Rogue Tulips Nonprofit Consulting Presents Chatting with Agnes & Cecilia | Nonprofit Conversations

Episode 287: Things could be described as "crazy" right now which is why we need to think even more deeply about Diversifying Fundraising in a Chaotic Economy. Good thing my guest this week is Roger Devine, Co-Founder of SchoolAuction.net! He's here to share advice, tips, and insights into ways to reach a broader audience and grow a multi-tiered supporter base. From mailings to golf to galas, we cover it all -- at least most of it. In-person events are definitely "in play" as these work well for smaller groups so don't cancel that fundraising event. This longer episode is worth your time as we discuss how to fundraise in interesting times. What worries you about fundraising? Share a comment!

The author reads her weekly article from the Rogue Tulips Consulting E-newsletter, "Rogue Speak." This week's topic: Do Grown Ups Really Need Awards?

​Episode 286: Travel is in our DNA -- this episode is perfect timing for IMEX 2025-Frankfurt! My guest, Don Welsh, President & CEO of Destinations International, and I have a wide-ranging conversation about Radical Collaboration, Brand USA re-engaging with the world, the politics of travel and why Canada is mad at us, America's 250th, the July annual conference for Destinations International, an update on what is happening in the Middle East related to travel, and more!! If you like to travel, are an event planner, or travel in your daydreams, you'll enjoy this inside look at what is happening with travel around the world. And Don shares exciting personal news! Find out his news -- listen or watch! What questions do you have about international travel? Share a comment!

The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter, Rogue Speak.

Episode 285: We round out our celebration of AANHPI Month with our third episode in the series. My guest Edessa Polzin, PCM, Director, Strategic Partnerships at the American Marketing Association (AMA) shares her passion for relationship building and how together organizations can do more. Edessa loves marketing and she was a member of AMA before she found the perfect job on staff. She brought her enthusiasm and love for marketing to the association, where she builds and maintains strong partnerships with their corporate supporters. Edessa has a great approach to working with partners that she believes makes AMA bigger, better, and faster! Want your association to do the same thing? Her advice will get you thinking and on the path to reaching your goals! What are your challenges working with corporate partnerships? Share a comment!

The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter, Rogue Speak. This week's topic: Association Intelligence - The Other A.I.

Episode 284: Radio Free 501c continues its celebration of AANHPI month with the second of three episodes celebrating and recognizing Asian American, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. We continue our trend of first-time guests with Sharon Pare, Director of Partnerships at HighRoad Solutions who talks with us about Creating a Great Partnership! We all want to have productive and valuable partnerships in our lives and Sharon has great advice on how to make it happen. Like all relationships, it starts with great communication that leads to collaboration. She also warns us against "vanity partnerships," and reminds us that our relationships are in ecosystems that should dovetail at certain points. Sharon talks about the AANHPI Advisory Group at ASAE and how it has grown, and she shares her experience as a member of the ASAE IPA Committee (it's not about beer!) but it is about Industry Partnerships and making them stronger. Lots of good stuff in this one so don't miss it! What is important to you about creating great partnerships? Share a comment!

The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter, Rogue Speak. This week's topic: Things I Daydream About for the CAE Credential

Episode 283: Radio Free 501c kicks off AANHPI month early with the first of three episodes celebrating and recognizing Asian American, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. We continue our trend of first-time guests with two people who are advocates for the Hmong Community: Nou Vang and KaYing Yang. They are part of the group that worked with the Smithsonian Institution to organize a one-day film festival, "50 Years of Southeast Asian American Journeys." The Vietnam War had a wide-ranging impact that also reached into Laos and Cambodia. Many of the people fled for their lives and became refugees, forced to flee their homes due to forces they could not control. After spending years in refugee camps, Southeast Asians migrated to countries around the world including Australia, the United States, and parts of Europe. Nou and KaYing speak honestly about their experiences as Hmong refugees who were part of families that came to the United States to make a different life. We all need to know this story and understand the journeys of Southeast Asians in America and the contributions they make to our society. Do you have questions about the Hmong people and their community? Share a comment!

The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter, Rogue Speak. This week's topic: Does being a member qualify you to work at the association?

Episode 282: USAE News supports our podcast every month so we are pleased to welcome Todd McElwee, Associate Publisher at USAE, as our guest! Giving new meaning to the phrase "a word from our sponsor," he tells great stories and shares wonderful advice about communicating association activities. A reporter who covers a variety of events, Todd shares his tips for building relationships over time and why he encourages you to talk to the reporters from USAE. How many skeletons does he expose in this conversation? And did Cecilia really dance with a hooker? There's only one way to find out . . . Do you have a fond memory of USAE News? Share a comment!

The author reads her message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter, "Rogue Speak. This week's topic: Are Serial CSEs Part of the Problem?

