We are revisiting last Friday when a small group of our team of young professionals spent the day at the YP Summit in Omaha. The Omaha Young Professionals Summit is the largest gathering of its kind, and it was a busy day of networking and brainstorming with an emphasis on personal and professional development.
With a focus on “What’s Next” for Omaha and how we can all make impactful change, the day was packed with inspirational and provocative messaging. We listened to keynotes from New York Times best-selling author Ben Nemtin who kicked off the day lighting a fire in all of us by asking, “What Do You Want to Do Before You Die?” and ended the day with Symone Sanders-Townsend, Omaha native and host of “SYMONE” on MSNBC asking if we are Sowers, Reapers or Recipients of the hard work that takes place in Omaha to make sure it is a wonderful place to live and work.
Here are some key takeaways from our team:
Ryan-" The YP Summit was a fun and informative event. It served two purposes in my mind: (1) an opportunity to network with other young professionals in the area (including both attorneys and other business people throughout Omaha), and (2) an informative event that provided some helpful insight and information in how to properly operate as a young professional. I learned some time management tips and tricks, as well as ways to preemptively diagnose and prevent “burnout in the workplace.” I also learned how to properly empathize with others in the office in order to both properly understand their problems, and to discuss their next plan of action to resolve those problems. These tips and tricks will be especially applicable to working as a coercive unit in the office. Overall, the YP Summit provided very useful information in how to properly interact and succeed as a young professional in Omaha, while providing an opportunity to Network and connect with other professionals in the area. “
Alana-" When establishing a name for yourself and creating your own personal brand, it’s all about self-reflection and how you want others to see you. You are in charge of creating your own image. As you build your personal brand, you must learn your strengths, focus on your passions and interests, establish your values, and find inspiration. Your brand plan is your business plan. When each pillar aligns that is where success in business is found. Your brand is not concrete; it can evolve with you, as long as you name it and claim it and your behavior reflects your new brand.”
Sarah-" Work-life balance v. Work-life harmony. Work-life balance refers to how people manage and compartmentalize the time they dedicate to work and the time they spend on other activities. Work-life harmony involves incorporating work into the rest of our lives in a way that promotes happiness both at home and in the office. We can establish work-life harmony by (1) being present, (2) setting priorities, and (3) enjoying what we do. By doing this, we will likely improve our mental and physical health, increase productivity, and experience less burnout. Let's embrace the idea of work-life harmony to promote happiness and success in all facets of our lives.”
Blake-" Overall, it was a very good experience. Having the opportunity to be surrounded by so many smart and talented local professionals makes me want to strive to be better, both in my job and in the community. While I learned a lot about leadership and how to lead, such as the benefits of leading with empathy, the biggest takeaway for me was that many of the struggles that I have as a young professional are shared by others and that there are skills and tools to help mitigate and even eradicate some of these difficulties. I also gained a deeper understanding that there is more I can do in the community to make effective change in the City of Omaha.”
DeAnna- “My favorite part of the YP Summit each year has to be the breakout sessions. This year I really enjoyed “Sitting in the Ick- Tough Problems in the Workplace” and “Compassionate Coaching and Communication.” Anytime I can brush up on my communication skills to work more efficiently and empathetically with my co-workers is time well spent. Positioning myself to apply these skills actively benefits my professional and personal relationships; everybody wins.”
Overall, it was an enjoyable yet educational experience, and we look forward to next year’s Summit.