Engaging in the Next – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, we chat with Sharon Pare, senior partnership program manager at HighRoad Solutions, about the power of networking at association conferences. Sharon emphasizes the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone to build meaningful relationships and highlights how conferences offer more than just professional development—they’re a gateway to valuable connections and growth opportunities. She also shares tips on maximizing your experience at the ASAE Annual Conference, from prioritizing sessions to making the most of networking and after-hours events.

In our latest episode, we sit down with Haley Jones, Director of Member Engagement at the American Staffing Association. Haley shares her full circle journey to the organization, her inspiring encounter with Coach K, and how she incorporates her own coaching skills into her leadership role. We also delve into her impactful DEI efforts. Tune in to learn about adaptability in the association space and why it’s crucial for organizational success.

Behind every association's successful communication strategy, there’s a dedicated communications team working tirelessly to craft and deliver messages that resonate with their target audience. In this episode, we talk to Marli Hall, director of communications and member services at the National Motor Freight Traffic Association.  We chat about her career journey in the association space, communication challenges she faces, new technology, and the future of association marcomm efforts. Oh, and we add a little yacht rock into the conversation.

Community organizing is a process by which members of an association come together to collectively address issues, solve problems, and create positive changes within their industries. In this episode, we talk to Molly Lewis, CEO of the Kentucky Primary Care Association. We chat about building relationships, mobilizing resources in times of need, and empowering association members to work collaboratively towards shared goals through community organizing. 

Podcasts serve as a prime engagement opportunity for associations ready to expand on their value propositions of being an industry thought leader. In this episode, we talk to Joanna Pineda, CEO and Chief Troublemaker for Matrix Group, and host of the popular Associations Thrive podcast.  We chat about her career journey in the association space, what it takes to launch and maintain a successful podcast, how to find the right host, and key themes that have come out of some of her favorite conversations with association executives.  

Reaching out to elected officials only after a potentially harmful legislative or regulatory issue arises could put your or your members’ livelihoods in jeopardy. In this episode, we talk to Mike Bober, president and CEO of the Pet Advocacy Network.  We chat about the four Fs of effectively communicating with lawmakers, the role of technology in advocacy efforts, why advocacy should be more proactive than reactive, and how the association's rebrand positively impacted the organization's advocacy efforts. 

Coaches play an important role in grooming a child's self-confidence, discipline and overall skills. But they are equally as important for association leaders looking to improve their leadership capabilities, boost team performance, or strengthen their resiliency to change. In this episode, we talk to Dr. Lakeya Cherry, an executive leadership coach and former CEO of the Network for Social Work Management. We chat about the benefits of coaching for association leaders, the importance of mentorship, combatting burnout, the future of work in the association space, DEI, and traits of a great leader. 

Show notes

For more information about Dr. Cherry, visit her website at lakeyacherry.com.

In this episode, we talk to Amanda Lea Kaiser, association keynote speaker, researcher, innovator, and author of Elevating Engagement: Uncommon Strategies for Creating a Thriving Member Community. We chat about the importance and challenges of member engagement and what motivated her to write a book on the topic; the perceived value of an association; and our favorite parts of each chapter of the book.

Show notes

Amanda Kaiser is an in-demand keynote speaker for audiences of association leaders worldwide. As a researcher, author, co-creator, and innovator, she is at the forefront of exploring how member engagement is rapidly changing within professional communities.

Order the book here.

For more information on booking a keynote presentation, visit here. 

While every ship needs a captain, equally as important is having a cruise director – the one that connects people and finds new ways for them to collaborate. In this episode, we talk to Dante Preciado, vice president of Member Engagement & International Relations for the American Society for Nutrition and one of the best "cruise directors" in the association space. We chat about connecting members, organizational growth opportunities, the importance of member advocacy, and professional development. 

The struggle is real. Well-being at work isn't always easy to maintain.  But there are many strategies an association can implement to foster an environment of well-being in the workplace. In this episode, we talk to Gilda VanderHeyden, the founder of The Non-Profit Path, a well-being at work practice that helps professionals in the non-profit space find the balance they need to avoid burnout and live a more productive life. We chat about why associations should care about the wellbeing of their staff and volunteers, how to ask for help if you're struggling, and advice on maintaining a strong work-life balance. 

Show notes

To download the free resources mentioned in this podcast, visit nonprofitpath.com.