By Jackie Stapleton

In May, I flew over to Denver, Colorado for the ASQ World Conference on Quality and Improvement (WCQI). There is something powerful about being in a room full of people who don’t just talk quality, they live it.

From the very first session, the message was clear: ASQ isn’t just about maintaining the standard—they’re igniting it. You could feel the passion pulsing through the entire event, not just from the stage, but in every conversation. That’s what leadership looks like—lighting the way so others want to come with you.

One thing I was especially encouraged by were the conversations around AI. No one is sticking their head in the sand—speaker after speaker brought it into the room. It was clear: if we want to move forward and stay relevant, we need to get curious, not cautious. AI isn’t here to replace us—it’s here to support us and free us up to think, lead, and focus on the strategic side of quality.

I also facilitated a Braindate session using the Emotional Culture Deck, and what unfolded was a genuine highlight. Talking about emotions in leadership isn’t always the most comfortable space, but the group leaned in. The conversation was honest, thoughtful, and—surprisingly—fun. We even managed a few laughs along the way.

Quality professionals aren’t what the old stereotypes suggest. They’re engaged, switched on, and ready to push things forward. The energy at WCQI was a real reminder of that. Yes, the content was solid—but it was the connection that made it meaningful. ASQ isn’t just talking about community—they’re building it with purpose.

I’m not the only one who felt it. Cassandra Viertlboeck shared a great write-up of her own experience at WCQI 2025 on LinkedIn. She echoed many of the same themes—community, innovation, and the evolving role of quality professionals. Her reflections are well worth a read if you’re curious about what this shift in our profession really looks like: Read Cassandra’s article here.

So what does this mean for the rest of us?

WCQI wasn’t just a conference— it was a glimpse into the future of our profession. And the big takeaway? It’s not just about standards anymore. It’s about people, progress, and purpose.

Here’s what stood out, and how it applies to all of us working in quality:

🟠 Community

This wasn’t surface-level networking. It was about genuine connection—nurturing existing relationships and building new ones without the hard sell. Conversations didn’t start with job titles or sales pitches. They started with shared challenges, curiosity, and a willingness to learn from each other. ASQ is leading by example in building a professional community that actually feels human.

➡️ Takeaway: Look beyond transactional networking. Create space for real conversations. That’s where collaboration—and leadership—actually begin. AI wasn’t an awkward afterthought—it was front and center. There was no fear or doom. Just curiosity. As professionals, we need to stay open to what’s possible. That’s how we stay relevant.

🔴 Culture

Who says quality can’t be fun? WCQI had laughter, connection, and even emotion on the agenda. It showed that leading quality isn’t just technical—it’s human. And that shift matters.

➡️ Takeaway: If your quality system feels cold and lifeless, that’s not the standard—it’s a sign. Culture is part of quality. If you’re not bringing your people with you, you’re missing half the system.

🟡 Curiosity

AI didn’t feel like a threat at WCQI—it felt like an invitation. An invitation to explore how quality professionals can evolve. The best conversations weren’t about what AI might take away—they were about what it frees us up to do: Think strategically, lead better, and let go of the admin overload.

➡️ Takeaway: Stay open. Ask questions. Bring tech into the conversation instead of keeping it at arm’s length.

Put all three together—Community, Curiosity, Culture—and you’ve got the new shape of the quality profession.

That’s the real standard to lead now.

This article first appeared on Auditor Training Online‘s Lead The Standard newsletter and is published here with permission.