Skip to main content

Monica Lueg

Human Resources Manager
City of Pitt Meadows
Mike Penninga has been an outstanding facilitator for the City of Pitt Meadows, leading a series of impactful workshops on leadership, communication, and conflict resolution. Mike’s engaging and dynamic presentation style kept participants fully involved, and the sessions were packed with practical insights that staff could immediately apply in their roles. The feedback from our team has been overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the relevance, clarity, and effectiveness of the training. We’re grateful for the expertise and energy that Mike brought to each session, and we look forward to future opportunities to collaborate.

Shahid Wazed

Talent Acquisition Expert & Leadership Development Champion

Mike is an exceptional emcee. He knows exactly how to engage his audience through relatable stories. Stories you’ll remember long after his engagement is over with your organization. Book him for your next service offering, you’ll absolutely be delighted! 

Steffan Zamzow

President, Local Government Compliance & Enforcement Association of BC

I've had the pleasure of participating in a presentation by Mike at one of our Annual Training Conferences for local government compliance and enforcement professionals – it was nothing short of outstanding. His ability to engage, inspire, and provoke thought is truly exceptional. Drawing on professional and personal experiences not only kept the audience engaged, it deepened insight, understanding and relatability with a diverse group of professionals.

The feedback from attendees was unanimous—many said it was one of the best presentations they had ever participated in. The energy was electric and the content both relevant and powerful. Mike doesn’t just speak; he captivates, challenges, and energizes a room. A truly dynamic speaker; one that we have and will continue to work with in the future.  

Douglas Goubault

Managing Partner @ Innovation Hospitality - Oak Bay Beach Hotel

Mike facilitated a strategic session for one of our properties. A meticulous preparation and thoughtful approach set us up for a valuable day. Mike’s thoughtful and engaging nature was very effective and I believe he made a tremendous difference in creating an enjoyable and productive day with the team. I look forward to working with Mike again and highly recommend him. Thank you Mike! 

Christie Judson

Business Development & Community Relations Manager, City of Kelowna

I thoroughly enjoyed Mike's interactive workshop. He is a great presenter; very knowledgeable and a fantastic sense of humor!

Leigh-Ann Postowski

Associated Dean Health & Science Development, Okanagan College

Highly recommend taking the conflict management course facilitated by Mike. The workshop was enlightening, I took away many tools that will support me as a new leader through challenging moments. Through storytelling Mike shared many great pieces of wisdom and kindness that helped to strengthen my own skills.

Gerald Tessier

IT Manager Predator Ridge

Every now and then, you come across a person that leaves an indelible mark. Mike Penninga is such a person. Our company had the pleasure of receiving world class training as part of our leadership training program with Mike as the intrepid facilitator.

I can't recall ever having colleagues laud someone's exceptionalism as much as Mike, not only days after our training, but weeks and months later. I still hear his name in conversations with all the same compliments. Great, awesome, engaged, perfect fit, transformative, can't have enough, to name a few.

Mike has next level relatability, adaptability, and communication skills. He is a student as much as he is a coach or mentor. In a world where active listening is in short supply, Mike has mastered the art of pausing, consuming, and processing information in real time so that he can impart valuable insight with just the right amount of perspective that leaves one feeling heard and when appropriate, helped.

I particularly felt safe sharing with Mike, whether it be exposing my vulnerability or being resolute with an opinion... Mike never deviates from a baseline informed by respect, acceptance, and open-mindedness. These are rare qualities which goes without saying that, I am truly delighted to have made a new friend.

Mike, our leadership team, and by extension, the company as a whole, really appreciates your positive contributions and hope to continue this journey with you for years to come.

Fei Liu

Executive Director OCCA

It was an absolute pleasure working with Mike on our Job Connect for the Future (JCF) skills training program, designed to support immigrants and newcomers facing multiple barriers to employment. Mike is an extraordinary instructor whose dedication to helping others extends far beyond the classroom. He has an exceptional ability to listen, understand individual needs, and recognize the unique potential in everyone he engages with. His encouragement empowers participants to be their authentic selves while striving to achieve more than they ever imagined.

Mike’s role is much more than that of an instructor; he is a multi-faceted guide who truly cares about his students. He excels at observing challenges they face and providing efficient, thoughtful solutions. He fosters meaningful connections, builds networks among participants, and ensures everyone feels supported. His positive encouragement, resourcefulness, and commitment to sharing valuable information enable students to navigate their paths with confidence.
Participants consistently express their gratitude for the transformative impact Mike has on their lives. His passion and dedication leave a lasting impression, inspiring success and resilience in all those he works with. Mike is not just an instructor; he is a family member to the program, offering the most concrete support and guidance to help students thrive.

Rod Cochrane

General Manager Predator Ridge Resort

Mike Penninga is an exceptional coach and presenter. His knowledge, communication skills and passion for transforming our business has made an incredible difference to us in a very short period of time. His ability to understand the needs and make connections with our leadership team has been inspirational to us all here. We will continue to work with him to guide us on our journey toward improvement and excellence and cannot wait until our next session!

Zachary Webster

Program Administrator Okanagan College

I cannot overstate Mike's passion, dedication, and openness to the work that he does. As a facilitator for Okanagan College's Continuing Studies department, Mike has taught a variety of adult learners in community. But more than teach, in every class, Mike has made a deep, honest and earnest connection with the community he's teaching, and goes to great lengths to ensure the success of his students and the program. He brings his own background, expertise and an open mind to each engagement, and takes on the goals of a project as his own. Mike is, at his core, a joy to work with and would be an asset to any organization, team, or classroom.

Andrew Kooman

Brand Partnerships Lead, Compassion International

Mike is an authentic leader who brings the best out of the people around him. He creates positive experiences for others and is a true champion of people. Mike makes team life better. His commitment to excellence and his enthusiasm for life and for work inspires excellence and creativity. It's an honour to work alongside him.