Life & Business Coaching Testimonials

"Working with Donna has been an amazing experience for me. Not only did she help me meet some personal challenges, she has given me some amazing ideas to increase my business and help focus my efforts to ensure I'm creating the life I want. I highly recommend her."

M.W., Consultant & Trainer

"Donna helped me refocus and initiate action and change in the essential areas of my business. She isolated my strengths and coached me to exploit those areas where I would best serve my company. As is the case so often in the face of serious challenges, I was paralyzed by doubt and uncertainty.

Donna helped me take proactive steps to regain control and initiate needed change. It has provided great relief and reduced my level of anxiety. We're not out if the woods yet, but we are taking positive steps to change the current situation."

T.B., Small Business Owner

"After working with you for just three sessions I was able to recognize when the negativity seized me, and was able to shift from my negative spiral thinking to positive thinking. I've been working on trying to do that for years. I finally did it, with your help!!"

M.N., Adminstirator

"Again, thank you for the terrific coaching session. I've made so much progress towards my career change, and I owe it all to you! I see myself starting a new job this Spring. But more importantly, the change in my attitude has been like night and day. I often repeat some of your phrases whenever I feel my brain getting into a bad loop - those words just bounce me right out of any negative thinking!"

"I am grateful to know you. The Leadership Coaching I’ve done with you has been a life changing event for me. I’ve learned things that I would not have learned on my own. I would have just kept doing things the same way. I wouldn’t have recognized how to become a better communicator. I took the Dale Carnegie Class, and you’ve helped me really apply what I learned there. My coaching sessions with you helped me to learn more about myself and learn how to do what needs to be done to improve myself. I am now more confident and better able to build good relationships with others. Since 80% of a person’s success comes from Human Relations skills (as I learned in the Dale Carnegie class), I know I will become more successful because of the work we have done together. Coaching really helped me recognize and focus on what’s important!"

- P.D., Engineer

"Donna is an amazing coach and came into my life when I needed her the most. She is a positive force of nature who helped get me back on track both personally and professionally. Working with Donna is helping me re-discover my passion and purpose in life. She produces great results in a very short period of time and keeps me accountable for the success I choose to create. Donna's serene demeanor and kind, calming presence is a welcome relief in this chaotic world we show up to every day. Coaching works but more importantly, Donna's coaching works miracles!"

- Karen Blanchard, MAOL

"Now that you've coached me, I can see how valuable coaching is. When I didn't have support, it made it harder for me to complete my projects. It was like I was out on a limb ALL BY MYSELF. With coaching I have someone to bounce ideas off of and that makes me smarter. There's an exchange of ideas, that makes them stronger. I say something, then you give me input, then I come back with a stronger idea, and you give me input again.

This process has really helped me build my confidence. I am now able to do things I wouldn't have done before that will make me a success. To create success it's crucial to surround yourself with good people that want to help you achieve your goals. With you as my coach, I have someone on my side who is unbiased and just wants me to succeed. "

- D.G., QVC Product Entrepreneur

"Your coaching had a great impact on my personal and professional growth because it was very personal. You listened to what was on my mind, rational or not, and helped me clarify my thoughts. When I don't have a sounding board, I don't get feedback. Coaching helped me get clarity.

Our work together also helped me get to the core of what was holding me back so that now saying and doing the right things comes naturally. You've helped me be stronger and more able to tell people what I think. I am now more assertive, forthright, and am able to say the "hard things" to people. You also gave me great suggestions and helped me keep focused on my goals. Thank you, Donna. "

- J.R., Trainer

"When I came to you, the Sales and Marketing techniques I learned in other programs weren't sinking in. When you asked me questions, helped me explore how to use the techniques specifically, and had me role play each type of situation, I made great breakthroughs. It's amazing!!!! I'm closing the sales more! I really saw results! And the great thing was it didn't take long to see results!!! "

- J.H., Sales Professional

"Many people put on their "game face" or work face, but it is obvious that your personality is your life's work to bring the positive approach to people and their businesses. Many people put a smiling face on their business cards (particularly realtors, who do tend to be optimists), but your smiling face on your website and newsletter is who you truly are and that is your calling card for success. I was going to say secret to your success but it is the opposite of a secret. You truly walk the talk of your business which is to positive, warm, caring and in tone and balance with yourself."