Off the cuff commentary from Cecilia Sepp

Episode 281: We rely on Chief Staff Executives (CSEs) to lead the organization in partnership with the Board of Directors. As exciting, challenging, and fulfilling this job can be, it is also a stressful and lonely job too. Working in isolation can lead to depression, additional stress, sleep disruption, and even thoughts of self harm. In this episode, two CSEs, Adam Levy, CAE, of the American Cleft-Palate Association, and Silvia Quevedo, CAE, of Lamaze International, share the results of a study done among CSEs about sustaining their health on all levels. This important conversation needs to continue and with the leadership of the study authors: Adam, Silvia, Lindsay Currey, CAE, and Tara Puckey, CAE, our community can look forward to increasing support for all CSEs. If you want to be a CSE or you already have or had the job, you'll find this honest conversation will get you thinking. How do you stay healthy as a staff leader? Share a comment!

The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter "Rogue Speak." This week's topic: Consultants Need Professional Development Too

Episode 280: If you work in associations, you know that things need to change. There's too much "that's the way it is" and not enough "what if?" Continuing our trend of first-time guests, I'm pleased to share this episode featuring Juan Sanchez, CIO, Inteleos, and our conversation about Associations & Collaborative Abundance. He is a big thinker and pushes the boundaries on what we do and why we do it. We talk about free radical participation, value fluid monetization, co-creation infrastructure, and of course, dynamic governance models, because how can you talk about associations without talking about governance? Expand your mind with these not crazy ideas! Do you think your association creates scarcity? Share a comment!

The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter, "Rogue Speak." This week's topic: And Then There Were 6.

Episode 279: We close out Ethics Awareness Month with our second episode featuring a fellow member of the ASAE Ethics Committee. Richard Shermanski, Esq. is an expert in ethics law and programs and he writes extensively on this topic. In this episode, we discuss Association Ethical Complaint Procedures and the many considerations that go into creating, managing, and implementing these programs. Richard talks about "the ripeness of complaints," external and internal issues related to ethics complaints, and why we need to be transparent about how the programs are handled. There is so much in this episode a summary cannot do it justice -- it's worth your time to listen or watch. What is on your mind about ethical complaint procedures? Share a comment!

The author reads her weekly article from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter, "Rogue Speak." This week's topic: Early Bird Registration Should Go the Way of the Dodo Bird

Episode 278: March is Ethics Awareness Month and we are celebrating with two episodes about ethics. In our first episode about ethics, I am joined by two of my ASAE Ethics Committee colleagues, Lynette Bradley-Baker, Ph.D., CAE, R.Ph., Senior Vice President, Chief Engagement Officer, American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, and Joy Davis, CAE, Deputy Executive Director, American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists. We have a lot in common when it comes to ethics in that we write, speak, and educate about ethics. We also know that it takes a lot of work and commitment to build an ethical mindset! In this conversation we discuss the big questions that all professionals should ask themselves about confidentiality, fairness, optics, applying protocols, and "The Veil of Ignorance." Ethics are crucial to our work in the nonprofit community and it can be challenging to do the right thing in the right way. This discussion makes the work of ethics approachable and applicable to help you move forward with confidence. What worries you about ethics? Share a comment!

The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter, "Rogue Speak." This week's topic: Cecilia 3:16 -- It's not about Can't

Episode 277: This episode supported by USAE News! Are you looking for a unique city with a great vibe and intriguing history for your next association event or conference? Then Tampa Bay is the place for you! This conversation with my guest, Santiago Corrada, President & CEO of Visit Tampa Bay, will open your eyes to this attractive Florida city. Not only does it have a charming atmosphere, it boasts one of the best airports in North America, a trolley system that gets you everywhere for no fee, and a culinary scene recognized by Michelin. The wonderful doesn't stop with sight seeing and great food; Tampa Bay fights human trafficking and proactively addresses accessibility concerns. Get to know Santiago and the city he loves in this wide ranging conversation. What do you look for in a destination? Share a comment!

The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter, Rogue Speak. This week's topic: March is Ethics Month!

Episode 276: "Resistance is the sign of life" says my guest Michael Randel of Randel Consulting Associates. And I agree with him. In this episode we discuss The Power of Pushback and Why Resistance Drives Transformation. Michael outlines why leaders need to prepare the conditions for change, be clear in communicating change, and why tension is not always bad. Leaders can learn from the tensions and incorporate that into leading change and respecting the power of resistance. Whether your association is a federated structure, has chapters, or represents individuals, this insightful episode will help you use the power of pushback to move your organization forward. What are your big questions about managing tensions with volunteers and members? Share a comment!

