Leadership Cafe with Iain Black 

By Sarah P. Smith

The CYP development night on Tuesday January 24th began with a presentation from the Vancouver Board of Trade CEO Mr. Iain Black. He discussed his career journey which began at IBM and eventually lead him to being a Member of Parliament prior to his new role as President and CEO of the Vancouver Board of Trade. He shared some of his insights and struggles and views for the future. He strongly believes that today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders and need to be encouraged.

His opening statements included a quote that seems to echo the chaos of today “You can’t choose the timing”.  Since we unfortunately cannot choose the timing of events and calls for leadership we are lead to make our own choices of how to act when the time comes. Trust in your instinct and to take risks now were two of Iain’s key pieces of advice for the upcoming leaders.

After Iain spoke the floor was passed to Amanda Fenton to move into a world café for discussion of important questions for the upcoming leaders. The first question posed to the groups was “What is one question or issue that you personally care deeply about? One that, if explored with others, could make a difference to the future?”  Guests wrote their thoughts down and discussed what mattered to them. Getting insight from others in similar career stages incredibly helpful to see what issues are going to become more prominent in the business world. Ideas were later transferred to a large paper at the front that grew through the night.

The tables were then asked to disperse to new tables to meet and exchange ideas with people they hadn’t yet spoken to. Only one member of the table remained to tell the others what the previous group had spoken about and share what mattered to them.  The second question posed to the group was “What small step could you take right now that would start working towards the future of that question or issue?” The conversation began to take a deeper meaning as everyone began to be accountable for the start of their issue. Guests were able to help each other and give insights that they may not have had before. They discussed how young professionals could actually take that first step not only alone but as a group or a community to making the changes that are important to them. 

The final question posed to the group was “How can we support each other in accelerating our development as young leaders? What do we need?” This proved to be the most difficult question for most but also offered participants a chance to hear from others and strengthen their own personal networks for future endeavors.

Amanda worked diligently to trap key ideas on a chart at the front of the room to highlight the insight of those in the room. After all was done guests further developed those relationships they had begun. Special thanks goes to Amanda Fenton, Adam Cotterall, Iain Black and event sponsor BCIT School of Business. 

Sponsored by:

BCIT School of Business

This event is presented by the Vancouver Board of Trade's Company of Young Professionals Programs: