I found the Productivity Compass program surprisingly helpful. I say this because I’ve coached thousands of people myself which would make it much harder for someone to coach me. I’ve deeply reflected on myself for over 20 years. I’ve been assessed multiple times in that time period. I’ve had thousands of discussions about nuances of behavior. And despite all of this, I found John’s process to be absolutely refreshing and insightful. John made things clear that I hadn’t put my finger on before and shared aspects about myself that have led to powerful discussions with multiple people. I also enjoyed John’s unique style. You can tell that he’s completely tuned into the discussion and cares deeply about me and my future. This wasn’t just a quick discussion about some personality traits—it was a much deeper discussion about my inmost wiring and my unique fingerprint. I was extremely skeptical and was told by a colleague that I would love John’s process (which only made me more skeptical)…and now I can say that my colleague was 100% correct!

Even more than the encouragement it provided to me personally in terms of understanding my Zone and Sweet Spot, were the insights it provided to my key teammates. I’d found it frustrating and difficult to explain my gifts to others, as well as my thoughts about how best to spend those gifts in the business. Both of my business partners, as well as certain key leaders in the organization, experienced “ah ha” moments in their understanding of my gifts and natural strengths and how to utilize them. The timing in this case was particularly good. I’m a founding partner in a consulting firm and just turned sixty. I’d been reflecting on how I could best be spent in service of my company as I entered the twilight of my career. I’m tired of competing to achieve excellence outside of my Zone and want to make decisions that will ensure I utilize my time in ways that put me square in the middle of my sweet spot. Beyond the personal insights we can gain, what’s more critical to the right leaders is the deployment and effectiveness of their key teammates. Often we know we’ve got an extremely talented person, but don’t understand why they’re not performing in their current role. Maybe they’re not fully satisfied in their role and don’t know how to explain it to us satisfactorily. This process will help them unlock strengths they didn’t see and uncover previously undiscovered potential. John may be the perfect combination of patience and persistence. Add to those, his intelligence and insights into the individual nuances within each Zone, and his insights become uncanny! To top it off, John is perhaps one of the finest empathic listeners I’ve ever known, digging for depths of understanding rarely achieved. To put it succinctly, John has a great tool and he knows how to use it expertly in order to set people free to embrace their Zones - and become what they were best designed to be. Thanks John!

The Productivity Compass has helped me identify the best way for me to contribute within a team setting. In particular, I have clarity on what to say no to, to avoid overloading myself with tasks that I cannot execute with excellence. At the same time, I know where to focus my energies in order to most benefit to others. The Productivity Compass would be useful to other leaders, especially entrepreneurs, because this diagnostic uses third-party validations to identify your unique sweet spot. With that type of focus and clarity, entrepreneurs can know where to spend most of their time and energies and where to rely on others for their weaknesses. I can see how useful even a basic understanding of Living In Your Zone could be to developing a team equipped with all the talents needed to accomplish a project or vision. John Samuel is an excellent diagnostician. He has a keen ability to parse out subtleties and nuance in the way individuals operate in their sweet spot. Moreover, he truly cares about those he works with and celebrates with individuals as their own talents come to light. John is warm, focused, and adept in his work as a coach.

John Samuel stewards an intellectual property that I have been searching for specifically, for over a decade. I am an organizational consultant, a former HR Practice Head in a global consulting company and currently a co-owner of a growing management consulting firm. We believe that an organization’s single greatest source of competitive advantage is the untapped potential of its workforce. For nearly 25 years, I have used some of the best human competency measures (psychometrics) in the world to help companies both select and develop their workers. While helpful in assessing cognitive and emotional competencies, natural interests, and likely behaviors in a variety of situations, all have fallen short of addressing the most basic productivity-question – what is this particular individual’s greatest gift, and in what productive arena will this particular individual optimize their greatest gift? In Jim Collin’s “Good to Great” lingo, does this person belong on our bus, and if so, in which seat will they be most productive? John Samuel and the Talent Research Foundation can help answer both questions. John Samuel has helped our leadership team take our organizational thinking to a higher level. Mr. Samuel is a brilliant researcher, a deep thinker, and a challenging professional coach. He has also become a good friend. I highly recommend John Samuel and the work of the Talent Research Foundation to any organization looking for that next “breakthrough key”. But get ready, this is likely to be one of those threshold moments that will permanently change the course of your organization – for the better.

Talent Research Foundation have determined a process that can help any executive to understand & focus on their “zone” – that unique place that marries giftedness & calling to the maximum benefit of any organization. As an executive running both a company & a non profit, time utilization & effectiveness are key elements to development of the respective organizations. It becomes imperative to clearly understand those specific areas where leverage can occur, with the ability to differentiate between competency & giftedness. Having utilized many different and well respected “tools” in the past The Productivity Compass process is both significantly more thorough and objectifies critical areas that others completely overlook. I would suggest CEO’s/Executives first participate in this thorough process and then follow it up with their leadership team to bring about breakthrough performance.

I found myself referred to Talent Research Foundation by a trusted colleague at a time I was preparing to commit to a graduate degree in counseling psychology, specifically focusing on marriage and family therapy. For many other reasons, I convinced myself that I was going to save marriages and improve people’s capacity to hold onto relationships. While it was noble, selfless, and clearly beneficial to society, it was a decision based on incomplete information about myself. Talent Research Foundation helped me to uncover information about my strengths and weaknesses - information to which I was unable to see on my own - so that I could make a sound decision and not waste three years of my life and nearly $45,000US on an inappropriate graduate degree. Through TRF, I learned that I am a person who likes to be hands-on and to see things through to their completion. As a psychotherapist, I would be required to be hands-off, allowing people to solve their problems with guidance. Furthermore, many people continue to receive counseling for many, many months and years, which would have caused me to grow frustrated and impatient. Thank goodness for Talent Research Foundation! While I benefited from TRF’s ability to find these strengths, I very much appreciated their ability to demonstrate how they’ve been my strengths throughout my life. In the past, I’ve taken a number of personality tests. The results of those tests can be revealing and relevant, but they can’t cite proof from my past because it’s not based upon my history. So, it’s clear to me that TRF’s process is the correct one. And, when choosing to spend a lot of money on college or change careers, I don’t want to make a decision based on bad information. Not only was TRF’s information helpful and enlightening; their service was thorough and consistent. I was provided with a detailed summary of my strengths, even showing how they relate within a number of different contexts like leadership, manageability, decision making, and learning style. They educated me on the meaning of the analysis results, and even counseled me on other roles to pursue that not only encompass my strengths, but also my experience, interests, and passions. I recommend Talent Research Foundation to all who are seeking the demonstrable truth about who they are, and how to apply it in their vocation.

