TLOMA Conference 2012 – Leaders at Work

As a new member of The Legal Office Management Association (“TLOMA”) and a first attendee at the 24th Annual TLOMA Conference held at the beautiful Deerhurst Resort, our Office Manager Luisa Sicilia was inspired by knowledge and expertise that the keynote and workshop speakers shared.

From the first attendee orientation to the heartfelt closing comments of TLOMA’s Vice President Janice Rooney, Luisa is excited to share her experience from the inspiring workshops to the special events in between.

Events like our “Put your Chef Hat On!”, an adventure that mixes one part “The Iron Chef” with one part “The Amazing Race” to produce an unforgettable team building experience. It was here that attendees had an opportunity to practice their skills in communication, prioritizing, adaptability and improvisation.

The book signing session with Arlene Dickinson, one of Canada’s most renowned independent marketing communications entrepreneurs was great. Not only is Arlene the CEO of Venture Communications, she is a co-star of CBC’s hit Canadian reality show “Dragons’ Den”, a mother of four and grandmother of three. Like our own Susan Wortzman, she was awarded PROFIT and Chatelaine magazine’s TOP 100 Women Business Owners.  Before signing her book “Persuasion – A New Approach to Changing Minds”, Arlene shared her success story with us (“from rags to riches”) that taught me that we have the potential to accomplish anything in life. And that “persuasion” is about connecting, not conning. It’s about cultivating authenticity, honesty, and reciprocity in every relationship, both personally and professionally.

Then there was a Trade Show with 62 booths, providing the opportunity to meet TLOMA’s fellow business partners that offered us information and demos on their products and services. We can’t forget TLOMA’s own “Margaritaville”…..sheer fun where everyone put their sunglasses, sandals, loud shirts and grass skirts on and hit the dance floor.

​In addition to all the fun events, Luisa appreciated meeting colleagues and attending workshops from Ron Sparrow on self-care in the workplace; Paul Byrne on how to be an informal leader; Sharone Bar-David who as a commentator of the Canadian HR Reporter magazine, spoke about innovative solutions in creating respectful work environments; Nora Spinks on mental health; and Mike Lipkin who inspired the group with his mission to give people the insights that excite them into powerful action to succeed. These speakers were insightful and highly motivating.