Guest Blogger, Author at The Conference For Administrative Excellence

OFFICE DYNAMICS CONFERENCE RECAP PART III: The Final Day

October 21, 2014 by Guest Blogger

OFFICE DYNAMICS CONFERENCE RECAP PART III: The Final Day

This article is part 3 of our conference recap . . . click here for Office Dynamics Conference Recap part 1 and part 2.

After another delicious breakfast on the resort veranda overlooking the pool and the striking red rock mountains to the West, the morning plenary session of our final day of the conference opened up with a video montage highlighting some of the extraordinary moments from the Havana Nights Gala, generating laughs and smiles all around.

Next, Joan Burge took the stage with a strong message reminding us all why we’re really here, and how every professional can truly “Expand Your Influence.” As Joan explained, neither her career, nor this signature annual gathering, is about “training” — it’s about making work lives substantially BETTER for administrative professionals in every stage of their careers, and carving out the administrative path as a career of choice for high-performing and high-potential individuals. The training, speaking, coaching and writing Joan devotes herself to, as well as this conference itself, is how she achieves those goals. Ultimately, our progress hinges on the quality relationships and authentic connections we make together, and whether we can implement what we learn.

OFFICE DYNAMICS CONFERENCE RECAP PART II: PEAK EXPERIENCE

October 21, 2014October 17, 2014 by Guest Blogger

OFFICE DYNAMICS CONFERENCE RECAP PART II: PEAK EXPERIENCE

This article is part 2 of our conference recap . . . if you missed part 1, you can read it here.

Thursday proved to be the peak day of the 21st Annual Conference for Administrative Excellence, beginning with yet another series of breakthrough plenary sessions and then culminating in the fabulous Gala Dinner.

After a continental networking breakfast on the resort veranda, Peggy Vasquez kicked off the general sessions of the day with her workshop on “Creating Authentic Business Relationships.” Peggy is an author and motivational speaker, on top of being Chief Executive Assistant at PNNL. She helped us understand how creating and developing a lasting business connection takes time and skill, and delivered unique tools for surmounting awkward moments, starting conversations effortlessly, and the art of follow up.

Next, attendees were given a privileged insight on the Executive Perspective, exploring how leaders can best partner with their administrative assistants and what they most value and look for. For this special session — unique to this conference — Joan hosted two dynamic executives — Steve Forst, CEO of Performance Matters, and via telepresence, Cisco executive Alistair Butler.

OFFICE DYNAMICS CONFERENCE RECAP PART I: An Event of Distinction Begins

October 21, 2014October 10, 2014 by Guest Blogger

After so much anticipation, the Office Dynamics Conference, titled the 21st Annual Conference for Administrative Excellence, opened on Tuesday evening September 30th with the Social Fusion Mixer. We met for cocktails outside on the resort veranda overlooking the turquoise pools and red stripe cabanas, with a Western view of the Red Rock National Preserve.

Attendees mixed and mingled eagerly, re-connecting with old friends and quickly making new ones. The weather was sweet and the atmosphere ideal for conversation, with background music soft enough to easily talk and share. Meanwhile, the Office Dynamics team including Joan Burge and the conference’s featured expert presenters like Julie Perrine, Chrissy Scivique and Lucy Brazier flowed through the space, helping connect people with industry peers and mentors, sharing stories and smiles. The group was a mix of returning attendees and first timers, all excited about the days to come, with participants having traveled from all corners of the US, Canada, and even Israel! Professionals hailed from a diversity of industries

Make a commitment to continuous learning

September 15, 2014 by Guest Blogger

Happy Monday, Motivators!

If you read last week’s message you know I’m taking a break from writing the weekly Monday Motivators to nurture my Wellness Pillar. As we looked through past Motivators to share with you, this one struck a chord! Our conference is just a few weeks away, in fact, registration closes tomorrow! Here’s a message about giving yourself permission to continue your learning journey for your BIG life.

Our conference is just a few weeks away and I’m over-the-moon with excitement to greet attendees from across the United States (and the world). Obviously, these are individuals who have committed to a learning event. They have committed to being away from home and their office for 4-5 full days. I guarantee they will be better people for doing so. They will learn valuable information from our speakers and their peers.

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Creativity Might Seem Silly At First

August 6, 2014 by Guest Blogger

This week we’d like to share with you a message from Joan that fits well with this year’s event theme. Are you one of those who believe creative exercises seem silly and you hesitate to participate in them? Why do professionals think it’s silly to do creative exercises? Creativity Might Seem Silly The bottom line … Read more

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” – Mahatma Gandhi

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