Association Transformation
Brewer Pratt Solutions & Elevated LLC
Subscribe
Welcome to Association Transformation, a transatlantic conversation advancing the impact and evolution of non-profit organizations. We're always seeking diversity of thought and new examples of innovation in action. That and a commitment to mission driven organizations spurred this collaboration between the teams at Brewer Pratt Solutions and Elevated. Together with our special guests, each episode we take a deep dive into the issues, topics, challenges and opportunities facing the association community. Between us we’ve been there, done it, got the t-shirt: membership, mergers, boards and leadership, advocacy, and education - nothing is off limits. Any subject that effects non-profits, their survival or their success is up for discussion.
Available episodes
Newest first
Oldest first
Jan 31, 2023
Change resistant challenges
Has the “rubber band of change” snapped? Dana Aragon of the National Society of Professional Engineers joins us for a broad and triggering conversation. From the band-aids of innovation used to get associations through the last 36 months to nonprofits reverting to the “way things have always been done”. Elisa, Andrew, and Dana deconstruct the association model and discuss how to survive and thrive despite “crisis burnout.”
playlist_add
Jan 22, 2023
The emerging trends and priorities in 2023
What are the emerging trends and priorities impacting membership bodies in 2023? Elisa and Andrew take a look at the challenges and opportunities which they suggest leadership teams should be exploring in the year ahead.
playlist_add
Jan 8, 2023
Strategic Planning 3.0. Inspiration -v- Implementation
All boards know that strategy is important; but almost all also find it daunting. Planning forces directors to confront a future they can only guess at. Worse, actually choosing a strategy entails making decisions that explicitly cut off possibilities and options, and a board may well fear that getting those decisions wrong will wreck their organisation's chances of long-term success. This week, to kick-off Season 4, Elisa and Andrew are joined by Larry Paska from the National Council for the Social Studies, who explains their formula for defining and delivering a strategic plan that is realising sustained success for the NCSS and its members.
playlist_add
Nov 7, 2022
A 4-day week is a 4-day win
A hundred years ago, we moved from working six day weeks to five, and we’re overdue for an update. As we progress through the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the 4-day week is a proposed reduction in the work week from a standard 40 hours to 32 hours for the same pay and benefits. Through a variety of pilots across the world, this reduction has been proven to work for employees and employers. The pandemic made it clear we can find a better balance between work and life, and the results of the pilots demonstrate a growing willingness to widely adopt this new model of working. This week Elisa and Andrew are joined by Mark Downs, CEO of the Royal Society of Biology, which is participating in the latest UK pilot (as possibly the only membership body thus far to engage with the model), to discuss the impacts of a 4-day week on the organisation's productivity, staff wellbeing, and member engagement.
Visit https://www.4dayweek.com/ for more information on the global pilots.
playlist_add
Oct 2, 2022
The Transformative Power of the CAE
Association management is a vocation; it is a profession; and for an increasing number of people, it is a career choice. It is a craft which requires a complex mix of skills, knowledge, and experience, dexterously combining knowledge of association culture, structure, and politics, with a whole spectrum of professional expertise, ranging from strategy and advocacy to marketing and event management, and everything in between. Defining and maintaining shared professional standards is therefore imperative for the long-term success of the profession. Elisa and Andrew are joined by sector specialist, CAE evangelist, and host of Nonprofit Conversations, Cecilia Sepp to discuss the transformative power of professional recognition and accreditation.
playlist_add
Sep 18, 2022
The quagmire of leadership relationships
Constructive relationships amongst association leadership are fundamental to an organisation's success but too often we've seen tensions emerge between volunteer leaders and association professionals. Unless we invest in our relationships, it can be far too easy for an association's leadership team to descend into an emotional quagmire. Elisa and Andrew explore the reasons why these tensions can exist and examine what can be done to ensure relationship success.
playlist_add
Sep 5, 2022
Disruption and opportunity? A review of #ASAE22
At this year's ASAE Annual Meeting, keynote speaker Marcus Whitney encouraged association professionals to reexamine their perception of innovation and offered practical lessons on how organizations could be creative and goal-oriented. But what else did we learn from #ASAE22? Elisa and Andrew are joined by association community specialist, blogger, and fellow podcaster, Kiki L'Italien to discuss the lessons learned from Nashville.
You can listen to Kiki's podcast at https://associationchat.com.
playlist_add
Aug 13, 2022
Fonteva's State of Membership Review 2022
After two years of unprecedented change for individuals and organizations both societally and globally, with their 2022 State of Membership Survey Fonteva wanted to learn not just about where associations have been, but where they are going. Many associations have adapted and evolved as the needs and expectations of their members have changed and many have stepped into numerous roles to lead and be a resource for their industries or professions. So what is the state of membership? Jay Daughtry joins Elisa and Andrew to assess.
