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"I've been involved trying to make a difference in education. You're probably the best that I've seen. "
Peter Jones, Dragons Den
"Since meeting and being introduced to Gavin Oattes and Tree of Knowledge in August we have used a number of their development tools within our business with fantastic results. Quality of product and after care service is of paramount importance to us here at British Gas and from Tree of Knowledge it has always been excellent. The Apodo system is used on a large scale within our business to help encourage our people to develop and think differently but also to see the science behind the activity to ensure the learning is embedded. We’ve used the system to hold daily buzz sessions, at team away days and to also help with Leadership recruitment. The system is quite simply amazing!"
Ann Smith, Development Consultant, British Gas
"Best leadership event EVER!"
Jen Henderson, Learning Consultant, T-Mobile
"Fantastic, the course opened my mind to the possibilities of the possible. Gavin has a tremendous style that makes and puts fun and its benefits back to its rightful place at the front of your mind."
Colin Neill, Diageo
"The day went really well - Gavin created a real fun, relaxed climate. I think it was what was needed in terms of raising challenges and associated opportunities yet not getting bogged down in the usual action plans. From my perpsective the Course met our needs and more than exceded our expectations and Gavin's delivery style is quite unique in the world of 'training'. This has been a great 'first step' to help this team take things forward together."
Denise Johnson, NHS Grampian
"Energised and full of new ideas to take back to the office. Thank you, time flew, want to now try some of the ideas with my new team."
Steve Hand , Santander
“The Apodo has proved the power of fun really can enhance behaviours, attitudes and harness key business competencies. We use the Apodo for motivational team building sessions and also incorporate activities into current workshops and our management development programmes. We strive to provide positive people development, the Apodo offers an innovative, creative, and above all, a fun way of doing this.”
Melissa McLaughlin, Harvey Nichols Regional Stores Ltd
"Thank you for an entertaining and thought-provoking after-dinner session which the audience thoroughly loved. I’ve had many people come up to me (including Amey Directors) to say that they loved your session. However, a few said you did frustrate them a little as they couldn’t fathom out how you did it!"
Nigel Daly, Amey Academy
"We are really enjoying the APODO, I have used it in some way in every training session I have delivered since it arrived and other managers across the business are using it in team meetings as well. Some of the exercises have even made it into recruitment, our group assessment events. It’s a really good tool. What I like about it that it does add something different to training and it allows for a more creative environment,"
Claire Chan, Personal Group
"Thank you for your participation in being one of our dinner speakers at our recent National Manufacturing Conference. The event was a great success and the feedback so far has been very positive. Your presentation was pure enjoyment and engaging but strong message around stress, challenge and motivation in the workplace. You could see the impact the following day with the Tree of Knowledge stand being particularly busy and many people talking about purchasing Apodos."
Nick Shields, Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service
"Very clear examples of how to apply theory. Having studied Management I was fully aware of the 'theory' side of fun, but was always a bit cynical. Good to hear about the benefits in a more real way. Really useful."
Rachael Neill, St Andrews University
"Amazing! Refreshing! Motivated to make work fun! Inspired! Loved it! Wish all L&D providers used same fantastic approach."
Liz Chadwick, Stockport Homes
"I have never seen these concepts facilitated in such a way as this. Fun, interactive and exciting."
Ingrid Gemmell, Dumfries and Galloway Council
"It was a brilliant day with some hard hitting messages. The day was buzzing, full of laughter and the admin staff I have met since Friday have approached coming in to work quite differently. We have received a lot of emails from the staff who attended the event saying 'what a fantastic day' 'I am going to do this.....I am going to do that....' Staff have come up to see us to reiterate what a great day what a fabulous way to learn and when asked how they are their response is now ' fantastic'."
Kath McCabe, Care Inspectorate
"Fantastic activities, brilliant location (how can you not have fun at the zoo?). The examples discussed at the session have made me look differently at my thinking."
Lynne Henderson - FMC Technologies
"Vibrant! It was lots of fun, and the message was never lost! A fresh look at what and how we think about can impact on all aspects of life."
Debbie Leishman - MGT PLC
"I really enjoyed the course and have never had anything like it. It was very interesting motivating and inspirational. I would recommend to anyone."
Carol Cairns, Edinburgh Chamder of Commerce
"Very engaging workshop that would work well in the corporate world."
Laura Halliday, Lloyds Banking Group
"Really inspired and energised. I want to share this experience with my team."
Fiona Graham, NHS Lothian
"Fantastic session that should be delivered to all workplaces and schools. Leaves you feeling you can accomplish your dreams."
Jennifer Murray, Carnegie College
"The session was fun and enjoyable. Definitely something to consider doing with our team and to signpost clients to."
Alice Jones, Investors in People
"I really think what you guys do is brilliant. I had to fight to do what I do for a living and so many people I know just give up! You guys can really make people believe in themselves."
Lisa Mathieson, Actress
"This is something I and a number of people I know, both personally and professionally could benefit from. A cracking interactive morning! Good mix of interaction, knowledge sharing and humour."
Adrian Lawrence, Lloyds Banking Group
"Uplifting and eye opening"
Noreen Daglish, Tesco.com
"Ready to rock 'n' roll!"
Bryan Leslie, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce
"The morning has flown by! Great informal atmosphere, fabulous learning environment and a great positive vibe."
Nicola Moir, Scottish Police College
"It's like a training course in a comedy club - brilliant! The most fun i've had on a training course ever, and it was really beneficial too."
Pamela Paton, Alliance Trust PLC
" Happier, enjoyed fully, very thought provoking. Lots of laughter, everyone relaxed, everyone engaged quickly, points made were strong and valid. Would recommend, there are very few businesses who would not benefit!"
Christine Connor, Bank Santander
"An energetic presentation that brightened up my Friday. Excellent and look forward to inviting Gavin to present at First State."
Karen Macleod, First State Investments
"Happy, motivated, eager to go and share my learning experience. I would love Tree of Knowledge to deliver to all my colleagues."
Katie Harrison, NHS Lothian
"Great course, very positive, motivating, upbeat and fun. Look forward to working with you in the future."
Adrian King, Remax
"Positive, cheerful, enthusiastic, relaxed, great fun, excellent presenter, lots to think about!"
Francis Gray, Fife Council
"Positive - want to share the inspiration with others. Thank you - I really enjoyed this, I want all my team to attend this course."
Donna Park, Scottish Natural Heritage
"Restored my faith in courses - I come from an education background where most courses I go on are a clear example of what not to do with adults and children! Positive, motivated and ready to enjoy life again."
Julie Bell, Abacus Educare
“Motivated, Impressed, wonder why all seminars in the world are not like this? Would like to see more of ToK in the business community"
Claire Owens, Fife Chamber of Commerce
“I think everyone should start their day like this. Gavin gave a hugely entertaining and very poignant presentation to a mixed group and managed to keep everyone engaged - great talent!.”
Carol Rutherford,The Scotsman Publications Ltd