I was referred to Talent Research Foundation by a trusted friend at a time when two of our four children were reaching college education age. John Samuel’s meticulous, in-depth approach to assessing their potential was extraordinary. A combination of written and verbal interview formats left no stone unturned his efforts to do the very best for our son and daughter. I know that they both were immensely helped to better understand their possibilities and choices for further education. It is without reservation that I would recommend John Samuel as a professional of highest integrity whose sole focus is to achieve the very best results for the client.

The Productivity Compass Program helped me bring to light something that I knew all along but that was difficult for me to define, understand and appreciate. This program gave me the tools to identify my strengths and my blind spots - and work on them to enhance my personal and professional relationships, and thus my capacity to be more productive and efficient while being happy - and all the while staying true to myself. When you don´t know yourself it is impossible for your friends and colleagues to know you and truly relate to you in a deep level. If you know yourself you´ll be clear on what you are good at and how to better contribute to your family, group of friends and work. This will help your work colleagues and boss to know what you do best, how you function best with your team members, peers and managers, etc. If the CEO of a company listens well, he´ll have the knowledge and ability to ask from each of their employees the tasks they know they will do best, thus the company will not only have happy employee, but very productive ones. I found John to be kind. He was very respectful to all the inputs I shared with him and listened very carefully to all I had to say. He has an amazing memory which allows him really understand and remember all the personal and professional information you share with him during the program. John answered all the questions one usually asks when truth is thrown at your face, and he clarified all my doubts and helped me understand things clearly. I am truly grateful for this opportunity to learn so much through this program.

Just some thoughts to let you know about how the technology we learned though your course of evaluation impacted my life. First of all I’m a reasonably successful doctor in practice 50 years this month. I heard about your work from Dr. Skip Moen, and was looking for a gift to give my grand son, and in the process decided to do the work myself along with my wife. What I found so amazing was how you were able to get to the heart of how I have operated my life. I have figured out you used your knowledge to stimulate my curiosity about the accuracy of your work, and I won’t hold that against you. In fact I have already been able to use your insights about my blind spots to ease some problems I have had in communicating with patients all these years. The best part of the work came however because my wife and I did the work together. We both think we have a great relationship. You have helped make what was great even better. I would recommend your work to ALL couples that want to understand their mate better, this work brings a richness of understanding and closeness to any relationship, both personal and professionally. Self help has been a buzz word now for at least 30 years. After experiencing your work I’m convinced it is difficult to see ourselves. You have helped pull back the veil to expose our innate talents. Thank You!

I am pleased to recommend without qualification the work of John Samuel and the Productivity Compass process. My personal experience of the diagnostic process with John has given me a very clear understanding of my own natural zone and key aptitude; an understanding confirmed by hindsight over forty years of experience. John's system simply nailed it. I am now able to evaluate the truly productive areas before I engage in a random search for real purpose. This fact alone is invaluable. It will continue to focus me in those ventures that have the greatest possibility of success and significance. Aside from my personal experience, I must make some comments on the potential impact that John's Productivity Compass development will have on human resources. For the first time, I believe that we are now able to specifically pinpoint the exact areas of optimal productivity and personal satisfaction. This means that recruitment, career pathing, management potential, team cooperation and even compensation can now be precisely tailored to the individual. It is no longer necessary to hire with the hope that the candidate will fit into the cultural flow of the organization. Now we can know in advance. Anyone cognizant of the potential economic impact of this advantage will run to Talent Research. Increased productivity, reduced turnover and significant improvements in employee engagement are results that every company needs. John's research and diagnostic method provides the answer. My involvement with John continues to develop. He is a man with a sincere and deep desire to improve the work orientation of others through careful analysis and practical coaching. His integrity and dedication show in every facet of his life. You will be rewarded for knowing him

Traversing through a workout with John changed my life. I believe I needed to change, because I was having a very difficult time in my profession. What I discovered is that I had never really known me. Indeed, Socrates was right—“Above all, know yourself.” The information I gleaned through sessions with John helps me daily. His guidance in helping me uncover the real me was patient and understanding, and included a wealth of practical advice. His skills include those of a psychiatrist, analyst, professor, life coach, and godly friend. With John’s help, I saw patterns emerge, which showed why I was struggling in every area of my life. For the most part, I did not even know what my strengths or weaknesses were. I misdiagnosed myself years ago and as a result had continued in the same patterns, without seeing the real problem. I knew that I still needed help when that help came riding into town via Singapore. Such a blessing! The application of the natural strengths John helped me to identify is still a work in progress. I am so very thankful for the difference it has made--and will continue to make - in my professional and personal life. Change has begun!

I have found the Productivity Compass Report useful as it helped validate the key strengths embedded in me. Using the process that John Samuel and the Talent Research Foundation have formulated, I came to see my overall life patterns and better understand my “zone”, which defines what I do best. As an executive heading a small non-profit organization, this has helped me to leverage my gifts and deploy my strengths effectively and passionately. Consequentially I am able to make more informed decisions about the opportunities that I must take advantage of and those I must decline. In our organization we resource several tools for our training and coaching programs related to team development, alliance building and partner integration. The Productivity Compass program is one of the best methodologies that I have used; it incorporates a comprehensiveness others lack and also importantly, it is cross culturally transferable. I would strongly recommend the Talent Research Foundation to any CEO or executive team as they seek to pursue higher personal and organizational effectiveness.

John’s influence helped me re-shape the path of my career toward a much more engaging “second half” of my career and I believe he has uncovered fundamental understandings about human gifts and makeup that need to be published to make them more accessible to more people. John Samuel’s work with me - to help me see and understand my unique strengths and gifts, was life-changing. The process John uses in leading me back through my own life experiences, and also his unique listening gifts, helped me put a framework and language around understanding of myself that has allowed me to make a major career transition that changed the course of my life. As I first met John, I was foundering in a career (VP Research in a Biotech company) that had been rewarding for most of the 20 years invested in it, but that had taken a turn that had me badly mis-matched with my role and opportunities. As my role changed with the company’s evolution, I found myself pretty miserable at work for the past several years, but not really understanding why. As I began my Productivity Compass work with John, I began to find a language and understanding of myself that brought great clarity to the mismatch of my personal strengths and the job I was in; and it also gave me the courage to leave that mismatch to explore new jobs where I could be more fruitfully engaged. John himself and his Productivity Compass system helped me define roles and career paths that would bring the most from my strengths and give the most opportunity to be engaged and fulfilled with purpose. He not only helped me define those roles, but also brought me and understanding that I could craft my role in a career to make the most of who I am and the strengths and gifts I’ve been given. I believe John and Talent Research Foundation have come to an understanding of human giftings and strengths that is extraordinarily insightful. I believe that nearly anyone at any stage in their adult life could find this work to be extremely valuable in helping guide them toward the most meaningful use of their lives.

