We’re wrapping day two at the Leadership Summit. It’s been another great day of learning, strategizing, and connecting. My colleagues in LeadingAge’s Knowledge Center have their finger on the pulse of the education and information our field needs. They consistently deliver unique and powerful programs at LeadingAge events—and this week’s Summit is no exception.

Today I was struck by how much value there is to gain simply by being among the incredible providers and business leaders here at the Omni Shoreham. I asked my team to keep an ear out for the comments, questions, and ideas that stood out to them. Here are some of the gems we overheard during sessions, in side conversations, and just walking the halls.

• “I know firsthand the impact that professional caregivers make on the lives of older adults and their families. My mom had Alzheimer’s and was cared for in a nursing home. Knowing what aging services providers do and the work they put in, I’m so glad to be here.”
  Representative from one of Leadership Summit’s business sponsors.
• “It’s a tough time in DC. We have a divided Congress. Democracies are messy, but that will not stop us! LeadingAge will navigate that mess every day.”
  LeadingAge President & CEO Katie Smith Sloan discussing the current political climate during her opening address.
• “The Leadership Academy brought us together. Wedding, funerals, good times and bad… we’re now a real group of friends.”
  Leadership Academy alumni speaking about her group of fellows from her Academy class. 
• “Wisdom is when knowledge and experience come together.”
  Board chair of an aging services organization.
• “Amen!”
  Audience members, in response to Rev. Dr. Zina Jacque’s keynote on the importance of courageous conversations.
• “I recommend asking people what they want. It’s a very different way of visualizing resident care when you start asking people their goals, preferences, and priorities.”
  Leadership Summit attendee, during a breakout session.
• “Has there been a time for you where you should have been wise rather than being right? When is a time where you made a judgment when you should have been curious?”
  Questions Rev. Dr. Zina Jacque posed to audience members at the conclusion of her Tuesday keynote.
• “Without putting too fine a point on it, we are old. Finding a new way of doing things is hard, when putting on your socks is a challenge. Thinking differently is a value.”
  A resident from a LeadingAge member community in attendance.
• “We do advocacy work year round. We’re in DC just about every month, meeting with our elected officials to make sure they know what’s happening in our communities. Those relationships with officials are important.”
  Board chair of an aging services multi-site organization.
• “All of you had to make a sacrifice to be here. Not the sacrifices of traveling, finding childcare, or pet sittings. But the sacrifice of knowing more work will be waiting for us when we get back. The work doesn’t stop, and you know you have to go back to it. But I feel bad for those who did not make that sacrifice. It’s all of you who are here, who have a growth mindset, and are willing to make those sacrifices to grow and solve the challenges ahead.”
  From Monday’s keynote speaker, Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Places to Work.

The value of that kind of candor, humor, and insight cannot be measured in dollars and cents. I’m confident those of you in attendance have experienced countless important conversations in the halls, throughout the sessions, and during the keynotes. For those who couldn’t be with us in DC, I’m glad to share this all with you! (And if you’re not yet a LeadingAge member, find out how to join now—you’ve got to be a part of this incredible family of aging services professionals!