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QUOTES AND FEEDBACK FROM PAST EVENTS
"The presentation by Carolyn and Nick Ryberg, in partnership
with Hank Shea, was extremely valuable to our organization. The Rybergs demonstrated great courage and humility standing
before a group of business people, describing their thought process, how they rationalized their behavior, and how they ultimately
accepted responsibility for their actions. The fact that they are willing to openly share their story provides a learning
opportunity for any business seeking increased awareness in the fraud and risk arena. They provided insight into how they formulated their plan to defraud, which in turn, causes us,
as a business, to take a closer look at our processes, identify gaps and take a more proactive role in preventing situations
like this from occurring in the first place. At a time when the daily news regularly delivers stories of corporate embezzlements
and scams, every business in the country must have heightened awareness to the risk of fraud, particularly in these difficult
economic times."
Brad Brekke
Vice President, Assets Protection
Target Corporation 
"What Carolyn is doing is the most
influential educational experience about business ethics we could possibly give students. I sincerely hope she recognizes
how incredibly important it is that her story continues to be shared with today's youth. There are numerous business settings,
as well, that her story will influence in terms of people speaking out against the behavior, stopping the behavior, and leaving
environments practicing such behavior. Carolyn has great internal strength to do what she is doing and I admire that
greatly. Many, many people will benefit from her strength. I firmly believe that in the end, what she is giving back will
be so much more than what she took."
Lynn Ludwig, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
St. Cloud State University
“An ethics presentation by Nick and Carolyn Ryberg
provides a unique and compelling perspective into the causes and consequences of white collar crime. More importantly, all
will benefit from each Ryberg’s willingness to share the lessons to be learned from his and her misconduct. Upon hearing
their cautionary tale, many realize how something similar could happen to them if a series of wrong decisions were made under
similar circumstances. Their initial (and worst) decision began with an undisclosed conflict of interest that can often
arise in the workplace. Their criminal conduct began gradually as a result of small transgressions that were easily rationalized
until they morphed into blatant deceit and fraud. Their inevitable downfall, fueled by temptations that face everyone, culminated
in detection, prosecution, and punishment, all which they candidly discuss. Their description of their time in prison in terms
of reckoning and atonement is unforgettable. In short, the story of ruin and recovery by the Rybergs presents real insight
into some of the pressing questions of our time - how do good people become criminals, how should we punish them, and what
can we do to prevent others from starting down the path that leads to unethical behavior and even criminal wrongdoing.”
Hank Shea
Senior Distinguished Fellow, University of St.
Thomas School of Law
Fellow, Holloran Center for Ethical Leadership in the Professions
Minneapolis, MN
"On behalf of the Concordia community I would like to thank you
for your very insightful and honest presentation last week. The feedback we have received for the event has been extremely
positive. An aside that may be of interest to you is that as a result of your presentation I am talking with the faculty
from the religion department about how we might put on some joint events that address faith and work issues. We can never be certain of the impact we have on others lives, that said
I feel confident that the message you delivered resonated with the attendees and will be recalled at critical times in their
lives."
Dr. Greg Cant
Dean, Concordia School of Business
Robert J. Johnson Chair in Economics & Business Administration
"I can’t begin to express my appreciation for
your willingness to present yesterday with Hank Shea from the University of St. Thomas. I was thrilled that so many
students attended and there was a well written article in the St. Cloud Times as well. I think it is tremendous
that you were willing to share your personal story with our students. One of the faculty here said they appreciated
the insight you shared about how distorted value systems can become so personally destructive and how important it is to maintain
relationships with those who challenge us and make us think about the consequences of our decisions. I agree that possessions
are too often looked upon as a way to fill up an empty heart when it is meaningful relationships with others and a purpose
in life that offers the true path to contentment. I hope that the students heard this message but even if it isn’t
personally meaningful to them now, it will be in time! We are all tested by the fires of temptation at some point in
our lives."
Dr. Mary Soroko
Director
of Information and Planning
Herberger College of Business
St. Cloud State University
"On behalf of the Minneapolis Regional Chamber
of Commerce and the Leadership Twin Cities program, thank you for your participation on Community Issues day last Thursday.
The words of one participant sums up the fantastic feedback we received: In addition, more than half the class
cited your presentation and the discussion with the Rybergs as their favorite session of the day, and actually the entire
program. There were so many comments about the three of you that I am attaching the actual evaluation sheet. The
forum you are providing for this timely topic is really making an impact. Please pass on my thanks to the Rybergs and
the very positive feedback from the class."
Wendy Helgeson, Civic Source
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