Here's What 50 CEOs, Managers and Employees Have to Say About Our Ability to Align and Engage People at the Higher Level of Their Purpose & Passion.
"Purpose and Passion. Management gurus say we need it. Spiritual gurus say it's inside. But Tom and Frances show us how to access it. CEO2's work is extraordinary. This stuff needs to be taught in graduate school."
- Dennis Gomes, CEO, Gomes Casino Management Company, Former CEO, Steve Wynn's Golden Nugget, Donald Trump's Taj Mahal,Tropicana Resorts
"CEO2 has helped me create the kind of company that people want to work for and invest in. Their ability to generate enthusiasm and focus, combined with a reality based, bottom-line approach to follow-through gives their work the one-two punch others are missing. Remarkably, their process is still making a difference nine years later."
E. Michael Thoben III, Chairman/CEO/President, Interlink Electronics
Frances Fujii is a truly exceptional individual, coach and life guide. In a matter of a couple days, Frances led me on a journey that showed me the consistent thread that was woven through the fabric of my life and career. Her work was equally well received by our foundation’s board, as she bridged from my Vision to the work of bringing our Board together during our annual retreat. Her skills with business and facilitation led us to a very successful outcome, including strategies, goals and next actions. Without her portfolio of skills and wonderful personality, this journey would have never been the same, nor would we have so easily seen where we must guide our foundation as it continues its journey of Love.
— Joe DiDonato, Chairman, The Orphan Foundation
"Tom is a real visionary. He has the unique ability to understand the inner strengths (and weaknesses) of those with whom he works, and to lead them in the important voyage of self-discovery. Tom helped me at a critical time in my own career, as I transitioned from employee to owner and president of my own firm. Through his process and inspiration, I was able to design my style of leadership and service. Above all, Tom helps you be honest with yourself."
Jim Russell, President, Jim Russell Productions, Former GM and creator of National Public Radio's Marketplace
"What I learned from Tom and Frances helped prepare me for this job. And Tom's book, The Accidental CEO, teaches leadership principles that are crucial to success for any CEO. It will play an important role in the success of many current leaders and indeed, will launch the careers of many more."
Pamela Popeilarski, CEO, Tropicana Hotel & Casino
As CEO of a Deloitte Technology Fast 50 compay for 5 years in a row, I had some pretty sharp tools in my shed. However, working with Frances as my coach, I have made significant changes in my leadership awareness and style. She introduced me to new leading-edge ideas and methods while we addressed several delicate situations within my company. She has helped me see each issue as a strategic opportunity. By perceiving and then handling these issues differently than I had in the past, my leadership IQ has increased significantly. Frances’ coaching accelerated my ability to shift the dynamic and start turning results faster than I was headed on my own. If you have an opportunity to work with Frances, you will be thankful you did. I can’t say enough about her intelligence, experience and professionalism.
— Drew J. Kaplan, CEO, ISWest
“Tom has a gift of insight and wisdom into leadership and high performance that is truly remarkable. Though his work with over 300 senior executives, in an up-close and personal way, plus his own work on himself, he is able to support others in creating major changes in their personal and professional lives, and in the businesses they lead. This wisdom and insight assists those fortunate to work with Tom in turning new ideas into effective action. This occurs through a more powerful, clearer, compelling vision and is enabled through self-awareness, translating into truly effective leadership that can bring life and business-changing results. I unequivocally recommend Tom as a business partner, professional associate, and friend.”
Paul Dies, President, Essex of Oak Park
"Sales guys don't get too excited about training. Over the past 30 years I've been to most of them. Intellectually stimulating, but rarely lasting. The CEO2 approach was remarkably different. It challenged us in ways that normal training could never do. We examined our beliefs, our identity and the degree to which we were connected to one another as people. It made a profound difference to me personally as well as professionally."
Charles Beck, Vice President Sales, Business Engine
"CEO2 has made a lot of friends here."
Doug Dickey, CEO, Business Engine, San Francisco
Frances’ work with our Board was just amazing ...pulling together various themes, concerns, needs, emotions and yet staying in context with where we are now and where we need to go. It was a delight to work with her, and I am so appreciative of the talent/energy that she brings to coaching, facilitation, driving to results — and, yes, she is an amazing listener.
— J. Scheffel, Ed.D., Sr. VP, Enterprise Learning, HR Business Operations, Countrywide University and Director, The Orphan Foundation
"Within a few years after I began working with CEO2 we moved to the top of our corporate portfolio of companies in terms of sales, productivity and revenue. What's been most gratifying is that it's been the guys on the shop floor, the blue collar workers, who have stepped forward as leaders and innovators to get the job done. We've come a long way. Thank you CEO2."
