Testimonials
Speaking and Leading Workshops:
“Marianna, just wanted to take a moment to thank you for all of the wonderful work you have done in the past and continue to do at NYU’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies’ Center for Career Education and Life Planning. Your consistently good evaluations from your students is proof positive of commitment and dedication to adult learning. With such courses as, “Introduction to Self-Hypnosis”, “Find Your Inner Life Coach”, “Goal Imagery”, and “Happy at Last: Attracting a Healthy Love Relationship” — you have created a cadre of course offerings unmatched by other adult learning institutions and centers in New York City. Thank you for your time, energy, and insight into the adult learning world — and keep up the good work! Again, many thanks.”
Mr. Dean Williamson, New York University Director, School of Continuing and Professional Studies
“…an outstanding teaching style to an innovative topic, Hypnosis… evaluations from participants were excellent.”
Pam Wejman, Program Coordinator, Continuing Education Division of the Smithsonian Institution
“Marianna has a delightful way of connecting with the group. Some call it charisma, others call it charm; Marianna has demonstrated that quality time and time again. Marianna is flexible in her presentations, often taking time to accommodate the individual needs of a group. Since 1995, she has been an asset to our organization.”
Jillian LaVelle, Founder & CEO of The International Association of Counselors and Therapists (IACT)
“Thanks for such a thought-provoking and interactive seminar on leadership skills. The students were engaged and really enjoyed your role playing exercises. At the end of the class, your immediate impact and effectiveness was demonstrated through the students’ statements on what it means to be a real leader.”
Felicia Carty, The New York Urban League, Junior Achievement of New York,The Carty Consulting Group “Opportunity Rocks” Summer Program
“Dr. Marianna Lead, our Chapter President, gave the presentation on leadership and did an excellent job. She really started off the ICF-NYC Coaching Symposium 2006 on a high standard!”
Phyllis Rosen, Director of Credentialing, ICF-NYC
“I would like to thank all of the ICF-NYC life coaches for their participation in Fitness Magazine’s You Can Do It! Agency Challenge… I would especially like to thank Marianna Lead for her inspiring speech.”
Jeanette O’Shea, Promotion Director, Fitness Magazine
“Marianna, you are a gem! The students at the Bank of America Youth Entrepreneur Expo really enjoyed your workshop – ‘Coach Yourself to Success: Clarifying Your Goals and Creating an Action Plan’. Several of them even came up to me and told me how much they liked it. The moderator said the flow was excellent, too. Great job!”
Dan Koifman, Program Manager, Bank of America Youth Entrepreneur Program
“Thanks for the wonderful ‘Leadership Effectiveness & Teambuilding’ workshop you gave to our staff of over 60 camp counselors. You brought a tremendous amount of fun to learning leadership skills and how to be a good team player. Everyone especially enjoyed your ‘Rumor Stoppers’ and your role-playing exercises for dealing with parents, other camp counselors and kids. It was educational and inspiring.”
Anna Bronfman, Program Director of Youth Services, Shorefront YM-YWHA
“Marianna Lead is an excellent, articulate, imaginative speaker who always gives heartfelt and creative presentations. I highly recommend her as a guest for your program. She is one of my favorite guests we’ve had on our program.”
Rachel Spratt, Producer, The Gary Null Show
“Marianna’s seminars, workshops and keynote speeches, as well as her work as a coach will clearly benefit any organization or function.”
Patricia Daniels, Inspirational Speaker
“I just wanted you to know how terrific and valuable I found your presentation. You truly are passionate and knowledgeable on the subject of human nature. ..I have already begun experiencing the benefits of applying your lessons to my own life.”
Jonathan Flaks, Business Coach
“…Her animation, enthusiasm and erudition kept us informed and entertained from beginning to end. If you get the chance to see or hear her, I’d recommended not passing up the opportunity.”
Jeff Mordkowitz
“Marianna’s ideas on the subconscious are thought provoking and have practical application. Plus, her speaking style is both engaging and entertaining.”
