I had the distinct pleasure of seeing two of our recent graduates from Humber’s Digital Business Management Bcomm program, Maria Kusakina and Mikyala Ouma, attend the Power Transmission Distribution Association Conference in Niagara Falls. This fantastic opportunity, sponsored by Paul Meo, President & CEO of NTN Bearing Canada, exemplifies the kind of real-world experiences we strive to provide for our students. Maria and Mikyala, selected for their outstanding academic achievements and potential, were warmly welcomed by Paul Meo and his team at NTN Bearing. Their experience at the conference was not only about networking and learning from industry leaders but also about envisioning how their digital business skills can be applied to the power transmission and distribution sector. This event highlights the importance of industry collaboration and the value of exposing our students to such dynamic and vital fields. I am incredibly proud of Maria and Mikyala for representing our program at this industry event, and for sharing their experience with us through the article below (also available in PDF format).

The following post is written by Maria Kusakina (LinkedIn) & Mikyala Ouma (LinkedIn)

Introduction

From June 4-6, we, Maria and Mikyala, had the incredible opportunity to attend the Power Transmission Distribution Association Conference in Niagara Falls. This fantastic chance came to us, recent graduates from Humber’s Digital Business Management program, thanks to Hanadi Alnawab and NTN Bearing, who selected us to represent the program. Hanadi has a reputation for providing excellent opportunities for her students; this conference was no exception. The conference offered us an excellent chance to network, learn, and envision how our skills could be applied in power transmission and distribution.

A Warm Welcome from NTN Bearing

Our journey began with a warm welcome from Paul Meo and his team at NTN Bearing, including Sylvia Silveira, Jos Sueters, Sean Barron, Maria Traetto, and Humber alumni Shayan Shakil. Their hospitality and guidance were instrumental in helping us navigate the conference from the start. Paul Meo’s extensive experience and leadership set the tone for our engagement in the networking process, making us feel valued and included.

The support from NTN Bearing was mutually beneficial. For us, it provided a gateway into a niche industry, offering valuable insights and learning
opportunities. For NTN Bearing, having fresh graduates like us brought new perspectives and highlighted the importance of investing in emerging talent. Seeing how our digital business management skills could contribute to the company’s growth and innovation was truly inspiring.

Networking and Socializing: Building Connections

One of the highlights of the conference was the ample opportunity to network and socialize. We engaged in light-hearted conversations with industry professionals, including manufacturers and distributors. These interactions were not only enjoyable but also enlightening. For instance, we met a gentleman who has been part of the industry since 1968. His stories and insights were both inspiring and informative, offering a historical perspective on the industry’s evolution.

Panel Discussions: Reimagining Hiring Strategies

A standout moment was the panel discussion on reimagining hiring strategies. Parveen Gill, along with Lindsey Rocks, Sylvia Silveira, and Alexandra Tillo, shared their insights on innovative ways to attract and retain talent in the industry. They emphasized the importance of diversity, inclusion, and adapting to the changing workforce. Their experiences and strategies were incredibly valuable and gave us many ideas to consider for the future.

Keynote Sessions: Learning from the Experts

The conference featured several impactful keynote sessions. Amber Mac’s session on “4 Lessons to Thrive in an AI Future” was particularly relevant to us, considering the rapid technological advancements. Her insights on leveraging AI to enhance business processes and drive innovation were thought-provoking and practical, giving us much to think about.

Jeremy Bess’s keynote on “Calculating Risk and Opportunities for 2024 and Beyond” provided a forward-looking perspective on the industry’s challenges and potential. His analysis of market trends and risk management strategies was invaluable, offering us a deeper understanding of navigating the future landscape of power transmission and distribution.

Workshop: Disruptive Problem Solving

Another highlight was the workshop on achieving better outcomes through disruptive problem-solving. This interactive session encouraged us to think
creatively and embrace innovative approaches to problem-solving. It was a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with industry professionals and peers,
exchanging ideas and exploring new methodologies.

Discovering and Applying Our Skills in a Niche but Amazing Field

Attending the conference introduced us to a niche but absolutely fascinating industry. The power transmission and distribution sector is crucial to modern infrastructure, yet it remains relatively unknown to many outside the field. The conference showcased the industry’s dynamic nature and the passionate individuals driving its progress, leaving us inspired and excited about the possibilities.

As graduates of the Digital Business Management program, we discovered many connections between our education and the industry’s needs. The digital transformation across all sectors, including power transmission, opens up endless opportunities for applying our skills. From data analytics and digital marketing to process optimization and strategic planning, our degree equips us to contribute meaningfully to the industry’s growth and innovation.

The Power Transmission Distribution Association Conference was an eye-opening experience that gave us a deeper understanding of a crucial industry. It underscored the importance of networking, continuous learning, and adapting to technological advancements. We are so grateful for the opportunity to attend and look forward to using our education to impact the power transmission and distribution sector positively.

Photo Credits: PTDA 2024 Canadian Conference