The Food For Thought Luncheon of APCO 2021 on Wednesday recognized individual chapter accomplishments and introduced next year’s Conference & Expo as members heard why “We’re All In This Together.”
APCO Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Derek Poarch recognized chapters that grew their numbers and which eclipse all others as a proportion of their population. “Our association gets stronger as our membership numbers increase, so we recognize those chapters who are actively growing the APCO base with our Membership Award,” Poarch said.
Awards went to:
- The Atlantic Chapter for the greatest growth in numbers for adding 803 new members.
- The South Dakota Chapter for greatest percentage growth of 42%.
- The Wyoming Chapter for greatest number by population density.
Poarch recognized training certification by agencies around the country. “Certification of an agency’s training standards by APCO demonstrates the agency’s commitment to meeting national standards and represents a major accomplishment for the agency, its staff and the community it serves,” Poarch said.
Kelle Hall, the San Antonio Conference & Expo chair, took the stage to thank the people who put on the 2021 conference, and she introduced Maureen Will, chair of the APCO 2022 conference in Anaheim, California.
Hall showed the audience an Anaheim promotional video and touted next year’s conference & expo experience.
“You’ll see and experience the latest innovations at the industry’s largest exhibit floor and receive cutting-edge training on topics key to everyone involved in public safety communications,” Will said. “Anaheim is fun for the whole family. While we are networking and learning in the beautiful Anaheim Convention Center, family can visit museums, shops, enjoy the beach, and, of course, there is always the magical world of Disneyland.”
Next to take the stage was Jason Alford, Managing Partner with Verizon Wireless – the event sponsor. Alford welcomed the attendees, expressing his support and appreciation, saying that he “continues to be in awe of public safety communications professionals.” Alford introduced the keynote presenter of the luncheon – Mike Robbins, the author of five books including, Bring Your Whole Self to Work, and his latest, We’re All in This Together, which have been translated into 15 languages.
Robbins is a sought-after speaker, delivering keynotes and seminars throughout the country for organizations of all kinds, including Google, Wells Fargo and the Oakland A’s to name a few. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, is a regular contributor to Forbes, hosts a weekly podcast, and his work has been featured in the Harvard Business Review, the Wall Street Journal and on NPR.
Peppering his presentation with anecdotes from his family life and his personal life experiences as a former professional baseball player, Robbins spoke about creating a culture of success with authenticity and appreciation.
Acknowledging that people are often guarded in their actions and emotions at work, Robbins explained that the foundation of bringing your whole self to work is based on what he describes as the Authenticity Equation: Honesty – Self-Righteousness + Vulnerability = Authenticity. Showing up honestly, without self-righteousness and with vulnerability.
“We see self-righteousness all over and we don’t understand the damage it is doing to us and to society.” Robbins said that removing self-righteousness (I’m right and you’re wrong) and adding vulnerability to how we react ultimately encourages authenticity.
“We need to embrace vulnerability. We tend to hide because vulnerability is often thought of as being weak – in reality, we are choosing to be real,” Robbins said. “We go around carrying a shield because we are worried about what other people will think of us if we reveal more below the surface. But when we show up, this allows others to be authentic as well, no matter what the situation. We are all in the same storm but are just in different boats.”
Robbins emphasized expressing compassion and the power of appreciating others, recognizing the value of the person in who they are, not just for what they do. “Humans not only want to be seen and heard, they also want to know they matter. We can do that anytime. It is about the intention,” Robbins said.
Robbins says that although it takes courage to be authentic, it’s essential for trust, growth, and connection.
Robbins highlighted key take-aways: Look for growth opportunities, ask for help, express appreciation to those around you and focus on gratitude.
“There are so many things we can be grateful for if we choose to focus on these. We can choose to be grateful, even in difficult times,” he said. “Sometimes we can look back at a difficult instance and now we can see it as a blessing. Gratitude is an intentional choice.”
