These results were achieved at the following organisations:

Allied Insurance Brokers Limited
(Kingston, Jamaica)

Amanda Beepat
Chief Executive Officer
Allied Insurance Brokers Limited, Kingston, Jamaica

"The sessions were excellent. We learnt new concepts that will be utilized by the staff to aid their thought processes and their decision making. For instance, everyone has learnt the five stages of change. It's fully embraced. If someone is taking too long to do something, they now jokingly ask, 'Are you still stuck in pre-contemplation?' I am happy to learn that 'stress' is actually fear. I hear the buzz word 'stress" used and that's not a good thing. I will make an effort to remember this. I have a formal time to talk with my 11 managers and I will now have discussions about how we can manage and therefore eliminate fear. We will definitely embrace the breathing exercises. For instance, in the next strategic retreat, we have included diaphragmatic breathing on our agenda. We will also make it a part of our monthly management and staff meetings. The manner in which you present is very effective because you are not only showing us the evidence that change is needed, but you are also show us how to change. Our organisation is willing to change and our staff is making change a natural part of their environment."

Garfield Grant
Employee Benefits Manager
Allied Insurance Brokers Limited, Kingston, Jamaica

"It was an excellent set of workshops. I have been in a process of change since the start of last year. Your sessions have given me the tools and latitude to change. You have helped me confirm that some of the steps I have taken were good and that the task that I have set before me will have a successful end. What empowered me the most was the structure you have given us, such as tools to make changes and I how to navigate and succeed making changes. I liked how you taught us to forget the externals and focus on what matters: sustaining happiness is paramount for me and with the ingredients of happiness presented along with the supported statements backed by research the key to happiness is within reach."

Kay Ann Harry-Taylor
Assistant Manager
Allied Insurance Brokers Limited, Kingston, Jamaica

"The sessions were excellent. We learnt new concepts that will be utilized by the staff to aid their thought processes and their decision making. For instance, everyone has learnt the five stages of change. It's fully embraced. If someone is taking too long to do something, they now jokingly ask, 'Are you still stuck in pre-contemplation?' I am happy to learn that 'stress' is actually fear. I hear the buzz word 'stress' used and that's not a good thing. I will make an effort to remember this. I have a formal time to talk with my 11 managers and I will now have discussions about how we can manage and therefore eliminate fear. We will definitely embrace the breathing exercises. For instance, in the next strategic retreat, we have included diaphragmatic breathing on our agenda. We will also make it a part of our monthly management and staff meetings. The manner in which you present is very effective because you are not only showing us the evidence that change is needed, but you are also show us how to change. Our organisation is willing to change and our staff is making change a natural part of their environment."

Robert Thomson
Account Executive
Allied Insurance Brokers Limited, Kingston, Jamaica

"For me the most important part of your sessions was getting us to examine, 'Are we happy?' and that we have the ability to change. Although peoples' personalities are defined at an early stage, I like how you suggest we can change and adapt to our environment for the better. You are challenging us to decide are we making the best choices. For most of the staff you have highlighted the benefits of being happy, having long- and short-term goals, making healthy lifestyle changes, and making changes. You are helping the staff let their guard down. People put on a facade about how they are truly feeling. Unless people put their guard down, you don't know how they are feeling. For instance, you challenged us by asking us what our true values are and highlighted the importance of doing techniques like diaphragmatic breathing consistently."

Shelleha Christie
Claim Associate,
Allied Insurance Brokers Limited, Kingston, Jamaica

"Your workshops stimulated me to look on life in a new perspective. They also taught me that the usual way of breathing was incorrect. The simple technique of diaphragmatic breathing which you taught us has assisted me relax throughout my hectic work day. You've also stimulated me to get over my shy and reserved personality. The PowerPoints you presented were not only informative, but you've also given us your research sources, so that we could look at the information for ourselves if there was any doubt in your guidance."

Belize Chamber of Commerce
(Belize, Central America)

Akmar Codd
Membership Representative
Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Belize City, Belize

"I enjoyed it. There wasn’t anyone who didn’t want to interact. You helped me work out what I was thinking and fight my fears by answering your questions. You opened the audiences’ minds to look at issues in a different manner. I personally learnt that perception plays a lot. If I keep on fearing things I will not be successful. I really wish my mom had been here. The key for me was perception of my fear is the key to my happiness and success. Hence, being hardier can help me accomplish meeting my goals, blocking out the fears within. I also learnt that I can change with enough dedication and support."

Ruth Gillett
Senior Administrator/Human Resource Officer
Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Belize City, Belize

"The audience responded well. They were not afraid to open up and say what they really felt. sI didn’t know that it would be as interesting as it turned out to be. I thought I would be bored, but I found it very interesting and helpful. For instance, I have a lot of things I want to change about myself and you have shown me how. You made me admit that I need to change what’s wrong with me and I realized that I can change if I really want to and put my mind to it. Change is hard for me, but I am willing to open myself up to it. Change will be the difference between life and death in my case, and therefore the choice is clear."

Yorshabell Cattouse
Manager of Member Relations
Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Belize City, Belize

"I have attended so many leadership workshops but not like this one. Your course was so different. Never before have I done a workshop from this angle – on values and goals. The course was very intense, but as a result, I now understand values far more thoroughly. What I enjoyed the most was coming to the realization that I need to get my fundamental values in their right place and set goals to be who I really want to be in this life and of course, get true happiness, while at the same time ensuring that I am not self-centered. There are so many values but I can’t have all of them at the forefront. So I need to choose the core ones that will develop direction for me in my personal life and as an effective leader in the workplace. Each person has their own set of values. I can’t force my values on others who are around my daily surroundings. But I can adopt values as tolerance and respect to help me successfully work with them. I must say this is a challenge as it seems too perfect but I am sure I can work diligently towards."

Belize Emergency Response Team
(Belize City, Belize)

Yvette Burks
National Coordinator
Belize Emergency Response Team, Belize City, Belize

"Brilliant presentation and relevant material, thank you! So much of your information is applicable to my staff. My staff benefited from learning how not to allow fear to affect them as much. I often try to discuss what you are saying with them, in different ways of course. Culturally Belize is a very complacent country; frequently blaming everyone else for issues and never pausing to consider what was 'my' role in a negative outcome and what change would make a difference. I loved your NOISE and NESTS, especially the optimism, as it’s easy to remember and I am an optimist. I am now working with my staff in an attempt to foster positive changes and conquer fear."

Ceylon Chamber of Commerce
(Colombo, Sri Lanka)

Asanka Wickramasinghe
Founder, Consulage and Channelcert
Colombo, Sri Lanka

"You were an eye-opener. Many people tell you to do what you love, but few people tell you how to be happy when you’re not. You taught me to be happy so I can engage in struggles in a better way. You can create greater impacts when you are happy. I liked how you emphasised that happiness is a choice. Choosing to be happy or not happy was the greatest wakening call I got. You made us all feel at home. It was fantastic. The audience felt one with the session and alive. Your 5-hour sessions were not fatiguing. I felt great that I was part of this and immersed in the experience. You made it seem so natural and thus we didn’t feel as if our perceptions had been pushed to change, even though we did change them."

Meditha Karunatillaka
Head of Human Resources
UB Finance, Colombo, Sri Lanka

"The basic essence of life is what you have been teaching us. From birth we encounter fear. When parents have problems with their children eating they use fear, but instead we should use your happiness approach. I’m Head of Human Resources at UB Finance so I see real advantages in using your techniques and material. We don’t want our employees in ‘fear psychosis’ (worrying about the past and future). We need them to leave in the present moment and eliminate fear. You initially set us up with many questions and were made to think. Your topics are not discussed in Sri Lanka, so you made us think differently."

Shanelle Guneratne
Clinical Psychologist
MAS Holdings, Colombo, Sri Lanka

"After hearing you explain how there is no such thing as stress, my initial reaction was complete denial. I have just been working on an Occupational Stress Survey. However, as the sessions went on I realized that fear is a fundamental obstruction. Fear stops people doing things that they can do. I started seeing a pattern in the examples that the audience were providing when they said that they were ‘stressed.’ I recognised that they all came from the exact same source: fear. The discomfort I initially felt when you challenged my perspective was excellent because I realised that I was a prisoner of my own ego. As a therapist we are trained to separate ourselves from our own biased thinking for the benefit of our clients in order to improve their lives. Therefore eradicating fear is essential in order to avoid jeopardizing the therapeutic intervention. I actually like being put on the spot and so you helped me reevaluate my opinions."

Vinuri Perera
Management Executive
Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Colombo, Sri Lanka

"It was very informative, plus it was very interesting. The Sri Lankan culture is very reserved and so we don’t open up. So you getting them to open up was a real success. You got them to answer your questions and provide questions. I liked how you got them involved in the exercises. It was actually very good and was well publicized. Some of the Managing Directors and CEOs were wanting to learn from you. I was very happy. It was a great way to start the year. We try to help small entrepreneurs and to develop themselves, not only in business, but also personally. Your material fitted in our framework well. It was like your website: if you visit your website once you get the need to visit it again. It was a pleasure meeting you as well."

