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Testimonials

“Gloria, I want to thank you so much for coming to Financial Management last week and doing your inspiring talk on change and the heart. It was a wonderful pause and reflection time, and I know you touched many. The words about change were right on target too.

It was great to see you and I hope we cross paths again— sooner than later!”

Dr. Ruth Johnston, University of Washington Financial Management

“In the time I have known Gloria Burgess, I have renewed hope for the collective soul of the work world. In my work at the University of Washington Department of Training and Development, I meet many consultants. I also hear from employees ready to give up, flattened by life and crushing demands. Most people show up for training with one of two attitudes; either it's 'I'm not going to like this' or 'fix me.' Gloria's style cannot be compared to other consultants because she conjures transformation to a road of hope. It's the poetry. The experience burns with the sun of persuasion so people take off their coat of pain and trust the whole of themselves. Gloria leads that.

She weaves the group in and out of an exchange of ideas, gets people to write their dreams on a piece of paper, to take 60 seconds to compose a poem before the mind can criticize, then gathers this evidence up in a basket. Something bothering you? Write it down and toss it out. Knowing that we each are our best teacher, Gloria makes no pretense of handing over knowledge. What she does: introduce people to their core, not with smoke and mirrors, but with a reflection of their own vision for themselves. This is teaching.

I have heard Gloria in another setting, at a poetry reading. As a celebration of her life with her husband and family, she uplifted us with the brightness of her sight, through her work. At one point in this 'live' event, a child was squirming and ready to act out. Gloria directed us to honor that child by including him in the event. She did this through acknowledging him and asking him to help her. He was now part of it and not excluded.  On a broader scale, she includes everyone in the bouquet, as if to say 'Aren't we beautiful?' Yes, Gloria, we are and you are.”

Sally Johnson, University of Washington, Training and Professional Development

"You are so gifted at what you do. Your creative energy and talent never cease to astound me, and I have worked with some pretty amazing individuals throughout my career. I am honored to know you and work with you, and we are very fortunate to have you on our team."

Gifford Pinchot III, Bainbridge Graduate Institute

“We at Impact Capital would like to let you know how much we enjoyed our Staff Retreat. Thanks for helping us learn to 'open the door' and 'break down the walls,' so we can work more effectively together. Thus, allowing us to help those organizations who build affordable housing. THANKS!!!”

Dee Souza, Impact Capital

“What an exceptional and inspiring way to spend a Saturday morning. Thanks for all your insights. I am halfway through your book and so much is welling up. Thanks for helping us all find our voices and missions in the world.”

Trish Cosgrove, Antioch University

“I am so glad I attended your workshop during the convention. Your book is wonderful. What a blessing!!! I have not been able to stay away from it. I have been reading and re-reading, answering questions, writing notes, reflecting, and projecting. I am taking a copy to my chapter's Executive Board retreat this weekend. I cannot wait to share it with my sorority sisters.

Thank you for sharing your wisdom!”

Priscilla Scott-Thomas, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

“It was wonderful to see you again and to be a part of what you created with 'Spirit & Work.'

Thank you so much for your marvelous collection of poetry. I appreciate having an autographed copy of your book. The images in your poetry are evocative and sustaining in the imagination. I hope your book does very well.

I still have fond memories of how inspired and deeply touched people were by the quality of stewardship and positive regard that you extend to so many to further the unfolding of their magic. With deep respect, gratitude, and admiration.”

Angeles Arrien, Author, Thought Leader, Consultant

“Thank you so much. Legacy Living is the shortest, most difficult book I've encountered! Each page is filled with personal, soul-stirring awakening. It is a challenge everyday to be in a legacy-living state of mind and action. Thank you so much for your book. I gave one to my sister and I am reading the other. Please keep spreading the word.”

Gayle Harrison, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

“How special and wonderful you are. It was a true blessing to be in your session at the convention. Truly, you are a messenger from God, reminding us of our responsibility to leave a legacy and appreciate the one that we are blessed to live out. Thank you so much for your wisdom. Your book is a great gift to enrich our lives, as we enrich the lives of others. I have shared its contents with many and continue to be 'blown away' by its spiritual impact. Thank you again for using the special gifts that God gave you to make this world a better place. Continue to walk in your destiny, for 'eye hath not seen, ear hath not heard'..."

Evelyn A. Hyman, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

"Thanks so much, I will be sending out your message to my Delta friends and others. You are wonderfully inspiring."

Tina Allen, Artist/Sculptor

Dear Dr. Burgess,

Thank you for the legacy of love that you shared during the Delta Convention. Attending your session during the Delta Convention was a spiritually rewarding experience for me. I am currently reading your book, Legacy Living, and I LOVE IT.

