Clients
Gilliam & Associates has worked with organizations and congregations across the country. Gilliam & Associates’ specific clients are confidential to honor their privacy.
Below are comments from some clients, affiliates, and those who know G&A’s work.
"Craig Gilliam is the personification of “non-anxious” presence. He can take a volatile, challenging and conflicted person or situation and in his calm, careful, thoughtful and grace-filled manner shifts the conversation and narrative toward a fruitful and productive outcome. He has a unique way of asking the perfect question, albeit difficult, that allows a person the space to reflect and look deeply within. Craig has many gifts but perhaps his greatest is his ability to create sacred spaces of trust, honesty, respect and peace—true shalom."
BISHOP CYNTHIA FIERRO HARVEY,
LOUISIANA EPISCOPAL AREA OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
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"Every now and then, someone comes along who listens and perceives at a level that moves the conversation to a deeper place. Craig Gilliam is one of those people. He leads with heart and mind so that the work that emerges is soulful and transformational. In a world where we need difference makers, Craig Gilliam is changing how we navigate the shifting landscape of the church and culture."
Bishop Bill McAlilly,
Nashville Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church
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I have had the great pleasure and honor to work in tandem with Craig during the launch of the Mentora Life Growth Partner Circles. Craig has remarkable observational powers and a deep intuition for people’s underlying motivations as well as hesitations. A master trainer and team coach, Craig quietly guides the group to a higher level of consciousness. And when you think it can’t get any better, he tops it off with a poem he composed himself or improvises in the moment. W. Craig Gilliam is a truly unique facilitator, trusted advisor, giving colleague, and inspiration for anyone.
PETRA NEMETH, , EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/ FOUNDER COACHIENCE, LLC, & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MENTORA INSTITUTE
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We often focus on our weaknesses or how we don't measure up to people's highlight reels online. I love how Craig rebels against these tendencies with a welcomed approach that focuses on deeply understanding our strengths and their impacts in the workplace and beyond. I highly recommend Craig's coaching services to anyone looking to harness the power of their strengths and increase their confidence in the workplace.
JORDAN RING SCROGGS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MLK HEALTH CENTER & PHARMACY
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“I want to extend a heartfelt thanks to G&A for providing the School of Allied Health Professions a great experience with your Gallup-Strengths Development training. It was well received, and faculty have commented it empowered them to better understand themselves and use their strengths better in the classroom. I especially felt the follow-up session helped me to reinforce the principles taught in your training. Great job!”
DENNIS R. WISSING, Ph.D., FAARC INTERM DEAN, SCHOOL OF ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONAL LSU HEALTH SHREVEPORT
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“Craig, … thank you for leading the Clifton StrengthsFinder Seminar for our Leadership Class. As you know, this was a new component to our program this year and the response to the content and your presentation were very positive. Much of our Leadership Class has focused on the external components of leadership and so your ability to help our Class look inward to understand and explore their strengths was a great addition.
We appreciate your leadership in our community and your willingness to engage with us at the Chamber. We look forward to making your session a regular part of the Leadership Class in the future.”
TIMOTHY J. MAGNER, ED.D., PRESIDENT
GREATER SHREVEPORT CHAMBER
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“I would like to extend my sincere thanks for your (Gilliam & Associates, LLC) support in leading my Senior Leadership Team thru the “Strengths Finders” program. I applaud your style and in-depth knowledge of the program content.
I assure you that our Senior Leadership Team is functioning at a much higher level since your time with us. As I meet one on one with members of our team, we strive to remain focused on strengths and inspiring written communication.
We look forward to your continued coaching as we roll our Strengths Finders to the next level of leadership in our team.”
DANIEL J. SNYDER, CEO, UNIVERSITY HEALTH SYSTEM ___
“The StrengthsFinder session my organization recently participated in led by Gilliam & Associates, LLC was profound! The information provided throughout the course was phenomenal. The concepts, themes, and presentation overall will leave a lasting impression on not only me but everyone that participates in this program. By the end of the presentation you will leave with a new desire to positively impact your organization.”
QUALAN M. JEFFERSON, SENIOR HUMAN RESOURCES ANALYST CITY OF SHREVEPORT
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"Craig’s natural talent for listening intentionally, being fully present, and creating a safe space makes him an exceptional coach, guide, and teacher. Those who have the privilege of working with Craig will be blessed with an insightful and productive experience with a truly remarkable person."
AL WINSEMAN, SENIOR CONSULTANT, GALLUP
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“Dr. Craig: I thoroughly enjoyed the Strengths class; you brought out so many great things that I can carry with me. The exercises were especially helpful. I will definitely be using them in various capacities. Thank you so much”
FRANCIS BUFFIN, HUMAN RESOURCES COORDINATOR, BRF (BUILDING OUR REGION’S FUTURE)
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“Dr. Gilliam, I wanted to let you know how much our team enjoyed your Gallup Strengths Finder: Discovering, Leading, and Living course. It was extremely beneficial for our team to attend the training together. The thought-provoking exercises during the course were great for encouraging us to really consider our “newly discovered” strengths and how we can each use those to work more efficiently as a team.
