Testimonials
Eleni Kelakos delivered one of the best days of staff training I have ever experienced in a business career spanning over 40 years. The subject matter was developing three minute pitches designed to help us sell our organization and services but in some ways the subject was of secondary importance. Eleni provided a class for the entire staff which included individuals who had never spoken in public before and were terrified at the prospect as well as others for whom public speaking is part of our job. Eleni.s insight into the needs of each individual was uncanny. The event was day long and it never dragged. It was fun as well as challenging and many members of the team actually learned from each other about our business. Most of all it was a bonding exercise that I believe will enable us to work more effectively as a team in the months ahead.
–Randal Charlton, Executive Director, TechTown, Detroit
(Touch the Sky) was the perfect kick off to our Volunteer Symposium, and I heard many wonderful comments from our attendees. In fact once person told me "this is the best keynote I've seen in all the time I've been coming to the Symposium." Some of the comments our attendees wrote in their evaluations included "what a joy to be in her energy field," "fun, lively, a riot! Stress releasing," "this speaker was very effective in getting the conference started. She is a gift!" "very uplifting-- smiling the entire time" and "this speaker is a real gem." People were commenting to the MHPCO staff during the entire conference what a great presentation it was and could we bring you back next year. Again, thank you for inspiring the volunteers and volunteer coordinators to be themselves and to "touch the sky."
–Lisa Ashley, President and CEO, Michigan Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
I have attended a full-day workshop on public speaking led by Eleni, as well as engaged her to present several workshops at McKinley. In each of these sessions, Eleni has transformed the participants through her techniques, process and presence. My own personal feedback regarding the sessions mirrored that of the attendees who shared, that they felt more confident in their speaking and presentation abilities.
Eleni has also been a trusted executive coach for key executives at McKinley. She has an innate ability to draw out and transform communication skills while enhancing confidence simultaneously. Eleni served as my coach when I was preparing to accept an award from the American Society of Employers for the HRExecutive of the Year. I have considerable experience facilitating and leading training classes, but limited comfort in making speeches to large groups. Eleni’s techniques, wisdom and genuine faith in my message assisted me in delivering remarks on this memorable evening. I feel confident, strong and centered using the tools Eleni shared with me.
–Karen Andrews, Partner/Chief Development Officer, McKinley Realtors
Thank you for presenting the opening keynote session, TOUCH THE SKY: In Praise of Everyday Healers at WAHSA's 2011 Fall Conference, Celebrate Age. Participants stated your presentation was entertaining, motivational and unique; they enjoyed listening to your beautiful voice along with the added touch of your guitar; and they loved the "cosmic goose bumps!"
–Janice Mashak, Director of Member Services, Wisconsin Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, Inc.
Eleni is a unique consultant... wise and self-assured. I came to her to improve my presentations for work, and found out it was just the tip of the iceberg. Eleni's practical skills, insight...(and) sharpness of mind effectively improved my presentation and communication skills, but also helped me examine deeper issues concerning my life path, both professionally and personally. She has an instinctual understanding of the core issues, giving actionable suggestions while still respecting her client's ultimate choice of action.
–Ralph C. Fenn, M.D., Coaching Client
On behalf of the entire Board of Directors of the Michigan Family Support Council, I wish to thank you for the wonderful job you did as our keynote speaker at our 2008 Fall conference. Attended by more than 400 participants from the State of Michigan, Office of Child Support, Prosecuting Attorneys and Friends of the Court office, your presentation was a big success. As a motivational speaker, you were a real pleasure, with expertise that incorporated humor, wonderful music and meaningful thoughts of inspiration. The Board and I very much appreciated the interest you took in meeting with us to plan this event, including your willingness to attend a regional meeting to learn more about who we are and who we do and the stressors of the job... Never before had we experienced a speaker willing to do that for us. We very much appreciate your professionalism and your talents.
–Andy Crisenbery, Past President, Michigan Family Support Council
Your Be Here and Be Heard Training was one of the best received classes we have ever held in our facility. All the attendees specifically asked us to run this class again and felt that it should be a requirement for anyone who is required to give presentations as part of their job.
–Roxanne Shepard, Training Specialist, Borg Warner Automative, U.S.
Eleni is truly a unique business advisor/coach. Our sessions have helped me tap into a deeper level of leadership, where being able to articulate and communicate at the level of meaning is much more fluid and natural. She has helped me add a new dimension to my work, that after 17 years I did not know was there.
