Experience at the Global Leadership Team Conference (GLTC) 2023

August 20th. The date now sits in my mind as a day marked not just on the calendar, but etched into my journey of self-discovery. That was the day I had the incredible privilege of attending the Global Leadership Team Conference (GLTC).

Even now, days later, the experience feels like a rich tapestry woven with threads of insight, inspiration, and a whole lot to ponder. Honestly, my mind is still buzzing, trying to organize and make sense of everything I absorbed.

It was one of those days that felt less like attending a conference and more like stepping into a crucible of thought, designed to reshape and refine.

So, as I continue to sift through the layers of ideas presented, I wanted to share some of the key takeaways that have truly resonated within me, along with my own very personal reflections. This isn’t just a summary; it’s more like a peek into my mental notebook as I process how this experience is already beginning to nudge my path forward.

The conference itself was thoughtfully structured around three core themes, each presented by someone who’s genuinely walked the walk – world-renowned experts who’ve dedicated their lives to understanding different facets of leadership and personal growth. It was like being offered a three-course meal for the mind, each dish prepared with unique ingredients and flavors.

Diving Deep into Meaning: High Engagement & Fulfillment at Work with Dr. Marshall Goldsmith

First on the menu was Dr. Marshall Goldsmith, speaking on “High Engagement & Fulfillment at Work.” Truthfully, I was drawn to this session initially because, like many, I’ve often grappled with that ever-present question: am I truly fulfilled in what I do?

Dr. Goldsmith didn’t just offer surface-level advice; he delved into the very core of what makes our work meaningful. His emphasis on aligning our aspirations, ambitions, and actions felt like a powerful spotlight illuminating my own sometimes-muddled intentions. He spoke about the vital connection between what we do and, more importantly, why we do it – a distinction that, in its simplicity, felt profoundly impactful.

And then there was the “Heroes Exercise.” It’s funny how a simple name can encapsulate something so potent. This exercise, which I’ve already excitedly begun to incorporate into my daily reflections, feels like a personal compass, guiding me back to my true north. It’s prompted me to ask myself some really tough questions about my motivations and the underlying purpose driving my choices.

It’s becoming increasingly clear to me that fulfillment isn’t just about ticking off tasks or achieving external success; it’s about tapping into that deeper wellspring of purpose that fuels our souls.

This session alone was a potent reminder to consistently check in with myself: am I living and working in alignment with my deepest values?

Crafting My Leadership Signature: Strengthening Leadership Brand & Executive Presence with Brenda Bence

Next up, Brenda Bence took the stage to explore “Strengthening Your Leadership Brand & Executive Presence.” As someone constantly navigating the landscape of personal growth, this topic felt like a direct conversation with my own aspirations.

I’ve often considered what it means to be a “leader,” especially in the context of my own journey. Brenda’s session was incredibly insightful because she emphasized the idea of crafting and communicating a unique brand. It wasn’t about creating a façade, but about understanding and articulating the authentic value I bring.

What struck me most was her focus on the everyday actions that contribute to our personal brand. It was a bit of a revelation! I’d always thought of “personal branding” as something reserved for marketing professionals or CEOs. Brenda beautifully demystified it, bringing it down to earth and highlighting how every interaction, every email, every meeting, subtly shapes how we’re perceived. It made me acutely aware of how I show up in the world, day in and day out.

Leadership, I realized, isn’t just about a title or a position; it’s about the consistent, conscious choices we make in every moment, and how these choices contribute to the overall message we’re sending about ourselves. This session sparked a powerful self-assessment: am I projecting the leadership presence I aspire to, and are my daily actions congruent with the brand I wish to build?

Venturing into Exponential Growth: 10x Transformational Team Coaching 4.0 with Dr. Peter Chee

Finally, Dr. Peter Chee led us on an exhilarating journey into “10x Transformational Team Coaching 4.0.” His concept of “10x thinking” – the idea of pushing beyond perceived limits and striving for exponential growth – was like a jolt of energy straight to my ambition. It’s about challenging the status quo, not just incrementally improving, but fundamentally transforming our approach to growth and innovation.

He shared practical strategies for coaching and emphasized the crucial role of fostering a culture of innovation. It wasn’t just about individual brilliance, but about creating environments where teams can collectively reach for the extraordinary.

Beyond the Bullet Points: A Holistic Experience

What truly set the GLTC apart wasn’t just the impressive speaker lineup or the compelling content, but the sheer practicality of it all. It wasn’t just theory spun in an echo chamber; each session offered tangible tools and techniques – real, actionable takeaways that I could start implementing immediately. This hands-on approach felt incredibly empowering.

And beyond the structured sessions, the conference itself was a vibrant ecosystem of connection. Being in a room filled with other leaders, all on their own journeys, was incredibly energizing. The informal conversations, the shared nods of understanding during sessions, the exchanges over coffee – these moments of connection were invaluable.

The Journey Continues

More than anything, I found that the GLTC served as a powerful reminder of the continuous nature of learning and self-reflection. It reinforced this fundamental truth: leadership isn’t a destination you arrive at, but an ongoing journey of evolution and growth. There’s no “finishing line,” only milestones and opportunities to deepen our understanding of ourselves and our impact on the world.

I left the conference feeling profoundly grateful – grateful for the opportunity to have been present, to have absorbed these insights, and to have been challenged to think bigger and deeper. And now, the real work begins. I’m genuinely excited to see how these seeds of insight will germinate and shape my future endeavors, both personally and professionally. This wasn’t just a day of learning; it felt like a day of re-ignition – a rekindling of my commitment to growth and a renewed sense of purpose on my ongoing journey.

A Few Key Moments from GLTC 2023