Fonteva's summary report is available at https://marketing.fonteva.com/l/34462/2022-07-12/3js68y5 and the full survey results can be downloaded at https://marketing.fonteva.com/l/34462/2022-05-11/3dzxr4k.
playlist_add
Jul 30, 2022
If you're not at the table... How associations can engage on topics of social interest
The Entomological Society of America (ESA) is a non-partisan scientific organization which represents a broad spectrum of opinions united under one principle: the promotion and advancement of scientific inquiry, discovery, and communication. Within the context of its diverse membership, the ESA has devised a successful approach to engaging in topics of broad social interest, including statements on Why Black Lives Matter to Entomology at the start of the George Floyd movement, the January 6 insurrection (Our Place in Democracy), the Hidden Costs of War (in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine), and the recent ruling from the Supreme Court on Dobbs v Jackson Women's Health Organization (On Women's Pursuit of Science). We contend that a modern membership organization has an obligation to participate in societal debate and to influence social narratives wherever possible; and in Episode 60 of #associationtransformation, Elisa and Andrew are joined by Chris Stelzig, Executive Director of the ESA who explains the organization's methods for addressing social responsibilities through constructive dialogue and informed debate.
If you're not at the table, then you're probably on the menu.
playlist_add
Jul 17, 2022
Hybrid is in the eye of the beholder: methods for expanding non-dues revenue
Maintaining diverse income streams is (or should be) a ubiquitous priority for association leaders. While the pandemic focused our attention on new approaches to securing non-dues revenue, post-pandemic it is incumbent on us to to sustain partnerships and innovations that underpin financial strength, promote business resilience, and support the development of an equally diverse value proposition. As we celebrate our 2nd birthday, Elisa and Andrew are joined by Patrick Wilson, growth strategist and President of The Profitable Association to explore alternative income formulas for modern membership organizations.
playlist_add
Jul 3, 2022
Creativity and the case for content culture
This week's episode is sponsored by our friends at Cambridge Publishing Ltd (www.cpl.co.uk). Elisa and Andrew are joined by Martin Bewick, Senior Content Strategist at CPL to explore the value of devising an association's content strategy and the impact of cultivating a content culture. There is no single 'right' model and Martin helps us understand the process for creating a content strategy that works hand-in-hand with your wider business, marketing and communications plans to ensure you tell a consistent story to your members.
Download CPL's report on Channelling the future at https://www.cpl.co.uk/news/channelling-future.
playlist_add
Jun 19, 2022
Our 2022 mid-year review
How's life in Association World? What are the priorities? What are we talking about and what should we be talking about? This week Elisa and Andrew spend time exploring the subjects that pique their interest as they reflect on the ongoing development and focus of membership organisations since launching Association Transformation nearly two years ago.
playlist_add
May 3, 2022
The State of Nonprofit Marketing
Salesforce recently published its 7th annual report on marketing within the global nonprofit environment. Over 8,200 marketing professional from more than 30 countries were surveyed on the shifts which have occurred in marketing strategies, priorities, and challenges during 2021. It makes insightful reading and this week Elisa and Andrew are joined by marketing specialists Lorraine Cox, CMktr and Stefan Bradham, CAE to explore recent changes and trends in content strategy, member engagement, data innovation, and digitisation.
You can download the report at https://www.salesforce.com/form/sfdo/ngo/state-of-marketing-2021/?d=7013y000002RBTVAA4&nc=7013y000002RBTQAA4&utm_medium=tp_email&utm_source=sfdo&utm_campaign=amer-npc-npo&utm_content=ebook-off1-nonprofit-hub-state-of-marketing-2021.
Mark Schafer's book Marketing Rebellion: the most human company wins can be ordered at https://www.amazon.co.uk/Marketing-Rebellion-Most-Human-Company/dp/0578419866/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&q…
playlist_add
Apr 18, 2022
The untapped power of component relations: an ASAE 2022 preview pod
Ahead of their session at the this year's ASAE's annual meeting in Nashville, Jessica Irizarry, Michelle Runge, and Elisa share their views with Andrew on the imperative to elevate awareness of and appreciation for the centrality of component relations amongst associations.
Register for the 2022 ASAE Annual Meeting at https://annual.asaecenter.org/index.cfm.
playlist_add
Apr 3, 2022
Continuous Disruptive Innovation
Organizations that employ the strategy of Continuous Disruptive Innovation (CDI) are a rare breed. They require disruptive leadership teams who create tremendous long-term value by nurturing periods of sustained ideation and value creation. They build platforms or networks that give rise to the development of a series of offerings, each of which creates further disruption within an industry. Think Google. Think Apple. Elisa and Andrew begin to explore the basics of CDI and consider ways in which the membership world can apply the principles of CDI to the long-term development (and redevelopment) of their value propositions.
playlist_add
Mar 20, 2022
The House of Agile
The last two years have seen unprecedented disruption across the world and businesses have had to adapt to survive. In 2017, McKinsey wrote a report called the Five Trademarks of Agile Organisation. Today's guests, Marcia Philpin explains how she adapted the five trademarks and developed the FPM's House of Agile to nurture, sustain, and grow the FPM during the pandemic.
Marcia's article can be read at https://mag.nationalhealthexecutive.com/publication/?m=62920&i=683129&p=6.
