I had the pleasure to be an invited speaker at the recent Development Day program at Marshall B Ketchum University in Fullerton, CA, alongside Roel Snieder. Roel’s opening keynote was a master class in how to engage an academic audience. His topic was kindness, and he opened with concrete stories that got attendees thinking and responding right away, then pulled back the curtain to share the neuroscience and psychology behind the methods that he advocated the audience try out. By the time he wrapped up—with stories about entering an unusual foot race alongside a donkey running partner and about the benefits of meditative practice—I witnessed 180 busy academics utterly silent and reflective as everyone engaged in a guided meditation together. Roel is an engaging, effective, and original speaker, and I’m glad I got to experience him doing his work.
Thomas J. Tobin, PhD, MSLS, PMP, MOT, CPACC
Center for Teaching, Learning, & Mentoring, University of Wisconsin-Madison
“Initially, I questioned whether we had the time for workshops not directly tied to business activities or revenue, but the value of Roel’s sessions was immediately clear – both during the workshops and afterward in our team interactions. The sessions were not only useful and practical but also provided a valuable opportunity for our team to bond and explore the softer skills often lacking in the industry. Roel delivers the material with grace and humility, expertly balancing personal and organizational needs. I would gladly do it again and look forward to having Roel back.”
Gareth Goldswain
Institute for Mine Seismology - Australia
“We’ve had the privilege of having three sessions with Roel, covering lots of ground, including improving communication internally at IMS as well as how to present effectively to outside parties. Roel’s friendly, approachable nature and flexibility and engagement with our group has made this a foundational learning experience, with everybody wishing we had more time and very fruitfully engaging with Roel afterwards. Roel’s scientific background together with his coaching experience makes him perfect for similar groups like ourselves where a highly technical group of people need to work well and happily. I can guarantee that much of what Roel has imparted on us will have a lasting positive effect, and it is much appreciated.”
Ernest Lotter
Institute for Mine Seismology - Australia
“My employer organized a full day of networking and communication training with none other than Roel Snieder, whose transformational coaching insights left a deep impact on our team.”
Adebayo Oluwaseun Ojo
Fleet Space Technologies, Canada
“I really enjoyed the workshop Effective Oral Communication, I will for sure use the tips in my presentations. I also learned so much from the workshop Effective Negotiation Practices which is helpful to lead your way in industry.”
Laleh Khadangi
Fleet Space Technologies, Canada
“In his workshop Managing Emotions, Roel offers a deep understanding of how we function and interact in our daily work lives, while also providing valuable insights into effectively managing oneself.”
Andries van Zyl
Institute of Mine Seismology, Australia
“Working with Roel has been a transformational experience, to say the least. I discovered many aspects of my personality that were holding me back both personally and professionally. His guidance has not only enhanced my professional capabilities but has also enriched my personal life in countless ways. Roel’s mentorship has been invaluable, and I am deeply grateful for the positive changes he has helped me achieve. Roel is an excellent scientist, a wonderful coach, and above all a great human being.”
Umair bin Waheed
King Fahd University, Saudi Arabia
“I enthusiastically recommend Roel Snieder for his fantastic workshop on Presentation and Communication Skills that he gave for our diverse team at Fleet Space in Denver. Roel effortlessly connected with participants from various backgrounds, delivering content that was engaging, entertaining and perfectly suited to our team’s needs. His practical insights and actionable tips made a real impact, showcasing his expertise and genuine commitment to supporting our team’s professional growth.”
Isa Notermans
Fleet Space Technologies
“Roel has a truly unique combination of technical brilliance, compassion, empathy, and ‘heart’. Roel’s energy and passion as a coach are inspiring, and his genuine interest in my personal growth was refreshing and something I have found lacking in my academic and professional career to date. Roel helped me gain perspective, build resilience, and develop tools that really helped me through a difficult ‘mid-life’ phase. I will definitely be back for more coaching as I encounter the inevitable hurdles that lie ahead, and would recommend to any scientist, engineer, or other professional who finds themselves struggling to find balance, meaning, or perspective to get in touch with Roel – you won’t regret it.”
Gareth Goldswain
Australia
“Roel is a good friend of burros. I enjoy running at his side. He is steady and calm and faster than most humans I know – wheee! He knows I love peanut butter sandwiches and shares his with me. 5 out of 5 carrots.”!
Mickey
Burro-racing buddy of Roel
“Our Institute invited Roel to speak with our faculty, students, and staff. The visit was an overwhelming success! Roel uses story and shared experiences to craft relatable messages that welcome participants. He has a heart for helping people, especially scientists, find joy and harmony in their life and work. You will be glad you invited him to collaborate with you.”
Sarah Bodbyl Roels
Associate Dean, Van Andel Institute Graduate School, Michigan
“Annette, why are you crying?” Such a simple question extended with the utmost compassion and empathy opened a flood of deep emotions. Through his questions, Roel helped me identify what I needed to do next to bring deeper meaning and purpose to my life. I am grateful for his impact on my life.
Annette P.
Colorado
“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I really appreciate you, and what you have contributed to my life! You have expanded my perspectives and opened new possibilities with your keen insights. I am deeply grateful for your compassion and wisdom.”
Dr. Tom Boldrey
Texas
“Roel is one of the few exceptionally gifted people that I know that has the rare combination of an outstandingly strong analytical and highly creative and intuitive mind on the one hand, and a highly empathetic, loyal and very loving character on the other. His ability to listen and quickly recognize what is the essence of the matter, and his overall well-balanced and pragmatic approach to live a life with meaning, has not only been very helpful and inspiring from a professional point of view, but it also taught me how to balance `living from the head as well as from the heart.’ I highly recommend working with Roel as your coach, you will not regret it.”
Huub Douma
Founder and Managing Director of Quantairra R&D Services, The Netherlands
“I have really found your class inspiring and truly worth every moment. From you, I have learned to look inward and listen to myself, think beyond myself, and ask questions I never thought possible. I enjoyed this class immensely. My sanity thanks you.”
Ashlyn Hohenshelt
Student of Roel's Science and Spirituality class
“Roel is a dedicated educator and coach. His commitment to personal growth and supporting awareness in his students and clients is tangible. He transmits a heart of compassion and honors the path of transformation for all that enter his space.”
Cynthia James
Cynthia James Enterprises ~ Champion for Change, Colorado
“Any person who says “Yes” to the opportunity to work with Roel as a coach, mentor or teacher has been gifted with an intelligent, kind, funny and relentless champion for your goals and dreams. Roel’s insightful and wise demeanor is balanced by laser focused questions and feedback honed by the discipline of a brilliant scientist. Most of all, you will be inspired by his caring and courageous heart as you explore the barriers that stand in your way of change.”
Kathi Quinn
Author of “Healed by a Silent Heart”, Colorado