Lead the Standard

It’s Not Just About Face-to-Face: How ISO Leaders Connect Today

Written by Jackie Stapleton | Apr 28, 2025 10:00:00 PM

In a few days, I’m heading to Denver for the World Conference on Quality and Improvement.

✅ Warm Jacket? Packed. 
✅ Notebook? Packed. 
✅ My ISO brain? Fully engaged. 

This isn’t just another conference. 
It’s where quality professionals who actually care about leadership, impact, and doing things better come together. 

But here’s the real reason I’m posting: 

If you’re serious about building your career in the ISO industry—you need to be seen. 

🔹 You don’t grow by staying behind your desk. 
🔹 You don’t lead by waiting for permission. 
🔹 You don’t build influence by playing it safe. 

Action comes first—Opportunities follow. 

I’m not going to Denver for the swag bag. I’m going because I am a Quality Leader. Because I want to be in the room where real conversations happen—about leadership, buy-in, and where this industry is headed. 

This is about showing up with purpose. Being part of something bigger. And making sure the ISO voice is not just heard—but leading. 

If you’ve been holding back—this is your cue. Because anyone can follow the Standard. Be the one to Lead the Standard!

Why WCQI 2025 Matters 

The 2025 World Conference on Quality & Improvement is all about pushing boundaries. Quality professionals are stepping into new industries, trialling new tools, and reshaping how quality drives real business results. Whether it’s developing new procedures, broadening community representation, or linking quality efforts to the bottom line—this is where those stories get shared.

From healthcare to aerospace, WCQI brings together thousands of people who are serious about driving improvement that sticks. And with Denver’s energy, views, and sunshine on offer (hopefully), it’s the perfect backdrop for levelling up how we Lead the Standard. 

How ISO Leaders Connect: The Modern Networking Model 

Networking isn’t just handshakes and business cards anymore - and it’s not reserved for extroverts at conferences. In today’s digital world, connection is layered, strategic, and constant. As ISO Leaders, we need to be intentional about how we show up, build trust, and grow our influence - whether that’s online, in-person, or somewhere in between. 

This model breaks down the four key ways we build professional connection today—and how they work together to create visibility, connection, trust, and inspiration. 

Content

Start by showing up with value (leads to Visibility) 

Creating and sharing builds credibility and draws people in. This is your signal—what you create shapes how you're seen and how far your influence goes. When your ideas are out there, people can find you, follow you, and start to see you as a leader. 

  • Designing practical, downloadable tools and templates
  • Writing value-packed weekly newsletters
  • Publishing articles in industry magazines or platforms
  • Authoring a book that shares your expertise and perspective
  • Creating short, engaging videos that teach or inspire 

Socials 

Build engagement and visibility (leads to Connection) 

Once your content is out there, staying visible in the right spaces keeps the momentum going. Socials are your ongoing presence—the daily pulse that builds familiarity. This is where visibility turns into actual conversations, and people begin to connect with you. 

  • Commenting on LinkedIn (consistently and with value)
  • Tagging and supporting others in the ISO community
  • Participating in online challenges or discussions
  • Following up with new connections and staying in touch 

Digital

Deepen connections and scale access (leads to Trust) 

This is where you move beyond the scroll. Through meaningful interaction—whether one-on-one or in groups—you start to build genuine trust. These digital spaces let you connect across locations, deepen relationships, and collaborate on a more strategic level. 

  • Virtual coffee chats (Zoom, Teams, etc.)
  • Online peer groups or mastermind sessions
  • Webinars, live Q&As, and digital meetups 
  • Online training and certification programs 
  • Virtual conferences with interactive breakout sessions 
  • Presenting or attending online talks and panels 

In-Person

Strengthen trust and collaboration (leads to Inspiration) 

In-person connection reinforces everything that came before. It makes you memorable. These real-world interactions are where trust becomes partnership—and where inspiration flows both ways. What you experience here often sparks the next idea, the next post, or the next opportunity to lead. 

  • Industry conferences (like WCQI)
  • Local ISO or quality events
  • On-site visits or collaborative audits 
  • Training sessions and leadership workshops 
  • Community dinners or meetups 

What’s your next step? 

Choose your starting point

Pick one quadrant—Content, Socials, Digital, or In-Person—and take one intentional action this week. It doesn’t have to be big. It just has to be done. 

Connect with purpose

Reach out to someone in your network. Send a DM. Comment on a post. Invite a virtual coffee. The strongest networks are built one real connection at a time.

Build your rhythm

Consistency builds visibility and trust. Whether you’re sharing content, joining discussions, or showing up at events—make it a habit, not a one-off.