NEW EPISODE EVERY WEEK!
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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.
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latest episodes
Ep157: Boardroom Bullies and Boundary Setting
In Episode 157 of Association Transformation, co-hosts Elisa Pratt and Andrew Chamberlain tackle one of the most uncomfortable—but increasingly urgent—realities in association life: the mistreatment of volunteers and staff by volunteers, board members, and even peers. From midnight phone calls and casual abuse to gossip, blurred boundaries, and outright boardroom bullying, this candid conversation unpacks why such behavior persists and what leaders can do about it. With practical insights on codes of conduct, whistleblower policies, staff training, and the courage to say “no,” this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the complex intersection of volunteerism and professionalism.
Ep156: Digital Accessibility: Building Vibrant Member Experiences
Is your digital content reaching everyone? In Episode 156 of Association Transformation, Elisa Pratt goes solo to tackle a vital and often overlooked conversation on digital accessibility and ADA Section 508 compliance, with special guests Elisa Cohen and Prudhvi Mandava of Schatz Strategy Group. Together, we unpack how compliance is more than a legal requirement but a strategic advantage for associations and nonprofits. From avoiding common digital barriers to embedding inclusive design in content strategy, this episode reframes accessibility as an opportunity to boost engagement, SEO, and overall user experience. And don’t miss the exclusive Accessibility Roadmap resource from Schatz, a practical guide to help your organization move from compliance to connection and build digital spaces where all communities can thrive.
Ep155: Behind the Byline: The Stories That Shape Associations
In Episode 155 of Association Transformation, co-hosts Elisa Pratt and Andrew Chamberlain welcome Mark Athitakis, Contributing Editor at Associations Now, the flagship digital publication of ASAE. Mark pulls back the curtain on the stories behind the stories, sharing:
✅ How he translates complex topics like governance, membership, technology, and events into accessible insights for association leaders
✅ The tension between print versus digital and what associations risk losing when abandoning tangible member connections
✅ Why governance challenges are really crises of alignment (and why we keep revisiting the same issues)
✅ His candid take on AI in content generation and why “human in the loop” creativity still matters most
If you’ve ever read Associations Now and wondered about the mind behind the byline, this is your chance to hear from Mark directly.
Ep154: The CFO/COO Balancing Act: Revenue, Operations & Resilience!
Join us for Episode 154 of Association Transformation, where Elisa and Andrew sit down with Beth Eagle, Chief Finance & Operations Officer at the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA), to unpack what it really takes to juggle CFO and COO responsibilities in today’s association landscape. Beth shares candid insights on:
✅ Balancing financial stewardship with operational strategy
✅ Revenue diversification beyond dues—including trade shows and acquisitions
✅ Building trust with boards and CEOs through transparency and scenario planning
✅ Why CFO/COO roles are often the “jack of all trades” that make associations thrive
Whether you’re a CEO dreaming of more strategic bandwidth, a finance pro navigating operations, or a board member seeking perspective, this episode is packed with lessons you can apply right away.
Ep153: Are Dues Dead? Rethinking the Membership Model
Recorded live from their Autumn 2025 leadership retreat, Elisa and Andrew tackle a big question: are membership dues dead? They unpack the flaws of the annual renewal model, the pull of subscription-style approaches, and the tension between value, belonging, and revenue. In the context of declining memberships and contemporary economic realities, they argue for bold scenario planning toward 2030 and beyond, plus share plans for a new white paper and even a “fake association” case study.
Ep152: Leadership lessons from our first retreat
In this special episode of Association Transformation, Andrew and Elisa reflect on their very first Governance as Leadership Retreat. Over two days, CEOs, board chairs, and senior leaders came together to dig deep into the realities of governance: the horror stories, the successes, and the uncomfortable truths about what really drives board performance.
We unpack the recurring themes: why relationships matter more than structures, how ego undermines purpose, the challenge of accountability, and why governance should be seen not as administration, but as a leadership discipline. From absentee board members to the vital role of trust between staff and volunteers, we share highlights, insights, and practical lessons from an intensive, candid, and energising experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned chair, a new trustee, or a chief executive navigating board dynamics, this conversation offers fresh perspective on how to make governance a genuine driver of organisational success.
Ep151: Back to Basics: What Really Builds Membership
In this episode Elisa and Andrew sit down with Jane Zaretskie, CAE to unpack the essential strategies behind real, lasting membership growth. Forget the flashy trends, Jane takes us back to the foundations of recruitment and retention with practical insights from her award-winning work and recent transition to an AMC environment. From simplifying the join process to prioritizing data integrity and real value for all (not just new) members, we explore what truly drives membership in today’s ever-evolving landscape. ➡️ Whether you lead engagement, manage membership, or support strategy, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to strengthen their association’s core. Read Jane’s article "Back to Basics: How Associations Can Strengthen Membership in Uncertain Times".
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