HAVE BEEN THOROUGHLY PLEASED WITH THE RETURN ON MY TRAINING INVESTMENT

“My work with Christina was transformational! I had my consulting model in my head and could intuitively move my healthcare clients through the various levels of how I could work with them, but I could not talk about it or “see” it in a structured sense until I did a 2-day Private Training with her.

She was able to take my thinking and words and translate them into a visual Story Map. As we constructed this visual tool I “saw” my consulting process emerge in front of my eyes and could direct her to expand here or delete there. We worked in partnership (me using skills she taught me just the day before) in a way that flowed and made me much more certain about the range of my work and its high value.

Within days of my training, I took my wall mural to an executive sales meeting with potential clients to test drive it. They quickly understood the three levels of my practice (individual, group and system) and were very excited to engage me. I landed a lucrative contract and my Story Map has become a powerful and inspirational marketing and education tool. One that explains my work in a style representative of myself as a Visual Thinker.

My training was part of Visual Coach Certification®. The SHIFT-IT tools fit well with the leadership work I do (given my background as a Psychotherapist) and I continue to receive helpful marketing and financial mentoring from Christina. All in all, I highly recommend the opportunity to work with her and have been thoroughly pleased with the return on my investment.”

Sandra Carter, Ph. D.
Leadership & Change Management Consultant, Healthcare Industry
Michigan, U.S.A.

CAME AWAY PUMPED WITH PRACTICAL TIPS & INVALUABLE INSIGHTS … PLUS WAY TO EVOLVE MY PRACTICE IN A VERY DIFFERENT WAY

“After an intensive 2-day private training I felt both inspired and focused. Christina is a passionate trainer and coach brimming with ideas and information that she shares freely. Like anyone who is so very good at what she does, she makes it look oh so easy!

I came away pumped with practical tips and invaluable insights for immediately incorporating visual facilitation into my existing consulting practice. Best of all, these discussions and insights helped me visualize a new career path and a way to evolve my practice in a very different way.”

– Martin Charlton, Brand & Content Strategist, www.contentmatters.ca

BENEFITED IMMENSELY FROM MY PRIVATE TRAINING WITH CHRISTINA

“I benefited immensely from my Private Interactive-Visuals Training with Christina Merkley — she’s a great trainer and mentor.

From my two days with her in Victoria, I emerged with a much deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse range and applications of Interactive-Visuals … SO much more than the visual recording I was first aware of. I was amazed by Christina’s skills and her readiness to impart her knowledge including pointing out little details that make a BIG difference.

The improvement in my craft is very apparent — including my speed in recording and the logic trail of my custom chart work (both in paper and digital). The many examples and resources in the handbook are so useful as I integrate these new skills into my work and life.

So far I’ve made a 5-meter mural of my organization’s employee proposition, a visual leadership framework and did a presentation on visual thinking. I’m continuing to do visual recording both small size in notebooks and on ipad and once I’m more expert (and brave!) will graduate to large size recordings at company meetings. I’m also contemplating how to apply the visual way of working to childhood education specifically with children with learning difficulties to better cope with formal education.

I keep Christina informed about my progress and value her continued support and encouragement.”

Ivy Neo
Human Resources Manager
Singapore

FELT LIKE A LITTLE KID DELIGHTED TO WRITE BIG ON THE WALL — MARVELOUS TECHNIQUE!

“A few months ago, my husband and I attended a Private Interactive-Visuals Training. Such a marvelous technique for capturing information for easy sharing with a targeted audience. I felt like a little kid delighted to WRITE BIG on the wall. I mapped a 16-week Culinary Arts program in a timeline format. The map is currently on the wall near the teaching kitchen where students and chef instructors easily see weekly themes — leading to graduation and the ultimate outcome of either further training and/or employment. I can’t wait to prepare a chart for a 20-week program (am already practicing how to draw a better chicken, bowl of soup, fish, chef hat… it goes on!).

