| Gail
McWilliams Biography From
ZIG ZIGLAR, Chairman of the Board, Ziglar Training Systems To Whom It May Concern: As part of the commitment we feel to our staff, Ziglar Training Systems provides a time for a devotional thought every Monday morning before the work week gets under way. On Monday morning, February 21, 2005, we had the privilege of hosting Gail McWilliams as she led our staff and guests in a devotional message. Gail is a truly remarkable woman, with a heart-felt message that moves everyone fortunate enough to hear her. Our staff was tremendously encouraged and very impressed with her presentation and her demeanor. Speaking from her heart, she touched the heats and souls of her listeners. Her message is clear, profound, and so understandable that, as the Bible says, “a wayfaring man, though he be a fool, would know the way” as she points it out. I was personally encouraged by the commitment and optimism of a woman who could not see but has such incredible vision. It’s my conviction that corporate America would benefit tremendously from Gail McWilliams and her message. Leaders and laborers alike gain considerably from people who deliver hope, vision and enthusiasm with passion and authenticity as she does. I believe
you will be very encouraged and delighted with Gail McWilliams and her
presentation if you invite her to appear before your class, our group,
your church, your company or y our Bible study. She will fit right in
with any group. You will discover that many people who do not already
know the Lord as Savior will meet Him through her and her message. Gail
and her husband, Tony, work together and can be reached at: God bless
you as you prayerfully consider inviting Gail McWilliams to address
your group.
From
HUGH BRAY, United Way Committee, Customer Service/Customer Relations
Representative, Haggar Clothing Company The Haggar Clothing Co. in Dallas makes a concerted effort each year to promote and encourage 100% associate participation in the annual United Way campaign. Consequently we are dedicated to finding an outstanding individual as the guest speaker for our “kick off” meeting in front of 400 associates. This year we hit the jackpot! Gail McWilliams came to us as a representative from The Lighthouse for the Blind. It was love at first sound bite. She spoke about blindness as a gift not a disability, but commented she could probably hold her own in Dallas traffic. Her love and devotion to family, ability to inspire and teach others and to appreciate each day as a gift makes her ane excellent candidate for motivational speaking. Gail can touch heartstrings and tear ducts while keeping her audience riveted to her every word. The term professional speaker may not appear in her resume but Gail is unique in subject matter, articulate in delivery and captivating in presence. With the help of Gail’s speech and many others, we were able to surpass our goal. Ask and you shall receive—the whole package (tender, witty, informative) in the person of Gail McWilliams.
From
TORRI TEEL, Customer Service Manager, Haggar Clothing Company My name is Torri Teel and I am the Customer Service Manager for Haggar Clothing Company. For the last two years I have served as Haggar’s United Way Coordinator. Each year during our United Way kickoff, we invite a guest speaker to come and share their special story with all of our associates. This year my United Way Representative recommended Gail McWilliams from Lighthouse for The Blind. Gail McWilliams is “awesome”. There is absolutely no better word to describe her. Not have met Gail previous to the day she came to Haggar, we sere not quite sure what to expect. Gail arrived early on the day of our kickoff. She was enthusiastic and eager to speak. She has a personality that is infectious. Gail has mastered the art of capturing and holding her audience’s attention with her humorous stories about herself and her family. She has the unique ability to be able to adapt and relate to her audience. I highly recommend Gail McWilliams, Gail is a person with “true vision”.
From
JOE HAGGAR III, Haggar Clothing Company I would like to make you aware of a lady by the name of Gail McWilliams. Gail is a businesswoman, a mom, wife and an inspiration to all of us at Haggar. The reason she was so inspirational was her talk she gave to our Corporation (Haggar Corp.) to help kick off our United Way efforts here. It wasn’t until the very end of her speech did I realize she was blind! Gail told “her story” and once she finished we all realized that we could always take a negative and turn it into a positive. If you are looking for an intelligent, entertaining and motivational story, I highly recommend letting Gail tell hers.