John, I want to thank you for simplifying my life. I was spinning my wheels for so long, capable of so much, yet presented with so many worthy opportunities and so much well meaning advise, that I couldn't decide what to focus on. Once you helped me clearly see what areas of life were re-charging my batteries, I was able to cut through the cacophony of positive choices to decide on the opportunities that would help me accomplish the most. With your diagnosis, I was able to try the choices that were in keeping with my talents and it quickly became apparent that I was finally accelerating; rather than just working hard, I was accomplishing. And then there's the benefit you brought to our household. My wife and I have drawn closer together with the revelations you brought us. We've re-directed aspects of our personal lives, and it's not only brought us satisfaction, but we've brought relief and benefit into the lives of people form our church, and influenced some of our family members to be a blessing to others too. Thank you for your willingness to step into our lives and bring the tools to clarify the gifts God has granted us so we can apply then more diligently and accurately.

It is important to me and the Flippen Group I work for, "to bring out the best in people". So when I first began the diagnostic process, I was excited to see how understanding my Zone would help me personally and professionally along those lines. Now having completed the program, I am beyond excited - I'm thrilled! While I have built a career in an organization committed to personal growth, knowing my Zone, Key Aptitude and my Sweet Spot has added an extra layer of meaningful richness and texture to how I operate best, how I can be of greater service to others and how I can be best utilized in any work group. This is a POWERFUL program! This process summarizes so well "who a person is - and who they are not". The application of those findings allows leaders to best be positioned in roles and context where they will have the most productivity, the most success and have the most energy for the job they are assigned to do. This program also helped me to craft tangible and articulate "Advisories" that leaders can then share with their direct reports, their colleagues and their supervisor, to enable better team work and a deeper understanding of each other. These Advisories are truly the DNA of a person and helps any participant in this process better communicate what context and areas they will have the most success. Working with John has been a delight! John is more than a consultant, he is a coach committed to others success. With a discerning ear for hearing the heart of a discussion and then masterfully transcribing those thoughts and ideas into a more articulate and focused message, is his incredible gift and talent. I am so thankful for John's impact in my life and will see the fingerprint of this process and coaching from him for years to come. Value exists when reality exceeds expectations. Thank you John for modeling this so well.

After a recent, (and very expensive) entrepreneurial failure, I felt haunted by fear at the prospect of launching a new career search. And at this critical juncture, I was introduced to John Samuel by my brother-in-law, who had found his work with John to be thoroughly transformative. With a commitment to not repeat prior mistakes, I yearned for clarity about why I'd failed, and where I might experience the most success, and the greatest enjoyment. Just like his work with my brother-in-law, John helped bring precious clarity not only to past successes and failures, but also to my future endeavors. It is now clear why some activities are so natural and effortless, and why some only seem to conjure frustration and anxiety. Working through John's process helped me see the limited truths of the psychometric feedback I operated upon, which had so greatly failed me in my last entrepreneurial endeavors. It's clear now which opportunities are in my sweet spot, and which ones are decidedly not. It's clear now how my blind spots torpedo even my most fervent efforts. Specific clarity is now mine relative to how I best lead, work with peers, and follow others. One of my favorite mantras is, "It's hard to be aggressive if you're confused"; I've found it to be true in every aspect of life. I would whole-heartedly recommend John to anyone longing to eliminate confusion, so that they can be specific and aggressive in answering the question, "What's next?"

I found the Productivity Compass Program to be a life-changing coaching experience. When I undertook this program, I found it a professional and yet a very intimate interaction with John Samuel, who helped reveal the real me. John uncovered my inner passions (and blindspots) without breaking a sweat! This program is effective and powerful only because John faithfully invested the last 12 years, passionately researching insights related to human design. It has truly helped me add clarity to some foundational truths about my identity. John has a uncanny gift articulating what I felt and experienced for many year but struggled to fully distill, organize or describe using definitive terminology. The Productivity Compass Program helped me to nail, what was otherwise vague and nebulous. I look forward to growing more in my understanding of my Zone and having the benefit of John's on-going research into the Zone phenomenon, in the days ahead.

I really appreciated the Productivity Compass Program, especially the teaching module in which we went through the process of breaking down various situations and how other people in my same zone reacted in those scenarios. I enjoyed the opportunity to recall how I have seen each of the DNA* (Default Natural Ability*) occur in my past and also how I might utilize that DNA in the future. I feel much more self aware on how to optimize the strengths of my DNA* while also preparing for the potential weaknesses. I also felt that my wife received invaluable insight into my way of thinking. She has been able to understand me at a much deeper level which has greatly improved our relationship. In my opinion, every young professional should strive to know themselves, including what energizes them. In an ideal world, every person would know their sweet spot and be able to work in that window. Thus, providing their greatest value to the community and world. If everyone were to experience the Productivity Compass Program, not only could their greatest value be delivered but they could also be more energized and achieve much higher fulfilment. John and Ruth were excellent guides through my journey. I felt that they did a great job to help me uncover the root of my soul and helped me define my sweet spot. They have very open minded and warm dispositions and complement one another well. They were able to answer all of my questions and helped me to build very clear goals for my future.

Throughout my adulthood, I have striven to become, and professionally do, what others have expected of me. This left me with a sense of wandering aimlessly in a wilderness of life, uncertain of the route I should take to move forward. Nothing I was doing felt like I was living the life destined for me. This program is an indispensable compass - a lifeline - that has empowered me with knowledge and tools that guide me out of the wilderness. I am armed with insight into invaluable traits about myself, including why I have succeeded and failed in certain endeavours, whether professionally or personally-oriented. I am thankful to have this Success Factor compass because now as I move ahead in life, I use it on a routine basis to guide me in my choices, small or large, which inevitably determine if I am living according to my life’s purpose.

