Testimonials
"A gifted and professional coach with years of experience in guiding and bringing out the best in people, Gwen is an excellent coach and mentor to many men and women, irrespective of age or cultural background. She is compassionate, perceptive and well-grounded. She connects with her clients easily, and works effectively with them to sort out issues or to help them shape and realize their dreams. Last year I had the good fortune to be mentored and coached by Gwen at a time when I was dealing with tremendous challenges and sorrow. Her positive energy and steadfast faith lifted my spirits; her gentle but persistent nudges helped me reconnect with my deepest sense of purpose and source of energy. Her affirmative approach and mantra – “It’s all good” – worked magic for me! I am very blessed to have been introduced to Gwen and have no reservations in recommending her to men and women who want to benefit from some dedicated professional coaching and advice in their personal or professional life." Winnie L. Cheung, Director of Community Engagement UBC "Gwen Gnazdowsky has been a mentor in the Women in Leadership Mentorship Program for the past 3 consecutive years who has even mentored more than 1 mentee at a time. Gwen has also facilitated a workshop and a sharing circle activity in the program, always receiving outstanding feedback from the participants. I value Gwen’s participation in WIL’s programming and highly recommend Gwen, who has excellent communication skills, a nurturing spirit, and positive attitude – key ingredients that make a great educator, mentor, and facilitator! Should you wish to discuss Gwen’s potential, please contact me." Maya Kanigan, BCom. President & Founder Women In Leadership Foundation "Gwen’s interpersonal skills and ability to effectively handle conflict with integrity as well as teamwork displays to me her level of commitment as well as her ability to lead in all aspects of her coaching, workshops and seminars. She is a wonderful role model, a patient teacher and most compassionate woman that I have had the pleasure to spend time with. Gwen’s native intelligence for coaching and marketing is among the best I have seen. She has the drive and energy necessary to see complex projects through to completion, guiding teams and clients through the entire lifecycle process, on time and within budget. She is both a team player and a dynamic leader, a professional who wins the respect of others through her integrity and unwavering desire to bring out the best in her work. I am blessed to have experienced Gwen’s coaching and treasure her experience and wisdom with regards to my personal growth as well as benefit from her background working with youths at risk. I have learned much from Gwen and her stories have inspired and motivate me to reach for my goals and most importantly believe that I can dream big and make them come true… it starts with just one conversation and I will always be grateful for all that I receive. If I may provide you with any further information in your consideration of Ms. Gwen Gnazdowsky, please feel free to contact me. Cheryl Serpanchy, Vancouver Coastal Health, Analyst/Healthcare Consultant/Designer "Gwen Gnazdowsky helped make FLASH FORWARD a huge SUCCESS in Vancouver Gwen raises people higher! The Flash Forward Institute sponsored by Women in Film & Video was delighted to have Gwen Gnazdowsky as a Team Coach one year and as the Head Coach overseeing all the Team Coaches and participants the following year.The concept was to take a goal you don’t think you can tackle in six months and complete it in one! Gwen did an amazing job in coordinating the 11 Coaches and their teams of 79 participants ensuring everyone got great value, stayed fully engaged and motivated while accomplishing their goals in the film and television industry during the month long program. Further to this Gwen was able to recognize what was missing, as far as the logistics throughout the training and galvanized her Team of Coaches into action to fill in with Program Supervisory type of roles. Gwen should be congratulated on who she is and her commitment to the program. I was so inspired by Gwen's focus and ability to be such a great contribution with her Coaching skills. She has a brilliant way of being professional, honest and fun (an unusual, delightful and contagious combination), Her commitment to the Flash Forward Program, to Women in Film and to people achieving their goals should be applauded. I felt like I left everyone in good hands with Gwen's leadership. She truly is a pleasure to work with and it was a privilege having her on my team taking charge of the Vancouver Flash Forward Program. Please don't hesitate to call me if you have any questions on how Gwen could be a contribution to your organization."
Suzanne Lyons, Co-Founder, Flash Forward Institute, President/Producer, Snowfall Films, Inc. "When I started working with Gwen I wasn’t sure where my business was headed. She coached me through a national media extravaganza and helped me repackage my services. Her revelation about my core fear of asking is obviously fundamental to growing my business. Once we get that healed, I say with Gwen’s help “Look out World!”. …or at least until the next thing I’m avoiding comes up…" Beth Ringdahl, Founder, Red Dot Campaign reddotcampaign.ca "To put it simply, Gwen transformed not just my career, but my life! With her unfailing support and encouragement she has helped me get out of my own way and enabled me to lead my best life. Her expertise allows her to switch from life coach to therapist, and back to coach again, to help you achieve your dreams... and she wants you to dream BIG! She has become a great friend and I can't imagine my journey without her in my corner. I can't thank her enough."
