All Testimonials from Recent Events

Feedback from the PMI La Crosse Chapter (May 08)

"Mark, thanks for sharing your insightful views on project management at our chapter meeting. Your discussion of the actual Titanic construction project provided an interesting slant on assumptions. It was a valuable reminder that project managers must evaluate all elements of a project without bias if they are to achieve success." Ann Yates, PMI Secretary

 

Feedback from the PMI Huron Valley Chapter Ann Arbor (May 08)

“Mark's presentation on Risk Management as it applies to the construction of the Titanic was engaging and intriguing.  The presentation was able to transport listeners back in time while providing a unique case study for a project discipline that is not always given enough sincere effort. Thank you!”

Pam Hughes, Director of Programs

 

“I attended the seminar you gave to our local PMI chapter (PMI-HVC) in Ann Arbor, Michigan, yesterday evening. I just wanted to say that I thought your presentation was outstanding.  The lessons from the Titanic certainly remain relevant to us today.  It was invaluable to hear your analysis – assessing and quantifying the risk, and evaluating the consequences – and to reflect on how we approach risk management on our current projects.  I noticed on your last slide your offer to make your presentation available to us.  Would it be possible to get a copy of your presentation?  I would like to discuss it with my staff. Thank you.” Frederik Heineken. PMP

 

ProjectWorld Toronto 2009 Track Session Speaker Evaluation Results
For the Great Escape presentation. We asked 4 questions: rate the Topic, Speaker, Content, and Overall – all out of 5 (with 5 being excellent). First the big picture:  
The total number of track sessions – 53
Topic – best - 5.00, average – 4.11, number over 4.0 – 32
Speaker –best – 5.00, average – 3.87, number over 3.87 – 25
Content – best - 4.83, the average –3.70, number over 3.70  -  28
Overall – best - 4.83, the average – 3.78, number over 3.78 – 31
and your scores: Topic: 4.5, Speaker: 4.05, Content: 4.35, Overall 4.25

  

Feedback from the PMI Thumb Chapter Michigan (May 08) 
“Just a quick note to thank you on behalf of our PMI Chapter for the excellent “Great Escape” project analysis. It was very interesting and the initial feedback was very positive. On a side note I suppose if you used the same PMBOK analogy on “The Great Raid” this project was almost flawless. All prisoners were rescued from this prison camp with only one casualty. Perhaps I have just given you an idea for your next book.”

Edward Madden, PMP, Vice President Marketing

 

Feedback from the PMI New Hampshire Chapter (Mar 08)

“Thank you and it was a pleasure having you present to the chapter. I would love to work out having you come back to present the Winston Churchill Lessons.”

Courtney S. Henry, PMP, VP of Programs

 

 

Feedback from the PMI Syracuse Chapter New York (Mar 08)

"Mark is a masterful educational craftsman who weaves lessons from history into a project management curriculum that is based on historical trials and errors; bringing to life theoretical principles of project management in a presentation that is more like a picture album or a documentary.  His delivery aims at tying factual history to the principles of Project Management demonstrating the application of PMBOK processes in long used practices well before any effort to formalize them into current standards. And as he tells his stories through the eyes and ears of his data sources, real people who were part of that history, we are mesmerized.  He leaves us with questions, challenges, and a yearning to learn more." 
 

Feedback from the PMI Binghamton Chapter New York (Oct 08)

“Mark Kozak-Holland presented a fascinating seminar to our group.  For thousands of years, the greatest teachers have used stories to effectively illustrate important concepts.  Mark proves that history provides amazing stories with powerful lessons that provide value for today’s world.  His speaking and writing styles are entertaining, educational and effective.  He is always a crowd favorite.” Vince Socci, Professional Activities Chair, IEEE

Feedback from the PMI New York Chapter (NYC) (Oct 08)
“Mark, thank you for a wonderful presentation and answering my questions afterwards. Thanks.” Shirley Wong

“Mark, We met last night at your wonderful PMI presentation.” Liz Schwartz, PMP

Feedback from the Presentation for IT&T SIG (Oct 08)
“Today, I attended your presentation to the PMI group about project management and the Great Escape.  I like the use of examples and relationship to PMBOK knowledge areas.  I teach project management course at Denver University.  I would like to discuss using your idea and material for one of my class modules.” Raymond Kaufman, PMP 

Feedback from the PMI Central Virginia Chapter (CVC) (Sep 08)
“We have had the pleasure of hearing Mark speak at our chapter several times and each time he presented a different aspect of Project Management by placing it in a historical context. Along with his extensive research on historical topics his presentations are thought-provoking and have always been well received by our chapter membership. We look forward to having him speak again soon.” Paul Gilbo, VP Programs, PMI Central Virginia Chapter

“Mark: I just want you to know how much I appreciated your presentation to the PMI Central VA Chapter, and I'm well into the book as well – I already knew quite a bit about the history, but have thoroughly enjoyed the "PM" take on the subject -- great stuff! Thanks, and best wishes!
John K. Sheldon