My husband mapped and presented his succession plan to his Board of Directors and they truly appreciated his ideas being organized in a large-format, visual manner. And using his golf club as a pointer!

Additionally, Christina introduced me to her SHIFT-IT Visual Coaching Process® and I have been fortunate to work with Phillis Benson, one of her coaches-in-training. Talk about a wonderful process. Phillis has a skilled way of using the visual maps, all the while in her own style. She is a master at moving me through the process and the flow is so natural. I look forward to what transpires as we focus on some fairly large career decisions. Very exciting!

Thank you Christina Merkley for introducing me to this wealth of experiences — I am turning into a happier, more creative individual in how I conduct my everyday work and personal life!”

– Francesca de Bastiani, Curriculum Developer, Vancouver, British Columbia

SO IMPRESSED WITH THE INTEGRITY AND BEAUTY OF VISUAL COACHING

“Prior to applying for Visual Coach Certification®, I was a visual recording student of Christina’s as well as a private coaching client. With her encouraging support— I responsibly left my full-time job of 17 years by gradually phasing into an independent lifestyle as a Visual Recorder and Visual Coach.

Benefiting from her powerful methods myself, I said, “if you ever train others in this, I want in!” I loved this info filled program. Christina openly shares her innovative methods and how she does them – a talented teacher. The case study mp3s were particularly valuable – eavesdropping on her live work. Using the visual coaching tools, my own clients had fast successes, including a marriage proposal and a new car … another burst into tears and movingly said “wow, this is the first time I’ve truly been heard and seen!” So impressed with the integrity and beauty of this work.”

– Suzanne Keely, Visual Facilitator, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.A.

I WAS ABLE TO READILY APPLY WHAT SHE TAUGHT ME

“Flying in for a private two-day workshop with Christina was great (and so was the whale watching off Victoria). I was able to readily apply what she taught me. Two weeks later I was using some recommended templates and created some of my own. Her process forced me to re-think the way I have been doing executive planning retreats and helped me refine my agendas to produce a more coherent product.”

– Doug Thompson, Thompson Strategy Consulting, Virginia, U.S.A.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND WORKING WITH CHRISTINA IN BOTH A COACH AND TEACHER CAPACITY

“My HR Director and I came for customized training. I had been creating more opportunities to use graphics in my work but had encountered a confidence and skill barrier. To that end, Christina is an excellent teacher and coach. She has a solid base of organizational development, systems thinking and integrating graphics. I loved the engaging “at the wall” practice, the practical tips and effective how-to’s. Her studio is a wonderful learning lab. With her help and continued inspiration, I’m using my skills in greater ways. I highly recommend working with Christina in both a coach and teacher capacity.”

– Haley Green, Training & Development Dept.,
Edmonds Community College, Lynnwood, Washington

THE MOST IMPORTANT INVESTMENT IN MYSELF AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

“Christina has been my Coach and Mentor for several years and I have attended pretty much every program she has ever run. This is the second Mastermind group I have been a member of and as with all Christina’s programs and trainings it delivered huge value on multiple levels. As a developing visual practitioner, MMM gave me a hotbed incubator environment to support developing and growing my visual skills, expand into new learning territories such as digital scribing and also benefit hugely from the rich mix of experience and knowledge of the other mastermind participants. As always Christina attracts high calibre, quality students from around the globe and this group was no exception.

Weekly group calls meant maintained and consistent coaching and support plus the ever-important element of an in-person retreat gave all of us a super strong springboard from which to bounce. For me this has resulted in an accelerated expansion of my visual skills as a recorder and enhanced my facilitation processes and also my confidence has soared. As a direct result of being part of MMM, I have landed more graphic recording work, seen an increase in the number of referrals and repeat business for my practice and the personal 1-2-1 coaching I have received from Christina has significantly helped me hone and focus my business development and services offered. It is, without doubt, the most important investment in myself and my business development this year and I have already made back the investment price several times over through increased work I have received. If you want to expand your visual skills, develop your visual business offerings and be mentored by an industry pioneer you can learn from no better mentor than Christina.”