The Land of Deborah. Singer. Songwriter. Composer "Gwen Gnazdowsky has participated as a mentor, speaker and facilitator in Women in Leadership Mentorship Program for the past 3 years. As a speaker, Gwen hosted encouraging and inspiring sharing circles. The personal experiences and stories shared by Gwen are touching and inspirational. She created a warm and friendly environment that allows everyone to share openly and freely. Gwen is an outstanding mentor for both young potential professionals and seasoned professional executives with extensive experience and knowledge. As a mentor to a diverse group of women, Gwen’s active involvement assisted all participants to achieve their goals: providing cultural-coaching, helping them gain more confidence, improving leadership skills and supporting senior professional to break their glass-ceilings. Gwen is very intelligent, approachable, and down-to-earth. With her years of experience as a life-coach and her endless support to WIL includes contributing new workshop ideas in improving the mentorship program she is a charming individual to work with. Her unique coaching style and charismatic personality makes her a great contributor to any organization and to their events." Lucille Wang, BComm, National Programming Manager, Women in Leadership Foundation Workshops:“Gwen’s counseling experience and her choice of materials bring about profound transformation and used in the proper setting. I first attended her seminars out of interest in the subject. I soon realized I had lots to gain, and have been a lifelong subscriber since. I thought I had my issues sorted, but each time, new clarity emerges. This is deeply rewarding enlightenment.” Ken Bell, Scientist, Author, Speaker "WOW! It's so hard to know where to start when it comes to singing the praises of Gwen's knowledge, technique and intuition. Her background in social work gives her such a rich background to understand family dynamics, and drawing from her own personal experiences is such a non-threatening way to get her message across. I can see so many patterns now, after taking her classes, and where they came from to begin with. Another amazing outcome of her workshops, was how safe and trusting environment she created for all of us to be able to open up and be honest with eachother and ourselves. Gwen, I can't thank you enough for opening my eyes, and giving me tools and techniques to attracting the perfect partner for me!" Mark Logan, Manager at FBE Spa "Gwen’s seminar is the best seminar I’ve ever taken! It helped me to discover some information from my past that I didn’t even know I was missing… I thought I had all my stuff figured out; yet I experienced an amazing “ Aha ” moment while taking Gwen's seminar. I had done extensive therapy my whole life to solve and understand issues that prevented me from having a healthy self-esteem, which started in my childhood because of my upbringing rooted from the relationship I had with my mother. My perception as a child was of not having the attention, and the affection I needed from her, I felt oppressed, I felt ‘not special’, I felt that my opinion didn’t matter, and that my voice didn’t count. I have always been aware of these issues and I have always been interested in self-growth to deal with this. I got tremendous clarity by going through the exercises that Gwen uses, and her facilitation style provided me with information that really made me see at things I didn’t know existed. I was missing the deeper understanding to the reasons why my mother was (in my perception) so HARD on me! I came to realize that the reason behind her behavior was that she loved me so much, that she wanted me to be the best girl, the best behaved little person, so that I would be accepted and loved by everybody…I get chocked and my eyes get watery when I thing about this discovery, and I wouldn’t have made this discovery if it wouldn’t have been for working with Gwen. Gwen made me feel so validated and so taken care of, I even attended her seminar twice, I got so much out of it the first time, that I felt that I would benefit tremendously from taking it again. Now when I find myself in autopilot, (not being aware that I am using my old programming patterns, and I am stuck in my own old stories) not feeling good about myself, I use Gwen's discovery techniques to bring me full of self-confidence once again! This seminar gave me information that has changed my life! Gwen is very professional, amazing, smart, caring and very knowledgeable woman, who really cares, she injects people with her enthusiasm and positivity, I totally recommend working with Gwen!" Gabriela Nava, Career Counselor Private:Over the past ten years, Gwen has helped me enormously in many areas of my life including work, relationship with husband and step-children and creating a wonderful, healthy life for my two sons and me. Living ten years in a remote northern community brought many issues to my life including dealing with living in an isolated region, difficulties with my step children, dealing with loss and limitations in my life. Through phone counselling with Gwen, she always brought out my best qualities and helped me to see my problems in a new perspective. She helped me to communicate things with my husband in a way that he and I could come to an understanding and compromise. Being from two different cultures has brought challenges to my husband and me. However, with Gwen, I created a vision for my children to live the best of both cultures. We are now living in the town I grew up in, in Ontario where my children can attend an excellent school and live a very comfortable, stable life. During Christmas and summers, we will return north to where my husband lives to experience the wonderful parts of the Inuit culture including hunting, fishing, community feasts and games and connecting with other family. I have created a vision for work as a social worker in my community of origin and love every day. I am spendingtime with my parents each day and love to see my children and parents so happy. Gwen has helped me to make my dream come true. And as there will continue to be challenges that arise, I know that Gwen is a phone call away to guide me through in a very supportive, positive and amazing way. Gwen has made an outstanding difference in my life and helped me to create a life that I love every day. "Gwen has so much work and life experience that she always understands where I am coming from, what I am going through and what is a peaceful yet powerful way to resolve any conflict. I have found the strength inside me to face situations that I would normally run away