We look forward to building upon what we discovered and continuing to focus on working from our strengths to grow professionally as individuals as well as a group. “
Kim Duncan TRAINING COORDINATOR NSU CHILD AND FAMILY NETWORK
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"It was a pleasure to work with Craig and Betty. The workshop they designed and delivered was both powerful and practical. They taught and modeled the art of facilitation through questions and observation. The entire group was transformed as participants tapped into their co-creative passion and potential."
GRACE PETERSON, PH.D.,
LSU AG. CENTER
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"While not glossing over difficult, challenging issues sometimes wrought with conflict and suspicion, Dr. Craig Gilliam time after time in almost a dozen different settings in congregations and agencies has guided me and other clergy and lay leadership, providing incredible insights, skills and resources to seek a new direction and future for those institutions. Dr. Gilliam's consultative process has become for me an essential component as a clergy person specializing in interim and transitional ministries. Without putting me on the defensive Craig has helped coach me through some very difficult situations in congregations and work with nonprofit faith-based agencies. Finally, it must be said that the growing reputation of Gilliam and Associates as a go to instrument of productive change and transformation in ecclesial institutions and corporate America is well deserved!"
The Rev. (Fr.) Charles D. "Dan" Krutz,
Louisiana Interchurch Conference
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"It has been my privilege to have worked with Dr. W. Craig Gilliam on the leadership team of the Perkins Center for Preaching Excellence over the past several years. Craig has served and continues to serve as small group facilitator and leadership trainer for the Perkins Center for Preaching Excellent at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University. Craig combines profound knowledge of spirituality, group process, and conflict mediation with years of experience working with groups in a variety of settings. Craig’s combination of professionalism, knowledge, and graciousness make him a pleasure to work with! Craig has been the key to our successful training of pastors to guide small groups dedicated to the improvement of preaching in local congregations. His stellar reputation is richly deserved and has made him in demand with organizations from both religious and secular worlds."
Dr. Alyce M. McKenzie,
Altshuler Distinguished Teaching Professor,
Director, The Perkins Center for Preaching Excellence,
Southern Methodist University
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"Craig Gilliam is an exceptionally talented conflict professional, and a sage in our turbulent times. His contemplative, deeply-rooted approach to conflict transformation is both remarkable and compelling as he blends soulful reflection with tangible breakthroughs for groups and individuals navigating conflict. Working alongside and learning from Craig has been a highlight of my career."
Taylor Rippy Monson,
Former Senior Conflict Resolution Consultant,
The Arbinger Institute,
Co-Founder, Honey
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"Craig Gilliam is a perceptive and creative person with loads of experience working with churches and other organizations. His insights and challenges will be on the mark. I myself will pay attention."
Peter Steinke,
Author and consultant
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“Craig’s coaching is superb! His listening skills and inquiry into what he is hearing along with his ability to help think through responses to move situations/conversations toward productive outcomes show a depth of wisdom and experience that are at the heart of his coaching effectiveness. His ability to listen non-judgmentally and ask questions help me see things more clearly, make better decisions and has enhanced the quality of my life. When I need a wise soul to bounce things off, to hear the unvarnished feedback and gain insight and perspective, Craig Gilliam is the person.”
Chip Webster,
Author and Consultant
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"Dr. Craig Gilliam is a gift. He takes his vast experience and provides sessions and opportunity that turn the ordinary into extraordinary. Craig has a unique way of creating a calm and inviting setting in which to share his knowledge and insights with audiences or clients of all ages, backgrounds, and positions. He engages, informs, and inspires people to go forth and do things differently. Dr. Gilliam is a pleasure to work with and is definitely a value-add to any organization, team, meeting, or event."
Renee Smith-Edmondson,
Wespath Benefits and Investments
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“Over the years, I have been blessed to work with several coaches. Craig brings to this helping practice what I have learned typifies the best of this discipline... the capacity to regularly ask deeply insightful questions that prompt reflection and growth over an extended period of time. Craig further brings the gift of highest quality content-rich work in the area of Conflict Transformation. His grounding and consistent application of Martin Buber's I-Thou stance models for me a way of being that is in keeping with my Christian theology and professional ethics and standards. I highly recommend him.”
Rev. Margaret Gillikin
Superintendent, Trinity District,
Rocky Mountain Conference, UMC
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"Dr. Craig Gilliam served as a Consultant for our organization in New Orleans for years when I was Director. Craig is a person of integrity who is creative and effective in the way he approaches his work with his clients. He has a plan to help but has enough sense to slow or stop the process when more time is needed. He is a person of compassion who is not afraid to confront when confrontation is needed to move the work forward. Craig is an expert in the study of congregations and organizations. I recommend him to you without hesitation. I have used Craig as a resource for years. Without reservation, I look forward to many more years of collegiality."
