What Our Clients Are Saying

From Fortune 500 companies to major universities, Greg Bell and Water The Bamboo have been transforming world-class organizations for more than a decade. Read what our clients are saying and how Water The Bamboo is effective across industries.

“We were fortunate to have contracted with Greg Bell to deliver the keynote address, and conduct two breakout sessions at our annual Leadership Expo. There was a buzz throughout the day about Greg's positive impact on the Expo. A-dec leaders are now using the phrase 'What's going well?' to begin staff meetings in a positive way. Book studies are taking place featuring the book Water The Bamboo throughout our organization.”

— Eileen Kunze, Vice President of Human Resources, A-dec

"Greg's ideas about maximizing potential and living into your values resonated with our leaders. If you are looking to connect your leaders with success attributes, Greg would make an excellent keynote speaker for your next leadership meeting."

— Kim Barger, Human Resources Manager, Allstate

"It was absolutely more than what we expected. I was very impressed with the preparedness that Greg and his team did. The presentation itself knocked everybody out. I caught some on TED and on video before the meeting, and the in-person is way beyond that. I would recommend it to anybody."

— Bob Proffitt, President & COO, Alpha Broadcasting (KINK, KXL, KBFF, KXTG, KUPL, KXFD)

"Greg presented an informative, upbeat, and custom engagement for our traders and administrative staff. His message was loud, clear and concise with a motivating spin during the entire presentation. If you want positive influence for a sales organization, Water The Bamboo is the answer."

— Terry Adkins, President, American International Forest Products

Attendees at the ALA Region 5 Conference said, "'What a powerful speaker! He caught our attention and maintained it throughout the session.' 'Greg was not only a good motivator, but his common logic, passion for life, and understanding of self and human value was refreshing' and 'he is engaged and engaging, focuses on what is truly attainable and positive, and challenges the audience to believe in their leadership potential.'"

— Attendees at the Region 5 Conference, Association of Legal Administrators

“Greg's presentation was a large highlight of our kick-off event. Each person walked away from the presentation with a newfound energy for both work and personal lifestyles. It will be hard to top in upcoming events!”

— Stephanie Huston-Robertson, Market Communication Manager, AT&T Mobility

"At Climax we stand for our vision of creating passionate ambassadors who have extraordinary lives, careers, companies and communities. Water The Bamboo aligns with our vision by placing heavy focus on the importance of respect and relationships. A team leader told me how Water The Bamboo is helping him do a better job of integrating our newly acquired employees into our culture. You know the training is great when it immediately converts into real time application of training and self awareness."

— Joni George, Chief Cultural Officer Climax Portable Machine Tools

“Greg is a dynamic motivator with excellent insight. He created a safe environment for both employees and managers in a way that helped us move forward as a group. We continue to use Greg's tools today.”

— Marisa A. Hodes, Vice President of Human Resources, Dr. Martens AirWair USA

"The Water The Bamboo program was outstanding and it was very clear to me that our customers were very pleased with the program content and presentation style."

— Ron Johnson, Executive Director (Oregon), Federal Executive Boards

“Whatever your professional 'bamboo' is, Water The Bamboo can help you and your team achieve tremendous growth.”

— Mark Few, Head Basketball Coach, Gonzaga University
     Winner of the John Wooden Coaching Achievement Award

"The Water The Bamboo concept is core to understanding that what you're doing is for the long-term versus for just the short sale."

— Cindy Moore, Director of Large Group Sales, Health Net Plan of Oregon

"Greg Bell's presentation to our Association members was one of the best we've ever had. We all found he concepts discussed by Greg very pertinent and timely to issues we face each day. All of the Executives present came away both motivated and anxious to share the insights with their own staff members."

— Deborah R. Lark, Vice President, International Association for Healthcare Textile Management

“Greg got it. He really connected with who we are and what we care about. His talk was right on target – no fluff. Everyone got on board. They called it inspiring, excellent, and upbeat. Since then, others have asked to bring Water The Bamboo to their department. Word is spreading. I doubt our work with Greg is done.”

— Reva Kopel, Performance Management Leader, Kaiser Permanente

Download the Kaiser Permanente Case Study

"In his new book Water The Bamboo, Greg Bell takes a unique and joyful approach to time-tested management concepts. Greg’s distinctive outlook on maximizing your potential will propel you toward significant growth in both life and work. A truly enjoyable book."

— Ken Blanchard, coauthor of The One Minute Manager^® and Leading at a Higher Level, Ken Blanchard Companies

"Bottom line, Greg’s delivery and his program puts things in proper perspective in the simplest of terms; his control over the session was impeccable and yet easy to understand and appreciate. In today’s world it’s rare to find gems like Greg Bell who are so inspirational and motivate by example."

— Kirk T. Bachmann M.Ed, CEC, AAC, President, Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Chicago

"We only take the best, and Greg Bell fits that bill!"

— John N. Morgan, Executive Director, The Luke Center for Catalytic Leadership

“Greg does a masterful job through keynote speaking to empower organizations and individuals to reach their fullest potential. His Water The Bamboo presentation during the 2012 Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) conference was relevant, entertaining and enlightening. Who knew that bamboo could provide such profound teachable moments?”

— Rhonda L. Bolding, Marketing Proposal Manager, Mascaro Construction Company

"Greg Bell and his Water The Bamboo program was a great centerpiece for our annual retreat. Greg is an engaging and positive presenter and focused our people on positive individual attitudes and interpersonal relationships. He really gets at what matters in an organization."

