Programs

Deborah Rossouw is a Keynote Speaker and Certified Coach who supports leaders and entrepreneurs to develop their inner capacity to respond with more skill, clarity and competence so as to achieve  better results.

She equips leaders and entrepreneurs with powerful tools that develop competence to respond skillfully in conversations with others.

Deborah’s keynotes, coaching and programs encompass two streams:

• Work on self:- To access your resourcefulness through inner congruence in order to meet daily challenges with greater resilience and inner capacity.
• Work with others:- To equip leaders and entrepreneurs to engage others with skillful responsiveness and authenticity, for better results.

Deborah’s latest keynote  focuses on leadership engagement, rather than employee engagement. Why leadership engagement? Because leaders who are able to engage their teams are more easily able to inspire actions, gain commitment and get better results.

Her professional development programs focus on skillful conversations and how to get one’s message across clearly.

Organizations require leaders to respond skilfully moment to moment, and to do so with consistency. Deborah has come to understand that entrepreneurs and leaders who do this well, draw on a state of congruence that gives them access to inner states of resourcefulness and resilience. Those who have not developed these inner capacities are less adept at self management and far less adept at engaging their teams. Whereas those who naturally tap this state of inner resourcefulness, establish the conditions in which engagement, accountability and innovation can thrive. It is these skilled leaders who attract and retain top talent and establish their organizations as employers of first choice.

This is where Deborah’s expertise comes in. She equips leaders and entrepreneurs with the tools they need to develop their inner capacity to respond more skilfully and thereby establish a culture of engagement and resiliency. This directly impacts the retention of top talent over the longer term, which is good for the people and good for the business.

Professional Development Programs:

Skillful responsiveness
This is a composite program that includes the keynote and coaching plus selected development programs that work in synergy to cultivate the tools of engagement. More details on request.

Find Your Voice - Tools to hold your ground with power and dignity! – For women in leadership
[Can be customized for mixed audience]

Express Your Voice – Authentic assertion skills to express yourself with clarity and authenticity! For emerging leaders, middle managers and entrpreneurs

The StressWise Program – powerful tools to reduce the impacts of stress

Customized Coaching for Leaders– (See the Coaching section for details)

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Details of a few workshops, followed by feedback from clients

Find Your Voice –Tools to hold your ground with power and dignity! For women in leadership

When we express ourselves, we are often unaware of the additional messages we might be communicating. Besides the words we speak, people pick up on how okay or not okay we feel about ourselves, including our sense of well-being and self identity.

For women entrepreneurs and women in leadership, the ability to express divergent views and hold our own is crucial to establishing our credibility and effectiveness. When we feel passionate about something, we are often able to express ourselves clearly, calmly and assertively.

At other times, we might hold back from voicing an opinion, especially if it challenges the status quo, for fear of criticism or opposition. These moments can feel extremely inhibiting or downright scary, especially for women entering the leadership arena.

In the face of opposition, imagined or real, how can we connect with our true selves, stand our ground and express our true voice? And, how can we do this with grace and integrity?

This mini-workshop will begin to reveal the importance of being congruent – so that our words and non-verbal signals are in alignment. It’s this alignment that resonates with others and establishes trust and respect which are essential to all relationships.

When we are congruent and express our true voice that is when we hold our ground with power and dignity!

The aim of this mini-workshop is for you to:
• Gain awareness of how the unconscious mind impacts communication style
• Learn to distinguish your true voice from the pseudo voice
• Learn tips on how to hold your ground with power and dignity!

Client Feedback:
In response to the question: What did you like most about this workshop?

Jennifer Sweeney – Ariadne Consulting; President of  the Canadian Women Voters Congress
“The tools!’

Joyanne Landers – Elephant Ears Training
“Wow! Well prepared. You told us what we were going to do, did it and then told us what we did! Deborah you are credible, professional, well-informed, authentic, funny, genuine. You speak from the heart. Truly motivational!”

Melodie Yong – St Paul’s Hospital
“Practical skills. Really resonated with me. Very moving. Dynamic and powerful. Deborah has a sense of humour yet is assertive.’

Ali Boyle
” You are an inspirational speaker and person! Thank you for your time and wisdom!”

Monika Becker – Clear Directions
“Authenticity; warmth; tools and tips; coming from the heart, presented in a real, raw and relevant way.’

Megan T
“I learned  more about myself than I ever knew before!”

Anon – St Paul’s Hospital -Dietitian
“The clarity and easy tips. That the tools are easy to use. That it really spoke to women and their needs.”

Tracey Brown -BC Cancer Foundation
“Practical tools. Insight into the process of how behaviours are created.’

Rebecca Lim
” Times for reflection. Sharing your experiences and role plays to help me identify my own behaviour.  Resources to put me back to center.’

