Better Salary
Joan, your feedback and wisdom helped me negotiate a better salary. Many thanks for taking time out of your busy day to speak to me.
Theressa R.
You have given me so much
I just wanted to say thank you again for your labor of love. I hope I represent it well in my profession and help further the attitude toward Administrators worldwide. You have given me so much to ponder and work on. Enjoy your San Diego conference - I'm so excited for all those who participate, they will go home changed and most importantly they will go back to their jobs and bring much needed change to offices everywhere.
Brenda B.
Excellent Materials
STAR addressed 23 of the 29 competencies identified as necessary to excel . . . It provided the best match in terms of addressing the competencies with high-quality facilitators, excellent materials and extraordinary customer service.
Joe C.
Unparalleled respect for the profession
As Chief Executive Officer of a large health benefits company, I can testify to the importance of the Executive Assistant role and to the value Joan has brought not only to the profession as a whole but to the many Humana executive assistants who have grown, changed and successfully assumed expanded responsibilities through her Star Achievement Series® program over the past few years. With her trademark combination of hard-minded, research-based advice and her unparalleled respect for the profession’s importance, she instills – with wit and enthusiasm – the courage to excel.
Michael B. McCallister, President and CEO Humana
More Confident, More Creative, More Efficient
By striving to be a Star Performer on the job, I am more confident, more creative, more efficient. This is one training course where you don’t passively listen in a classroom, then go back to your desk and forget everything you learned. With all the group interaction, activities and workbook exercises, each person is actively involved. I find myself practicing Star principles every day.
Dixie Dahl, Rockwell Collins (Star Graduate)
I have more Self-Confidence
I look at problem solving in a new way. I utilize techniques we learned when facing challenges. I have more
self-confidence, especially when dealing with difficult situations or people. I offer my opinions and feelings
more readily and in a tactful manner. I am less afraid to try new things.
Shari Muecke (Star Graduate)
I practice what I’ve learned at work
I honestly believe the effects of this Series had a role in my getting into management. I didn’t ask for it; they
saw the possibility in me. I practice what I’ve learned at work.
Christee Grant (Star Graduate)
Support for the growth of our profession
I sincerely appreciated Joan's energy, professionalism, and her unwavering enthusiasm for what we do and who we are as administrative professionals. She spreads support for the growth of our profession and our own unique identities within that profession like seeds from a gardener's green thumb!
Thank you
Reneé M. Snyder :-D Administrative Associate
Excellent materials and customer service
STAR addressed 23 of the 29 competencies identified as necessary to excel . . . It provided the best match in terms of addressing the competencies with high-quality facilitators, excellent materials and extraordinary customer service.
Joe Curry, Dir. Administration & Development
I love teaching STAR!
I love teaching Star! The managers and peers of those who have and are taking this course indicate that they definitely see a ‘huge difference’ in the way those administrators are performing.
Debbie Gross, Chief Executive Assistant to CEO
I look at problem solving in a new way
I look at problem solving in a new way. I utilize techniques we learned when facing challenges. I have more
self-confidence, especially when dealing with difficult situations or people. I offer my opinions and feelings
more readily and in a tactful manner. I am less afraid to try new things.
Shari Muecke (Star Graduate)
Promotion!
I honestly believe the effects of this Series had a role in my getting into management. I didn’t ask for it; they
saw the possibility in me. I practice what I’ve learned at work.
Christee Grant (Star Graduate)
Relevant Company Objectives
Joan has honed her talent for scouting out a company’s core competencies, learning them, and then tailoring her program to incorporate her teachings with relevant company objectives.
Bonnie Hathcock, Sr. VP and Chief HR Humana
Promoted 3 times!
I have been promoted three times since working with Joan as my personal excellence coach.
Jennifer A. Mattison
My Star Can Shine!
This program (World Class Assistant) gives me the assurance I need that my star can shine higher than I would have thought before. My expectation levels for myself have risen drastically.
Cornna K
Renewed Energy
With all that has gone on in my personal life this past year, attending class has given me a renewed energy to succeed in my current profession. I feel that I am ready to pick up where I left off.
Monica J.
Open Mind
Thank you, once again, for opening my mind to opportunities already inside of me. You just helped me find them.
Christina E.
It's Electric!
Joan's WCA classes are electrifying & energize you to go back to your boss & start making improvements where it's needed. I would strongly encourage any admin professional to attend this series.
Tammy Clark
I Can Be World Class!
I feel refreshed; this course continued to help me strive to be a world class admin.
Kimberly H.
Outstanding Material
The material was outstanding. It really got you thinking about yourself and how you can start improving on your qualities and ways you cna improve in your current job.
Karen W.
Inner Circle Assistant
I appreciate the weekly Monday Motivators and the other books I’ve read and studied authored by Ms. Burge. I enjoy a solid reputation at work, and am fortunate to be considered an inner circle assistant. This is due, in part, to the sound advice and techniques I learn through your publications.
Julie J., Austin TX
Refreshing Resources
It’s refreshing to have these resources available to help support staff excel. When reading Ms. Burge’s books, it feels like she is talking to me! I discovered Office Dynamics this past year, and refer to your Website regularly to maintain my professionalism and help keep a positive attitude.
