More Testimonials

Motivational Speaking Testimonials

THANK YOU so much for visiting with us. You are an "over-the-top" PEOPLE person. You made our tiny back room meeting area expand with possibilities.
– Dr. Joe Kandiko, Chaska Kiwannis Club

In our busy lives as engineers and women, it is always great to put things in perspective. You helped me to focus on what is so important. I went home and did just that! – just what I needed to balance my career, family and life obstacles. YOU were just what I needed today! THANK YOU CHERE!
– Patricia J. Walker, Engineer

Chere’s energy, knowledge, and enthusiasm will truly motivate any individual or group. Inspiration, motivation, and valuable hands-on information for participants is what Chere is all about.
– Mary Wilson, Director Education/Training & Communications, Carver County Government Center

Chere was a breath of fresh air in what can be a long day in a conference! She was full of energy, fun, laughter and zest. She made me laugh, made me think, and left me wanting more! Chere's ideas are relevant to everyone - receptionists to moms, bank presidents to CEOs. In a world where it's easy to concentrate on completing your to do list, Chere makes you examine if you have the RIGHT things that list.
– Cindy Tonsager , Dakota County Community Corrections

The most effective leaders are those who establish priorities in their lives and then walk their talk. Chere’s energy, unique exercises, and knowledge of healthy lifestyle habits were a real compliment to our “balance” day. Our Leadership Institute program participants greatly benefited from the information Chere presented, and many commented to positive life changes..
– Shannon Gullickson, Vice President
Greater Mankato Chamber of Commerce

Chere is a dynamic speaker who really knows how to spark an audience with her great positive attitude and enthusiasm. She gets you thinking about the reality of work/life balance. She emphasizes having a positive attitude to appreciate the simple things in life and have faith in yourself.
– Marge Bjerkness
3M Company, Planning Committee IAAPP Annual Conference

Chere Bork spent an afternoon with our Minnetonka Community Education staff in August of 2005. She was only there 3 hours, but the impact and the confidence she had and gave to my 170 staff was enormous! You would think we went away for a 3-day seminar as a staff. What a gift of confidence to our staff. What a pleasant delivery to our staff. What a nice genuine person Chere is. Could it get any better than Chere Bork? My only concern is for the person to follow Chere next time we have an all staff event! They will be compared to Chere that is for sure.
– Tim Litfin
Executive Director
Minnetonka Community Education and Services
Minnetonka Public Schools

Chere spoke at the Minnesota School Food Service Association State Conference. 275 women in attendance heard Chere’s talk on "Taste Your Life.” Chere is a dynamic, engaging speaker and she REALLY, REALLY connected with our employees. We had rave reviews on her presentation.
– Judy Johnson, Food Service Director, White Bear Lake School District

I had no preconceived ideas of how this first-time idea of a speaker was going to work, but of course after talking to you in advance, I just knew it would be special. Everyone really enjoyed your presentation, your enthusiasm, the treats and all the “take-home” ideas they can use in their busy, heavy-traveling lives.
– Mary Lou Olson, Zinpro Corporation

I appreciate the extra preparation you put into finding out about US. I also thought you would bring a high level of energy to a topic I think many of us face today. In a short time, you more than accomplished this.
– Gary D Johnson, CBI
President, Calhoun Companies

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Coaching Testimonials

Being with Chere on the phone is a great joy, and she's the easiest person to talk to. I could share absolutely anything in the world with her, Chere is incredibly intuitive, skilled, and fluid in conversation. She helps us see the things we're not seeing. Her bubbly spirit is always present with what's exactly going on. I'm forever thankful for having these times with her.
– Meghan Dushin

I have had the opportunity to work under a number of coaches in my swimming career as an age grouper, in college, masters, and now fitness as time permits. Through the coaching process, Chere rekindled some thoughts, principles, and desires I had had in the past. Chere helped me place that all important burr back in the saddle; the burr that daily routine, career pressures (or depressions), the flurry of daily living and raising a family seems to transform into a dull numbness. Well, I've decided that I want the full pain of the burr and that it is instrumental in my reaching out for a fuller life. Is Life Coaching for you? It is, if you have ignored, denied, or forgotten the very things that excited you weeks, years, or decades or ago. Let Chere rekindle your dreams and help you be accountable to the most important person in this world, yourself!
– Keith Nottingham

Chere has helped me to realize that I need to start taking care of myself, slow down and enjoy life, and that you can achieve anything if you believe in yourself.
– Gloria Stevenson

Things don’t eat away at my soul anymore and I live my life to its absolute fullest. I NOW know I must accomplish, seek calmness and have respect and know when these are not being met and have tools to get them back. On a scale of 1 – 10 I choose to be 100!! I am happy being Marijo no matter what!
– Marijo McBride, Q.M.R.P., L.S.W., M.Ed., University of Minnesota

Chere Bork is an extraordinary professional life coach, whether you are part of a group or meeting one-on-one she inspires you and guides you to bring your life into balance. In a fast-paced, stress filled, multi-tasking world, where it often feels like you are not in charge of much of what happens to you, Chere helps you discover strategies that focus on opportunities rather than problems and you begin to choose and shape your life directions and future.
– Beverly Ginther
Staff Development Coordinator
Minnetonka Public Schools