Casey Hamilton
‘I really liked the anchoring tool. I’m seriously going to practise and use this. It is simple and practical.’

Reanne Price – Nutrition Consulting
“The opportunity to be real, honest, exploratory, non-judgmental.’
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Express Your Voice – Authentic assertion skills to express yourself  with clarity and authenticity!

Equips emerging leaders, entrepreneurs and mid-level managers to be more assertive, self-directed and self-correcting in their interactions with others

• Do you want to improve the quality of your relating at work and at home?
• Would you like to better manage the power balance within your relationships?
• Would you like to master difficult interactions?
• Do you say want to learn to say ‘no’, when appropriate, instead of yes’ and then resent it?
• Do have difficulty getting work done through others?
• Do you struggle with telling the truth about job performance?
  
• Do you ever need to manage others’ expectations, yet have difficulty doing so?
• Do you ever experience frustration because you feel misunderstood?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the above, then this workshop may benefit you and those you interact with.

Authentic assertion is the most misunderstood and under-utilized communication style. However, when appropriately applied, this communication skill significantly enhances workplace respect and trust. Leaders and entrepreneurs who know how to sense and respond to others through assertive conversations, inspire action and get better results.

Over the past twenty-two years of facilitating personal and professional development programs, and specifically authentic assertion skills, our clients have consistently reported:

• significantly enhanced self-confidence,
• clarity of expression,
• clarity of communication,
• an increased sense of personal power and
• increased emotional safety.All of these lead to greater productivity and job satisfaction within the workplace, as well as greater well-being at home.

I attribute these successful outcomes to the fact that my program is relevant, practical and skills-based. Participants apply their learning to real-life situations within the classroom thus increasing skills transfer to their work and home lives.

You will:

· Enhance your confidence and clarity as you learn to apply more effective relating skills
· Explore the pitfalls and power of your own invisible communication
· Build trust and respect through clear, honest self relating
· Learn to respond assertively instead of submissively or aggressively
· Say ‘no’ appropriately without feeling guilty
· Give constructive feedback, respectfully and clearly
· Make clear requests using the ten conditions
· Achieve more emotionally satisfying relationships with others

This rewarding, intensive workshop will help you maximize your strengths and improve your development areas through realistic, fun and relevant real plays. You will be equipped to express yourself more courageously and clearly as you begin to establish clear boundaries and  express your truth. You will begin to experience the confidence that comes from speaking from authentic power, rather than from habituated reactivity.

Duration
3 days of skills development, delivered in the following formats:
Three consecutive days or three 1-day modules over a period of three weeks, or as negotiated. Can be customized to meet your needs.

Best audience
Emerging new leaders, entrepreneurs and mid-level managers

Contact me:
Tel: 778-386-5168
email: Deborah[at]authenticdialogue.com

Sample of CLIENT FEEDBACK – Express your Voice – Authentic assertion skills

Jan Richards – Maritime Life Assurance, Nova Scotia
This is a wonderful, eye-opening course. I would strongly recommend it to anyone who wants to improve relationships with others and with themselves. My goal was to be more assertive in group settings at work. I gained far more than this. Not only did I learn a lot about my style, I learned a great deal about others who are close to me and why they do certain things. I recognize their style and have some great tools for dealing with them. I can’t say enough about how effective you are as a facilitator. You have a very compassionate and caring way about you. You believe in what you teach and it is very obvious that you practice what you preach.

Mike Grubb – Maritime Life Assurance, Nova Scotia Great course – I wish all employees here could take this course. I found it extremely helpful and identified areas that I need to change in the way I communicate, both in a business and in personal relationships.

Lindie Colp-Rutley - Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia
I don’t know that I can adequately express my gratitude to you for helping me and giving me the tools to rediscover and treasure who I really am as a person. Somewhere along the way I had forgotten this. This workshop has reminded me. Thank you.

Jo-Ann Fenton – Registered Nurse, Halifax Nova Scotia
Your workshop has changed my life! I have a new outlook on life which is so refreshing and feels so positive. I am bursting with enthusiasm to go out into the world, both personally and professionally, and implement the skills I have learned. Thank you!

Stephanie Nekka – Maritime Life Assurance
This is a wonderful experience. Deborah, I could listen to you all day. You present the subject matter in such a way that keeps us wanting more. I have learned so much from you and this program. I have never been in a class environment where I have felt so comfortable sharing with others. I can’t wait to use the skills I have learned and to tell others about the benefits of this program.

Lanna Prowse – Sales and Customer Care Specialist, Metropolitan Halifax Chamber of Commerce
I am just thrilled to have been included in this workshop. Thank you for a terrific program. It went by so quickly! Your open and inclusive teaching method makes it very easy for people to learn and express themselves. I was surprised to realize the different methods in which you may choose to communicate depending on the relationship of the person you are dealing with. I am excited to continue the process and discover more in the area of “genuine self” and also the piece on criticism. Yours in curiosity…Lanna.