Jim McGovern, President, Corona Clipper, Retired
"I am genuinely in awe...of the magnificent and powerful team that took form before my eyes over the course of a single weekend...in awe that both individuals and departments were able to openly discuss and take positive steps toward resolving formerly 'impossible' issues...On behalf of the entire WEB team, we thank you."
Al Ekert, Chairman/CEO/President, WEB Equipment Corporation
"CEO2 delivers powerful, unexpected, lasting results. I recommend them to any CEO who wants results, not just theories."
David Berg, CEO, BIG Idea Group, Las Vegas, NV
"I can't believe the change in people's attitudes and interest in each other's needs. These guys are on fire with enthusiasm. Thanks...for taking the intense personal interest that you do when assigned a project of this magnitude. Your methods are obviously successful and your energy is quite contagious."
David Wilson, General Manager, Ventura Printing
"When I first met CEO2 I was faced with some important decisions, both for myself and for the future of the department. The Los Angeles MTA Human Resources Department (120 professionals serving over 9000 staff) had been through a rash of Deputy Directors before me and I was viewed by the staff as just another body in the revolving door. The Department was described at the time as a toxic environment in which to work. This was, in my view, primarily the result of a badly handled merger between two giant transportation authorities four years before. Overall, the Department was working hard, yet creating more problems for itself than it was solving. That was three years ago.
During and immediately following the CEO2 experience I received almost universal support behind my vision of what the department could be. From that day forward, using our own internal training and development group to forward the process, we were able to create the kind of environment we all desired to work in. The CEO2 process gave me an opportunity to point my people in a new direction. CEO2 helped me do that by rapidly transforming the group right before my very eyes."
Ray Inge, Former Director of Human Resources, Los Angeles MTA
"As the Director of the Department of Children and Family Services, Ventura County Human Services Agency, I contracted with CEO2 in 1997 to initiate a major change in the way we carried out our responsibilities as a Child Welfare Agency. Prior to our work with CEO2, our Department was in near paralysis due to major labor/management conflict. Key managers in the Department were committed to the traditional management style of "top down" administration. Our line staff had no voice in the development of vision, mission or values for the Department. Not only was there a great deal of frustration on the part of labor, there was virtually no dialogue between management and labor.
Through an extensive and intensive process, CEO2 facilitated a shift in management philosophy that was based on empowerment of all staff of Children and Family Services. While this in not the place to describe the process itself, it is important to describe the outcomes of the process. When I retired from the Agency in February 2001, the relationship between management and labor had improved dramatically. And today, in 2005, representatives from our staff's Union and top management are working in Sacramento together as a team to advocate with the Governor for more social workers and for higher salaries for those social workers. The level of trust between labor and management is at a level never before seen at our department. This is directly attributable to the belief by line staff that they have a voice in decision-making and that their input is both respected and important to management. Labor believes this because a great many of their suggestions have been implemented into daily operations.
Bottom line, Children and Family Services enjoyed a dramatic increase in the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery to clients as a consequence of our work with CEO2."
Frank Ferrata, Director, Ventura County Children & Family Services (Retired)
"CEO2 has an uncanny ability to get people at every level talking - and listening - to one another at a much deeper level than the simple day-to-day banter. They take what Tom Voccola calls 'the surprise factor' out of running an organization. CEO2 helped our senior staff relate to each other in a more meaningful way. It's made a clear difference in our ability to work together."
Rami Musallum, CEO, ThruPoint Technologies, Inc., New York City
"All leaders of great companies will tell you that their greatest asset is their people. I think this is especially true for a small company like OEN. So how do we, as leaders of the business, grow and manage this most precious asset? (CEO2) gave us the insight and tools to take a group of very special and talented people and turn them into an exceptional team. In my 20 years of running start-ups, I have never had a greater or more exciting and valuable experience than we had with CEO2."
Curtis Overstreet, Chairman, Optical Entertainment Network, Houston, Texas
"Tom and Frances (of CEO2) provided the perfect backdrop for our Board and Church leaders when we met to more clearly define our leadership roles and to uncover more effective ways of attaining our objectives for growth. The balanced styles of presentation and exploration that Tom and Frances brought to us was 'made in Heaven'...what a perfectly attuned team! I know that the upward movement our church is experiencing today was seeded from the weekend we all spent with Tom and Frances. How great it is that there are people like these who can take all of us who want to make a difference, into new realms of possibility...and attainment. Deepest gratitude for making such a profound difference, guys!"
