Testimonials
Below are a small selection of testimonials from schools, groups and businesses William has presented to. There's a fair bit of reading, but well worth it if you're thinking of having William speak at your function.
Diocesan School for Girls (www.diocesan.school.nz)
March 2013
An experienced speaker, William is inspirational as he shares his story of survival. He models a positive attitude to life along with providing a message of perseverance. William has been involved in our school across the levels and has successfully engaged and inspired an audience of students, staff and parents. His professional approach, strong philosophy, and personal involvement have provided a strong contribution to leadership development at Diocesan.
Jo Robertson
Leadership Program Director
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Physical Education New Zealand (www.penz.org.nz)
December 2012
We invited William to close our two day Leadership Programme for Physical Education teachers wishing to re-energise or move up to head of department or lead teacher middle leadership positions. Through effective and appropriate humour, William soon made people very comfortable about spending time delving deeply into what should have been a life ending experience. William’s account of the Mt. Ruapehu eruption, his survival, recuperation and subsequent inspiration, is captivating. Importantly, fellow teachers could resonate with this primary school teacher who provided them with a graphic example of turning adversity into not only a personal strength but one that will impact positively on the lives of many people, young and old alike. You simply cannot keep a good man down. William will inspire you and your team with attitudes and strategies to live every day as a good day. Young New Zealanders will draw enormously from an example of magnificent resilience forged in cast iron positivity.
Gordon D Paterson – Executive Officer - Physical Education New Zealand
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Auckland University of Technology - School of Rehabilitation & Occupation Studies (www.aut.ac.nz)
August 2012
William Pike is an incredible speaker. His presentation skills are second to none, with excellent use of visual images to portray his story. He is dynamic, spirited and funny. His willingness to share his personal and emotive story serves not just as an inspiration to others, but also imparts knowledge on the ways people can overcome life changing situations.
William successfully tailored his presentation for an academic setting, in speaking to second and third year occupational therapy and physiotherapy students at the Auckland University of Technology. He highlighted the positives of teamwork, and also the challenges faced by patients between hospital and community settings. The students were captivated throughout the presentation and commented and reflected on the ideas that were presented for more than a week following the presentation.
Elise Copeland and Melissa Evans
Lecturers, Occupational Scienc e & Therapy
School of Rehabilitation & Occupation Studies
Auckland University of Technology
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Australia and New Zealand Intensive Care Society Conference, Hamilton
March 2012
Download testimonial
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Multitrade International Ltd, Auckland (www.multitradenz.com)
3rd February,2012
To Whom It May Concern.
We were fortunate indeed to have William Pike address our staff at our recent Christmas function.
William's relaxed presentation was particularly informative, entertaining, and we can only admire his extradordinary story of great courage and survival. A truly inspirational story, leaving us with a message interwoven with persistence, positive attitude, and goal setting, to overcome adversity. The audio and visuals incorporated within the presentation truly gave an eye-opening insight. Accordingly, his book "Every Day's a Good Day" is a must read. William, we salute you for your dedicated commitment and leadership with community workers and youth to promote outdoor education through "The William Pike Challenge Award". I am delighted to recommend William as a guest speaker. He is entertaining, uplifting, and motivating to those who possibly take their lives for granted.
Yours sincerely,
Gordon Hedstrom
On behalf of Multitrade International team
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ACG Sunderland School, West Auckland (www.acgedu.com/nz/sunderland)
November, 2011
“William has spoken to our school on two occasions for different age groups; College and Primary. On both occasions William has captured the audience and given a clear message to the students and their families. We would highly recommend William as a motivational speaker; he understood our brief and delivered without question.”
Catherine Ferguson
Principals' PA/Office Manager
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AUSTRALIASIAN NURSE EDUCATORS CONFERENCE
November 2011
...please feel free to utilise the following paragraph which you are welcome to profile. It is genuine and I do appreciate your speaking presentation at the conference dinner and from an organisers perspective, the ease in which you assisted me with arrangements – much appreciated.
I wish to recommend William Pike as a gifted and compelling speaker. William provided an engaging after-dinner presentation at the Australasian Nurse Educators Conference held in Hamilton which was attended by 350 people. His life-story is captivating, his presentation is well prepared and provides excellent use of video footage. He has the ability to hold an audience due to the nature of his story and he adapts the message to fit the audience. His message is both challenging, encouraging and relevant to people from all walks of life.
Dave Treeby - director
Eventuate [Wgtn] Ltd
www.eventuate.co.nz
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Outdoor New Zealand Forum (www.outdoorsnz.org.nz)
October 2011
Despite being in a room full of high achievers in the outdoor world, he tailored his presentation and his story resonated and provided inspiration to the gathering. He is a humble man, but has a great story to tell. I am sure that everyone there left with a resolution to make sure that they would make a difference in their own way, through their work in the outdoors.