- M.P., Lawyer

"You are so good at what you do. You hone in on the exact issue that is holding me back and help clear it out. I've signed up for a lot of expensive programs that were called "Coaching," but they weren't one-on-one and they expected me know what I wanted to work on. I didn't know what the problem was. These programs didn't help me. In just a few sessions, you helped me see what the problem was and how to overcome it, and gently pushed me forward toward my goal. Thank you Donna!"

- D.S., Entrepreneur

"I was suffering in silence, now, after working with you I have taken back control of my life. Now I don’t let it all just happen to me. Coaching really works!!!"

- T.J., Independent Consultant

"Working with Donna Schilder as my Coach has helped me organize my time, keep me focused and productive, and create motivation for me to get my projects done. She has helped me organize information that would normally overwhelm me. I usually get lost in the details, but Donna helps me plan my projects and break them into portions that I can handle. She also gives me valuable feedback. I have been much more productive since I've been working with Donna as my coach."

- B.F. , Social Work Supervisor & College Professor

"What makes you special as a coach is all the resources you provide.  I could never have put my hands on all the information and articles you have provided to me to support me on my journey."

- J.F. Project Manager

"Donna is amazing! The positive energy she exudes is matched only by her passion for what she does! If I had thumbs they'd both be way up!"

- S.S., Small Business Guru

“Life Coaching helped me get clear about what I want out of life.  Now I’m able to make a plan, stay on track, and not feel so guilty if I get off track.  I used to beat myself up for everything I didn’t do.  I’ve let go of my guilt and now I’m able to keep moving, one step at a time, and persevere.  I’m finally living the life I’ve always wanted to live.”

- S.S., Vice President of Global Supply Chain

"I’m great at making goals and lists, but I get stuck.  Now with you as my coach, I keep moving forward.  I step back and think about what I need to do, what is really critical, and then I have a productive day.  I also make sure I get the rest I need.  I’m glad to be living a more balanced and focused life."

- M.H., Director of Infant Family Services

"When I first came to coaching, I was blocked.  I thought:  "I'll never get ahead.  I'll never figure out what I want to do."  After working with Donna, the world of possibilities opened up to me.  Now I am attracting people and opportunities into my life that I never knew existed.  I used to be afraid to take risks, but now I know where I want to go and I take steps every day to get there.  I also know I don't have to be in a rush.  If I just keep moving down my path, step by step, I will get there."

- K.J., Graphic Designer and Pet Masseuse

“You’ve been so helpful and given me so many tools that have helped me create boundaries with my family, learn to say “no”, become more solution oriented, build my self esteem, and not takes things so personally.

You’re kind demeanor makes it easy to work with you, you’re not pushy, you don’t tell me what to do, we work together as partners to figure out what to do.

The difference between coaching and therapy is that you helped me figure out what needed to be done immediately.  You helped me focus on specific steps, the who and what, to move me forward to change my life.  The therapy and coaching helped to synthesize the learning so I could take action.  Now I’m feeling hope that I’m getting my life on track.”

- L.A., Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

"I had no expectations of what a coach would be or bring into my life but the results have been phenomenal.  Donna helped me sort out my ideas and get clear on my motivations. What she has done in two months is what would have taken me years on my own.

Donna is extremely personable but maintains a professional attitude. She is very resourceful and mixes intuition with observations to clear a path for you to see. Simply great subtle work. I couldn't imagine a better person for anyone seeking help in sorting out where they stand and where they would like to be.

I highly recommend her.

Her motto is people who see her are 25% happier, I can truly say I am 50% happier.”