Rev. Sue Rubin, Pastor, Westlake Church of Religious Science
"Thanks to CEO2, our company has identified its core values and principles as a team. We are learning and living what it means to be a leader and how to make a difference, both as a team member in a start up company and in our personal lives. Tom Voccola has the ability to understand and connect with a wide range of individuals and his straight-up presentation style engages and stimulates. We are proud to have CEO2 on our team."
Jo Lynn Foo, VP Content, OEN, Inc.
"When I was first told we were going to participate in a leadership training my first reaction was 'Good grief, days lost and meetings to suffer through'. CEO2 was a pleasant surprise. The experience quickly united me with my co-workers, and allowed us to genuinely define our mutual vision. I got to see how personal and professional acknowledgement can strengthen a company, and pave a clear path to our higher purpose as we recognize ourselves in one another. Tom Voccola has a way of setting the room at ease, and before we knew it, we were relating to each other and our most intimate passions toward success."
Phyllis Rankin, Creative & Art Director, OEN Studios
"CEO2 helped our company manage through a difficult time and really come together as a team. Tom Voccola managed to overcome the initial skepticism and resistance many of us brought to the table, myself included. Now that I'm the new CEO, I plan to implement everything he taught us."
Mark Strauch, CEO, Business Engine
"My Vision statement is sitting on my desk and serves as a reminder of what I strive for each day. The two days I spent with CEO2 continues to provide dividends and I highly recommend them to any CEO that strives to be a great leader and wants to powerfully communicate their vision and supercharge their enterprise. Not everyone will take the 'risk' of digging down into one's core to discover whether they have what it takes, but for those that do, the rewards are tremendous."
Peter Quinn, V.P., VOIT Development Company
"Defining my Purpose, Passion and Values helped me understand the why of my life. Living from Purpose rather from Ego has made me a better leader, husband and father."
Preston Buck, VP European Operations, OEN
What Julian Moore, a salesman in England shared with his Indian counterparts during a conference call when one of the Indian staff asked about the training everyone was doing with CEO2.
"When I heard about it (the CEO2 sessions), I thought to myself, 'we are going to have to take three days off from work, we're really busy, I've done these things before.' I had a healthy degree of cynicism. But was it worth it? Absolutely! It was probably the best three days I have ever invested in my entire life. I'm not going to say too much about what goes on with these three days with Tom, but I can say that you are in for a surprise...I really feel Tom and George are part of the BE family...they really get it. I am committed and free in my mind. I'm dedicated and I'm happy. I'm relishing the prospects for this year. I now know I have the ability to be powerful. I'm really charged up about this. I know you're going to enjoy what's coming. You're gong to love doing this. Don't be frightened; I think we laughed for three days straight!"
Julian Moore, UK Sales, Business Engine, London
John Sims is an Engineer. Not prone to sharing in public. This is what he said at his staff meeting when asked about his CEO2 experience at the manager retreat by some who had not done it yet.
"Personally, and from a company perspective, we are a company in transition...a lot of reacting, long hours, and a lot of criticism too. It's been difficult when you are trying to do your best and working long hours and still get criticism. It hasn't been a fun environment. But over the past six months, even before I knew about the work CEO2 was doing with us, I started to sense that the management team was in a transition, and I was hearing them say "Hey, we've got a lot of great people in this company, we've got a lot of great leaders and great people. Let's use these people.
CEO2 is a transformation methodology. Those of you who haven't yet been through the program might be thinking 'Oh no, it's just another team building exercise,' but really, for me there are some key differentiators. I've been on team building exercises; I've been on ropes courses, I've built a boat with John O'Neil (BE Founder) where we had to get on the boat and take it across a swimming pool and we sank. But the real differentiator of CEO2 for me is around relationships. The first part of relationships is to understand the game that we're playing; the second part is to know what's expected; the third is to know where you stand and the fourth part is standing in your personal power.
What I've experienced since Atlanta (the manager and supervisor retreat) is to really understand the game we're playing...there's already been a lot of advancement...we know what our roles are...and we know what the mission critical issues are. But, for me, the most important thing I learned is the idea of personal power, which is the fourth step in relationship. For me, personally, I now feel that I have the power to get my job done...you will see that our personal and organizational limiting beliefs are what's holding us back...and it takes courage to face some of them. I've had an opportunity to learn more about myself and get access to my own personal power. I know my role and how I can personally contribute to the company. I look forward to everyone having that."
John Sims, Product Manager, Business Engine
"I found the CEO Visioning illuminating and enlightening. I was impressed and amazed with the ability of the process to draw out subsurface thoughts and crystallize them in to actionable plans. I commend you for your overall service to any CEO wishing to gain goal clarity. I am personally appreciative for the value received. It was well worth my time."
