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NEW EPISODE EVERY WEEK!
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.
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latest episodes
Ep136: Beyond the AI Hype
Stop hiding your AI usage "under the desk" and learn practical implementation strategies that won't sacrifice authentic member connections. Andrew and Elisa are joined by Your Nerdy Best Friend, Beth Z. who shares how to identify your existing AI power users, organize an effective "AI Day" for your team, and navigate the flood of new tools without getting overwhelmed. Whether you're struggling with AI policies or wondering which chatbot features actually deliver value, this Association Transformation conversation cuts through the noise with actionable insights for association professionals. A must-listen for leaders who want to embrace innovation while keeping their members—and mission—at the center of everything they do.
Ep135: Beyond Age Labels: Creating Authentic Member Communities That Transcend Generational Divides
Just released! In Episode 135 of Association Transformation, hosts Elisa Pratt and Andrew Chamberlain sit down with Carter Lyons from LeadingAge Virginia for a refreshingly honest conversation about what we're getting wrong in member engagement. Forget the tired "40 under 40" lists and special young professional groups—Carter challenges us to see members as individuals first, not just birth years on a spreadsheet. Drawing from her experience in aging services, she offers a compelling perspective: "There's no magic when you turn 41 that suddenly means you know everything." The trio explores how authentic connections create stronger communities than demographic checkboxes ever could, and why passionate members become your best recruitment ambassadors without even trying. If you're tired of treating different generations like "aliens" (Andrew's word, not mine!), this episode will transform how you think about building truly inclusive member experiences.
Ep134: A Robert's Rules Nightmare and the Confidentiality Conundrum
In this candid conversation sparked by a governance-related nightmare, Elisa and Andrew dive into the challenges of board confidentiality and organizational culture. From unpacking the true meaning of Chatham House rules to exploring why board members might "play nice" in meetings but undermine decisions behind the scenes, this episode offers crucial insights for association leaders. Join them as they discuss the delicate balance between transparency and confidentiality, the importance of creating space for constructive conflict, and how these dynamics impact strategic planning. They also tease their upcoming IMPACT leadership symposium, designed to help association executives and board chairs tackle these complex cultural challenges. Whether you're a board member, executive director, or association professional, this honest discussion about governance culture will resonate with your experiences and offer fresh perspectives on building trust in leadership.
Ep133: Data, Trust and Transformation: Making Research Matter in 2025
Join Andrew and Elisa as they explore how associations can harness the power of industry research to drive member value and organizational growth. Analyzing the latest industry reports, they highlight opportunities for associations to differentiate themselves through quality data analytics. The conversation provides practical insights on investing in market research, understanding member needs, and building sustainable revenue streams through thought leadership. Whether you're considering a new research initiative or looking to enhance your existing data strategy, this episode offers valuable perspectives on making research a cornerstone of your association's value proposition in 2025.
Ep132: Advance AI
This week we welcome back Gordon Glenister, CEO of Membership World, reflecting on the outcomes of their recent AI Hackathon. AI is rapidly evolving, as is its potential for how we maximise its use in association management, and whilst the opportunities are seemingly limitless, there are definitely many lessons to learn from the immersive experience of the Hackathon, including the comparative performance of the various tools, their varying levels of maturity, the increasing significance of high-quality prompting, and the benefits of standardising the use of AI within teams. As you explore AI tools, listen to our latest episode and join us as we seek to advance AI in associations.
Ep131: Beyond COP29: An Approachable Climate Solutions Conversation
In this engaging episode, Elisa is joined by guest co-host Kevin Couling, who returns to the pod to give us his insider's perspective on climate action and what it means for associations. He breaks down the recent COP29 climate conference, highlighting practical ways associations can take meaningful action regardless of global politics. Kevin offers valuable insights on how organizations can approach climate change as a business risk rather than a political issue and shares actionable steps for association leaders who want to become more climate-literate. Whether your members are ahead of or behind on climate initiatives, this episode provides clear guidance on how associations can create safe spaces for collaboration and drive positive change. Don't miss this accessible conversation that demystifies climate action for association professionals.
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