Paul Chaplow
Chief Executive Officer
Outdoors New Zealand
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PRESENTATION FOR QUEST SERVICED APARTMENTS NZ/FIJI 2011ANNUAL NETWORK CONFERENCE (www.questapartments.co.nz/HomePage.aspx)
August 5th 2011
William's relaxed presentation style combined with the uniqueness of his story captivated our franchisees. (Not an easy task!).
95% of the attendees rated his presentation 4 or greater out of 5!
Specific comments were as follows:
- "Cannot wait to read his book!"
- "Excellent guest speaker, it gives real motivation what you can do with limited means"
- "It was an upbeat presentation of a unique New Zealand story reinforcing what really is important in life"
- "His presentation was uplifting, educational and humorous and well received and reflected upon by all that were present"
Stephen Mansfield
CEO
Quest Serviced Apartments NZ/Fiji
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7th July 2011
Hi William,
You did such a superb job speaking on Thursday. I was so impressed, even though I have seen you speak before. You just keep getting better. The girls I spoke to all agreed that you were their favourite speaker for the entire day. I do hope you have a great holiday and thanks again for agreeing to speak - and then being such a trooper on the day, despite the flu.
Hope you have a great holiday.
Cheers,
Dorothy
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Women's Outdoor Pursuits (www.wops.co.nz)
1st June 2011
William Pike
Auckland
Women’s Outdoor Pursuits A.G.M. May 25th 2011.
Our AGM is a social highlight of our calendar and we have had some wonderful speakers so were absolutely delighted with William’s presentation.
Our members loved his message of the importance of fitness, family and friends, and having a positive attitude in our lives. They also loved William for his humble and down to earth approach as he told his amazing story of the eruption, his miraculous survival, and the long road to recovery.
His absolute commitment to Outdoor Education and ‘The William Pike Challenge Award’ and to his students was equally compelling. We particularly enjoyed his wry humour, including the use of a video made by his pupils.
Copies of his book “Every Day is a Good Day” sold out as people were keen to buy it for family and friends.
William charmed us by being who he is, a lovely humble young man, who survived against the odds, and has a powerful message for all of us. His speaking and presentation skills were excellent and we would heartily recommend him as a Motivational Speaker.
Kind Regards
Kay Willcocks
Women’s Outdoor Pursuits
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The Fletcher Construction Company Limited - Engineering Conference
Recently we had the pleasure of hearing William Pike present to a group of 280 professional staff in our Engineering Division. William spoke on his climbing accident on Ruapehu in 2007 and gave some wonderful lessons on life from his perspective.
It was an extraordinary story of courage an survival with an inspirational message on how to make the best of what you have been given. This was an uplifting presentation for our people and many spoke to me afterwards about the value of William's message.
William has a raw and honest presentation style that connects with his audience and conveys a strong, resilient and positive character. His slideshow is professional and shows a graphic picture of the challenge he faced and how he has overcome adversity.
I have no hesitation in recommending William as a speaker. He was entertaining, uplifting and quite motivating to those who are taking their lives for granted.
Graham Darlow
General Manager - Engineering
The Fletcher Construction Company Limited
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Albany Junior High School - Parent / Student Breakfast
To Whom It May Concern:
We were fortunate enough to have William Pike speak at a Parents’ Forum Breakfast recently and as a result it is my pleasure to be able to write this letter of reference for him.
The Parents’ Forum Breakfast is a regular event designed at fostering, school / parent participation, family time and values.
I had heard previously that William was an excellent speaker but even I was not prepared for just how good he proved to be.
William delivered a great message in a relaxed, informative and entertaining style that was very engaging for both our students and the adults present. He matter of factly tells a story of huge interest to most people with an endearing use of humour.
The message that is interwoven into his talk is one of persistence, goal setting, over coming adversity and being positive about all life has to offer, and was totally appropriate and aligned to our own school values.
William is an open, likeable young man who relates very well to people of all age groups and backgrounds. His experiences strike a chord with everybody even if they are not experienced in the outdoors. Williams way of speaking is not flashy but rather it is personable and leaves you hanging and wanting to hear more. I would imagine that he is an awesome and inspiring teacher too.
I am delighted to recommend William as an entertaining speaker with a message that needs to be listened to. A real must!
Mike Jackson
Principal
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NZ Blood TRACE Conference
The presentation by William Pike at the New Zealand Blood Service (NZBS) TRACE (Technical, Recruitment & Collections Education) meeting was one of the highlights of this annual training, learning and development event.