Chuck Coonradt, CEO, The Game of Work, Park City, Utah
"...thank you both from the bottom of my heart. You are both what I consider “angels” here on earth, and I am honored and privileged to have you in my life. I sometimes pinch myself in disbelief that my fortune is so amazing...You both have forever changed my life and the lives of everyone around me...You have exploded through any expectations I had (about changing my company)...God Bless you and your family. I look forward to our life long friendship."
Kathy Bradford, Co-CEO, Coldwell Banker Premier, Thousand Oaks, CA
“When Tom and Frances from CEO2 first started working with our real estate company at the 3 day workshop, my colleagues and I were a bit skeptical. I wondered if they would be like all the other motivational speaker programs I had been to. They weren't. He and Frances challenged me to think more deeply than I had before in a workshop. In a fun way I learned how to appreciate qualities in myself, in my co-workers and how to work more effectively as a team player. Through it all I uncovered confidence and leadership skills that I didn't know that I had. Tom and Frances are great coachs. Anyone who attends a CEO2 program will gain much more than most programs out there.”
Andrea Harlan, Real Estate Agent, Coldwell Banker
"Tom Voccola and Frances Fujii have developed an incredibly innovative program for creating dynamic transformation in executives and organizations. Their approach is very user-friendly and can lead to great improvements in personal and organizational performance. Tom and Frances are both knowledgeable and clear about what they do. I recommend them individually and as a team to anyone looking to create dynamic, positive change."
Jim Lockard, Co-Pastor, Westlake Church of Religious Science
Tom is a great guy and can produce rapid results. He can quickly get a management team to focus on a common goal of success and shed political backstabbing and other non-productive BS. If one buys into his whole program, you'll change your prospective on life and business for the better.
Paul Meyer, Project Team Leader
“CEO2 is a powerful agent for organizational change. Their program created more effective teams at my company by making people feel accountable and simultaneously empowering them to accept that accountability. This empowerment ranged from the CEO down to the lowest line worker. They also gave us tools for evaluating the dynamics within a company that will be useful to me for the rest of my career. I would highly recommend CEO2 for thier ability to help get a company engaged and moving forward together.”
- Mike Ambrose, VP Engineering, Interlink Electronics
“Tom helped me at an integral transition point. In discussing the turning around of companies, Tom helped my wife and I get in touch with our own strengths and contributions we can provide to others. Not coincidentally, what Tom taught us strongly correlates to creating healthy organizations and the wise business owner will recognize this.”
- Ryan Addis, VP Strategic Planning, Countrywide Financial, November 2007
“Tom is an executive coach and mentor that can help transform a leadership staff into a high performance team. Tom's approach is without question effective, his program is inspirational, and the results speak for themselves. I would definitely hire him again.”
- Mark Strauch, CEO, Business Engine, Nov. 2007
“CEO2 offers a highly unique service in transforming people's personal and professional lives. Tom' and Frances' workshops have led me to conduct my life and business with a sense of enormous passion, excitement, and fulfillment that will last forever. And Tom's phenomenal book, "The Accidental CEO" serves as an inspirational, step-by-step guide to business owners who desire to lead with Purpose & Passion.”
- Joe Lam, CEO, Shinging Light Productions, Nov. 2007
“Thomas is one of the most dedicated and passionate people I have ever worked with. His focus on the the stated objectives leads to successful results time and again.”
- Don Cummings, President, Cummings Communications, Nov. 2007
"I'm very surprised and impressed with the results I am achieving using CEO2's principles. Their Purpose & Passion seminar was excellent and led me to discover and overcome some long standing barriers and limitations. I feel more at peace and look forward to what's next with confidence. I just wish I wold have known about CEO2's work long ago."
- Dr. John Wood, Nov. 2007
"CEO2's approach to bringing out the best in professional performance through personal introspection was indeed unique and instrumental in improving my personal approach to business. Their ability to facilitate changing attitudes and stimulate higher performance through team interaction, goal setting and systematic process refinement was a true defining moment in my business leadership skill suite."
- Charles Beck, VP Sales, Business Engine Corp.
"Frances and Tom and the technology they have developed helped transform my management team and company on two separate occasions. They have incredible business, marketing and operational insight and an ability to motivate teams to perform to new levels."
- E. Michael Thoben, CEO, Interlink Electronics, Camarillo, CA, Nov. 2007
"Tom taught me the importance of clarity in vision and mission. He strengthened my ability to focus and fostered my loyalty. Most importantly, he instilled in me the valuable ability to listen to and value all other members of our team. Tom's influence has been, and will continue to be, invaluable to my future success. Tom's ability to stimulate personal growth in these extremely valuable core attributes is utterly amazing."