“Mark, I stopped by the podium/lectern after your presentation tonight to congratulate you on an excellent presentation well-delivered. I've just visited lessons-from-history.com and saw your bio there, or at least the portion that says, "Mark is very passionate about history". It shows. I had the misfortune of studying history in high school under several individuals who were decidedly NOT passionate about it. I've since heard presentations by a number of speakers who are. Passion and the ability to tell a story should be minimum requirements for teaching history. I look forward to hearing you speak again.” Ronald Pierce

Feedback from the CMIT, (MBA program) University of Virginia (Sep 08)
“Personally I’m not that interested in history, but it was amazing to me how relevant the lessons of something that had very little to do with technology could be when applied to the work I do on a daily basis in IT. It just goes to show you how universal the importance of good project management and effective leadership really are.” Christopher J. Husser

Feedback from the PMI Minnesota Chapter, Minneapolis, MN (Sep 08)
Waiting for survey results.

Feedback from the PMO Conference Community of Practice (Jul 08)
“Mark kept the group enthralled all the way though the workshop, linking project management today back to the events of  the Titanic. A great mix of history that we think we know with project management that we should know. A great practical workshop which kept everyone involved and entertained. For our organization it was an excellent day and really added a lot of value to the overall event.” Richard Bradley, Group Programme Management Office, Business Services

 “Mark, many thanks for your efforts. Our post conference survey showed an incredible 96% very good to excellent review of your day. General feedback was very positive, so thanks again.” Colin Smith, Group PMO Leader.

Feedback from the Intel PM Community of Practice (May 08)
"Mark's presentation, at the Practitioner's Forum, Titanic Lessons for IT Projects, was very interesting and well received. Mark has researched specific details regarding the Titanic disaster and identified errors that can be used to illustrate the need to follow proper project discipline. This method makes the presentation interesting. Mark added historical context that peaked the interest of the attendee and reinforced the key project learning. It was a very enjoyable presentation." Garth J Hadley, PMP, CPIM Manager, NWR Engineering/Project Management, Intel Corp

Feedback from PMI Feedback from PMI North Alberta Conference (May 08)

·         History's perspective. A valuable check.                                                

·         Everything! Terrific presentation!                                                           

·         Perhaps too much information but very informative pace a little too fast                         

·         Lots of information, packed with content and explanations. Very good presentation.

·         Fascinating history less; practical application is unclear.                                                

·         Engaging topic- slow start up but engaging as it progressed.                                         

·         Very fast paced and a lot of info.                                                         

·         Chalk full of project management information, dripping with lessons.

·         Great presentation. These leaders do motivate all leaders in the corporate world today.

·         More of a lecture style                                                  

·         This presentation was good but a hard act to follow from the Great Escape                    

·         AWESOME!

Feedback from PMI South Saskatchewan Conference (Apr 08)
"Mark.  It was a pleasure to meet you and hear you speak.” Harlan Kennedy, VP-Programs
Great Escape presentation (lunch keynote) written evaluation feedback:
+ Historical context analyzed into project management - excellent
+ Very interesting to blend history & PM  - something we don't think to do too often
+ Very interesting presentation / very good topic - interesting case study
+ Organization of presentation / interesting example to which PM processes was applied /
+ FANTASTIC - WELL DONE                                                                
+ Informative - intense, put things into perspective                                                                     
+ The topic was extremely interesting & was comparable to project mgt.
+ Mark was very knowledgeable about the subject matter & an excellent speaker            
Average Rating out of 5 (with 5 being excellent): 3.9
 
Titanic Workshop written evaluation feedback:
+ Excellent idea/manner to teach PM concepts – risk
+ Fascinating material
+ I found the whole story fascinating
+ Great analogy
+ Perfect historical story to captivate interest!
+ Good relationship with real world concepts
+ Material and presentation were fascinating.
+ Great backdrop for a PM lesson.
+ Risk management is critical on projects, Analogy was interesting.  History can teach us a lot.   
+ Very educational.
+ This seminar exceeded my expectations.
+ Very interesting and informative.
Average Rating out of 5 (with 5 being excellent): 4.3                  

 
ProjectWorld Toronto 2008 Titanic Workshop Evaluation Results  (Apr 08)
We asked 3 questions: rate the Overall, Instructor, Content – all out of 5 (with 5 being excellent). First the big picture:
Overall – best - 4.66 average - 4.18
Instructor – best - 5.00 average – 4.40
Content – best - 4.46 average – 4.05
and your scores: Overall: 4.53, Instructor: 4.53, Content: 4.60

 
ProjectWorld Toronto 2008 Track Session Speaker Evaluation Results
For the Great Escape presentation. We asked 4 questions: rate the Topic, Speaker, Content, and Overall – all out of 5 (with 5 being excellent). First the big picture:
Topic – best - 4.70 average – 4.03
Speaker – best - 4.74 average – 3.89
Content – best - 4.70 average – 3.72
Overall – best - 4.70 average - 3.80
and your scores: Topic: 4.25, Speaker: 4.28, Content: 4.28, Overall 4.22
Comments collected from track session: Very interesting application, thank you! Highly interesting and applicable. Fascinating analysis!

