Testimonials

"What I experienced at our Leadership Training session was impressive. Team members who were having difficulty with simple communication were finally communicating. What we have experienced after the training session is even more impressive. We now have leaders who hold one another accountable for how they communicate. Our work environment has transformed from one of accusations and blaming to one of true teamwork and the ability to work through daily issues. I would recommend this service to any business looking for tools to move their team into the next level of communication."
Cindy, Pharmacy Director, InfuScience

"I have been in a management position for greater than 20 years in the home infusion industry, and have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to participate in a number of leadership meetings and conferences during this span. I have to say that the "Components of Authentic Listening and Speaking" tools that you taught our "Leadership" team in August have contributed to a tremendous improvement in true interoffice and interdepartmental communication at our facility, and thus have enabled us to take our leadership skills to the next level. We have very much improved our customer service skills and also our communications skills as a result of your interaction. Thank you again for what you have brought to our Leadership Team."
Paul J Wettengel, General Manager, InfuScience, Omaha, Nebraska

“What I appreciated most about JoAnne is that not only was she able to build a bridge between the corporate management team and the nurses…but she was willing to roll up her sleeves and help us begin implementing the changes that have since made our nursing departments more efficient and productive”.
Jannifer Stovall, Director of Nursing, Riverside, CA – Consulting Client

“You made all the difference in leading the management team to meeting their goals by meeting the challenges of less than optimal communication, productivity, and management in over half of our branches. Your communication style and abilities are exceptional, and you have the great ability to motivate all levels of the organization without ever intimidating, forcing, or losing your sense of humor – add to that your knowledge and credibility…are you sure you won’t take a VP job with us?
Steve Manning, COO, Regional Healthcare Organization headquartered in Anaheim, CA – nine month engagement

"Michele Okposo has been doing group work with the people in my office for a couple of months.  Over that time, we’ve become a much more productive and cohesive group.  It’s wonderful to watch leaders emerge on an as-needed basis from everywhere in the organization.  There is a greater sense that we each “own” our individual part of the business, and yet the sense of unity has never been stronger.  We are all pointed in the same direction and are more empowered than ever before to move toward what we want as a company and as individuals. I have personally gained insight into my personal and professional strengths.  Having new clarity on what I’m really good at has helped me to be easier with myself about what I have perceived as my weaknesses.  Now I know to partner with the strengths of others rather than to struggle alone with tasks or projects that don’t match my strengths or skills set.  I went from wondering whether I really was the “right person for the job” I’m doing, to knowing that I have the resources to accomplish anything that is asked of me."
Rebecca Smith, Marketing Director, Capital Benefits Group

"Thank you again for the very insightful and productive meeting on communication skills.  I love how you put everyone at ease and create a safe atmosphere to discuss hot issues.  I do see the skills we are learning being used at times in our meetings. I am going to put some role-playing scenarios together for the reimbursement team’s next staff meeting so we can practice our communication skills."
Pam, InfuScience Leader

"I have been to many team building and leadership training programs throughout my career. Your approach has been highly effective with almost immediate positive results within our organization. You were able to clearly define true underlying issues quickly and give us the direction and skills that could be implemented in our daily work environment right away. This training has literally changed the atmosphere of our entire branch. We have greatly improved our interdepartmental communication which has made our meetings much less emotional and much more productive. I am totally impressed with the measurable success that we gained from your leadership training and on-going support."
Mary Finch RN, Clinical Coordinator at InfuScience Omaha.

“You were funny, very credible, and a great speaker. You made quite an impact on how I think about leading my team. Thank you for leading us today!”
Julie, Region Nurse Manager

"I look at my life as a large ship. We carry all the things from the past good or bad. Some times I felt as if I was in stormy waters, bouncing around.  Ships are turned by small trim tabs. Working with Michele has shown me the small things; I need to change to turn the ship, Without tipping over the whole boat.  What are the things, the skills, the attitudes I need to employee to change direction of my life and move in a more positive and peaceful direction. To look within to find the things, that will change my whole direction. Working with Michele has given me a new sense of wholeness, completeness, and calmness. Not all the time as it is a learned process, but the skills she has given me in communication and listening are wonderful and have helped me reclaim a calmness that I have been missing in years."
Jackie, Nurse Leader, Apria Healthcare