Registration for the IAL's Essence of Leadership Summit is found at https://theial.org/essence-of-leadership-summit/.
playlist_add
Feb 27, 2022
Attention economics: the bottleneck of human thought
When he defined the concept of "attention economics" in 1971, Nobel Laureate Herbert A. Simon wrote that "...a wealth of information creates a poverty of attention...". 50 years later, and in a data-rich world, the overwhelming wealth of information available to us means a dearth of something else, i.e. the scarcity of whatever it is that information consumes - our attention. In this week's episode, and in the first of a series of conversations focused on attention economics, Elisa and Andrew define the concept and begin to explore how membership bodies need to understand, respond to, and flourish within the attention economy.
playlist_add
Jan 30, 2022
The Benefits of Going Global
Exposure to fresh perspectives, new ways of doing things, alternative solutions, peer networks, and creative ideas is fundamentally every association's core purpose; and building and capitalising on an international network is an effective way of delivering against an association's mission. But many association leaders grapple with international business development, not least because of the perceived time, money, and resources required but also because the relevance isn't always obvious. In this week's episode Elisa and Andrew explore the realities of going global - the benefits, the risks, the barriers, and the opportunities - and the need for informed decision-making when contemplating international strategy.
playlist_add
Jan 16, 2022
Narratives in the New Year - the power of nonprofit storytelling
Storytelling is humanity’s oldest technology for connection, identity, and sense making. And today it’s the mission-critical competency for knowledge-era leaders. The world's most influential leaders are telling stories, including association leaders and Elisa and Andrew are joined by the Storyteller Leader, David Hutchens and discuss how to bring the power of authentic human connection to your most urgent work, including the narrative assets — the value-holding stories — that you can bring to the work you’re doing right now.
For more information visit https://www.storytellingleader.com and freely download the entire set of canvas resources.
playlist_add
Jan 2, 2022
Season 3 Preview
2021 was a tough one. Tougher than many of us expected. But there were still plenty of highlights and successes, and there's a lot to look forward to in 2022. In the Season 3 opener, Elisa and Andrew reflect on the big takeaways from 2021 and explore what's exciting them in the membership world for the year ahead. Welcome back to Association Transformation!
playlist_add
Oct 24, 2021
The Great Re-Think: understanding the post-pandemic talent pipeline
They call it the "great resignation" but is it really going to turn out to be that? Certainly, as with so many professions, post-pandemic, association executives are reassessing their priorities, reexamining their career paths, and rethinking what it is that they want from work. Bob Corlett, Founder & President of Staffing Advisors joins Elisa and Andrew to explore the trends which are rapidly emerging in the non-profit jobs market and executive recruitment.
playlist_add
Oct 11, 2021
NLP for Association Leaders
Neuro-Linguistic Programming is the practice of understanding how people organise their thinking, feeling, language and behaviour to produce the results they do. It's been defined as the “users manual for your mind” because studying NLP gives us insights into how our thinking patterns can affect every aspect of our lives, including in our roles as association leaders. We mark World Mental Health Day with Tasha Thor-Straten, who helps us better understand how NLP can be used for personal development and for our success as association executives.
playlist_add
Sep 26, 2021
Victims of our own success? An Associations Week Special
Since last year's Associations Week, it's fair to say that the membership sector has more than proven itself adept at managing change. There's no doubt that associations have demonstrated their worth as creative, adaptive, flexible, innovative, ambitious, and responsive focal points of many professional communities. But at what cost? Heightened member expectations, increased demands to "do more with less", constantly competing priorities, and a digital culture that facilities (and arguably demands) 24/7 access to services, are all combining to threaten the exceptional endeavours of our sector, as well as the emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing of staff and volunteers. Are we slipping back into old ways? Are we defining the value proposition as quantity over quality? And are we forgetting that what drives membership is that unique sense of belonging amongst a community of peers? Elisa and Andrew take some time out to discuss and reflect on the health and wellbeing of our industry.
playlist_add
Sep 13, 2021
The Equity Equation: creating a Board philosophy and building a governance legacy
It is fundamental to the principles of ESG that governance can and should be used to leverage positive, sustainable change; and as focal points of civic society, through their governance action, professional membership bodies can work to realise significant cultural change. Elisa and Andrew are joined by first-time Board member, Leanne Antoine, who as a newly appointed member of the Council of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, shares her ambitions as a volunteer leader and her insights on the role of governance in establishing and maintaining equity, diversity, and inclusivity.
playlist_add
Aug 30, 2021
The (not so new) need to know your audience
Have you ever been in a meeting with someone who is clearly giving you the same presentation they've given before to other audiences? There are some telltale signs: a generic set of benefits, little anticipation of objections, a lack of details that speak to your specific situation. Chances are that you tuned out somewhere along the way because you didn’t feel connected to what they were telling you. They weren’t talking to you but just a generalized "someone". Now think, what if your members view your association like that?