 
Feedback from City of Los Angeles Emergency Management Department (Apr 08)
"The City of Los Angeles and its Emergency Management Department have used the information presented by Mark to increase its emergency preparedness activities and our understanding of effective project management. We were pleased to be able to bring Mark to Los Angeles and share the information with our Executive Management. If any agency is interested in evaluating project management success and thinks a self evaluation would be useful, the Lessons From History offerings are the best course of action." Anna Burton, Assistant General Manager, City of Los Angeles Emergency Management Department

 
Feedback from Nobilis (Apr 08)
"Thank you for your compelling presentation at our Project Management Institute Luncheon Meeting. The correlations you identified between the Great Escape and today's project management challenges were educational and entertaining. The positive response was overwhelming from one of the largest audiences we have had at any event. Thank you!"
Mary Beth Howe, PMP Noblis

 
Feedback from PMI Washington DC presentation (Apr 08)
"Once again, Mark delivered an outstanding presentation for our audience of project managers and leaders.  His intriguing and unique examination of the events leading up to and including the "Great Escape" from Stalag Luft III during WWII was right on the mark for professionals interested in the application of our project management principles.  His research was excellent as was his ability to remind us that detailed and flawless planning will always be trumped by execution."
Dave Maurer, Lieutenant Colonel, US Army (Ret.) Vice President PMI, Washington DC

 
Feedback from School of Business Fleming College (Mar 08)
"I enjoyed your presentation very much. I think we can learn a lot from history and I incorporated your presentation into an assignment the students had to do. The issues / concepts of strong leadership, the ability to see the big picture, prioritization, communication and network design were very well demonstrated. The historical context was fascinating and showed how we really can learn from the past. Unfortunately, not many people do."
Maggie James, Co-ordinator, Global Supply Chain Management.

 
Feedback from PMI South Alberta Chapter presentation (Mar 08)
"It is outstanding how today's Project Managers can still not fully apply lessons learn from past tragedies. Mark's titanic presentation was not only a passionate presentation on history but he also aligned the really issues and roadblocks that Project Managers struggles with ever day. PMISAC will definitely be having him back!" Laurel Sim, Director of Programs, SAC

 
Feedback from ACP Los Angeles, Orange County presentation (Feb 08)
Thank you Mark! And we really enjoyed your presentation: the content, the delivery method, the great pictures, the "geeky" data! It all made sense and brought reality to our day-to-day lives of business!

Mark Kozak-Holland is a fabulous speaker who was introduced to ACP LA, OC, and SD. He is awesome, down to earth, approachable, and very informative. His presentation is so appropriate for ACP meetings because he takes the historical experience, dissects it according to its business practices, and shows where the process worked or failed based on business principles and relates it to the practices of today! He also provides a very interesting insight to the importance of preparedness and contingency planning—at least with the Titanic topic. His presentation is such an innovative approach to history. We chose the business presentation on the Titanic and scheduled him for a two hour program. It took the full two hours and it was fabulous. I highly recommend including him on our speakers bureau list and promoting him to the other chapters, especially those that conduct the symposiums.
Monique Weiland, President - ACP Orange County

Dear Mark, thanks for your outstanding presentation. I truly enjoyed it both times.
Gunnar J. Kuepper, Chief of Operations Emergency & Disaster Management, Inc., President of IAEM Los Angeles

 
Feedback from APICS LA chapter (Feb 08)
"Mark is able to take a major historical event like the Titanic disaster and draw some extremely relevant conclusions for business leaders of today regarding the key design and planning activities involved. His compelling style and deep knowledge both of past events and current happenings in the business world make him an excellent choice to speak any function. Thanks Mark for a great presentation." Aaron Johnson, Director of events

 
Feedback from PMI Durham Highlands chapter (Dec 07)
Mark Kozak-Holland is a phenomenon in drawing unique parallels between History and Project Management discipline. His analogies 'n' lessons are spell-binding and widely appreciated by the audience. Best regards Pankaj Jain, Director of events

 
Feedback from PMI Central Indiana presentation (Sep 07)
The presentation was very dynamic. Mr. Kozak-Holland showed how project teams of today are candidates for the same mistakes that lead to the sinking of the Titanic. Mr. Kozak-Holland related the Titanic disaster well with project lessons of today. I would definitely recommend the presentation to others. Matt Bracher, PMP, Director of Programs
 
It was a pleasure meeting you last night at the PMI monthly meeting. I enjoyed your presentation last night regarding the parallels between IT projects and the Titanic’s journey towards that fateful night. John Wilson

I attended your Titanic presentation last night at the PMI CIC monthly meeting in Indianapolis. It was great. Perry Needster, PMP

 
Feedback from PMI Cincinnati presentation (Sep 07)
"Hi Mark, Attended the Cincinnati PMI chapter meeting on 19 Sept, 2007. Your presentation was not only riveting, but it kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The best PMI presentation I have ever seen. Great Job…….!!" Don Lykins, 

