PR in the Philippines

Medicine Hat, Alberta Oct 25, 2024  – Discovering Armenia through the International CMC Conference

A year ago, I wouldn’t have known where Yerevan, Armenia was. But in 2024, I not only received the ICMCA Emerging Professional of the Year Award for CMC Alberta, but my company, Paterson Consulting Inc., was nominated for the prestigious 2024 Constantinus International Award. Our project with Carbon OxyTech, an Alberta-based cleantech company, brought us global recognition. This was my chance to explore a new culture and region, and the International CMC Conference seemed like the perfect way to do it.

Bridging Cultures and Innovations

Before going to Armenia, I connected with the team at IMC Armenia. Their conference theme, “Digital Horizons: Bridging Innovations For a Sustainable Tomorrow,” resonated with me. I had recently given a keynote at Alberta’s First GovTech Hackathon on Productivity & Performance Hacks, so I thought, why not share this knowledge with an international audience? The organizers agreed, and I was invited to join a Global Panel titled “Transforming Industry with AI.”

First Impressions of Yerevan

Arriving in Yerevan, I was struck by the vibrant mix of new buildings and historic restorations. The city’s landscape reflected a nation in transition. Luxury cars and well-dressed locals shared the streets with overhead power lines and payphones, showcasing Yerevan’s blend of old and new. I found the Armenians to be incredibly kind, eager to learn about my work in Canada, and open to sharing their own stories and insights. One consultant even suggested I pursue a Ph.D., an idea that’s now on my bucket list.

Building Connections and Expanding Horizons

The conference was a melting pot of ideas and cultures. I had the chance to meet with industry leaders like Joseph Wozniak from the ITC, who shared insights on new EU regulations crucial for international business. Leonid Kirakosyan from McKinsey & Company offered valuable advice on client expectations in the digital age, while Lars Sudman and David Yang provided practical innovation strategies and predictions on AI’s role in business and everyday life.

My Masterclass on Productivity & Performance Hacks was a highlight, drawing a full room of consultants eager to participate in creative exercises. It reminded me of the universal power of innovative thinking and our shared desire for progress.

The Human Element in Technological Transformation

When we talk about technology and change, we often see two extremes: those who see technology as a savior and those who fear it as a destroyer. I advocate for a balanced approach that combines innovation with the ‘human element.’ High-tech must be accompanied by human connection because, as businesses become more automated, those that thrive will be those that prioritize people.

Using a three-pillar approach—people, processes, and systems—can lead to effective change, while customized automation solutions empower employees to take on more strategic roles. This optimizes both individual creativity and organizational efficiency.

Why Should Consultants Care?

For consultants, the integration of AI and real-time operational intelligence (RtOI) offers clear benefits. It provides quick wins for your clients, opens passive income streams for you, and supports the development of long-term strategies and client relationships. Implementing the right systems and processes can be transformative, turning resource constraints into opportunities for innovation.

Exploring Armenia’s Rich History

While in Yerevan, I took time to learn about Armenia’s history, including a visit to the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex. The story of the Armenian Genocide during World War I, which resulted in the loss of 1.5 million lives, was both tragic and eye-opening. It reminded me of the vastness of history often overlooked in our education systems and the importance of engaging with the world beyond our textbooks.

The True Wealth of Travel

At the Constantinus Award & Gala Dinner, Paterson Consulting Inc. was awarded the National Champion of Canada, and our project advanced to the Top Six Consulting Projects of 2024.

Travel is a powerful teacher. In just one week of exploring Armenia, I gained insights and experiences that far surpassed what any year of study could offer. If nothing else, travel enriches us by expanding our perspectives and deepening our understanding of the world.

To all emerging professionals, technology innovators, management consultants, business professionals, and travel enthusiasts—dare to see the world. You never know what lessons await in the less-trodden corners of the globe. Traveling not only enhances your personal and professional life but also makes you richer in the most meaningful ways.

Enjoy your travels, and here’s to the adventures that lie ahead.

Wesley Paterson, CMC & President of Paterson Consulting Inc.

See full project details at – https://www.cmc-canada.ca/Consulting-project-profile-Revive-and-Thrive/mode/edit