Testimonial in English is below the German version.... Als ich Johns Buch “Living in your zone” las, war ich völlig fasziniert von seinem Zonen-Konzept. In meinem Psychologiestudium habe ich mich mit vielen Persönlichkeitsmodellen und Theorien beschäftigt, aber Johns Ansatz war der erste, der wirklich Sinn für mich gemacht hat. Durch das Productivity Compass Programm durchzugehen, war eine der besten Entscheidungen, die ich treffen konnte . Als ich den Prozess mit Ruth und John begann, befand ich mich gerade am Ende meines Studiums und wusste nicht wirklich, was ich in meiner beruflichen Zukunft tun sollte. Ich fühle mich als hätte ich keine wirklichen Talente und Leidenschaften für irgendetwas. Aber Ruth und John belehrten mich eines Besseren und der Prozess deckte so viele Erkenntnisse über mich und all die Dinge auf, die in mir schlummern. Das Programm half mir meine wahre Berufung aufzudecken und den Weg für meine berufliche Zukunft zu ebnen! Das Programm ist ein bedeutendes Tool für jeden - es gibt Orientierung und dient wirklich als Kompass für dein ganzes Leben. Es schärft auch deinen Blick für die Begabungen anderer - was von großem Nutzen im Businesskontext für Vorgesetzte sein kann genauso wie für Beziehungen im privaten Bereich. Ich kann die die Talent Research Organisation nur wärmstens empfehlen - und ich hoffe dass John und Ruth noch viele Menschen auf der ganzen Welt mit ihrer Arbeit erreichen werden. Ich bin so dankbar, dass John und Ruth mich gecoacht haben. John hat ein außergewöhnliches Talent im Diagnostizieren und einen außergewöhnlichen Scharfsinn darin, jedes kleinste Detail deines persönlichen Fingerabdrucks präzise zu erforschen - es geht in seiner Arbeit nicht um die Definition von oberflächlichen Persönlichkeitsmerkmalen, es geht um so viel mehr - es geht darum die ganze Wahrheit über dich herauszufinden und alle Puzzleteile in ein Gesamtbild zusammenzufügen. Gemeinsam mit seiner wunderbaren Frau Ruth bilden sie ein großartiges Team, um Menschen zu coachen: Sie sind mit voller Energie und Leidenschaft bei ihrer Arbeit! Sie sind sehr klar und präzise in ihrer Kommunikation und sie schaffen jedes Mal eine warme, wertschätzende und sehr besonderes Atmosphäre. Für mich sind sie zu wichtigen Mentoren und Beratern geworden. Obwohl ich John und Ruth erst wenige Monate kenne, fühlt es sich an, als würden wir uns schon ewig kennen. Ich habe sie zutiefst in mein Herz geschlossen. Danke für alles! When I read John’s book “Living in your zone” I was totally fascinated about the Zones embedded in each individual. When doing my Masters in Business Psychology at the University of Mannheim, Germany I studied a lot of personality models and theories about people but John’s approach was the first which really made sense to me. Going through the Productivity Compass Program was one of the best decision I could have made. Even as I was finishing my Masters program, I felt I really did not know what to do in my future professional life. It seemed to me that I had no real talents or passion for anything. But the Productivity Compass program helped me to uncover my true calling and to pave the way for my future work life! Identifying your Zone is a powerful tool for everyone - it gives you clarity about who you are and truly serves as a compass for your entire work life. It also sensitizes your eyes to recognize the talents and strengths of others, which will be invaluable to those in Supervisory and Managerial roles. I highly recommend the Talent Research Foundation. I am so thankful for being coached by John and his wife Ruth. John has an extraordinary diagnostic talent and acumen in precisely investigating every little detail about your personal fingerprint. His work is not about determining some superficial personality traits but more about finding out the whole truth about you and putting all pieces together to secure the complete picture of what makes you tick. John and Ruth make a great team and are passionately engaged with those they coach. They are clear and precise in communicating and explaining the Zone insights and its implications for my life. They have since become important mentors and advisers to me. Although I may have known John and Ruth only for a few months, it now feels like I know them for ages. They have come to mean much to me.

I have found my time working with John Samuel an invaluable experience. As a professional speaker and coach my business I have seen my business rapidly grow as I develop my SUMO ( Shut Up, Move On) brand. My contact with John and his introduction to me of the Productivity Compass tool has been invaluable - a God-send, you might say. It's prepared me for the unique challenges of growing a business and developing people to help meet that growth. It's taken the lid off my own strengths and potential shortcomings that I had not been previously been aware of - certainly not on a conscious level. I've benefited greatly from John's wisdom and insight and have gained a strong sense of John's genuine desire to help enable and equip others to fulfil their potential. I would have no hesitation in recommending his work to others.

Even though I have taken several psychometric tests before and read quite extensively in the realm of personality, social science and motivation, I have not encountered anything like the Zone diagnostic before. The unique research about the Zones opened up a new way to look at the whole of humanity as well as very specifically, at my own life, with a fresh perspective. The Zone insights have definitely helped me grow in my self-awareness and I am now able to understand my motive for action at a deeper level by understanding those specific set of "energy buttons“ embedded in. Becoming aware of my principal strength (also known as one's Key Aptitude) and also the resultant limitations has been very useful and beneficial to me. An individual's Zone defines the person’s potential for passion and shows where someone can make a substantial contribution to the team or his or her employer. I think this knowledge would be helpful for everyone in an organization or in the wider non-profit missions context. While serving in a non-profit organization, colleagues would become more self-aware, energised and enabled to really flourish in their specific assignments. On top of this, they would also know in which areas of their lives they can further develop, need to pay more attention to or manage their specific blind spots or limitations. In a team context, supervisors would be able to recognise how different people could uniquely complement one another through their strengths. John and Ruth are both followers of Jesus and approach their research with a Biblical world view. So far they have interviewed over 10,000 people from about 24 different countries from all walks of life and they look at each person’s data individually. John Samuel has worked with more than 10,000 individual's one on one since 1985 (in the course of his consulting and research practice) and after his discovery of the phenomenon of the seven Zones, he has helped people resident in more than 23 countries to discover their Zone and the repertoire of strengths they are uniquely endowed with. Their research approach is unique because it is a diagnostic process, which is based empirical evidence and this helps the client to understand the implications of their Zone and their principal strength (aka Key Aptitude). Learning about my specific Zone has greatly helped me to embrace my individual strengths and limitations in a new way. I hope others will be able to benefit from the Zone diagnostic as much as I have.

It was almost 4 years ago that I first bought a copy of John’s book, Living in Your Zone. My husband, Ronnie, and I were at a crossroads then, and had to make a few critical decisions about our future. We did not contact John at the time but set off in a direction we thought was our purpose in life. A few lost years and a lot of lost money later we came to that crossroads again. This time in desperation we asked John to lead my husband through the process of identifying his natural giftedness. Within 2 weeks of starting the process he received a call for help from a former colleague and a few months later this resulted in an excellent opportunity that can only be described as miraculous provision. We truly moved from our “sweat spot” to our “sweet spot” and the change in Ronnie is remarkable. Not only does he love going to work and solving all the intricate problems he is faced with, he is also energised and excited to spend time with his family. We have a hope and a future, and the guidance John provided in making those important life decisions will ensure we never have to take the road that leads down the rabbit hole again. Thank you John, your wisdom and patience in leading people down this path of self-discovery is remarkable. I highly recommend you and the Talent Research Foundation, not only as a powerful tool in the corporate environment but also the home environment. Understanding the reasons why your partner behaves in the way he/she does, I believe, can be a powerful marriage-saver!