 
Feedback from APICS presentation (Sep 07)
I was so delighted with your “Titanic” presentation at the Madison PMI dinner meeting in May that I was eager to invite you to speak for the Rock Valley Chapter of APICS this fall. Our event was a great success. We received wonderful feedback from our attendees. Thank you again, for your marvelous and very professional presentation. Ellen J. Granneman, CPIM, PMP Director of Planning & Inventory Mgt. World’s Finest Chocolate

Feedback from PMI  Rochester presentation (Sep 07)
Thanks! Great Job. I really enjoyed it! Maria T. Vetri

Our speaker (Mark Kozak-Holland) did a commendable job as he led us through the “Escape” story/project with an eye toward today’s PM methodologies, and how this story overlapped them.  With images, and related facts he helped shed new light on what had only been a Hollywood treatment for most of us. We've doubled the attendance from last year's first meeting numbers. Jerry L. Behlau, VP of Programs 

 

Feedback from UTD PM Symposium (Aug 07)
Please put Dallas on your schedule for August 4-5, 2008, the 2nd UTD PM Symposium, as I would like you to be a speaker again. David Pells

 
Feedback from CMIT, (MBA program) University of Virginia (Jul 07)
In the words of one participant, the program was a "titanic success!" Another quote to consider: "Mark is a captivating story teller with an important story to tell. The Titanic project provides numerous lessons learned for project managers seeking to avoid their own disasters." We will definitely want to schedule an encore visit (the Great Escape) at some point in the next year or so. Ryan Nelson
 
Feedback from PMI Keystone Event presentation (Jun 07)
Your presentation was excellent and was very well received by our membership. I'd be glad to provide you a reference for other PMI Chapters and we'd certainly consider for future events for our chapter...my comments were based on conversations with those in attendance after your presentation. Eric Berry, Director of Programs

 
Feedback from PMI Western Lake Erie presentation (Jun 07)
Comments collected in evaluation "Principles cross boundaries of industry...Very informative... Liked knowledge shared by presenter...Excellent parallel projects...Liked the tie between history & today...fun to learn about the Titanic...Was something we can relate to...Good analogy with IT projects and projects in general Real Life - correlated with today's environment." and the scores: Met Expectations: 4.5, Useful for work: 4.5, Speaker: 4.7
I would be happy to be a reference for other chapters. Kris LaHote, PMP, Director of Programs

 
Feedback from PMI Great Lakes presentation (May 07)
Must say your Powerpoint Presentation was excellent. I have sent info on your book and your PPt to others authors that I have been working with over the last 5 years...You have truly taken "new" ideas and shown that they are not so new after all.Gary S. Elliott, M.S., PMP, NSA 4011

In the time available to him, the Speaker did a very cogent job of linking a significant historic event to the qualities that are critical to a Project that takes an organization in a new and critical direction. It would be fun to be able to expand on the skills having gained the historic facts setting the stage for a more indepth look. Anon.
 

Feedback from PMI Ocean State presentation (Apr 07)
We received fabulous feedback from your previous presentation from the membership and the board LOVED it. Allison Richardson, Director of Programs 
 
Feedback from PMI Long Island presentation (Apr 07)
Your presentation on the Titanic was one of the memorable topics identified by our membership during an after the year survey. Jim Smith, Director of Programs 
 
Feedback from PMI Manitoba Conference Workshops (Apr 07)
It seems that a significant number of people enjoyed your 2 sessions...I have read both books and really enjoyed them. Jon Cook, PMI Manitoba Conference 
 
ProjectWorld Toronto 2007 Track Session Speaker Evaluation Results
We asked 4 questions: rate the Topic, Speaker, Content, and Overall – all out of 5 (with 5 being excellent). First the big picture:
Topic – best - 5 average – 4.16
Speaker – best - 4.90 average – 4.03
Content – best - 5 average – 3.83
Overall – best - 5 average - 3.96
and your scores: Topic: 4.62, Speaker: 4.76, Content: 4.67, Overall 4.67
  
Feedback from APICS presentation (Mar 07)
Your presentation was excellent.

 
Feedback from Nobilis presentation (Mar 07)
Thanks again for presenting at Noblis. I sought out opinions for the individuals that attended your presentation. All reactions I heard were very positive about your presentation. Many people said that they "remembered the story about the Titanic, but never read or thought about the business decisions that contributed to the disaster" or “they were fascinated how you weaved together lessons from history into a modern business context.” For the folks that could not attend in person, I know a number have visited our internal company intranet to view the recorded presentation. There is great buzz among the people that attended - telling co-workers that they "missed a really great presentation." Thanks again, and I’m hoping we can work out a deal to have you come back again! Michael Nelson, PMP, Principal, Noblis

 
Feedback from PMI/IEEE  Binghampton presentation (Feb 07)
Mark Kozak-Holland presented educational and entertaining value to everyone in attendance. Project managers, engineers and history buffs were captured by his discussion of management tactics, product design and historical facts. We had a top-notch professional event. 
Vince Socci - Principal and Chief Engineer, On Target Technology Development