Connecting with your members is a key part of persuading, influencing, and supporting your members, but what does it mean in practice? Nona Phinn, President & Chief Messaging Officer at THuS Marketing + Branding Services joins Elisa and Andrew to discuss the (not so new) need to know, prioritise, and target your audience.
playlist_add
Aug 15, 2021
Futures literacy: an essential competency for the 21st century
UNESCO describes 'futures literacy' as "...a universally accessible skill that builds on the innate human capacity to imagine the future, offers a clear, field tested solution to poverty-of-the-imagination." FL is a capability that allows people to better understand the role of the future in what they see and do. Being futures literate empowers the imagination, enhances our ability to prepare, recover and invent as changes occur. Elisa and Andrew explore how association leaders can apply this pivotal skill in shaping and controlling the direction of their organisations. *
*
playlist_add
Aug 2, 2021
Winning strategies for Olympian CEOs
Every four years the best are brought together to compete. What makes the best of the best in association leadership? Andrew and Elisa undertake an Olympic discussion of gold, silver and bronze competencies. In advance of the IAL releasing its leadership systems map, this week we explore the changing and emerging skills required of gold medal CEOs and how to employ and frame competency outlines in general.
playlist_add
Jul 19, 2021
The Power of the Visual to Advance Mission
Video is such a powerful medium! To educate, to engage, to bring together. You add some special effects, the written word, and some music, and you’re able to influence people in ways you just can’t do with a still graphic or an email.” While the cat’s away (no Andrew this episode)… we chat video and the power of visual storytelling to advance mission-driven organizations. Elisa is joined by producer and guest cohost Andy Carrol for a conversation with international man of mystery and video and branding expert Kurt Schneid, Executive Producer of Brand Ready Media. Join us as we discuss how nonprofit organizations can leverage visual content to heighten awareness, elevate cause, and amplify their voice. Plus, we see the birth of a bromance and learn how McDonalds was forced to abandon Styrofoam cups!! What more could you ask for in under 33 minutes!
playlist_add
Jul 4, 2021
Feedback is a gift
How would you score in a communications audit? Shannon Powell Rodocker joins Elisa and Andrew in exploring the impact of good (and bad!) communications and introduces us to the process and value of routinely auditing, investing, reviewing, and refreshing association communications. Visit www.remembermkt.com for more details on the audit toolkit.
playlist_add
Jun 20, 2021
Happy Birthday Association Transformation!
With a guest list that reads like a who's-who of global association specialists, we've enjoyed an incredible first year of insights, debate, and banter. Join Elisa and Andrew as they reflect on their first 12 months of transatlantic conversation and look forward to what the next 12 months has in store. Happy Birthday, Association Transformation!
playlist_add
Jun 14, 2021
Curiosity, Conflict, Communication
Disagreement, misunderstandings and tensions amongst team members are not uncommon. Indeed, conflict amongst people is a natural part of everyday life but in the context of our professional lives, conflict does not need to be destructive. Instead, it can and should be used as a tool that allows teams to take action to accomplish a particular goal. Getting issues out in the open and on the table allows teams to evaluate a problem or question with more complete information and, in the end, to make a better decision. And crucially, a culture of constructive conflict always generates a strong sense of team cohesion. Gina D'Andrea Weatherup joins Elisa and Andrew in exploring the practical tools for improving a team’s transparency and communication within a trust-based environment. Visit www.chantillymediationandfacilitation.com for more details on creating happier workplaces.
playlist_add
Jun 6, 2021
Empowering Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion as an Association Leader
Sharon Newport, an association executive and all-around guru, joins Andrew and Elisa today to speak about how, as an association leader, you can empower diversity, equality and inclusion in your organisation.
Sharon believes, real change happens at the top. Figureheads are responsible for changing an organisation's structure to be richer in diversity, more equal and inclusive.
Tune in to find out how to make this cultural shift in your organisation.
Catch Sharon's IGNITE Masterclass on the 22nd of June!
playlist_add
May 30, 2021
Get your non-profit noticed with Google Ad Grants
In this week's episode, we delve deep into how to promote your organisation cost-effectively.
Today's guest Mary Gross has worked in the non- and for-profit technology field for the last 25 years. Working with OCT Performance Marketing, she managed client accounts and worked to create and deploy marketing strategies that involve digital and social media campaigns and website development – all focused on a measurable return on investment. In the nonprofit sector, she worked with United Way of San Diego County, Nonprofit Management Solutions and 211 for 20 years and brings a deep knowledge of the nonprofit sector to any project.
playlist_add
May 23, 2021
Your Environmental Response to Membership: The transition to net-zero
Alison Heppenstall, Director at CAFA and Managing Director of the b2b Group, joins Andrew and Elisa for another IGNITE special on today's episode.
Join them as they discuss the reach, power, and influence associations can and should have on tackling the climate crisis. Climate Action for Associations (CAFA), has been developed in response to the growing demand from membership organisations who are seeking guidance on how to implement sustainable business practices, take climate action internally and drive member value.
Find out how to get involved with CAFA by following this link.
Alison is the host of our next masterclass, Demonstrating Climate Leadership and Driving the Net Zero Agenda. Register here now!
To find out more about the IGNITE programme follow this link!
Don't forget to subscribe to the pod, so you never miss an episode.
playlist_add
May 16, 2021
The New Nonprofit Normal: Information, Human Connections and Humility
The pandemic has shaken up the way we work, and the way we connect with other people. Associations have grown ever more important as they provide that space for connection.
Elisa and today's guests, Carmen Elliott, Vice President at the American Physical Therapy Association and Dana Aragon Director of Workforce Development at the Associated General Contractors of New Mexico, speak about how their associations have tended and supported their members through this disruptive time.
As Dana says, "information is the new currency" and "there's strength in numbers", associations have never been more valuable.
For more information about Association Transformation, please see our website: https://associationtransformation.org/
Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.
