David Moran, Bid Director Thiess John Holland
- $4.5 Billion Airport Link, Northern Busway and Airport Roundabout Upgrade Project.
Coming into this bid we knew that we had to raise the bar in all areas just to be competitive. There was a deep commitment from the bid team and the businesses behind it. Simon Small quickly understood the objectives that the team had set itself, and with his team from the Excellence Academy, established a process of group and one-on-one consultation and interaction to achieve those objectives. Obviously
skilled and experienced at working in an extremely high pressure environment, the culture created through Simon's guidance assisted the team to win the bid so successfully that we eclipsed our competitors across all criterion (a feat unprecedented in projects of this magnitude).

Thank you personally for the guidance, assistance and support offered throughout the life of the bid and I look forward to your ongoing involvement with the project delivery team as we strive to successfully deliver on our commitment to construct Australia's largest infrastructure project.

Matthew Sheahan, Dean of Students, Kings College - Queensland University
If you are dedicated to making some sort of cultural change in an organization I would recommend The Executive Excellence and the Excellence Academy team. In our case, they helped a group of young men reassess what they were currently doing and encouraged them to think about better ways of doing things. No small feat, especially in an organization as old and steeped in tradition as ours. They didn't preach, they were engaging, thoughtful and respectful and as a result have accelerated the process of change that we are dedicated to making. We had already come a long way in changing the culture within our organization, but we could not have done what they did, we were too close and have been too involved in the initial stages of this process. It was not cheap, but nothing worthwhile ever is.

Evian Delfabbro, EGM - NSW, FKP Property Group
What a way to experience the Hawkesbury!!! Thank you for organising an adventure packed couple of days for us back in October at the Hawkesbury Retreat,. The feedback from the group, all 24 of them have been sincerely impressive. Some still talk about the sheer cliff climb and subsequent abseiling challenges. Although each member of our team needed to participate individually; it really was one of the few times I have see the staff pull together so cohesively, offering sincere support between the usual friendly banter.

Every element of the adventure was well thought through, being transport, accommodation, to the motivational team building activities. Our appetites were definitely satisfied with the great spreads Executive Excellence and the Excellence Academy team put on.

Wishing you the best and looking forward to working with you again.

Mark Foley,Managing Director of Broadcast Services Australia
Iwould just like to say many thanks for the fantastic program Executive Excellence conducted last week. There have been many positives that have come out of the “BSA Leadership Alignment Program” and it has certainly opened communication lines between the BSA and Triple M senior Management Teams. The activities that were organised put every individual in a situation that required them to build trust and communicate two of the key things we spoke about prior to the commencement of the activities.

The feedback from the Management Teams has been fantastic, particularly in that some of the group thought the program would be a waste of time because we have nothing in common. During the day and night, however it became evident very quickly that the two groups have much in common, in particular our cultural alignment.

The program whilst brief, (and everyone would have liked it to have been a little longer) has really paved the way to build a very functional Management Group, focused on a common goal of building a stronger and more successful company.

Donna Baldwin-Reed, New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants
On behalf of the Australian and New Zealand Institutes and the Trans Tasman Business Leaders Conference Planning Committee, I would like to thank you for your contribution to the Trans Tasman Business Leaders Conference. The success of the conference is directly attributable to the contributions made by presenters such as you.

We received many comments on our conference evaluation. Comments attributed to your session included: “Inspiring speaker, could have listened to him all day; thought and action provoking; Excellent, will definitely make a difference day one; a very entertaining and thought provoking presentation, very practical hands on and applicable.”

It was a pleasure working with you and I look forward to the opportunity of working together in the near future. Many thanks again for your valuable contribution.

Andrew Pannifex, Joint Managing Director Savills (NSW) Pty Limited
This is just a quick note to formally extend my thanks and appreciation for what was a fantastic team building event. Whilst I was originally somewhat unconvinced about the ability of this kind of event to actually deliver on analysing (& improving) personalities and culture (as opposed to just being a challenge & fun - which it was !!!), it quickly became clear to me that you guys really knew your stuff. This was confirmed when we did a review of my staff after 24 hours & you identified the key undercurrents & themes of our team down to a tee!

Please accept the thanks of Jonno, myself and the entire team for what was a wonderful experience. My only regret is that we didnt put aside an extra day or two, as this would have even further enhanced the benefits derived. Could you please also extend our thanks to EE staff who were fantastic in their respective roles (technical support, food & tall stories !!).

Savills employs approx 850 people across Australia and we view ourselves as a professional and progressive real estate group. I will be providing our National Executive Board with a review of the weekend at our next board meeting.

Ian Judson, Director, Grant Thornton
"The feedback we received from our managers was fantastic. Our recent conference will be remembered for a long time thanks to the EA crew. We would recommend your organisation for any group who are serious about getting the best out of team building events."

