Here are a selection of recommendations from Linked-In collected in January 2012 to reflect the nature of CGO and our “personality”.
“I have worked with Chris in several different capacities and will always recommend him to anyone looking for creative and/or inspirational stimulation in any business venture. Although supremely experienced and well-connected in the arts world, Chris has qualities which extend beyond this sector: he has a sensibility about how businesses work and how people connect and inter-act that is seldom found in just the one person. Above all, Chris is a joy to work with and I heartily recommend those who have never shared an idea with him to try and secure a place at a CGO Surgery – you will be thanking me as well as Chris!”
Fiona Orr, Owner Consultant / Torr Partnership
Previously Project Manager Queen Margaret University
“I’ve worked with Chris over a number of years and in various roles from the TMA to Theatre Royal Bury and have always found him to be thorough, reliable, enthusiastic, supportive and knowledgeable.”
Ruth Eastwood / Ruth Eastwood Consulting
previously CEO Leicester and Poole Theatre/ArtsTrusts
“Chris is an outstanding leader with a deep understanding and love for the arts in general and musical theatre specifically. He is a consumate professional and a person of high ethical values. Chris would be a valuable and trusted member of any team.”
Stewart Slater / Consultant Cookson Slater Inc
previously President / CEO, American Musical Theatre of San Jose
“…Don’t let his grey hair fool you… Chris shows incredible youth, drive and passion for the … industry as well as upcoming young talent. Combined with his vast and impressive experience … this makes him THE go-to-guy for those who want to turn their dreams and ideas into actual projects. As a young person with many dreams and entrepreneurial ideas myself, I often contacted and continue to contact Chris with requests for creative and business advice. Although I haven’t yet had the chance to undergo a professional CGO Surgery, Chris’ personal feedback and overall mentorship has always been to-the-point critical, yet encouraging, and thus invaluable both to me personally and my projects.”
Florian Fettweiss / Consultant China Media Monitor Intelligence (CMM-I), Bejiing
previously Assistant to the Associate Producer Stage Entertainment,Berlin
“Chris has been a great support for me as an artist. I was particularly impressed with his openness and enthusiasm around learning across disciplines and in pushing what might be possible within musical theatre. I continue to consult with him regularly and find both him and Tom incredibly encouraging and insightful – it’s great to have this kind of informal mentoring, and I know that Chris will also provide me with opportunities to work with [them]…- and I’ll always say yes!”
Rajni Shah / Director and Producer, Rajni Shah Projects
“…incredibly creative, very sensitive, very wise, direct and inspirational. He certainly knows his business and I would highly recommend him to anyone. What he doesn’t know about theatre and the industry isn’t worth knowing! Hire him immediately!!! You won’t regret it.”
Suzanne Lofthus / Director, Cutting Edge Theatre
“Having known Chris for over twenty years he has proven he delivers the rare ability of being able to understand the small details whilst having a full overview of a situation or project. With a virtually unrivalled in-depth knowledge of the arts, in particular musicals and theatre, Chris understands the changing needs of both the client and its customers. With an expanding client base including events, conferences and the wellbeing industries Chris has been able to bring his project management and development skills to a new arena. With his monthly free Arts Surgeries, Chris is also giving back to an industry which is so close to his heart.”
Paul Savidant / Brand & Business Development, Marketing & PR Consultant
“There are few projects or companies that couldn’t be improved and inspired by Chris Grady – he combines a wealth of knowledge and insight with a rare enthusiasm which rubs off on you. I’ve worked with Chris in various capacities – some business, some creative, some both – and can strongly recommend that others do the same.”
Paul James / Head of Commercial Development at PCG The Voice of Freelancing
“Chris was a Trustee of our company for a number of years and has also worked with us in a consultant and advisory capacity. Chris has a very creative approach to new work and has an enviably large network. We would work with him at any new opportunity and regularly create opportunities to bounce ideas and create opportunities for exploratory conversations. Chris is inspirational as well as being a man with great judgement, profound integrity and vision.”
Tina Ellen Lee / Artistic Director Opera Circus and Co Director Objective Cinema
Enormous thanks to so many people for their supportive and at times “over the top” comments. Its a bit like collecting items for an obituary – we’ll save them carefully for The Stage in case they become useful, but there’s life in the old dog yet, and we have new tricks to learn.