Yang Fei of Strata Engineering joined Katharine Olson of Groundbreaking and Thomas Beattie of OctoAI for a discussion of recent events.Strata Gal Training Series: Engaging, Experiential LearningThe panel kicks off with reflections on the innovative Strata Gal training series. This hands-on, roleplay-driven experience brought real-world strata governance challenges to life, making complex regulatory concepts memorable and accessible. Participants from councils, management, and industry professionals engaged deeply with budget puzzles and tough decision-making scenarios, highlighting the power of experiential education to shift perspectives and build better understanding.​Surrey Board of Trade: Productivity and Development ChallengesAt the Surrey Board of Trade luncheon, a broader conversation about productivity took center stage. Various stakeholders, especially from the development sector, identified productivity as a critical issue impacting the entire housing supply chain. While common complaints focus on development charges, regulations, and red tape, panelists urged a more nuanced view—recognizing that such costs stem from complex factors including labor markets, permitting processes, and baseline building code standards. BCFSA Financial Services Forum: Complexity of Costs and Policy InterplayAt the BCFSA forum, the conversation deepened around the extras adding to development costs, including sustainability mandates, inclusionary zoning, and accessibility. The panel highlighted a tension between trimming costs and maintaining essential urban policies that support diverse and safe communities. It was a reminder that governance and economic competitiveness must be balanced with long-term social goals. There was also candid dialogue about the need to look critically at profit margins alongside cost burdens, advocating a more equitable and informed debate about development economics.​Shared Themes: Education and Forward-Thinking SolutionsAcross all events, the trio agreed education is the cornerstone of improvement—whether in strata governance or broader sector challenges. They encouraged embracing data-driven decisions and proactive long-term planning rather than reacting to crises. Sound strategic education coupled with collaborative vision can help stakeholders be part of practical solutions that improve productivity, governance, and community well-being.​Final TakeawayThis episode isn’t just about problems. It's a call to action to understand complexities, challenge assumptions, and work towards smarter collaboration and innovation. Productivity matters, and with greater insight and shared effort, everyone can contribute to making the housing and strata ecosystems more effective and sustainable.LEARN MORE► Discover Condo Intelligence from OctoAI: https://octoai.com/ ► Guest Partner Website: https://groundbreakingstrata.com/ ► Special Guest Website: https://strataengineering.com/