Catherine Devrye
Location: Manly , Sydney
Country: Australia


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She has spoken on 5 continents and makes the latest research and theory come to life through practical, everyday examples. In presentations to boards or front line personnel, she combines fundamentals with fun to inspire, motivate and serve as a catalyst to produce the desired outcome. No wonder her best selling books have been endorsed by Sir Edmund Hillary, 1st man on top of Everest & Jack Canfield, co-author of 'Chicken Soup for the Soul' , Edward De Bono & Bryce Courtney

Twice voted keynote Speaker of the Year, Catherine has worked with business leaders and elite athletes. A keen sportswoman herself, she was honoured to carry the Olympic torch on the day of the opening ceremonies of the Sydney Olympics. She has, completed marathons, bicycled over the Andes & climbed 20,000 feet to the summit of Kilimanjaro in Africa-and trekked to Timbuktu. Yet, she believes the greatest challenges of all...are those we face in our everyday lives.

She fully understands your challenge of putting together a successful conference program.  Catherine won't let you down and guarantees satisfaction or a complete refund.

If you're looking for serious content, packaged and customized in a humorous manner...If you want a speaker who is easy to work with and understands YOUR needs

International Business Experience

Catherine worked for a decade with IBM. Following two years in Japan as Asia Pacific Headquarters HR Manager, she returned to Australia with a heightened awareness and commitment to quality customer service. As Customer Education Manager for Asia/South Pacific, she gained an appreciation of regional differences and current leadership issues. Earlier experience as Employee Communications and Special Events Manager provided insight into effective communication, motivational programs and conference organisation. Following IBM, Catherine was CEO of Junior Achievement - a worldwide organisation forging closer links between business and education.

Government Experience

Catherine served as a speech writer/press secretary to Ministers of Consumer Affairs and Education. Prior to that, she was responsible for all sports funding; involved in the establishment of the award-winning "Life Be In It" fitness campaign; and author of a book on sports marketing.

She was an independent board member of the 3rd largest police service in the world       

Education

Catherine holds a Master of Science degree and has attended short courses at Harvard University and the Monash/Mt Eliza Business School where she is also a frequent lecturer.

Topics                         

                                               
1. Good Service Is Good Business

  • Boost your bottom line without increasing cost . Use service to differentiate you from your competition
  • Gain market share through exceeding customer expectations . Fight complacency.... Success today does not equal success tomorrow . Increase brand loyalty by turning complaints into opportunities.
  • Make minor improvements which make major impacts
2. Conquering The Challenge Of Change
  • Change is inevitable. Learning from change is optional
  • The 7 most expensive words in business - ’We have always done it that way’
  • Turn common sense into common practice
  • Build on past success but recognize that success today doesn’t equal success tomorrow
  • Be victors from change rather than victims of change           
3. Success - Turning Obstacles Into Opportunities-Resilience for Results
  • An inspirational personal story, which can be applied to our working lives.
    From early days in an orphanage in Canada-to an education in the USA-to an international career with IBM in Japan, the Australian Executive Woman of the Year outlines:
  • We can’t always control circumstances but we can always control our attitude 
  • Focus on what you can do rather than waste energy on what you can’t do
  • Focus on the positive to produce professional and personal success  
  • Incorporating analogies from cycling over the Andes and climbing Mt.Kilimanjaro, participants are reminded not to make mountains out of molehills.
Participants will leave all sessions feeling better about themselves and their organization
 
She works to YOUR brief. Look what her clients say: 
 

ADT SECURITY

‘The definition of a first rate speaker is one who is easy to listen to, witty, and very wise. You not only kept the audience riveted - and at the right time wonderfully amused – you could see in the eyes of the audience how interesting you were. You certainly had our attention.

 

The team are still talking about the ‘lettuce’ which has become the adopted catchphrase for removing the unwanted and unnecessary from within our business. It was also clear that no one went away without having felt that something important and useful had been said.‘

 

AMERICAN EXPRESS 

‘Thank you for the tremendous contribution to our business & the participative culture we have developed. Part of our success is due to your involvement & I am most grateful.’

 

AUDIO CLINIC

As soon as she appeared on stage she had everyone’s full attention & captivated the entire audience until the very end…remarkable presenter who reinforced our key messages & delivers beyond the expected. Professional yet relaxed style. Excellent entertainer & also touches people’s hearts!

 

AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT

‘Participants enjoyed the session. But, even better, they felt what they learned would be useful in their own job situations.’

