EXCERPTS FROM LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION:

Jim O'Brien
Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Diabetes Association
"I had the pleasure of hearing David Rodney speak on his ascents to the summit of Mt. Everest. His clarity of thought and spiritual strength are the vistas from which he opens the world to his audiences. David's close family connection to diabetes provides a personal basecamp of understanding on the daily struggles that those living with and affected by diabetes must endure. He relates his personal climbing experiences and decisions to the life challenges a person living with diabetes must face. Dave Rodney makes an excellent advocate and spokesperson for people living with diabetes: his confidence, integrity and spirit will encourage those who listen to look beyond their limitations and take control of their lives...his message is compelling and inspiring!"

Catherine Lineham
Manager of Member and Client Relations National Purchasing Management Association
"How does one illustrate the "heart and soul", focus, and 100% professionalism we received as personified through Dave Rodney's presentation at the Purchasing Management Association Annual Conference this past June 8, 2001? Well, in the months prior to his presentation, PMAC followed Dave's journey "online" to monitor his progress to and from Mount Everest, and we breathed a collective sigh of relief when we learned that Dave and his team had made it down the mountain safely and successfully (and he was on his way back to North America to fulfill his commitment as keynote speaker at the Conference!).
We thoroughly enjoyed Dave's presence at our Conference. His final plenary session fully supported the goals of the Purchasing Management Association, the importance of our education program, and our hopes to provide members with attitude and skills to support their own personal achievement and development!
Dave had barely caught his breath before facing 400+ members of PMAC...and the value our members received from Dave's presentation may be best illustrated by sharing the effects his keynote:

• Many of our members lined up to speak with Dave after his presentation--like teen-age autograph seekers--I don't recall seeing this happen at a PMAC conference!
• Many members wanted photos of themselves with Dave!
• Dave clearly illustrated how supply chain management is critical in the planning of expeditions up the tallest mountain in the world. His experiences fit extremely well into the messages that are integral to PMAC's education program!
• Members came away from the session energized and confident: we know because the sense of "I know I can do it" was in the air!"
  

Andrew Bentley
Hewlett Packard
"Dave is incredibly motivating. The phrase that stood out for me the most were the 'nine false summits'. I'm going to carry that with me for a long, long time: the notion that in life, in all of our journeys and all of our challenges, there are going to be false summits along the way. But even when that happens, we've got to keep on climbing and continue to go higher, wisely. From a corporate standpoint, all of us face trials similar to what David faced in ascending the mountain: we deal with administrative, team, and other business challenges daily. All of us face difficulties all of the time; and if we can learn from David's strategizing, we will be successful-just as David is!"

Sharon Carry
President & CEO, Bow Valley College
"I have never heard a more inspiring speaker! What a wonderful talent you've been given...thank you for sharing your gift with us! Continue following your dreams and taking others along for the ride; so many others need you!"

G.C. Gunther
Area Sales Manager, DuPont
"Mr. Rodney was the banquet dinner speaker for VIP meeting, and he did a great job motivating our group. We found his presentation both interesting and very exhilarating: Dave used a combination of slides, video and music to share with us one of the most grueling and physically challenging experiences the body and soul can endure. His presentation was believable, enthralling, and genuine. After his formal presentation, Dave spent a considerable amount of time our customers, answering their many questions, taking a personal interest in our stakeholders, and freely sharing of his experience. I recommend Dave Rodney to any group wishing to share in one of the most unique experiences a person can participate in!"

Robert Herbst
President, Progressive Achievement Associates Ltd.
"You have been in assisting in our most recent projects in Indianapolis, Minneapolis, and Kansas City. The group of 300 employees you spoke to have had to embrace a deep cultural shift in terms of their thinking, strategies and daily actions. This has been a serious challenge for them to first comprehend, and then execute. All involved were genuinely impacted by your ability to use your experiences on Mt. Everest, along with the appropriate analogies and images, to establish a definition of their current business and personal journeys. In assessing, planning and designing the development plan for this transformation, I personally benefited from the efforts you put into crafting a message that perfectly suited our audience. Thank you Dave, for sharing your energy! I look forward to working with you on many more projects in guiding people towards progressive achievement."

Jason Zaran
Customer Team Manager, HJ Heinz Company
"Thank you for your presentation to our sales team! You were totally in synch with my goals, and the message was perfect for the group. It helped people realize their potential and what they can do if they simply put their minds to it. It allowed people the right to "THINK BIG" and not seem like they were silly to do so. Your presentation was communicated in a very down to earth manner that helped to put our lives into perspective. I had many positive comments come back to me about both the quality of the material and the presentation itself. We find an opportunity for you to present to our senior management team!"