Face Impressions Modeling Agency
(Kingston, Jamaica)

Keneisha Mitchell
Chief Executive Officer
Face Impressions Modeling Agency, Kingston, Jamaica

"I loved your sessions because I gained knowledge that I wouldn't even know how to find. The models were able to relate to you in a positive way and they liked your practical techniques. They were actually wanting more sessions. I kept thinking that you're never too old to learn and that anything is possible once you’re dedicated enough to listen. The main message for me was I must first change my thoughts and practice positive thinking, let go of my fear, better myself and improve the quality of life by working towards positive possibilities. In other words, I need to aim and maintain my focus. Because if I have an aim, I'm more likely to see where I am going and pursue it. My Mission Statement was too long and I didn't have my values and goals written down, let alone where I could see them every day, but now I see the point of doing this. In the past I burdened myself with things I couldn't control, but you taught me to stop doing that. I now understand that I am the person who has to determine and control my future. As a result, I will impact my staff and others positively."

Locksley Waites
Business Consultant
Face Impressions Modeling Agency, Kingston, Jamaica

"Psychology is one key to success in the modeling industry. As a result of attending Adrian's courses on such topics such as change, choices, fear, and health, I have concluded that, ‘stress’ is disguised as inner fear, which once analyzed, can be managed through positive perception and compelling reasons to change. We are ultimately responsible for our lifestyle and we can decide (right now) to live a healthier and happier one. Adrian helped me face the fact that we are ultimately responsible for our actions as well as the consequences. Likewise, I now understand that happier habits are often synonymous with a healthier lifestyle. If I have a keen focus on good health, good nutrition, adequate sleep, exercise, and social support, then I will have greater fulfillment. Adrian's unique approach with the models of the Face Impressions Modeling Agency was fun, practical and timely. The outcomes of each session for all involved, were instantly applicable techniques to achieve life balance. Adrian knows his stuff and is highly recommended."

Nicolas Anderson
Model
Face Impressions Modeling Agency, Kingston, Jamaica

"You have made me a better model. I definitely have made changes due to the knowledge I’ve obtained from you over the past few weeks. For instance, I’ve changed my eating habits. I am eating healthier, exercising more regularly, and sleeping better. But better still, more is yet to come, because everything won’t happen overnight. In the past, due to being afraid of potential outcomes, I spent a lot of time contemplating whether or not I should make changes. Due to you, I now understand how to undergo the necessary changes I need to make and then how to reflect on my life to make more good decisions. I’ve also learnt from you that there’s no such thing as stress and so I now deal with my fears head on and think more positively. As a result, I don’t say things now that I will regret later and I don’t get as angry and upset. Most importantly, I have identified the need to take time out to think and make better choices, not rush to make choices, so that I better my life and the lives of those around me. Every 3 months I will evaluate my life to ensure that I’m on the right path and if changes have been accomplished."

Shenae Cummings
Model
Face Impressions Modeling Agency, Kingston, Jamaica

"These sessions have impacted my life, as I have gained some important knowledge about how I can improve my life. In all honesty, I am not doing anything differently at the moment, but this is not surprising, as you taught me that change does not occur overnight, but is a process that has many stages. I must be patient with myself if I truly want to change. I do need to change. For instance, your sessions helped me realize that I need to focus on getting enough sleep and eating properly, as well as maintain a good support system in order to be a healthier and happier individual. The most important point I’ve gained from this experience is that stress is not real, the underlying issue in ‘stressful’ situations is fear, and in order to overcome this feeling, I need to change the way I handle certain situations. In these situations, I need to be unbiased and rational to ensure effective decision making. Thus, in order to have a better life, I need to change and overcome my fears so that I can reach my full potential. When I make these changes I will be a better model, as I now believe that understanding psychology is useful for modeling, because self-confidence is very important for this career and the topics discussed helped in gaining self-confidence."

Lantern Software and Security Systems Company Ltd
(Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia)

Gulam Faizal
Manager of Operations
Lantern Software and Security Systems Company Ltd, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia

"You’re blending your knowledge with reality experiences. You teach practically and I liked how you related your practical experience with the medical diseases such as diabetes and asthma with the material you presented. As a result, we practiced some of your techniques in our office. After doing your Thriving Habit for twenty-one days, we need to continue it so as to give us better results, especially anxiety reduction and managing work load pressures. I liked the PMR. I didn’t really feel the difference much initially, but after practicing it for a while I really noticed the differences. I feel more relaxed now. I’m now teaching my family members how to do them. Likewise, our site guys start practicing the PMR and other techniques you taught prior to their site work. I would encourage all my colleagues to share with our families, friends, and colleagues the techniques we learnt from the training so we can make our professional and personal lives successful. So one of the main messages for me was, it’s not the count of years in life, it’s the life in your years that matters."

Jabir Shah Hameed
CEO
Lantern Software and Security Systems Company Ltd, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia

"The staff really loved it. I enjoyed it a great deal. I don't think I would have made the changes I have made without your program. You got me thinking and re-evaluating myself. You made me think about: 'The skills you retire with - Are the skills you die with' and trying to 'Add one skill a year.' I'm going to learn Spanish in September. I found the Stages of Change sessions very informative, especially focusing on how it is scary to make changes. You're very motivating. You made it fun and exciting without even trying. It's not like you were throwing it down our throats. You make it fun and therefore we are learning without realising it."

Sayed Aathif
Projects Engineer
Lantern Software and Security Systems Company Ltd, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia

"You were helpful. You allowed us to be free with our ideas and discuss the material. You helped us reorganize ourselves and improved us by correcting many of our mistakes. We were working towards anxiety, but you helped us become happier. I used to breathe from my chest, but I didn’t know it was wrong. I am now more relaxed and less anxious. Gradually I’m decreasing the number of negative thoughts. I can see your program being very effective with any one in Saudi Arabia who has at least completed high school studies."

Rajasthan Chamber of Commerce and Industry
(Jaipur, India)

Arun Godika
Executive Director
Rajasthan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Jaipur, India

"I was very skeptical initially when we were planning these sessions if the audience would stay involved. The audience may not have been able to understand hundred percent of what you presented due to their lack of English, but with your accent, to keep the audience participating for 3 hours is a great achievement and you did that every time. You are very involved in your presentations and the development of a happier planet. You achieved your objectives for your course. You taught the audience how practically it can be done. The thing I heard the most was if we plan small, small things and achieve them, then they can over a period of time amount to something worthwhile. Our Prime Minister is doing the same thing. He’s getting general people to do small things and so by the end of his term he will have achieved substantial change. Like his campaign for cleaning India, you motivated our audience to do better."

Mayank Raja
Associate
Rajasthan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Jaipur, India

"The audience responded well to all your non-stop 3-hour sessions. No-one asked for a break. You had their attention as you didn’t just give a delivery, but instead you involved everyone. I have been working in the stone industry for the last 7 years. I’ve found it very ‘stressful’ in my daily business, as there is a lot of competition inside the business community. On top of that I have other things I worry about, such as my liabilities. I came a long way to see you and I’m glad I came. The best thing you taught me was how my thinking affects me and that there is no such thing as ‘stress.’ You taught us some very practical things, like NESTS and the diaphragmatic breathing. NESTS is something I can adopt in my life now and in five years time."

Sneha Arora
Associate
Rajasthan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Jaipur, India

"You are doing a great thing. You are teaching people so much. I’ve taught my mother and brother the techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing. People often times are so busy that they don’t look after themselves. You are giving them a clear message of how to change your life for the better. As you said there is no such thing as stress. If you’re not stressed then you can do your work better and others may notice that and want to change as well. You didn’t give people any chance to get bored. When you saw someone get a bit fidgety, you quickly tried to get them involved in a positive way. I am sure that they took away something from the sessions. I have learnt a lot from your sessions and I am sure I am going to apply it and help people apply it in their daily lives so that they can handle situations in a much better way and find joy even when they are struggling."

Singapore Island Country Club
(Singapore)

Brenden Gurusamy
Director of Food & Beverage
Singapore Island Country Club, Singapore

"Many of the staff are very resistant to change. I have worked in this club for five years and I have found they are too set in their ways. I learnt from you that if I keep chipping away, change can occur here. I need to get the staff to buy in that change is positive. After all, change is inevitable, even though surveys show we don't change. I always want things to be done immediately and I expect too much, but I need to be more adaptable in the environment that I work in. You were very informative. I liked the interactive part of the sessions. I thought the content was excellent. You made us look at life from a different perspective. You made me get away from my beliefs of 'what I know is what I know'. There are always other avenues to approach life and you showed us that. You aren't static, you move around, which is great. You got everybody's attention by the tone of your voice. Your pictures are really good, especially as they tell a thousand stories."

