The global response to COVID-19 has changed how people everywhere work, connect, and learn. One thing that hasn’t changed: ASQ’s commitment to educating and inspiring members. Although ASQ made the necessary decision to cancel the 2020 in-person World Conference on Quality and Improvement (WCQI), we knew there was more we could do. Driven by the challenge to provide members with the unique value that WCQI always provides, on May 6, 2020, ASQ hosted the inaugural WCQI Virtual. Thousands of ASQ members joined this completely digital event featuring world-renowned keynote speakers, dozens of on-demand recordings, and online networking forums.
Keynote speakers
James Clear, personal development speaker and bestselling author of Atomic Habits, began the event with his presentation “Atomic Habits: How to Get 1% Better Every Day.” After suffering from a traumatic brain injury in his youth, Clear was forced to rebuild his life through small moments and achievements. This experience changed his life, and he realized that although luck is not within your control, habits are. Through examples from literature, biology, and economics, Clear outlined the value of incremental improvements. Achieving true excellence is not about radical change, but rather accruing small improvements over time. Clear guided members through his four stages of building successful habits and provided tactical tips to help quality professionals implement new habits in their personal and professional lives.
The second keynote speaker was Shabnam Mogharabi. Co-founder of media company SoulPancake, Mogharabi brought her experience in digital content, media, and building startups to her keynote presentation “The Power of Positive Psychology.” Mogharabi presented research from Dr. Martin Seligman on the changes to the brain’s chemical infrastructure with positive perspectives. In today’s uncertain landscape, many people are looking at corporations to lead with a sense of purpose. If professionals can learn their “why,” they can help guide social responsibility within their organization. By practicing gratitude, vulnerability, and connection, people are able to tap into positive psychology and create more authentic personal and professional lives.
MyASQ virtual discussions
WCQI has always provided a collaborative space for quality professionals to network with people across industries, interests, and even countries. With WCQI Virtual, creating opportunities for collaboration was more important than ever. With the help of ASQ’s Technical Program Committee and World Conference Reviewers, ASQ hosted virtual discussion boards on ASQ’s community platform, myASQ. Throughout the week, members asked questions, challenged ideas, and learned from one another on a variety of quality topics. With more than 900 new members joining the community, the conversations have continued to grow.
On-demand recordings
WCQI is known for bringing quality experts, industry trailblazers, and thought leaders together to teach and share exclusive content. This year, ASQ is offering dozens of on-demand recordings for both members and nonmembers. With three focus areas—Quality Foundations, Beyond Technical, and Sustaining Innovation—quality professionals can expand their knowledge and skills with topical recordings like Integrating Risk, Leading Change in a Changing World, and Designing High Impact Experiments. These recordings are available for purchase until June 1, 2020, so take advantage of this opportunity!