The past year has been nothing short of transformative. A series of life changes led me to relocate to South Africa, and amid that transition, I was fortunate to join the powerhouse that is nFold. This marked the beginning of a meaningful journey filled with professional growth, challenge, and self-discovery.
If you know anything about the nFold team, you will understand the pace. It is a dynamic, fast-moving environment where learning, innovation, and juggling multiple projects are the norm. I settled into that rhythm quickly. But deep down, I knew there was something more I wanted to stretch into. Something I had not yet tapped into. That opportunity presented itself during a team session where our Directors encouraged us to challenge ourselves. I found myself thinking: What would it look like to speak at an APMP conference?
Now, I have never considered myself a natural speaker. I am an introvert at heart, and the idea of addressing a global audience felt intimidating. Still, I followed that thought. I submitted a topic for the APMP Leadership Conference, but it was declined. I tried again for BPC Dublin. It was declined again. Then the call came for speakers at BPC Nashville – the biggest of them all. I hesitated. I submitted my proposal the day before the deadline, not expecting much. Then came the email…
I had been selected to speak.
I was shocked. APMP has over 14,000 members, and yet somehow, they picked me. What followed was a mix of nerves and excitement. I immediately called my brother. His response was clear: “You are definitely going.” That affirmation helped. I pulled myself together, crafted my presentation, and naturally, asked my brilliant nFold colleagues to “make it look pretty.” And like the amazing team they are, they did.
With everything submitted and bags packed, the reality began to set in. I kept running through scenarios in my head—what if the tech did not work? What if I froze mid-sentence? But underneath the nerves, there was a growing sense of readiness. I knew this was a chance to step into something bigger, and I was determined to embrace it.
After a nineteen-hour flight, I landed in Nashville, Tennessee, tired but exhilarated. I checked into my hotel and tried to get some sleep, but adrenaline had other plans.
The next day was registration and the first-time attendee session. I have to give credit to APMP for thinking of everything. From travel guidance to hotel maps and speaker support, everything was seamless. The first-timer session helped set the tone. For someone travelling alone, it was a chance to connect. The conference officially kicked off with a live band at 8 am – a true Nashville welcome! That day, I reconnected with Jamie Ninneman, a former colleague who now sits on the APMP Board. He introduced me to Rick Harris, the outgoing CEO of APMP. It was inspiring to meet the people shaping the future of our profession.
The keynote address by Princess Sarah Culberson was especially moving. She reminded us to lean into who we are, to lead with kindness, and to build community. Having spent a significant part of my life in Sierra Leone, her words resonated on a profoundly personal level.
The day was packed with valuable AI, content libraries, and more sessions. Over lunch, I had the chance to meet in person with members of the APMP Mental Health group. We have met monthly online, but seeing everyone face-to-face was excellent. A panel of Canadian women (Ryan Graves, Ceri Mescall and Nicole Robinson) ended the day on a high note, speaking about purpose, legacy, and authenticity in the workplace. Their openness and vulnerability resonated deeply with me.
That evening, I attended a session called The Art of Reconnecting Annually (TARA). I met Tara Motter (the person behind the TARA idea) and the lovely Jane Joske, a South African now living in Australia. I made more friends, sang karaoke, and danced the night away. It was the perfect way to release presentation nerves.
Day two arrived. My presentation day. My nerves? Off the charts.
To steady myself, I attended a storytelling session. The presenter spoke about the power of stories in proposals and presentations. It was exactly what I needed to hear.
That day also marked a significant moment in APMP history with Rick Harris honoured for his many years of leadership. This was his final BPC Conference before retirement, and the standing ovation he received from the delegates was well-deserved.
As I prepared for my session, I realised I had not brought an adapter for my laptop. The tech team jumped in to help. We loaded my presentation onto a flash drive as a backup. Meanwhile, attendees began filling the room. Some stood in the doorway. Others sat on the floor.
Then came the second snag – my first video would not play. I took a deep breath, smiled, and joked about assigning the tech guy as my “Navy Seal.” It lightened the room.
When the second video failed too, we simply rolled with it. The tech sat at the podium just in case. I carried on.
And I finished. I was proud because I had faced a fear, stepped out of my comfort zone, and found my voice. Presenting at APMP’s flagship event was not just a professional milestone. It was a personal triumph.
The last day of the conference was a beautiful close to an unforgettable experience. We celebrated with numerous prize giveaways, laughter, and sessions that reminded us how many of us had “stumbled” into this profession. Speaker after speaker shared how they never planned to be in bids but once they got in, they never looked back. It was heartwarming and affirming.
This journey taught me that growth often begins where comfort ends. And now? I am lookingforward to the next challenge and finding my voice again! Maybe BPC Denver 2026?