After many years researching to find out what makes people tick – we discovered John Samuel. There was a missing (BIG) piece of the puzzle in our understanding. I always thought I was dysfunctional. I couldn’t live up to other’s expectations. Feeling like a failure for not being successful in what I believed was my calling. Determining my zone was a revelation, a release to be free to be me. This insight has revolutionised my life – it has brought peace. No more frustration. I go to work with enthusiasm because I focus on my strengths and delegate jobs that are my blind spots to people that are better at it than me. Thanks for helping me understand myself and make peace with what I considered my failings. Now I can live as God intended!

Discovering my Zone was truly one of the most memorable moments of my life. The Productivity Compass Program has revealed who I really am and has also provided me with precise clarity about the kind of work in which I will truly excel. It helps me understand how I engage with others both at work and in social contexts. More than the skills I acquired in my university education, the insight about my Zone and Key Aptitude defines the kind of tasks or roles that I will be most productive, engaged and fulfilled in. My passion to find my life purpose is now being realized, as I actively pursue roles that are in alignment with my innate design. I believe that this Program should be standard practice for high school and university students before they embark on any career choice, as it provides specific clarity about the kind of careers that will engage their innate talents and help them to build on it. It will truly serve as a compass for the rest of an individual's life. John is the perfect analyst and coach to unravel what resides inside you. He is deeply passionate about people and invests the same level of energy into the process, irrespective of whether you are a CEO or a medium-sized business owner like me. His wisdom and experience to read between the lines to uncover an individual's innate design is uncanny!

In the current era of uncertainties in the economic world, where no profession is immune to sudden and unexpected downturn, career plans based on available jobs in the economy no longer guarantees a secured economic future and career success. Hence the important and urgent need for everyone to search, discover and uncover their Zone and its related Default Natural Abilities (DNAs) to build their career aspirations, interests and plans on and around it! I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to identify and explore my Zone and DNAs through the Productivity Compass Program. It has explained to me why I seem to “work hard”, struggle and burn-out on some tasks and job roles, and why I seem to succeed with seemingly minimal efforts on some other tasks and roles. The program has given me a very strong sense of direction and focus in life. As a Human Resource Professional, I find the Program immensely beneficial. I strongly advise and recommend that corporate HR leaders take another look at HR Practice from the Productivity Compass point of view. I am sure HR Practice in general will be better for it. I must mention that getting to know John Samuel was a turning point for me. I read his article online and decided to contact him. He is an outstanding professional of repute. Beyond being a professional, he is such a wonderful personality. In all my sessions with him, I felt his energy, care and genuine concerns for me not only as a diagnostician and coach but as a friend and Mentor. It was my honor and privilege getting to know him.

Discovering my zone and unique sweet spot was significantly enlightening to me. It brought not only clarity about me being constantly attracted to explore a wide variety of activities, it has also brought understanding of the other side of the coin – the blind spots. With deep insight and sincere care, John guided me to understand the implications it has on my life. I will strongly recommend the Productivity Compass Work. It is of immense value in helping not only to live a more fruitful life, but also in building relationships and appreciation of others. Thank you John for your precious work.

I am thankful to John for walking through with me and helping me to discover my natural talents. This whole exercise and journey of self-discovery had been time well spent. As I reflected back on my life over the past 40 yrs, it became clear to me that there were moments which I felt myself doing things and being involved in situations where my giftings and talents were being used fully to achieve a greater good and to meet needs. These events and moments had helped me to see a pattern where I had consistently and naturally applied myself to achieve quality results. This can be seen not just in my career and work, but also in my family life and church/volunteer work activities. I now know clearly what I had enjoyed doing and what I had been doing well, the moments of "peak performance"... and yet these were all very refreshing moments rather than moments that drain my energy away. The more I do these activities, the more I feel energized and satisfied. The exercise he brought me through made all these crystal clear, and in the days ahead, I will consciously seek out or create more opportunities so that I can utilize my innate talents to serve and contribute. I will recommend this exercise to others as well. Whether they are already highly effective and satisfied with their lives or they are "lost" and seemingly seeking their role in life. Going through the reflective exercise will enable them to "see" and "discover" what had been there all along, and what they enjoy doing all these while, and this discovery will surely channel their time and energy to where it matters most. John, I must say, was most professional and passionate in helping me understand the purpose and the process of the whole exercise. Unlike other tools, his personalized approach made me feel that I was going through a journey of self discovery, and he was only a guide, showing me the path with a map along the way. His passionate desire in wanting to help others discover their innate talents and coupled with his confidence in his "tool" to help someone achieve this discovery, truly motivated me greatly to embark on and complete this journey of discovery. I must say John Samuel has been a great guide and mentor to me. I have returned from this journey with a very clear understanding of what my innate giftings are, and how I should use it to serve and contribute in my work as well as my future career.

When it comes to understanding the magnitude of an individual’s unique strengths and gifting Dag Hammarskhold, the late UN General Director, noted very succinctly - “The longest journey is the journey inward.” Its sad but true that many of us don’t begin to comprehend the kaleidoscope of special attributes and giftings that we have been bestowed on our lives. Perhaps the journey is too long and arduous, or we are driven by the tyranny of the urgent and fail to find time for meditation and reflection, or we just don’t want to become intimate with ourselves – the less we know about ourselves the better! Whatever the reason may be, our inability to peer inward and “know thyself” leaves us as poor stewards of the amazing work of art and productive potential – that often remains underutilized, if not neglected. With this aim - to better know myself, I deliberately engaged in a thorough process of self reflection, analysis, counsel, coaching, and affirmation . Under the expert guidance of John and Ruth Samuel and through the use of their analytical tool, The Productivity Compass, I began an enlightening experience of self discovery of becoming familiar with my innate aptitudes and the “fertile ground” in which these talents find most productive benefit. Personally, the outcome was more affirming as opposed to revealing, as the inward strengths that I long sensed to possess and demonstrate were confirmed and established in a much more defined manner. With certainty I was able to reflect on the past use and misuse of my natural abilities. Consequently, I now have a more keen awareness of my “blind spots” and unconscious tendencies to exaggerate the application of my specific aptitudes . On a professional level I have realized greater self confidence and a sense of direction in my dual roles as Asia Director and Quality Assurance Manager for Prison Fellowship International. In these position clear resonance was found with my natural giftings. In essence, my innate compass now has a truer bearing in pointing myself to the most appropriate opportunities to apply those aptitudes that an individual has been favorably bestowed with. To be perfectly aligned with one’s innate strengths and gifting is a wonderful blessing that leads to prosperity, wholeness, and peace of mind. In this regard, thanks to this rewarding process of self discovery, life’s journey ahead is clearer and now better assured.