Tamsyn Hawkins
Business consultant and Visual Facilitator
London, UK
www.siriuscommunication.co.uk

AMAZED AT WHAT EVERYONE ACCOMPLISHED DURING THE MASTERMIND!

“The MMM mastermind helped me put the pieces of the puzzle together and clarify the new path for my business. I took Christina’s online SHIFT-IT course, which solidified that I wanted to work in a visual way, and introduced me to the concept of “inner work.” Next, I took her Fundamentals of Interactive Visuals and began to use all the new tools in my brand strategy practice. I was enjoying this work, but was feeling that there was another big leap forward for me.

The MMM provided some great “a-ha” moments for me. This mastermind really helped me craft the vision for my ideal career and life that I am now living. I also learned that I didn’t have to start from scratch; I could leverage and incorporate all of my valuable business experiences (corporate finance and equity research on Wall Street, an MBA, co-founder/entrepreneur at a start-up, branding and business strategist and my right-brain/left-brain mindset) into my new practice – where visuals support my strategic process.

Christina’s high-quality courses teach much more than how to develop a visual toolkit. She is very knowledgeable in OD, strategic visioning and processes all of which are key components of my practice. She has also successfully made the transition from the corporate world to running her own thriving business so she understands the journey and is very helpful to students who are on the same path.

I learned not only from Christina, but also from my fellow masterminders. Christina attracts very smart, accomplished and interesting people from diverse backgrounds to her courses and creates a wonderful container for them. They were, and continue to be, very generous with their time, knowledge and support. I was amazed at what everyone accomplished during the course and in our time together during the retreat – we blazed through an aggressive agenda in two days!

Thanks, Christina and fellow MMMers!”

Jocelyn Ring
Strategist/Visual Facilitator/Consultant
Charleston, SC USA
www.theringeffect.com

LEARNING FROM A PIONEER IN THE FIELD HAS BEEN AN HONOR AND I NOW KNOW WHY SO MANY INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESSES SEEK CHRISTINA OUT

“I’ve worked with Christina for several years now, using her as my personal coach and then as my trainer for the Fundamentals of Interactive-Visuals. Working in a visual way has been a dream of mine for a while, and finding Christina’ and her support showed me that it is possible to learn these skills despite no artistic talent at all!

I was ready to incorporate the process into my work with women coping with loss and change in a bigger way this year and knew I needed some support in making it happen. I saw Christina’s notice about the Magic Marker Mastermind and knew it was meant for me.

Through the four months of interactive work and discussion, I received a major A-ha! for my business: I do my best work in an 11 x 17 tablet. I appreciate my mastermind partners’ support of me in clarifying my desire to do custom chart work and visual coaching in this way. It has changed how I approach my business and how I market my services to potential clients. And the results are more engaged clients (they love taking home their weekly map of next steps), a more unique positioning in the marketplace and an additional stand-alone income stream.

I loved being in this group with others of varying skill levels, fields and interests. Christina effectively created a welcoming space in which to share ideas, give friendly critiques and visualize our next steps to success. Learning from a pioneer in the field has been an honor and I now know why so many individuals and businesses seek Christina out: she’s committed, professional, wise and wonderful. Our in-person retreat was truly magical and I have carried that energy and business focus with me ever since. Thanks Christina and fellow Masterminders!”

Ann Leach
Grief and Loss Specialist
Joplin, Missouri, U.S.A.
www.lifepreservers.com

THE SUPPORT & CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK FROM CHRISTINA AND PEOPLE I NOW CALL MY FRIENDS WAS INVALUABLE

“The Magic Marker Mastermind was a wonderful space in which to set my visual goals, work on, and achieve them. The power and experience of this special group allowed me to create, reflect, and revise… and the mantra, “Pick Up the #!*”ing Marker” was exactly what I needed to step up to doing my own drawings.