William’s presentation included drama, compassion, humour and inspiration as he took his audience through what for him was a life-changing event. His key tips about how to “make every day a good day” reminded meeting attendees that they are the masters of their own destiny and showed how, with a positive “can do” attitude; even “impossible goals” can be achieved.
Attendees were both moved by the graphic details of the predicament William found himself in and inspired by how he dealt with it; both at the time and during his long rehabilitation. His positivism and determination were infectious.
William is a great motivational speaker who delivers a compelling and inspiring personal message to the people of New Zealand about how to improve the quality of their own lives and help save the lives of others through blood donation.
Some comments from NZBS staff who attended William’s presentation included:
“Having a recipient talk to us, knowing that we are truly saving lives makes our work that much more meaningful.”
“The highlight for me was William Pike’s talk – I think it has given me a different outlook on the way I handle myself and tackle tasks.”
“William Pike was fantastic, really inspirational and encouraging. Thoroughly enjoyed his presentation.”
Fiona Ritsma
Chief Executive - NZBS
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Blue Light National Conference
18th August 2010
To Whom it May Concern,
Blue Light is a community policing non-profit organisation whose objective is to build stronger relationships between young people, their families, the community and the Police. New Zealand Blue Light has over 70 branches throughout New Zealand.
On behalf of Bluelight I wish to commend the valuable work that William Pike does for our youth.
William has spoken to both groups of youth and more recently to our National Conference held recently at the Royal New Zealand Police College. William has a very polished presentation that is easily tailored to both young people and adults alike.
In my personal interactions with William I have found him to be unfailingly professional, competent, reliable, co-operative and supportive.
William’s topics on having a positive attitude, overcoming adversity and goal setting are well received by all that hear his well inspiring presentation.
This enables me to recommend his services to others with confidence.
Blue Light will definitely be using William in the future for more inspirational leadership roles for both community workers and youth.
Yours sincerely,
Mark Veale
National Events Manager
New Zealand Blue Light
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NIKE NZ Conference
Reader,
I had the pleasure of hearing this amazing young man address my New Zealand based team and would whole-heartedly recommend him for your next corporate engagement.
To be honest, there are many stories of courage and determination in the face of adversity in our communities - all of who have stories worth sharing. But I was amazed with the honesty and humility that William delivered his story. Despite his injury, he prefers to see the world through a 'glass is more than half full' lens which my team and I found truly inspirational.
If you are looking for a speaker to deliver a message to your team that tells them to accept all their working day throws at them, then throw something back at it with a smile on your face, then William is your guy!
Will, thanks for such a great night and I look forward to following your writing and speaking career from across the ditch.
Yours Sincerely,
Paul Faulkner
Managing Director - NIKE Pacific
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Renal Society of Australasia Conference
Speaker – William Pike
The Renal Society of Australasia (RSA) recently held its annual conference in Rotorua, NZ. The RSA is an organisation for health care professionals involved in the care of people with Kidney disease, on dialysis or with a kidney transplant.
William was asked to speak at this conference both as a motivational speaker and as a past patient of the renal team. Williams enthusiasm for life was evident from the first moment we approached him to speak. He attended the conference and spoke of his journey through life including the traumatic events of September 2007 and the long road to recovery. William connected with the audience of approximately 400 from the moment he entered the auditorium. He spoke passionately about his love of the outdoors, his rehabilitation and his goals for the future. The feedback received from conference participants was very positive, they felt that having a patient perspective puts everything they do into context and keeps us all grounded in reality.
Many of the comments received stated that William was inspirational and many participants would like to hear more from him.
The RSA 2009 conference organising committee would highly recommend William as a speaker at any event.
Karin Norman
RSA 2009 Conference Convener
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High Point Academy - Pasadena, California, USA
High Point Academy
1720 Kinneloa Canyon Road
Pasadena, California 91107
(626) 798-8989 Phone
(626) 798-8751 FAX
To Whom It May Concern:
On Thursday, October 2, 2008, the High Point Academy students, faculty, staff, and administration had the pleasure of listening to William Pike recount his harrowing experience on Mt. Ruapehu. William is a truly amazing young man in every sense of the word. He is a wonderful speaker. He spoke directly to our students and they were totally captivated. This was the first assembly in which one could literally have heard a pin drop after William spoke his first few words. William’s energy and enthusiasm were palpable. Not only did William do a masterful job of taking his audience on his journey, but he also was very inspirational and motivating. We all came away from William’s presentation feeling very fortunate for having had the opportunity to hear William speak.
Our fourth through eighth grade students attended this wonderful assembly. We have 40 students in each grade level so there were 200 students and about 20 faculty, staff and administrators. We are so pleased that we learned about William and that he was available to come speak to our students.
Sincerely,
John T. Higgins Liz Staff
Headmaster