Suzanne Aptman
“I want to thank you for a really life-changing class! Even though the content was fascinating you made it even more so by injecting great fun and personal experience…Marianna,I have to say that I’m enjoying every part of what you’re doing. .. Every area of my life is being affected by this class. Just this morning, I didn’t react to something, thinking how else I could see this, and it averted a misunderstanding. I’m using the tools in all conversations, and am thinking through what I want out of them beforehand. I may have a harder time applying & thinking on my feet in front of a group, but in my personal & business conversations, this is changing my experiences dramatically & dynamically. I feel more empowered with these tools to create what I really want…I’ve been using these tools in every area of my life and they’re really working! Very powerful stuff…Thank you…”
Marie Maybury, NYU Student
“To be honest I thought the course would be a lot drier (read boring) but am pleasantly surprised to find I’m really enjoying your class! The tools I’m learning are helping me be more present and aware in conversations both business & personal.”
Nancy Polstein, NYU Student
“I had a chance to practice the ‘goal imagery’ exercise that you showed us last week and it worked surprisingly well. I am still using many of the techniques we discussed in class and they are all giving me a better grasp and more control over of what I am doing.”
Mike Stanton, NYU Student
“Marianna Lead is a capable hypnotherapist and mentor coach who has high integrity and standards. I am proud to have her as a colleague.”
Paulette Rao, MCC, Executive Coach
“I was a student in Marianna’s class (Interpersonal Communication Skills) while going for my certification in Human Resource Management at NYU. I enjoyed Marianna’s class tremendoulsy, and she has continued to be source of inspiration and motivation to me for my career. Marianna is an exceptional professor and coach who is very passionate about her field. She is very engaging, personable, and goes above and beyond to ensure her students benefit from the class material and exercises done. The class was very fun and interactive, and I learned a lot regarding effective coaching, networking and communication techniques; it added much value and the lessons learned have made me a better person, both professionally and personally. The remarkable thing about Marianna is that she truly cares about her students and clients, wants them to be they can possibly be and invests much time in helping them meet their goals. I highly recommend her as a professor, coach and mentor.”
Lorelle Nevils, NYU Student
“Marianna is dynamic and provides great value. She is truly inspirational and has motivated me and many of us to achieve much more than we would have ever thought possible.”
Barbara Kushner, MD, NYU Student
“… I’m really enjoying your class! The tools I’m learning are helping me be more present and aware in conversations both business & personal.”
Nancy Polstein, NYU Student
“Marianna and I have know each other for several years as leaders of our respective ICF chapters (NYC and New Jersey, respectively). Marianna and I have also collaborated professionally in bringing coaching services to senior executives in a number business networking settings. Marianna is a consumate professional and delightful person.”
Richard Allan Canter, PCC, Executive & Leadership Coach
“Marianna’s energy, commitment, focus and drive make her a dynamic leader, trainer, facilitator and entrepreneur. Anyone who has the good fortune of working with her or participating in one of her many course offerings and trainings will not be disappointed. Satisfaction and value guaranteed.”
Barbara Russo, President, Barbara Russo STRATEGICS
“Marianna Lead is a master at her profession. She is an energetic creator of programs and a valued resource to her clients.”
Sharon Good, Author of “Creative Marketing Tools for Coaches” and Career Coach
“Marianna is one of my most creative, insightful, and passionate colleagues. She is incredibly inventive and masterful at reading between the lines. Her work is essential because it helps people free the inhibitions and overcome the mental blocks that prevent them from living their lives fully. She and I served together on the board of the NYC chapter of the International Coach Federation where she was later president. We created several events at professional and cultural organizations geared to help people live better lives and to advance in their careers. She is an innovator, a go-getter, and an inspiration.”
Nancy Ancowitz, Author of Self-Promotion for Introverts® and Business Communication Coach
Coaching & Hypnotherapy Clients:
“Working with Dr. Lead inspired me take control of my own life, learn to appreciate my natural gifts, and find the courage to pursue my long-abandoned dreams. I highly recommend taking the opportunity to work with this talented and empathetic coach to anyone who has reached a critical point in their life and is standing at the cross-roads, blindfolded.”