Anon – [Name not disclosed in respect of confidentiality]
This course has done wonderful things for me. I was very unsure of myself, my doctor had me on anti-depressants and I was just having a bad time with life in general. A couple of months after taking this course I started my own business, came off the drugs and generally had a different outlook on life. I feel better and I have taken complete control of my life.

Dr. Mark Knechtel – Senior faculty member- Dalhousie Dentistry Dept.
I have really appreciated having the different types of behaviours so clearly described, along with receiving the tools for becoming more assertive in responses and more empathic in my life. Clearly laid out steps to advance along the path break it down to something that is ‘doable’, rather something that I should have dealt with years ago. I do feel that this type of training should be integrated into a school curriculum rather sooner than later.

Sharon MacGregor
It has been a wonderful and uplifting experience for me. I have learnt not to be so hard on myself and also, I have overcome, with practice, not being so quiet. It has lifted my self esteem and I know now how to say ‘no’ in a positive way. I have also found that with the self talk and positive attitude I have become a better person, both professionally and in my personal life. I now can deal with things that are going on at work and help others.

Anon
This course has done wonderful things for me. I was very unsure of myself, my doctor had me on anti-depressants and I was just having a bad time with life in general. A couple of months after taking this course I started my own business, came off the drugs and generally had a different outlook on life. I feel better and I have taken complete control of my life.
[Name not disclosed in the interests of confidentiality]

Dave Smith – Maritime Life Assurance
This workshop has meant that I now have the tools and techniques to deal with aggressive behaviours from others in a way which resolves the issues but maintains the relationship. Thank you for that gift!

Lesley Cameron – Maritime Life Assurance
The tools that I have been given have given me the strength to be assertive with confidence, and without guilt. I am more capable of responding to situations that are difficult by not having an emotional response.

Mylene Desjardins – Maritime Life Assurance
This course showed me that I had to take responsibility for my own actions and to be true to myself. I’m now able to communicate with ease with different personality types that I was unable to confront before. I feel free! Others can now perceive the real me.

More information on Authentic Assertion for Work and Home:
The skills and techniques I offer have been tried and tested over the past 22 years. Participants learn skills that increase their confidence and competence to stand their ground and hold their own no matter who they interact with.  I’ve worked with individuals and groups in large leading corporations, in government, in financial institutions, at universities, in health care, with entrepreneurs and within not-for profit associations.
If you’ve been wanting to leverage your relating skills there’s no better time than now! It’s up to you! Take this important step for once and learn authentic assertion skills for our work and home life. I guarantee you will learn practical relating skills for life, if you apply what I teach you!

As a professional member of CAPS, and a Certified Integral Development Coach, I’ve had the privilege of working with a variety of leaders from executives to front-line leaders, as well as entrepreneurs on three continents and in four countries. My unique approach will challenge and inspire you!

Book me today! You will walk away energized to take actions that will positively impact your work and personal relationships. Call me today!
1-778-386-5168
or email me: Deborah[at]authenticdialogue.com

Self Management – Skills to support leaders to manage themselves during conflict or difficult interactions
This program is customized to address the issues of each group.

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The StressWise Program
Dealing with ever-present demands at work or in a start-up business, results in leaders and emtrepreneurs feeling stretched and stressed with little energy or capacity for anything else. This is not the way we want to live, yet it often seems to be the experience of many leaders and independent entrepreneurs.

In this program we explore the concept of stress and focus on three powerful and practical tools to reduce its impacts in our lives.

In this half-day workshop we cover:

• - Contextualzing stress
• - Understanding the ‘body-mind’s relationship to stress
• - Exploring your personal stress responses
• - Effective Tools to minimize the impacts of stress at work and home

Best audience
Leaders – all levels; entrepreneurs; frontline staff

Duration: 3 hours

Contact me:
Tel: 778-386-5168
email: Deborah[at]authenticdialogue.com

A sample of CLIENTS FEEDBACK - Students on the BOSS Entreprenuers Program of Capilano University 2010
In answer to the question: What did you like most about this workshop?

Sergei Gassiev - “Deborah is one of the most inspring and intelligent facilitators at BOSS”
Jacqueline Morgan -”Positive, supportive, non-threatening approach. Respectful of each person in the class and the different ways each one of us approaches things. Having actual hands-on-tools to work with in my life.
Jason Sew - “The tools. I liked that it was interactive and experiential learning, as opposed to a lecture.”
“Masha Tikhoua -”I loved it because I could feel the energy and the feeling of presence’
Allison Barr -”Content, presentation, voice, calmness, kindness and experience”
Yue Ying Wang – “Useful tools and tips for lowering the level of stress.”
Reza Peyk - “I loved the exercises. they helped me put myself in a different place.”
Renato Simoes - “I loved everything!”
Ruman Phagoora – ” The calmness and escape within the mind. I have not been so relaxed and grounded in a long while.”
Yoshi Haraguchi -” New ways to visualize and meditate. I loved the third exercise, especially the scientific, physiological and neurological aspects.”
Willy Cooke -”Team practice. It was great, thank you!”
Darlene Tychansky – New ways to remain calm. Teaaching three tools was great because I can now choose one of them when needed.”
Tammy -”The science behind the practices, the practical exercises; the visualization.”