Marilyn Boo
Training & Development Manager
Singapore Island Country Club, Singapore

"Most of the people here are resistant to change because they have been here a long time doing the same thing. Doing these courses gave our managers options to make the right decisions before they actually make them. Your material is not just important for work, but carries on to their personal life as well. I really found the PCPAM information useful, especially as you generated a large amount of participation."

Uncommon Goods Pty. Ltd.
(Manhattan, New York)

Thomas Epting
Chief Operating Officer
Uncommon Goods, Manhattan, New York

"Adrian's program - Happier Horizons - has positively impacted our company and given me insights and tools I can use in my professional and personal life. Adrian provided value in several ways: first, research-backed analysis of the components of happiness and how each impacts individual performance; second, specific techniques to increase individual and team performance; third, one-on-one private coaching to help individuals understand how his work applies to their work or home lives. Adrian presents in a way that acknowledges the difficulty of change, but shows clear, immediate and long-term rewards for their effort. Further, his specific individual performance techniques are especially helpful - simple, powerful, easy-to-remember and easy-to-do. Adrian's insights have helped me think differently about individuals in our organization, and where they stand on the continuum of the stages of change. Consequently, I can coach more effectively. In the end, I found it ironic that although I was more familiar with the research behind his work than others on the team, I seemed to be the person who learned and gained the most from his program. That said, considering Adrian's personalized attention, I'm certain that others on the team also feel that they gained the most."

Jennifer Grim
Customer Service Manager
Uncommon Goods, Manhattan, New York

"The 'Happier Horizons' program has made a big impact. It's clearly been very positive for the staff. People are more reflective and open to change. One of the staff members doing Tai Chi - I never thought I'd see that in my lifetime. This whole thing makes you think about things more deeply. It forces you to look at things in a different way. It made me realise things about myself that I was not aware of. It causes people to realise that there are things we need to change. It's a really, really positive experience. It's a fantastic use of your time. For only 45 minutes of your day, you gain so much. And it lasts so much longer than that. It helps you learn the most effective ways to manage yourself, your staff, and the people above you. It's intensely relevant for business. I truly believe that the skills learnt in this program can and will be applied on a daily basis in this business. The sessions just fly by; the length of the program appears to be ideal. Less than 10 weeks would be less effective, because there is so much to learn. 10 weeks of an Australian accent makes you smile."

Qadeer Parrish
Fulfillment Operations Manager/Facilities Manager
Uncommon Goods, Manhattan, New York

"It's triggering off a lot of positiveness in the managers; wanting to believe in themselves more. It's a self-check; looking at yourself; what can I be doing better? It's like putting yourself in the mirror. Your sessions hit home, especially the stages of change with the relapse, and the affirmations with the 'Results, Not Excuses' affirmation I came up with in your program. When you mentioned the pre-contemplation, contemplation stages, it triggered off a thought in my head of: 'Was I doing all these things to attain these goals?' I believe you got me closer to my goals. I now feel that regardless of the obstacles I can get to the goal. I try to bring things from this class into my personal life. When I come to work now, I don't think of Mondays as 'Oh my God it's a Monday.' I really use to look at Mondays as: 'Oh God it's a Monday, I'll have to wait until Friday.' I don't see the day as such a struggle any longer. You talked about perception. If you perceive it as 'Rotten Friday', then it will be rotten. If you perceive it as 'Good Monday', then it will be good. I look at a lot of things differently now, especially when I put things into action. For instance, I now check myself. I think about things more and faster. I take things from your class and use them now and will use them in our busy season. Others use to see me as coasting along, but now I have a burning sensation that nothing is going to be given to me and I have to go and get it. The sessions give you a chance to learn people. It gives staff and managers a chance to express themselves. Most businesses are dictatorships, but during your sessions it's all for one and one for all - All for the common goal."

Valley Foods Specialties LLC
(Chatham, New York)

Steve Auerbach
Owner
Valley Food Specialities LLC, Chatham, New York

"The general consensus of the salespeople was that it made a lot of sense, they liked your message, and it had application in sales. You opened up their understanding that they can get out of their comfort zone and that they in fact need to get out of their comfort zone. I liked your style, especially the structure in presenting the problem, presenting the solution, and then coming up with the facts that supports the solution; I liked the flow. It works. I think you are very personal and you provide a very warm, human feeling. You deal with a topic, change, which is not comfortable for everyone, however, you presented it like a friend and that helps - like someone who cares. You don't have a preaching style, but a human style. It doesn't sound like it's coming from a university professor. Instead, it sounds like it's coming from a buddy."

Weichert Realtors
(White Plains, New York)

Amanda Molloy
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Weichert Realtors, White Plains, New York

"You have a way of relating to people that just exudes positive energy. You obviously understand your material inside out, believe in it, and believe in other people's abilities to use the skills and information presented. People pick up on that. You also incorporate a variety of communication styles. Sometimes you appeal to the auditory learners, other times the visual learners, and other times the kinaesthetic learners. People learn in so many ways and if a presenter does not communicate in various ways, then people just don't get it, but you ensure that they get it. The order of the sessions is very logical; it makes so much sense to me. You start with the basics, and then build up to the more complex topics. It just seems like the natural progression. You provide proof via the studies of what you say. People like that. It's not just you and your opinions; you provide scientific evidence for what you say."

Stephanie Mason
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Weichert Realtors, White Plains, New York

"The staff really loved it. I enjoyed it a great deal. I don't think I would have made the changes I have made without your program. You got me thinking and re-evaluating myself. You made me think about: 'The skills you retire with - Are the skills you die with' and trying to 'Add one skill a year.' I'm going to learn Spanish in September. I found the Stages of Change sessions very informative, especially focusing on how it is scary to make changes. You're very motivating. You made it fun and exciting without even trying. It's not like you were throwing it down our throats. You make it fun and therefore we are learning without realising it."

Xerox Services
(Kingston, Jamaica)

Handel Brown
Customer Service Representative
Xerox Services, Kingston, Jamaica

"I'm really imparting your information and techniques and I so appreciate your content. I've even been talking to my 8, and 12-year old daughters about how they need to do some of the things you have been teaching us, such as being more responsible. I can see a relationship between your information and what's been happening in my life. I saw myself in a box due to back pain. I felt powerlessness; that things were just happening - like the victim thing! However, after realizing certain truths about myself, I know I need to change. You not only reinforced things for me that I already knew, but more importantly you told me how to do the things I know I need to do."

Nadine Cunningham-Murray
Customer Service Trainer
Xerox Services, Kingston, Jamaica

"Your sessions are the first training I have ever done when I haven't dozed off. You're very enlightening. You have helped me to look into my inner self. It's like a self-check. It makes me ask questions such as, 'Is this the way of life I want or the type of life I want?' I'm seeing in myself where I need to make changes. I lie in my bed and think about your sessions. I have now changed a significant behavior. I have also started exercising. It's had a positive effect on me. The audience are also very engaged in your sessions. They talk to each other and they are learning something new. You're very professional and I like the way you do both mental and physical exercises to get your point across. I see a lot of staff on my floor doing the breathing exercises at their desk. They now say, "there is nothing called stress'!"

Simone P. Graham
Service Recovery Representative and Net Promoter Score Analyst
Xerox Services, Kingston, Jamaica

"I am a Change Agent and so I especially liked the information that you presented about the stages of changes and the information that identified how I needed to be and what I should do to help someone through the various stages of change. I found your sessions very useful and very informative. I like the quality of the research that went into it. You made me go home and start to think about things I needed to change and why it was important to do it now. Even though you were talking about exercise, I related the questionnaires about change to something else I needed to change. I liked how you made sure we understand the breathing exercises. The interaction was funny. I like the way you use words. You pay attention to peoples' concerns. You recognize that not everyone will immediately agree with the research. So you give them the facts and time to absorb the information. You want to see a difference and that sent home the message. My job is to inspire my staff, but you inspired me. So High Five! I'm very proud of you."

Tracy Ann Davis
Strategic Business Unit Manager
Xerox Services, Kingston, Jamaica

"Adrian and I connected during my research of ideas for on how to take a holistic approach towards leading and managing my team, my team of call center staff at Xerox, while focusing on taking ownership and managing change. From the get go Adrian was very organized a great communicator and very professional. Adrian’s presentations to my staff and the others who participated from other groups exceeded my expectations. The 5 days of just 2.5 hours each was successful in getting all the participants to think differently and reflect on how they have been living their lives. I am a firm believer in taking responsibility for our lives and our outcomes and this was certainly a mind opening concept for many who previously had been attached to a 'victim' mindset. Over the short period of time, Adrian connected with all participants, even those who were skeptical and did not want to participate at the start. In fact, the majority of the skeptics were the ones saying the most thanks for the opportunity to participate by the end of Day 5. Five years from now I will still remember the importance of my personal values and upholding the personal standards I have set for myself."

