Ultimate Leadership Testimonies – Business Leaders

Ultimate Leadership Testimonies - Business Leaders

Read Testimonies from Pastors, Ministries and Couples

“10+! Highly effective, therapeutic, improves leadership from the inside out.”

Daphne M.
Administrative Manager
New York, NY

"My life has been so blessed since the Ultimate week - blessed in a way that I now have an intimate relationship with God. After I returned from the retreat, I began praying that God would open the eyes of my heart. Yes, He did it in a BIG way. I experienced the blind man phenomenon; I was blind but now I could see. I have always known God but not at an intimate level. I had been going through life doing the right thing and saying the right things that I thought would please God. The main benefit I received from the retreat is reattachment to God – it's a miracle! I have always been thankful (cordially) but now it's the daily WOW.
One very tangible benefit of the workshop is how I've also started to see myself as equal, and not through the lens of a child. I do not feel afraid or inferior around angry people. That's amazing, because I used to freeze up and become extremely compliant in the hope of making peace. Now I am able to speak sensibly and not run emotionally. Another miracle! I pray that I will continue to grow in this area. Currently, I have 2 process groups to help me grow. Please continue to pray for me.
On a very personal note; God has opened doors of opportunity for me to reach out to the downtrodden. Last November, I led a family of three (victims of domestic violence) to Christ. Now, I am investing in their lives by teaching them weekly from the book of Matthew. In the past, I would have sent them to Sunday school or a Small Group in our church. However, this time around, God gave me a burden to follow through by teaching them to know Christ in a deeper way. This has been a life-changing God enlightenment experience for me. For the last eight weeks, I have been so overwhelmed by joy that words cannot explain. Isn't that amazing? I consider this a miracle!"

Christina Cheung
Business Owner
San Jose, California

“This was the best/most helpful workshop I have ever attended!”

Kristin C.
Self Emp. Photographer/Designer
Billings, Montana

"While it is absolutely true that this workshop is a “gift that keeps on giving,” that sentiment alone almost seems to trivialize the benefits I’ve continued receiving since I’ve attended the Ultimate Leadership workshop.

The treasure obtained through my experience at the Ultimate is compounding daily. That is one heck of a return on an initial investment!

This week-long workshop can be attended as a get-away, a shot in the arm, or a power training session in personal growth. It is all that, but it is much, much more for attendees who will give themselves over to the growth process as presented by Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend.

This workshop is truly a pearl of great price. It's a treasure found in a field (in San Juan Capistrano, California!), to be obtained at any cost if you are seeking to grow into the person you were created to be. Attend and you’ll see. Attend, and be willing to change the world around you!"

JoAnne Huston, private school administrator
San Juan Capistrano, California

“Loved it! Wishing everyone in my life could go through this!”

Crystal S.
Business Development
New York, NY

"Thank you for a wonderful, life-changing experience.
I know that, thanks to the Ultimate, I’m a changed woman - much closer to God and able to love and help others much more deeply. My business has changed; I speak to my employees with compassion, and they respond much more deeply to me. My family life is more honest, and it now provides me much more strength and support.
I hope everyone who is considering this special opportunity steps forward and takes action on their desire to grow. I can promise you will not leave the same person. I have been forever changed, and I hope you will be too."

Karen Romar, COO, Pacific Imports
Santa Clarita, California

"I thoroughly enjoyed and valued the Ultimate Leadership workshop.
Going to the workshop was a risk for me for various reasons—the cost, the fear of discovering more aspects of my self, and doubts over whether the workshop would meet my needs and expectations. I needed Ultimate Leadership to be a significant week. I was at a pivotal point in my life and needed to make important decisions about moving forward.
I dove into the experience with purpose and intentionality, from the first Sunday night group to the final process group. I loved it. It was intense. It was challenging. I felt loved and cared for by my group members, by the facilitators, by Drs. Cloud and Townsend themselves, and by the CTR staff. It was one of the most healing, helpful, and growth-producing experiences of my life—emotionally, functionally, relationally, and spiritually.
I feel deeper and more whole as a result of the time spent there. The action plan challenged me to consider ways to pursue continued growth when I returned home. I did not leave Ultimate Leadership with all of my questions answered, all of my decisions made, or all of my life whole. I did leave with one more building block in my journey of becoming more of what God made me to be."

Randy Wood, licensed mental health counselor
West Lafayette, Indiana

“ Every Leader should experience this workshop!”