Kalman Khodik
“Thank you for all your support. I couldn’t have done it without your help. You kept me calmed and centered while encouraging me all the way. And to think a few months ago I was at my wits end. Not on your watch………you are the best !!!!! Without coaching I might still be struggling to make it happen and figure out the best way to reach my goal. Thanks to your skillful coaching, Marianna, I now own events company and provided services to The Heisman Trophy Dinner, Macy’s Day Parade, Leo Beack Institute Gala, Matthew Shepard Foundation Benefit and Events during Fashion Week. Through these events I have met Henry Kissinger, The German President, famous designers, celebrities and worked with some of the best in the business.”
Donna McGovern, President, Grace Events
“Dr. Marianna Lead is worth more than her weight in gold … She helps you discover what you are supposed to do in life; what your path is. She puts the light on the path for you and guides you along easily and effortlessly. Dr. Lead is THE Coach.”
Gilda Sall, Tarot Reader/Coach/Educator
“Hi Marianna! everything is going so fantastic !!! I have not even been tempted to smoke since. I have referred many people to you. Thank you so much for giving me the greatest gift of my life, “I AM A NON SMOKER!!!!!”"
Geraldine McKeon
“Marianna is a skilled professional whose unique personal style provided gentle, caring support as well as strong and positive guidance. Marianna created a safe environment in which I was able to access personal healing symbols from deep within my own psyche and realize many positive changes in my behavior.”
Maria Kostelas, Award-Winning Musician
“Dr. Lead’s work is expert, thorough and effective. Dr.Lead’s soft soothing voice, healing words, powerful images and the repetitive listening to the tape optimized my ability to gain the self-confidence I needed to make a career change. I recommend her highly.”
Lucia J. Munguia, MSC, HHC, Turning Point Wellness, Certified Holistic Nutrition Counselor
“Everything is going exceedingly well. I am really happy!!! I’ll keep you posted. How amazing. How seemingly simple. Hypnosis! I’m totally WOWED!!!! Thank you so much.”
Jennifer Bilek
“About the self-hypnosis — it takes me about 10 minutes now, but I’m amazed that I can still get into that relaxed state! This is really amazing. Thanks so much!”
Noelle Oki
“Marianna is an amazing Life Coach. She helped me a great deal and is a true professional. She is positive, empowering and a beautiful person. She enables you to be the best you can be while she supports and encourages you along the way.”
Donna McGovern
Hypnotherapy Training Alumni:
“I have appreciated your approach to hypnosis, rational and not a “mystical” one. I have appreciated your spontaneous, natural behavior, your knowledge on the topics related to hypnosis and psychology. I enjoyed the class very much and I’d like to thank you with all my heart.”
Elzbieta Tracewicz, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist
“Dr Lead is masterful at what she does…I highly recommend her workshop for all people both interested in learning about hypnosis and those who want to become professionals and assist in healing people.”
Ira Dressner, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist and the Founder of ICF-NYC
“I have had a pleasure of taking several classes with Dr Lead. She did an excellent job presenting information in a clear, engaging and accessible manner. In addition, Dr. Lead was able to present an incredible amount of information within a limited time frame, while succeeding in ensuring sufficient practice. Even now, several years later, I am still able to recall most of the information that she presented! I would strongly recommend Dr. Lead as a talented instructor, as well as a warm and supportive mentor.”
Marina Shikhman, Social Worker and Researcher
“Marianna is exceptional in teaching hypnosis. Her course changed my life. It not only changed the way I think and feel but it also changed the relationship I have with and to other people. It deepened my understanding of communication as well as empathy. Everything Marianna taught me will only help me become a better student of life as well as further my studies of becoming a Social Worker, Counselor, and Hypnotherapist. Thank You for teaching this valuable course. You are an amazing teacher and I feel blessed to be a part of the journey.”
Heike Zelnhefer, MSW
Coach Training Students & Alumni:
“Dr. Lead brings to the table advanced insight, wisdom and expertise. As a colleague, and recipient of her coaching, she has enabled me to bring to the surface thinking and solutions that were stuck deep in my mind and otherwise consumed by “day to day” life. Dr. Lead speaks with purpose and clarity, with each and every word counting towards navigating the client through their thoughts, which is the ultimate spirit of coaching. Her questions are pivotal, and she has found a way to translate this talent into an outstanding class modality. As an experienced coach and OD practitioner I would put both my personal and professional reputation behind this class.”
