Learning From the Best: How Guest Speakers Spark Insight and Growth at Amplify

At Amplify Consulting Inc., we’re big believers in growth through our strategies, storytelling, team culture, and leadership. One of the ways we continue to learn and evolve is by inviting outside experts to share their insights at our team meetings. These guests come from a variety of backgrounds and industries, and every single one has left us with a new perspective or practical takeaway that strengthens our work.

We asked the team to reflect on a guest speaker who made an impact on them and what that insight meant for their work. Here’s what they shared:

Aleece

“This feels a little like having to pick which of your children is your favourite! All of the leaders who joined us have been absolutely fantastic and so appreciated. A few key takeaways that stood out to me this year include:

• Christa Haywood-Farmer, a mental health expert, shared the importance of setting boundaries and supporting ourselves so we can show up stronger for our teams.

• Jason Tollman, communications and engagement specialist, emphasized doing your work well and leaning on the knowledge of experts.

• Michael Andrews, former Executive Director of the Central Interior Business Accelerator, walked us through practical AI tools to enhance our communications.

• Liam Hall, videographer with Kiwi Man Creative, gave us insight into the power of visuals and storytelling to create emotional impact.

• Jen Zielinski, Bureau Chief at Black Press News, helped us sharpen our media pitches and write stronger, more compelling news releases.

What do these guests bring to our work? I love learning from others. Each speaker has given me a little nugget of wisdom that’s helped shape who I am as a communicator today.”

Kimberlee

“I’ve taken something valuable from every guest we’ve had the privilege to learn from, but one that really resonated with me was Christa Haywood-Farmer. She reminded us that taking care of ourselves mentally, emotionally, and physically is essential to sustainable success.

As a project manager, I often focus on deliverables and deadlines. Christa’s message encouraged me to pause and reflect on how mental wellness supports clarity, performance, and team morale. That perspective has stayed with me.”

Valeria

“If I had to choose, I’d say Christa Haywood-Farmer made a lasting impression. Her insights on mental health in the workplace and the importance of boundaries struck a chord with me.

She reminded me that prioritizing my own well-being helps not just me, but also my colleagues and clients in the long run.”

Amy

“Jason Tollman shared a simple but powerful tip: read your writing out loud to catch errors that spellcheck might miss. I adopted that immediately, and it’s noticeably improved my editing.

The whole team also benefited from Jen Zielinski’s press release advice: ‘Keep it right, tight, and bright.’ She encouraged us to include visuals, social links, and a strong hook to help stories shine.

Michael Andrews also helped shift my mindset on AI. Thanks to his intro to NotebookLM, I no longer see AI as a shortcut but as a powerful tool that can elevate the quality of my work.”

Foram

“Jason Tollman once said, ‘Build relationships with the clients you work with by reaching out to them and being confident in what you do, not driven by fear.’ That really stayed with me. It reminded me that picking up the phone and having a real conversation builds trust. His advice gave me the confidence to be more proactive and reminded me that strong communication starts with connections.

Liam Hall also made a significant impact. He talked about the art of visual storytelling and how what we see can evoke powerful emotions and help people relive a story. Videography is such a compelling medium. As someone in communications, that insight reminded me that storytelling isn’t just about facts; it’s about how you make people feel. Pacing, imagery, and emotional tone can transform a message and deepen its impact.”

The guest speakers we invite into our space are more than just visitors; they’re catalysts. They spark ideas, introduce new perspectives, and encourage thoughtful conversations that continue long after the meeting ends. These moments help us sharpen our skills, expand our thinking, and show up with greater intention and clarity for each other and our clients.

We’re grateful to each of these brilliant minds for sharing their time and knowledge with us, and we’re already looking forward to welcoming our next guest to the table.