Larry S.
Corporate President
Laguna Beach, CA

"I went to the Ultimate Leadership Workshop fearing I wouldn’t learn anything new, as I’ve read all Drs. Cloud and Townsend’s books. Boy, was I wrong!
The real work of the workshop happened in the process groups, with the help of the six other members of my group and the excellent facilitators. It’s hard to explain—even to my small group back home—just how it happened, but my life was changed for the better during the week I spent in San Juan Capistrano. I feel more confident in what I am doing, and I give myself more grace when I fail, as we all do."

Sandra L. VanderZicht, Associate Publisher and Executive Editor
Grand Rapids, Michigan

"God used the Ultimate to send me forward in my growth in ways I never expected. It seems to me that "y'all" have really learned how to find the precious gems and fine stones within people so they can go forward and safely build a ministry in Christ, in whatever area they have been called to.
The Ultimate helped direct my growth process down a path that not only gives me sincere hope every day but also bears REAL fruit. I am also reaping the benefits of my week at the Ultimate in my personal life. Up until now, my ability to have a decent relationship with women has been chaotic and disappointing, to say the least. I never had a healthy role model for relationships; my mom was diagnosed with severe paranoid schizophrenia when I was very young, and this has affected me my whole life. What I learned at the Ultimate has resulted in a good relationship with a very healthy young lady."

Jonathan Sanders, Petty Officer Second Class, U.S. Coast Guard
Galveston, TX

"Wow! What a week!
Shortly after “surviving” two traumatic losses—a relationship and a job—within just days of one another, I found myself, like the swallows, making my way to San Juan Capistrano - only I was going for the Ultimate Leadership week. With the loss of an income stream, it was no small decision to attend. However, it was a decision based on Drs. Cloud and Townsend’s reputation and my past experience with them, and I believed it was a good one. I was not disappointed! I was able to meet other people from varied backgrounds, all with the same desire: to grow and be who God created us to be. There I found the tools to reignite passion and purpose for my life, in the context of working with other people and not being the “Lone Ranger” (even he had Tonto!).
For me, the growth has not stopped since attending. I now have a greater hunger for growth—and truth as well—that will carry me into being the person I was designed to be. The only regret I have is that I lived forty-three years without much of the knowledge I learned at the Ultimate!
Thanks John, Henry, and Maureen! (Even the food was good!)"

John Brown, becoming the person I was intended to be
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

“Soul searching and eye opening.”

Elaine C.
Administrative Manager
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

"I am grateful for the opportunity to have participated in Ultimate Leadership. The program filled holes in my leadership and personal spiritual growth that I had not understood and been able to address beforehand.
I am a changed person from within – spiritually, relationally, and professionally - as a result of the Ultimate Leadership experience. Through the combination of biblical study, teaching sessions, and small group meetings, I’ve deepened my faith and humility, learned how to increase my leadership effectiveness, and improved my ability to develop more meaningful relationships with people. Ultimate Leadership provided a foundation for my ongoing personal and spiritual growth.
I've gained confidence and enthusiasm for future entrepreneurial, corporate, and church related leadership roles, through making some healthy changes in my life as a result of Ultimate Leadership. I can see (and feel) God’s work in this process and in the progress of my colleagues and friends."

Tom Carhart, Entrepreneur
Santa Rosa, CA

"I have been waiting for a special time to write a personal note to you (Maureen) and the good doctors for truly a Life-Giving week. I just cannot describe the deep level of grace, love, release, freedom and discovery I experienced at the June Ultimate workshop. There has been a marked seismic shift in my heart and soul. I continue to experience deep sighs of release, and I have slept better in the last week than I have in the past few years. I also learned more about myself in the last week than the last 30 years or so. And I must say what impresses me the most and gives tremendous credence to the program is the Scriptural footing to everything that John and Henry have to say. I can say I truly experienced God's Grace in my life in a way I have not since I first committed my heart to Him.
I am also committed to my plan! I have recruited 2 of my goal of 4 couples to begin a "Hiding from Love" small group... these two are actually pastors at Northway (one is our new teaching pastor) and they are very hungry for the depth and authenticity of a truly intimate small group. I am so excited... and my wife is already looking at her calendar to find the time to attend an Ultimate. I am also re-reading my notes and thoughts from the week to try to build on what I have learned. There is definitely a change in the way I lead, carry myself and relate to others -- I have so much more confidence.
I continue to work on my other goals, but after a taste of the kind of grace and change that I experienced, I want to keep growing and bring others along.
Thanks again, and I hope to see you in an alumni group someday down the road. Many blessings to you for all you do... you guys are setting people free, and it is great!"

