What people are saying about The Goodman Center
Andy Goodman makes marketing (or communication) fun! He cuts through the gobbledygook and teaches nonprofit leaders how to tell their stories better. Andy helped Citizen Schools discover our essence and communicate more powerfully, leading to more growth and impact.
Eric Schwarz | Co-Founder and CEO, College for Social Innovation
If you haven’t seen Andy, you are probably reading off your PowerPoint slides, boring audiences with presentations devoid of stories, and are probably wasting a myriad of communications opportunities. Andy will change your life. Really. I gush about how good Andy is at getting people to “get it” so that their audience can then get them. And anyone who knows me knows, I don’t gush.
Kristen Grimm | President, Spitfire Strategies
Andy Goodman causes boards and staffs to think … inspires individuals to change behavior … and prepares organizations for success. He helped spark a dramatic turn-around of the League of Conservation Voters in the 1980s. He was a catalyst for triple-digit growth at the National Park Foundation in the 1990s. In 2008 he’s teaching zoos and aquariums new techniques to mobilize millions for wildlife conservation. Andy Goodman takes your best ideas and makes them better.
Jim Maddy | Former President and CEO, Association of Zoos and Aquariums
I had to give a presentation at a national convening and was very nervous. Thank goodness I had an opportunity to work with Kirsten. Kirsten helped me find my voice, tell the story that was speaking to me, while encouraging me to be unapologetically myself. She went above and beyond to make me feel supported throughout the entire process, even cheering me on during my presentation. The folks at the Goodman Center are outstanding at what they do!
Tanya Watkins | Executive Director, SOUL
Andy’s work is more than a wonderful resource—it’s that all-too-rare combination of rigorous education and unbridled entertainment.
Diana Aviv | CEO, Partnership for American Democracy
Kirsten brought such thoughtfulness and kindness to the process of developing our storytelling workshop. We were able to incorporate colleagues from every team within our division to make the workshop relevant to everyone, regardless of role. Our workshop centered around our Climate Change Advocacy Strategy and equitable storytelling, and it was motivating and inspiring. Our staff loved Kirsten and appreciated her warmth, sense of humor, and encouraging demeanor. We hope to work with the Goodman Center again in the future to improve the stories we tell for the sake of our global family in need.
Tim Wasem | Training Advisor, Catholic Relief Services
Andy Goodman is clear and funny and passionate and a relentless advocate for the power of storytelling. You may even find yourself telling a story about the power of his mastery.
Katherine Fulton | Former President, Monitor Institute
In person, Andy Goodman is wise, smart, practical, funny and totally effective. Online, he’s better.
Andrew Sharpless | Chief Executive Officer, Oceana
There are precious few places for public service organizations to go to for top notch training in presenting the complexities of our work. In a sector overflowing with scientists and policy analysts, Andy is quick to remind us that we are not the audience! His practical and entertaining sessions leave you confident and ready to get the word out about our important work. As a fellow communications professional, this is a skill we are in need of developing as a sector if we are to truly break through the clutter.
Vikki Spruill | President and CEO, New England Aquarium
Andy Goodman changed the way we think about our work and the way we talk about our work. His approach to storytelling is a powerful tool for seeing your work afresh, and for telling the world what you do. Best of all, Andy doesn’t want to hoard what he knows — he conveys and shares his approach with great humanity and humor. You will not be disappointed, and unlike so many other trainings, you will use what you learn . . . all the time.
John Gomperts | Former President, America’s Promise Alliance
As someone who is at best an intermittent public speaker – Kirsten’s support as an insightful and precise professional strategist was invaluable to me. She listened intently to my topic and guided me toward a logical and well-flowing speech structure. She made me feel confident as the process went on and I know the TED-style talk ended up being both beautiful and inspiring because of her guidance. Advice and engagement with the Goodman Center exceeded my expectations and I warmly recommend Kirsten as a communications professional.
Sonja Merrild | Director of Grants, Blandin Foundation
I have known Andy Goodman for over two decades and have been a client of his on several occasions. Andy has conducted workshops for me both at Warner Bros. and for the Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC). In that capacity, he was an excellent teacher, communicator and motivator. He was also engaging, smart and (happily) funny.
Alan Horn | Former Chairman, Walt Disney Studios
I was already comfortable at the front of a room, but in just a couple of hours, Andy helped me (and about 200 other trainees) think differently about the craft of presenting, and I know we walked away better presenters for it.
Lawrence Bender | Producer, An Inconvenient Truth
We anticipated an inspiring and meaningful presentation, and Kirsten delivered! Her presence was an integral part of our efforts to highlight the importance of storytelling. Kirsten played such a critical role in our event. I am confident that with motivation from leaders like her, our Y will continue impacting lives for generations to come.
Victor Dominguez | President & CEO, YMCA LA
Andy Goodman is a uniquely gifted storyteller. He is a master teacher and strategist. And he is a joy to work with, the rare consultant with the ability to make everyone around him smarter (or at least feel that way). He has helped us find our most powerful stories, tell them in the most compelling ways, and use them to begin to rally a generation.
Marc Freedman | Founder/CEO, Encore.org
Kirsten listens deeply with her whole self; she helps clients understand not only how the words in their message land, but how they make their audience feel. And — she makes the process of writing a speech feel easy! I would work with Kirsten again in a heartbeat.
Aria Florant | Co-Founder, Liberation Ventures
We were set to give one of the first public talks on our work, and Kirsten’s leadership, thoughtfulness, and advice not only provided us with the confidence we needed but also pushed us to tell a story that brought our work to life. In just three sessions, Kirsten ensured that we were more than prepared to give a compelling speech. We’re currently thinking of ways for them to help our partners and us further!