Testimonials
Ben was the introductory speaker for our company conference. His presentation started the conference off on a positive and inspiring note. He adapted his talk to the theme of the conference. He spoke very well with sincerity and authenticity. The delegates were thrilled to meet him afterward for pictures & autographs. The comments from the delegates included “excellent choice”, “inspiring & relevant”, “engaging”, “well spoken”, and “I truly enjoyed his message.”
Deb McMillan, General Manager
Diversicare Canada Management Services Co. Inc., May 2009
“I’ve known Ben Rutledge since his early days at UBC and he’s always struck me as one of those larger than life characters. World championships and Olympic gold medal aside, Ben has the ability to speak thoughtfully and humorously on a great range of topics. Ben’s name immediately arose when we were looking for a keynote speaker for a recent Vancouver Oxford and Cambridge Society gathering. And he didn’t disappoint, delivering an outstanding talk on his international rowing career and the formative influence of the British Universities on the international rowing circuit. Personal anecdotes and mishaps were thrown in for good measure, keeping those in attendance entertained at all times.
Mike Rivers-Bowerman
Membership Secretary, Vancouver Oxford and Cambridge Society April 2009
“Ben’s talk was inspirational. He is an Olympic champion with a formula for success that is simple yet profound. He suggests a plan, focus, commitment, and yes, inevitable mistakes as important vehicles teaching us how to improve. Ben’s essential message is inter-generational, applicable to the classroom and boardroom, and his radiant smile lights up the room.”
Mike Keenan
Travel Media Association of Canada, Feb 2009
“I had the privilege to not only hear Ben speak, but also to watch the faces of the boys in the audience. He had them totally immersed in his “journey” from start to finish. I would never have thought it possible for 150 15-year-old boys to stay focused on anything.
It would have been very easy for someone in Ben’s position to talk down to these kids but He most certainly did not. He clearly spoke to them at a level that they could relate to and as a result I think the boys totally bought in to his message.
I spoke with a couple of the coaches the following day and they were equally impressed. One coach in particular related his conversation with his team after the banquet. Ben’s story fully supported the points he had been stressing all season with his players. Things like setting goals, working hard toward those goals, overcoming adversity and believing in yourself were direct parallels to what he had been trying to convey to his guys all season.”
Rick Stechley
Organizer, Cranbrook Jr. Boys Volleyball Provincials, Nov 2008
“For a guy who literally just landed in Terrace, Ben demonstrated a solid understanding of the varying levels of support (or not) for our Sportsplex. Capital projects are often contentious, but he gave people very good reasons to support it and be proud of it.
In my professional career both as a journalist and a public relations practitioner, I’ve come across many speakers who are there just to make a buck and don’t go that extra mile to find a way to connect to the community they are speaking to. Ben demonstrated an interest in our community and made your presentation relevant to everyone in attendance. I also took note of how Ben conducted yourself while signing autographs and posing for photos with people. He made eye contact with everyone, got down to their level (when you’re 6’5” that’s important!) and made everyone you spoke to feel as if you were engaged with them.”
Sara Zimmeran
President Saz Communications, October 2008