Post by Graham Hargreaves

Last week at #MTSERIESWEST (the artist formerly known as #WESTEC) we (CAD/CAM CONSULTING SERVICES INC.) were able to secure two speaking slots in conjunction to our booth presence, which included an Okuma America Corporation machine courtesy of Gosiger, tooling from Kennametal, programming by Mastercam, simulation by Vericut, coolant from Blaser Swisslube, and workholding from 5th Axis Workholding. We ran into challenges along the way and each and every partner stepped up proving the power of partnerships and collaboration. We all stepped outside of our comfort zones and learned new things because we chose to - the “this is the way we’ve always done it” mentality being thrown out the window - paving way for true growth personally and professionally from the businesses and individuals involved. Fitting for this next part of my diatribe. Our first panel discussion with Rob Dusenbury, Nico Amato, James Meyette, and me moderating was a discussion about how to overcome new challenges with the tools you’re provided, communicate effectively, learn on the go (and from your peers), and always have a quest for continuous improvement. The second was somewhat last minute and I stepped in and talked about how to stay sharp from an individual and organizational perspective, which expanded on the first panel. The growth mindset. These are both topics that are often talked about around the water cooler or machine, but the angle we took I personally haven’t seen presented in a raw and real fashion like last week. It was an inspiring and motivational talk and I thank SME for seeing the value and the oportunity. On the continuous improvement front, I hopped on a red eye Thursday and landed in the morning, less than 24 hours before I’d run my second #hartfordmarathon. My life and body are much different ten years ago when I ran my first. Ten more pounds, a kid, more responsibilities and duties, battling injuries throughout, going from couch to heavy training - over 500 miles since June - was a push I needed mentally and physically as my exercise beyond golf and hockey had gone stagnant and I was in a lull. I just kept telling myself I would meet this challenge and I would better myself. I (barely🤪) stand here today incredibly proud of myself and thankful for my network of support, which is vast. I challenge you to go outside your comfort zone. You never know what you’re capable of when you’re surrounded by great people and you have the drive and motivation to always be better. #humbled