Before I rave about this event, I have to point out that these photos were taken with an iPhone 5. I do marketing for Canon cameras and absolutely hate being that person taking photos with a smartphone rather than a proper point and shoot or DSLR camera. That’s a big faux pas. But sometimes, you just have to. For spontaneous documentation and memory keeping’s sake. Today, I am guilty as charged. Consequently, the photos went through hefty treatment and polishing before reaching a photo blog-worthy state and that is the sole reason why smartphones are just not good enough. My iPhone battery actually died halfway through the event before I had a chance to snap a few photos, so I asked around for an iPhone charger, because surely, I thought, someone must have one somewhere. But no such luck, so I resorted to borrowing someone else’s iPhone to take these photos and then emailed them to myself. That, my friends, is for the love of photography.

I attended Experience Schulich 2013 today to get a taste of the Schulich School of Business. Let’s just say that I had a hair appointment at 2:30pm this afternoon (scheduled from a while back before registering for this event) and ended up cancelling as soon as I arrived at the event when I quickly realized that there was no way I was going to miss any part of it. Needless to say, York put together a fantastic and extremely alluring event, so big kudos to the team. York, by far, has the warmest, most welcoming and helpful faculty members who leave you feeling quite good and connected to the institution. The entire team does a phenomenal job representing the school – top tier style. People and culture make all the difference and they’ll have you at hello. The 6-hour event was jam packed with information and consisted of networking opportunities, mini lectures delivered by stellar professors, campus tours, Q&A sessions, one-on-ones with faculty members, and a snazzy jazz reception at the end.

Three golden nuggets, among many, that struck a chord with me today:

Dean Dezsö J. Horváth on PEOPLE:
“…Hire people who are better than you, not those who are inferior to you.”

Professor Markus Giesler on INNOVATION:
“…Innovation is not made in the lab. They are created in society and are sustained through the stories we share. Innovation is about creating a society where people see your product the same way you do and the way you want them to.”

Professor Ingo Holzinger on LEADERSHIP / TURBULENCE:
“…Turbulence or ‘Black Swan’ events should be seen by organizations as an opportunity for difference.”

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Learning is so exciting; being surrounded by bright and aspiring people is inspiring; new information is stimulating. An active mind is key, so never stop learning. I can’t wait to begin this chapter. Excellent event. I am forever an advocate of education.