Feedback

OK, so we've established that it's better to share! This, then, is where we share some of the feedback you've been good enough to send us since we launched our new web-site.

A huge "Thank You!" to the contributors.

Read on to find out what people are saying about Art of Brilliance courses, products & news groups.

13 December 2011 | course

This event was simply brilliant!  Unlike other ‘get the feel good factor’ courses this one got right to the heart of the matter.  There have already been significant changes for me and my outlook which my family are reaping the benefits of already and having begun Andy's book I’m thrilled that there are many more changes on the horizon.  From my perspective and without understating it this has been nothing short of life changing!  I phoned my wife on the way home and told her exactly that, she didn’t believe me... that is until I got home and the difference was immediately apparent!

All the way through, for me, there were those light goes on moments but the 2 lightning bolts that struck me were the story about how to catch a baby monkey and letting go of the banana, and secondly how Andy talked about being the best dad in the world, nearly choked up at that point!!!

I could go on, but needless to say I’m pretty happy.

Tom, delegate

December 2011 | book

I work in a busy engineering department as a store man - however like all companies out there my role keeps getting bigger and bigger and our department smaller and smaller. Recently I had a huge bust up with what I now know is a mood Hoover. This guy drove me crazy dumping all his bad vibes on everyone like the huge garbage truck mentioned in your book which is truly brilliant. I did tell him he was a... we wont go into that. It's frustrating that one man brings down to his level a whole department.

A friend of mine loaned me your book, unfortunately after the event, and I stayed up half the night reading it, I am a firm believer in that you can change the way you think. I am convinced this is a new beginning for me - because although the other guy is the guilty party I also had my own flaws with the way I perceived and dealt with the situation.

Mind you everything happens for a reason. Had I not had the bust up with the mammoth Hoover geezer then my friend Caroline would not have loaned me your brilliant book.

How's that for positivity!!!  The morning after reading your book I felt like I had been on happy drugs .

Keep up the good work

Merry Christmas

Steve, engineering 

October 2011 | conference

“One of the best days I’ve attended in my 11 years” - Deputy Ward Manager UHNS | “Fab day... Inspiring, motivational and thought provoking” - Palliative and End of Life Lead | “Wonderful day. Nothing like I expected it to be” – Staff Nurse, Community | “Morale at work can be low at times due to changes, this course is a big help to view things in a different way” - District Nurse | “Enjoyable, informative day. Will now look at things in a different way” - Staff Nurse UHNS | “An absolute brilliant day, very informative. I have learned a lot to take back to the ward”

delegates, NHS Conference

September 2011 | course

Feedback from the staff has been excellent. Andy (W) had the audience  laughing throughout the whole session. His speech was highly motivating and stimulating and was delivered with just the right balance of seriousness and humour…at the end of a long term, and on a wet July morning was the perfect finish to the year.

customer, Barking & Dagenham College

June 2011 | course

I thought you might like to see some feedback captured on the flip chart....

“Interesting and thought provoking” | “Superb and Andy is such a great speaker” | “Brilliant speaker. Very thought provoking” | “Sooo motivational" | "Excellent...way to go Andy” | “Brilliant!! We all need to laugh more. Andy was fantastic!!!” | “Very good, thought provoking, brilliant ideas!” | “Great ideas – i’ll use them on my husband! (a mood hoover)” | “Positive/ encouraging/ brilliant” | Very thought provoking and enjoyable” | “Fantastic”

And my favourite:

The best hour I’ve spent all year! Brilliant (a would be tigger)

anonymous, public sector

27 May 2011 | head teachers’ conference, Buxton

Whooooooop whooooooo! What a fab few days guys! Wonderful in everyday! I am BRILLIANT, thanks to you!

Head Teacher, Stoke

25 May 2011 | head teachers’ conference, Buxton

Amazing conference… thanks guys; best yet. Look forward to working with you more.

Head Teacher, Stoke

16 May 2011 | course

The recent Art of Being Brilliant [Ginsters] course that I attended was a really inspirational day. Everybody who I spoke to went away from the course feeling very positive and inspired to make changes to their everyday life, their ways of thinking, and the way they tackle those everyday hurdles that we come across. If anyone is considering going on this course, I can't recommend it enough. Onwards and upwards for me. No more mood hoover! Cheers Andy!

Delegate, Cornwall

5 May 2011 | NHS conference, Chesterfield

Saw Andy W speak at our conference in Chesterfield; inspirational! Couldn't stop smiling all day, Thanks

Delegate

April | course

Just a quick email to say how inspirational I found your talk last week. My school were part of the "festival of learning " in Peterborough and we are now all buzzing .

I'm just talking to my 13 year old daughter , relaying what you said and she is keen to read your books that we have ordered. Thank you.

Teacher, Peterborough

21 January 2011 | course, book

You did a speech at XXXXXX School recently, and a lady met you and talked to you about her son, who was struggling with negativity. You gave her a copy of your book, "The Art of Being Brilliant" for her son to read. Well Andy, that lady was my mother.

