Events & Testimonials

We are a training business, but we do like the bigger audience. Here are some events in 2010 (and some in 2011) you might want to know more about… just call us and ask whatever you like: Was it any good? What was your fee? Can I speak to the client?

 

Deloitte, London: February - December

A series of programmes on Impact, Influence and Persuasion to all Senior Managers and Directors at Deloitte.

 

University of Edinburgh : January

A couple of hours in the evening to 50 or so MBAs from Edinburgh University.

 

Lloyds TSB, St Mirren Park: January

A motivational networking session for clients of the bank.

 

Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce: February

Lunchtime seminar on Business Development.

 

Nottingham Trent University : February

A series of three masterclasses to both academic and non academic staff at Nottingham Trent.

 

Burness, Edinburgh: February, March

A series of Business Development seminars at awaydays.

 

AUDE, Belfast: March

The Prince & The Comedian; Machiavelli and Billy Connolly were mentioned in this 90 minute keynote to over 100 university Directors of Estates.

 

Bank of Scotland, Edinburgh: March

Big audience Charismatic Connecting seminar.

 

NHS, Glasgow: January, February & April

A series of 90 minute breakfast seminars to large groups of senior staff.

 

Fortis Lease, Cameron House, Loch Lomond: April

A half-day Charismatic Connecting seminar to the sales team.

 

Williams De Broe, Edinburgh: April

An hour at lunchtime to 50 of their clients.

 

UHR, Leicester: May

A bit of emceeing and some inspirational networking tips to get the show on the road with a bang for over 200 university HR Directors.

 

Royal Bank of Scotland, Edinburgh: May

A half day of Relationship Building/Teambuilding at their Gogarburn HQ.

 

University of Glasgow : May & June

A series of seminars to PHDs and researchers.

 

Law Society of Scotland: June

Seminars on Building Business Relationships.

 

CUBO, Exeter: July

An interactive motivational three hours on Building Professional Relationships delivered to 80 university business officers.

 

FTI, Bordeaux: July

A 90 minute seminar on Influence and Persuasion delivered to 50 in the south of France.

 

JCI National Conference, Edinburgh: September

Russell focuses on Clarity, Focus and Power as he entertains around 50 people at this conference.

 

University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh: September

A mix of around 70 full time, part time and alumni students are treated to an evening seminar on Networking.

 

RICS, Glasgow: September

Charismatic Connecting Seminar to a large number of surveyors.

 

Prince’s Trust: September

Charismatic Connecting Seminar.

 

University of Dundee , Law Faculty: September

Seminar to students during induction week.

 

Page & Park Architects, Glasgow: September

Half-day seminar on Passionate Oral Communication.

 

Entrepreneurial Exchange, Dakota Eurocentral: October

An evening of Charismatic Connecting is in store for around 40 delegates at the Entrepreneurial Exchange.

 

McGrigors, Edinburgh: November

Two big audience Networking Seminars.

 

Birmingham City University, Birmingham: November

Two seminars over as many days are presented to around 50 students at Birmingham.

 

Brunel University, London: November

Charismatic Connecting seminar.

 

And into 2011...

 

Birmingham City University, Birmingham: February

Another two seminars to keep the students at Birmingham City University going.

 

Glasgow University, Glasgow: March - July

Up to 20 University Researchers will be on each of the five seminars given throughout Spring 2011.

 

...  and some testimonials 

 

Oratory Masterclass, AUDE Conference, Newport

“I know it is ‘what you do’ but by way of feedback it was the best presentation I have ever seen!”

Alan Burrell, Director of Estates, Open University

 

FTI Consulting, Barcelona

“ The conference was a huge success and had the team pleasantly surprised! I thought Russell did a fantastic job and even though the sun was shining outside he managed to keep the team focussed.”

