I worked in the steel industry for many years and during that time I attended many personal development programs. But the IMAD program is different and for me the first time that everything else has made sense. The reason for this is that IMAD is about understanding yourself. It is about understanding that everyone’s life journey has been different and that these things build the person that you are today. And that despite the differences we all have basically the same emotional responses but that our history has made certain things have more or less impact and therefore have changed us in different ways. The course does this in a way that personalised it for me and made it real. It was a journey of discovery where the reason for my own behaviour was uncovered. For the first time I was able to understand my emotional response to various situations. This created a strength and confidence that I had not experienced before. Circumstances that had previously stressed me are now much easier to deal with. I rarely go a day without reflecting on what I learnt at IMAD and continually using that to improve myself.

The I Make a Difference program was a critical stage in my life. Prior to the programme I felt as if I was floating through life with no sense of direction, purpose or awareness. I was depressed and self-sabotaging. The program was an opportunity to spend time learning about myself. I began to understand the reason why I behaved the way I had been and the impacts that this had on myself and others. This awareness provided me with choices which I didn't feel that I had! I could choose to dwell on what I had lost and mistakes I had made, or I could acknowledge these, work through them with the tools that were provided and make choices for different outcomes in the future. I switched from being reactive to being responsive, taking responsibility for my life and choices. I use the tools from the programme years after attending and I am grateful to my core for this as this has supported me to fully appreciate my life and journey. This programme is not a surface skimmer - it has depth and realness as it came from Melinda's journey.

I attended IMAD as part of my application for a role at GMAD. Taking part in IMAD was an edifying and inspiring experience personally and professionally. The program helped me to take stock of my experiences, assess my strengths and challenges, clarify my goals and troubleshoot road blocks to success. Melinda Cates’ facilitation was brilliant; - incisive, intelligent and yet deeply caring and supportive; all necessary ingredients to effect positive change.The GMAD and IMAD models were inspiring because they reinforced to me the power of personal development within a range of business models and particularly recruitment and HR.I went on to continue my career in the Arts as a Vocal Consultant, with stints in Community Development project work, Event Management and Retail Fashion.IMAD gave me the confidence to always keep personal development at the heart of my projects and work which has enabled me to make a difference in all my endeavours; personally, professionally, culturally and commercially

The IMAD experience allowed me to see the situations in my life that had an emotional and mental impact on my confidence and self-esteem.  I was empowered by the dedication and leadership of the program to facilitate my personal development and to never lose sight of who I am and where I have come from.  IMAD really understood the people they were working with.

“It is a personal development program that allows you the space and time to look in and discover, connect with the person you want to be, have been and really are. It provides you with the tools to make change in your life once you have highlighted your areas for development or growth. It is done in an environment that is safe and respectful, with people who are accepting and truthful.”

“Since I participated in the I Make a Difference programme I believe it has had an amazing impact on my life. I am a better person, my marriage is so strong and my relationship with my children is fantastic. I have been able to let people who I care about get close to me and I have been able to talk to them. For the first time I have discussed with people close to me, some of the feelings, sensitivities, and needs that I have. I have acknowledged to myself that I can enjoy life more by sharing more of me with others instead of being closed off. I feel less influenced by external events in terms of my reactions to things, events and adversities."

“For me personally I would describe the program as confronting and empowering. I chose to think about issues and events in my life that I have been avoiding for a long time. This was confronting for me because I am so used to portraying that everything in my life is fine and that I have everything under control and that things don’t affect me. I must admit I was a little unprepared for the emotions that I would feel throughout the five days which swung wildly from very eager to be there to resenting that I was thinking about things I didn’t want to think about. Aside from being personally confronting I found the program empowering as it allowed me to identify incidents in my life that have shaped me into the person I am and how I can work through some of these issues to help myself and therefore the way I relate and interact with people in my life. It has made me consciously aware of the thoughts and feelings I’m having and why I am having them and also the impact it has on others. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to attend this program and while I can certainly identify that I have a lot further to go, at least I am taking a proactive step in the right direction. “