Bill James, business owner
Gibson, PA

"The Ultimate Leadership workshop is such a sacred work space. Important psychic switches were thrown for me during that week. I practiced my true value system at Ultimate; I know God rewired some of my neurological circuitry during that amazing experience!
I came back enjoying new levels of honesty, integrity, and authenticity in relating. I have made disappointing people with my genuine “no” part of my daily spiritual practice. I am experimenting with embracing the grief over disappointing others that is inherent in the daily life of the leader who is present to God’s calling in every moment. Comfort, satisfaction, and even a sense of opportunity are starting to arise when that limited group of individuals, who have difficulty with the real me, express their discontent - I say to myself: “Here is evidence that I have been fully present with all my faults and strengths. Good for you, you were your true self, instead of exhausting your resources trying to pretend you’re something that you are not!” I know that sounds bizarre, but it is the razor’s edge of growth for me right now.
My deepest and most sincere thanks go out to Maureen, John, Henry, and the rest of the Ultimate team. I can’t wait for Alumni week!"

Ronna Phifer-Ritchie, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Training and Development
Silicon Valley, CA

"Attending the Ultimate Leadership Workshop was a profound, life changing experience well worth the small investment made. The invaluable incorporation of resources, teaching, sharing, processing, and the quality of all those committed to bringing forth wealth and treasure in us was priceless.
I shall always remember that week as a major “turning point”, a time where my perceptions of life, myself, and my work were forever changed. Thank you Henry, John, Maureen, my process group and facilitators, and all the staff at Cloud-Townsend Resources."

Patty L., real estate broker and architect
Tustin, CA

"After twenty four years in aviation, I have pretty much gone as far as I can go in my profession. Not wanting to stagnate and wanting to leave no stone unturned in being the most effective and professional pilot that I could be, the Ultimate Leadership class sounded like a logical step in that process.
In looking back on the Ultimate experience, I realize that I learned far more than I could have ever imagined going in. In reflection, my own personal conclusion is that there is only one "Ultimate Leader" and that leader is God and His leadership through Jesus Christ. I think what so reinforced this for me during the week was the sense of acceptance I felt in every way....both with staff and participants. For the first time I knew what it meant to belong to the Body of Christ. The Holy Spirit was ever present. The opportunity to grow and to safely confront one's "issues" was limitless.
My ultimate conclusion on my Ultimate experience is that I'll leave the ultimate leadership of my life to God, and strive to simply be the ultimate servant in whatever role I may find myself in at the time; be it professionally, socially, or parentally. I have already seen a radical and positive change in the way that I can affect people; and in my own effectiveness both professionally and personally.
As a result of the Ultimate workshop I AM a more effective leader as well as a better father, friend, and neighbor. Was the Ultimate experience worth it? All I have to do is look at the smiles and the faces of those with whom I work and live and to feel the contentment within my own heart to know that it was one the best investments I have ever made! I would recommend it to anyone wanting to take their "game" to the next level."

John Kelly, pilot, father, leader, servant
Boise, ID

"The Ultimate Leadership workshop has changed my outlook on life, my spirituality, and my relationships with others. I would strongly recommend this conference for anyone that feels like going deep!
My boss was supposed to attend, and close to the last minute he thought that it would be better for me to go instead. I had only a short time to prepare for the workshop by reading a few CTR books. I found myself preparing for a trip that I did not want to attend. Well, I can tell you I was not happy about being sent to this workshop - and yet, the benefits were immediate. For the very first time, I started to understand my anger and resentment; this was huge for me as I now know this is what had been keeping me stuck in many areas of life.
John and Henry were awesome! In listening to them and reading their books I felt like they were talking about my life. It was a remarkable experience. Thank you again for the Ultimate experience. I am a believer!"

John C. Harward Jr., Senior Vice President, Allstate Steel Company, Inc.
Jacksonville, FL

"The Value I received from the Ultimate Leadership Intensive Workshop experience:

The Ultimate Leadership Workshop was a powerful training experience unlike any other I’ve attended. There were eight didactic lectures taught by either Dr. Henry Cloud or Dr. John Townsend. These lectures focused on leadership, developing staff as well as personal growth and the interpersonal dynamics in relationships.

There were numerous small group breakout sessions that provided experience with interpersonal relationship dynamics. These small group interactions provided life-changing experience while processing the lessons learned in the didactic lectures. Much personal insight was gained that helped identify core behavior challenges and helped me gain the necessary restructuring to catapult positive behavior changes. I feel a real transformation occurred in my thought processes and behavior that will enable and empower me to be a better leader. I also left the experience with a plan for continued personal and professional growth."

