I just wanted to send along my sincere appreciation for giving such an amazing keynote at Caroline's. Being a graduate student, it seems as if I've received so much networking advice over the past six years. However, your talk brought the concept of networking to a much more relevant level. You really understand social media and its power in making us more competitive candidates when we enter the work force. After collecting so much generic advice over the years, it was refreshing to hear someone speak my language and talk about the importance of maintaining an online presence (something I love, anyway) and keeping in contact with networks (something I struggle with, but wasn't aware of until you mentioned it).
Taurra SunEagle, Graduate Student American University
I run a online listserve dedicated to career networking issues for parents in my Brooklyn community. Many of our members were at a crossroads in their career and struggling with work/family balance issues - asking themselves, "What's Next for My Career?". Maggie put together a fantastic, spot on presentation that really resonated with our group. The highlight was her "hands on" workshop style. Instead of simply presenting material and sending the participants away with "homework", she uses the time together to actively explore the topics. The "sound" of 35 people quietly thinking and writing their "Mission & Vision" statements was very powerful. Then, she offered people the opportunity to read their statements and get feedback from her in real time.
Maggie's presentation was just the tip of the iceberg. Our members were so fired up by the event, a group of 15 people continue to meet monthly to discuss and actively work on their career goals and challenges.
Julie Sturm, Co-Founder Park Slope Parents Career Networking
Thank you for leading the “Work Smarter Not Harder” webinar last week as well as leading the networking webinar last February. Your guidance is invaluable.
I am a 2003 Villanova grad who talked to you a few years ago when I was living in NYC and working for an investment bank I wasn’t sure of my path, and you were able to help me recognize that whatever it is I want to do I can make happen. I ended up moving back to Boston and worked for a subsidiary of my employer while finishing my MBA. I did a concentration in Leadership & Management to guide me down the Human Resources/Organization Development path and am now working at a Fortune 100 corporation in HR…something I have wanted to do for years! I was able to make the career switch through networking, luck, and preparation.
Thank you again for sharing your story and tips. They have helped me a lot!!
Lee Sullivan, workshop participant
Maggie was absolutely FABULOUS! She spoke to the Planning and Development division at my company and she blew the socks off everyone. The SMART career goal message was clear and practical. She helped me think about the possibilities again.
Thea Austin
Your giving of your time and energy to educate our community was truly appreciated, and your presentation...on identifying and finding a career you love was outstanding...Once again, thank you for dedicating your time and energy for this event. Because of your efforts, it was spectacular.
New York State Senator Kemp Hannon
“Maggie presented her “Work Smarter, Not Harder” workshop at PepsiCo in August 2008. She did a wonderful job! I know Maggie in many different capacities – as a Radio Host, Career Coach and L&D Director. Maggie is a confident, inspirational speaker. She empowers others to overcome their fears to attain the job/career they have always wanted. Maggie helps refocus employees’ mindsets to achieve their goals, even in their current roles. What makes Maggie terrific is that she genuinely acknowledges true obstacles and helps devise a plan to work around these obstacles. I whole-heartedly recommend Maggie for your next speaking event. She is easy to work with and consistently delivers a quality product.”
Karen Bochner Kerem, Senior Analyst, PepsiCo
"Maggie's engaging, interactive and organized presentations provided our alumni with valuable professional development resources and new ways to think about their career goals and strategies. In addition to the formal programs, she continued conversations with many participants well after each event ended. Because Maggie’s presentations attracted a diverse group of our constituents, we were able to present our message in front of alumni who had never attended a university event before."
Amy Layman, Senior Director, Program Development and Technology, Villanova University Alumni Association
"I was amazed at how in the course of an hour Maggie was able to lead our group session in what seemed initially like abstract exercises into formulating a vision statement and an action plan that made sense. You could feel the light bulbs going off in the room — it was quite exciting. I can attest that while it was tough work, her workshop received rave reviews from people who were able to identify the start of a new career path in just 60 minutes. I can only imagine what working in one-on-one setting with Maggie Mistal would be like in terms of opening up new and exciting possibilities to career changers — or to people who want to do more on the path they are currently on!"
Allison Hemming, Top Gun, The Hired Guns
“I had Maggie share her presentation, "Maximizing the Power of Your Network" with our students in the Spring semester of 2009. With today's economy, students need to use all the tools at their disposal to secure the right job. Maggie was able to show how to use your network, what steps to take to nurture your network and how to overcome obstacles that might get in the way. She clearly demonstrated her expert knowledge of the subject in a way that students could grasp. Her approach got the audience participating and asking questions almost from the outset and she stayed after the formal remarks to help students on a one-on-one basis. Feedback from students was outstanding. I heartily recommend Maggie and look forward to having her back on campus soon.”
Bob Blanchard, Assistant Dean, College of LIberal Arts & Sciences, Villanova University
"We invited Maggie to speak at our bi-annual networking event for Women InTechnology. The feedback I received from every attendee was tremendous.Maggie is an exceptional speaker. But more importantly, many women came upto me afterwards and commented that the mini-workshop Maggie walked usthrough was very valuable and insightful. Its great to be entertained andMaggie was very entertaining, but when your attendees walk away withvaluable tools to apply immediately to their every day lives -- that is whatleaves a lasting impression. Thank you Maggie for inspiring Women InTechnology!"
Kelly Harman, CEO, The Harman Group