The support and constructive feedback from Christina, and people I now call my friends, throughout our time together, was invaluable.

Just after the conclusion of MMM, at the annual conference of The International Forum of Visual Practitioners, I successfully launched my own suite of visual tools called Making the GRADE: Discovering the College That’s the Right Fit for You!- my visual system for helping teens in their college search process. I highly recommend Christina’s program, as it provides the structure, instruction, and space to find and continue to develop your own signature style.”

Jill Greenbaum, Ed.D.
Teen and College Coaching Expert, Public Speaker, Blogger & Author
New Jersey, U.S.A.
www.majorinyou.com

I’VE TAKEN EVERY PROGRAM CHRISTINA HAS EVER OFFERED!

“I’ve taken every program Christina has ever offered I think! Including Visual Coach Certification, a previous 6-month Accelerator and this MMM one, plus her very useful base skills trainings.

I come back again and again because of the quality of her offerings, her Organizational Development and Change Management knowledge and her program’s relevance to me as a senior process professional.

In the Magic Marker Mastermind I liked the review of the basics without going back to square one, including formatting, lettering and colors. The weekly webinars worked well especially having video and audio recordings (for those times when I could not attend live). Given the environments I’m often working in, the ideas for incorporating visuals into powerpoint was very helpful as was tutorial on template development and how to use landscapes for variety in graphic recording. I’m getting wonderful response to my visual work in my organization (and with our many clients) and was great to have a good group of visual colleagues to share my kudos with. Loved participating with this solid group of visual practitioners and listening to their ideas and plans too!”

Alice Cahill
Senior Faculty
Center for Creative Leadership
www.ccl.org

I RECOMMEND MMM HIGHLY IF YOU TOO NEED SUPPORT FROM OTHER VISUAL FOLKS WHO GET IT!

“Fast, fast, fast … that is the nature of my entry into sheparding an internal visual practice in our busy consulting firm. After taking Christina’s Fundamentals of Interactive-Visuals, I was launched full speed into a fascinating opportunity to bring the visual way of working to our agency. I jumped at the chance to claim one of the Magic Marker Mastermind seats so I had ready access to a skilled Interactive-Visuals mentor and colleagues who could support and assist me as I dove headlong into this intriguing challenge. In a few whirlwind months our internal visual practice has received C-suite championing to bring visual applications (graphic recording, graphic facilitation, wall and digital templates, timelapes videos, custom murals, etc) across our broad spectrum of consulting engagements. Education is key, both internally and with our external clients … about how working visually enhances our engagements and enables us to operate at a sophisticated level of collaboration and transparency … literally getting us all onto the same page and moving effectively together. Key for the fast pace and high stakes of our domestic and international projects. MMM was a safe haven of visual colleagues who got what I was doing and were there for me and me for them … professionally and personally. I recommend it highly if you too need support from other visual folks who get it.”

Venice Blue
Manager of Visual Practice & Tools
San Francisco, California

MMM GAVE ME THE FOCUS, TOOLS, SUPPORT AND RESOURCES TO MOVE MY VISUAL PRACTICE TO THE NEXT LEVEL OF SUCCESS

“A year after taking Christina’s Fundamentals of Interactive-Visuals I followed up with her Magic Marker Mastermind — to take my visual practice to the next level. The visual practitioners in this group were amazing! I loved the opportunity to connect with colleagues and learn about the many unique ways of working with visuals. Our private Ning Forum was a great way to share work, materials and get feedback.

The MMM provided the motivation and inspiration to get seriously focused on my own visual practice helping me attract, contract and land custom chart work, graphic recording and time-lapse video gigs, and hone my own signature sessions with entrepreneurs and small biz owners. This program gave me the focus, tools, support and resources to move my visual practice to the next level of success.”

Lisa Edwards
Visual Consultant
Victoria, BC, Canada
www.radiatewell.com