Paul McLean, Managing Director FPD Savills
"The recent three day team retreat conducted with our board, clearly met our outcomes. As a result of the program we have greater clarity as to our roles, responsibilities, and direction as a team. It is now some weeks after the program and there has been a continued perceptible improvement in the flow of communication between people, due in no small part to the fact that we just know each other better. My senior management team has stated that they would recommend this program to others. I am very happy with the entire experience and specifically the results achieved, and I am committed to following up these initiatives with my team."

Karen Barker, Country Manager New Zealand, OPSM
NZ is still raving about you and the day one of my Manager’s Conference. They all went back to store yesterday and gave out "red jelly beans" their teams (simulating the red pill commitment you asked of my leaders)! How cool is that!! I have gone through your suggested action steps and we as a Leadership Team have reviewed them and are putting them in place for the end of August. All of them are psyched! I will keep you posted as to our progress. Thanks again for your input and for your support to me on the day it was greatly appreciated… Ciao KB

Mary Humphrey, GM, Tony Powell Hose Supplies
The feedback from our staff on your Saturday presentation has been extremely positive and I wanted to pass this information onto you. Both the program content and your presentation style was very well received, as being professional, engaging and extremely motivating.

Comments included:
Your approach was down-to-earth, no-nonsense, and easy to relate to one's personal life
That they may have had prior knowledge of the content of your presentation, but that on hearing it within the program context, it had more relevance and they were now more motivated to act upon it.
That by going through the self-analysis, and documenting the results, they now possessed hard evidence as to where they were "at". It's hard to blame someone else when you can see that you are the problem.

That they would now be able to prioritise their lives in a more meaningful way.
As you rightly pointed out, the short-term effects of the program will wear off, and we intend to follow your advice and introduce a monitoring system to ensure that an individual's self-analyses remains in their 'top-of-mind' awareness. As a company, we cannot expect to achieve our potential and reach the goals we set, unless we have people on board with the same view viz. themselves, and are prepared to deliver for us. The major objective for us, as a business, is to add value. I see the corporate athlete model as a simple, but powerful tool which can, by adding value to an individual's personal and professional life, enhance the value of the company they work for.

Simon, I am sure we will have the opportunity to enlist your services in the future and I am happy to act as a referee and will be recommending your program to friends and colleagues.

Shane Richardson, Director, Carlton United Beverages
Just a quick note to thank you for your help and facilitation of our Queensland Marketing and Sales Conference. The conference was a great success with many of my team commenting on how much they enjoyed both the learning and Team Building sessions that were run over the three days. Thanks again for your contribution to the success of the conference, and I look forward to catching up with you again soon.

Dan Williams, Managing Director, Applewood Pty Ltd (Property Developers)
In January this year we briefly discussed an idea to organise a corporate outing to involve a dozen of my consultants and service providers, then left it up to you! You gave us several options with the Hinchinbrook Island program being developed from a simple idea into a fully organized and budgeted program with just the right balance of sweat and toil and reward.

The ability of your organisation does not stop at preparation of the journey. It gives a serious focus to preparation of the individual participant to ensure they are well equipped to face and conquer the various components of the challenge.

This combination all but guaranteed a thoroughly enjoyable adventure and cemented forever a closer and more corporative relationship between my company and our various consultants. In the past we have hosted two day seminars that involved ‘Team Building’, golf, recreation and lavish dinners. This always guaranteed a hangover, but realistically little else.

During the six weeks of pre-trek training a recognizable bond was forged between all members of the adventure. A comfortable form of trust and confidence was given and returned between yourselves and the trainees, I believe this initiated the overwhelming success of the journey and instilled a sense of well being among all participants. The leadership and support shown by yourself and Alan was second to none and the whole program was totally organized and immaculately executed.

We have had overwhelming feedback from all the people who participated and would like to thank you for such a memorable journey. I would be more than willing to meet and discuss our experience with other potential clients of yours and cannot speak more highly of two representatives or the organisation you represent.

Gail Black, Senior Associate, Flower and Hart
You have managed to bring together on our Hinchinbrook Island hiking and kayaking adventure a group of consultants who have worked together on projects for years but never really knew each other. In only one week you turned a group of individuals into a "team". This experience has revealed in me a newfound confidence to meet challenges head on – and what’s more enjoy them! Nothing can describe the exhilaration of setting a tough goal and accomplishing it. I have learned many new life skills and some valuable lessons from the experience. I am a better and stronger person for having taken up the challenge. Your professionalism and leadership skills made our trip a safe, challenging and rewarding adventure. I can’t thank you enough!

Lex McKenzie, Managing Director, Lucon Construction
Thank you for your contribution to our very successful project management seminar. The format was excellent and the overall structure will extend the impact of the event well beyond the 2 days. The course was even able to motivate some of our most hardened and cynical construction managers and they are a pretty tough breed. The course made people feel valued, the venue was both fit for the purpose and exceptional.

