Based on our experience we would unhesitatingly recommend Aviva and Spark Training and Coaching Associates as excellent sources of training in Business Etiquette and related fields.”

- W. Allan Methven - Vice President, Verity International Limited Toronto, Ontario

As the founding director of a humanitarian organization I am faced with many difficult issues. As my coach, Caroline opened my eyes to ways and means of dealing with these challenges both professionally and personally. She is a most intuitive person and able to draw upon a vast amount of knowledge and information from the West, her Caribbean background and what seemed like the entire globe. I am thankful I met Caroline. She has brought important change to my life. She has helped me think differently. What else could one ask for in a coach?! Thank you Caroline. 

- A. Rosensweig- Founding Director, Ve'ahavta: The Canadian Jewish Humanitarian & Relief Committee 
 

I have asked Aviva to work with my staff to ensure they understand my goals and practice as well to get a better understanding as to how I work and areas where my practice could use improvement. My support staff work with me day-to-day so they can see some of the weaknesses. They have been more predisposed to disclose those gaps to Aviva than they might have to me. The assessment tools she used with my staff has helped both them and me understand their strengths, motivators and frustrations. This understanding has made me a better manager and has made my staff happier and more productive as well.

Knowing I have a regular meeting coming up with Aviva ensures that I have to complete my assignments. For a self employed independent business person like myself, this accountability helps keep me focused.

Aviva has a keen understanding of the financial services business and has a methodical process based approach to managing the business end of my sales organization.

She picks up cues that might be minor and can see through the haze to help me better understand why I am not reaching all of my goals. She is firm, yet flexible and I look forward to our regular meetings that keep me grounded and focused towards achieving my objectives.

-Larry K. Berdugo CFP, CLU, Ch.F.C. - President, Berdugo Financial IFCG - Toronto, Ontario

"Caroline is an excellent career/life coach. Her coaching and knowledge is a very valuable asset to anyone regardless of career advancement or personal growth. I would highly recommend her to anyone. It is a pleasure to work with her and I look forward to our working sessions." 

Dexture Iusi, Gensler – San Diego

Thank you so much for the “leadership discovery journey” you took me through. It has helped me enormously!

Gaining a better understanding of my strengths and opportunities has improved my confidence as a leader and it has helped me determine where I want to grow from here.

What I appreciate most about working with you is the fact that you really seem to understand my business needs and that you tailor the tools we use accordingly. So at the end of the day, I feel really clear about what I need to do to achieve my management objectives.

I am very excited about the other programs you have to offer and I can see you becoming a valuable resource to me and my team in our pursuit of excellence. In the immediate term, I am really looking forward to your business etiquette course - which I think will provide very practical insights into how we can strengthen our relationships and interactions with our clients.

Thanks again for your incredible insights, effort, and attention to detail. I look forward to working together in the future.

-Lee Rand - President, Rand Research Corporation, Toronto

"Having a coach has helped me to figure out what it is that I need to do in order to have a balanced and happy life."

-Reh Bhanji CFP - Desjardins Financial Security

Since I started working with Spark Training and Coaching Associates, I have tried some new ways of taking care of myself that are really working. I think I would have been stuck in the same old rut if it hadn't been for our coaching sessions. Specifically, Caroline encouraged me to try some new fitness activities. I'm now taking hot yoga classes three times a week with great benefits to my health and I've joined a belly dancing class which is sheer joy!

Caroline also gave me a tremendous amount of help with various issues with my three teenage children. She has empowered me to start a new project at my children's high school which will increase the students' and teachers' awareness of diversity issues.

Caroline also helped with some business goals by helping me design a team building activity. She was the guest speaker at the activity and was extremely well-received by my guests, one of whom has set a goal to become a motivational speaker!"

-P. Trainor - President Trainor and Associates

“Karen’s abilities as a facilitator made the course successful. Karen is an extremely energetic, dynamic and motivational individual. She has the unique ability to transfer this same energy and enthusiasm to her participants.”