From
JOHNATHAN MAROCCO, Founder and CEO, Lasting Credit Solutions I would like any organization considering Gail McWilliams as their motivational speaker to be aware of the following: Gail McWilliams is one of the most inspirational, motivating, heart-felt, dynamic, energetic, professional, transparent, and encouraging speakers I have ever had the pleasure of hearing. Her keynote deliver on Vision was life changing. As an entrepreneur, I thought I had vision, but I have never been able to visualize more clearly that after I attended a fundraiser where Gail McWilliams spoke to over 600 other professionals in attendance. I was moved to tears by her inspiring story of how she became blind because of sacrificing her site in exchange for her children’s lives, all the while never losing her Vision. I have never heard of anyone with as much courage and determination as Gail McWilliams. I have paid hundreds of dollars for seminars to hear the professional speakers including Zig Ziglar, Anthony Robbins, Colin Powell, Ann Richards, Les Brown, Brian Tracy, Peter Daniels and others. However, none of them compare to hearing Gail McWilliams. Gail’s light hearted words of wisdom and hope have been more than just inspirational to me and thousands of others who have heard her; they have given me a higher since of purpose that will immeasurably affect not only my business, employees and clients, but also my family forever. I am confident that Gail McWilliams’ message will do the same for you.
From
CHELSI CURRY, Assistant Director Resource Development, United Way of
Metropolitan Dallas Over the past few months United Way staff have been working hard making presentations and encouraging companies and individuals to give during their companies’ annual campaign. In order to encourage employees to give, we also have companies that request success stories from people who have been helped through United Way. One such company was Haggar Corporation. After calling a few agencies, I was able to get in contact with Lighthouse for the Blind. Steve Vanderpole recommended Gail McWilliams as a possible speaker. Gail was gracious enough to spend a few hours of her time at the Haggar kickoff. She spoke eloquently and humorously. I was extremely impressed with her story and how she was able to convey it to others. Gail was able to hold the whole rooms’ attention through her story. Not only was she motivational, but she was also warm hearted and persuasive. She was able to incorporate humor and personal anecdotes well. I was impressed with her ability to find a connection with her audience. For instance, she made the whole room laugh when she pretended to pull out a piece of paper from her pocket that had all her children’s pant sizes on it. It encouraged me to realize that Gail had done her own research on the company before she came to the event. I found myself totally engaged in what Gail had to say. She made me laugh and she encouraged me to strive for more out of life. I was so encouraged by Gai, that I invited her back to speak at La Quinta’s kickoff. I believe that her story contributed to the success of both campaigns. I would highly recommend Gail for any positions that could utilize someone with an amazing gift for public speaking combined with passion and a desire to make a difference in the world. I am excited to see where these gifts lead Gail, and I will forever be grateful for her willingness to share those gifts with others.
We were fortunate to have Gail McWilliams speak to 160 employees from out Dallas Corporate Headquarters on November 12, 2004 at the Irving Arts Center on behalf of our United Way efforts. In the words of many of our employees, “she was phenomenal!” She inspired conversation and today, we continue talking about her and her message. That’s an impression. Our hope was to invite a presenter to provide a personal glimpse into the services and opportunities made available through United Way supported organizations. We received so much more. Gail made each of us think about the realities of life, with great humor and warmth. Gail is a wonderful public speaker, truly at ease with an audience, she has an amazing ability to make you feel as if you’ve known her forever. A true professional, it was obvious that Gail did research on the hospitality industry and La Quinta, allowing a more personal interaction with our group. It was noted and appreciated. Our United Way Campaign was a great success! Thanks, in part, to Gail McWilliams allowing us a glimpse into her world. We are most appreciative! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 214-492-6870.
From
D. STEVEN J. VANDERPOEL, V.P. Human Resources, Dallas Lighthouse for
the Blind I am writing in support of Gail McWilliams expressing my observations of her as a motivational speaker. I have been directly involved in multiple presentations with Gail and find her abilities to be superior. As an administrator for a large non-profit, I evaluate Ms. McWilliams from an outcome perspective. The components and abilities she demonstrates in the use of pertinent content is uplifting, challenging and vision based for audience impact. Through her passionate presentation relating to purpose, hope and leadership, she elicits commitment from her audience to excel, achieve and broaden their horizons. I strongly support Gail in her efforts and suggest that using her services would be a wise business and human resource decision that will advance your goals and achievements. Presentations by Gail that I have personally attended resulted in functional increase in employee performance. Please do not hesitate to contact me for additional feedback.
