|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Attending the bilingual Cannexus conference for the first time was an unforgettable experience! Hosted by CERIC, Cannexus brought together professionals from across the country.
As a career development practitioner from CDETNO’s NWT Career Centre, I travelled from Yellowknife to Ottawa with a mix of excitement and nerves. Representing my organization and meeting hundreds of people was both thrilling and daunting. Thankfully, I had my colleague, Career Coach Mercy Beliem, by my side. Her experience and support were invaluable for a newbie like me.
I was eager to meet other first-timers, participate in the ceremonies, explore everything AI-related and network with fellow professionals. The conference exceeded my expectations, offering a wealth of knowledge and inspiration that I am excited to bring back to my work.
Human-centred programming
The first session I attended was “Empowering Indigenous Communities: Career Readiness Through IM&M+.” I chose this presentation because I believe in empowering Indigenous communities. In Motion and Momentum focuses on sharing stories as a group and learning new ideas. It aims to meet people where they are by being radically participant-centred and solution-focused.
What makes them stand out?
- People over process: The program prioritizes individuals’ needs and experiences over rigid procedures.
- Small cohorts: This approach fosters community building and deeper connections among participants.
- No “no” policy: There is a strong emphasis on inclusivity and support, ensuring that participants feel valued and heard.
- Trust building: Establishing trust is a core component, creating a safe and supportive environment.
- Practitioner support: Practitioners receive continuous support throughout the program, enhancing their ability to assist participants effectively.
Unpacking bias
One of the most memorable keynote speakers was Tina Varughese, who spoke about “The Human Side of Unconscious Bias.” Tina is not just a woman inspiring others to be more aware of their unconscious bias, but also a mother, a teacher, a mentor and a business owner.
A piece of advice that stood out for me was when Tina talked about reframing how we ask others about their background – shifting from “Where are you from?” Where are you really from” to “What is your cultural background?” This approach is more respectful and acknowledges the diversity of experiences and identities.
Tina also spoke about refraining from upspeaking at the end of a sentence. Sometimes, as women, we can unintentionally communicate a lack of confidence by making our statements sound like questions.
Some words of wisdom from Tina that I will carry with me:
- Growth mindset: It doesn’t matter what age you are; what matters is having a growth mindset and not a fixed mindset.
- Collaboration: If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.
Revolutionizing career practice
Another keynote speaker who stood out to me was Kevin Glavin, who presented on “Revolutionizing Career Practice Using Life Designing and AI.” Kevin’s presentation on his journey was insightful, meaningful and informative. He talked about his mentor and how he uses his practices to this day.
Kevin emphasized viewing career as a story, where everything you do, including hobbies, is halfway between work and play. This perspective resonated with me as it highlights the importance of integrating personal interests and professional goals.
Key takeaways from Kevin’s presentation:
- Mentorship: The value of having a mentor and how their guidance can shape your career path.
- Life designing: Using life design principles to create a fulfilling career that aligns with your passions and strengths.
- AI in career development: Exploring how AI can be leveraged to enhance career counselling and support.
Feeling connected
Alongside the enhancing learning experience, I had the best time meeting new people at Cannexus. Everyone was so nice from day one, and my nerves quickly dissipated with my co-worker Mercy by my side. An evening meet-and-greet organized by Career Professionals of Canada was a networking highlight.
The conference left me with a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. The organizers, the opening ceremonies, the catering, the exhibitors, the presenters, and keynote speakers – it was all immaculate! I learned about innovative strategies for career counselling and discovered new tools that I am excited to implement in my practice. I highly recommend Cannexus to fellow career development professionals looking to enhance their skills and network with like-minded individuals.