Julie
Life-Changing Courses
I took what I learned from (WCA) Part 1 & it totally changed my life. I am very happy & feel successful, both with myself & the company.
Missy M. CA
Learn How to Grow Your Professional Skills
To spend 2 days in close contact with high-level assistants discussing, sharing, & learning how to grow our professional skills is overwhelming, exhilirating, & rejuvinating. I highly recommend the World Class series!
Elizabeth F., Las Vegas NV
Work Better As An Admin Team
This is an excellent program to have with our executive assistant team. It will help us work better as a team & communicate to help each other be more efficient.
Kathy S.
Great Program
(World Class Assistant) is great! It's so refreshing to attend a conference/training program geared toward the administrative role. We are engaged & participate in the program.
Sandy W.
Up-to-date Information
(World Class Assistant Pt 2) was a great experience. Building on Pt 1 will help me be more productive at work. Joan provides up-to-date, comprehensive information that any admin needs to be World Class!
Jennie C.
Personal Growth
My growth from (World Class Assistant Pt1) has been tremendous. This added information will help me to excel on so many new levels.
Jasmine, Omaha NE
Energy After a Challenging Year
Part 2 (World Class Assistant) was just what I needed to re-energize me after a challenging year.
Carolyn D.
Become An Inner Circle Assistant
I would certainly recommend the book to my friends. Those who want to become a 21st century Admin Assistant should have a copy of this book as a reference. It really gets to the point and is written in simple English. You certainly did an excellent job.
Nur A., Singapore
Monday Motivators
I forward the (Monday Motivators) to my colleagues. I feel motivated after reading the articles and look forward to reading the next one. Once again, my heartfelt thanks to you Joan. I will certainly put them into practice.
Nur A., Singapore
Thank Your For Pushing Me Out Of My Box
I have received Joan's Monday Motivators ever since I took the Star Achievement series. MM has provided me with very valuable information to deal with all my day-to-day activities in my position.
I truly appreciate all of (Joan's) efforts to "push me out of my box" and strive to be the best I can be both here at work and at home.
Diane, Cedar Rapids Iowa
Looking forward to Monday Motivators
I always find something that "rings a bell," solves a problem, or is just interesting to read.
I have shared your site with many and hope they enjoy Monday Motivators as much as I do.
Thank you.
Mary Ellen
I saw Joan in Indianapolis, IN
I'm only on Chapter 3 of your new book, but have already gained a book's worth of ideas, inspirations, and building blocks.
Jenny Knoebel, Indianapolis IN
I'm Hooked on Office Dynamics
Having been hooked on John Maxwell books for the last 6 years, (after seeing Joan speak) I am now hooked on Office Dynamics and all it has to offer.
Jenny Knoebel, Indianapolis IN
Positive Conversation Skills
Ever since I attended the World Class Assistant seminars and learned about positive conversation, I have especially considered using "and" instead of "but". I've noticed quite a difference in reactions and responses when I pay attention to this effective technique, whether I use it at work, in conversations with family, or writing papers for school. I cherish this lesson that you've taught me, and am glad to see you continue to teach it.
Annette Anderson
Reach for the Stars!
I just bought your new book & I love it! Keep up the good work, I love watching you reach for the stars in your business, professional & personal life. "Here's to great women, may we know them, may we raise them & may we be them."
Shelly Keith, Sandia National Labs, Albuquerque NM
Underneath It All
Joan, I really enjoyed the book (Underneath It All). You nailed what assistants need to do in order to become a professional strategic partner.
Brenda Mason, Columbus Ohio
World Class Assistant
I really feel like this session changed how I feel about the administrative profession. I don't need to see my job as a stepping stone to other fields. I need to challenge myself to become more a strategic business partner. What I do is very important and worthwhile.
Sherry Morton, Nationwide
World Class Assistant
I attended a couple of seminars last week with Joan Burge in Columbus, OH and I am so energized. Normally when I attend training sessions I start out with the best of intentions and then after a few weeks my motivation crashes. This session is different. I have set up a development plan in class for myself and will be held accountable for it. It's so good to know that Joan will be following up on my successes. It is my responsibility to make the successes happen of course, but it just seems to make things more solid having someone call in a few weeks to follow up on how I'm doing.
Nancy E. Streets, Nationwide
World Class Assistant
This program was very timely for me. I've been in this field for 22 years, however only the last 2 as an executive secretary. The skills I now need to work on were addressed in this session. Joan, thank you so much for giving me the tools to grow!
Angie A. OH
Monday Motivators
I just wanted you to know how much I enjoy your Monday Motivators. It has been several years since I completed your Star Achievement series and bits and pieces pop into my head all the time, helping me cope with anything that rears up.
Veronica
Star Achievement
With a new manager I find that I'm busier than ever before and I credit Star Achievement for "putting myself out there" and volunteering to take on functions that were somewhat out of my area of expertise, but I took the risk and dove in. I'm learning new things, meeting and working with other people and also find myself mentoring a couple of young, new-to-the-workplace people who thank me all the time for helping them transition. I'm in my 28th year at my current job and intend to retire from the workplace from this job. Thank you again for your expertise, encouragement and excellent advice & training - you'll always be a special person to me.
