Keynote speaker Clint Swindall delivered an inspiring talk, “Mindset Matters,” speaking about the powerful impact of mindset on professional and personal success. The session aimed to reinvigorate attendees at the conference’s midpoint, focusing on how mindset can drive employee engagement and enhance organizational culture. Swindall shared that mindset is foundational because “our thinking pattern determines our inner dialogue, our inner dialogue determines our efforts, and our efforts determine our success.”
Swindall addressed three employee engagement categories he termed as the “Oh Yeahs,” “Okays,” and “Oh Nos.” He encouraged attendees to reflect on where they fall into these categories, highlighting that engagement not only impacts individual performance but also the entire organization’s culture. Swindall spoke about the responsibility each person has to foster a positive work environment: “Every day you show up to work, you are either adding to or taking away from the culture of your district.”
He also spoke on the pervasive issue of negativity, noting that research shows “80 percent of our 60,000 daily thoughts are negative.” To combat this, he proposed a simple strategy called “Tell me something good,” a way to shift conversations toward positive outcomes and a culture that prioritizes strengths and solutions over complaints.
The session concluded with Swindall reminding participants that by adjusting their mindset, they could overcome external challenges and focus on the positives. His interactive, humorous approach left attendees motivated to embrace a proactive mindset, ultimately enriching the lives of those they serve in student transportation.
The event also included recognition of award, reinforcing the conference’s emphasis on excellence and engagement in the industry:
Special Needs Transportation Award: Cathy Poole, Special Needs Bus Supervisor at Greenville County Schools (SC) – award sponsored by Q’STRAINT
Distinguished Service Award Winner: Adam Johnson, CDPT, Executive Director of Transportation at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (NC)