— Don Burns, Managing Partner, Miller Nash

“Greg Bell is an incredible speaker. He delivers insight and encouragement with the right dose of reality.  We brought Greg in as a Keynote Speaker to a conference for retailers and online entrepreneurs — folks with plenty of issues to worry about. The ones who were the most doubtful of the benefits of listening to a motivational speaker were the ones who came away the most impressed — and with real concrete ideas. We’re going to get Greg to do it again at future conferences as well.”

— Brian Elliott, CEO, Monsoon Commerce

“Intelligent material presented in a professional way.”

— Joe Burkley, Mechanical Engineer, MTI

“Greg Bell's 'Unleash Your Potential - Revitalize Your Team' Education Session was a huge hit at our 2010 National Association of Electrical Distributors LEAD Conference! I would highly recommend Greg to any organization wishing to inspire their leaders to set a clear vision, well defined goals and a solid action plan necessary to achieve breakthrough results.”

— Vito DiMaio, Conference Chair, National Association of Electrical Distributors (Leadership Enhancement and Development Conference)

“Great experience, wonderful energy and fun!”

— Elizabeth LeMay, Director of Apparel Operations, Nike

"Over 600 people walked away with an attitude that I believe will be their 'ally' throughout the year."

— Mickey Odin, Deputy Superintendent, Northwest Regional Education Service District

“Greg’s Water The Bamboo philosophy appeals across the board and this is what makes him a great keynote choice for any event! His message was positively received by all.”

— Lauren Malone, Managing Director of Meetings & Membership, Oregon Dental Association

"Greg presented the keynote at our conference, and it was one of the most inspiring keynote talks ever at our conference. He took the time to get to know us and our profession so his talk really hit home with our attendees. His approach to identifying personal values, establishing goals and the specific strategies to get there apply universally, but most importantly, his approach benefited our attendees who appreciated the reminder that persistence and the little things in life and at work are so important. Greg's emphasis of the little things that are necessary to accomplish big things is entertaining, and I would definitely recommend him as a speaker, or consultant to any team."

— Bruce Hollcroft, Conference Chair, Oregon Governor's Occupational Safety & Health Conference

"Greg's presentation on 'Leading Organizational Change' was described by participants as being 'entertaining,' 'inspirational,' 'engaging,' 'very fun and motivating' while at the same time providing 'great information.' Out of the five conference general sessions, Greg was the highest rated speaker. Our participants loved him!"

— Laura Olson SPHR, Conference Co-chair, Portland Human Resource Management Association

"Working with Greg and having him present his concepts, perspectives and suggestions was an insightful and enjoyable experience. His personal approach, ability to quickly understand our profession, and deliver thought provoking ideas was valuable for all. He really stimulates you to think about what's most important both personally and professionally."

— Steve Terry, Managing Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers

“Greg is a great speaker with powerful presence. He’s authentic and makes you feel like you’re the only person in the room. His message about planting seeds and having these little growths resonated with everyone. People are coming forward and talking about what is going well for them. Our staff is more engaged and our business is skyrocketing this year.””

— Jodi Guffee, Chief Operating Officer, Radiant Senior Living

Download the Radiant Senior Living Case Study

"I had the opportunity to have Greg join our Account Management and Communications staff at our retreat. Although it was promoted as professional development and training, I introduced him and his message as a gift. His message on how each of us needed and deserved to have the benefits that are afforded us by 'Watering our Bamboo' left our staff with a view of the personal fulfillment that challenges can provide. Gift your team with the chance to hear his message."

— Michael Alexander, Vice President of Account Management, Regence BlueCross BlueShield / Cambia Health Solutions

"Water The Bamboo appeals to people, it gives them something they can really do, and we’ve  seen it work."

— David Bartz, President, Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt

"A rare combination of practical and provocative, and entertaining to boot."

— Mark Long, Managing Partner, Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt

“Greg Bell was one of the best keynote speakers SMPS has ever had at our national conference. Not only did he keep our full attention with meaningful stories, he gave us specific takeaways that were easy to implement. We continue to receive rave reviews from his keynote session as well as the breakout session he led afterwards. Water The Bamboo is a life concept; thanks so much for sharing it!”

— Beth Harris, Conference Co-Chair, Society for Marketing Professional Services

“Imagine an audience of a thousand marketing professionals, struggling to move their architecture, engineering and construction companies forward out of the greatest economic recession in their lifetimes. Now, imagine that same crowd on their feet, electric – energized and inspired to go back to their offices and move mountains, to go back and grow bamboo! This is what Greg Bell did for me and the Society for Marketing Professional Services National Conference. We are stronger and more empowered than ever before!”

— Frank Lippert, National Immediate Past President, Society for Marketing Professional Services

"Greg did an extraordinary job presenting 'Revitalize Your Team' for our managers. The Water The Bamboo principles were seen as extremely valuable. Attendees commented that, Greg is a 'phenomenal speaker who engaged the audience with sincere, honest goodness,' who 'did a great job at infusing energy, positive outlook and ideas,' and he 'makes the information relevant, personally and professionally, to a wide audience.'"

— John Deller, Manager, Business Process & Analytics, Standard Insurance Company

“Greg is a unique presenter who empowers individuals, helping them realize the best about themselves and their situations... laughing with us and building relationships every step of the way.”

— Pam Farmer, Director of Organizational Development, University of Oregon

"To our players, the analogy of Water The Bamboo is that you have to keep driving, keep playing, and it will pay off in the long run. And that's what those guys understand."

— Chip Kelly, Head Football Coach, University of Oregon (2009-2013)
     Eddie Robinson National Coach of the Year

"I want to express our appreciation for the excellent programs you presented. Both programs were tremendously effective and very well received. We hope to have you back for our annual meeting again soon."

— Bob Nettles, Program Committee Representative, Western Association of College and University Business Officers