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Personal Development Programs for Women:

WonderfulWoman! 1 – Discover the Wonder of You! The One-day Experience! Inner tools to Nurture and Connect Your Heart, Mind and Soul for Life!

WonderfulWoman! 2 -The Extra-ordinary You! Weekend Experience! Come ready to be inspired and to re-connect with your Inner Being, for Life!

It’s time to get revitalized, re-energized and more deeply connected to the essence of who You truly are as a Unique, Dynamic and Wonderful Woman! Explore and celebrate the wonder and uniqueness of You for either one day, or an entire weekend!

You will learn:

• Unique self-contact skills to instill a ‘felt-sense’ of inner calm
• Tools to tap into your true nature and experience your intuition more deeply
• Tools to reduce stress so you can relate to others with greater confidence, clarity and ease!

The WonderfulWoman Experiences hep you to re-discover the extra-ordinary within you. Both experiences will delight and re-awaken you to the Essence of who you are! And, you will walk away with self-support skills for life!

Target audience: Women only!

• Women from 18 and older.
• Groups of Girlfriends who want to bond even more.
• Single women wanting to meet other like-minded women
• Longstanding friends re-connecting with one another
• Sisters, cousins, aunts – wanting closer connection
• Female work groups who want a Unique experience together.
• Mothers and daughters (‘in-law’ combinations too!)
• Re-unions

These Experiences are deep treats! Join me! You’ll be thrilled you did!

Limited to small groups.

Options: The One-day Experience  or The Weekend Experience

Other services: Customized Coaching for individuals;  see Coaching section.
Contact me:
Tel: 778-386-5168
email: Deborah[at]authenticdialogue.com
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A sample of CLIENTS FEEDBACK – WonderfulWoman!

Ruth Harding - Realtor, Halifax Nova Scotia
Deborah, thank you for ‘being you’ and the guidance in learning to let my authentic me be nurtured. I have been so looking forward to this day. The sharing with friends, the exercising and even the ‘creative’ tasks were enjoyable. I truly recommend this day to all women – we are worth it!

Janet Marsman -Realtor Assistant, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Today I experienced total and complete spiritual love and friendship. I am leaving with a new awareness and understanding of my journey in life. Deborah, you are a blessed person, a true ‘wonderful woman’, thank you.

Tanya Boutilier - Regional Manager DownEast Communications
This day has been everything you have promised. Full of curiosity and self exploration. Thank you for the insight.

Michele Ryall - DownEast Communications
Deborah, your warm and generous spirit shines through in your words, your voice and your smile. This experience has allowed me to slow myself down and take the time to nurture me, instead of using my limited time to take care of others. And in doing this, it has made me more loving of others. I will always stay curious! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

Michelle Thomasson – Freelance Writer
Thanks for the day! The candle. The soup. The thoughtful activities. The stone.
I enjoyed this day connecting with my heart and ways to nurture it and me! You create a special space for sharing and thinking and reflecting and being curious. A gift I will enjoy always!

Elaine Downes -Administrator, Maritime Life, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Deborah, Thank you for helping me keep my heart open and to remind myself to love myself. A tremendously satisfying experience!

Maria Markusson - Administrator, Maritime Life
The Wonderful Woman Workshop was a lovely gift for myself. Having the opportunity to reflect and share with other women who are also on a journey to personal development. It was so worthwhile. Thank you!

Wendy Fesmire -IT Manager, Maritime Life
Deborah – Great experience! I wasn’t sure what to expect but I enjoyed the day and the people. It was a grand opportunity to learn more about my daughter and to share this type of warm experience with her.

Kate Fesmire - Student
I enjoyed the time spent just nurturing myself. I especially enjoyed the bonding time with my mother and other women. Being open myself allowed me to connect with people who in most other situations in my life I would not have had the chance to talk to. Thank you!

Maria Knechtel - Dental Technician
The WonderfulWoman Experience is something I did for me! It has been wonderful to connect with other women. It is amazing how much we have in common as well as how unique we each are. It has been a treat!

Rosemary Stovell -Massage Therapist, St Marageret’s Bay, Nova Scotia
Today has been a validation and reinforcement with regard to what I know I need to do for myself – that is: to nurture myself. Thank you!
Contact me:
Tel: 778-386-5168
email: Deborah[at]authenticdialogue.com

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