Please subscribe to our podcast on your favourite platform, so you never miss an episode!
playlist_add
May 9, 2021
New CEO 2.0 Association Giants on New Journeys
In our usual cross-Atlantic style, today, the conversation turns to a panel of seasoned association professionals who have taken up new roles during the disruption of the pandemic.
Today's guests are Dave Daquelente- Executive Director at Master Builders' Association of Western Pennsylvania, Inc., Victoria Elliot – CEO, Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association and Simon Forrester - Chief Executive Officer at Guild of Architectural Ironmongers.
For more information about Association Transformation, please see our website: https://associationtransformation.org/
Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.
Please subscribe to our podcast on your favourite platform, so you never miss an episode!
playlist_add
May 2, 2021
A Culture of Failure - Learning Through Experimentation
Do we learn more through our mistakes than our successes? Andrew and Elisa discuss the importance of failure and how it makes us grow as leaders.
You won't want to miss this episode.
For more information about Association Transformation, please see our website: https://associationtransformation.org/
Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.
Please subscribe to our podcast on your favourite platform, so you never miss an episode!
playlist_add
Apr 25, 2021
Using Less Energy - the start to every net-zero journey
Mervyn Pilley, Executive Director at the Energy Solutions and Technology Association (ESTA), joins the hosts in an IGNITE special.
Mervyn speaks about his mammoth association career, how he got into energy and the importance of using less of it. They discuss how associations and other businesses can be more energy conscious in order to be kinder to the planet.
Mervyn is taking the next instalment of our IGNITE Masterclass Series on the 28th April, where he will go into far more depth about how using less energy will set you on the path to becoming net-zero. Register here!
ESTA's Energy Conscious Organisation online training course that future-proofs organisations and creates the required skills for a Net Zero world powered by people.
You won't want to miss this episode.
To find out more about the IAL's IGNITE programme please visit our website:
https://theial.org/about-ignite
For more information about Association Transformation, please see our website: https://associationtransfo…
playlist_add
Apr 18, 2021
The Association Rebranding Process: is it time for a make-over?
Associations, like any business, has a brand and that brand needs to morph with the transformation of the business. With some associations being centuries old, rebranding is a necessity to keep with the times. In this week's episode, Andrew and Elisa and their guests speak about this process - the how and why of an association's rebrand.
How can you identify when your organisation needs a paint job? Who needs to be involved in the process? How much is it going to cost? And, what are the benefits - what do you get out of it?
These questions and more are addressed with today's guests Gwyn Donohue, Director of Communications & Public Affairs at PIJAC and Rob Helsby, Lead Designer at Cantarus.
You won't want to miss this episode.
For more information about Association Transformation, please see our website: https://associationtransformation.org/
Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.
Please subscribe to our podcast on your favourite platform, so you never miss an episode
playlist_add
Apr 12, 2021
The Power of being an Innovative Leader
In another Andrew and Elisa special, the Association Transformation stars speak innovation on this week's episode.
What is it to be innovative as an association leader? How can you build an innovative organisation and constantly be ahead of the curve? Is it even possible? What is the importance?
These are all questions tackled in today's episode. Tune in to learn how to be an innovative leader of an innovative organisation.
You won't want to miss this episode.
For more information about Association Transformation, please see our website: https://associationtransformation.org/
Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.
Please subscribe to our podcast on your favourite platform, so you never miss an episode
playlist_add
Mar 28, 2021
Membership Do's and Don'ts for 2021
Membership is at the heart of any association and today's guests are membership directors of the highest calibre.
Join in on our conversation where Andrew, Elisa, Kim Hall, Membership Director of National Association of Counties, and David D'Souza, Membership Director of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development speak all thing membership.
Also, tune in to find out what a fortnight is!
You won't want to miss this episode.
For more information about Association Transformation, please see our website: https://associationtransformation.org/
Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.
Please subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform, so you never miss an episode!
playlist_add
Mar 21, 2021
Virtual Strategic Planning
In this episode of Association Transformation, Andrew and Elisa take center stage and discuss one of their specialties as association experts, virtual strategic planning.
With social distancing measures in place, the move to digital has changed the way so many of our business processes are done. The process of strategic planning has in effect metamorphosed through the pandemic because of moving online. Andrew and Elisa explore this change and share their expert tips on how to effectively pull off virtual strategic planning.
You won't want to miss this episode.
For more information about Association Transformation, please see our website: https://associationtransformation.org/
Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.
Please subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform, so you never miss an episode!
playlist_add
Mar 14, 2021
Social Innovation, Enterprise and Entrepreneurship: what associations can do to help
In an extraordinary episode of Association Transformation, Andrew and Elisa are joined by two sustainability gurus, who also happen to be association heavyweights, to discuss the power and influence associations can drive social innovation.
Jill Poet, CEO of the Organisation for Responsible Businesses CIC (ORB), and Gwyn Jones, Director at the Association of Sustainability Practitioners (ASP), speak with the hosts about social innovation, enterprise, and entrepreneurship are and what they mean for associations.
You won't want to miss this episode.
To find out more about the IAL's IGNITE programme please visit our website:
https://theial.org/about-ignite
Register here for Jill's Masterclass being held on Thursday 18th March.
Register here to access Gwyn's OnDemand Masterclass recording.