Candace Bywater, Applications Manager, Information Technology Department
Chino, CA

"Before attending the Ultimate Leadership Workshop, my life had already been greatly touched by the ministry entrusted to Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend. Since walking through the lessons taught in Boundaries, I had learned that true healthy boundaries do not really limit but actually prune an individual to be more fruitful in all areas of life. As a physician/ surgeon, I encounter myriads of needs daily, and often I would feel the limitations of medicine in dealing with the emotional bondages many face. Now however, many times when patients would ask me for “nerve” pills to meet their stresses, I found myself giving away or recommending Cloud/Townsend books. I am so grateful for these resources that help to meet the hurting whom I encounter daily.

Ignited by the temptations of personal/spiritual growth, I attended the Ultimate Leadership Workshop with fiery anticipation and an open heart. The leadership didactic lectures were phenomenal, and the process groups facilitated the digestion of head knowledge into heart revelation. It was theoretically challenging for a group of strangers to connect so deeply in one short week. Yet it was done with grace and truth. I am truly grateful for the new travel companions I have met.

Since the workshop, the contagious spillovers have infiltrated many areas of my life. I came home, and the very next day went back to teach children’s church. One child was facing difficult issues with a peer, and we ended up “processing” conflict in relationships. Then other children opened up to share their heart and difficulties. We integrated these processes with lessons on grace, forgiveness, and friendships. The next week I returned to work and encountered new obstacles, I was able to use these as stepping stones before my medical students and residents as forum in communication, team work, and ways to strategize to resolve difficulties.

As I ponder over Dr. Townsend’s words to “treat conflicts as normalcy,” I am also reminded of Daniel 11:32b that I had read in another language, “They who INTIMATELY know their God, FOR SURE, will do great exploits like everyday business.” I have come to understand that to do great exploits like everyday business also means one would face great trials like everyday business. And that is what the Cloud/Townsend resources and the culminating Ultimate Leadership Workshop experience have done for me-- that is, equipping me to face trials like everyday business."

Lily Yang, physician, surgeon, teacher, small group mentor, children's church worker
Alexandria, LA

"It's been three weeks since my Ultimate Leadership Retreat experience, and I feel like I need a passport because I am now walking in foreign territory! The brochure says that you will experience a profound shift in your thinking, and that is the truth.
The biggest lesson that I learned was that we were not designed to go through life alone. Having a safe, supportive friend or group of people to "process" your experiences and emotions with is a critical component in leadership and life. It has become the key difference in how I deal with my employees, my family and my new friendships. The relationships I made at the retreat were an unexpected mega-blessing.
The teaching sessions and process groups are planned so that what you hear, you actually take to heart and apply. I plan on making the Ultimate a part of my annual leadership growth plan."

Jayne Okruhlik, Vice President, Continental Singers
Ventura, CA

"I have had lots of leadership training over the years. I've studied leadership at both undergrad and graduate levels. I've been to trainings by Drucker, Maxwell, Covey, Conger, American Management Association, The Center for Creative Leadership and much more...
There is no more important or valuable training that I have ever attended than the Ultimate Leadership course. The things I learned and changes I've made helped start me on a journey of growing as a person and a leader for a lifetime."

Glenn Hansen, manager
Huntington Beach, CA

"I found the leadership intensive a week of self discovery and enlightenment. I brought to the experience 3 years of personal growth via Al-Anon, Celebrate Recovery, Monday Night Solutions as well as substantial counseling so I was excited about what the week would have to offer.
I enjoyed the whole experience it was challenging and moved me beyond my comfort zone where some revelations were discovered. I would highly recommend it to those on a path of growth. The counselors were the best I have encountered and having John and Henry providing the day’s open and close helped to assimilate and metabolize the day’s experience.
As a small business owner, I have been enjoying the process of growth and the new found ability to interrelate with those I share this life with. My relationship with my children has greatly improved and I look forward to a much more fulfilling life than I ever could have imagined due to the Christ centered teachings of John and Henry.
I found the time and cost of the intensive a small price to pay for what I received from the experience. My prayer is that Cloud Townsend will put together an advanced version of the intensive for the alumni."

