Program Testimonials
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“I feel empowered to leverage my strengths more effectively and have gained a clearer sense of purpose.”
My experience with Colibri’s Management Training Retreat was truly transformational. I quickly formed strong bonds with fellow participants and gained a deep understanding of the connection between modern management practices and ancient wisdom. The hands-on learning opportunities allowed me to experiment with new skill sets, and the immersion activities solidified their importance. I now feel not only improved as a professional but also as a person, with newfound confidence and enthusiasm for management.
Post-event, the impact on my self-awareness and interpersonal interactions has been profound. I feel empowered to leverage my strengths more effectively and have gained a clearer sense of purpose. The experiential activities and close interactions with other participants fostered a level of understanding and support that is unique to such a nurturing environment.
It's rare for me to be so deeply affected by a relatively short program. The concepts introduced feel tangible and practical, deeply ingrained in my perception of my role within the organization and my commitment to supporting others in achieving greatness.
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“This retreat perfectly blended professional development with cultural enrichment, leaving me feeling like I experienced a unique part of Mexico and also increased my people management skills.”
Attending the Colibrí Experiences human-centered management retreat in Puerto Escondido, Mexico, was enlightening and transformative. Despite not being a "woo woo" person who enjoys touchy-feely activities, I found the retreat incredibly valuable.
The well-structured schedule included morning learning sessions, early afternoon practical applications, and late afternoon cultural explorations. Exploring unconscious bias was particularly impactful, revealing how subtle biases affect workplace interactions. The Mayan cacao reading was a memorable cultural activity, offering a spiritual connection to ancient traditions.
Iliana, the knowledgeable program leader, provided deep insights that enhanced the learning experience. Although designed for middle management, the content was highly relevant even for me as a senior leader.
The stunning location, beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and delicious on-site food created an ideal environment. My biggest takeaway was learning the SBI (Situation-Behavior-Impact) method for giving feedback (vs the well known sandwich method), which has improved my communication skills. This retreat perfectly blended professional development with cultural enrichment, leaving me feeling like I experienced a unique part of Mexico and also increased my people management skills. I highly recommend it for anyone looking to grow as a leader while enjoying a unique cultural experience.
Katy Fairley Principal Consultant
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"This program was well worth the time and investment, and I will be using what I learned and talking about it for a long time!"
I can’t say enough about Colibri Experiences’ Human-Centered Management Program!
The human-centered management content taught how to look at any situation and evaluate the environment and the challenge, assess the required mindset, choose appropriate actions, and create a plan. It is very practical and useful for both new and seasoned managers.
We learned three different ways of being and skills to evoke depending on whether the situation is known and comfortable, changing and uncomfortable, or unknown.
Iliana’s completely unique approach aligns each of these with ancient Mayan cultural totems, which makes them even more understandable and memorable.
What made the program truly remarkable for me were the corresponding Mayan cultural immersion experiences that initiated deep personal change to enable me to step into each of these three energies and strengthen them with myself.
I loved the hands-on, active learning approach to everything, which is how learning really happens and is integrated. And Iliana’s vision, caring, attention to details, and stellar facilitation skills are amazing.
If that wasn’t enough, the location, food, and amenities were beautiful and nurturing.
Although the days were full and deeply engaging, I felt relaxed and replenished every step of the way.
This program was well worth the time and investment, and I will be using what I learned and talking about it for a long time!
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"In one word, it was transformative."
I attended the Colibri Experience - Heart Centered Management in May 2024. The experience was wonderful! It was filled with new experiences, great learnings, and amazing insights. In one word, it was transformative.
What I liked best was the MAP Model (Mindset, Action, Plan). Other Management training teaches you to be one kind of manager. The MAP Model teaches you that you need to assess the situation to determine what kind of leader you need to be in the moment. This is what you need at the middle management level. Sometimes it’s important to use your knowledge to guide others, sometimes you need to connect the dots to align the team situation to the larger picture, and sometimes you just need to take charge. All with a heart centered approach, of course!
I think all management, particularly middle managers, could benefit from this Colibri Experience. If enough of an organization’s managers took this program, it would begin to transform the culture of the organization and I think begin to transform many of the people issues that can get in the way of productivity.