David Crick
CEO / Managing Director Runacers
“On Friday 18th October we asked Isaac Giesen, The Blue Rower, to attend our annual Staff Day and share his experience being the first Kiwi to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean.
It was a truly inspiration talk as Isaac took us through his challenges of training for the trip, steps that have helped him with dyslexia and how he was inspired to row to raise awareness for mental health and depression after losing his Aunt and two friends to suicide. He also brought Bonnie Lass along for us all to see just how small she is and confirm how tough a journey it would have been for him over the 74 days at sea!! Well done Isaac and thanks for delivering your story to my Team!”
Francis Fitzgerald
CEO of Partners Finance & Lease
“Isaac’s speech and presentation at our recent client function was, fascinating, inspiring, unique and, most importantly, from the heart. We have had many customers call to thanks us and say they thoroughly enjoyed it. Having the boat there was a real drawcard that drew everyone in and got them engaged with the topic.”
Steve Kennedy
Director of EQ Consultants
“We were fortunate to be joined by Isaac Giesen, aka The Blue Rower, at our recent event to raise awareness of mental health. Isaac’s ability to captivate the audience through his passion and participation was excellent from the outset. His incredible story and key points left everyone in awe. Thanks, Isaac for a great evening
Nāku noa, nā
Pathways Trust
The Men in the unit were really appreciative. They were both inspired and really curious about the whole idea, especially the detail of his journey (and emotional journey), The challenges and concepts that Isaac presented and the steps he used to overcome these……were very applicable to any ambitious journey, but also to life in general, especially regarding facing any challenges (including emotionally dark and difficult ones).
His desire to promote suicide prevention and talk about the things that Men in Aotearoa have generally been taught to hide from or sweep under the carpet (like deppression or vulnerability) made a real and positive impact with the men in the unit and the appreciation communicated during and after his visit highlighted that his journey and message had been inspirational and highly appreciated.
On behalf of all the men in the Navigate Initiative we wish him all the very best for his future ambitions, both with adventuring, and with promoting the important messages of supporting Mental Health Improvement and Promoting Suicide Prevention Awareness.