Conrad Centennial Singapore
(Singapore)

Ang Woon Jiun
Learning and Development Manager
Conrad Centennial, Singapore

"It was such a joy when I engaged Adrian back when I was in Mandarin Oriental, Singapore. Many people were sceptical, but I chanced the rapids and took a leap of faith. My colleagues and I were thoroughly rewarded. Adrian is very insightful and able to offer lots of examples. The case studies he provided really helped to elaborate understanding of the topics. I really liked the information about the Pygmalion effect, because no extra effort is required and yet one can have a huge impact on other peoples’ lives, which in turn makes a difference for ours. He moderated the sessions well with standing up and sitting down interaction. Every one of the audience was involved because he provided a variety of teaching methodologies. I liked the sessions best when he sat down and challenged us. For managers, the discussions were impactful, as he added on from our current knowledge. It was again such a privilege to welcome Adrian back in Singapore to another fantastic property I am currently based with. This time we engaged him mostly as a one-on-one coach which he delivered in a unique way that created better awareness for our team members and leaders. Of my own learning and take away, here goes - Anything is possible, as NIKE says, 'Just do it!' or Adidas says, 'Impossible is nothing', so I am not going to give up on things. I plan to set a BHAG as shared by Adrian to achieve greatness in my life."

Benjamin Tan
Assistant Food & Beverage Manager
Conrad Centennial, Singapore

"'Should I freeze or not freeze?' is something I need to decide. For example, if an emergency alarm goes off at the hotel, then I need to observe and wait for further instruction. However, if the second alarm goes off, people will panic. In that situation I would communicate with my fellow team members and guests to evacuate the property. So now I know I should stay calm and set an example for my team members, guests, and myself to see. I need to overcome fear and not 'stress, stress, stress' and I will become a better person. If I am anxious I probably won’t have a solution for a problem, but if I get my team and family to overcome their fears and I overcome my fears, then we can resolve problems and ensure we have no problems. Ultimately I need to overcome fear by finding solutions, think, remain calm, get other people to share their opinions. Stay optimistic, be positive, think what is the best option before taking action, don’t react too quickly, get advice, and don’t react too quickly."

Cheng Lee Hsia
Accountant
Conrad Centennial, Singapore

"I need to stop doubting myself. A lot of people believe in me, but I keep doubting myself. I had a talk with my boss about the two things that you said destroy confidence, overthinking and perfectionism, and he agreed. So I need to believe in myself and take action. The case about Roger is like me. I was given the chance to develop. My boss asked me, 'What is my plan?' and do I have confidence to be promoted. I told him I don't have the confidence. I was given the chance again and I said 'no!' After the third time of being asked, I said 'yes'. NESTS will help me have a clearer mind, as it will give me a foundation and then eliminate my little devil: my mildly fixed mind-set. Action and trust is the most important part for me to focus on. I should volunteer myself when my boss offers me opportunities in the future. Come to think about it, if they didn’t trust my capabilities, then they wouldn’t offer me the opportunities! I need to continue to treasure my friends and family. My family comes first, as they are like my oxygen."

Hotel Aryaduta Lippo Village
(Banten, Indonesia)

Alvi Mardani
Front Office Manager
Hotel Aryaduta Lippo Village, Banten, Indonesia

"The way you deliver the message with humour is interesting. We did many hours with you, but it wasn't boring. Having the message on the screen helps us understand the message. It's clear. Weexperience the sad effect of 'stress,' but we never knew why we felt this way. The information on confidence, which was the most useful thing for me, motivated me. I already feel the effect. I am already more confident. I know I can do better now. I can do better than yesterday. Your techniques work. I feel the difference. My spirit is higher. It's like an adrenalin pump; I just want to get to the workplace and do change. I'm more excited about going to work now. I need to give my subordinates the guidance they need and help them realise they have the capacity."

Bassam Bader
Club Manager
Hotel Aryaduta Lippo Village, Banten, Indonesia

"Your training reminds me of what I have experienced in the past as a trapezeist. When I was up on the board, I knew what to do. The catcher was already ready and I knew he would catch me if I did the trick correctly. So I put it in my mind that I have the confidence with the trick. Your training reminded me to have the confidence I had as a trapezeist now in the hotel industry. I have been blocking my confidence. I need to come back to be myself and stop worrying so much and move forward. I liked your GOAT (Growth mind-set, Observe, Act, Trust yourself), as in my position I need GOAT with my staff. I have been trying to increase their motivation, but I know they can do more, especially with GOAT. I also liked your POT (AvoidPerfectionism and Over-Thinking), to avoid it, because sometimes I feel I want to be really right and push myself and overthink about it. But in the end it is simple, Keep it simple!"

Frank Mayland
General Manager
Hotel Aryaduta Lippo Village, Banten, Indonesia

"With so much change coming up in our hotel, I found your information extremely useful. To implement the change, it is not the management who needs to change, but the team as a whole. Therefore, the 'five steps of change' were helpful as it helps to understand where you are and where you want to go. The audience got the main ideas and overall concept on how the human brain works in regard to change. You were entertaining which kept everyone paying attention and involved in the one-day seminar/training. Furthermore, utilizing a translator for a short time was also useful. As to your one-to-one sessions with some of our managers, I have received very positive feedback. They feel motivated and engaged and are looking forward to pass on their new knowledge and skills to their respective teams."

Ivo Katili
Director of Rooms
Hotel Aryaduta Lippo Village, Banten, Indonesia

"Until meeting you I always thought stress came from outside, but I now understand that it is fear. I expect my staff to be perfect in their jobs and if they aren't perfect, then I use to get stressed. Hence, I found the idea that stress is only a perception useful. By knowing this it will be much easier for me to calm down and say to myself, 'Hey, I can overcome my fears.' Your material relates to all my daily tasks. For example, your GP-CA and NESTS are things I need to pay more attention to. For example, if my staff are fitter, they will perform their job better. Hence, I need to work with my Head of Department to encourage the staff to be healthier and I need to become healthier myself as well."

Hotel Aryaduta Semanggi
(Jakarta, Indonesia)

Carissa Rhea
Front Office Manager
Hotel Aryaduta Semanggi, Jakarta, Indonesia

"At first I thought it might be scary to do this training because it's like, 'Do you really need to talk to this stranger to fix yourself? After all, how can I fix myself with a stranger? Indonesians are not use to this kind of training. I had only seen psychologists on television. The first session was not easy, as I was saying to myself, 'Oh my God I am going to talk to a psychologist!' I didn’t want you to know everything at first because I was scared about what you would find out. For instance, I knew I ruminated all the time, but I was scared you would find this out, as then I would finally have to admit it, and then have to do something about it. So now no more denial. The second session was easier. By the third one, I was more open. I finally felt it was all okay. You only want to know what we want to tell you. So there is no need to tell everything. Therefore, I felt comfortable. I've learnt that I shouldn’t deny anything anymore. Negative things, like rumination and procrastination were my middle name and so I need to change. I need the courage to change. I've finally found it in myself. Although there is tomorrow, I need to do it now. What you teach is related to everything. If I over-think, then I won't get enough sleep and then I will not be as productive. I need to be more focused. I now switch my thoughts to something beautiful."

Rika Yuliana
Supervisor, Food and Beverage
Hotel Aryaduta Semanggi, Jakarta, Indonesi

"I was excited to come do the sessions with you. And it was very good. You opened my mind and changed my thinking for the better. Ihave never had someone motivate me as much as you did. Now I am even more excited. It would be good for my staff as well as they are negative about very small things. You never got tired at repeating the information over and over. You never make me down when I can't understand. You never made me feel down about my English. For me the main message is that I need to believe in myself and trust myself. I need to be confident to be a good leader. I should improve myself in the things I am passionate about, while staying happy, having fun with what I do, maintain my health, don't be discouraged, and be a good person. If I trust myself, I can do anything, but I should not over-think things. So I should follow the positive ways from people and books and then I can develop more positive thinking and thus I will be a role model for others. I don't need to think about being perfect, as otherwise I'll never want to start. I need to just do it and dare myself to try something I've never done before. Most importantly, be myself."

Tenny Haryawan
General Manager
Hotel Aryaduta Semanggi, Jakarta, Indonesia

"I am a different person now. I can claim that I am a better person due to your training. I have more courage and I notice I am happier. I see everything is now possible. I don't see things are impossible to solve now. For instance, I try to solve problems in a positive manner. Like you said, there is no such things as negative or positive, there are only events. For me the main message is to have self confidence when doing things. I should have a very good self-confidence when facing all the realities of life and not just work. There is no such thing called difficult. Instead if you are able to control and manage yourself, then the hard things will become easy. I have to be able control my emotions and have a healthy mentality. Like I said when summing up one of your sessions, 'I need to have a healthy mentality; a positive energy in my brain'. In the end of the day, with all of these things, then you can become a very happy person."