“You are an excellent facilitator, the best I’ve ever worked with. You have a gift for hearing what is not said, and providing a supportive and calm environment so that one feels comfortable to contribute. I appreciate that you can do this equally as well in person as on a national conference call.
Through your presence you offer true leadership and compassion in our organization, and offer a safe place for the clinicians to do their jobs with grace.”
Region Infusion Manager, Midwest

“I am so appreciative that you took the time to take responsibility for our (Nutrition) department, not out of obligation, but because there was a true need. We finally feel both heard and that we have a voice on the corporate level. Even though you are not a dietitian, I would like to ask you if you would take this position permanently, because you offer us true leadership and a chance for success.”
Rene’ Korpolinski, R.D. L.D. Region Nutrition Manager, Southeast

“Even though you have a very important job with a lot of power, you always made me feel as though I were important, and worth listening to. You have made such an impact on me, and I have stayed longer in this position – and accomplished so much more – than I would have expected because of you.”
Region Infusion Manager, Southwest

"Like many family my extended family has been going through some rather difficult issues over the past couple of years. Last night after I got home I had to call one of my brothers who has become the center of a lot of this controversy. After our conversation I told my husband I wasn't comfortable with accepting that my brother would not be a part of my life. I though all night about what I had said to him and how I had said it, and then thought about your communication tips. This morning I called him back and listened to him and what he had to say, asked him to tell me more, and kept my comments to myself. Anyway, we had a very good conversation, there is a lot of healing to be done, but your words of wisdom (and I'm sure my prayers to give me the right words to say) played a huge role. You are a blessing to me, not just at work, but also personally. Thanks so much."
Kristin, RN Manager, Apria Healthcare

"Throughout all these years we've worked together, Michele has always inspired me to do better. In fact, I know that I would not be in the position today without her guidance and teachings. When I read this quote it makes me think of you because you're a great manager, leader and person! "Managing is the art of getting things done through and with people in formally organized groups. It is the art of creating an environment in which people can perform as individuals and yet cooperate towards the attainment of group goals. It is the art of removing blocks to such performance." by Harold Koontz"
-Sherri, Nurse Manager, Apria HealthCare

"When I think of listening to you, the first word that comes to mind is warmth. You have that quality of making the person feel like you are talking directly to them.  A warm and friendly conversant, sort of style. As far as facilitation goes, you are one of the most prepared people I have ever met.  You seem to have been born for the meeting/presentation part of the business world.
JoAnne, I have enjoyed working with you – and learning from you, and so has my team. You made a difficult job fun."
Mike Pfotenhaueur, RPh, Division Clinical Manager

"Michele has such incredible gifts of leadership, listening, organization, accountability, and open honest communication and conflict resolution also. (You are truly an expert in that area). She has an uncanny knack for inspiring those around her to want to work hard and produce very positive outcomes. She has really helped us to regroup, reprioritize and re-energize."
Dennis Heuer, R.Ph, Branch Infusion Manager

"Thank you for the wonderful keynote presentation – I DO feel recommitted to my work, and I remember why I chose it! Sometimes this job gets so tough – and you understand! Your authenticity and warmth, and true caring, make me feel that I made the right choice! Thank you, JoAnne, Thank YOU!!!
LR, MS, RD. Attendee, North Carolina Women Infants Children Keynote Presentation, 9-12-2007

"I have worked with many many consultants in my 40 years of nursing and nursing administration, and I have never come across anyone like you. Not only are you the consummate professional, you know clinical, you know operations, you know quality, you know how to run a business, AND you are diplomatic, know how to teach people at every level of the organization, and are very kind. I am extremely impressed by your integrity and ethics. I've heard only good things about you wherever I go, and what they all want to know is if you can come work with us. Thank you for an exceptional experience that made us – the organization and the people – exponentially better."
Dixie Roushey, RN, MS PHN. VP Nursing and Compliance, Regional Infusion Healthcare organization, Anaheim, CA