From
SANDI HEILMAN, Vice President, Electronic Distribution & Marketing,
LaQuinta to Jennifer Owens, Director of Development, Dallas Lighthouse
for the Blind An overdue note of thanks to you and Gail McWilliams for taking the time to speak at our Dallas based La Quinta employees. You were able to both educate and entertain and it was greatly appreciated by all! Initial results of our 2004 United Way Campaign show that we have surpassed our goals. I believe that your contribution of time and information greatly assisted us in achieving this success. Please pass our thanks on to Gail McWilliams and let her know that numerous individuals at La Quinta believe that she missed her calling—she should become a professional speaker! Although, I imagine that the book signings and book promotions that lie in her future may allow her to do just that! Please keep us informed of her writing progress, she has a number of fans in our office. We thank you for assisting us in saying “Thank You” to those organizations within our communities providing critical services to our neighbors. From
JENNIFER OWENS DOWDY, Director of Development, Dallas Lighthouse for
the Blind I am happy to recommend Gail McWilliams as a fine speaker and inspiring presenter. As the newly-hired Director of Development for the Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind, I was anxious to experience the many services offered here, and my plan included attending some of the therapy and training sessions with our clients. As luck would have it, Gail was scheduled for an appointment the next day, so I introduced myself and Gail very willingly allowed me to join in her excursions during that session. Since that day, I have discovered Gail’s genuine openness and sincerity. The trials of adapting to vision loss, the associated adjustments to daily living, and the concerns of a growing family are managed by Gail with pride and a sense of humor. She is extremely presentable, with a professional appearance and friendly demeanor. She is up-beat when interfacing with others, which is one of the first things you’ll notive about her. The other thing I noticed about her is a warm willingness to communicate. Gail has mastered the art of listening, making her good company for almost anyone! I have had the pleasure of hearing a presentation by Gail recently where she was entertaining and thoughtful. Her message is poignant but her delivery is full of optimism and hope. Gail is a very gifted individual. She is talented and enthusiastic and has a sincere manner about her that conveys confidence without being stuffy or egotistical. It is for these reasons and many others that I recommend her as a motivational speaker.
From
DAN DEAN, Senior Pastor, Heartland Church; Lead Singer, Phillips, Craig
and Dean The McWilliams family has truly touched the life of my family and our church. Whether they are singing, speaking, dancing, or ministering one on one, the McWilliams inspire everyone they encounter to greater servanthood. Through life’s ups and downs they have consistently shown great faith in their journey to fulfill Christ’s purpose in their lives. Their family “blend” of harmony will inspire your church to rise in worship. As the pastor of the church they call home, I give my complete endorsement to this wonderful family. From
CURT KROHN, Senior Pastor, Faith Bible Church During my time as leader, Faith Bible has welcomed many guests to our stage. We have hosted Steve Green, Elizabeth Elliott, Howard Hendricks, a multitude of musical groups and dramatists. However, few were able to hold the interest of our people as did Gail McWilliams. Ms. McWilliams’ style is engaging, warm and very real. Upon taking the platform, she immediately grabs the attention of her audience through her skillful use of humor and a keen ability to read her audience. Her story is one of restored hope and is shared from a heart whose joy is contagious. An obviously gifted communicator, Ms. McWilliams moved the hearts of our people by speaking to issues with which they were deeply concerned: making sense of pain, hope in struggle, the foundation of family, the restoration of joy. Gail McWilliams is the answer for anyone desiring to motivate, encourage or instill hope in a people. We all need the vision that Gail McWilliams possesses. From
MRS. FREDA LINDSAY, Co-Founder, Christ For The Nations, Dallas, Texas I have known the Tony McWilliams Family of seven from the time Tony became our Human Resources Director at Christ For The Nations in June, 2000. Not only has he served well above our expectations, but three of his daughters, though students, have also lent their services as part-time receptionist and in other capacities as needed. Tony excels as emcee at our campus functions. His amiable nature puts people at ease and makes them feel they have always known him. As a ministry, Tony’s wife, Gail, and daughters, Anna, Lindey and Holly sing and minister at Campus Church and at various school and social events – an anointed, talented family that had won the hearts of those who have seen and heard them. Their voices blend together in four-part harmony as a lovely, sweet-smelling fragrance. Besides their inspirational singing, this family is one of the friendliest you will ever meet – hilariously funny, warm, real, and caring. They not only are a close-knit family, but always exhibit love and compassion for others as well. The two youngest members, Lydia and Conner often bless the Campus Church with a prayer. Tony McWilliams and his family are an asset and a tremendous blessing here at Christ For The Nations. We are pleased that they came to serve the Lord here with us and have become our dear friends. I would not only recommend their ministry but urge everyone to experience it.
