Meeting People and Making Change - Students and Experts Learn How to L.E.A.D
By: Alina Doaga
Thank you to everyone who attended the MPI BC Chapter AGM and Leadership Day. On February 16th we were very lucky to have Connie Pheiff join us to deliver an empowering keynote on leadership, integrity, and embracing your inner rebel misfit and maverick.
Connie spoke of overcoming self-doubt and how to grow through your successes, failures and goals. She reminded us to lead yourself and overpower your insecurities by communicating a powerful message: “YOU are the only one holding you back.” Connie concluded her session by picking up a pen and writing four big letters on the whiteboard behind her, L.E.A.D. This acronym was her final take-away, reminding all of us to unleash our inner misfit through the following phrases: Live your dream, Excel at what you do with integrity, Achieve respect for yourself, and Deeply trust in YOU.
Leadership Day was shared with the MPI BC Chapter Annual General Meeting, which introduced the 2017-2018 Board, and was lead by incoming Chapter President, Amy Ballard. She showcased the many talents of the MPI BC Chapter and celebrated the upcoming year’s events, including March’s Cascadia Roundup in Oregon and the June Gala.
Following the AGM, the stage transformed as five tall stools were placed in the centre in preparation for “Bridging the Gap”, a multi-generational discussion panel aimed to connect employers to their future Millennial employees. Arlene Keis, Trina Mousseau, Shawn Cheng, Kelsey Acres, and Brianna Alexander, served as the five panelists engaged in a dynamic discussion moderated by Connie Pheiff. The panelists flowed through an in-depth conversation about Millennial job expectations and how employers can more effectively communicate with employees.
The day finished off with “Networking with the Stars”, which allowed the MPI BCIT student chapter members to meet industry members. We were fortunate to have such a professional group of students to engage with our BC chapter members and make some great new connections for their futures. As the MPI motto states, “when we meet, we change the world”, which was exactly the goal of this event. We thank all who joined us and look forward to the great things to come in the upcoming year!