Claire Gilbert, Executive Assistant, FTI Consulting

 

 "Thanks for addressing our Chamber lunch.  Your presentation was excellent and all the delegates really enjoyed hearing you."
Laura Mills, Events Manager, Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce

"I am sure that the feedback forms will reflect the postive messages that I have personally received about the session.  The theme really touched a nerve for our delegates and the fun and humour injected into the session hit the spot exactly."
Lesley Scott, Senior Change Manager, The Royal Bank of Scotland plc

Thorntons LLP, Carnoustie
"We are a very diverse organisation and our Away Days need to connect with everyone - 320 over two days - from Mailroom Assistant to Managing Partner.  It was critical that the content and style would fit with the Thorntons' culture.  Russell worked with us in advance and ensured that our values ran throughout the day.  Energy levels were high, feedback positive and the event was a great success."
Helen Archibald, Director of HR, Thorntons LLP

"Challenging but thoroughly enjoyable.  Highly beneficial too - we learned a lot and now need to get out there and practise what we've learned."
Peter McDade, Head of Risk

Amorous in Aberdeen
"We had a high energy, interactive and very funny session on networking on 14 February.  Michael was terrific at getting us all going and we'll definitely see you again."
Leah Murphy, Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce

DLA UK Conferences, Windsor and Chestesr
"That's six conferences and over 350 of our NQs in the past three years.... exceptional presentation skills delivery on a grand scale.  See you again in 2009."
Phillip Westermeyer, Senior Development Officer, DLA Piper UK LLP

Being Immortal to 750 at West Sound Radio
"What a wonderful show.  The organisation, the top table, the musicians and artists were simply fantastic...  We laughed and cried as the life, loves and words of Scotland's favourite son were compared and contrasted with the feeble courtship efforts of modern man."

Immortal Memory
"Many thanks for your terrific performance last Thursday."
Ian Burke Associates

Immortal Memory
"We laughed and cried as Burns' life with lassies unfolded and his genius laid before us.  Thank you for a great immortal memory."
Sian Warren, President, Sandyford Burns' Club

European Celebration at the Hilton
"From 450 people saying hello in seven languages at the beginning to the awards ceremony finishing on time - with three rounds of a quiz in between - we all had a ball.  Many thanks."
Evelyn Boyd, Deputy Chief Executive, Objective 3 Programme Management Executive

Airth Castle
Thanks for a fantastic session on Friday; 90 minutes was just not enough.  Every delegate left bristling with enthusiasm to put your tools into practice.
Nick McCormick, Business Development Manager, Edmund Nuttall Ltd

Madrid and London
"Imagine facilitating two Presentation Skills events for 120 newly qualified lawyers, from 17 different offices across Continental Europe, Middle East and the UK.  Now imagine creativity, fun, great feedback and a fantastic learning experience had by all.  Thank you Kissing With Confidence - see you again next year!"
Phillip Westermeyer, Senior Development Officer, DLA Piper

The Gherkin, London
"Michael's session on relationship building at our High Achievers' Forum in the Gherkin building was excellent and feedback from the Account Managers was very complimentary."
Heather Findlay, UKFS Business Training Manager, Standard Life Assurance Ltd

Aberdeen and London
"Michael's high energy seminar on customer service awareness for our IS department engaged us all and ensured our two day conference finished on just the right note."
Alison Taylor, Manager Information Services, Nexen Petroleum UK

Severe Burns
"Thank you very much for performing the Reply on Behalf of the Lassies at our Edinburgh Supper this year - you did a tremendous job!  In total, I think we have raised approximately £120,000 for the charity from our efforts this year and you played a huge part in that so thank you".
Vivien Morton, Group Marketing Co-ordinator, Dunbar Bank

The Banter in Barcelona
"Fantastic, Humorous, Engaging, Inspirational."
PMU Planning Conference, Hewlett Packard

Newcastle-upon-Tyne
"Thanks for the brilliant afternoon - the delegates were buzzing as they left.  It has been an absolute pleasure to listen to Russell - I'm sure we will be contacting you again soon - I am about to re-read your brochure for more inspiration."
Lesley Lee, University of Northumbria at Newcastle