Mandarin Oriental (Kuala Lumpur)
(Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

Anne Ng
Director of Business Management System
Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

"It’s been very fruitful. Generally speaking our colleagues are very high achievers and they don’t always stop to think about themselves. So you were able to make them question themselves about their personal well-being. We were able to question whether we are indeed happy and if we weren’t, what are the things we should focus on to achieve a certain level of happiness. You had the class responding and they were relaxed. Interaction was very good. You had them laughing and they were hanging on to your words. I could see that in their faces. As our staff are people who deal with facts they appreciated how your information is very evidence-based."

Cindy Kong
Director of Rooms
Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

"Because we are all senior management, we have been through thick and thin to get where we are. So we all have our own ways of doing things and it's not easy to change us. However, you present in such a way that it is very easy to accept and interpret your message and reflect on ourselves. It's the convincing power that you have. You touch the heart. The choice of words you use and the examples you give, makes it easy for me to reflect on my day to day lifestyle. The sessions, were comfortable, easy-going, and casual. There is no pressure. The comfort level started at the beginning of Day One during the introduction when you said, 'if you don't want to say something, then you can just say, pass!' The material you gave is another convincing tool, because you are always supporting your message with evidence. For instance, you provide other psychologists' quotes that show that the research is very thorough and legitimate."

William Lim
Director of Learning and Development
Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

"Your courses are very suitable for Asia, are applicable for the hospitality industry, and are easily put into practice. The sessions were very beneficial for the senior managers. They were conducted in a very relaxed environment with lots of participation from the managers. You support your message with lots of images and quotes. This made the sessions very enlightening and easy to understand. You made the staff open up and share their thoughts and comments freely. I liked the five steps of change because we could apply this model, especially with our staff. The managers now will be able to plan more effectively. In the past, the managers expected change to occur instantly, but now they understand that it should be done gradually. I also liked your PSBS methodology to create solutions for our problems with the guidance of the WAR criteria. All the while I thought there was a thing called 'stress', but after going through the sessions I now understand that it is not 'stress'; it's fear. We have to plan more effectively to avoid any unforeseen circumstances."

Mandarin Oriental Macau
(Macau, China)

Shenae Cummings
Model
Face Impressions Modeling Agency, Kingston, Jamaica

"These sessions have impacted my life, as I have gained some important knowledge about how I can improve my life. In all honesty, I am not doing anything differently at the moment, but this is not surprising, as you taught me that change does not occur overnight, but is a process that has many stages. I must be patient with myself if I truly want to change. I do need to change. For instance, your sessions helped me realize that I need to focus on getting enough sleep and eating properly, as well as maintain a good support system in order to be a healthier and happier individual. The most important point I’ve gained from this experience is that stress is not real, the underlying issue in ‘stressful’ situations is fear, and in order to overcome this feeling, I need to change the way I handle certain situations. In these situations, I need to be unbiased and rational to ensure effective decision making. Thus, in order to have a better life, I need to change and overcome my fears so that I can reach my full potential. When I make these changes I will be a better model, as I now believe that understanding psychology is useful for modeling, because self-confidence is very important for this career and the topics discussed helped in gaining self-confidence."

Jill Goh
General Manager
Mandarin Oriental Macau

"My team and I have truly appreciated the coaching and sharing sessions from Adrian on a wide spectrum of topics. He has done tremendous research and remarkable work in his field. We have benefited from many of the seeds that he has planted in us to live our life fully, happily, healthily, motivated and driven. The seeds he has planted will bear fruits for a life time. Thank you for his most commendable "BHAG" to make the world a better place by sharing his knowledge with such great passion, as he has definitely left a huge foot print at Mandarin Oriental, Macau!"

Sebastien Bernis
Executive Pastry Chef
Mandarin Oriental, Macau

"If there is too much pressure, then it's impossible to be really creative, as my mind is not free. I want to reach a certain standard and so I don’t need to wait for others to put pressure on myself. I already challenge myself. My creativity comes from my mood, so if I am not happy then my cake will reflect that. I worked with a Food and Beverage Manager at a different hotel who told me, 'When you are happy, your cakes are wow, but if you’re not so happy, then the creation is not the same'! The most important thing is our attitude is like a mirror for our team members. If they see us not happy, they will not be happy, but if they see us happy, then they will be happy. When you are a chef you want the guests to be happy and also to have the team happy. If our management team is not happy, then we can't be happy. We have the power to make the customer happy or unhappy. I want to make people happy and to hear them say, 'Thank you Sebastian it was very good' and for people to remember this moment in their life. So I need to change my attitude, but it's not easy to change, as I have been so used to having to have everything perfect. Sometimes I am too tough with my team and myself. I worked for a few famous Michelin star chefs and they wanted everything perfect. I need to put less pressure on myself. By reducing the pressure on me I will cool down and slowly the quality and presentation will go up."

Twinnie O'Bree
Front Office Manager
Mandarin Oriental, Macau

"The most significant learning outcome from Adrian's coaching took several sessions to occur and when it did, it was like a 'light-bulb'moment. What I found most enlightening was the sessions on terminal and instrumental values and how these values influence an individual's behavior. From a recruitment and selection perspective, we often focus on an individual's competencies and whether they would be the right fit for the role. However, it is just as important to understand the applicant's values and how well their values fit with the organization as a whole. Adrian's coaching has broadened my perception on the importance of values and how I can efficiently and effectively incorporate this into my recruitment and selection of candidates in the luxury hotel environment; all of which required the courage to change."

Mandarin Oriental (Singapore)
(Singapore)

Ang Woon Jiun
Learning and Development Manager
Mandarin Oriental, Singapore

"You were very insightful with lots of examples. The case studies you provided really helped to elaborate understanding of your topics. I really liked the information about the Pygmalion effect because no extra effort is required and yet you can have a huge impact on other peoples’ lives, which in turn makes a difference for yours. You moderated the sessions well with standing up and sitting down interaction. Every one of the audience was involved because you provided a variety of teaching methodologies. I liked the sessions best when you sat down and challenged us. For managers, the discussions were impactful as you added on from our current knowledge."

Cindy Teo
Director of Human Resources
Mandarin Oriental, Singapore

"I have always thought that I have my life all figured out especially the little basics that I need to know to take care of myself. After attending your training, I realized I know nothing at all. The past experiences whether it was with building a strong career, a happier home, or a better me, good or bad have taught me to pick myself up when the need arises. Your trainings have convinced me never to stop learning as I have learned the journey is a series of new starts that make me wiser and stronger each time. Now I also know if I don't sleep eight hours a day, I don't eat wisely, I don't exercise, I don't think positively and don’t socialize, I am all out to sabotage my own precious life. I have since live my life again. Thank you for the lesson."

Emelda Hashim
Sales Coordinator
Mandarin Oriental, Singapore

"You’re very directive. You get us to move around. You’re the best speaker I’ve ever seen. You’re free, laid-back, and don’t pressure us; we can just say ‘pass.’ I mean it’s right from how you greeted us. I thought it was quite cool how you asked some of the staff members to do the introduction for you. It’s your own style and character. The staff were quite positive and wanted to get back on time. It was a positive energy from them. One of the staff saw you last week and asked me, “Emelda, tell me about NESTS!’ So it proves that it’s quite catchy. It made me reflect a lot, especially on confidence. You started mentioning about women overthinking and I know I question myself at times. I will remember that NIKE has it right, just do it. I need to focus on what I want to achieve and ignore the irrelevant stuff."

Toni Robertson
Executive Chef
Mandarin Oriental, Singapore

"Sometimes we are afraid to change, especially in the hotel environment, because our daily routine causes us to fall back on our experiences. Hence I thought your topics were ideal because you challenged me and helped me unlock my potential. Hence, I enjoyed the sessions. You made us focus on the things we know through our life experiences that we need to do, but you made us think about it more and have stimulated me to put them into practice. My past training in the military made me make quick decisions. So you helped me get all the facts before making important decisions."

Pullman Kuala Lumpur Bangsar
(Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

Charlie Lim
Director of Finance
Pullman Kuala Lumpur Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

"I have gone through many changes, but you reminded me that I still need to move on and change every year. I liked all the examples of how we can change. A lot of these I have experienced. I have probably experienced half of these difficulties. I know that it is hard to make changes. Our staff are open to change and having someone to push them or mentor them is important, even though you also need to back off and allow them space to move into change. The interaction was fantastic. You have very down to earth recommendations. Most of the points speak to us very clearly."

Chloe Tay
Assistant Guest Experience Manager
Pullman Kuala Lumpur Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

"It was very good and so are you in terms of interaction. Time flies with you. Wow. We never really noticed the time. This was the first time I have not wanted the time to fly so fast. You interacted with staff on every table and no-one missed out. The role plays made a lot of difference, instead of just presenting. The main message for me was that changes are not easy, but I shouldn't fear change. Hence, five years from now, I am likely to remember to change to become more confident in dealing with things and not hesitating. You told me not to worry about external factors when hiring people, but instead focus on what matters. I need to focus on one thing and not on all areas and work out my goals."

