Reinvention 5.0
2024 APCDA Hybrid Conference
April 15 - 27, 2024
Trivandrum, Kerala, India
The hybrid nature of the conference, blending online and onsite participation, allowed us to bridge geographical barriers and foster meaningful connections across borders. This inclusive approach not only enhanced accessibility but also enriched the depth of discussions and collaborations.
One of the standout aspects of the conference was the sense of community it fostered. Engaging with like-minded professionals from various backgrounds and regions reinforced the notion that we are part of a global community dedicated to advancing career development practices. The exchange of ideas, best practices, and personal cases served as a source of inspiration and motivation for all attendees.
The 2024 APCDA conference provided us with a unique platform to connect with both old acquaintances and new faces in Kerala.
I am absolutely sure that attending the conference, whether in person or online, proved to be an invaluable experience for all participants. The diverse array of workshops, presentations, and networking opportunities offered us a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the field of career development. I am particularly grateful for the chance to interact with individuals who share the same vision, mission, and professional aspirations.
Personally, I found the conference to be a catalyst for self-reflection and professional growth. The discussions on emerging trends and future challenges encouraged me to stay proactive and adaptive in my approach.
In conclusion, the 2024 APCDA conference was not just a gathering of professionals; it was a transformative experience that left an impact on all participants. Thank you for this opportunity to contribute to our collective learning and growth.
by Liliya Tleukenoa
Vocare – vocatio – vocation. Definition: A career course of action and a strong desire to dedicate oneself to meaningful work, a calling.
The APCDA 2024 Conference in Kerala, India, fulfilled many long-awaited dreams. As I immersed myself in the vibrant city of Trivandrum and surrounding areas, my nineteen-year-old granddaughter, Caramia Tsui, enriched the experience. Amidst the backdrop of the Arabian Sea, we were captivated by the convergence of diverse people, cultures, and interests.
The conference’s central theme, “Reinventing Industry 5.0,” delved into the intersecting boundaries of emerging industry and human well-being. The thought-provoking discussions, expertly curated by our elegant President, Serene Lin-Stephens, Lifology’s conference crusader, Rahul Nair, and all other esteemed speakers, ignited our profound week exploring mental health, workforce dynamics, war, and resilience.
The conference was a transformative experience, enriched by the insights of speakers like Brian Hutchinson. His perspectives sparked immediate career decisions among some attendees. Britt Andreatta’s session on the intersection of neuroscience, technology, and personal growth was a mind-opening experience. The support of sponsors K-DISC, CreateYourWhy, and Kuder has already begun shaping my approach to my work and understanding. My granddaughter’s career aspirations, potentially in therapy using art, were inspired by the brilliance of Indian designs.
Kerala’s historical center, Trivandrum, is a place of splendor. From ancient buildings and arts and crafts to martial arts, Carnatic music, and Ayurvedic healing arts, every moment was a cultural celebration. My granddaughter and I embraced the rejuvenating power of daily massages and Ayurvedic treatments, transcending anxiety and jetlag to embrace holistic well-being.
I am deeply grateful for the support of the APCDA team: Marilyn Maze, Grace Koamesa, Emily Lizada, new father Tuan-Ahn Le, and Arun Mittal. Their efforts in orchestrating the Program Committee’s two Special Topics sessions fostered engagement and attracted new talent. I also thank Dr. Sujata Ives, Ruchira Tripathi, Felicity Brown, Li Fern, Liliya Tleukenova, and intern Almira Beisembay for their contributions.
Enriched by our renewed APCDA connections and new experiences, we savored moments like navigating Trivandrum’s colorful city, eating terrific food with our hands, and forging through the teeming traffic in three-wheeled tuk-tuk taxis. The allure of the Lulu shopping mall and the mesmerizing, ancient artistry of the traditional weaver town left a deep-rooted mark on our hearts – a golden theme. The conference was a testament to our commitment to continuous learning. The results, another APCDA treasure trove of knowledge, reflect this thread looking forward to the 2025 event in mainland China at Zhengzhou University and a new President Allan Gattenby.
As the conference ended on the crashing shores of the Arabian Sea, a sense of camaraderie enveloped us. We were not just colleagues but a community united by a shared purpose. We immersed ourselves in the fun, the spicy foods, and unspoken connections. In timeless moments, Rabindranath Tagore’s words from his poem “Vocation” echoed with profound meaning, reminding us of the essence of our work
I am sharing the poem with you!
by Elisabeth Montgomery
Vocation
By Rabindranath Tagore (1909)
Original title: বিচিত্র সাধ
When the gong sounds ten in the morning and I walk to school by our lane.
Every day I meet the hawker crying, ‘Bangles, crystal bangles!
‘There is nothing to hurry him on, there is no road he must take, no place he must go to, no time when he must come home.
I wish I were a hawker, spending my day in the road, crying, ‘Bangles, crystal bangles! ‘
When at four in the afternoon I come back from the school, I can see through the gate of that house the gardener digging the ground.
He does what he likes with his spade, he soils his Clothes with dust, nobody takes him to task if he gets baked in the sun or gets wet.
I wish I were a gardener digging away at the garden with nobody to stop me from digging.
Just as it gets dark in the evening and my mother sends me to bed, I can see through my open window the watchman walking up and down.
The lane is dark and lonely, and the street-lamp stands like a giant with one red eye in its head.
The watchman swings his lantern and walks with his shadow at his side, and never once goes to bed in his life.
I wish I were a watchman walking the streets all night, chasing the shadows with my lantern.