 

AUSTRADE COPENHAGEN   

‘I have only received positive feedback and I felt that my objectives of being entertaining and educational were met and individuals all appear to have taken valuable elements with them.

 

BAXTER HEALTH CARE

‘Dynamic presentation-content, style & enthusiasm were wonderfully in keeping with our philosophy and mission statement.’

 

BLUESCOPE STEEL

‘Feedback from customers was great - they all got a lot out of your talk.’

 

BP CASTROL OIL

‘Just wanted to drop you a note to gloat about how amazing Catherine was this morning.  Initial feedback has been outstanding, with our finance director saying she’s the best speaker we have ever had globally!!  She connected with our audience, nailed the brief and is a lovely lady!!’

 

BRAMBLES INDUSTRIAL SERVICES

‘What a stunning contribution! I can’t thank you enough for exceeding all the expectations and objectives that we could have dreamed for. My team was stunned by the way you took them on a journey unlike any other. Feedback was unanimous in that your presentation was the best overall.

 

BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF REMOVERS

‘Came top in evaluations…best thing since sliced bread…had audience in the palm of her hand…great message, a joy to work with and wonderfully normal.’

 

BRITISH OXYGEN COMPANY

‘Thought-provoking. You captured the minds of our senior executives and forced them to ponder the meaning of a customer service culture. Your drive for exceeding expectations was well and truly met when you then also filled in for a presenter who was running late. You managed the last minute request with grace, flexibility and quick thinking.’

 

BUNNINGS BUILDING SUPPLIES & HARDWARE

‘Spoke to a mixed audience ranging from junior staff to senior executives...all walked away inspired. We will work together again.’

 

CAMERA HOUSE

‘Delivered more than I anticipated-an action packed presentation that had the audience in fits of laughter….and also managed to deliver a business message on change with real life examples.’

 

CATHOLIC PRINCIPAL’S ASSOCIATION

Your presentation on hope & resilience in leadership, provided a personal story with lashings of good humour & helped set the tone for the conference. I was pleased that you wove the issues we spoke about at our teleconference into designing such an effective presentation

 

CLARICA INSURANCE

‘Received a well earned standing ovation from the 1,000+ audience…made my job easier.’

 

COCA-COLA SOUTH PACIFIC

‘Excellent...it was obvious she had researched our company...would use again.’

 

COMPUTER ASSOCIATES   (comments from multiple presentations)

‘As evaluations show, our investment in having you speak was money well spent-most favourable audience response from any speaker in the history of the event.’

 

DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION & TRAINING

‘Entertaining and pertinent...you certainly gave us insights & tips for our strategy.’

 

DOMINO’S PIZZA

‘Thank you for playing an important role in this year’s directionfantastic presentation & I received positive comments all night about the relevance & inspiration you gave so many people in the room.

A waitress, a cook, a dishwasher, a manager, a CEO-an INSPIRATION’

 

EMAIL

‘Exciting-not only informative, but real value which can be easily applied at work.’

 

ERNST & YOUNG

‘You gave our partner's conference a flying start and our client service objectives a great boost. Thanks also for autographing the books, as a handy reminder.’

 

FUJITSU GENERAL

‘The response from my team has been overwhelming. The many commonsense messages & ideas you delivered on teamwork, service, delivery & personal attitude really struck a chord with all.’

 

GOLDWELL COSMETICS

‘An ideal opening conference speaker’-delivering with warmth, humour and relating to personal experiences.’

 

HODDER HEADLINE PUBLISHING

‘…spoke to a team who had just seen the company downsized. Her research insured the message was targeted and in context. 12 months later the team still quote her.’

 

IBM

‘I didn't realise learning could be so much fun. Best presentation I've ever seen at IBM.’

 

IGA

‘Great entertainer as well as educator-worked well with audience.’

 

IMD INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM SWITZERLAND

‘Merci beaucoups. You were a resounding success. Brilliant! You knocked it out of ballpark & I just tweeted as much…She was just fabulous on campus and impressed our international executives.’

 

INVERELL BUSINESS AWARDS

Amazing presentation! Your messages really hit their target.  You are a true inspiration and I know you will continue to make a huge impact on many lives for years to come.

 

KIMBERLY CLARK

‘I cannot thank you enough.  Your message was engaging, fun, light and right in line with what I was looking for. Feedback was more positive than I could have even imagined.

 

KPMG SINGAPORE AND MALAYSIA     

‘Thank you for your talk on achievement strategies for success…This is the first time KPMG Malaysia or Singapore has ever given a standing ovation to any speaker since our inception in 1970’s.’

