"The Dobson Lyle formula looks to be a fresh and much needed departure from the standard outplacement approach."

Richard Dubeck, ex Head of HR, UK Citibank

"Over the last 30 years I have evaluated virtually every form of psychometric assessment for use in corporate management development. The Birkman Career Management Report, has without a doubt, provided the most thorough, insightful and practical feedback I have come across. A must for senior managers and those facing career or lifestyle changes."

Tim Way, Group HR Director, Computacenter PLC

“Dobson Lyle through their unique process and expertise have helped us to identify new sales talent. Specific attributes have been identified successfully, enhancing the qualities we needed as a team. I personally feel very comfortable that my decisions have been based on a sound, logical footing as opposed to the rather subjective basis of previous hires. The last thing we need as an organisation is for a major churn in our sales force”

Simon O’Brien Sales Director, Capula Ltd

"I just wanted to write to give you a quick update on life post Birkman.

At a time of being really very muddled indeed about my career (and having been so for several years if I am being honest), the experience this summer has been revelatory. The Birkman really helped me to align my thinking with my heart in terms of career choice and life direction.

I resigned as a management consultant soon after speaking to you and two exciting years lie ahead. I have a couple of projects lined up from January to choose from – looking at micro-financing activities in either Ecuador or Afghanistan. I am then looking to start a Masters, probably in Development Finance, in October next year.

I have tempered some of my initial ‘mud hut’ idealism to realise that I want in the longer term to be involved in Western commercial investment into SME businesses in the Developing world (rather than coming at it from an Aid perspective) and it is a niche I feel very comfortable with. And I am more excited about my career than ever before!

Amazingly, last week, in a sort of divine freak of chance I got contacted by the European Bank I used to consult to who asked whether I would help with due diligence work on which of four developing world locations they should be investing in for new offshoring activities. A perfect feed in, over the next three months into the years to follow!

Anyway, this really is to re-iterate my thanks for your help this summer. You spelled out some harsh truths and helped my exploration of the inner self and brought it into focus in my career."

Taken from an email received from a client of Dobson Lyle, formerly a management consultant

"Thank you very much indeed for all the time you spent with me over the past few weeks. Your advice, backed up by the Birkman profile, has certainly given me a lot to think about. I am quite sure that, whatever happens over the coming weeks, any decisions I make about the future will be grounded on a much clearer understanding of what will work for me, and will be taken with far greater confidence. The insights provided by the Birkman profile far exceeded anything I have ever been able to get out of the “psychological assessments” I have undertaken in the past. I am sure it will continue to yield further insights.

Rather to my surprise, I enjoyed the whole process. In part, no doubt, this reflected the pleasure of talking about oneself for several hours. More important, though, was the part you played in making the experience so easy and enjoyable. It was a pleasure to work with you.

With renewed thanks and best wishes."

Letter received from a FTSE100 Finance Director – a client of Dobson Lyle’s Personal Practice

"Consulting Dobson Lyle and doing the Birkman test served to confirm much of what I had been thinking and gave me some ideas that had not occurred to me before. The effect has been extraordinary in many ways; having agonised for ages, the Dobson Lyle Birkman process gave me whatever it took to make up my mind. That in turn was like unblocking a drain! Once the first move was made everything else flowed. It has been a huge weight off my mind."

Personal Client of Dobson Lyle - Independent business person, formerly International Marketing Director

"I came to Dobson Lyle knowing deep down inside myself that the well paid City job I had gone into after university wasn't right for me, but half hoping they would tell me I was wrong. Needless to say they didn't. I had two sessions In the first we went through the Birkman test line by line - some four hours in all. It was then suggested that we should re-convene after a week or so (to give me the time and space to digest the enormous wealth of information), meeting up again for an overall review and some conclusions. The process has taken a month in all but my decision has now been made and I can see the road ahead so much more clearly. I am impressed at the depth they go into and the direct, positive and sympathetic style."

Personal Client of Dobson Lyle - Graduate with three year's investment banking experience

"I am writing to to tell you that my daughter (name deleted) benefitted tremendously from your 'Bridge to the Future' programme.

Having been at best unclear and at worst in something of a muddle about her future, she is now set on a career as a barrister and showing all the signs of considerable enthusiasm and excitement about it.

Reminding her of her musical interests and their importance to her has also been a very positive and therapeutic experience.

All in all she seems far more relaxed, clearer about her objectives and more fulfilled in her life. You were able to affirm her strengths for her and have given her just the encouragement she needed at what was quite a difficult time for her.

Well done and thank you."

Letter received from the father of one of our younger clients