For more information about Association Transformation, please see our website: https://associationtransformation.org/
Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.
Please subscribe to our podcas…
playlist_add
Mar 7, 2021
Financial Mindfulness and Strategy
Money is on our minds in this week's episode of Association Transformation. In a continuation of a previous conversation had in November, Andrew and Elisa are joined by Graeme Copestake, Director of Crossley Third Sector & Partner of the Crossley Group. Graeme is a partner-level Finance Director working exclusively with and for Associations, Membership Organisations, and Institutes.
After listening to the episode "CF-Oh No", Graeme wanted to further the conversation had by the hosts and Kevin Madden. They discuss more on reserve policies, how to depoliticise financial conversations with the board, creating and achieving both financial targets and strategy.
For more information about Association Transformation, please see our website: https://associationtransformation.org/
Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.
Please subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform, so you never miss an episode!
playlist_add
Feb 28, 2021
Proper Leadership for Board Governance
Andrew is joined by Cindy Sparrow, Director at Consort Strategy, to discuss the importance of good leadership at board level.
As an association executive, you know that poor board leadership could be detrimental to the reputation of your organisation and it's members. This is why identifying it early, understanding how to address it and stop it from growing is imperative to an association's success. In this week's episode Andrew and Cindy focus on a recent case study taken from the Institute of Directors and uncover key findings to analyse how not to lead a board.
You won't want to miss this episode.
For more information about Association Transformation, please see our website: https://associationtransformation.org/
Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.
Please subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform, so you never miss an episode!
playlist_add
Feb 21, 2021
No Rest & Relaxation for Recruitment & Retention in the New Year
The pandemic caused a massive change in the association sector, as it did for all the sectors and communities that associations represent. Value propositions had to change, membership offerings had to adapt, and how organisations reached prospect members had to adjust to this new normal. In this week's episode, Andrew and Elisa wanted to dive deep into the ways associations have been dealing with this change in the recruitment and retention of members.
To do this, we invited two special guests to discuss what membership looked like throughout 2020 and what it looks like for 2021. Robyn Brently and Matt Dale are both from the UK & Ireland SAP User Group. Robyn is the Corporate Account Manager, and Matt is Head of Business Development. Together they give us a comprehensive account of how their organisation has proactively reacted to the pandemic and been there for their members every step of the way.
For more information about Association Transformation, please see our website: https:/…
playlist_add
Feb 14, 2021
Associations Advancing Goal #1 - Ending Poverty
As our listeners know by now, at Association Transformation, we love nothing more than investigating what associations are doing to advance their social responsibility and their members' social responsibility. We genuinely believe that membership organisations have the power and the reach to make a positive difference in the world.
In today's episode, Andrew and Elisa have an exceptional guest on to discuss the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, in particular, goal number 1 - Ending Poverty, Everywhere.
Jeffers Miruka, founder and President at the African Society of Association Executives and the CEO of the African Association of Agricultural Economists, takes us on a personal journey through his experience of poverty through to being one of the most impressive association heavyweights we have had the pleasure of knowing. Jeffers discusses how his experiences have influenced the practices he instills in the associations he heads and is involved in.
You won't want to miss this inspi…
playlist_add
Feb 7, 2021
The New Search for Association Leadership
In this week's episode, Elisa and her guest Jamie Pratt co-founder of Spano Pratt Executive Search, delve deep into a topic that we have yet to cover on Association Transformation. They are talking about the talent transition and executive search in the non-profit space.
Jamie has 30 years' worth of experience under her belt and takes us through best practices for associations looking to hire a new senior executive and how someone looking for an executive role can most effectively.
If you are seeking a new path in your association career or are looking for a new executive team member, visit Spano Pratt Executive Search's website to find resources or to get in contact with Jamie: https://spanopratt.com/
For more information about Association Transformation, please see our website: https://associationtransformation.org/
Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.
Please subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform, so you never miss an episode.
playlist_add
Jan 31, 2021
Elections Have Consequences
Today's episode is all about the impact of elections and government affairs on associations. The Trump Administration ceased to exist since on 20th of January, as the US inaugurated the 47th President of the United States, Joe Biden. What does this landmark election mean for associations in the US and globally?
Andrew and Elisa invite two experts to discuss this election, what it means for associations, how they communicate governmental affairs to members, and what they do to advocate for their sector. The US' associations are renowned for being great lobbyists, the panel speaks about the importance of advocacy and having a relationship with the government.
Today, our guests are Marco Giamberardino, Vice President, Government, and Public Affairs NECA, and Frank McCarthy, Principal McCarthy Advanced Consulting.
Join our guests and find out how your association can do more for your members by being a lobbyist and advocacy giant.
For more information about Association Transformation,…
playlist_add
Jan 17, 2021
The Social Responsibility of Associations
This week, Andrew and Elisa are joined by Richard Collins of CSR-Accreditation to discuss what associations can do to address their social responsibility and help their members do the same. Together, they delve into what social responsibility means in the context of associations and non-profits, what creating a standard of social responsibility actually looks like, and how associations and their members can realise these standards and achieve accreditation.