 

KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN-SHEIKA NOORA BINT KHALIFA AL KHALIFA

‘Your willingness to share your experiences and insights is highly appreciated. Thank you for bringing inspiration to the Kingdom of Bahrain.’

 

KWIK KOPY

‘We had such a great response to the breakfast, the accolades continue from customers in the form of additional orders-which is terrific. We experienced record months.’

 

LEND LEASE

‘Feedback from advisers in the field has been nothing short of remarkable-your motivational session left many re-thinking the way they add value & provide service.’

 

MERCK SHARPE & DOHME

‘Feedback from our staff has been excellent and beyond our expectations. Your session inspired many and this was evident in the comments we received in the evaluation forms.’

 

MERCEDES-BENZ

‘We had an all time record year and I’m confident you contributed to this.’

 

MICHAEL HILL JEWELLERS

‘You were able to motivate managers to achieve the best for themselves-and for us’

 

MELBOURNE MT ELIZA BUSINESS SCHOOL

‘Great-it’s a relief to know your presentations are always so well received.’

 

NEW ZEALAND EDUCATION

Catherine knocked it out of the park – the delegates loved her! She set the tone really well for the conference and had our audience buzzing.

 

NEW ZEALAND OLYMPIC FEDERATION

‘Felt such energy after your session, I've already put some ideas into practice.’

 

OBERON COUNCIL

‘First time in 10 years that anyone received a standing ovation. Your plain speaking &terrific sense of humour was appreciated by a country crowd that can see through non genuine people.’

 

OPTUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS

‘Great person to have as a last speaker-gave delegates the gift of high spirits to leave the conference.’

 

PACIFIC POWER

‘Your enthusiastic & entertaining delivery was enjoyed by all & promoted the development of many ideas for improvements.’

 

PERMAIL

‘Excellent...even the cynics thought she was terrific!’

 

RAY WHITE REAL ESTATE

‘It is indeed rare to find a guest speaker so "in tune" with our philosophies. It was      an absolute joy to have a speaker of your calibre upholding our core beliefs.’

 

RETIREMENT VILLAGE ASSOCIATION

‘Thank you for doing such a good job and making me look good.’

 

RIKKYO UNIVERSITY BUSINESS SCHOOL JAPAN

‘Your lecture was so inspiring that even now my students keep telling me about it.’

 

ROLLS-ROYCE  

A big thank you for adding value to dealer conference-not only for the content of what you presented, but also your entertaining delivery that kept everyone fully engaged and often laughing. Our partners are fully motivated with new skills and crucial reminders that will help sharpen their customer service to ensure that Rolls-Royce retains its pinnacle position in the world of automotive and luxury.

 

ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE

‘I doubt that we could have progressed as far as we have, or as quickly, without your involvement.’

 

SANOFI-AVENTIS

‘Thank you for a fantastic presentation. You were spot on the brief and captivated the audience (who had already sat through 2.5 hours) so you are truly amazing!’

 

SELF STORAGE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

‘The audience truly appreciated your delivery and message. Thanks for hitting the ball out of the park.’

 

SINGAPORE INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT 50th ANNIVERSARY LECTURE

‘A meaningful and memorable session-much positive feedback-motivational & inspirational-genuine interaction -positive attitude and energy-humorous and easy to follow’

 

SOLUS MEDICAL IMAGING...BUSINESS OF RADIOLOGY CONFERENCE

‘Your inspiring address, finely honed for our profession, was the best opening keynote we could have had...highest rated session of entire conference.’

 

THE SEMINAR COMPANY INDIA (for I-FLEX SOLUTIONS INDIA) 

The standing ovation at the end summed it up! Hip, hip hooray’ We’ll see you in India again.’

 

3M

‘Motivational, uplifting and fun!-couldn’t have had a more inspiring keynote speaker!’

 

WESTPAC FINANCIAL SERVICES

‘You sowed the seed of change... The quality program developed from these beginnings will result in a 40-50% improvement in productivity.’

 

WORLD TRIATHLON CHAMPIONSHIPS                                      

‘Inspiring messages, all providing motivation and direction.’


 

Client to provide: production / PA with lapoel microphone, projector (for powerpoint), refreshemnts and parking close to venue

 

Summary Time Price
Customised presentation plus flexi economy airfare and if more than 4 hours business class Up to 90 minutes Start From $9,350.00 Send Enquiry
1511166287