From
MRS. FREDA LINDSAY, Co-Founder, Christ For The Nations, Dallas, Texas It was on Saturday night, November 13, 2004 that I debated whether I had the time to attend what was to be a pro-life banquet being held on our campus: “A Safe Place”, celebrating the ministry of Living Choice, Inc. I expected, since it was arranged by some of our “home fold”, that the attendance would probably be minimal, but to my great surprise the place was full and overrunning with business people and ministers, number of whom had never been on our campus. Tony McWilliams’ family, consisting of his wife, Gail, and their five children sang together, blending their harmonies a few families can. Lindey, the second daughter, dressed in a long black gown, danced rhythmically and gracefully to the delight of the audience. After this, Gail, the speaker for the evening, spoke. She told how after the birth of their first child, because of medical complications, she was advised by her doctor to abort the second one, as otherwise she would lose her eyesight. Gail refused to take the doctor’s advice, which made him very hostile, feeling that she and her husband were fools for disregarding him. Now, all these years later, to see this lovely family with their many talents holding the attention of that large crowd, made me appreciate her sacrifice. I wondered how many other families could be enjoying a similar fruitfulness in the world today, had they not chose abortion. For instance, one gentleman, about 30 or so, testified that he was one “father” who had killed his five children by not allowing them to be born, but had his wife abort each one. The McWilliams family, I believe, will continue to make a great impact here in America as they share their experience and their witness through the many open doors afforded them. The rest of the story is that the mother, Gail, did lose here eyesight, and it was a heavy price to pay, but she has the joy of those five beautiful children who call her “mom”, and call her blessed. From
JOY HEADLEY, Pastor’s Wife, Gospel Lighthouse Church Wow! We were so thrilled to have you as a speaker on Saturday morning at the Ladies Retreat. You definitely had a “word” that flowed with the presence and power of the Holy Spirit moving in our ladies for this weekend. Your creative ways of reading God’s word, taking notes, and having people get personal with others was AWESOME. I loved having you with us. Blessings on your week and hope this check gives you a smile. We love you! From
ANGIE HAMMOND, Executive Director, Living Choice, Inc. At our recent annual banquet, Gail shared her testimony that God is more than enough in times of tribulation. Gail offered an exciting witness for her love for life through a refreshing and inspiring presentation, and gave us a delightful musical blend when her three oldest daughters joined their mother in song. Their harmony and love for each other was uplifting. Our audience was encouraged by Gail’s optimistic and realistic approach as she challenged each of us to believe that God’s power for provision in the difficult times can be achieved. We had an abundance of positive comments made about her presentation, and several of our attendees shared that the challenge Gail gave to trust God, love each other, and forgive one another brought healing to their family. One young lady told us that she was convicted to choose a better way of life after hearing Gail speak. We were all touched in one way or another by the McWilliams’ family and their outstanding presentation. Gail speaks frequently for Pro-Life fundraising events and in churches sharing her testimony and bringing a paradigm shifting challenge to choose differently. If you want to do something completely different, move your audience and challenge your constituency, we highly recommend that you consider Gail for your next event. Her enthusiastic approach is inspiring in any setting whether for a banquet, seminars, church or corporate event.
From
BRYAN FLANAGAN, Director of Corporate Training, Ziglar Training Systems Thanks for sharing with our entire team last Monday. Each person benefited greatly from your presentation. We all needed the shot in the arm you provided as well as the challenge you gave us. It was awesome! Gail, we all agreed with Zig’s comments to you following your program. You really do remove all reasons for a “personal pity party!” I would be happy to recommend you any time. Your presentation style, your message, and your heart for people are needed in corporate America! From listening to y our presentations, any group will be assured of receiving a message that is well prepared, well delivered and well received. Let me know how I can assist. Once again, thank you for the positive impact that you have had on Ziglar Training Systems. Let me know when your calendar is free so that we can schedule you again. Knock ‘em
alive… |