Glasgow
"Thank you so much for your contribution to our company away day.  The team thoroughly enjoyed your session and the feedback was very positive.  On a personal level, it was a pleasure to have you with us.  It made a real difference.
Hilary Roberts, HR Consultancy

St Andrews
"Very clever and hilariously funny.  Russell was a brilliant finale to our annual dinner."
Kevin Grainger, President, St Andrews Business Club

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
"The first Glasgow Brain Game at Kelvingrove was a huge success.  Many thanks to Russell for keeping it all going from first to last, and for entertaining us along the way."
Karen Milne, Marie Curie Cancer Care

The Belfry, Birmingham
"Thanks Russell for your contribution both in terms of your keynote on Confidence and in being our host for the day, you really helped us get these events onto a different footing.  There were loads of compliments about your session and personally I think you nailed the brief splendidly."
Steve Torbet, Sales Operations Manager, Aegon Scottish Equitable

Old Course Hotel, St Andrews
"Many thanks for Russell's contribution at our Partners' Conference in St Andrews:  he led Friday's discussion forum with creativity, energy and pace.  And Saturday morning's session was thoroughly entertaining and thought-provoking."
Patrick Andrews, Chief Executive, Shepherd and Wedderburn

Thistle Hotel, Glasgow
"We had a ball, raised a record amount - and raised the roof into the bargain - at the Never Mind The Business charity evening.  Even with a noisy 850 in the room ready to party, Kissing With Confidence was superb as emcees and took the event to a whole new level.  Many thanks."
Colin Flinn, Head of Fundraising, NCH Scotland

"The Entrepreneurial Exchange membership insists on only the highest quality for the exchange evenings and yours was no exception.  Turnout was high, delivery was exceptional and feedback was excellent.  We look forward to seeing Russell again soon."  John Anderson, Chief Executive, The Entrepreneurial Exchange

"The workshops either side of lunch were very thought provoking and entertaining... And as for the twenty minutes to the entire department at the end of the day- "cuddling mum" meant there was hardly a dry eye in the hall."  Jean Chandler, Deputy Director HR, Glasgow University

"An excellent performance at the BNI Annual Dinner.  Humorous, entertaining and engaging; many thanks."  Don Spence, Managing Director, Corporate Events Scotland

"This was the best class I have ever attended, and I have been at plenty of classes at JCI and in business."  David Laverty, Denver Chamber of Commerce (JCI World Congress, MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada)

"Many thanks for a superb job as MC at our 50th Anniversary Ball at the Hilton, and for doing the auction with Carol Smillie.  This has been our most successful dinner ever. We raised £48 000 for children and adults with learning disabilities."  Kelly Pumfrey, Corporate Fundraiser, Enable

"We are delighted to have raised £22 000 for the Prince's Trust, Scotland, at our 175th Anniversary Dinner.  Many thanks to Kissing With Confidence for emceeing the whole event and running the auction.  Russell kept us on track with humour and diplomacy from last to first, in true McGonnagall fashion."  Debbie Entwistle, Marketing Director, Morton Fraser

"Many thanks Russell for your efforts as emcee at our leadership conference, we were delighted with your contribution.  You kept it all going effortlessly - and with great humour."  John Ferguson, Head of Human Resources Development, Babcock Naval Services

"Our 150 off-shore supervisors are not the easiest group to get on-side, but all five sessions were extremely well received:  humour, stories and examples with just the right amount of thought-provoking insights into the importance of effective communication.  We were delighted with Kissing With Confidence's contribution."   Paddy Mallan, Director, Operations Support, Petrofac

"The session on Inspirational Communication by Russell was a perfect way to end our conference.  The feedback has been fantastic and everyone stayed engaged for the entire time, no mean feat at the end of an intensive few days."  Andy Smith, Production Director, Registers of Scotland