The Productivity Compass Program has provided helpful insights and provides affirmation and suggestions of areas of weakness and or risk. It was great to be able to articulate my passions and skills and to have a helpful understanding of strengths and areas of vulnerability. It was also valuable to know more about by Zone and how to operate more effectively as a leader. It helped me to have an understanding of why I react in certain ways and in certain situations. Now I am able to articulate what I have perhaps understood intuitively but could not find words for. I believe this program has helped me become a better person and a more productive leader. The Productivity Compass Program will invaluable for great teamwork, better understanding of each other’s gifts, talents and passions. Defining each one's sweet spot is very helpful in role determination and leadership development. John and Ruth are excellent coaches. I found them to be sensitive, intelligent, perceptive, respectful and skilled. I felt comfortable to share openly in the sessions because of my confidence in their professionalism and approach. I am glad to recommend them to those who will need them.

We recently retained the professional services of John B. Samuel of Talent Research Foundation to undertake a diagnostic, coaching and a teambuilding exercise for our National Program Officers and other senior executive staff at the SDC office at Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Our comments and review of the exercise is as follows: Talent Diagnostics: Our team valued the diagnostic module as very thorough and provided an in-depth analysis of the specific natural strengths and areas that need special attention. The ownership of the diagnostics resulted in the staff becoming very clear about their strengths. The triangulation provided quality data and contributed to a process of increased self-awareness. As the Country Director of our team, the diagnostic reports were very highly useful to me to place the staff in the most productive areas and to avoid wrong job assignments and frustration Coaching: The individual coaching sessions as well as the team building events are highly appreciated by all staff. These moments represent one of the rare moments where we secured solid feedback on our strengths and blind-spots. The team members have become open about areas where they do not feel so comfortable and they appreciate the investments made in them. They are increasingly willing to accept new challenges. Teambuilding: According to a recently carried out staff survey and statement made by several staff members, the morale and working climate is good in our office. People feel relaxed, appreciated and supported. Some staff members have started to benefit from the knowledge of the strengths of their colleagues. There is still more potential to make use of exchange and of specific skills of colleagues. We appreciate the professional contribution of Talent Research Foundation to improve and enhance our executive performance and team productivity.

The Productivity Compass program was valuable to me because the insights backed by solid evidence about myself are going to be tremendously helpful for me throughout my lifetime. This program helps you unlock your design in a unique way so that you can recognize who you really are and why you relate in a certain way - whether it be with family, friends, work, interests, hobbies etc. This knowledge helps you to appreciate your innate strengths and weaknesses. Once you know how you are created, you can focus on giving expression to your strengths while acknowledging weaknesses and the need for coping strategies. I am amazed at the depth of the program and this is why I continue to process all that I have learnt. Rest assured this is not some quick-fix or self-help solution to your life's problems. This program will be hugely beneficial to anyone, really no matter where you are in your life journey. The sooner you are able to discover and move in the direction of your Zone, the better. This is because you can significantly alter the story your life, by understanding what really drives you. For entrepreneurs, the added benefit is that you can use the knowledge to understand how you'll make decisions regarding managing your business, hiring employees, meeting business deadlines, and the list goes on. I truly appreciate John's heart and his calling. He is very patient, genuine and want the best for the people he is coaching. It was refreshing to do my sessions with him consistently and regularly. I am grateful indeed!

I did a thorough profiling with John Samuel and Ruth about ten years ago and the results were fascinating. I was able to understand myself better and it has helped me to make adequate choices in life and make me a happier person. Now being a mother of two teenage children, I felt the need to understand my children more, in terms of their strengths and weaknesses and how best to handle them as a parent. And also how to better improve my relationship with my husband after 20 years of marriage. Based on past successful experience, I approached John and Ruth to do a teaming building session for my family. The Zone diagnostics are amazing as in it explains clearly and accurately which zone each of us belong to. As this explains how our behaviors differ from one another, it helps us to be more understanding and accommodating as a family. We are able to see things from each other’s perspective therefore minimizing conflicts among us. We were also taught how various coping strategies can help us to build a better and more loving relationship. I would think the Team Building exercise is will be very helpful to other families too and I highly recommend one to be done to each family. The zone diagnosis is also useful in helping my children’s choice of subjects to take and their possible future career paths. This is especially beneficial as it helps parents and children to make correct choices with regards to education. John Samuel and Ruth execute professionalism during this exercise. John is very sharp and clear about explaining the different zones while Ruth is an expert in answering questions posed to her. She is able to simplify and explain and it makes it easy for us to understand. Both John and Ruth are patient and kind. It is a pleasure knowing them and we are blessed to have found them. Life is too short to explore and “find” ourselves in a trial and error way. Knowing ourselves and how our talents work surely saves us a lot of time and heartache while making decisions in life. For anyone who wants a life filled with happiness and fulfillment, I would highly recommend the Talent Diagnostics and the Team building exercise to understand others in your family or work team!

Rarely does one get an opportunity in life to go through a process that helps to exactly nail the truth about "who am I?" The Productivity Compass Program provided me with that insight - and helped me to understand the discrepancy between who I thought I was, and who I really was. I am the CEO of a growing Software Company and identifying my Zone was a critical insight which provided me with clarity about how I manage others and how I prefer to be managed. It has helped me to develop my strengths and outsource my limitations. The Productivity Compass Program will be a wise investment for any CEO or entrepreneur who wants specific clarity about where he and the team will function best. It will help any organization avoid wastage of its human resources and avert unrealistic expectations of those on the team. John Samuel is adept at helping individuals, to uncover their Zone and Key Aptitude. Very few people invest their lives to give life to others - he is one of them. I anticipate that it is a matter of time before Talent Research Foundation grows to a point that John Samuel's availability may be limited to a select few - and I feel so privileged that I was coached by the man himself, who discovered the Zone phenomenon! I wish Talent Research Foundation, Godspeed!

The Productivity Compass Program is like looking at yourself with a huge magnifying glass - it turns the spotlight on how we understand ourselves and how others see us. It was an "eureka moment" for me when I could see the recurring pattern of strengths and behaviors that I default to - and what others have consistently seen in me. Securing and reviewing the inputs that others shared about me was a refreshing exercise. It also helped me to appreciate the truth about my Zone in a much easier way. This program was very timely for me as I had just taken over as the CEO of my company and was struggling to cope with my work. The Productivity Compass Report insights showed me how to deal with the bottlenecks I was facing at work and helped me understand my work behaviors. This program has helped me to make decisions in the light of my Zone and leverage my strengths. I would recommend this program to all CEO's and those in leadership positions who want to accomplish more - but at the same time want to enjoy their work. My discussions with John Samuel were thought provoking. He helped me with insights that made it easier for me to understand my unique design - and my created purpose. Finally, I realized I was not as complex as I thought I was - but that there is a reason and design behind my unique behavioral patterns and actions. John Samuel was very patient and helped me with the many questions I had - which revealed his passion, to bring out the best in me.

