TESTIMONIALS

2022: Keynote Speaker, Council of International Schools (CIS) Global Forum The keynote speaker was Doug Ota - and he was, without a doubt, the best keynote I have attended in my life. The way he was able to weave such connection in a lecture theatre brimming with people, share such a compelling personal story and link it all to attachment theory and belonging was deeply moving, touching and served as fuel for deeper empathy for us all. Thank you, Doug! You really touched my soul with your words. Robert Tomalin, Principal at OEIRAS intl school, Lisbon Portugal	2022: Keynote Speaker, Council of International Schools (CIS) Global Forum Doug, your presentation was one of the best keynotes I’ve ever seen at a professional conference. It was relevant, well-researched, and engaging. This would make a terrific TED Talk. Great job! Heath Einstein Dean of Admission at Texas Christian University
2022: Keynote Speaker, Council of International Schools (CIS) Global Forum I was fortunate enough to listen and learn from Doug Ota today as he launched the Council of International Schools forum with one of the best keynotes I’ve seen. Great morning. Thanks for taking us on your journey. Barry Cooper, Founding Principal at The Global College	2017: Keynote "Seeing & Being" Doug's keynote at our "Seeing and Being" conference made a tremendous impression because of the links he established between attachment theory and life transitions, and all in a very personal fashion. His combination of vulnerability with deep conviction was utterly tangible.<p> Bert Krapels<p> Association Chairman<p> Dutch Jungian Society (Katathym Imaginatieve Psychotherapie)
2017: Keynote "Seeing & Being" Upon returning from a symposium with world-famous speakers, I realized what an impact the keynote by my colleague Doug had made upon me. His ability to turn a lecture into an inspiring journey is exceptional. His personal voice opens the hearts of his audience, his powerful images ferry you across the theory undergirding his arguments, and that synthesis transforms his audience into family.<p> Eveline Hupkens<p> Psychotherapist	2017: Keynote "Seeing & Being" From the very first moment, Doug's presentation captured my attention, with his stirring and very visual story of what happens when a person loses his or her roots. Watching and listening to Doug is a valuable experience.<p> Nicoline Gieskes<p> Dutch Jungian Society (Katathym Imaginatieve Psychotherapie)<p> Association Secretary and Psychologist in Private Practice
2016: FIGT, Amsterdam Your presentation at the conference was great, thinking about the future truly inspiring. The book - an impressive amount of research brought to shed light on why this is such an important topic.<p> Transitional planning really should be part and parcel of all school settings.<p> Elizabeth Gillies<p> Educational Psychologist<p> London, UK	2016: EARCOS, Bangkok International schools all employ and serve transient, mobile populations. Doug’s straightforward, informative presentation gave me genuine, evidence-based reasons why teachers, families , and students can often struggle—or just survive—through the significant transitions we have come to see as normal but are anything but normal. This is important work.<p> Dr. Courtney Lowe, Ed.D<p> Director, Western Academy of Beijing
2015: EARCOS, Bangkok My favorite definition of leadership is "the capacity of a human community to shape its future." <p> What an opportunity you are generously offering us to help do that together, over and over again. I feel like I gained so much meaning for my daily work through the Safe Passage concept.<p> Thank you for your gentle but profound teaching and for leading us forward in things that matter most.<p> Mona Stuart<p> Director of Admissions<p> Singapore American School	2015: EARCOS, Bangkok The work you have done to understand the importance of creating a “Safe Passage” is outstanding. Thank you for sharing!<p> Andrea Stubbs<p> Shanghai Community International School<p> Hangzhou International School
2015: EARCOS, Bangkok Doug Ota is a highly skilled, organized and passionate presenter.  He has compiled a superb collection of research and intertwines this with his own unique experiences. Doug is able to deliver this content in a non-threatening way that embraces those he supports and guides. <p> <p> James Steward<p> Director, Tohoku International School<p>Japan	2015: EARCOS, Bangkok Doug brings a refreshing perspective to the transition challenges that we all face living in the international school world.<p> His workshops  - drawing from two lines of research - offer practical ways for students and faculty to celebrate past stories while strengthening new connections.  Highly recommended!<p> Natalie Broderick, Ph.D.<p> Director of Student Services<p> Hong Kong International School
2015: EARCOS, Bangkok Doug reminds us that transitions to new places occupy young minds, such that learning is impacted. New students may be so preoccupied with where they fit in, they may struggle to “hear” you.<p> Doug changed my perspective on how I see new students. I now have the tools and understanding to assist new students with their transitions.<p> Michael Boll<p> Director of Professional Development<p> 21st Century Learning International<p> Bangkok, Thailand	2015: Families in Global Transition I didn’t get to say how much I appreciated the goodbye ritual you left us with. I resonated very deeply with the need for ritual in times of transition that you spoke about, as well as those emotional “troughs” (and our cultural proclivity to avoid them at all costs), and the power of therapy and connection with others.<p> Brittani Sonnenberg<p>Author of Home Leave<p> After Closing Keynote, FIGT Conference<p> Washington, D.C.
2015: Luxembourg Thank you for today's workshop: you made it so easy, pleasurable and instructive! Please accept my congratulations on such a fantastic input. The level and diversity of discussion you made possible were also outstanding.... and just the right mix of topics!<p> Gaston Ternes<p> Director, Lycée Aline Mayrisch<p> Luxembourg	2015: FIGT Keynote, Washington, D.C. Thank you so much for your fantastic keynote speech at the recent FIGT conference. I am still absorbing your powerful message on what is home and where we feel safe. Wonderful, wonderful presentation.<p> Carol Brooke-Williams<p> Families in Global Transition conference<p> Washington, D.C.
2015: Luxembourg I am so happy I made that choice in coming to Doug's talk about crating a 'Safe Passage' for families moving through or indeed staying in International communities. His honesty, integrity and courage in telling his 'stories' touched me and validated my experience.<p> Lynn Frank<p> Coordinator of "Passage" parent support group<p>Luxembourg	2015: Luxembourg I just wanted to thank you for the talk tonight. You really spoke from heart to heart. I totally agree with what you brought accross. As a parent, I work hard on my issues to be able to support my children to find their own abilities with challenges. I am grateful you brought that accross, lots of parents want to fix their kids and not look inside... Warmest and most impressed regards,<p> Danielle Ribs<p> International School of Luxembourg
2013: Nido School, Santiago Thank you for all the valuable insights into a complex topic. Thank you for sharing your personal story with us. You are making a BIG difference in so many expats lives.<p> Andrea Nauheimer<p> Nido International School<p> Santiago, Chile	2008: Shell Outpost Conference The feedback from the delegates is unanimous in its appreciation. Comments like “touching and moving,” “emotional,” “enlightening.” It has given us much to think about as an organisation, and we in Outpost need to think how we address this issue.<p> Simon Armstrong<p> Manager, Global Outpost Services<p> Shell International
2008: Shell Outpost Conference I recently attended the Shell Global Outpost Conference in Noordwijk and I just wanted to let you know that your session was probably the most inspiring of the whole conference. I was moved by the student’s messages but also very impressed with the way in which you facilitated the session and made such an emotive exchange possible.<p> Wendy Stoltz<p> Outpost Musca

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