Testimonials

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

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

Joan's WCA classes are electrifying and 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

 

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 

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

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

I feel refreshed; this course continued to help me strive to be a world class admin.
- Kimberly

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, Director Administration & Development

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

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

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 and personal life. "Here's to great women, may we know them, may we raise them & may we be them."
- Shelly

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

Thank you, once again, for opening my mind to opportunities already inside of me. You just helped me find them.
- Christina

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

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 

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

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

I have been promoted three times since working with Joan as my personal excellence coach.
- Jennifer

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

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

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

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

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

Your program made a difference. I am a different person with sharper skills and the right attitude about getting to the next level. – Karen

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

I asked the managers to provide me with feedback at some point if they had seen changes in their admins. One stood up immediately and said, 'I don’t need to wait until later. I can tell you right now that Robbin came back a different person and has been continuing to shine every day since! She’s sharing what she’s learning with others and is definitely energized.'– Annette Brown, Star Achievement Facilitator

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

Thank you for bringing a quality training program to Humana. My performance at work has improved as a result, and I have been able to implement the ideas and techniques in my personal life as well. – C. V.

I have sat through many evening classes while going to college that lasted up to 3 ½ hours each night. But the 8 hours in this class did not make me feel tired, since the activities and feedback provided me with information to apply. – Vannessa

We feel that Star Achievement, coupled with the MOUS program, has had a direct impact on staff retention and staff morale, which was the goal. – Melanie

I know I was becoming complacent in how I did things, and I felt I was extremely good at what I did. The Star Achievement program made me realize I am not as good as I think I am…. That is positive – gives me something to strive for and will help me long term! – Teresa

I’m very excited and very thankful to have been part of the Star program. It really helped strengthen many of my weaknesses and enhanced my strengths – developed good assessment and strategy tools for setting goals and achieving them. I saw so much growth in everyone and me, too! – Bernadette

This series has literally changed my life. It has reinforced many of my beliefs about my work and attitude, but you have opened my eyes to so many other avenues for me to grow. – Carol

By striving to be a Star Performer on the job, I am more confident, more creative, and 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

I wanted to thank you for teaching me all those public-speaking tips, poise, confidence, organizational skills, preparedness, etc., in Star Achievement classes. I put them all to work and won our RCOPO election last night. – Frances

As I have told Learning and Development, the Star program is the most important course that I have seen that has hit Rockwell Collins in my 14 years with the company. The value of the program to the administrative staff here cannot be put into words. – Linda

I was given an opportunity to do a presentation for some upper management and impressed them all! I am shining here and, to my amazement, others in the company actually notice. I could not shine without having been in the Star Achievement program. – Tammy

Your Star Achievement class has had a lasting effect on me that no other class I’ve taken has ever had. – Cindy

I know that by attending the Star Achievement program I have elevated my position as an administrative professional, and my self-confidence has increased quite a bit. – Sheila

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

What I’ve changed as a result of Star Achievement is my whole attitude and my belief in my abilities and potential. I realize that I am a professional; it is up to me to be the best I can be, and that I am a valuable asset to my team. – Diane

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

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 

World Class Assistant is by far the best seminar in the field. Joan’s way of presenting is perfect. She is a great motivational speaker! She makes me feel I can do anything.  – Richard

I definitely have the tools and ideas I need to begin forging a strategic business partnership with my executive. – Tracy

(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

I’m a seasoned executive assistant. Joan challenged my thinking and where I see myself. I’m leaving energized, challenged and with dozens of ideas. – Linda

 

From the first minute, I was involved in this enthralling journey called WCA™. The workshop is dynamic, intense and interactive. I was very impressed with the variety of topics and creative learning methods during the 2.5 days. – Olga

Excellent – is the best word to describe this program. I loved it! Activities were a great learning tool. I read Joan Burge’s bio and was very inspired by all she has accomplished. Great, excellent, DO NOT MISS THIS program. – Kathleen

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

Excellent is the best word to describe the world class assistant program. DO NOT MISS THIS TRAINING. It was everything you’d expect and more. – Kathleen

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

Part 2 (World Class Assistant) was just what I needed to re-energize me after a challenging year.
- Carolyn

This program is AMAZING! It is a catalyst in helping to change age-old stereotypes about the administrative profession.     – Kimberly

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) 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

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

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

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

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

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

Of all the programs offered by other training companies that I’ve attended, World Class Assistant™ was much more comprehensive and intense. This program is head and shoulders above the rest! It continues to help raise the bar.                  – Jennie

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

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

I found the content in star achievement very intriguing and found myself paging ahead to see what was next. – Emily

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

This was a phenomenal training and experience! Joan has put together a very top-notch training program for executive assistants. – Rebecca

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

I’ve attended many administrative training programs, but this is by the far the most focused, detailed, and informative one. I fell that I’ve stepped up to a new level in my career. – Johanna

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

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

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

This was the best administrative class I have ever taken. My interest never waned; I was excited to start each day. – Angela

My growth from (World Class Assistant Pt1) has been tremendous. This added information will help me to excel on so many new levels.
- Jasmine

WCA was specific to my role and I was able to add several action items to my professional development plan. This workshop also provided me the opportunity to network with top-level assistants from around the world. – Amanda

Joan’s World Class Assistant™ classes are electrifying and energize you to go back and start making improvements where needed. – Tammy

Because I’ve been an executive assistant for so long, I didn’t think I could learn much. I was wrong. World class assistant was rejuvenating for me. I loved the material, hands-on activities and the networking. – Diane

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 is a great course to bolster confidence, understand communication styles and how to brand yourself to be the best admin you can be. – Carrie