Visit CSR-A's website for more information: https://csr-accreditation.co.uk/
Visit our website: https://associationtransformation.org/
If you would like to get involved with Consort Strategy's social purpose programme IGNITE visit our website: https://consortstrategy.com/ignite
Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn
playlist_add
Jan 10, 2021
South Africa's Association Transformation
As you know, at Association Transformation, we are dedicated to finding new and exciting guests from all over the world to share with us how their organisations are evolving. In this week's episode, Elisa and Andrew invite three association heavyweights from South Africa to the table to discuss exactly that.
Tes Proos, President at SITE Africa, Kevan Jones, Executive Director at the Southern African Communications Industries Association and Charlotte Kemp, Associations Futurist, and Deputy President at the PSASA are today's guests. They get together to discuss their organisation's successes and setbacks of the year just gone and what 2021 looks like for them.
Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode!
Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.
Visit our website: https://associationtransformation.org/
playlist_add
Jan 3, 2021
The Urgency of Social Media
Using social media successfully and effectively is imperative to grow an organisation. The prospect of doing so is, however, a daunting one. It is difficult to know what platforms to use, how to create the best content, how much money to budget, how much content to share etc. So, what is the best way to use social media? What techniques should be used to maximise recruitment, advocacy and revenue? Knowing how to navigate the hidden complexities of social media and how to add value to your organisation using these tools is what we are talking about today.
In our first episode back, Andrew and Elisa invite Karlyn Ankrom onto the show to discuss the urgency of social media in the New Year. Karlyn is the founder of Oh Snap! Social and the creator of the Fan Firestarter Framework, a new approach to social media marketing made specifically for businesses "tempted to fake their own death and flee to Tahiti at the mere thought of content creation." Ankrom developed her user-friendly strategy…
playlist_add
Dec 13, 2020
CEO SOS
On the pod, Andrew and Elisa have spoken to a range of fantastic association leaders all who have shared their challenges and wins of 2020. In the final episode of this year the hosts welcome two expert association executives to discuss their session at the ASAE 2020 Conference titled "Executive SOS".
Aliyah Horton, Executive Director at Maryland Pharmacists Association & Christina Garneski, Vice President at the American Public Transportation Association held the session earlier this year and came on the show to discuss a range of important challenges executives face in their day to day lives.
They talk;
* Avoiding burnout
* How to achieve a work-life balance through self-care
* How to switch off without feeling guilty
* Being a self-aware and emotionally intelligent leader
* The importance of being actively aware of staff needs and being compassionate towards them
* Doing your best and being the best you can be
At Association Transformation we believe that we can all…
playlist_add
Dec 6, 2020
The Necessity & Potential of Board Training
These are uncertain times and all professional associations, irrespective of membership demographic, geographic focus, or financial strength, are striving to operate at peak efficiency and effectiveness, and to support their members in increasingly fragile socio-economic and political environments. Now, perhaps for the first time in generations, membership associations must be wholly pragmatic in ensuring they add durable value to their members’ professions, industries and communities. This is a reality that transcends borders. Given these mounting challenges and expectations, volunteer board members are increasingly required to support association staff by playing more decisive, strategic, and generative roles within the organisations.
Within the voluntary environment of association governance, it can be difficult to find time, resources or suitable avenues for personal development, and yet for directors to be successful as effective leaders, a commitment from associations to their…
playlist_add
Nov 29, 2020
The Inextricable Relationship Between Events and Associations
What does the loss of in-person events mean for associations? During 2020 some associations have been adept at diversifying their membership services and related income streams and have benefited from doing so. On the flip side, however, those associations that have failed to respond to circumstances and adapt accordingly have suffered financially. Our research demonstrates a definite economic impact on associations following the crash of the events industry but interestingly, that impact has not only been negative.
In this episode Andrew and Elisa have invited three events industry experts to discuss this intertwined relationship between events and associations. They welcome Rob Eveleigh, Managing Director at Brightelm, Ed Trantor, Managing Director at 73 Media and Director at the Association of Event Organisers and Jennifer Young, President, eVoque event management group ltd.
Visit our website to find out how you can make IMPACT.
Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn
Don't forget to…
playlist_add
Nov 15, 2020
CF-Oh No! Financial Leadership During Disruption
Coronavirus has brought many unprecedented challenges upon the association community, the most prominent being financial. Lots of associations have been forced to dip into their reserves to help keep them afloat; mitigate risks by forecasting near unforecastable futures; and demonstrate new ways of solving complex financial problems. Navigating this uncertain economic landscape successfully requires creativity and innovation which, in turn, requires strong and effective leadership. To help us with this conversation today, we have just that. Joining Andrew and Elisa is Kevin Madden, Chief Financial Officer at the National Apartment Association.
Find the National Apartment Associations here
Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn
Visit our website here
playlist_add
Nov 8, 2020
An Interview with the AuSAE
In today's episode, Andrew and Elisa "travel" (digitally, of course) all the way down to the southern hemisphere to Australia where they speak with Toni Brearley, Chief Executive Officer at the Australasian Society of Association Executives.
To date, Association Transformation has remained a transatlantic conversation and so we are so excited to go totally global in this episode. The hosts and Toni take a deep dive into the issues surrounding associations in Australia and New Zealand and the creative and exciting solutions that they're implementing to overcome these issues. They talk international collaboration and innovation, experimental member content, hybrid events and much, much more.
playlist_add
Nov 1, 2020
Lifting the Lid on Governance
Association governance is an integral part of running a successful organisation can often be perceived as a burden and is therefore overlooked as an opportunity. In today's episode Andrew and Elisa aim to start lifting the lid on governance and get people thinking of it in a much more positive and strategic light.