Kailasam Karuppan
Laundry Manager
Pullman Kuala Lumpur Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

"I didn't read your material before the courses, so I walked in here and didn’t know about a lot of the topics you discussed. Your courses were very interesting. You give a lot of information. You were very deep in your analysis. I could relate to your examples. For example, one of my village friends with three children is struggling with diabetes and with change. All of us need changes in our lives to allow us to become an enlightened person, but it is not that simple. Therefore, I will take this challenge in five years’ time and like to encourage all youngsters, elders, and co-workers to love their health by doing more exercise and choosing healthy foods for their daily life. You made me more open to change and gave me more energy for drive. I need to go for it or otherwise I will be left out."

The Excelsior Hong Kong
(Hong Kong, China)

Brian Mok
Learning and Development Manager
The Excelsior Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China

"Your sessions are very positive. I am a really positive and open-minded person, but you taught me how to maintain this and take this a step further. I was actually interested before you even turned up, because I wanted to change myself and I wanted to know how to help my colleagues change as I am the Learning and Development Manager. I thought the most important message is that everyone can change and that we have to be active and not just think about change. For instance, I have my dreams and goals, but I need to have written goals and not just think about them. I also liked how you explained what we need and can do. I noticed that as the sessions progressed the staff changed, as they could see how to apply what we need to do. The managers became more and more interested, as they really got the ideas of what you are talking about. They understood your message and what are the advantages of doing what you are suggesting. After a few sessions, especially as you encouraged them to speak in Cantonese, they talked, talked, talked."

Doris Ip
Director of Human Resources
The Excelsior Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China

"Your training was the very best I’ve ever done. The Hong Kong hotel business environment has changed because of the global economic market changes, such as the recession, political change, and currency devaluation. If the staff aren’t ready for such changes, then the hotel won’t perform as well. Hence, it was pleasing that everyone gained from your sessions, even those who are very comfortable in their positions and don’t want to change. You helped us unlock ourselves to make changes and helped us understand why we don’t make the changes we know we should. For me, I was able to apply your information into my life. For instance, I’ve had to make some important decisions in the last two weeks and that’s been difficult. Using your approach, however, helped me question my decisions and made me understand why I was fearing a lack of control. I now know why I didn’t change and more importantly know very clearly that I now can make the changes."

Georgetown Public Hospital
(Georgetown, Guyana)

Candacy Anthony
Registered Nurse, Accident and Emergency
Georgetown Public Hospital, Guyana

"I thought your sessions were really very nice. I liked how you opened us up and made us comfortable and not shy. You were fun and we laughed. The main concept for me was: Man's main task of conquering life's hurdles is to change, challenge, and conquer the way we think. I am amazed of the ability of our brains to be manipulated to create positive environments and positive outcomes no matter the situation. Our brain is fierce! I can now appreciate the thought, 'The mind controls the body.'"

Nalini Persaud
Registered Nurse, Critical Care Specialist
Georgetown Public Hospital, Guyana

"Your sessions were very educational. As a nurse I learnt that we can help our patients to be more relaxed and as such we can have better patient outcomes. As an individual I now understand that fears bring on tension and man can control the way we perceive situations. With different methods we can control our behavior, our lives can be healthier, and we can create an adaptive way of having control of our life. You taught me to be courageous to overcome my fears, to be optimistic, and that I can achieve anything once I believe. I came into these sessions believing in stress. Now I clearly understand it is fear. Sometimes I have a hard day and feel tense. Then comes the migraine, back ache, and I go home to the family grumpy. But I now understand that I can control how I go about my work. As a result, I can have a better life."

Dianna Sutton
Registered Nurse, Accident and Emergency
Georgetown Public Hospital, Guyana

"Going over the material a number of times and splitting us into pairs to discuss the information really helped. You made complicated material simple. Because your sessions were so interactive I was able to process what was said. I did not go to sleep. You helped me understand that perception influences behavior and mental disposition, which both in turn influence health. You inspired me to teach my mother. I tell her that she kills her neurons when she gets angry. However with your techniques I can now teach her to be a better person, be relaxed, and less susceptible to colds and illness. What you taught me really stuck with me."

Mount Saint John's Medical Center
(Antigua)

Barbara Bird
Chief Physiotherapist
Mount Saint John's Medical Center, Antigua

"I like the way you present. Your style is different from what we are use to. Presenters usually come in and just give their talks without including the audience, whereas you included us in the sessions by asking questions and expecting answers. You made us come out of our shells. I found that very refreshing. I am not someone who usually speaks up, but you made me comfortable enough to do so. I especially liked the way you treated everyone equally. You did not make any of us feel stupid although we answered some of the questions incorrectly. I also liked the way you used lots of pictures. It makes the talk more interesting. I could relate to the information better due to the pictures. I would say to myself 'if they can excel, then I can do it too.' I intend to continue to use your techniques, like the diaphragmatic breathing, with my family and I am sure that I can start using it with my patients as well. Many of the patients come to rehab with doubts. I think the breathing exercise will help them relax."

Salma Crump
Marketing and Communications Manager
Mount Saint John's Medical Center, Antigua

"I am now challenging my way of thinking. You always resort to old habits. Now before I say the word stress I ask myself is it really that? I'm thinking about my position and life in a different way. It's almost like the cliché: 'There's nothing to fear, but fear.' I've started doing your breathing exercises. Straight after the first class I went back to my office and started doing it. Now I do it in my home. I'm now almost doing it without thinking about it. I'll give you an example. A man almost ran into me. He saw us coming. I was so mad. I immediately pulled over and started doing the diaphragmatic breathing. We have a very busy schedule; however, one of my staff members said that I have to get to your session. She said it really helped her - not only here, but in her personal life. This is new to her, but she likes this new way of thinking about things. One of the things the audience likes is the way you present and get people interacting. You're very lively and you make people want to listen and I think that that's the first step in the process. When I called a few of the organizations you've worked with in the past, they all had great things to say about the program. But the one comment that stuck with me was when one manager said, 'Overall the program is great, but there is one thing that I would recommend...'I was actually waiting for him to say something negative, but he said, 'The one thing that I would recommend is that you tell someone about it.' To say the least, I was blown away - I did not see that coming - Which made me want to get our hospital involved that much more."

Charlesworth "Paddy" Daniel
Education and Training Manager
Mount Saint John's Medical Center, Antigua

"I personally liked your professionalism and the way you knew your topics thoroughly. The participation was very good and the sessions were all very interactive. Usually presenters only give a lecture and hence the audience get tired, go to sleep, or go to the bathroom. I can't remember anyone going to the bathroom or sleeping in any of your 2-hour sessions. Many people talked about how the information pertained to them. You gave them a chance to talk, especially because you provided a recap and asked them what the information meant to them. Hence the audience was very attentive. For instance, you stimulated one of the staff from the psychiatric hospital ("Mental Home") to be very open and that stimulated a lot more discussion. The exercises such as the diaphragmatic breathing, meditation, and thought stoppage were practical and something we need to continue to do. I also liked the pictures you used because they created humour and made people think, like the pictures of the vehicle in Ghana. The session on stress went down great. The group liked the way it was very simple, down to earth, and easily understood."

Rexcella Ramsey
Registered Nurse/Certified Midwife, Dialysis Unit
Mount Saint John's Medical Center, Antigua

"I was quite impressed with the idea that there is no such thing as stress - it's only fear. I also liked the breathing exercise as it was calming and relaxing. Some days my tension levels are high, but with the breathing exercise it calms me. I now do the breathing exercise daily. You made people think - not just in the session. We went away with questions. For instance, I went away thinking about past experiences and realised they were fears and not stressors."

Alinah Roberts
Marketing Coordinator
Mount Saint Johns Medical Center, Antigua

"People would describe me as a happy soul who takes the 'bull by thehorns' approach to life but at the time Adrian came to conduct hispresentation I was definately feeling the grind. He changed my perspectiveon the word 'stress' and now I'm trying hard to 'feel the fear and faceit' with even more self-belief and more importantly self-control, which Ifind spirals out of control when I'm in self-denial. So thank-you Adrian Iwill try breathing deeply when I feel I need a hennessey and ginger...(occasionally at least!)."

