Learning (and Unlearning) Together

At Amplify, learning is part of how we work. It often comes from listening to people who have experience, different perspectives, and stories to share. Our guest speaker sessions create space for those conversations. 

Every month, these sessions give us time to pause, reflect, and look at our work through a different lens than what we know from our own experiences. Our guest speakers have helped us question assumptions, think differently about leadership, and consider how we show up. There is a lot of learning and a little unlearning as well! 

Each speaker has left us with something different, sometimes a clear takeaway, other times a thought or question that stays with us. Our team shares what stood out to them and how these conversations influence their work. 

Aleece: I look forward to our Thursday team meetings, where we get the chance to discuss personal or professional wins/challenges. Once a month, we have a guest speaker come and share and it's always a treat to learn from others. Whether it's an Amplify client who has specific expertise or experience in their sector or organization, to an industry colleague who we admire, the learnings are always interesting and when applied to my own life and work, help me grow in my leadership, my understanding, and expand my perspective. Big thanks to Amy of our team who orchestrates all of this. It's been fun to see it evolve and grow! It’s like our own private TED-talk once a month.  

Kimberlee: John Ramsay, COO of Active Care Services, emphasized that real team growth comes from giving people genuine autonomy, accountability, and authority. When individuals are trusted to lead, make decisions, and even risk mistakes, they build stronger judgment and a deeper sense of ownership. Those missteps are not failures but learning assets that strengthen the entire team’s capability over time. 

This is an approach I am intentionally adopting in my project management role moving forward. Creating space for ownership, supporting responsible decision-making, and treating learning moments as a driver of both individual and team development. 

I was also struck by Calvin Dubray, Education Director for Esk’etemc, and his passion for his career and the way he leads within his role. His commitment to creating meaningful change within school environments demonstrates how engaged leadership at all levels can influence culture, progress, and outcomes. 

Amy: I really heard Calvin Dubray when he spoke about the "racism of low-expectations" regarding attitudes towards Indigenous people, and how we need to have "courageous conversations." John Ramsay's observation regarding mistakes and "how the past doesn't define the future," also resonated with me. 

Foram: One moment that really stayed with me was John Ramasay’s reminder: “I don’t hope, I do.” His focus on the three A’s- Authority, Autonomy, and Accountability had me reflect more deeply on how I approach my work. It encouraged me to take greater ownership of the stories I help shape, to be more intentional in how I make decisions, and to communicate with clarity and integrity. The questions he raised about who we are, what we value, and why we see the world the way we do helped open my perspective and gave me a stronger framework. 

Valeria: I loved hearing from Sarah Sutton, Communications Director for Woodlots BC! She had such valuable knowledge to share as a communicator working within the forestry sector, which can be tricky to navigate at first. Beyond being an excellent communicator, I think what resonated most with me was her passion, honesty and drive to use her work to make a positive impact in her community and family. 

It’s clear by these reflections that learning doesn’t always come as advice. Sometimes it shows up as encouragement, to take ownership, to have honest conversations, to lead with integrity, and to see mistakes as part of growth. 

We’re grateful to the speakers who take the time to share their experiences with us. Our learning continues long after the meeting ends, shaping how we collaborate, communicate, and grow together.