AWARD WINNING ENTREPRENEUR & INSPIRATION

Cathrine's memoir 'Beautiful Buttons: A Memoir of Survival and Triumph' is receiving rave reviews! Chatelaine has selected it as one of their Top Picks, saying her story is "outrageous...shocking...compelling like a train wreck!"

The Globe and Mail says, "How did Oprah miss this one?" and "...Cathrine is an inspiration to women everywhere!"

Video: Governor of Hawaii Women's Leadership event:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TO2YM2HfyRY

Fanny Kiefer show:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0AnM7X-DEI

Cathrine Ann's credentials include quitting school after completing grade eight when she was fifteen and pregnant, along with having more jobs than she can remember; the majority of which, she was fired from.

After enduring a childhood of poverty and neglect and being raised by alcoholic parents, she overcame more challenges and obstacles in her life than might seem humanly possible or fair.

Being a young mother without a formal education or positive role model and suffering from ADD and a learning disability, she eventually found herself in jail, on probation, and doing whatever she could to survive and as she puts it, "continually trying to even the odds" for what she didn't get or have growing up, including an education.

Through all her highs and mostly lows, she even tried to become a Medical Doctor. Forging University transcripts helped get her into a prestigious Medical College, but when it was discovered that she had "embellished" her transcripts, she did what she always did when in trouble - she fled - right into the arms of the mob and a street life, that was just about as ruthless and low as a human being could possibly go.

When she turned 40, Cathrine met a man who was the first person in her life to ever believe in her and her dreams of doing better - even starting her own business. It was then that she went from living a life of despair, to having a life that she could only otherwise dream of living.

Cathrine credits her many struggles and challenges, with her eventual success in becoming a multi-award winning entrepreneur and celebrated Canadian business leader.

As the President of a multi-million dollar organization, Consumer Connection Inc., she helps clients increase revenue and market share, by specially designing programs that work to meet or surpass their customer service objectives (Mystery Shopping, Employee Incentive Programs, Employee Training Programs, Competitive Analysis and Customer Service Seminars).

As a much-in-demand inspirational speaker, and now an author, Cathrine's one in a million true rags to riches story will continue to deeply touch the lives and hearts of audiences and readers from all walks of life, and her message couldn't come at a better time.

Cathrine's mantra is: Dream it. Believe it. Be it.

SPEAKING TOPIC

1) Cathrine's Personal Rags to Riches Story - 50 minutes (with an approximate 10 minute Q & A Session if requested). Also includes time for an Author Meet & Greet/Book Signing opportunity for event attendees after she speaks and is a standard part of Cathrine's agenda.

COMMENTS FROM AUDIENCES

"Your story is truly amazing...the success of the 6th annual International Women's Leadership Conference was due in large part to the addition of your unique story, personal passion and words of wisdom."

--Governor Linda Lingle, Hawaii

"What an inspirational story!"

--Robert Herjavec, CEO The Herjavec Group and star of TV's The Dragon's Den and Shark Tank

"...a living testament to the notion that hard work pays off...your story is truly inspirational!"

--Mary Fallin, Governor of Oklahoma

"...a passionate and energetic personality with inspiring personal stories and innovative business concepts. As a presenter, she invokes thought, creates awareness and gives the audience the knowledge needed to exceed in business and in life."

--BC Urban Entrepreneur Development Association

"Your talk was truly inspirational...you had the whole audience completely mesmerized by your story and message. You are an inspiration to so many."

--K. Uejio, Iolani School

"The feedback was great and I believe that your keynote was certainly a life changer for many of the participants! You are just amazing in your style, experience and knowledge. What a wonderful presenter!" 

--PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise

"You were the highlight of the conference for almost every delegate I talked to. Thank you so, so much for coming. You were absolutely amazing and everyone was so inspired by your story!"

--Queen's University (QWIL)

"If there is any way to personify success through perseverance then Cathrine Ann is a model example. Cathrine shares success strategies, survival skills and real case studies from her own life story, with her audience. Cathrine's motivation and drive comes from within. She is a woman who keeps trying to move forward, and that is important to her - that is also what inspires others. Cathrine is a strong advocate of community service and she has committed to living life generously to ensure that the poor, marginalized and broken are not left behind."

--Opportunity International 

"'That which does not break us makes us stronger' is a familiar saying that truly defines Cathrine Ann...I wish every girl and every women had the privilege of being in her company, if only for a short time. Her story is truly moving and memorable!"

--Doreen Cunneen, VP, Toronto Board of Trade Producer, Empowering Women

"Cathrine Ann has a rare intuition about people and an uncanny ability to understand what makes us all tick in our personal lives as well as in the workplace...after hearing her personal story and subsequent life lessons, it motivates others to think about ways they too can overcome challenges and work towards becoming a greater success!" 

--Retail BC

AWARDS/ACCOLADES:

Winner: Canadian Association of Professional Speakers, Rising Stars Showcase, 2011

Nominee: Chatelaine Woman of the Year, 2011

Nominee: Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100, 2011

Finalist: Stevie Awards for Customer Service, Customer Service Leader of the Year, 2010

Nominee: Stevie Awards for Customer Service, Best Use of Technology in Customer Service, 2010

Finalist: Stevie Awards for Women in Business, Best Canadian Entrepreneur, 2009

Finalist: Stevie Awards for Women in Business, Best Business, 2009

Finalist: Sunshine Coast, Business Awards of Distinction, 2008

Nominee: Ernst & Young, Entrepreneur of the Year, 2007

Winner: YWCA Women of Distinction Awards, Entrepreneur/Innovator, 2006

Grand Winner: Inspiration Awards, Entrepreneur of the Year, 2005

Winner: Entrepreneur of the Year, SEEDS, 2005

Winner: Entrepreneur of the Year, BC Urban Entrepren. Assoc., 2005

Finalist: YWCA Women of Distinction Awards, 2005

Nominee: Ernst & Young New Entrepreneur of the Year, 2003

Winner: New Entrepreneur of the Year, Surrey, B.C., 2001