Mellissa Thomas
Sterilisation Clerk
Mount Saint John's Medical Center, Antigua

"At first when I heard about the sessions I thought it was stupid. I said to myself: 'This is a waste of time. I have work to do. I don't have time to be here.' I heard your idea that there is no such thing as stress and I thought you were crazy. I tell my children on a daily basis that there is stress and that they are stressing me out and that life is stressful. Then when I started listening to you about stress and when I did the breathing technique, I did 20 breaths in one minute and you said: 'That's crazy.' I tried again and my numbers dropped to under ten. I started seeing the point of becoming calmer. The breathing exercise worked to the point that I almost fell asleep. I am a very aggressive person. They call me 'Tornado.' But when I went back to work, one of the staff members said: 'Tornado that class really working for you man.' I now do the breathing exercise three times a day. I can approach problems now more calmly. I'm a single parent. I have to look after my kids and mum and I don't have the sufficient funds to do what I have to do. So all that goes into your brain and then the headaches start. I'm telling you my head is hurting me every day. You feel like the whole world is on you. My mother has a broken leg. My 14-year old daughter has school problems. No support. A relative also died this week. The death of my relative hit me hard. Now I am talking to my mother about you and my friends about you. I now have so many questions in your classes and that's from a person who originally thought this was a waste of time. I now say: 'It's fear.' Being happier makes you a better person and makes life simpler, calmer, and easier going. I can handle things better with what I was taught by you. All three ladies that came with me put the things you suggested into practice at work now. We talk about you. You are now with us on a daily basis."

Narh Bita Hospital
(Tema, Ghana)

Emma Asante
Rotational Nurse, Male Ward
Narh Bita Hospital, Tema, Ghana

"The workshops were exciting and educative. I liked the pictures you used in the presentations. They are mind teasing. For instance, the man in the wheelchair in front of the stairs made me think about it for hours after the presentation finished. I found out new ways of relaxing and refreshing myself. The diaphragmatic breathing and meditation is helping me get sounder sleep. Learning that there is no stress was exciting, I can now perceive things differently. I have a different perception of life. I now can solve problems in life and not worry about them. Hopefully in the future you will address a larger audience, so that more staff can find ways of relaxing and learning more coping techniques. In the future I will do your Thriving Habit as it’s helpful. It takes your mind off other things. It makes you focused."

Jane Nulenpaalah
Acting Matron
Narh Bita Hospital, Tema, Ghana

"Your sessions are brilliant. A lot of people have come to me for advice, but I have not been able to help them well, as I didn’t really know what to do. Now I can help them in a practical manner. I can help them live a more fulfilled life. I like your presentation style. I’ve read a lot about optimism and psychology, but I have never practiced most of the information. You, however, are so practical. When you demonstrate, you tell it as it is. You don’t just talk. You are very down to earth and cheerful. We don’t see you as ‘up there’ and we ‘down there.’ We all blended together. I can now teach my colleagues your techniques. Your Thriving Habit is wonderful. I was able to explain it to people easily. When I taught people the Thriving Habit and asked them to open their eyes they were so relaxed that they didn’t want to stop. It was quite easy to teach, as I was so relaxed myself. I can now teach the staff ward by ward. Midwives see a lot of tense patients, but that can change. We can teach the patients these techniques. You have really changed me to want to do more. I use to think I was working at my limits, but now I believe I am capable of doing more."

Sadia Salifu
Staff nurse
Narh Bita Hospital, Tema, Ghana

"Every day has been educative. I’ve been able to challenge myself more. I use to believe in stress. It was a limitation. I realise that now and if my limitation does not exist, then imagine what I can now do. My thinking is broader. I use to see life in a particular way, but now everything has changed – most of my thoughts are new now. I can do anything now. Nothing actually stands in my way. I can be the most successful person on this planet if I want to and it’s all thanks to you. You made everything seem so practical. It was not theoretical. You made it very simple. It was not like the teacher comes in and reads from a book. You put yourself in our shoes. You see yourself as one of us."

Queen Elizabeth Hospital
(Barbados)

Richard Forde
Orderly, Orderlies Department
Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Barbados

"The first time you got me to run your Thriving Habit in front of the group I was nervous. Gradually I gained the confidence to do it again until there was nothing to it. It was pretty okay. I could teach staff members in the orderly department and they need it – very much. It is very relaxing and releases the tension from your body. The whole program was positive and you had a very positive attitude and everyone was emotionally interactive and communicating with each other in the group. It was very interesting. I learnt how to be happier and more stable in life. I’ve learnt about the importance of happiness and confidence and that I can do anything in life if I put my mind to it."

Greselda Evans
Senior Tutor, Human Resources Department
Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Barbados

"I think the staff being exposed to all the information, including the NOISE concept, was good for them to reflect and have a moment of introspection and to see how to use this information in their personal lives, whether at work or socially. The sessions on self-esteem and locus of control caused a lot of interaction, like talking about arrogance. We don’t ‘big-up’ ourselves – we don’t talk about ourselves and highlight our achievements, so it was good to learn that we can do this without being seen as showing off. Although some are shy, they were comfortable, because if they were uncomfortable, then they would not come back. They say they were glad that they came. I was a little unsure of how the audience would receive it but I am happy to say that they were open and able to gain from the sessions. Having one of the staff run the breathing exercises was a good idea as it made them see he was not afraid to do it, so I can as well."

Cheryll Bowen
Tutor, Human Resources Department
Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Barbados

"I think it's a very good program and I would like it extended to all the hospital staff. It's a great way to cope with the demands of life. It's a very demanding place to work. I think if everyone in Queen Elizabeth Hospital could do your program then we would do our jobs more efficiently. I have seen the staff relaxing. The deep breathing exercise worked well. They now have a better understanding of how to relax in difficult situations. They learnt how in just 60 seconds they can relax. I personally found the sessions very enlightening. The sessions are motivating. The interaction is great. For instance, one of the participants who does not speak a great deal actually came out of her shell and participated in class."

St. Elizabeth Ann's Health Care & Rehabilitation Center
(Staten Island, New York)

Denise DeRenzo
Finance Clerk
St. Elizabeth Ann's Health Care and Rehabilitation Center, Staten Island, New York

"Adrian McInman's 'Happier Horizons' Program made me re-evaluate the time frames I set myself. I learned to handle stress much better and my interaction with co-workers greatly improved. My fuse use to be so short; like dynamite. Now it's much, much longer. Adrian showed me that I have the ability to be happy and that it's okay to be happy. Now, two years since I wrote the previous five sentences, the three things I remember the most about Adrian's program is that: I have the right to be happy, I can facilitate my own happiness, and my happiness does not depend on others. Adrian made a lasting impact - when I find myself feeling incapable of handling something, I relax and remember that if I believe I can handle it, then I can, and it feels like most of the weight of the stress is gone. In fact, I still have all the material from his lessons and I use them to guide others in a better manner and to ensure others do not influence my positivity and happiness in a negative manner."

Patty Abi-Saab
Recreation Therapist
St. Elizabeth Ann’s Health Care & Rehabilitation Center, Staten Island, New York

"No-one was perceiving you as a scientist, or felt that they were being interviewed and having notes taken on them. They were not on a couch. They were not being evaluated by a psychologist. They were just having a visitor and that made a difference in what you got from them."

Belize Ministry of Health
(Belize, Central America)

Ann Matute
Nursing Administrator, Maternal and Child Health Unit
Belize Ministry of Health, Belize

"You made us look at ourselves and accept who we are. For instance, you made me more aware of my happy-go-lucky personality. I now know who I really am; very sociable and get the work done, but can be a little grumpy. You were very open and down to earth, The staff felt at the same level and thus could respond back to you. Staff are often times afraid to answer with other presenters. You made the staff comfortable by the way you interact with the group, asking for their life experiences. I will remember being optimistic, getting the work done, and stop worrying. This morning the staff were telling our Supervisor about the program in a very positive manner. They liked the breathing exercises as they were almost going to sleep."

Edwin Paulino
X-Ray Technician, Punta Gorda Hospital
Belize Ministry of Health, Belize

"I believe in light of my life experiences, many of the issues may have spread into my consciousness, but the way you present them ties all the information together making me conscious of how better to control situations that might have been out of my control. The thing that resonated with me the most is that we are the agents of change, but not only with external factors, but also our personal lives. If we make changes to our lives, then we become an example for the people around us and thus make a better Belize. The staff were really willing to participate and that is simply because they understand what great value these sessions will have in our lives in the future. As a labour force, it is highly likely they will take this knowledge back to their working environment, because we have a higher meaning to productivity; we’ll give better service in relation to the greater expectation that we have ourselves."

Eleanor Bennett
Nursing Administrator, Mental Health
Belize Ministry of Health, Belize

"It forced me to do something that I don’t usually do, which is to focus on myself as the person who controls everything that happens to me. It is easy to blame the system and blame the people in my life, but then I realize that when I do that I am putting myself in a powerless situation and then accept mediocrity, failure, and that things can’t change. We have a very religious culture in Belize. We think we have little control over our situations, due to forces bigger than us. But I realized that I actually have a lot of control. That is definitely something I will remember in the future. I liked the tool of seeing myself as I would be once I have achieved my goals and believing that I can achieve them. I liked the interaction, because it's not just people listening and taking in. We are learning new skills and participating. What really worked is your simplicity. You don't use a whole lot of technical words and phrases. Likewise, you present only one thought per slide. I also liked the pictures you use, as they not only get people to think, but they complement your delivery.ths I will evaluate my life to ensure that I’m on the right path and if changes have been accomplished."