I came into the Productivity Compass program believing that I was quite self aware and also believed that every person comes into this world with a set of strengths and weaknesses.that are innate and pre-determined. It took very little convincing for me to align with the zone phenomenon. However as I went through the diagnostics with John, it was fascinating how he uncovered significant blind spots that enabled me to alter a number of my beliefs and thereby actions. This program convinced me that I would be better off making changes to my career path - which is of course, is the most significant outcome I experienced! John and Ruth are among the most sincere people I have met. They take the effort to deliver more than they promise. It seemed like even if the client was satisfied, they kept at it until they were satisfied that the client had secured the full benefits of the Zone insights. Such dedication.....is rare indeed!

The Zone diagnostic program has helped me to associate with my strengths and weaknesses - and made it a tangible experience . I feel stronger intuitively when I play the strength card and no longer allow my emotional outbursts to overwhelm me at work. What I appreciate most about John and Ruth is the process they adopt to make one understand their specific Zone . All the evidence gleaned are an affirmation of one's Zone, which makes the entire narrative easy to understand and a rewarding experience. I was able to appreciate my Zone insights even more after the program, as the insights I secured about myself became increasingly clearer day by day, even as it increasingly fleshed out my work behaviors. I would strongly recommend that you enroll in this program with your spouse as it throws light on how each one is wired and why we do what we do. We live in our Zones, every single day. Things dont seem random anymore at work and at home. Thank you John and Ruth - you both are awesome!!!

The Productivity Compass Program helped me at work, to adjust and change my job scope, I was able to articulate more clearly and directly how I could and wanted to contribute to the organisation. I was also able to make decisions more quickly and confidently when asked to choose job roles and tasks. I experienced a degree of freedom and peace I never felt before. In my marriage, I am able to be more understanding and accepting of my husband’s and our distinct proclivities. The knowledge of our Zones helped me understand our differences during our honeymoon, home renovation, how we serve others as a couple, and how we try to resolve things at work. It has also helped becoming an objective talking points for us to fall back on and refer to when trying to resolve a conflict, appreciate and complement each other. I highly recommend this to anyone desperate to be happier, healthier and wanting improved relationships in the home and at the workplace. This program will be useful for parents, couples, workers, managers, tertiary students, etc. The knowledge gained is useful even when one moves to a different stage or station of life, as how we are innately wired does not change. Couples who go through the program together, will find the knowledge gained very beneficial. They will appreciate each other’s unique strengths, learn to complement one another and understand their blind spots. They will be less judgmental of each other. The diagnosis will give them a common vocabulary and objective foundation to work on when disagreements and conflicts inevitably arise. They will be less surprised (less ‘caught off guard’) and bewildered by each other’s behaviour (as John and Ruth say) “forewarned is forearmed”! The couple will also then become aware of coping strategies to mitigate blind spots. The Zone diagnosis gives an accurate report on how to serve his/her partner’s needs. The diagnosis will be a useful reference and reflection tool for a lifetime. John and Ruth were genuine in helping me understand my design, very generous with their time, and patient in answering my many questions. They are articulate and sharp in their explanations. They are awesome!!!

I was experiencing severe burn-out when I was introduced to Talent Research Foundation. I was initially skeptical about undertaking this diagnostic research program but decided to embark on it because I was looking for some definitive answers about my specific gifts and talents. After I commissioned Talent Research Foundation to undertake this research project, I realized through this diagnostic and coaching program that, apart from researching data from my life experiences in which I had made a difference to others, they also solicited data from family, friends and colleagues with whom I had worked in the years past. Based on exhaustive data analysis from several sources, a clear picture of what I do best and my limitations began to emerge. Incidentally, I also realized that apart from work related insights, these inputs also helped my spouse to understand me better. It brought objective clarity and helped my husband to finally understand what I do best and what makes me tick. The Productivity Compass program provides definitive inputs about my leadership style, how I relate best to others and how my Manager can bring the best out of me. I enjoyed working with John Samuel, who is the Principal Diagnostician at Talent Research Foundation. I found him to be positive and someone who supportively encouraged me through this journey of discovery. He helped me to understand what was behind the burnout I experienced in my previous job and defined the contexts in which I will thrive and excel. Knowing why I burnt-out despite my sincere hard work in my previous job was important to me and helped me to bring closure to a difficult chapter in my work life. As a mother of two, I am now excitedly and confidently looking forward to re-enter the work force again, armed with these insights about who I am and what I do best. I am grateful to Talent Research Foundation and to John Samuel in particular, who has been very supportive and helpful - and also has become a good friend over time. His kindness extends beyond my professional work with him and I am very appreciative of that.

The Productivity Compass program helps me see where and what I am good at and also helps me understand my limitations. It has provided me with better insight and understanding as to how (and why) I was able to successfully navigate life's challenges in the years past. It helped me to connect and embrace my innate strengths and capabilities. The Productivity Compass program will be useful to others as it will help them tap into their strengths and make them better Officers. It will also help the leadership and senior management have a better and invaluable knowledge of what is it that makes each Officer tick - and where they can contribute best to the team. With the Zone insights about each Officer, the leadership will be able be make wise and suitable appointments – and avoid putting round holes in square pegs! I found John Samuel to be very patient. He has the knack of having his client's open up and be comfortable sharing their life experiences. He facilitates the program in a way that brings the best out of the person. He is also very articulate and helps his clients express their inner most thoughts by providing a language, that exactly captures what they want to communicate.

I have gained much clarity after undertaking the Productivity Compass program facilitated by Mr John Samuel. He was excellent in guiding me and helping me to navigate through my past life experiences to validate and affirm my present style of engagement at work. With his coaching, we sifted out the blind spots and identified my strengths, so that I may be a better team player. I could not see that I was heading the wrong way until John showed that my blindspots were actually a mis-management of my strengths. Ever since then, I was a better informed person and was able to contribute better to the dynamics of my team. I would gladly recommend this Zone diagnostics and coaching program to key leaders and team players. We will emerge stronger as a team. With John's keen listening skills and his knowledge of the Zones, you will benefit much from the your sessions with him. He will help you with exceptional clarity, that will aid in your success.