 
Feedback from PMI  NYC presentation (Feb 07)
"The presentation was excellent. The parallels between the launching & sinking of the Titanic to Project Management were astounding. I look forward to another of your presentations."
Charles Pierce, PMP, Director of Programs

 
Feedback from PMI  Western Michigan presentation (Jan 07)
Your presentation was excellent. Even though you title it as being related to IT Projects, the content is applicable to all projects. Your book on CD is very reasonable and I have several of my PMP's already lobbying with me to get their hands on the ones I bought. From our Members, we received many excellent comments on your presentation. PMI Western Michigan Chapter has had many excellent speakers. I personally thought yours was the best one that we have had in several years. I recommend your presentation for any PMI chapter. Please feel to contact my VP Programs for a 2008 return visit.
Len Todd President@wmpmi.org
 

Feedback from PMI  Rochester presentation (Sep 06)
Mark, once again, thank you for another excellent presentation. It had a lot of information that I had not been aware of, surrounding the Titanic sinking, and you wove it the story into current scenarios very deftly. It's always a pleasure to learn.
Jerry L. Behlau, VP of Programs

 
Feedback from PMI Mass Bay presentation (Sep 06)
It was impressive how he could tie analogies between all aspects of the Titanic (from inception to sinking) to the Project Management process. He was enthusiastic, well informed and did a great job of answering the audience’s questions. And I heard a lot of positive feedback from chapter folks as I was mingling after the presentation. Preliminary survey results are very good. 2/3 of those surveyed rated your presentation as excellent. 1/3 as good. (Boston is not the easiest audience). 100 percent want you to return. Now that is impressive!
Kathleen Langone, PMP, VP of Professional Development

 
Feedback from PMI New Hampshire presentation (Sep 06)
I also enjoyed your presentation and I know the reaction of the membership was quite good. Please let us know about your other presentation for a future event. Howie Lyhte, President

 
Feedback from HP Services North American PMO (Sep 06)
Great presentation- educational and entertaining! It reminds us all of our responsibility on projects, to ensure decision makers understand all possible risks, as well as risk avoidance opportunities. Thanks, Rhonda Wharton, PMP

I heard Mark speak at an internal Project Management training session when he gave an absolutely captivating presentation on the project management and business lessons learned from the mistakes and bad decisions of the principal people involved in the building and sailing of the Titanic. The lessons learned are as applicable today as they were 90 years ago. Mark would be a great speaker for one of our Vermont PMI chapter meetings.
Michael Knauer, PMP

 
Feedback from PMI Washington DC presentation (Jul 06)
Mark delivered an interesting and timely presentation weaving the tenets of project management with those of national (and international) leadership. His insights into how Churchill approached his "project," (leading Britain through WWII), were right on target and offered a unique perspective on how to achieve success under the most difficult conditions imaginable.
Dave Maurer, Lieutenant Colonel, US Army (Ret.) Vice President PMI, Washington DC

  
Feedback from PMI Central Virginia Chapter presentation (Jul 06)
Mark, Thanks again for your wonderful presentation of “Titanic Lessons for IT Projects” at both our chapter meetings this month. Both sessions were very interesting and your tying of the Titanic’s construction project issues and decisions to the ultimate failure of her maiden voyage (project implementation) was superb! The lessons you illustrated are as true today as they were for that fateful project. Jim Hayden, PMP, President, PMI Central Virginia Chapter

 
Feedback from PMI North Alberta Conference (Jun 06)
Let me confirm to you that your presentation was the BEST of the conference in Edmonton. Thank you very much for your efforts in putting it together. It was interesting to see your analysis of BEFORE & AFTER about the TITANIC disaster. Despite the several real-life examples, such as the Titanic's, our corporate culture is very much the same these days, almost a century after. Everything has to be done fast and with limited resources. This is the kind of presentation that I expected from the conference, something that we can learn from, some real lessons on project management, some kind of LESSONS LEARNED that we can build on, no matter the nature of the project. We, project managers, use to do lessons learned at the end of projects, but seldom we review lessons learned from previous similar projects. Having attended your presentation made my participation at the conference worthwhile.
Oscar Gonzalez, PMP, M.Eng., P.Eng.

 
Feedback from HP Project Management University (May 06)
Thank you again for speaking at our dinner meeting last week. As usual you did a great job! I'd love to sign you up for your topic "The Great Escape"! When do you think you'll be ready for it?
Susan Somerville, PMP, VP of Programs 
 
Feedback from HP Project Management University (May 06)
Mark recently spoke at our Project Management University and was well received. Mark provides an interesting perspective relating practical lessons learned from historical projects to today’s IT projects. James E Crotty, PMP HPS Engagement PMO, Americas PM Profession Lead

 
Feedback from PMI Great Lakes Chapter presentation (Mar 06)
Your presentation last evening was great. I had eleven new members from my company attend their first PMI meeting last evening and they are just buzzing about the topic yet today. You made a great impression. We picked up one copy of your book. It looks like I need to order three or four more based upon the interest I received this morning. I commend you on your presentation style. Steven Chardon-Strunk, PMP, MBA. Other written comments

·         “This presentation was one of the best dinner meetings I have attended. I found the topic and presentation very worthwhile.”