Dan Scherneck, construction business professional
Colton, CA

"I'm so enthusiastic about the [Ultimate] that I don't know where to start in telling others about it.
When I went in, I really had no idea of what I was getting into. I just knew Dr. Cloud and Dr. Townsend were behind a week long intensive for leaders. I'm a Sr. VP type leader for a large high tech company and like most people, struggled with normal life and leadership issues. When I heard about the [Ultimate], it seemed a natural for me. What an understatement! This is definitely not your normal leadership training event.
The [Ultimate] is about getting to some of our own unresolved issues that hinder us from growing and being better at whatever we do. On day one, we began as a sub-group of 10 strangers in this process together. By the end of the week, I had 10 new incredible friends for life. It's now nearing a year later and I still maintain regular contact with many of them and some remain part of my close inner circle of friends even though they might live across the country.
If you think you have some life or leadership issues you would like to work on, go to the [Ultimate]. If you think you've had enough leadership training and are doing pretty well on life issues, then definitely go to the [Ultimate]! This is not to be missed. The price may seem a bit much on your budget, but no cost is too high for his experience. Find a way to go, and you'll be writing a testimony like this when you return!"

Norm Patriquin, Senior Vice President
Orange County, CA

"The [Ultimate] was a life changing event. I found my heart! When I went home Friday afternoon, I was very different than when I started on Monday Morning. Dr. Cloud, Dr. Townsend, the facilitators and staff all demonstrated a sincere interest in helping accelerate my ongoing work on spiritual growth and maturity.
Since the [Ultimate], I'm able to be more "present" in all of my relationships - especially with my children. As a senior executive for a Los Angeles based real estate developer, the [Ultimate] truly helped me be a better leader. I'm now aware of negative aspects of my previous leadership skills and am better able to integrate more of the best parts of me into my job. I connect more, am more at ease with many things I do and am basically enjoying life more. The [Ultimate] has made a tremendous impact to my effectiveness as a leader and as a person. I'm delighted that some of my closest and "safest" friendships resulted from those I met during this awesome week.

I am very grateful to Dr. Cloud, Dr. Townsend and all the others involved for their willingness and ability to be used by God in such a powerful life changing way. The [Ultimate] is an incredible tool that helps people grow into the healthy mature men and women of God He wants us to be. I recommend it to all."

Blaise Bonin, Senior Executive
Los Angeles, CA

"I found the Ultimate experience to be one of the greatest life changing experiences of my life.
I have been to two other growth experience workshops, but found this one to be the most helpful and complete. It touched all parts of my life. Henry and John are doing a great job in demonstrating how our entire emotional and spiritual lives are built on Christ's teachings.
I also found the Personal Action Plan to be of great help. I filled it out and completed the goals. I review it regularly to assure that I am focused on my commitments and most importantly, doing them!
I would highly recommend this experience to any leader, no matter what their calling is."

John Schock, CEO, Financial Management Solutions
Pasadena, MD

"The Ultimate Leadership retreat was a foundational experience for me. Having been to dozens of high-end training experiences over twenty years as a senior executive with a Fortune 25 company, I can say the Ultimate produced significant insights and lasting change that rank in the top three experiences of my life.
I was able to see how my character flaws affected my leadership results. I learned the root of an anger problem and that problem is no longer holding me back! More importantly, I acquired a model of leadership character development that has allowed me to keep diagnosing my next challenges and growth frontiers...kind of like being able to diagnose a golf swing and make adjustments on the course in competition. I have also been able to teach and mentor others in my sphere of influence with what I learned, multiplying my original investment.
This experience is for the leader who really wants to break through to the next level of effectiveness and mastery."

Denis Beausejour, Senior Executive
Cincinnati, OH

"Owning a business, I came to realize that the problems in my business life mirrored those in my personal life. Not only was I afraid to confront others - I didn't even know how to go about it. Not a very good problem to have if you want a successful business or personal life.
Although I was aware of my negative patterns of behavior, I found myself struggling to change. Then I read about the Ultimate Leadership workshop. After registering, I had nagging thoughts about the many leadership conferences I had attended that hadn't helped me at all, and wondered if this one would be any different.
Well, I did attend in May of 2007; WOW! Different from other conferences is not an adequate statement. It immediately cut out the pretense and went straight to addressing what I had so skillfully avoided--my role in problem relationships. Easy, NO! Helpful, YES!
We were placed in small groups and encouraged to be transparent. I not only recognized my problem areas in dealing with people; the good news is that I also received the necessary tools to change years of behavior patterns. My small group gave me the support that I needed to make changes; I now network with the group by telephone, and am encouraged to continue to walk in truth with boundaries.
My life has been changed! As a work in progress, I plan to return for an Alumni group as soon as possible. Thank you Henry and John and all the support staff."

Judy C. Kneece
President, EduCare Inc.
North Charleston, SC

Denis Beausejour, Senior Executive
Cincinnati, OH

Jayne Okruhlik, Vice President, Continental Singers
Ventura, CA