–Farida Ali, CEO, Dynamic Computer Company
Eleni's in-depth experience (as a performer and communications coach) provides an unparalleled learning adventure that swiftly teaches both the conscious and unconscious at multiple levels... I highly recommend Eleni to all executives that already have outstanding business communication skills and would like to go to an even higher level.
–Nader Najafi, President/CEO, Integrated Sensing Systems
As Program Manager for the SBA Women's Business Center I am responsible for training and motivating many women each year. Finding you has been a serious blessing. Your (TOUCH THE SKY: Leading Out as a Woman of Power in Body, Word and Deed) presentations at our Leadership Institute for Women at Davenport University in both Grand Rapids and Livonia far exceeded even my expectations. Our reviews indicate that all our participants left with more confidence and more drive than when they arrived. You are truly an amazing coach. Thank you for what you do.
–Kathi Boyle, Program Manager, Women's Business Center and Center for Empowerment and Economic Development
Put Joan Baez and Joni Mitchell Together, add a little Robin Williams, and you've got Eleni Kelakos...
–Martin Stone, Our Times Coffeehouse Series, Garden City, NY
Eleni...filled the spotlight with brilliance, with her pure poetry and music, her willowy six-foot self, her talented actress presence, her wit and stand-up comic's way with a funny tale, and, of course, her soaring, crystal voice... a total delight and inspiration, spinning shining images all the way.
–Mary Sampas, The Lowell Sun
Thank you for performing TOUCH THE SKY at my Curves franchise. I was inspired by your words of wisdom, and delighted by your powerful, beautiful voice. Your messages-- from worthiness and celebration of one's spirit, to making the most out of one's life-- are important for everyone. I walked away feeling strong and encouraged.
–Robin Black, Owner, Curves for Women, Ann Arbor, MI
Thank you so much for your wonderful presentation to the Chelsea Mothers of Pre-Schoolers group. We have had fabulous feedback and plan to do a follow-up "girls night" discussion in a few weeks. Your message clearly resonated with our membership!
–Jane Pacheco, MOPS Discussion Leader, Chelsea, MI
Eleni Kelakos performed (her TOUCH THE SKY Keynote) for our Cancer Survivorship Symposium on June 4th, 2009. The event was designed to educate and celebrate those patients and their families affected by cancer. Not only was Eleni easy to work with ...SHE WAS AN AMAZING WARM-UP FOR OUR EVENT! Her songs and stories were upflifting, funny, witty and truly enjoyable for all. I would highly recommend Eleni for any event!
–Beth LaVasseur, RN, MS, Oncology Research Manager, Saint Joseph Mercy Health Systems, Ann Arbor, MI
It was a pleasure having you speak for our sales meeting...you exceeded my expectations...the lowest (evaluation score) we received was an A-, so I would say the event was a success!
–Terri Barlow, CEO, Thomson Shore Publishing
I was so inspired by Eleni's presentation to our group. She knows how to empower women, making them feel stronger and giving them the skills they need to succeed in their professional lives. I left her presentation feeling inspired to be the best women I can be in all aspects of my life.
–Stephanie Harwick, American Business Women's Association, Maia Chapter, Ann Arbor, MI
Eleni's motivational and uplifting TOUCH THE SKY program encouraged (the women at the Chelsea Community Hospital Helath and Wellness Center) to have passion and purpose in both their lives and workouts. It was truly wonderful!
–A. Sargeant, Member Services Manager, Chelsea Community Hospital Health and Wellness Center
Thank you so much for speaking at our Women's Business Owner's Seminar. Your presentation was tremendous. We look forward to developing a lasting relationship.
–Jeanette Kroth, V.P. Comerica Bank
Rarely do you find a speaker who captures the attention of her audience from the opening presentation. Your emotional and often times humorous presentation about your life triggered our own memories of the trials and tribulations of our own lives. As you closed your program, I noticed several people were moved to tears. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us to make us all reach high to TOUCH THE SKY.
–L. Revenaugh, American Business Women's Association/Women of Today Express Network.
Eleni absolutely energized the room at our Cancer Survivor Celebration. The audience of more than 300 was completely "tuned in" to her message about passion, purpose and personal strength. Eleni conveyed this message with humor, sincerity and her wonderful music. She has been very pleasant to work with behind the scenes as well, making sure that she is fully prepared to make the event a success. When coordinating a large event, organized and dependable entertainment is a great relief... Eleni's inspiring message to live the life of your dreams is universal and timeless. Her words are appropriate for all people, of all ages and stages in life since, at the core, and in our ow unique way, we all want to TOUCH THE SKY!