I read your book, and I admit that I was initially sceptical. I have been really struggling with negativity and cynicism recently, and I was doubtful that a book could help me. However, I am pleased to say that your book has really helped me change my outlook and attitude.

Once I realised that a positive mindset was a choice, I transformed my way of thinking. Since reading your book, I have been happier and more proactive. I'm writing to you to tell you how grateful I am for your gift to me. Thank you so much for your help!

Medical student

21 January 2011 | courses

Hi Andy. In 2009 I got a new job... In 2010 I attended two of your seminars courtesy of my new employers, after which I was a completely changed man. I was ready: there you were. Your influence came along just at the right time. I wasn't a wreck by any means, just not living up to my potential. Now I do. My wife doesn't know to whom she's so indebted!

satisfied customer, public sector

January 2011

I emailed Andy and said I was stuck in a rut. I know I have potential but the job was not allowing me to be my best self. Andy’s words, verbatim, were ‘...keep plugging away and being positive. Be the most upbeat, smiley finance person they've ever had and spooky things will happen.’

So, I tried this being positive, working hard, setting-a-good-example thing at work and also decided that in 2011 I was going to try to find a new job that I would find more challenging. On January 10th, completely out of the blue, I got a call from a recruitment agent who had found my CV and wanted to put me forward for a Team Leader job about fifteen minutes from my house.  Despite my lack of management experience the company in question liked the look of my background and gave me an interview.  Yesterday, one week after I heard about it, I was offered the job.

I'll have four people reporting to me, each doing a similar job to the one I'm doing now, and I reckon this gives me the chance to be upbeat, smiley and positive and show them that they can be inspired to become the best finance people they can be too.  Two of my current colleagues even asked if they could come and work for me!

And here's the spooky part - I had never heard of the agency who called me; I've never sent my CV to them.  The agent doesn't even know where he found my CV.  He just, sort of, did.

On January 1st I decided I was going to keep a journal simply writing down the best thing that happens each day.  Three weeks into the year it looks like I've had a really good time.  And now I have a new job :o)

Just saying, I reckon you might be onto something with this whole positive thing.

All the best

Keith

October 2010 | course, book, CDs

As a fellow motivational speaker and coach I have no problem at all in recommending a competitor in the business. Out of the very many motivation / inspiration / trainers etc people I have seen I would rank Andy at the top. His down to earth approach, real stories, humour and powerful message about self belief and the choices we make in our lives really are worth experiencing. Whether in person, book or audio.

Darren Toms

October 2010 | course

We attended your presentation to parents at XXXXX School a few weeks ago. Our son enjoyed the day so much he came with us. Our new family motto is when I woke this morning I didn't have toothache. Isn't that brilliant. My husband has changed his outlook at work so much the office staff sent him an email saying they love ‘Jolly Joe’. I hope XXXXX have you back next year!

satisfied parent

30 September 2010 | course

I attended the "Art of being Brilliant" course yesterday and I have to say it was the best 3 hours of my working career.  It totally inspired me to be a better mother, wife, manager, colleague, sister, friend.  I am a very positive person anyway but Andy Cope made me want to be even more positive and made me realise the influence I can have over other people. Thanks Andy for a truly inspiring day.

Jane, Derbyshire Police

29 September 2010 | course

I attended the Art of Being Brilliant workshop about a year ago and can honestly say it's changed my life for the better, both at work and more importantly at home too.  But despite that I was slipping back into my old grumpy ways when I was lucky enough to hear Andy talk at a recent event, and it was just the refresher I needed.  It really re-inforced all the positive messages and reminded me I only need to be brilliant for 4 minutes - even I can manage that!  Colleagues have noticed the new me and I am so much more fulfilled in my career.  Thanks Andy.

Claire, NHS

21 September 2010 | CDs, course

Just want to let you know that the “Art of Being Brilliant” CD’s are absolutely awesome.

I bought them at your last event, listened to them, thought “yea, yea, this is stuff Andy has been doing with us over the years”.  At the tea table, I mentioned that l had bought the CDs and then…

One day as l worked in the house, otherwise distracted, l tuned in to you and Andy laughing.  Someone, somewhere was listening to the CDs.  l nowhave 3 people talking about barracudas, GBF, avoiding chasing speeding motorists etc!  Even the most sceptical have become the most accepting of the charms and philosophy’s A of B.

Now my wife understands where l am coming from and knows why l have a tendency to re-frame stuff in the positive rather than the negative.  l can’t get it out of her car now to play it again!

Bring on your December event.  I am already booked and ready for the best injection of positivity that’s going.

Phil, Staffordshire

15 September 2010 | course

Thank you Andy for a brilliant course today in Nottingham.  I left feeling motivated... The book that was given to me is not the one I had, so again a big thank you - I have nearly finished it already. I am a 2%er but needed a bit of a top up and will be joining the [2%ers] club. Heartfelt thanks and warm wishes.

Tracey, Nottinghamshire County Council

14 September 2010 | book

Hi Guys, great book [The Art of Being Brilliant].