Thank you so much for your time, kind words and electric personality. It has truly been a pleasure working with you.
– Kimberly

Chere Bork is a cup of java personified: warm, comforting, and a jolt to your day....without staining your teeth!
– Lili Korbuly, Freelance Photographer

Hi Chere, I just wanted to send a thank you for our meeting on Friday. I felt so empowered when I left. Thanks for all the great information. I feel like you gave me the missing puzzle piece of a 550 piece jigsaw puzzle!! Thanks again too, for your kindness and empathy. I feel very supported by you and that means alot.
– Angie

Doing life coaching with Chere has helped me to get back my sense of self. I don't worry as much about tomorrow or yesterday, but focus more on what I need to get through today. I've also learned to stop waiting for the "big event" to make me happy - I can get as much happiness out of the little things. And I've realized there are so many more little things in life, that you can actually string together a "10" day with all the little things, if you know were to look. That's what Chere does, she helps you to find the right place to look.
– Lisa

I respect your work and your ability that you have to zero in on the details of life and tackle them. More than a handful of times over the past few months I consciously thought of your motto – life is easy; we make it hard.
– Margaret

I want you to know I got that job! I wouldn’t be in this position with going back to school, and getting a new job in a
different field without YOU! Thanks!
– EJ

I have been happier in the last 4 weeks than the last 4 years. I am happier because I have started a value driven life, including this new job.
JL - Living a value driven life!

Chere continually asks what takes energy away, and what gives me energy. For me, that's huge. Those two things changed my life.
– Leslie Jensen

I feel that working with Chere has opened my eyes to a different way of approaching things that comes up in my life. She has given me tools that have been so easy to apply to situations and was very supportive of me when I struggled. I truly felt cared about by Chere and felt that she was in my corner cheering me on as I worked on my goals. I looked forward to our phone calls because it felt like we were two very good friends talking about life over a good cup of coffee. I would recommend Chere to anyone need coaching in there life.
– Kathy B

Chere, thank you for touching my life. I felt that after working with you there were more colors in my rainbow. My two biggest wins have been feeling connected with my husband on every level, making my home life and family my #1 priority and loving it, and learning how to let go. And, with your coaching I have the confidence to know the path and move to Illinois will be a good one. Thanks for doing what you do!
– Christy

When I started working with Chere I was really in a dark, stuck place in my life. She inspired me to realize that “I am my own light out of the forest” and she offered me support in the form of questions, ideas, exercises so that I could take the steps needed to find satisfaction and joy in my life. She helped me take responsibility and become accountable to myself. She helped me find the people and things that really supported me. I made a lot of changes in the 18 months I worked with Chere, I moved twice, changed jobs, started healthier exercise and eating routines, became more positive myself. Through all of these things she encouraged, challenged and supported me. I don’t think I could have done it without her.
– Lynn Mader

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Wellness Coaching Testimonials

Hi Chere!
Over the last week or so I have noticed that many of my current wardrobe items just don't look right anymore, mainly because I have become fitter and slimmer so the clothes are now baggy. I have resisted the temptation to jump on the scale so the clothes have been my barometer of my progess.
Yes, yes, yes, - I am fitter and slimmer!!! I have decided to spend some time during the weekend to try on all my clothes, and any items that are now too big and in still good condition will be laundered and donated. Then, I will take time to shop for new clothes for the fitter and slimmer me!!! I am dazzling!
– Dazzlin’ Diana

Thank you for giving me tools to keep on track. I can do this! The biggest gift you have given me is the realization that setbacks don’t have to turn into a return to bad habits. I used to see setbacks as failures and would just stop trying. I don’t do that anymore and feel a great deal of freedom because of it. I can’t thank you enough.
– PG
Hi Chere! I just wanted to let you know my consistent workouts are finally making the difference. I have lost 4 pounds over the last month. Thanks for nudging me to get it going! Have a beautiful day!
– Cathy

I have been overweight my entire life until I was 38. I never thought I would get up at 5 am in the morning and go outside and run IN the winter. I love running in the morning. It is time for myself.
– B

I have lost 100 pounds! Chere Bork has changed my life.
– ES

My lab results from Dec 3rd to May 1st
Cholesterol 293 to 207
HDL Cholesterol 72 to 120
LDL Cholesterol 212 to 124
Chol/HDL Ratio 4.1 to 3.5
Thanks for your great coaching. Your diet and life style advice is the only thing I have changed,,,,, no medication, etc. Dr Olson is happy with the results and said I can wait a year to be tested again, but I am looking at checking it again at the end of August. Thanks again.
– RS

I have kept the 35lbs off that I lost, and it all began with your coaching. Thanks for your time and motivation to get me started down that weight loss road. I still exercise and try to eat..Just wanted to drop you a line to say thank you and wish you the best in 2006!
– PK, busy wife, mum and teacher in Pennsylvania

Having just completed a 12-session coaching series with Chere, I can honestly report that there are a number of noticeable changes in my life, some subtle, some obvious and evident to everyone around me. I am not a person who lacks self-awareness or planning skills, I have good organizing skills and I am generally able to achieve my goals so, I wasn’t sure what benefits I might really receive from a coaching experience. I hesitated when considering a “life coach” not knowing what exactly stood in my way or what Chere might do for or with me. Initially, I approached her on the single subject of weight loss – a hurdle which for me, like many successful women, has had me “stuck” for years. My coaching experience with Chere achieved a number of results, some of them planned and anticipated, some of them unexpected and surprising. The work touched my life ion several levels and in many ways.