–Ellen Peter, Marketing/Communications, McLaren Regional Medical Center, Flint, MI
Eleni Kelakos gave her TOUCH THE SKY presentation at the Women Business Owners of Southeastern Michigan Annual Awards banquet to an audience of business professionals. The message was beautifully delivered, musically entertaining, and very motivational. Eleni has a unique way of presenting her story in a manner that connects with her audience and keeps everyone engaged. The group was inspired to reach higher, find our purpose and not apologize for who we are; to celebrate our own gifts, using them to advance ourselves in our chosen professions. I would highly recommend Eleni as a keynote speaker for any event that seeks to motivate its audience for greater success, while at the same time finding ways to laugh and enjoy the journey.
–T. Rose Roane, 2008 WBO President
Thank you for making our American Cancer Society Relay for Life Leadership Summit the best yet! Not only did you rivet the guests to their chairs, you also riveted them to our life-saving mission." You were able to grasp my entire "call to action" after only one face-to-face meeting. You took my words and (literally, with the song "Hope Begins with Me") turned them into a melody of compelling hope. You were able to connect with each person in the audience with your tender heart and your robust words of leadership, community service and healing. It was truly emotional for me to see the message I wanted everyone to hear delivered through your songs and stories. Never, ever underestimate the ability to move audience to action... Your time with us motivated over 100 community leaders to not only TOUCH THE SKY, but to also enjoy the journey.
–Tamara Rummel, Area Executive Director, American Cancer Society
My first conversation with Eleni sealed the deal. I knew in a matter of minutes that she was a person who wanted to help other people. Her beautiful messages of strength, courage, passion and perserverance combined with uplifting and tender songs and a captivating and, at times, hysterical, story was the perfect closing session for our annual sales conference. Our audience of men and women of all ages was drawn to her stage presence, her sense of humor, and her beautiful voice.
Eleni is more than a one-hour presentation, she is the whole package. She was a wonderful person to bounce ideas off of, a flexible and creative partner willing to fill the role that was needed, and a real champion of our mission and cause. I'm glad to have known her as a person and am just as excited about the inspiration she has infused in our group. I believe everyone who attended Eleni's TOUCH THE SKY performance left walking a little taller than there did before, and for that, we are truly blessed to have met her.
–Nicole Polacek, Marketing Manager/Field Development Training, TOUCHSTONE CRYSTAL, Cranston, R.I. (member of the Swarosvki Group)
Eleni did a terrific job presenting her Touch the Sky keynote at our recent meeting of Donor Recruitment Representatives from Ohio, Michigan and Indiana. I asked her to tie together two long days of training in an instructive and entertaining way, and she certainly did. We were all especially impressed by the amount of work she did to understand our business and create a presentation tailored just for us.
Our work at the Red Cross requires us to have sufficient blood products everyday of the year for hospital patients, and Eleni absolutely nailed what we should and can do to achieve our goal.
I watched our staff listen to Eleni's stories, enjoy her songs (including one customized for us), and fully participate in her entire presentation. After her presentation, their reviews included comments like: "She made me look at challenges in a new way"... "I can see more ownership possibilities in myself that will result in better job performance"... "I think I'm a better recruiter because she clearly reminded me of the importance of what I do in my job."
So please accept my recommendation of Eleni as a motivational, entertaining, dynamic and engaging speaker who is guaranteed to provide a truly outstanding presentation.
–Sharon Jaksa, CEO, American Red Cross, Great Lakes Blood Services Region
There are no words to thank you for your amazing help. In just two hours, you gave me practical tools that allowed me to teach (my Living With Power Workshop) from a place of confidence as well as an excitement that took me right out of my fear.
–Barbara Hosler, Owner and Trainer, Center for Life Enhancement
... your coaching works wonders... the change in M... was so noticeable and positive that some of our mutual acquaintances remarked that he was less bashful, more expressive and much more extroverted at business events and in social settings. It's obvious that you asked him the right questions and helped him to get beyond his self-imposed limitations.
–Carrie Hensel, President, Inner Circle Media
Eleni's (in-house Training on Presentation Skills) showed our team how to turn a presentation into a conversation. Her techniques have helped us to be "in the room" with the audience and to truly communicate, not just present.
–Terese Hunwick, Manager, Supply Team Management, Holcim (U.S.) Inc.
