Thanks to the generous support of the PPC Grant, I had the incredible opportunity to attend EDSymposium25 in Lexington, KY—a conference that not only expanded my professional knowledge but also deeply enriched my personal and career journey.

A Warm Welcome: Horses, Bourbon, and Friendships

Before the conference officially began, I joined the pre-conference bus tour, which was a great way to experience the local culture – we toured Keeneland race track, Mill Ridge horse farm, and tasted bourbon in The Kentucky Castle! It set the tone for the days ahead - full of learning and laughter.

Reuniting with friends and colleagues from across the country is always one of the most rewarding aspects of the national conferences. Having candid conversations about our work, challenges, and aspirations reminds me of the strength and support within the SDA community. It was a powerful affirmation of why we do what we do.

Critical Thinking: A Career Safety Net

Carla Howard’s workshop on Critical Thinking was a game-changer. I walked away with a practical skill stack that included:

• Draw connections when analyzing data.
• Listen intently to understand, not just respond.
• Offer concise, actionable solutions - no more than three, with a focus on simplicity.
• Measure success and pivot when necessary.

I look forward to using these tools to approach problems more strategically and communicate more effectively.

Raising My AI IQ

Kristin Kautz’s session, “R(AI)sing Your AI IQ,” introduced practical tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and HighlightAI. I now understand:

• The difference between automation and intelligent agents.
• How to evaluate AI tools for security (e.g., SOC-2 compliance).
• Ways to integrate AI into daily workflows - from summarizing data to planning travel.

This session gave me the confidence to further experiment with AI in my own work, and I’ve already started identifying tasks that can be automated or enhanced.

Courageous Conversations: Leading with Clarity

The keynote on Courageous Conversations was both inspiring and practical. I learned how to approach difficult conversations with empathy, clarity, and confidence using a structured framework:

1. Preparing candidly.
2. Choosing a positive mindset.
3. Embracing vulnerability.
4. Keeping messages simple and clear.
5. Inviting collaboration.
6. Defining next steps.

I look forward to using the framework in my next courageous conversation.

Building a Business That Works

Bryon McCartney’s session, “How to Grow Your Firm,” used the metaphor of an airplane to explain business structure. I gained insights into:

• Aligning leadership, marketing, and sales for maximum impact.
• Clarifying messaging using the StoryBrand framework.
• Managing cash flow through a five-account system.

These lessons are directly applicable to my role in as an office manager and have inspired new strategies for streamlining our firm’s internal processes.

Business, Benefits, and Beyond

Other standout sessions included:

• AI in Design and Construction: I learned how to implement AI responsibly and the importance of staying with the innovation curve.

• Keynote Lunch What Makes Equine Architecture & Planning Unique? with local architect, Joe Martinolich, was fascinating!  
• Designing a Better Future with Mike Rankin, which explored aligning employee benefits with financial wellness.
• Ten Commandments of Professional Liability with Timothy Shumrick provided additional insights into risk management for my firm.
• Business Continuity Planning, a panel that emphasized the importance of preparedness and resilience in the case of disaster.
• SparkSDA: The SparkSDA mini-sessions were invaluable for peer learning. Topics like mentoring, knowledge sharing, and role-based prompting in AI tools provided fresh perspectives and practical takeaways.

Each session offered actionable insights that I’m looking forward to bringing to my firm.

A Personal Milestone: Earning My CDFO

One of the most meaningful moments of the conference was taking the Leadership section of the CDFO exam—and passing! Earning my CDFO certification is a proud achievement and a testament to the knowledge and confidence I’ve gained through SDA.

Conclusion

EDSymposium25 was more than just a conference—it was a catalyst for growth, connection, and inspiration. I returned home with a head full of shiny new skills, deeper relationships, and a renewed sense of purpose. I’m incredibly grateful to SDA and the PPC Grant Committee for making this experience possible.

Let’s wrap up this inspiring series! As our final PPC Grant recipient story from EDSymposium25, Jayne’s journey is filled with powerful session takeaways, new strategies for her firm, and the proud moment of earning her CDFO credential. What part of her experience resonates most with you? Share your thoughts and encouragement in the comments below!

And now that you’ve heard from all three recipients, what’s your biggest takeaway from their stories? Could next year be your year to apply for the PPC Grant?