In conversation today are Monica Million, Immediate Past President of the National Emergency Number Association, Nicola Rylett, Trustee of the Institute of Leadership & Management and Caroline Bovey, Chair of the British Dietetic Association.
playlist_add
Oct 26, 2020
The New Breed of CEO
We all know starting a new position, no matter what it is, comes with its challenges. Becoming a c-suite executive for the first time is no different. Today, Andrew and Elisa chat to two first-time chief executives - Molly Georgakis, Executive Director at the Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics and Mike Stark, Chief Executive at the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry - about what it has been like to lead an association for the first time, especially in these turbulent times. We chat about the greatest challenges that they have faced so far and what impact COVID has had on them and their organisations. We also talk about the opportunities and silver linings that come with the job; and we project forward through their aspirations for 2021.
playlist_add
Oct 5, 2020
The Power of Partnerships
Given the engagement challenges and revenue disruptions brought by the pandemic, everyone is looking to do more with less. Does today’s environment make partnerships even more appealing? Whether partnerships, coalitions, or collaborations, what are the pros and cons of these cross-organization relationships? What does each side bring to the table and expect in return? Are there economies of scale and opportunities to share costs? How do you balance egos and measure impact? We get straight to the point with a master of powerful partnerships and CEO of the pet industry’s government affairs and advocacy arm, Mike Bober.
playlist_add
Sep 21, 2020
Nonprofit Networking in the New Normal
Remember that connecting is universal. Connecting is a human necessity even in a time of pandemic. It spans industries, age groups, levels of career, and its need is even greater in a post-COVID world especially with in-person meetings on hold. So what are associations to do to serve their members and deliver the expected networking value? Networking is no longer a reception at the hotel bar during convention. But let's talk about more than just online communities. Consider member-driven networking engagement beyond just virtual happy hours, alternatives like mentoring programs, reverse mentoring programs, leadership development programs. Let’s discuss the changing needs of members as it relates to networking and maybe this is also a technology conversation. But we can’t ignore online community platforms. What is working in the new normal and how can we help nonprofits navigate it through case studies and best practices. What does it look like now and how do you keep the humanity i…
playlist_add
Sep 7, 2020
Leveraging COVID to Fast Track Innovation
In contrast to purposeful abandonment, how can association leaders use COVID to trigger, fast forward, or fast track innovation and initiatives. What are those things you wanted to do anyway or that were in progress or stalled and how did the impact of COVID help or allow associations to finally act and act quickly. Is COVID that opportunity to prototype, to beta, to experiment and to jump off that cliff? What do you need in order to get that green light – the board? Survey data? Financial impetus? Member call to action/member demand. Is it simply the fear of COVID and searching for new revenue streams that gets you there? What are people pulling the trigger on and how is it working out?
playlist_add
Aug 24, 2020
Engaging the senses: the case for investing in immersive experiences
As non-profits continue to cancel in-person meetings, virtual events are now a mainstay in the association space. Following the largest virtual conference yet (14K registrants, with nearly 8K attendees spending more than 10 hours on the platform over the course of 3 days), we discuss key takeaways, lessons learned, and “unmute” our very own event and digital production guru Andy Carrol, Creative Director at AM&C Media. Together we debate the potential of virtual experiences, dependence on engaging content, and the desperate need for quality production. Your virtual events don’t have to be apologetic replacements for the live experience. Not to miss, this timely and pertinent exchange will help you frame expectations and take your digital conference experience to the next level.
playlist_add
Aug 10, 2020
Who is your member of 2030?
For the first time in modern history, we have five generations working together but Baby Boomers are leaving, focusing on their retirement, taking years of experience with them. Generation X are replacing them, moving up the hierarchy but the majority of the workforce are Millennials or Generation Y, and by 2025 75% of the workforce will be Millennial. By 2030, just 10 years from now, Generation Z will start to occupy senior leadership roles and indeed, Generation Alpha will be leaving school and starting their careers! So, who is your member in 2030? What is your recruitment and retention strategy? What is your value proposition? What is your business model? We spend some time exploring these questions with one of the UK sector’s most entrepreneurial CEOs, Sarah Poulter.
playlist_add
Jul 27, 2020
Sponsorship and exhibition: the missing piece of the virtual events puzzle
Given the disruption to global travel and consequently to the convention, conference and business meeting experience, we want to better understand the impact of these events on the sponsors and vendors. From their perspectives, what has been the shift in focus and the impact on their ability to get in front of and serve their clients in the non-profit space.
playlist_add
Jul 12, 2020
Leveraging purposeful abandonment
We’ve all heard the quote “never let a good crisis go to waste.” Has the current crisis provided your association an opportunity to sunset an expensive, out of date, or burdensome product, program, or service? Have you been able to leverage these challenging circumstances to discontinue that pet project or stale committee? What have you been able to stop doing thanks to recent disruptions? Together with two seasoned CEOs, we explore what the COVID-19 pandemic has meant for associations’ business development.
playlist_add