Jeff Miller, head coach, QLD Reds Rugby Team
On behalf of the team and Management of the reds I would sincerely like to thank the your team for their professionalism, organisational and friendliness in running our pre-season camp. The camp was a terrific success and was thoroughly enjoyed by all who participated. The chosen activities were both challenging and exciting (particularly abseiling from the Bank of QLD stand) and integrated perfectly wit the theme of the camp. The mix and progression of individual challenges Team Building activities and team challenges was spot on. So too was your attention to detail and safety procedures.

Racheal Poplawski, Manager, Moore Stephens HL Pty Ltd
“Simon’s enthusiasm, positive focus and experience is evident during his coaching sessions. During my coaching program I have had two major realisations. Firstly, the huge impact, that goal setting has on our ability to achieve our desired outcomes and reach our full potential. Secondly, that we don’t let issues that we are not able to change or control stop our momentum moving forward. I have found my coaching sessions to be very rewarding and look forward to working with Simon in the future. Many thanks”

Bill Wild, Managing Director, John Holland Group
“This getaway was exactly what this group needed, apart from all the other outcomes you will achieve it is just getting to know each other that makes this time so valuable. It is my intention to roll this out to all the divisions throughout John Holland Group. Thank You.”

CB Richard Ellis
I am really impressed and amazed at how we all handled ourselves as a group and as a team - and what we achieved - I took a lot away from that day - it was one of the best corporate days I have been to. (PK)

Was a very concerned participant however I could not believe how we all overcame our fears during the day (JD)

I got a chance to talk and interact with people who I wouldn't normally deal with in my day to day aspects of working at CBRE, I also got to see a few in a new light!! The ropes course and the abseiling were fantastic and a great experience.......the walk up the hill nearly killed me though!!! (NW)

I had a fantastic day, it was great to have the opportunity to go along and meet more CBRE Thanks for organising a great day. (NW)

I must admit to be a less than willing participant at first, but would now recommend it to anyone. (DM)

I found it a very rewarding and fulfilling day of activities and social interaction with my peers (EBl)

Had a great day and looking forward to the next one (NC)

It is etched in my memory forever as one of the more pleasant moments of my life. (TM)

I never thought I would attempt abseiling but totally enjoyed it - looking forward to the next challenge (MH)

Kasha Shillington, Director, Multiplex Developments
"This experience was invaluable in building the relationships within our relatively new and diverse team. The program's tailored preparation and exceptional organisation assured a great result which we are all now benefiting from, both in our business and individually. Best of all, it was a rare experience which was fun, educational and challenging all at once."

Gerry Bridges, Human Resources Manager , B & R Enclosures
“We decided to do something different for this years sales planning meeting. We are a mature company who have enjoyed strong growth for last few years and have even stronger growth plans for next few years. To enable this growth we felt a need to engender a stronger entrepreneurial spirit. Simon organised a hard and exciting days activity for the team from different states who all have various levels of fitness. All really enjoyed the experience and there was strong team bonding plus a real we can do it attitude. The Gwinganna venue is perfect for this type of activity having a small self contained country town feel to it. The food, accommodation and function rooms were great.
In fact it was so good this group who were very skeptical as we started the day wanted to come back again next year.”

Ward Gough, Director, Ross Nielson Properties Pty Ltd
It has now been some weeks since our group’s three day leadership team getaway at Hidden Vale. I am delighted to be able to report that our business is already reaping the benefits and in particular, the changes we have implemented have renewed focus and commitment to each other and to the company. I would like to pass on my special thanks to all the members of your dedicated team for making the three days such a pleasure”.

Ken Bridges, Managing Director, B & R Enclosures
“Another great event! Thanks for a really great day and the positive attitudes created! All your team are great blokes and talented people, with your team clearly the best at what they do. I could not recommend them highly enough.”

Brian Knight - Senior Manager Sales Qld, Small Business Distribution, Suncorp
"It was unanimously agreed that the leadership development retreat, conducted recently at Peppers Hidden Vale, was the most satisfying development activity we have undertaken since coming together as a business unit 3 years ago. The lessons that have come out it for me and my people are unbelievable, as well as providing the opportunity to forge friendships that will last a lifetime.
Further, it gave my team a boost, as senior leaders in their own right, helping them through challenging times in our business. The energy of the program did not finish when we left Peppers, all 13 leaders have completed and submitted their personal development plans, providing them an excellent start for the year ahead.

In final praise of the conference I have had a number of the more senior leaders come to me separately telling me that this program was the best development experience of their 16 year career in the finance industry. Thank you for this excellent opportunity. I will definitely be using the services of EE again."

