COLLABORATION, LEADERSHIP & COMRADERY

It seems a little redundant to write this column about an event most of us experienced together, but since I’m still riding high from my first Annual Conference and Marketplace, I hope you’ll bear with me. And while I’m sure those of you in the audience in Orlando were hanging on my every word (and not just hoping I’d hurry up and get Daymond John on the stage), it bears reflecting on a few of the themes from the week: collaboration, leadership and comradery.

Perhaps nothing exemplifies all these core industry traits more than our work together for NAPEO Gives Back. With months of preparation and flawless execution, we not only crossed the $1 million donated threshold over this program’s short existence, but we also made a memorable contribution to Give Kids the World. Learning about Georgia Wagner’s story and being on site with the committee to volunteer in the cafeteria that our industry’s generosity will help rebuild has left an indelible mark.

COLLABORATION

I’ve said many times how impressed I am with our industry’s commitment to one another, and feeling the energy in the marketplace was incredible. From new exhibitors to the O.G.s that have been with us from the beginning, I heard from a lot of people that this was their best show yet, and they were inking new deals that will benefit the hundreds of PEO executives I saw making their way through the exhibit hall.

The same was true in the packed educational breakouts, with each session bringing decisionmakers together for important conversations on best practices and the future of our industry.

My mind is still reeling from the AI discussion on the main stage on Tuesday, with David Feinberg (Justworks), Alex Campos (Vensure), Stan Smith (Gradient AI) and Birju Shah (Kellogg School at Northwestern) giving us a lot to think about!

LEADERSHIP

It would be hard not to be moved by the words Andy Lubash (PrestigePEO) shared when accepting our industry’s highest honor, the Michaeline Doyle award, with his children beaming up at him from the front row. Andy exemplifies what it means to lead – driving our association for two tours of duty as chair through Covid, and using this opportunity to implore more involvement. NAPEO and the PEO industry are better off because of Andy.

We also gave thanks to Steve Politis for his active association leadership and ushered in our new board Chair, David Feinberg, who shared a vision for his time atop the leader board. David shared that his priorities will extend a commitment to diversifying NAPEO engagement through NextGen, WIN and other initiatives aimed at expanding our roster of industry participants. A more active and involved group of professionals will continue to make us stronger, and they have great leaders to model their engagement from.

COMRADERY

What an exhilarating week to be part of this tremendous industry and community. Coming into NAPEO, I was frequently told about the tight knit group I was joining. But that’s a hard thing to fully appreciate in concept. Well, I can feel it now, and I’m so grateful to be a part of a dynamic group of people who genuinely respect and like one another. YOU are what sets us apart and not only will we continue to do great things together, if last week was any indication, we’re just getting warmed up.