In an era dominated by remote work and digital communication, the Kootenay West Chapter was proud to host a truly refreshing and engaging in-person professional development session on September 23rd at the Castlegar & District Chamber of Commerce, located in the beautiful new Confluence Building.
Led by Andrew Woods, DMgt., PhD(c), the session powerfully reaffirmed the enduring importance of soft skills in today’s fast-paced, AI-driven world. As impersonal meetings and text-based exchanges become the norm, it is our uniquely human strengths—creativity (especially in problem-solving), deep listening, empathy, integrity, and adaptability—that continue to set us apart. These qualities are not programmable and cannot be replicated, even in the age of agentic AI.
Attendees especially appreciated the opportunity to connect face-to-face with both the instructor and fellow CPAs. The energy in the room was palpable, and the value of in-person engagement was clear: meaningful conversations, shared insights, and a renewed sense of community. This in-person session reminded us why human connection still matters.
A highlight of the session was the LEGO creativity exercise, which was not only fun but also revealed how differently each group approached their projects—showcasing the diversity of thought and problem-solving styles within our CPA community.
As technology continues to evolve, it is these soft skills that will remain the true differentiators—empowering CPAs to lead with confidence, compassion, and clarity in both professional and social spheres.