The Productivity Compass Program made me realize many things that I was not aware off and gave me clarity about the areas I am good at - and the areas in which I can sustain interest. It looked right through my life to see where my area of influence has been and what really excites my heart. This along with other details such as where I would struggle and where I would not be my best, made the Productivity Compass an amazing tool to unravel my natural talents and also gave me a detailed picture of what I should avoid. CEO's today need people who coherently fit into their big picture. Often the senior management has no clue about what the executive is passionate about and only through trial and error are able to understand the innate strengths of the individual. The Productivity Compass program will enable any CEO to cut to the chase - and understand the individual right from the start and deploy them optimally. Mr. John Samuel has been an amazing coach. On many occasions I tried to convince him that I can do anything but he probed and provided evidence from my life data, about the areas of my strength and helped me see the value in leveraging them. With many years of experience behind him, he patiently taught me how to realize my potential and also helped me with coping strategies to manage my blindspots.

Believing myself to be somewhat self-aware about my strengths and weaknesses, I had initially approached this program with much skepticism. However, while going through the Zone diagnostic and coaching program with John Samuel, I found myself looking forward to every session with a mixture of trepidation and expectancy. What would I find out about myself today? The program went beyond my expectations – giving me very clear and specific diagnoses on my “DNA” (Default Natural Abilities) and showing me the way to both harness and control them. I believe this is especially meaningful for young professionals like myself who are graduating out of our structured education system and embarking in their journey into their unknown for the first time It is vital for us to find out more about ourselves and embrace our Zone so we do not start on the wrong foot. We should not just hit the ground hard running blindly - it is of utmost importance to know the kind of careers we should be pursuing in which we will have an clear competitive edge. I had often challenged John Samuel on certain points in which I did not fully understand and/or agree, but he always sought to clarify every doubt I had. What struck me the most was his willingness to engage in friendly debate and his enthusiasm to questions. After all the interactions I had with John, I also felt he was genuinely eager – even excited to assist people in this aspect. I would liken him to a concerned but not too pushy father, and I really felt comfortable with the entire process. Thanks John!

The Productivity Compass Program helped me understand why I was so passionate about some projects, while struggling with other projects. I gained a clear understanding of what makes me tick, I now know where to use my innate strengths best and experience doing meaningful work. The Productivity Compass will help an individual make the career choices that are right for them. Anyone will benefit from the Program, but it is specially a game changer for people at crossroads in their career and/or for those who are not happy in their current job. John and Ruth have unearthed a deep truth that is much wider than just executive coaching. I have no doubt that the seven Zones will one day become the industry standard in people management. And nothing like learning this directly from the people who have invested so much time and thought in researching the Zone phenomenon Not only are John and Ruth passionate about the Productivity Compass diagnostics, they are also passionate about all the individuals they help. I know that I can always reach out to them when I have a question and that each answer will bring a new light onto my problems. They are unique people and I'm glad to consider them my friends now.

Since I undertook the Productivity Compass Program, I felt more comfortable with myself, becoming aware of my talents and my limitations. I finally could admit that I am not good at doing everything and made me more confident in using the talents G-d has given me. This made me a better worker - and a happier one too! I think it is important everyone should know their strengths and weaknesses and not live in denial of what they are good at. Because knowing your innate strengths will make you feel good about yourself, improve your self esteem and make you more productive. Wherever possible, this insight helps you avoid struggling with tasks outside your Zone and to channel your energy in doing what you do best. As an Akiva Girl, I had so much freedom in being able to choose what I wanted to do in this job. Knowing my Zone and talents helped me choose to do things that was in line with my Zone and to complement my team-workers to help them deliver better results. Knowledge of each others Zone helps us to work better as a team, because we then know what each one does best. John and Ruth Samuel are amazing coaches. They were there for my every question and explained everything with a lot of patience. I enjoyed my sessions with them and feel lucky that I had the opportunity to undertake this Zone diagnostic program. It has prepared me for my life journey ahead!

Over the last 35 years, I have participated in numerous similar courses and this one was refreshing, unique, and frankly, one of the most helpful and practical. I note this because the Zone Process relies on empirical data and feedback that are from individuals different in relational scope and time periods, relative to the person undergoing the Zone analysis. Hence in my opinion, the feedback and results are an objective measure of an individual. For me personally, the diagnostic process confirmed much of what I knew about myself but had no way before of quantifying it in terms of categories, i.e., Zones. As such I recommend this process to everyone. I believe it would be beneficial for an organization overall if all within underwent the Zone Process; managers and leaders would better comprehend their staff and help them grow professionally, employees would better understand themselves and identify areas and roles in their respective organizations best suited for them.

John Samuel is a thought leader and change agent. His expertise and professionalism in facilitating the Talent Diagnostic journey was inspirational, personally life changing, and, of huge significance in identifying how to maximise our corporate sweet spot impact. John navigated a course relevant to my learning style while having careful regard for the big picture of organizational need to ensure zone understanding of the key people and how they could be best positioned to enable optimal output personally and corporately. All the while delivering valuable insights that were couched in wisdom and sensitivity throughout the process. The writings of Jim Collins, particularly, “Good to Great” were an affirmation for our company in ensuring we had the right people on board the bus, however, there was still a missing key, ‘how do we ensure we have them in the right positions?’ What a find when one or our staff came upon 'Living in Your Zone - Where Work Becomes Delight' by John Samuel. John’s professionalism is powerful because he is a living embodiment of what 'Living in Your Zone' looks like. Consequently, every interaction throughout the diagnostic process packed a punch that sometimes left you breathless.

I have found the Productivity Compass Report useful as it helped validate the key strengths embedded in me. Through the Report clear patterns in my life emerged and helped me set my direction for future. Through the process I became more comfortable in my own skin. I would recommend the Talent Research Foundation to anyone who is wondering “what makes me tick in life.” The process is clear, scientific and to the point. It allows you to explore, validate and utilize your natural proclivities. It was an absolute delight to work with John Samuel. For the past few months my weekly Skype video session with him became my high-light of the week. John has a very gentle way of asking the questions and probing to make sure he understands where you are coming from - regardless if you are a CEO of a big company or stay at home mum.

The Zone diagnostics process has been immensely useful and valuable. It has not only aided me in identifying my key strengths within the work place, but has also given me greater life purpose in general. Commonly we are aware of our strengths, but conversely by definition we are unaware of our blind spots. This process has greatly enhanced my capabilities, not by removing my weaknesses but instead by providing me with simple prompts that aid in addressing those weaknesses. The Productivity Compass Report is an all in-compassing report; it identifies your zone and how that zone interacts whilst being supervised and when supervising. This allows managers to understand how to get the best out of their staff, it allows managers to make decisions on the best roles suited to an individual, and it also allows the employee to understand their strengths and in identifying roles best suited to their gifts. John has a fantastic expert knowledge, allowing him to take you to a real place of understanding. He is passionate about his work and this means that no stones are left unturned. John has an incredible ability to help one conceptualize, through easy to understand written statements, concepts and traits that previously one could not put their finger on. John also allows you to learn at your own pace, thus individualizing the program to ensure maximum comprehension.