"Tom is absolutely passionate about helping people gain clarity o their unique purpose and passion. He and his wife, Frances, have developed programs that can really help both organizations and individuals, particularly those at the early stage of developing self-awareness, know how to articulate clearly what they are all about."
- Dawna Jones, President, InSight Out Consulting, Inc. August 2007
"Thomas and I participated in the same CEO round table and he was the organizer.chairman of our monthly he fact that Tom was able to keep the same group of CEOs together for a number of years speaks highly of his skills in working with company leaders."
Martim Shum, Chairman, President & CEO, Aprisa, Inc.
"Tom's CEO2 program has completely reshaped the way I build and lead teams. His approach creates a level of organizational vision, sense of purpose and strength rarely seen elsewhere. If you are looking to break new ground as a leader, or even just re-energize your organization, start here."
- Keith Van Ness, Co-author, Being There without Going There - Managing remote teams
Tom's CEO2 program had a dramatic impact on my company, career and personal life. I can directly attribute a significant improvement in company culture, a promotion and several positive changes in my personal life to Tom. I highly recommend Tom to any company or individual who desires a breakthrough improvement."
Stephen Goldsmith, former Product Manager, BusinessEngine, Aug. 2007
"Tom led us through some difficult times as we re-evaluated the strategic path for our start up company. His guidance was always appreciated and he was highly regarded. Tom is highly skilled at helping you get what it is that you truly want and removing hidden obstacles."
- Joseph Trahan, President & COO, OEN, Houston, TX
"Tom Voccola transformed a disfunctional executive team during a time of crisis at Business Engine into a cohesive and effective team. He made a significant positive impact to our business. Tom is a superb leader and consultant and the processes he created and implements at CEO2 work! I recommend his company and him highly."
- Bill Marshall, Former VP Quality, Business Engine
Tom Voccola is truly an inspiration. My experience with him has been very rewarding. Knowing and spending time with him, along with reading his book, has allowed me to look at life from a fresh perspective and given me a motivational outlet. Tom showed me how to find my Purpose and Passion. Working from a heart driven focus versus ego driven focus has allowed me to be more successful in business. I know that Tom cares about everyone he meets. He strives to help the person as well shape the community, or business as a whole.
Jonathan Kravatz, CEO/Broker, Kravatz Realty, Woodland Hills, CA
I will never forget Tom pulling me aside and telling me that I was underachieving in the organization. That led me to some sole searching in which I realized that the only thing that was holding me back was Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt. I printed the letters FUD on a piece of paper and taped them to my office computer monitor and bathroom mirror. They continually reminded me to take risks, push the envelope and live into my Purpose and Passion.
I would never have risen to VP of Product Strategy and Marketing at BE or started my own business, had he not led me to realize who I really am, what is important me and what is holding me back.
I will be forever grateful for the impact Tom has had on my life and my desire to help change the lives of others.
Stephen Goldsmith, former Product Manager, BusinessEngine, Aug. 2007
“Tom is an amazing and gifted human being. In one three day session, he transformed our organization bringing each individual to clarity of their own passion and purpose.That individual clarity became a clarity of vision as individuals came together in unity, defining our mission and core values as a community and a company. It is absolutely amazing to see what we can accomplish together when we are in total alignment with who we are as individuals and who we are as a company. I strongly endorse Tom Voccola and urge you to experience CEO2.” December 2007
Brett Modesti, President/CEO, WindStar Mortgage
“Tom is a person that came into my life in a time of hardship. Through Tom’s guidance and with the help of his wife Frances, I was able to find courage in the least place I expected; within me. Tom has enabled me to be in tune with my gifts and to rely on them as a source of strength. He helped me create my purpose & passion statement: Legacy & Grace - "Through choosing love over fear and peace over conflict, I guide myself and others to be at peace with ourselves and live in the moment so that we create a path of clarity and shining light for others to follow." Thank you Tom!” December 7, 2007
Rosalynn Addis, Inventor
Frances’ work with our Board was just amazing ...pulling together various themes, concerns, needs, emotions and yet staying in context with where we are now and where we need to go. It was a delight to work with her, and I am so appreciative of the talent/energy that she brings to coaching, facilitation, driving to results — and, yes, she is an amazing listener.
— J. Scheffel, Ed.D., Sr. VP, Enterprise Learning
HR Business Operations, Countrywide University
Director, The Orphan Foundation
For the fastest, most powerful way to realign and engage your people, call our CEO Tom Voccola at (805) 558-0989.