Having spent 12 years at the dizzy heights of senior management in UK and international blue chip retail businesses, I have come across a shed load of self help and management orientated motivational material and have sat through countless training sessions of the same. The vast majority of which have focussed on changing peoples personalities to match a perceived "best way" dreamt up by often by academics, strangely often Americans I find, full of buzz words and management speak, who I suspect have little experience beyond the theoretical.

The Art of Brilliance is obviously different, it's direct, straight forward and nothing that we don't already know - but have forgotten or don't put into practice enough. Having read the book, I feel reinvigorated and motivated to try harder to implement the super six as often as I can, without feeling guilty for the times I don't.

I only wish I had this material 5 years ago. Some of my own training sessions with staff would have been so much better!! Well done chaps.

Rob

September 2010 | book

Andy’s Art of Being Brilliant sessions have been a real inspiration to the people here. He delivers simple messages in a down-to-earth and highly entertaining way, and yet I know that it has made a real difference to  people’s lives, both at work and at home.

Richard Higgs, Staffs County Council

September | course

I told my leadership team that if only a couple of pupils' lives were changed for the better, then our money would be well spent.  Two days later, nearly 500 pupils and an audience of parents had been engaged, challenged and entertained.  Over the next three weeks hardly a day went by without informal praise for the event by pupils, staff, governors and parents.

However, it's the hatful of letters and e-mails I received from parents telling me they'd noticed positive changes in their child's attitude to life and learning that really hit home.  Given the fact that parents tend to contact schools about problems rather than to praise, I'm fairly confident that this was only the tip of the iceberg. Money well spent? I'd say so.

Gary Toward, Headteacher, South Wigston High School

September 2010 | course

The Art of Brilliance was superb, we had over 100 managers attend the sessions and I’ve been overwhelmed with positive comments from managers across all levels of the service up to Chief Executive! They particularly liked the fact that the concepts and ideas were accessible and not overly academic, with a real customer focus throughout.

We were very impressed by Andy Cope and his delivery; he knew his audience, had researched the organisation beforehand to find out what the managers needed and what stage they were at.  He was engaging, funny, inspirational and spot-on!  The Chief Executive and Director of Operations thought that it was exactly what the organisation needed.

I would wholeheartedly recommend The Art of Brilliance.

Stephen Reynolds, Director of Service Improvement, MHA

06 September 2010 | CDs 

I often have to drive long distances, so I invested in the Art of Being Brilliant CDs for something a bit different to listen to on the journeys. Having met Andy Cope on one of his courses and hearing that Andy Whittaker was a bit of a comedian, entertainment was pretty much guaranteed and I might even learn something. So I set off with the CDs playing and 150 miles later, arrived at my destination with tears rolling down my face. No, they weren’t that bad!

Funny and emotional stories brought the tears, as well as parallels with my own life...  and this was only part way through the third CD! After a long day, I was really looking forward to listening to more on the way home and was a little disappointed when I got there before the end of CD five! I’d certainly been entertained and without realising it, learned how to live a happier life.

Congratulations guys (and Oliver and Olivia)! Fab!

Jo

06 September 2010 | book

I gave “A Brilliant Life” to my friend’s son for his thirteenth birthday. Of course, I had a sneaky peek before wrapping it up. Wish I hadn’t... now I need to buy another copy for myself!

This book might be aimed at teenagers, but it’s also a handy pocket guide to exactly what it says on the cover.

Jo

02 September 2010 | course

I can HONESTLY say that the staff felt it was the best INSET they have had. They were coming up to me all afternoon thanking me for getting you in to talk to them.

Head Teacher, Leicester

21 July 2010 | book, course

I recently started to read 'The Art of Being Brilliant'. At first I thought, this is not for me.  Not because it wasn't good - it was brilliant!

As a teacher I had brought Andy Cope in to work with students and staff and had always taken part.  I thought I knew it all!  But as I read on I realised that I 'might' know it all but did I still use it?  This book was just like Andy talking to me and reminding me about what I did know and how I should be using it.  It is not that I am big headed but rather that, as Andy always says 'It's bleedin obvious'.  If you have been lucky enough to work with him you will know what I mean.  If you haven't - REALLY - just what are you waiting for?  If you haven't already got his book 'Being Brilliant' you should buy this one too.  I used to call it my 'bible'.  Where I went it went. Like with that book, I will read & reread this one.  It's just great to have Andy there whenever you need him, you just open the book and he talks to you.

Kathlyn

03 July 2010 | course, book, CDs

The Art of Being Brilliant course is absolutely brilliant! It’s so much fun and completely engaging. It’s impossible not to come away feeling happy, positive and ready to make a difference to your own and other people’s lives.

The content is easy to understand and apply, relevant to both work and home life and it’s delivered by a great trainer, Andy Cope, who has a natural ability to enthuse and amuse.

If you can’t get on a course, read the books or listen to the CDs. At the very least you’ll be entertained, but more likely, you’ll be inspired!

Thanks Andy, you helped me change my life!

Jo

02 July 2010 | course

I really related to the inset you delivered today at xxxxxxx School. Thank you! ... We all have the same amount of time in our lives - it is how we choose to use the time that makes the difference.

Melanie