·         “An amazing bit of research and presentation. The presenter brought home this most commonly ignored step in PM - the definition phase - in a powerful way.”

·         “All of the content was a direct relationship to project knowledge enrichment. Thank you.”

·         “A very interesting approach to PM information relating history to today. 'If we do not learn from history, we are doomed to repeat it'.”

·         “Very interesting meeting which provided great insight as to how project management is necessary for all projects.”

 
Feedback from PMI NE Ohio presentation (Mar 06)
Thank you for the great presentation! Keith indicated that the turnout was standing room only, and that the audience was very engaged!
Wendy Kotnik, PMP, VP of Programs

 
Feedback from PMI Rochester presentation (Jan 06)
I was enthralled with the "Winston Churchill as PM" talk you shared with the Rochester Chapter of PMI and would like to know if you have any availability to do a similar event for the same group in September. Thoroughly enjoyable and insightfully delivered, the facts which you presented surrounding this dramatic moment in history created a marvelous example of applied management know-how. In spite of knowing the outcome, I found myself growing a bit tense as you verbally advanced the calendar towards the historical date for Germany’s invasion of Great Britain. The take-aways from your presentation serve as both a teaching and reinforcement of very powerful winning management techniques. Salute!
Jerry L. Behlau, CPM VP Programs, Rochester PMI

 
Feedback from Adapt to Change presentation (Sep 05)
Hey Mark just wanted to drop you a note , the presentation (Churchill) you put on this morning was brilliant, nice work.
Michael Degagne Enterprise Account Manager National Defence

 
Feedback from PMI Washington DC presentation (Aug 05)
Thank you very much for your excellent presentation: “On-line, On-time, On-budget - IT Projects from Hell – Lessons from Titanic.” It was a very informative presentation, very well delivered, and very entertaining.  It was a fun evening, and our members really enjoyed the talk. We look forward to seeing you again in the future. Our chapter is glad to provide this letter of endorsement; your presentation would be a very strong addition to any project management seminar or forum. Thanks again for helping support our chapter activities. Sincerely, Mark Tolbert, VP of Programs

“Thank you on behalf of the 5,000 members for attending and presenting a very interesting perspective on PM using the Titanic as a back drop.” Regards, A. Andrew Anderson, President

 
Feedback from OSQA presentation to Quality Professionals (Jul 05)
"This was one of the most enjoyable professional events I've attended in a long time. It was fascinating to learn that the problems involved in working with new technology haven't changed much over the years." Brian Baskerville, OSQA Logistics

 
Feedback from WSIB presentation to Project Managers (Jun 05)
“The speaker was great and the link to the Titanic very interesting. Nice insights, especially to the political influences the plague projects and the importance of the relationship to 'c-level management and the depth of communication. Presentation very informative & relevant to WSIB environment. Very interesting connection made to project management. Example was excellent as a case study for the process. Guest speaker did a great job. Loved the story telling - parallels." Edward Snowdon, PMO, WSIB

 
Feedback from PMI Canada's Technology Triangle (May 05)
It was really great having you speak again last night. We would be really interested in the follow-on to the Titanic (presentation). Could you do the May dinner meeting (2006) again? Susan Somerville, Director of Events     

 
Feedback from PMI Syracuse presentation (May 05)
Thank you for coming and doing a great presentation. The feedback to date has been very positive from the attendees and I wouldn't be surprised if you get requests for additional books. As to acting as a reference, I would be glad to do so. Relating to your new presentation, If you are willing to return in the late Fall of this year or Spring of next, we would be thrilled to have you. Al Brandenburg, VP of events

 
Feedback from Project Risk Symposium Washington (May 05)
Scored 4.2 out of 5 for content - Renee Friedel, Conference Cordinator. Comments:
-Interesting parallel made
-Interesting study case to indicate poor decisions
-Busy slides, good content, interesting presentation
-Liked the detailed slides

 
Feedback from PMI Rochester presentation (Mar 05)
Thank you for traveling to our chapter meeting. Of course you may use me as a reference. I (will) be pleased to recommend you. Larry Heininger, VP of Programs

 
Feedback from Huron Valley chapter of PMI (Nov 04)
“An overwhelming response from the audience that the topic was engaging and that they would recommend this speaker to other PMI chapters. Mark presents interesting parallels between business decisions today, and those made in the early 1900's.  He highlights the typical problems of IT projects and balances them against the typical business pressures of project stakeholders. On-line, On-time, On-budget puts the risk/benefits of failures into short and long-term perspectives.” Bob Bodary, Director of Huron Valley chapter of PMI