To date, I have copied quotes from your book in my journal (which highlights my experiences through this journey called life—it includes pictures, inspirational verses, poems, lectures, etc., and is shared with family, friends, and associates); referred the book to a friend; stepped away from the book to review your e-mail message and excellent website; and refocused on my path and legacy.

As the women on my contact list would benefit from your message, I plan to refer them to your website and encourage them to obtain copies of your book. I also plan to recommend that the book be included on my Chapter's Arts & Letters reading list.

Please let me know how I can obtain copies of your book for members of the Philadelphia Chapter of Black Deaf Advocates (PCBDA). As the Workshop Coordinator for PCBDA, I would like to address the Six Covenants, and present copies of the book— Legacy Living as an inspirational guide.

Thank you again for your legacy of love.

Frances Conwell, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

“I first met Gloria at the Womens’ International Network conference in Geneva, Switzerland, where the two of us were scheduled as speakers. I was so impressed by her presentation that I invited her to speak at the 50th Anniversary Tribute of the Women’s March to the Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa.  Since then, we’ve communicated regularly and plan to work together on an ongoing basis. I’m very grateful when I consider what Gloria has contributed to my life and the lives of the women I work with here in Switzerland.

I’ve attended a lot of conferences and inspirational workshops, and I have to say that hearing Gloria speak is a truly electric experience. People are so on the edge of their seat to hear what she will say next that you could hear a pin drop. She is just tremendous—absolutely fascinating. She blends the spiritual with the intellectual in such a way that causes you jump out of your skin and take a look at yourself. It’s like instant therapy. After her talk people swarmed all around her and yet she seemed to have room for everyone. As each person left her presence, you could just see that 'Ahh!' expression of insight and empowerment on their faces.

Beyond her remarkable presentational abilities, I have been so blessed to also know Gloria as a person. Her humility and huge heart cause others to feel instantly comfortable in her space. She really is amazing. Gloria has taught me that no matter what our circumstances or where we live that you can make life into anything you want it to be, with absolutely no constraints. I may not make huge changes where I’m at right now, but I will leave traces of my journey that will leave a path for others to follow. Life is a journey, and Gloria is one of those people who has come into my life and changed it forever. She is a rare and lovely person who I wish I could see all the time.

I would absolutely recommend Gloria to anyone looking for a speaker or an executive coach, anyone looking for someone who will make an incredible, inspirational impact. Our women were so impressed with her that they are willing to do whatever it takes to bring Gloria back regularly so that we can gather to understand more about the legacy we will leave in this rushed, aggressive world that our daughters will inherit. You never stop learning, and Gloria is gifted in helping others to realize just how much they already have and how to make a difference with what they already know. I am blessed to have met her.”

Dr. Konji Sebati, South African Ambassador to Switzerland

“Again, thank you. I’ve heard nothing but great things about your keynote. You have an incredible story and legacy to share, and you are a powerful speaker. You hit all the right notes for our audience; it was exactly what we needed for this year’s fundraiser. You have an extraordinary gift for weaving together many amazing facets of your life.”

Jill Perry, Executive Director, Providence Hospice of Seattle

“I found your presentation both meaningful and inspirational and would not hesitate to recommend you as a keynote for other groups and for the ICF conferences stateside, too!”

Beth Walton, International Coach Federation (ICF)

“I am part of the ICF team here in Australia and made a submission to our member newsletter drawing on your incredible presentation at the ICFA conference in 2003, Sydney.

I realized that I so often think of your words and yet, apart from a quick chat at the end of the session, I hadn't shared with you what a powerful impact they had on me. And the impact continues. You have become part of my thinking and sensing. In particular, I think regularly of the legacy I am creating; I ask myself whether I am bringing my whole self forward; and I revel in my long stride of spirit.

Thank you. Thank you.”

Natarsha Hearns, International Coach Federation (ICF), Australia

“Thank you for your inspiring poetry and performance. Gloria, you have a marvelous ability to help each of us become conscious of our individual creative energies so we can learn how to express the stories and values we want to pass on. You help us connect with what matters most—our spirit—and open us to wonderfully creative and personal ways to share it.

On another note, would you consider gracing us with another opening blessing at this year’s fundraiser? Your presence and delivery at last year's event truly added an experience of spirit, and we'd be so honored if you'd consider it again.”

Molly Swain, Executive Director, Providence Mount St. Vincent Foundation

“It was so delightful to be in your presence once again. I was inspired by you to honor my ancestors and so I finally finished my meditation room this weekend by hanging my great-grandmother’s quilt and some other special things to remind me of my heritage.

I also purchased and read your book of poetry, which I enjoyed very much.”

Terri Patton, Washington Association of School Business Officials