Reflections on Spring Seminar & What Page Means To Me

I recently had the privilege to chair the Arthur W. Page Society Spring Seminar. I approached the task with trepidation – nothing strikes a healthy amount of anxiety like signing up to entertain and inspire a roomful of the best and brightest in our profession. But then I started to think about what makes Page important to me.

For many years, frankly, I not only had respect for the Page Society, but also envy.  My mentors – John Onoda, Doug Michelman and others – would attend Page events and come back brimming over with insight, inspiration and energy.  And when I finally had the opportunity to attend a meeting – as a guest – I experienced something all too rare these days; the experience was as exciting as the anticipation. For me, the Page Society consistently meets and beats my expectations. Teaching me something. Introducing me to future friends and colleagues. Putting me ahead of the trends. And inspiring me to do more and be better at what I do every day.

Page is a ‘community’ that has welcomed me and that I am thrilled to be a part of. And that’s what makes Page events such a terrific opportunity. They’re a venue to reconnect with old friends and make new ones.  I hear fresh ideas, learn something new and always come away inspired.

When this group convenes, the caliber of conversation is incredible.  And that attracts amazing speakers. They join us because this community is committed to what we do - and to doing it as well as can be done.

In essence, Page gives me a professional energy boost. When I return from a Page event, I feel more connected to the Page Principles and New Model and I have new insights on how to connect those concepts with the work that my team is doing every day. I feel more energized than ever about the impact I can have in my organization, and inspired to share “a-ha” moments with my team.

The Page Society connects me to a network of professionals much broader than my day-to-day circle. And those connections help push me further in my work and the results my team delivers.

I can’t think of anything more that I could ask of a professional organization. It’s an honor to be a part of this community – a place where I can make human connections and build on my work by collaborating with brilliant, talented people who care about what we do.

I hope those of you who joined us as guests at the Spring Seminar will consider joining Page or Page Up and start to be regular contributors as well. I promise you will get more back than you put in. I know that’s been the case for me.

See you soon.