Jersha Lennan
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Outpatient Department, Cleopatra White Polyclinic II, Central Health Region
Belize Ministry of Health, Belize

"Your workshop was a great eye-opener. It sets a basic foundation of life. One of the things I liked that the best was that you made me realize that we don’t promote happiness in our workplace. For instance, you made me think of an example. One of my workers asked for Monday off. I said ‘no.’ She walked away unhappy. After much reflection, I then organized it so she can have the day off, because it would make her happier and me happier because she would be happy and thus she would not call in sick or come to work with a negative attitude and not perform at her best. In every single aspect of our lives, if we are not happy, we are not fundamentally strong to achieve our desired goals, dreams, our aspirations. The key point for me was that there is no stress, only fears, and our fears are decreased, the less we worry and the more we’re happy and happiness is a positive attitude and thought that creates positive changes in behaviour to achieve desired goals of life."

Ghana Immigration Service
(Accra, Ghana)

Abraham Quaye
Deputy Superintendent, In charge of Stores
Ghana Immigration Service Headquarters, Accra, Ghana

"It was great. In Ghana we don’t interact so much. Our system is such that if you give the wrong answer the reception will cause you to recoil into your shell. So your interactive nature of the sessions were very good for us, because it created an avenue to voluntarily put ideas across, especially when talking to our peers. This showed up when you passed the microphone around. Initially people were hesitant, but then they opened up and good ideas came up and it became very interesting. Another important aspect was how you told us that you would not tell us what to think, but rather we had to think. As a result, I am more committed to the decisions I make. Your sessions are useful for personal decision making, especially when you are a supervisor and you have to get the attitude of assertiveness. In a supervisory role you can’t be indecisive as it stifles progress and your subordinates can easily see it. Your sessions made me identify what my real values are and that I don’t have to be stressed; that I can turn a bad situation into a good one by seeing the positive side of it. You have helped me study my subordinates to determine their strengths and weakness so that I can allocate tasks to each person appropriately so that they perform better. This can’t be achieved without knowing myself well. But now I can do this."

Cynthia Opoku
Assistant Inspector
Ghana Immigration Service headquarters, Accra, Ghana

"The sessions were very friendly. People came up with their views. I also contributed as I wanted to be part of the discussions and share what I had learnt. They were also very educative and you imparted knowledge into us. As a consequence, I learnt so many things. In life we need to set our values and then you set goals to achieve your life. I shouldn’t look up to the multitude because they are all going in one direction and thus I will end up in that direction. I don’t want to follow the same things they are doing, but instead I need to achieve what I want to do in life. The thing that touched me the most was the information on fear. In our society we are scared about what people will say when you want to do something. They may say this or they may say that, but I have learnt that whatever I’m doing I should not let fear prevent me from doing that. Then I can achieve my aim in life. Something I had not really thought about, but you made me think about here was the importance of getting the right information for decisions. If I get good information, it will help me make a very good decision, but if I don’t get good information, then I may not benefit from the decision."

Irene Katako
Assistant Superintendent, Second in Command Stores Unit
Ghana Immigration Service Headquarters, Accra, Ghana

"You gave us the confidence to speak our minds. You let us say what we were thinking, even if it was foolish. You are not partial. You didn’t direct your attention only to a few people. You don’t force anyone to speak, unless they want to speak. You helped others not coming up to speak to open up. We’ve really done a lot. I have come to learn that if you are happy in life, then you are able to achieve a lot more than someone who is unhappy (or moody) and live healthier. I liked the section on tolerance. We are not equal. We come from different cultures, backgrounds, and political affiliations. So I need to learn to tolerate other people’s differences and then we can learn from them. I learnt how our values direct our behavior and pattern of life. There were certain things you said that I can apply in my profession. For instance, I studied accountancy and I will not allow bosses to manipulate me in ways that are not acceptable to me. There are certain things we simply should not do. The thing that really kicked me and boosted my moral was when we discussed how the way we set our values in life directs our lives negatively or positively. For instance, whatever happens in life, I shall be responsible for the action and inaction of the kind of values that I set for myself, as these values are what I believe. You made me think that I shouldn’t treat people badly because of where someone is coming from. Whether black or white, we are all human and God’s creation. We should always treat other human beings equally. It is very necessary for me to be honest, loyal, and disciplined in whatever I do in life in order to achieve my set goals. It is essentially necessary that, in life we learn to lay aside every human impurity out of our lives in order to make life meaningful and worth-living to ourselves and others around us; by leaving an indelible mark in one’s life. Above all let us learn to affect other people lives positively by leaving a remarkable legacy behind before passing away. Read Romans 6:19-23."

Lobatse Town Council
(Lobatse, Botswana)

Oganne Domkrag Gontse
Deputy Town Clerk
Lobatse Town Council, Lobatse, Botswana

"The sessions were very illuminating and eye-opening. The most impacting thing you did was to explain how the thing that has been the biggest problem for me is actually not there. We have always believed in ‘stress’ and allowed this belief to affect us negatively. But now looking forward, your presentations have completely transformed the way in which I will view situations. There is always a solution to our problems and hence we do not need to run away from our difficulties. You not only showed us the problems, but also the solutions. You paid attention to each and every individual. You were involving and helped the staff to open up. It’s very difficult to get Batswana people to open up, but you were able to do that within a short time, get them to talk. They were free to say things and not just hold back. They gained more confidence to step forward. I was very impressed by the validation of facts that you were presenting. Your sessions had a two-pronged impact. First, you helped us become healthier and happier. As a result our workforce is more productive. Second, you helped us become more innovative. You nailed the point that you can never be innovative if you are not relaxed. Your relaxation exercises helped us relax, become happier, and thus more innovative."

Onkemetse Gase Sikwa
Principal Accounts Officer
Lobatse Town Council, Lobatse, Botswana

"We’ve been having work relations problems and many of the staff used to call themselves ‘stressed.’ Most of the workers in Botswana use sick leave because they are bored, demoralized, and not because they are sick. So this program is going to help, as we can use what you have suggested directly. In our culture we believe that we shouldn’t talk to our colleagues about our problems, but now I know we should share our problems. The staff now understand the importance of sharing. One thing that I won’t forget is the diaphragmatic breathing exercise. It relaxes me, so I am going to use it with my family, subordinates, and church. I’ve been limiting myself due to my qualifications. I’ve been inspired by you applying your principles in your own life. You are teaching something that you have tried and actually done. For instance, you don’t limit yourself and so I am not going to limit myself. The staff like you because you are jolly. You are active and use lots of actions, especially when it comes to exercises."

Mpolokeng Nawane
Social Worker
Lobatse Town Council, Lobatse, Botswana

"I think positive thinking is really important, but we don’t talk about it. As a consequence of these sessions I will be reminding myself of this and making a conscious effort to think positively. It will be part of my affirmations every morning. It really made sense that I should ask my clients to use their time with me wisely – it was a wow. Having to listen to three hours of an individual’s sorrows can cause burnout, but if I listen to my clients come up with what they want to do with their lives, then I am less likely to get burnt out. For a change someone came with lots of evidence, challenged me, and used an evidence-based approach. You pushed us to do something to make our lives better. I was asked to hear a message and then decide, ‘Do I want to just push the information aside or do I want to do it?’ Your information is something I can take away and give to my clients. And lastly, I am going to get myself a bicycle and do lots of exercise."

Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture
(Kanye, Botswana)

Tumelo Ramogotsi
Youth Officer
Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture, Kanye, Botswana

"Before you came here I was feeling anxious and having negative attitudes about the farm. My goats were dying and others were sick. I didn’t sleep well and would wake up worried. But ever since your second day I’ve improved my knowledge in such a way that I am now able to handle life better. I learnt a lot and it has opened my mind about how I can have more control. You gave lots of examples. You allowed us to ask questions about the things we didn’t understand. The conversations we had were very good. Your use of someone in the room to translate information into Tswana really helped. No one got exhausted. You helped us be in a good position to understand every word."

Aubrey Tlhapi Maseko
Rearing Investment Stakeholder
Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture, Morenane, Botswana

"Before you came here I was feeling anxious and having negative attitudes about the farm. My goats were dying and others were sick. I didn’t sleep well and would wake up worried. But ever since your second day I’ve improved my knowledge in such a way that I am now able to handle life better. I learnt a lot and it has opened my mind about how I can have more control. You gave lots of examples. You allowed us to ask questions about the things we didn’t understand. The conversations we had were very good. Your use of someone in the room to translate information into Tswana really helped. No one got exhausted. You helped us be in a good position to understand every word."