Being Present and Bringing It Home

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. Source: Creative Technology Corp.

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

Why is this meaningful, you ask?

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 caliber of speakers, the level of engagement and the impact of the messages.

Elevate. Engage. Evolve. This was the mantra that ran through every session, discussion and interaction at the AMBA Conference, and it's a message that has left a mark on both 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😉

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 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.

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

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: Hillary Thomas of Westminster Tool, Scott Smith of Tessy Tooling, Camille Sackett of Accede Mold and Tool an John Berg of Dynamic Tool Corp. These individuals who have both mentored and been mentored shared the power of mentorship, not just in terms of career advancement but in personal growth and fulfillment.

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.