Feedback from Symcor presentation to Project Managers (Sep 04)
"The presentation was amazing.  The parallel lessons from the Titanic to projects today are similar.  Already I have had opportunity to apply some of those principles on a mini project I have been involved with, and share some ideas that have helped. Mark is very passionate about his delivery and the desire to get his message out.  This is a MUST hear for all those in the track of Project Management." Mark

“I found the presentation extremely interesting and very entertaining. Using the Titanic as the subject matter and drawing analogies between today's challenges and the past was very effective. It re-enforced that no matter how much technologies advance over time, business in the past face the same issues and opportunities as the present. The presentation also supported the importance of team communication, openness and integrity. When you come down to it, managing relationships and individual styles is paramount to project success. If you create an atmosphere where one person dominates, you run the risk of shutting others down. This strengthens the position that project managers must also demonstrate leadership (people) and management (project tasks) skills. We definitely want to avoid the Ice Bucket test results and behaviour. Thank you for a great presentation!” KW

“I attended the presentation that Mark did and found it both interesting and informative.  In particular, it was very interesting to see that projects are the same whether they were done decades ago, as in the case of the Titanic, or whether they are IT projects that are underway in our world today.  The same aspects of planning and risk management are so critical to the completion of any successful project.” Gary

“I found Mark's presentation quite interesting in how he compared the an engineering project with and IT project and identified common issues and ways projects cut corners to meet targets and satisfy clients.  Him tying it back to a major disaster just emphasized the consequences of taking short-cuts in a large scale project. The only issue I had with the presentation was a desire for him to take it a step further and discuss where IT projects differ and how we can avoid similar issues / mistakes in IT related project.” Greg

 
Feedback from PMI ebusiness SIG presentation
Mark Kozak's presentation of "Averting Project Disasters" uses a well known maritime disaster "Titanic" to illustrate that had project management techniques and methodologies been followed the ending may have been quite different.  Risk identification, assumptions and mitigations during any project are frequently ignored or downplayed hoping for results that are wishful thinking at best.  Mark's unique analogies offer salient insight into project details that can prove to be the difference in success or failure.  Highly recommended for those who seek to identify and resolve issues before they arise. Mark Wientjes, Vice Chairman Professional Development, EBSIG , June 2004

 
Feedback from PEO Toronto presentation
We found the presentation interesting and topical.  The Titanic comparison was well-researched and the jumping back and forward from it to IT projects was well done.  A number of people at the presentation could very well relate the points discussed to work in their own respective disciplines. Jim Molnar, P. Eng, Chair PEO, May 2004

I want to again thank you very much for a very enlightening presentation. From working in Ontario Power Generation (OPG), I can relate to some of the problems in project management - both as a P.Eng. in OPG trying to maintain and upgrade our power plants, as well as a user of the computer resources in OPG.  I thoroughly enjoyed the comparison you made with the ill­fated Titanic.
George A. M. Kralik, P.Eng.,  M.Eng. -  Structural,  B.A.Sc. - Civil Senior Design Engineer

 
Feedback from Worldwide IBM GS Business Transformation presentation
Comments from April 2004:

• "I think if all course material had a presenter such a Mark who could relate complex theories to real life situations, the e-learning group would greatly benefit"
• "This was as very well done education session.  Thank you ."
• "This was the most entertaining and interesting education."
• "I thought Mark did a very clever and effective job with the analogies between what happened with the Titanic and what happens on our IT projects."
• "This was the best training to date. A++ job this time.

Survey (ratings 1 to 5):

• Objectives clearly stated: 5 - 68% and 4 - 32%
• Met the objectives:  5 - 73% and   4 - 27%
• 40 participants

 
Feedback from Consulting Leadership Exchange (CLE)  session
Comments from November 2003:

• Brilliant- Linked significant, fascinating historical events in On-Demand terms.  Made methodology a best practices quite interesting, where it could have been very dry.
• This presentation was extremely good analogy between supply chain concept during W.W.II and today.
• Very good idea to use the history facts to the on-demand model.  I will review and extract the essential and use it as an example to explain the On-Demand concept.
• Very enjoyable and informative session.
• Outstanding presentation.  Great case study on how to produce an On-Demand information portal.  Would be a great teaching aid (much more interesting than the case studies you typically see in method cases).  Very high quality charts.
• Very interesting.
• Awesome.
• Interesting topics on how On-Demand theory might apply to a historical event.
• This was fascinating! Although I learned more about W.W.II than about on demand. 
• Great work.  Excellent!
• Fascinating analogy of on-demand principles and best practices
• Very interesting material and very well thought out.  Knows his stuff.
• Imaginative/creative approach to a make a boring subject interesting.
• A very creative session!  The presenter knew his topic,  provided an exceptional amount of detail and offered good observation/examples. I appreciate the amount of time and preparation the presenter expended make this a good session.
• Fascinating presentation with a great message.
• Well researched presentation. Not as interactive as I'd hoped but very interesting content.
• Fascinating and helped clarify the principles of on demand as well.