from. I have more confidence, wisdom and focus in my life now. I always feel so happy, relieved and insightful after a conversation with Gwen. I also always look forward to our next session. What I love the most is that with Gwen's help, I have maintained my integrity and dignity in my relationships, work and family life. I am proud of myself and would recommend Gwen's gift of life coaching to any person. Thank you Gwen!" Natalie McCrory, MSW "I have had the good fortune of working with Gwen Gnazdowsky as a life coach. The focus of the coaching sessions has been to assist me with a variety of professional and personal changes and transitions in my life. Gwen asks provocative questions, is a very intent and open listener and provides a summary of my thinking, desires and plans for the next steps at the end of every session. I have found my sessions working with Gwen to be very helpful in assisting me with clarifying my thinking, become clearer about my desires and a concrete plan of next steps that I can take to move forward with my career and personal life. I would highly recommend Gwen as a life coach and will continue to work with Gwen to support my own self awareness and personal/professional growth. Please feel free to contact me if you need any further information." Denise L. Johnson, District Principal Learning and Development, Vancouver School Board "Being a sole practitioner means: doing it all on one’s own! Aside from being demanding and stressful it can also be lonely. Then there’s the overarching concern: in addition to professional, how am I doing in all the other facets of my life? Choosing Gwen as my life coach is like having someone on my team to navigate these issues. She helps me when I get stuck on things, to help clarify what works and what doesn’t. Professional and impartial advice: Having Gwen as a life coach is like having a personal touchstone for all the facets of my life." Jane Capwell, Notary Public |
"When you start off on a long journey you usually need a map. Sometimes you may even need a guide. Our son’s journey into responsible adulthood was greatly assisted by his weekly coaching sessions with Gwen. She not only helped him by providing a map to achieve his goals and dreams but she was a compassionate guide in the process. I would recommend her without reservation for anyone who needs help reaching their life and work goals."
Roxanne Davies, Director of Go Consult
"Changing careers can be exhilarating or scary, but is always a challenge, and changing countries even more so. Thanks to Gwen, I was able to do both at the same time! Gwen helped me build confidence, dream big and strategise. She kept me on track through information gathering, networking, volunteering and the job application process with its ups and downs. Within a year, I landed a job in my chosen field and negotiated a good salary. Best of all, the skills you learn with Gwen you keep forever. Thank you, Gwen!"
Ana Simeon, Sierra Club
"Before I started with Gwen, I was unhappy and frustrated. Although I am a fairly successful person, I have learned that issues from my childhood have come to negatively affect most aspects of my life, especially with romantic partners. The best part about Gwen is that instead of giving me "band-aid" solutions, we have really gone to the core of my problem and have worked on remedying that situation so that everything else will fall into place. Gwen has given me hope that I can go into future relationships and rather than being chronically angry, I can be a great loving and supportive partner. Gwen has taught me so much about how two people can misinterpret so much in a relationship. She has also taught me so much about what a female needs to hear. It was so different than what I had been saying to my partners. Furthermore, many of the strategies that Gwen has given me for relationships also seem to be making life easier with the many relationships that I deal with everyday in my job as a teacher."
Robert, High School Teacher
"Canada’s Oprah – Life Coach Gwen Gnazdowsky! Gwen has been my life coach for over three years. One of the first things that I have discovered from our sessions was a greater sense of self awareness. When people ask me about life coaching I am able to describe it in two words; personal perspective. Her life coaching enables you to get to an objective look at your hopes, your dreams and your goals. What you want to do and what you need to do to get there. I’ve made important paradigm shifts in my relationships with my family, my career and my partner relationships. Through coaching I have found that I have all the resources within me to solve many problems in my life.
It has brought me peace of mind to know that I am on the right track and maintaining it with the life coaching sessions. I have improved several relationships in my life that I would not have thought possible before life coaching. I’ve changed some from bad to good and others from good to even greater. I’ve learnt relationship skills like feedback formula, mirroring and a disagreement diffusing method called CLEAR (calm, listen, explore, agree and resume). Life coaching and the relationship boot camp sessions have helped me to create and nurture extraordinary relationships.
My Father passed away March 30, 2010. He was 93 years old. I can tell you that he had an amazing life and I can tell you that he loved me dearly. He told me so. And it was through my work with Gwen that I was able to engage and connect with my father in the years before his death and hear him say the things he needed to say to me. And also for me to say what I needed to say to him - How proud I was of him and to most importantly, tell him how much I loved him for being the great man he is.
Many men and women are not blessed with experiences like this in their lives or other moments of growth both spiritually and mentally like I have had working with Gwen. I’ve been working hard to get there, but I could not have done it without the guidance, exuberance and the joy of truth that Gwen brought to me with her work as my Life Coach. I’m living and discovering my passions in my life. I’m teaching, I’m building, I’m creating. I’m strengthening all the relationships around me by being aware, thoughtful and communicative. And there have been so many other situations I would be happy to share. Most importantly, I would love to see others benefit from Gwen’s work and encourage anyone thinking about it to try. It’s an investment that pays a priceless dividend I know I have benefited from - your inner peace and happiness. I call her Angel Gwen for a reason - because sometimes I really think she is…"