Conversations by Association

COVID has created challenges for leaders across the country as they deal with the impact of the pandemic on their colleagues, members, and finances. Communication amid crisis can require different tools and techniques. Empathy, clarity, and candor are what people want and need. So what happens when key staff members are affected by COVID? Steve … Read More Read More

Kathleen O’Loughlin, DMD MPH CAE, began honing her leadership skills early in the professional life. Dr. O’Loughlin was the first female dental school class president and a valedictorian at Tufts University. Today she is a nationally recognized executive in the health care, nonprofit, and association management. Along the way, she has discovered the importance of … Read More Read More

Nancy Ukpe Gargula joins us to share her experiences from her first year in the association industry as well as insights from her work related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Nancy’s insights address a range of topics include ways to connect with others when you are new to your organization to how to slow down … Read More Read More

This season we’re adding mini episodes that help you Take Action on the insights from guests, and some of the most crucial aspects of developing your network, building skills, and leading in your career. Each Take Action episode will be focused on a tool that makes action easier and drives towards positive results that you … Read More Read More

Amy Sherwood and Melissa Walling share their experiences and advice on how they have built their careers and communities. This dynamic duo is both passionate about connecting with their members, association colleagues, and looking for new opportunities to develop their skills. Their intelligence, warmth, and drive shine through in their creative approaches to be constantly … Read More Read More

Debra BenAvram juggles many complex situations and takes on challenging issues—it’s the nature of her work and what she does exceptionally well. In order to stay focused on what matters most, she has learned to focus first on innovation and organizational leadership. Her approach is simple. Be intentional and remove obstacles that get in the … Read More Read More

This season we’re adding mini episodes that help you Take Action on the insights from guests, and some of the most crucial aspects of developing your network, building skills, and leading in your career. Each Take Action episode will be focused on a tool that makes action easier and drives towards positive results that you … Read More Read More

Catherine (Cathy) Johannesen shares her journey from viewing a position as a job to a career long passion. Her well-navigated career blends aspects of how to find the balance between what you want in your personal life and your career, and balance that what you want will look different over time. With an eye on … Read More Read More

From being a change agent in organizations to catalyzing her own career, Lakisha Ann Woods is a thoughtful and aware energizer. She is a superb example of leveraging the strengths of her team members, elevating others in their expertise, and learning to communicate in ways to meet people where they are most comfortable. Lakisha graciously … Read More Read More

From reasonable risks to helping individuals get heard on their ideas, Arlene Pietranton is a thoughtful leader, who started her career as a speech pathologist and traveled the path to ASHA CEO. Within her time at ASHA she has developed an awareness of sourcing the best ideas for innovation, facilitated a mindful culture, and made … Read More Read More

Where you sit in a room can have a profound effect on your future. On this episode of Conversations by Association, Sheri Jacobs describes attending an ASAE Membership Symposium many years ago where she knew no one. She chose a seat at a table that looked inviting and ended up next to Greg Fine. Although neither … Read More Read More

If there has ever been a person that elevates the energy in the room and an organization, it’s Jackie Price Osafo. Her energy, positivity, and dedication are a catalyst for the work she does and the people she meets. Jackie approaches her work, career, and community with a proactive mindset that teaches us how to … Read More Read More

This is a special episode of Conversations by Association, we thought it was important to have a conversation about racial inequality in real time, and what our association leaders can do to support their teams, their organizations, and themselves on this journey. George Floyd’s death was a catalyst to reignite change, a catalyst for very … Read More Read More

This season we’re adding mini episodes that help you Take Action on the insights from guests, and some of the most crucial aspects of developing your network, building skills, and leading in your career. Each Take Action episode will be focused on a tool that makes action easier and drives towards positive results that you … Read More Read More

What started as a volunteer role turned into a unexpected job opportunity for Carol Pape. Whether she is at an association meeting or a school event, Carol always pitches in – it’s part of who she is. Carol values inclusion and has spent much of her career creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for members, guests … Read More Read More

In this episode Cory, Laura, and Chris share their different paths to associations at different stages in their careers, reminding us the value of being open to new challenges and seeing new paths forward. From experiences in shifting industries to working with a recruiter, it’s important to be open to the opportunities even when they … Read More Read More

In this episode, Mary Byers teaches us all to look for creative ways to sharpen our skills and learn in new ways. From stepping outside the association industry for new learnings and ideas, to trying a new hobby like improv to help think creatively. Mary demonstrates the value of being proactive in your career, your … Read More Read More

Relationships matter, in personal and professional life. Sometimes they even overlap. Dr. Martha Twaddle and Emily Muse first became coworkers and later their relationship shifted and grew as they assumed the roles of association volunteer leader and staff member. Association volunteers and staff often comment that they feel they get more out of their experiences … Read More Read More

Thoughtful, patient, and kind, Dave Bergeson reminds all of us how to find the strengths in our peers, figuring out each step, and be open to a new path from time to time. He takes lessons he learned doing anthropology field work in the jungles of Panama, Peru, and Costa Rica into insightful lessons on … Read More Read More