- N.Z., Entrepreneur

“I appreciate what we are accomplishing since we began our coaching sessions.  I feel much more in control and on purpose.  I've been able to get in touch with what's important to meand my family. Now I am living an examined life.“

- R.V., Real Estate Entrepreneur

“Donna is caring, nurturing, and compassionate. She is a good listener, attentively responding with insightful perspectives and providing significant tools to enable my quest. She is helping me integrate my skills with the new possibilities that arebefore me. Donna is a gift!”

- M.K.B, Administrator

“It was great to focus on the positive in our lives.  My fiancee and I came together on our goals and strengthened our relationship. Donna facilitates the process of creating a vision and goals for your life, but allows her clients to find their own way.  I walked away with the confidence to take this process forward and continue to develop goals as our life evolves.” 

- C.R., Teacher

“It was great to stop and take inventory of our lives. We never take the time to do this.”

- R.V., Contracts Specialist

“Thank you for listening to me and nurturing my journey. You have really helped me be more open to the process.”

- M.P., Business Consultant

“Thank you for all the support, feedback, encouragement, help, understanding, and information you’ve provided me over the last couple of years. Your support and advice have beenmost helpful to me.”

- K.K., Engineering Manager

“Thank you so much for all the help you’ve given me. I’m glad to have you as a guide and a resource."

- R. L., Marketing Analyst

Public Speaking and Seminar Testimonials

Keys to Process Measurement - PacifiCare Leadership Conference

"Your presentation made process measurement easy and manageable so that everyone will apply these concepts and start measuring their processes."

- M.R., Vice President, PacifiCare RCSC Operations

"One of my supervisors came back from your presentation very excited. She said a light bulb had gone off and for the first time she truly understood what she should be measuring in her processes and how to do it. Now that I've seen the presentation I can see why she was so excited. This is going to be tremendously helpful to me also."

- L.J., Director, RCSC Operations, Pacificare

Various Process Improvement Topics for PacifiCare's Facilitator Network

"I really feel I picked the right person to do this series of workshops on process improvement. You are able to illustrate the concepts with practical, real life examples which makes the material come alive for the participants. Also, your warmth creates a safe environment in which our facilitators are able to absorb the concepts and apply the tools you teach them."

- L.R., Process Improvement Project Manager, Regional Customer Service Center

Team Building Sessions

"You always read my mind and bring just the right training or team building to my teams.
You make my job easier."

- A.K., Manager PC and Specialist, Integrated Medical Management

Customer Satisfaction Survey Workshop

"Your Survey Training was great. My direct reports want to create long surveys and then nothing ever gets done, but with your process improvement focus and short surveys we can start improving our processes right away. We need to apply these concepts."

- J.L., Vice President - Operations, Boeing Corporation

Customer Service Consulting Project for Pacificare

"Your training made my job easier because it raised the morale of my staff and gave them the information they need to do their jobs."

- V.M., Supervisor, PacifiCare

"This was the best training I've ever received here at PacifiCare and I've been here for 15 years.

- E.M., Auditor, PacifiCare

Performance Appraisal Workshop

"Your Performance Appraisal Workshop greatly improved my ability to write effective comments on Performance Appraisals. The tool you provided is an invaluable reference."

- J.F., Manager, IPA Finance, Integrated Medical Management

Job Search Workshop - CSULB

"On behalf of HRMA, I would like to thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedules to come and present to the MIE Career Prep on Friday at CSULB. We really enjoyed the presentation about how to conduct a proper "Job Search." Many members were told me how much they learned from the presentation and they really like the way you interacted with them. I really enjoyed the way you interact and involve with the audience, and I think your discussion, Q&A, and exercises were a great way to keep the students involved."

- Christopher S. Lengyel, Programs Director, Human Resource Management Association, California State University, Long Beach

Anonymous Feedback from Personal Development Seminars -

"Donna makes you feel like a better person,
just by being in her presence."

"That was the best self improvement lecture
I have EVER attended."

"Donna is great – she had us open our
minds to think positively."