Afterthoughts: Virtual Networking Event

robinyap
Mar 8
2 min read

CCCE Virtual Social: Reimagining Community in a Digital Age

The CCCE recently hosted its first Virtual Social Networking Event of 2026, bringing together over 70 members and guests for an evening of "reimagined" connection. Designed to foster authentic community and intimacy even through a screen, the session proved that the "human side" of Learning & Development remains our strongest asset.

Insights from the Topic Rooms

The heart of the evening was participant-driven, with attendees self-selecting into four specialized breakout rooms to share diverse perspectives:

Transformation & Change: Discussions centered on the necessity of changing entire organizational systems to support individual growth and the limitations of short-term training.
Mindfulness & Well-being: Participants explored "whole-person" approaches to mental health and techniques like breathwork for stress management.
Future Skills & Workforce: Leaders emphasized rebalancing effort from individual to collective leadership development.
AI & Innovation: A collaborative space focused on sharing successful AI prompts and standing out in the age of artificial intelligence.

The Neuroscience Thread

A recurring theme throughout the night was the biological basis of learning. Ardi Ghorashy shared how agency and mindfulness can physiologically transform the brain, while Lauren Waldman (March 2026 Speaker) provided a preview of her upcoming session on the "three pounds of meatloaf" under our skulls—the brain—and how it actually learns.

Looking Ahead: 2026 & 2027

The CCCE is already looking toward a fully programmed 2026.

March 25th Event: Join us in person at Scotiabank for a deep dive into learning sciences with Lauren Waldman.
Call for Speakers: We are proactively planning for 2027. If you have a compelling topic, please submit a proposal via the website.
Venue Search: We are seeking free venue space in the GTA for future face-to-face sessions. Please email info@CCCE.ca if your organization can host.

The CCCE "Must-Read & Listen" Library

Our members shared a wealth of resources during the event. Use the table below to fuel your professional growth:

Category	Title / Resource	Suggested by
AI	Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI	Dr. Robin Yap
AI	IRREPLACEABLE: Standing Out in the Age of AI	Olga Novikova
Habit/Change	The Power of Habit	Randi Storfer
Leadership	Lazy Leadership (Amazon)	Jenny Barkan
Leadership	The Specialist Pipeline (Chapter 2 PDF available)	David Donaldson
Leadership	The SCARF Model (NeuroLeadership Institute)	Miriam Ibrahim
Neuroscience	Brain Rules	Dr. John Medina
Well-being	Claim Your Brain (Indigo/Audiobook)	Jocelyn Pepe