My results included:
• Learning what my motivators and obstacles to weight loss really are (and they’re not what I first thought) and learning to use this knowledge.

• Signing up for and attending Pilates classes and learning that, while I am not skilled at the smooth movements of Pilates, that I like the relaxation and feeling of using muscles I rarely rely on that came from these classes. This was so evident that I purchased a number of Pilates tapes and now practice the techniques at home as well as in class.

• Experienced an 8-week recovery from foot surgery and maintained my weight throughout that time of limited movement and healing.

• Designed a method that works for me to record my eating and allows me to periodically audit my calories, fiber, protein and carbohydrates so that I am confident that I live within a healthy parameter based on my outlay of energy for exercise.

• Committed to wear a pedometer daily with the goal of achieving the much touted “10,000 steps” my health plan wants me to complete each day. Even during a three-day state convention I must orchestrate, I got in at least 6000 steps each day. Now, building back from surgery, I am working my way back to 5000 and soon, moving on to that ten-thousand-step goal once again.

• Learned my complete body-composition (as measured by a physical therapist) and discovered how much muscle lies hidden under my fat. Realizing that I must not lose that muscle because it is my fat-burning engine, I now know how much resistance training and cardio-exercise I must do in order to shed the fat and retain the muscle.

• Beginning to recognize and list the healthy lifestyle changes that are taking place and noting some of the more subtle changes like what’s currently in my refrigerator and kitchen cabinets – and what’s not.

The coaching experience for me has been enriching, enlightening and exciting. I am engaged in making better (healthier) choices about my time, my food, my job, my family and the company I keep. For this I have Chere to thank.
– Paula S. Forte, PhD, RN

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Group Coaching Testimonials

Chere’s positive attitude and spirit was catching.

Every week I made simple goals that I could accomplish.

Over the phone was different at first but Chere’s spirit created a comfortable atmosphere. Loved meeting people from all over Medtronic.

I thought I was only going to lose weight but changed the way I look at life too.

Loved the convenient over the phone group format which focused on positive self talk, positive results and positive steps for change.

I have given myself permission to not be perfect.

Run don’t walk to take this class from this talented woman.

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Evaluations from Chere's LEARN Weight-loss Teleclass:

It was helpful in many ways:
• Convenient and private: Just call in once-a-week over lunch hour. Chere conducts the class over the phone. No one ever sees you, and the only person who knows your weight is Chere.

• Effective: My main goal was to feel better, and I do!!! I had been having upper back aches on a daily basis and decided extra weight could be contributing. Because the Learn program focuses on lifestyle, my activity level increased. Chere kept reminding the class that “it’s not about the scale.” Rather, it’s about our beliefs and habits about food and lifestyle. “The scale is the period at the end of the sentence.” she said. It’s all of the stuff we do before the period that counts. With Chere’s cheerful encouragement, I changed some of my beliefs and habits. Without much pain, I lost 3/4 of my desired weight-loss goal—pounds I had been unable to lose on my own in the past. I feel with all of the tips I received, my goal is achievable.

• Highly informative: In her phone classes, Chere presented a variety of suggestions and advice based on sound materials she presented in hard copy. There was more information than I could read, but nonetheless, what I did study, was helpful.

• Manageable: Chere does a great job of allowing participants to set their own weekly goals. She makes certain the goals are measurable and practical. She never allows anyone to beat themselves up for missteps in their lifestyle behavior.

• Sensible: This class isn’t about at quick fix. Rather it’s about a workable, long-term solution you can live with.

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Media Spokesperson Testimonials

As part of our efforts to reach the community with health messages, Chere helped create a wonderful, informative segment geared specifically for families and healthy eating. She brings great ideas (literally) to the table and really ensured the segment was memorable for viewers by making it relevant, fun and engaging. She's a real pro.
– Rich Fischer, Public Relations, Medtronic

Chere is a pleasure to work and always on top of her game. She is committed to making sure the client is happy by always delivering the key messages, be it during a radio, television or print interview. Her visual displays for TV interviews are beautiful and she makes product messaging sound casual and normal, which is difficult to do! She commands the interest of the viewer and gets the anchors involved by using a creative spin. On a personal note, each email and phone conversation I have with her brightens my day.
– Lindsey Elbom, Account Executive, Weber Shandwick

Chere is a high-energy, dedicated spokesperson that delivers the National Pork Board's messages with credibility and enthusiasm. Chere is able to take our communication plans and deliver them with style to the Twin Cities' television audience. I would recommend Chere for any marketer looking to engage consumers with her passion.
– Ceci Snyder, MS, RD, National Pork Board Assistant VP of Consumer Marketing