Are you a morning lark or a night owl? Or just regularly sleep deprived and looking to sleep better these days? Dr. Marty Martin guides us through habits that help us feel more refreshed and set ourselves up for more success in our days by planning around our natural flows and peak productive times.  William … Read More Read More

Donté Shannon and Irving Washington share their insights and supportive friendship, demonstrating the value of building your support network, taking care of yourself and your relationships, and looking to the future. Donté Shannon, CAE Chief Executive Officer, Association of Equipment Management; Account Executive, AMPED Association Management “It really helped me to reframe that lens, that … Read More Read More

In this special episode of Conversations by Association, Season 2 opens with the return of popular Season 1 guest, Amelia Franck Meyer, who guides us through how the recent pandemic has dramatically changed how we live and work. Everyone’s priorities have changed and humans around the world are able to connect with colleagues, families, and … Read More Read More

Most people’s passion for association work doesn’t start in childhood—but that’s not the case for Mark Engle. His parents—Art and Dagny—started Association Management Center (AMC) nearly 50 years ago. Family vacations were replaced with association conferences where the entire family—including brothers Scott and Jeff—were expected to lend a helping hand. Later in life, Mark worked … Read More Read More

Karen Dunn Caspers, spent nearly 40 years working inside associations in a variety of roles. While inquiring about another association position she discovered a new career opportunity. Today, she works as an executive search consultant for Tuft and Associates in Chicago. Karen knows what associations are looking for when it comes to professional staff. She … Read More Read More

Proactive and thoughtful, the accomplished midcareer panel on this episode shares insights into expanding your network, finding confidants and mentors, and building a path on an undefined journey. Their advice resonates at all levels, as they discuss how to learn from your members, peers, and executives while building advisors and skills. Talking with Liz, Pam, … Read More Read More

“Do what love would do,” is a powerful statement and a reminder of how Amelia Franck Meyer approaches life and work. She believes people are most successful when they feel supported, safe and valued by those around them. Throughout her career as a nonprofit leader, she has remained committed to not only elevating individuals, but … Read More Read More

Valuing growth, relationships, and your own strengths are just a few key lessons that executive Steve Smith shares on this episode. Steve is known for his ability to create successful teams, help others’ voices be heard, and build strong communities, but that doesn’t mean it always came easy. He shares how it took time to … Read More Read More

From imposter syndrome to stepping into opportunities when they present themselves, a master of personal growth, Michelle Mills Clement discusses how she’s advanced her career by being open to taking on new responsibilities. Hear inspiring stories of community, growth and support from those who work alongside her within association management — both peers and the … Read More Read More

Leadership and team development expert, Christina Rowe, helps individuals and teams maximize their potential. This includes encouraging others TO explore and employ strategies to improve communication, reduce friction and improve quality of life. In this episode, the Conversations by Association co-host shares insights on how professionals at all stages of their career can take responsibility … Read More Read More

Some people have a passion for leadership. Others have passion for learning. For more than 20 years, Ken Slaw has been combining both in an effort to create unique experiences for himself, association members and colleagues. Discover unique concepts and insights regarding how to create an environment where professionals can continuously grow, learn and thrive … Read More Read More

Pat Blake has energy and passion for many things – especially change. In this episode, hear how she identifies and embraces new opportunities – from transitioning to a new CEO role to becoming president of ASAE. Pat offers practical advice and insights regarding small group dynamics, building trust and how to navigate difficult issues and … Read More Read More

Finding the good advisors and mentors can be a challenge in your career, complicated at times by the efforts to sustain those valuable relationships. On this episode take a peek inside a long-time mentoring relationship with Marilyn and Lindsey as we discuss forming and sustaining valuable relationships in your career. Marilyn Jansen Executive Director, Business … Read More Read More

“If you don’t advocate for yourself, who will? You have to have the confidence to step up and talk about your accomplishments.” Knowing what you want to do and who can help you get the right position is challenging — but not for Mitch Dvorak. He has reinvented himself multiple times and leveraged meaningful connections … Read More Read More

Wisdom is not defined by age alone, an adage clearly proven by this uplifting panel of successful professionals who are in their first decade of association work. Hear what Allison Lundberg, Lindsey Josephs, and Evan Rotert experienced as they entered the profession—from discomfort to discovery. These emerging leaders are helping to innovate their associations while … Read More Read More

Not everyone is comfortable taking calculated risks. Paul Pomerantz, however, seeks and sees opportunities in the spaces where others might only see challenges. Check out this episode to energize yourself and help you be more aware of how to navigate challenging situations and engage in volunteer leadership opportunities as you navigate your career in association … Read More Read More

On this inaugural episode, Michelle Mason discusses what it means to be a “forever learner” and how she went from association temp to CEO—with several important stops along the way. Tune in for sage advice and thought provoking conversation about how our work environments and people can shape and strengthen our own career and leadership … Read More Read More