Veronica
Star Achievement
With a new manager I find that I'm busier than ever before and I credit Star Achievement for "putting myself out there" and volunteering to take on functions that were somewhat out of my area of expertise, but I took the risk and dove in. I'm learning new things, meeting and working with other people and also find myself mentoring a couple of young, new-to-the-workplace people who thank me all the time for helping them transition. I'm in my 28th year at my current job and intend to retire from the workplace from this job. Thank you again for your expertise, encouragement and excellent advice & training - you'll always be a special person to me.
Veronica
World Class Assistant
I feel more confident and valuable. It has given me ideas that have helped me improve my skills, therefore I have been given a promotion and a raise.
Marina
World Class Assistant
Part of becoming World-Class is surrounding yourselves with other World Class Assistants. The continued networking, sharing of best practices, and interaction with others at my level outside my organization- is truly invigorates and motivates me I’ll return refreshed with new ideas to put into action.
Celeste
World Class Assistant
I feel very energized, I can't wait to get back and put all the new things into place and get on the fast track to the next level.
Nicole
World Class Assistant
This was the best class I have ever taken. My interest never waned. I was excited to start each day. The people attending were great and Joan is awesome (meaning poised, intelligent and personable). She really knows the field and where we are coming from.
Angela
World Class Assistant
Joan you created a program full of information that is so relevant to today’s admin professionals. You have walked in our shoes and you now give us the skills to be the best we can be. You are a wonderful example of success! Thank you!
Cathy
World Class Assistant
This is something that I can take home. I like to joke and say that I am shy while at the same time I would like to become [better] at speaking in public. I will lose the joking about being shy. I feel that it is holding me back from obtaining my goal. I really enjoyed the workshop. I am excited and I can’t wait to begin applying what I learned to my Day to Day operations.
Patsy
Monday Motivator
Thank you so much for today’s “Monday Motivator” on persistence. I have been struggling with wanting to accomplish some things in my life, but have been fighting the mindset of feeling inadequate, which has stopped me from wanting to achieve my dreams. Reading what you had to say about persistence and “never, never give up” has just given me the boost I need to get going once again. If what you had to say was only meant for me, I thank you! Keep up the good work, and thank you for encouraging so many people.
Renee
World Class Assistant
I personally want to thank Joan Burge and Office Dynamics for developing such a great successful program for Admins that is truly “World Class” in itself. This by far exceeded my expectations and it made me feel as though I was an executive of my company myself. I always knew I was important as are all Administrative Professionals, but Joan, you proved it with the level of quality of your program. We truly thank you for being a “World Class” teacher and mentor to us all.
Sandra
World Class Assistant
Joan is the perfect instructor. Because she has been an assistant. she knows the challenges we face. She offers an effective, efficient way to manage our time and resources…excellent presentation. Thank you Joan!
Shelly
World Class Assistant
What a positive, energizing, thoughtful, tip-filled experience! I can’t wait to go back to work and do a better job. I am thinking about myself as a professional with a valuable career. I am excited about where I can go in my future.
Katherine
World Class Assistant
Being together with such a great group of women who take pride in who they are already, but are also eager to help themselves grow in their profession and to make their company and workers better, was a wonderful experience. I learned more about myself and what I can contribute to help my managers grow and standout in the company.
Lilah
World Class Assistant
I found this seminar opened my eyes in several areas. Everything was presented well and easy to understand. The style profile really hit home, and I now understand certain aspects of myself that I did not understand before. Joan is a wonderful teacher and I would definitely participate in another one of her classes.
Christina
World Class Assistant
Joan was great! Nothing more needs to be said. The program was “perfect” and truly added real value toward my career objectives. The program also allowed me to look into myself and pull those strengths that have been hidden for a long time. I can move forward with even more confidence and assurance.
Gerri
World Class Assistant
The club is beautiful, the scenery relaxing. Don’t change – it’s a great change of pace. The Become a World Class Administrative Assistant seminar was the most beneficial seminar I’ve ever attended. The materials and content were timely and accurate, providing me with real-life scenarios and answers. I walked away from the seminar rejuvenated – enjoying my profession again with a renewed desire to strategically partner with my executives. I can’t wait to get back to the office to put things into practice.
Lisa
World Class Assistant
I was a little skeptical attending this class thinking it would be just like all the other boring conferences I’ve attended over the years. Joan’s class is miles above all the others, and I would recommend this to anyone who wants to be a better Administrative Assistant or needs some fresh ideas to bring to their office. Thank you for bringing professionalism back into our lives….and a touch of class too!
Tammy
Become an Inner Circle Assistant Tour
To be honest it was one of the best seminars I have attended. The attendees where great and Joan was awesome. She was motivating and inspiring and reminded me of some very important things. Most seminars I have attended are not at this level. I appreciated her honesty and encouragement.
attendee, Chicago IL