I have attended this conference every year since Agile2007 minus Agile2020 but no one could attend that year! And each year, I write a reflection and appreciation post following the event. This time there is just so much that this post is going to be in a series. Part 1…behind the scenes & part 2…sessions done and this is part 3… moments.
Yes, as an extreme extrovert, conferences always make me happy. But this one had extra recharge effect on me. Even writing this series, I had so many notes, voice notes, etc with ideas, tasks, goals,…all the things. I always say there is learning but there are also moments that made my heart full.
- In Women in Agile, an attendee (sorry, didn’t get name) said, “community has unity in it.” How have I never noticed this!!! I spent the rest of the week looking for other words that jumped out at me like Distraction to Action. This is going into one my talks in some way.
- Book signing in Simply Agile book. Thank you Community Carol for the wonderful invite to have Diana Larsen and myself sign our book, Lead without Blame over lunch in the booth. It honestly felt surreal that people wanted my signature/photo but it all just added to the vibe of community.
- I got to have lunch with Anthony Coppedge. He wasn’t able to attend the conference but went out of his way to make sure we could get together to catch up. Seriously, one of the coolest things is getting to hear someone passionately share about what they are doing to empower others. Just made me smile so big.
- Someone had their 9 year old daughter with them (purposely leaving names out) and she introduced herself with a business card that read child labor expert. This kid was the most delightful, engaging and funny interaction of the day for me. I just loved it!
- Reese and I still got in a handstand.
- Meeting so many new people. I was astounded by how many people were excited to meet me. Me? I’m a mess and yet, they were so lovely and happy which just made me happy.
- Being a connector. I think watching relationships develop (got to love a text that says – thanks for my new bff) or helping people find what they need/support. I think this does more for my soul than anything. You need this, let me help you find this person. You want to do that, let me introduce you to this person. I love this community – and I love being a small part of bringing it together.
- The pool discussions. First, the quality time just connecting and chatting with people is such a big part of my re-energizing. I got to hear about people’s lives. I got to explore leadership topics. I got to brainstorm. All while floating, which turns out is very helpful for my knees after dancing 🙂
- The amazing photo skills of Oladoyin Dayo Adelowotan. When people take photos of me speaking, I always look absurd in them. I’m too animated on stage and I look silly half the time. But not this time, seriously wonderful photos that I have now. So grateful!!!
- Podcast with Dave Prior: His interview/conversation skills for these podcasts is so impressive.
- Karoke & Dancing: I mean what do you even really have to say. I get to sound amazing as a singer when there is a group of people singing and I get to dance the night away. Of course the Th night started with Diana Larsen but I also got to dance with Jon Kern. All of this is so good for my mental health.
- Surprise gift from a client that remembered I liked to crochet. She saved and carried this gift all the way to the conference just to make my day. Thanks Sabrina!!!
- I got to fan girl and bring my copy of Agile Retrospectives second edition to the conference for Esther, Diana and David to sign. I might have been jumping a little with glee 🙂
- Friendships: As much as I love general interaction (dancing/karaoke/etc), I crave deeper friendships. We are a part of a community that doesn’t see each other often and yet when we do, it’s as if no time as passed. Instantly, we can be sharing our deepest struggles and fears. Instantly, we can be reminiscing and laughing. Instantly, we can be helping and supporting each other sometimes with words, with actions or with just our presence. I’m not going to list everyone out but you know who you are. You know how incredibly lucky I am for you in my life. You know I cherish you!!!
- Even in the grief moments: the memoriam, a toast to my friend David Desrochers and of course remembering Hussman… there was gratitude in all they we carry forward with us thanks to their impacts.
In our book, Lead without Blame, we defined resilience is the human ability to meet and recover from adversity and setbacks. My abilities grow, thrive and replenish from events like this. My deepest appreciation to every single person that helped make Agile2024 one to remember!!!
Do you have any Agile2024 moments to share?