Sarah Childs, Queensland Treasury Corporation
'Our Team Building activity with Simon and John gave us the opportunity to forge relationships between team members and the HR representative. As consultant to the team, I found the exercise enlightening to see team and leadership processes acted out in a non-threatening and fun environment. The whole activity, from the bus trip out to the venue till we arrived back in the city, provided an enjoyable learning environment that was fun, relaxing and certainly a delightful way to spend an afternoon. I will certainly be looking for other opportunities to utilize your services in the future. Thank you.

Kim Bredhaurer, Managing Director GRM International
“The retreat we held for our 55 staff at Noosa Lakes Resort in November was a successful, enjoyable and pleasant experience for all. Thank you for contributing to the success of the retreat, and thanks to your team for their professional planning and execution of the activities on day 1 as well as the entertainment for that evening. One of the advantages in working with you was that you were able to offer a range of solutions for our retreat including mini activities, the main activity, entertainment for the first evening and a facilitator for the 2nd day. Everyone was happy to work with your team and we have had only positive feedback about the activities. Thank you again for your assistance.”

Rachel Seymour, Manager Victoria, Flight Centre
"Climbing Mount Kinabalu has definitely been a turning point in my leadership and the leadership of those in my team. The intense climb, inclement weather and altitude all combined to take us way out of our comfort zone. The most outstanding learning experience was the massive impact of a positive environment and constantly looking at the bright side of every situation. We made a conscious decision not to whinge and complain and the result was amazing. Everybody has a voice inside their head saying "this is hard or I don't want to do it", but by providing an environment that did not accept this, it was amazing how that little voice was crushed, as the overwhelming energy is positive and fun. Thank you to Simon and his team for the professional and safe conduct of this fantastic experience."

Gavin Gabreilson, Manager Sponsorship and Events, Westpac
“What can I say, you guys are fantastic. Everyone from the top Team has let us know they had a wonderful time, an experience they will never forget. Thank you to your team for being part of Top Team. Everything came together at the right time delivering the right message and leaving people with the right experience. >From the moment Westpac proposed this venue and drew up the draft program we new it was going to be all about the total experience.”

Peter Morahan, MD Moreton Hire
“Nothing succeeds like success”……Coming with Simon and his team reconfirmed the power of setting goals and achieving them. This is a credible team development activity, very professionally run.

Ross Nielson, MD Ross Nielson Properties
“Thank you for a great experience. The climb was longer and harder than I thought it would be but, the way it was ‘systemised’ and managed made it not only achievable but fun. Having such experienced and capable people running the program gives a great sense of professionalism and security. Many Thanks.

Ken Bridges, MD B & R Enclosures
“You offered me an opportunity in a safe environment to test and extend my physical and emotional capability. The day was invigorating and challenging. I feel exhilarated at having achieved a goal that I know I would never have achieved any other way. Thanks to the team

Steve Wilson, MD Wilson HTM
“9 1⁄2 hours of challenge managed by professionals with absolute safety. Great for bonding and for us a sense of achievement. I think this is a must for my senior management team. Thank you.

Peter Lindores, Lindores Group
“From the time we were under direction of the EE team, I knew this was going to be one of the biggest challenges I have faced. I feel that being lead by and interacting with the team and undertaking this challenge was one of the highlights of my life, but specifically due to the people who lead the activity this was definitely the best day of its kind I have ever had.

Craig Spencer, Director Spencer-Carter Group
“Today was an important turning point in my life. Simon Small presented to my group a challenge that I believed that I could accomplish with some ease. This was not so, and this event has shown that I am not as emotionally or physically as equipped as I need to be. I need to priorities my fitness in my life plan. I was encouraged by the belief team affirming that what I had achieved was a success for me, so much so, that I have made a commitment to increase my health and fitness levels and return to take on this challenge again. Well done belief, I have enjoyed this experience.

Rachel Miller, Executive, After Trekking the Kokoda Trail
I wanted to do Kokoda to really push my comfort zones. I got that and much more. I really know that my belief about what I can achieve has changed considerably. You taught me a great deal about leadership. The ability to be tough when required yet caring when needed is a testament to your company’s great leadership skills. I learned a lot about myself - that the mind is the only obstacle and anything is possible. I saw a lot of my positive attributes and gained a great deal more self-belief, but it also heightened some areas that need to be worked on. Finally, thank you for the opportunity. It was an experience of a lifetime and I will never forget it.

Mark Deere-Jones, Senior General Manager BISG, Canon Australia
I have been involved in the corporate world for 27 years and have participated in many motivational and team building activities. Ican say quite categorically that the event on Friday was the best, I and all the employees at Canon have ever had the privilege to be associated with,and it will be an eternal memory. It was the talk of the awards dinner and there was an incredible buzz for the whole evening.

We are still trying to fully digest the impact and will be in touch to discuss what other opportunities there may be in the future. I have copied the general manager responsible for corporate communications who co-ordinates these types of activities on a company wide basis. It was a pleasure to be involved so thank you.