-Letitia Wilson - HB Group Insurance Management Ltd, Mississauga ON

Dear Caroline,

I’m so happy we met when we did. Your services were just what I needed at that point in my life. Thank you for your support over the last few months. It was invaluable.

I wish you all the best with everything that is dear to you.

Thank you!

-Karen Robinson - Life Strategist, Living Well Strategies - Toronto 

“Karen is one of the most accomplished facilitators in the training and development business. She has an in-depth understanding of how adults learn, and is a very effective designer and developer of training programs. I highly recommend Karen as a facilitator.”

- Norman L. Trainor - The Covenant Group, Toronto, ON

“Karen’s abilities as a facilitator made the course successful.  Karen is an extremely energetic, dynamic and motivational individual. She has the unique ability to transfer this same energy and enthusiasm to her participants.”

- Letitia Wilson -  HB Group Insurance Management Ltd, Mississauga ON

"Excellent! A seminar that met all of my expectations for my job. The program exceeded 100%. I believe I will not only apply this knowledge to my office, but in all aspects of my daily life."

- Maria Antonieta -  La Construction, Santiago, Chile

"Thanks Aviva! Your workshops were extremely helpful to me. Being in sales, time really is money so I'm very concerned about taking time away from my clients to spend in a training session. I can tell you without a doubt that your workshops were definitely an investment that paid off.

I am more focused than ever about using my time effectively to benefit my clients and my business. My staff are grateful as well! Since you've trained me to a more effective leader, my business is running more smoothly and I'm better able to recognize and develop the talent of my team. Everyone wins!"

-Ray Johnson - Ray Johnson and Associates Inc. Insurance and Financial Services

“James is a very perceptive, giving, and flexible coach -- to work with him is to enter into an empowering relationship where you have someone supporting you unconditionally in your personal goals. My own needs -- which I had long been discounting -- were being powerfully validated. His observations were always on the mark, and I have benefited from the clear sighted perspectives he was able to share with me.”

-Kathy Lim -  CIBC, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce

"In working with James for 12 months my eyes have been opened to possibilities I wasn't even previously aware of. Starting with an examination of how I live my life outside of the office, James gradually brought me to a deep understanding of what I want out of work (and life!) and what I need to do to get there. Our coaching sessions have given me new tools to problem-solve with and new ways of ensuring that I keep focused on what I know is most important to me. The value of this process and the value of James' mentorship have proved tremendous for me!"

- Alex Khan -  Senior Sales Execuive, Q9 Networks

Thank you Caroline. With Personal Coaching you have showed me how to balance my personal and business life. Being a Real Estate Sales Representative there are many personal factors needed to close a deal. With coaching I have boosted my confidence to a level that makes any client dealing with me very comfortable. Thanks again Caroline for a great job.

-Arthur Sercan - Sutton Real Estate, Toronto, Ontario

"If you do not know where you are going any road will do. Coaching has helped me to define where I want to go and how I want to get there. It has helped me gain insight in both my private and professional lives so I can achieve what matters most to me."

-Carolyn Henderson - IT Services Manager, Toronto

"Through coaching I am slowly but surely overcoming the self-limiting beliefs and emotional barriers that have prevented me from living up to my full potential. Caroline has given me the edge I need to live my way into the life I dreamt of."

-Bisa Dobson - Lifestyle Coach and Personal Trainer, Focus on Fitness

"Aviva's coaching was very helpful to me in identifying and approaching business development opportunities and customizing needs-based marketing plans for potential partners. She is highly motivational, very professional in all aspects of her work and has excellent communication skills.

On a personal note, Aviva’s constant encouragement and positive energy have helped me to achieve a better balance between my business and personal life."

-Geoff Clarke -VP Direct Marketing, AIG Assurance Canada

I highly recommend Spark Training. I saw immediate results. My Clients are happier. My associates love the structure and the payback was instant. This is the best money I ever invested in my personal business.

Since working with Aviva, I have noticed a discernable difference in my business processes. She has been able to keep me focused on my primary goals by first helping me determine what they are and then by facilitating the design of a work schedule that suits my life-style.