2024 AMBA Conference Taught Me How to Elevate, Engage and Evolve

For the duration of the 2024 AMBA Conference, I did not take out my phone to snap a picture, shoot a video or create a social media post. I was just present in the moment.

Why is this meaningful, you ask?

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Well, first of all, being a member of the trade press makes it standard operating procedure to cover an event while you are attending — especially in this day and age of immediate coverage. So, being 100% focused in the moment, truly listening and taking in the words being spoken is very meaningful. This focus definitely reflects the conference’s caliber of speakers, the level of engagement and the impact of the messages.

Elevate. Engage. Evolve. This message left a mark on both my professional and personal life.

Elevate. Engage. Evolve. This mantra ran through every session, discussion, and interaction at the AMBA Conference, and it has left a mark on my professional and personal life.

“Lean into discomfort,” “Have difficult discussions,” “Delegate more,” “Let others shine,” “Identify, clarify and magnify,” “Recognize your gift to the team,” “Make a promise instead of setting a goal” and “Acknowledge and use your signature moves.” These are the inspirations and instructions I returned home with and have already started acting on.

Although it’s impossible to dive into what they each mean in this short column, I will provide an update later this year, and I encourage you to look up the speakers I call out below to learn about their backgrounds and check out their books😉

AMBA Executive Director Troy Nix takes an icy plunge to demonstrate his commitment to personal and professional growth while Jason Hewlett teaches leadership in a performance of musical and comedy impressions. Source | Creative Technology Corp.

Overall, the event was a vibrant display of insights, inspiration and practical wisdom brought together by a variety of presenters. From AMBA Executive Director Troy Nix’s passionate call to strive for excellence amid suffering (and in case you haven’t heard, he plunged into an ice bath during his speech!) to Jason Hewlett’s mesmerizing blend of humor and insights into leadership, each session offered a unique perspective on how we can elevate ourselves, engage with our work and communities, and evolve into better versions of ourselves.

Another was Matt Lesser’s session on how to build a high-performing culture. He highlighted the importance of planning and execution in creating a flourishing organizational culture, emphasizing that it’s not just a nice-to-have but a crucial competitive advantage. And David Atkins shared a powerful message about breaking through fear and adversity. His P3 Framework, which focuses on vision, mindset and a sense of urgency, reminded me that while challenges are inevitable, how we choose to face them ultimately defines our success.

Hewlett helps attendees identify, clarify and magnify their gifts.

An impactful session for me was Hewlett's special lunch & learn session on his ICM process that guides you through a “discover, refine and promise” exercise to “bring out your hidden potential and create opportunities around you." 

I led a discussion on how mentoring impacts professional growth. We explored personal stories, structured versus informal styles, accountability, culture, key qualities in mentors and mentees, career path structuring and maintaining mentorship relationships. Source | Creative Technology Corp.

However, a truly special moment for me this year was the invitation to moderate a panel discussion on mentorship with some of my industry friends who have graced the pages of MMT over the years: Camille Sackett of Accede Mold and Tool, John Berg of Dynamic Tool Corp., Scott Smith of Tessy Tooling and Hillary Thomas of Westminster Tool. These individuals, who have both mentored and been mentored, shared the transformative power of mentorship, not just in terms of career advancement but in personal growth and fulfillment.

Roger Fox of Accede Mold & Tool, 2024 Mold Builder of the Year Award (top), Chad LaMance and Patrick Brisson (middle) accepted the 2024 Tooling Trailblazer of the Year Award for United Tool and Mold (both sponsored by Progressive Components, Glenn and Don Starkey pictured alongside) and Nick VanderZwaag of Legacy Precision Molds (bottom) received the first Emerging Leaders Rising Star Award. Source | Creative Technology Corp.

In addition to all of that, there were also inspiring stories about AMBA’s award recipients and the continuing efforts of the iWarriors organization. Roger Fox of Accede Mold & Tool received the 2024 Mold Builder of the Year Award, United Tool and Mold was presented with the 2024 Tooling Trailblazer of the Year Award, both sponsored by Progressive Components and Nick VanderZwaag of Legacy Precision Molds Inc. received the inaugural 2024 Emerging Leaders Rising Star Award.

Outside of the formal sessions, the event provided its usual opportunities for networking and connection. Meeting fellow attendees who share a passion for moldmaking was incredibly inspiring, and I left with a renewed sense of purpose and community.

Once again, the AMBA Conference was more than just a professional development event. It was an experience that challenged me to think differently, act boldly and strive for excellence in all aspects of my life. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of it, and I look forward to carrying the lessons learned forward as I continue to elevate, engage and evolve.