It’s hard to believe that the summer is already over! I hope you took some time out to rest and refresh. Over here, the summer was packed with conferences, speaking events, and… a trip to Ireland with my 17-year-old daughter. 🙂 Here’s a wrap-up of some of the highlights!
I had the opportunity to speak and lead workshops at a variety of events, like IEDC Future Forum in Buffalo and the Chesapeake Basic Economic Development Course.
Another highlight was attending conferences, such as the Maryland Association of Counties Summer Conference. MEDA & Leadership Maryland members were invited to participate in an opening reception in a private residence. The reception was a great opportunity to connect with friends from my Leadership Maryland Class of 2016. (Can you tell we like each other?) 🙂
The week continued with the MACO Convention. There was so much networking, learning, listening, and connecting. I always preach the power of live events and building relationships in person — and this was another great opportunity to do so.
This summer, I also took part in a speaker’s training out in Denver, Colorado. The workshop provided so many different ways to connect with my fellow workshop peers and connect with the story we needed to tell on stage.
For two days, we practiced our stage presence (gestures, foot placements, etc) and worked on our speeches. My speech is all about how to communicate across generations. I have a great deal of respect for the challenges of baby boomers and Gen Z and everyone in between! I share how we can better communicate with one another — whether that’s with customers, clients, colleagues, staff, or loved ones.
Finally, the summer ended with a week-long adventure in Ireland with my teenage daughter Tabitha. Some highlights included visiting the beautiful Cliffs of Moher and going on a hunt for the perfect Shepherd’s pie (and finding it!).
Watch out for a newsletter coming soon sharing more of our Ireland adventures. 🙂
‘Til next time,
Sandy
