I use the term “Social Proof” as a way to help you form a more informed perspective of who, why, and what I am. The references and testimonials are meant to help you make a more informed decision about my value to you, your team, your vision.

The following testimonials are from the most recent people and organizations I’ve been blessed to work. They represent a group of leaders who walk their talk, practice what they preach, and lead with integrity. They are people-centric and each taught me character and gratitude. I became a better person with them in my life. A list of recent references and contact information is available upon request at rickleburkien@gmail.com. They include:

Testimonials

“A key element of Rick’s success was his ability to interact effectively with others. Much of his work here demanded that he insert himself between a wide variety of diverse “factions” each with their own business, cultural and political perspectives. Rick was able to effectively establish consensus and move the team forward towards developing and implementing effective strategies and tactics. He was able to reverse a multi-million dollar market share loss within one year.”

AMERICAN RED CROSS: Geoffrey J. Deutsch, President & CEO, Armed Forces Services Corporation, Managing Director, Veterans Innovation Center, and board member of the National Centre for Social Entrepreneurs. Former Vice President, Business Development, American Red Cross HQ Washington, DC.

“When it comes to overcoming what others perceive as impossible Rick learned to not accept “can’t” as a response. Obstacles seem to be his friend and he believes, and acts upon, the concept that anything is possible. I’ve never experienced anyone who can open doors to high level government and private sector chief executives like Rick. He is fearless and relentless. He has the uncanny ability to place all his experience and training on hold to learn new and better ways of doing things. Whenever I absolutely must get a challenging project, usually perceived as impossible, on time and on budget, I call on Rick. I am continuously amazed and delighted at how he goes about making things happen optimizing the stakeholders in such a way they walk away owning the solution and performance. My job was made simpler and better because of him.”

CAPITAL CHRISTIAN CENTER: Doug Reid, Lead Pastor, Family Fellowship Church, Oceanside, CA, formally Executive Pastor, Capital Christian Center

“Rick forges lasting relationships between your organization and the customers you seek and/or wish to retain. In a highly competitive market, Rick designed a corporate-wide program for reducing the cost of manufacturing. He was able to bring all involved, from all levels of leadership, externally and internally, together towards a common, quality of life, and profitability objective. Within three months he was instrumental in building a model of management cooperation and commitment, impacting one million employees, not experienced between GM and UAW. His creativity, tenacity, fun and innovation were instrumental in moving our organization into a new era of partnerships and profit.”

GENERAL MOTORS/UAW: Michael Brogan, Senior Vice President & Managing Partner, CE Communications

“Mr. Richard David Le Burkien, is the recipient of a full graduate scholarship and stipend as a candidate for the Masters of Public Health, (M.P.H.) from the Office of the President’s Scholarship Program for his extraordinary contribution serving public health needs of the state of Illinois and his leadership excellence in public education, communications and community engagement.”

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Raynetta M. Barletta, Executive Administrator, President’s Scholarship Program

“Rick was recognized as the “go to” person for assignments considered ambitious if not impossible. He possessed a gift of being able to move groups of people with diverse backgrounds and opinions towards successful outcomes. His passion was to serve and it was obvious he loved people and was comfortable with diversity and resistance to change. He believed education was the great equalizer and proved it with a state-wide communication campaign called, “Your Tax Dollars’ Working resulting in a 22 percent increase in appropriations.”

MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION: Howard B. Casmey, Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Education

“Rick embodies a quality that the renowned psychologist Erik Erikson called “generativity”: a deep concern for establishing and guiding the next generation through teaching, mentoring, coaching and otherwise being a positive influence in the lives of young persons. This is his greatest joy, and his greatest passion. Throughout his life, Rick has been known for his leadership qualities. When I think of Rick what comes to mind right away is the concept of “virtuous leadership.” That term has become trendy in recent years thanks in large part to the Positive Psychology movement. Virtuous leadership is about both achieving greatness and bringing out greatness in others. It is leadership through serving others, not by bossing them around. It is about creating a culture that brings out the best in people where people are motivated by love, not by fear. This is the kind of leader that Rick is, has been, and will always be. No wonder he has been successful at making things happen.”

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS: Robert A. Emmons, PhD, Professor of Psychology

“Wherever he goes, he makes people smile, laugh and then gets down to the business at hand with a strict, measurable performance-oriented discipline. Our Governor, Lt. Governor, Senators, agency heads, business and community leaders, and media, all have been charmed by Rick’s outgoing, gregarious, tenacious and very expressive social style. He possesses a sense of humor that allows his humility to deflect distrust and his brilliance to succeed. He uses humor, relationship-building and authenticity as his primary tools to move groups of people with significantly diverse backgrounds and experiences toward a common objective. He’ll undoubtedly tell you that relationship building is his greatest gift.”

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, U.S. VIRGIN IS. TERRITORY: Elton Lewis, Former Commissioner of Police, Sr. Policy Advisor, Office of the Governor; Currently, Regional Agency Lead, CA Homeland Security

“I have come to experience a growing appreciation for the depth of his talent and enthusiasm. My primary experience came when we both were involved in an organization in Mendocino, California known as MendoFutures. This is a group dedicated to tackling major community issues in our county.

Rick came to this team as a leader of an economic redevelopment initiative reporting to the County Board of Supervisors. He quickly threw himself into the work with 150% energy, commitment, and enthusiasm. It was always surprising to see the vast experience that he would bring to any of our projects.

I especially like and appreciate about Rick is his humanity. He loves people and always sees the best in them. He strives to build people and be a cheerleader while holding very high expectations. He is not intimidated to contact any person, at any level, to make things happen. He has confidence in his skills that is disarming.”

SYNECTICS, LLC: Steve Zwieback, President and Owner, Synectics, LLC, Mendocino County, CA