NEW EPISODE EVERY TWO WEEKS!
Welcome to THE PODCAST
A transatlantic conversation advancing the impact and evolution of non-profit organizations. Together with our special guests, each episode we take a deep dive into the issues, topics, challenges and opportunities facing the association community.
EPISODES 81-90
Ep 81: The Data of Destiny
What’s your “Happy Meal KPI”? Elisa and Andrew go on a quest and data treasure hunt with Marion Short, CEO of the International Association for Public Participation. Growing from 3,000 to 14,000 members in just six years, Marion shares the true power of data. By spotlighting the important data versus distracting data, your association can achieve growth, deliver value, and enable transformation.
Ep 82: Beyond Associations Evolve and Herding Cats
She makes change fun and elevates innovation. Join Elisa as she chats with a true association renaissance woman, Belinda Moore of Strategic Membership Solutions. Accept and adapt - We know associations have to fundamentally transform, given the incredible pace of change and the opportunities presented by technology, but Belinda reminds us that everything is interconnected! We preview the 2024 Associations Evolve Journal and chat a little AI. Don’t miss this international conversation and meet Association Annie. Get a free download of Belinda’s tongue-in-cheek look at the world of associations through cartoons: Association Annie – Herding Cats
Ep 83: Behind the consultant curtain
Some say consulting is the dark side. We take offense! Elisa and Andrew are the good guys! Heck, we’re association superheroes and have been consulting and advising nonprofits and membership organizations for quite a while now. Today, we pull back the curtain to discuss, vent, tease, and explore the good and the bad of the consultant/client relationship. How do you get the most out of the engagement? Are there credentials for consultants? Who makes up the current field of consultants? Does your RFP communicate your needs? Join us for this “off the record” episode of Association Transformation.
Ep 84: The generation shift in membership
“We’ve had hierarchies since caveman days when we deferred to the elders.” On this episode of Association Transformation, global generational strategist Sarah Sladek reminds Andrew and Elisa that times have definitely changed. Boards can no longer write-off younger members or next-gen prospects as “high-maintenance, non-joiners, lazy, or entitled.” Following the release of her latest book, Sladek reiterates that “...young people are your only succession plan!” Check out this nonprofit nerdfest all about association ageism, opportunities for sincere engagement, and the generation shift in membership, and be sure to get your copy of MemberShift: Why Members Leave and the Strategies Proven to Bring Them Back here https://a.co/d/9XRG6t6
Ep 85: Authentic Connections in a Digital World
It feels like we all have a seemingly infinite number of digital connections but what do we do with them and how can associations use their digital platforms to generate genuine value for their communities? This week Andrew is joined by Angela Shelton, CEO of Answers for Associations to discuss how associations and members can utilize their online tools to create and experience authentic digital connections.
Ep 86: Commercial thinking for revenue diversification
Is your association relying on only 2-3 sources of revenue? Are you getting nervous about declining dues or loss of publication revenue? Join Elisa and Andrew for a deep dive into the world of revenue diversification with Deanna Varga, Founder and CEO of Mayvin Global. In this thought-provoking episode, we discuss the importance of embracing commercial thinking and the need for nimbleness in the association sector. Let’s explore new revenue streams, manage partnerships effectively, and leverage data for mission-aligned growth. Deanna's insights challenge the status quo and shed light on how associations can adapt to a rapidly changing environment.
Ep 87: Association Horror Story - a Halloween special
What ghoulish goings-on or spine-chilling events have kept you awake at night? Does history haunt you or ghosts of associations-past give you the creeps? This week Elisa and Andrew dig up some graves, dust off the cobwebs, and stir up a witches brew of scary true stories, monstrous mistakes, and ghastly howlers that have landed associations in frightful trouble. Broomsticks at the ready as we tell our gruesome tales of horror. Nightmares guaranteed.
Ep 88: Board culture and the cult of personality
We’re thankful for our #boardofdirectors . . . aren’t we?? Welcome back from your holiday, let’s jump right in and talk about the challenges and complexities of board culture in #associations. Join Andrew and Elisa for this real and necessary Association Transformation episode where they share their hopes and concerns about professionalism on #nonprofit boards and historical approaches to leadership. Maybe you can put board education, training, qualification criteria, and a focus on organizational interests (rather than individual roles) on your Christmas list 😊
Ep 89: The Power and Potential of the Nonprofit Profession
How did you find your way to the nonprofit profession? Are you passionate about working for a mission-driven organization and serving your association's members? On this episode of Association Transformation, Andrew and Elisa are joined by up-and-coming association superstar Allison Read, who has recently joined the team at the American Institute of Architects. Together, they discuss successfully navigating your nonprofit career, how to discover what you are good at and find that path to the executive level. There may even be a call for everyone in association management to have a degree in psychology 😊. Let’s stay curious, be life-long learners and find our “life balance.”
Ep 90: 2023 lessons for association success in 2024
🎙️ New year, new episode! Join Andrew and Elisa as they ring in 2024 with reflections on 2023 learnings. Leadership pipelines and succession planning, staff burnout, AI adoption, value propositions, leveraging governance, and strategic implementation. What can associations control, improve, and achieve in service to their members this year? As Association Transformation approaches its 100th episode milestone, we’re excited to continue exploring trends and providing ideas to put your members and missions first in 2024 and beyond!
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