?
“I think it has to be, they are so good, that I don’t think I would want to be doing this with anyone else.”
Joy Coronado
Lead Project Manager
Olympic Transportation Team – TransLink
“Thanks so much for putting this together Mark. On behalf of our team, I would like to thank you, Krysty and Angie on helping us make this meeting very successful. We continue to receive great feedback from the participants and the activity that you conducted provided the highlight of the day. Job well done!
From my facilitator’s view, it was excellent how we were able to wrap up the very theme of the afternoon. “The Essence of Teamwork” and how the groups put this into action. Different people, with different talents and different ideas, coming together to play on each others’ strengths and work together towards successfully delivering on their objectives.Such ability to focus and put every effort into the final result, that is what will make us successful in our aim to deliver the best transit experience during Games time. This is the trueEssence of teamwork.
Thanks again…and look forward to perhaps getting together again in the future.”
Gerald W. Grandey
President and Chief Executive Officer
Cameco Corporation
What I discovered as we began to put the organization through the leadership training with the Refinery, is that all of the officers, including myself could benefit from being exposed to tools and techniques and with the voice of the coach behind us saying ‘keep at it’.
I think is has allowed each of the leaders, and we have put about 100 through (the program), it has allowed each one of them to grow individually and it’s allowed a lot of networking because we have put it across the organization.
And what you see now is people applying tools that they were taught; having candid and conversations; putting people in the right spot; and a recognition that they have a duty to grow other leaders in the organization.
Scott Milligan
Senior Vice President, Finance & CFO
ZARLINK Semiconductor
In my view, the greatest value that you and Laura provided was to help us dig deeper to identify and focus on the real issues at hand, specifically organic revenue growth and product execution from idea concept through sustainable manufacturing. That way we were able to build solutions to these issues which avoided us rushing to solution before we really identified the problem.
Participants of various Leadership programs
"Quick Quotes"
- “I feel strongly that the program made me a better supervisor.”
- “I was a hands off supervisor, assigned duties. Now I try to build teams, ask for input, give feedback.”
- “This has helped me to remain calm and in control and able to make clearer decisions.”
- “I can see the benefits of this everyday at work.”
- “…the most comprehensive and thorough personal and professional development initiative that I have participated in.”
- “The workshop has been beneficial as it has allowed me to better communicate, better lead and better understand my traits and behavior.”
- “I want to thank everyone for giving me the opportunity to be involved in the cohort training. It has really changed my life.“
- “I am able to more effectively communicate with Contractors.”
- “One of my focuses will be on business development and our Strategic Business Plan, therefore focusing on financial evaluations, business improvements, etc.“
- “By understanding myself, and learning more about the people I work with will help me be a better leader
- “Made me much more self aware. Gave me areas to improve leadership. Continually working on these areas. Also, enabled me to start thinking in a broader scope. Thanks!”
- “…I believe it is up to me to lead change both in myself and the organization.”
- “Personal insight is always invaluable and the impact of our actions as leaders on others is a great refresher. We are all human, have flaws and have areas we need to work on.”
Michael Wagner
Chief Executive Officer
Salmon Arm Savings and Credit Union
"Our credit union has a rich history of achieving exceptionally high standards in a number of areas, member service, employee satisfaction, community support, and financial performance and returns to members, to name just a few. I am often asked how we do this. My response has always been that this has been the hard and consistent work of many employees, and people in leadership positions within the credit union: informal leaders and those in management and our board of directors over many years.
As we move forward as an organization it will be critical that we maintain this high level of performance in all the key strategic areas outlined in our Vision 20/20 document. Competition will increase and labour shortages will abound in all industries including the financial services sector.
Given the road ahead will be difficult; how will we ensure we will achieve the results our members, communities and employees have enjoyed over the past decade?
I believe the single most important program to ensure this will occur will be the development of our own future leaders.
We commenced planning for this critical program more than 2 years ago with the Succession Management project. Through this we developed a process to identify the potential future leaders of our organization to carry forward SASCU's industry leading performance, including critical SASCU specific leadership components.
Since the pilot program ran more than 18 months have past and the third cohort has now completed the formal Leadership Development Program. All cohorts have commented that “this has been the best and most useful training they have ever received.” Many go on to say that the tools and techniques and what they have learned about themselves have made a major difference in how they interact with their direct reports, and peers. They have also indicated that this training is life altering and helpful in all interpersonal interactions and makes them more effective as leaders and coaches in their business life and their personal life.
Future plans are to work with the Refinery to develop the next level of Leadership Training for the entire leadership team at SASCU, i.e. Leadership 201 that will include direct tie into the credit union’s strategic objectives. Everyone looks forward to the next phase of leadership development.
Leadership Development, with the assistance of the Refinery Leadership Partners is a major reason why we are performing as a top 10 in credit union in Canada in all major areas of growth, profitability, member satisfaction and market share." (June 2008)
Wayne Church
National Trade Sales Manager
LifeScan Canada, Ltd.
“You may never believe it possible to unlearn the damned and discard the deadweight but [The Refinery’s] approach to effective leadership is bullet proof. Not even my drill sergeant could find inbred natural leadership that inspired courage and passion to move forward. [Refinery experts] were solid in leading me through an incredible journey of rediscovery and belief for what I’ve always had to offer! Anything is possible, but you need to believe in you!”
Gerald W. Grandey
President and Chief Executive Officer
Cameco Corporation
"As the largest supplier of nuclear fuel to the global market, Cameco recognized that it had to significantly increase its investment in its most important asset if it is to retain its leadership position. Our long-term partnership with The Refinery, designing and implementing a top down leadership development program, has done just that. Together we have challenged our talented employees to embark upon a journey of self-awareness, discovery and learning with the objective of developing a deep reservoir of leadership capability throughout the organization. The program has delivered, and Cameco is benefiting greatly from the growth we've seen in our leaders."
Participant, Leadership Development Program
LifeScan Canada, a Johnson & Johnson Co.
"Has the program met my expectations? Overwhelmingly YES! I have been through several one-off type leadership programs and the long-term ongoing nature of this one makes the learning and changing of new behaviours and skills more sustainable. This program has exceeded my expectations, way beyond what I imagined."
Heriberto Gines
Organizational Effectiveness Director
Toyota de Puerto Rico
"When I first came into contact with [The Refinery] it was through an article called 'Is your organization ready for Great Leaders? Be careful what you ask for.' Definitely my journey (with the help of The Refinery consultants) to become a more effective leader has taken me through a path that I was not expecting, a path of hard work and challenge but also a path in which I have achieved great success and satisfaction. So ask yourself; are you ready to become a Great Leader? Have you the courage to find out?"
Larry Blain
CEO
Partnerships BC
"Partnerships BC is a new organization (4 years) in the business of structuring and implementing public private partnerships. It is wholly-owned by the Province of British Columbia.
We have retained The Refinery team for the past two years to provide leadership training and coaching initially to our management team, and currently more broadly to our senior professional team.
We have received excellent service - as evidenced by the fact that the relationship continues. The Refinery has led us to creative and innovative thinking. Our self-awareness is dramatically improved, and our candor has increased - and I believe these factors have improved our effectiveness."