Jennifer F. Muccioli, MBA, Director, Development Coach, Ernst & Young
“A passionate teacher, Marianna inspires her students to help transform the lives of their clients through coaching. She is inventive, insightful, and dedicated to her students. She also makes the learning process fun.”
Nancy Ancowitz, Business Communication Coach and Author of Self-Promotion for Introverts®
“Marianna creates a warm, friendly, nurturing environment for her coaching classes. In a short time you cover a lot of diverse material, and Marianna makes that all manageable. She explains things clearly and thoroughly. A big part of the class is practicing sessions and you want as much experience as you can get, even if at first you feel hesitant and unsure. Marianna moves you into the process gradually and with lots of encouragement and instruction so that everything is workable and enjoyable. Marianna has a wonderful sense of humor and an ability to roll with whatever students need in the moment. The teleconference class format worked well for me. I much prefer being on my couch listening and learning than traveling and then sitting on a hard classroom chair. If you want to enter the coaching profession, Marianna provides an excellent way to achieve that goal.”
Carol Mischke, Spiritual Counselor & Hypnotist
“Marianna, I wanted you to know how much I have enjoyed your Coach Training Course. Your teaching style makes this class not only educational but fun, as well. At the end of this training I know that I am well qualified and confident to be an excellent Coach myself. I would recommend your class to anyone who wants to earn their Coaching Certification from the best.”
Sherrie E. Austin, Certified Hypnotist & Educator
“I learned so much in Dr. Lead’s class. She makes the coaching process very clear and focused. The exercises and live coaching gave me tools I began using immediately in my practice. She is very organized, concise, handles questions and discussions with great expertise and gives you the feeling of being part of a supportive environment. I recommend her work enthusiastically.”
Oscar Gillespei, Ph.D.
“I was thoroughly impressed with the knowledge Marianna shared with us and her expertise in the field. I am already incorporating some of the tools she taught us to expand my practice. These techniques can really help clients improve in all areas of their lives. I highly recommend her course to anyone who is interested in including coaching skills into their practice. I look forward to taking her 7-month professional life/career coach training course in the future. Thanks, Marianna.”
Lynn Whitmire
“I enjoyed and got a lot out of it, as always.”
Dr. Bonnie H. Howell
“Thank you for everything you put into this offering. I thoroughly appreciate all of your effort, experience and skill.”
Andrea Kremko
“I really enjoyed taking this course and I am looking forward to using the
techniques I learned in my practice. Thank you.”
Louise Klimczak
Being a Coaching Community Leader:
“Marianna, thanks so much for working with me to create a wonderful panel last week. I value the relationship we’re building between ICF and NYU and also value our continuing enjoyable working relationship. Looking forward to more.”
Howard Greenstein, New York University Sr. Director, New Program Development
Participants of the Fitness Challenge said about ICF-NYC coaches, and the president of ICF-NYC, Dr. Marianna Lead: “They have all brought with them the encouragement, the skills, and tools needed to help each one of us individually!”
“Thank you for being such a driving force in the coaching industry.”
Deborah Brown-Volkman
“Thank you for being such a great force in the field of coaching!”
Karlin Sloan, Author of “Smarter, Faster, Better”
“Not only was yesterday educational but it was also very enjoyable. ..Thanks again for putting together such a terrific conference.”
Renee Rosenberg
“Marianna, you’re helping to make coaching understood at a deeper level. Keep up the good work – it helps all of us!”
Lillian Coury, PCC, CIC, life and business coach
“Thanks for all the emails, follow-ups, reminders, acknowledgements, and the hard work you’ve put in so far with everything. I don’t know how you do it, but it is amazing!”
Michael Weitz, Vice President, ICF-NYC
“Thank you for making “Laughter As a Life Skill” such a great success. Also, for your great enthusiasm and desire to make a world a better place.”
Yakov Smirnoff, Stand-up Comic and Actor