 
Feedback from PMI Lakeshore Chapter presentation (Sep 03)
"On behalf of the membership of PMI Lakeshore Chapter and board of directors, we want to thank you for a very good job. I have never had so many positive comments after any of our recent speakers. Your topic was universal and well presented. Our thanks for your obvious hard work." Diana Miret, PMP

 
Reviews on Gantthead series:
"Using experience from the Titanic as an example of PM that could be improved upon, is a very good idea. But my congratulations go to the the author on a riveting series of articles. I was glued to the screen, reading each part to discover 'what happened at the end'. If you are in PM, maybe you're in the wrong trade. An excellent read. "
taniev - May 24, 2005

"The article assumes the scenario of early  80's where organisations   were working in a functional model approach where  there was no collaboration   & co-operation amongst the members working  on a project but in the current  scenario where we have a separate project  management area of communications   management & risk management plus tighter  integration with other departments   of a project I don't think its applicable  to the entire IT industry. "

rahul76 - January 22, 2004

"This is totally on the mark! This hasn't changed in 100 years. I don't agree with the comment made that says we don't run into these problems with curent methodologies. In my 28 years in IT, testing comes at the end of the project and therefore carefully laid test plans are scaled back due to project overruns in other areas. Six weeks of testing is turned into four. Why test for three months? One month should do it. Nowadays, people don't even know what hash totals are -- what do you need those for when you're doing a conversion? I agree with the author that it is important not to let business needs unduly push you into implementation before being ready."
clnewman - January 30, 2004

"Found your Titanic article on Gantthead very interesting. I'm sure you are going to elaborate in following articles, but particularly when viewing the James Cameron movie (and assuming this is true to the facts), it is striking that the "crew" were very poorly briefed about the capabilities of their vessel i.e. the Project Handover was very poor. I am thinking of the fact that they stopped engines and turned the rudder - had they kept the engines going, the ship would have turned faster and they didn't know that a glancing encounter would likely do more damage than a head-on collision. I am sure you will say that the poor testing time had a lot to do with this - as a PM, it is important to ensure good handover (even if you have to ask for more money) or get blamed for the lousy deliverable! Can tell you a story about an IT project I took over that suffered this disease!! Thanks." Owen Price

"A friend forwarded me your article from Gantthead. It was very insightful and well written. I'll have to check out your book." Elizabeth Schmitt

"Just a quick fan letter to say I have enjoyed your Titanic article series on Gantthead, and have just ordered a copy of your book.  Look forward to reading it.  Interested to know if you are doing other research or writing on the topic of project management." Robert McKeeman

"Dear Mark, I just read your article titled “IT Project Lessons from Titanic”. I found it very interesting and you have developed very true and interesting analogies between the two processes. Just wanted to compliment you on that….
Rgds, Bilal Asghar | Applications Engineer

"Read your article on Titanic it was excellent how you related Titanic to the IT projects."
Fatima Murad, Senior Auditor, Internal Audit & Corporate Security

 

Feedback from ITTSIG Webinar
Comments from October 2003:

• "It was wonderful presentation today and I would like to thank you for organizing it. Mark made an  excellent parallel between the Titanic's case and present IT projects situation." Detelina Nikolova, PMP
• "Excellent presentation with excellent handouts." Martha Coleman
• "This was an interesting and very actual presentation. We may want to expand this in a future event."  Ion Drumea  
• "Thank you for arranging another outstanding presentation for ITT SIG." Joy Webb
• "I attended the SIG call on Thursday November 13th.  It was a very interesting presentation - how the Titanic analogy relates to topics and concerns we have each and every day on our projects.  Thanks for getting the great speakers."
• Sally A. Rice, PMP
• "Good presentation.  I like the historical lessons learned approach.  Wish Mark had more time, a tough presentation to do in 1 hour." Bill Hamilton, PMP
• "I have enjoyed the presentation today.  I will definitely participate again." Ivan Koval
• "I found attending today's presentation valuable.  Thanks!" Bob Bradbury
• "I just took part in the Feature Presenation by Mark Kozak-Holland. Many thanks in advance for this and thanks to all involved in putting together this presentation!"  Lorraine Vanas

 
Feedback from Project World Chicago  session (May 03)
Evaluation summaries for perspective, this includes the highs and average scores from all of the speakers at the conference. Eric Welsh, conference organizer

Overall Value of Session:
9.33 High - OOO, 8.1 Average
 
Effectiveness of Speaker:
9.5 High - OOO, 8.4 Average
 
Applicability of Information to Job:
9.22 High - OOO, 8.2 Average
 
Feedback from IBM PM call (Feb 03)
Included:
"What a great idea to take a historical event such as this and review it from a PM perspective and link it directly to today's PM projects.  I think you did a tremendous job with this presentation by making the materials both interesting and educational." Hayley Watson PMP

 "The presentation on the Titanic was excellent." Amy Schneider, Certified Senior Project Manager, PMP

Thank you for hosting a project management eShareNet on the "Lessons Learned from Titanic" on 2/13/03.