Peter MacKinnon
University of Saskatchewan President
"One of the world's greatest mountaineers offers an unforgettable account of his experiences and the meaning they hold for all of us. Dave Rodney's message is an inspirational one. It is about danger and hardship, but it is also about the dreams, preparation, determination, and courage that are required to pursue them."

Al Duerr
Former Mayor, City of Calgary
"On behalf of Calgary City Council and the citizens of the city, I congratulate you on your outstanding achievement of climbing Mt. Everest on May 13, 1999. Not only have you represented your sport at a level of excellence, you have been an outstanding ambassador for all of us. We are all proud of your accomplishments. Thank you for your leadership and I wish you all the best!

Randy Atkinson
News Director / Radio Personality, & Coordinator of "An Evening with David Rodney" Charity Event
"David Rodney's journey to the summit of Mt. Everest is a remarkable achievement for the human spirit. His ability to express himself so vividly, coupled with breathtaking photography and videography, leaves audiences compelled, spellbound, and wanting more. His storytelling may only be surpassed by his mountaineering ability. Dave takes his audiences to the top of the world, and back again--in a very real manner. Without question, his is the best adventure you can encounter, without even leaving your seat!"

Leo Kelly
Forensic C.A., Speaker, Climber, & Past-president: Provincial C.A. Institute
"Dave delivers an impressive presentation of an extraordinary achievement. He demonstrates how faith in yourself and your team can result in the fulfillment of your dreams. His easygoing style and professional manner brings you right along with him as he travels to the top of the world!"

Dan Jelinski
Consultant/Speaker
"Mr. Rodney's dynamic presentation invites the listener to move beyond the mere physical dimension of wilderness adventure. Using breathtaking images and inspirational commentary. David, the mountaineer, adventurer and soul traveler plumbs the heights and depths of the inner journey. For him, the quest for Everest became as much of a journey of going inside as it was of going out. David touches all who have ever gathered the courage to climb their own personal 'Everests'. Explorers in the back-country or the boardroom will benefit from David's rich insights. I highly recommend his presentation. David's story is not to be missed."

Lori-Ann Betton
CEATCA Conference Director
"Your visuals and commentary sent us a very strong message. Every audience member continues to be in awe of the photography and stories you shared. Your address inspired and touched us. It felt as if you were talking directly to each of us. We celebrate your success with a new hope for our success as well. Thank you for showing us that a 'stumbling block' can indeed be a 'stepping stone' as we fulfill our goals!"

Julian Demkiw
University of Saskatchewan Alumni & Development President
"Dave successfully tailors his visually intense presentation of experiences on Everest to the journey of life. He is a spellbinding storyteller, professional presenter, accomplished athlete, determined individual, dreamer, and distinguished alumnus. Dave's versatile speaking style and universal messages guarantee that this we will have him back soon to share his new experiences!"

Caroline Danis
Public Administrator
"Mr. Rodney is enthusiastic and enlightening. He speaks about how to live life creatively and positively--seeking themes and meaning, while exploring mystery. In the complex society we live in, things are always changing. We need to nurture our souls. Dave has shown us how to do this. I highly recommend him as a professional speaker."

Allen Hayes
Cargill Ag Horizons
" I just wanted to tell you how much your presentation meant to me. I'm scared of heights myself and watching you ascend Mt. Everest was petrifying to me. As I listened and watched you the palms of my hands were sweating. You must have noticed my discomfort because you asked if I was scared of heights, then when I told you I was, you told me you were also and how you handled it. You said focus on one step, make that step, focus on the next step, make that step...and the next, and the next...and before you knew it you where were you wanted to be. That really hit home for me. Too many times we focus only on the Big Picture and then forget to consider the things we can actually control here and now, such as setting our goals, in challenging, realistic way, which are in line with the Ultimate. I just want to say "Thanks" for taking the time to speak to our group. I would highly recommend your presentation to anyone!"

Garry Gawryliuk
High School SRC Coordinator
"Dave Rodney did a tremendous job speaking to our student body and staff. His personal triumph of climbing Mount Everest was remarkable and the audience had an opportunity to relive that quest through the slides that Dave presented. His journey was all about dedication, perseverance and knowing one's self-being. He kept his audience captivated and his message aroused their interest and enthusiasm not only for life but also for the challenges that life may present. Student responses included: "great motivator," "inspirational," "caring," "remarkable," and "what everybody should hear." How much impact did Dave have? A standing ovation at the beginning and end of his session: now that's making an impression! Dave will inspire you to tackle all of the large and small challenges that life presents to you. "