The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter, Rogue Speak. This week's topic: Courage and DEI

Episode 275: Change is a constant -- but navigating it can be overwhelming at times. If you have ever wondered how you could better manage change, this is the episode for you! My guest, Laura Bratton, Motivational Speaker & Coach, shares practical resources and steps you can use immediately. Inspired by her own experiences with significant change in her teen years -- Laura went from full vision to no vision -- she now shares her insights and experience to help others move through the most trying of times. Whether you are dealing with change as an individual, or leading your team or organization through the winds of change, your sailing will be smoother with this easy to relate to approach. Trust your gifts as you acknowledge and move through change. Laura's accessible approach will calm your mind and spirit. What worries you about navigating change? Share a comment!

The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter, Rogue Speak. This week's message: From the Archives Oct 2021 - The Mother Science

Episode 274: Artificial intelligence (A.I.) is everywhere. If you haven't noticed you are not paying attention. Whether you are a supporter of A.I. or a skeptic, you will learn a lot about how to apply it for associations in this episode! My guest, Damian Kavanagh, President & CEO of MISBO, embraces A.I. and thinks everyone should find ways to use it to improve workflow. He shares how he and his team learned how to use A.I. together, and then developed a shared consensus of how to use it. By doing this work as a team, the MISBO staff found ways to help their members use it more effectively. With a focus on automation and saving time for thinking and creativity, Damian's approach is something you could emulate for your association. Carpe diem and listen to this positive approach to incorporating A.I. tools. What perplexes you about using A.I. for your workflow? Share a comment!

The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter, Rogue Speak. This week's topic: The Shape of Things to Come - No More Nonprofits

​Episode 273: This episode supported by USAE News!If you're like me, you know what a CVB is, but you may not know all the ways they contribute to their cities. Enter Gregg Caren, President & CEO of the PHLCVB (Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau)! He shares his love for his adopted city, passion for the work he and his team do to help the city remain a vibrant place with opportunities for all, and their pride after the Eagles won the 2025 Super Bowl! Go Birds! Philadelphia holds a unique place in our country's history as it is where it all started with the first Constitutional Convention -- and it hasn't stopped growing, contributing, and attracting the best of the best. From sports to life sciences to diversity, Philadelphia will enthrall you. Don't miss this energetic conversation about the many contributions that CVBs bring to their cities and to associations. What surprised you about CVBs? Share a comment!

The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter, "Rogue Speak."This week's message: I'm a Libertarian. I Like Smaller Government.

Episode 272: Overcommitting begins one "yes" at a time -- until you have said yes SO many times you run out of hours in the day. This is especially dangerous if you are overcommitting to volunteering. Whenever we volunteer, that is time taken from family, friends, and personal pursuits but it impacts our work too if we burn out. This week, I spoke with Kelsey Casselbury, PCM, CDMP of the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) about the lessons she has learned from her own experiences volunteering. She learned quite a lot when she agreed to be the chief volunteer leader of TWO nonprofit organizations during the 2020 lockdown. And yes, both organizations relied on in-person events for revenue. Are you gasping yet? Kelsey also shares her advice from the staff perspective about helping our organization's volunteers have a balanced schedule of volunteering. You don't want to miss this one! What are your challenges with commitments? Share a comment!

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The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter, Rogue Speak. This week's topic: Greenland and (not so) Best practices

SPECIAL EDITION! I talked with Scott Hodge, Tax and Fiscal Policy Fellow at Arnold Ventures, about his white paper: "Reining in America's $3.3 Trillion Tax-Exempt Economy." Listen. We all need to reassess the nonprofit status and its misuse and far-reaching impact. He wrote it while at the Tax Foundation; go to taxfoundation.org to get your copy. Read it. Mark it up. Think about it.

Episode 271: One of my favorite guests, Carl Weaver, is back and he has brought a doozy of a question: How are Associations like the "Planet of the Apes?" We do our best to answer this question but, as we often do, we get distracted by our curious minds and the marketplace of ideas! We talk about associations, confusion of purpose, tiered societies, the history of certain behaviors, knowing the "why" of things like budget line items, the evolution of societies, good and bad tension in organizations, and of course, books! If you like to meander through the world of ideas, join us for this virtual walk as we look at connections differently and do some name dropping. Get to know us better too! What do you think associations have in common with science fiction? Share a comment!

The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter, "Rogue Speak." This week's topic: Dear President Trump - A Letter about DEI and the Greatness of America

Episode 270: this episode is supported by USAE News - the paper that covers all the news about associations and conferences! This week I spoke with Jake Steinman, Founder of TravelAbility, a company that works with destinations to help make travel and conferences better experiences for those with disabilities. TravelAbility offers a variety of resources and programs to help any organization improve their support for attendees with disabilities. Jake shares his insights on travel and some great examples about the many details we may overlook when it comes to accommodations. However you interact with the meeting industry, you don't want to miss this important conversation about improving experiences for everyone. What questions do you have about supporting those with disabilities? Share a comment!

The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter Rogue Speak . This week's topic: Discussion, Division, and the Dark Legacy of the Tennis Court

Episode 269: Inclusive Communications help to create meaningful connections -- how can we do this effectively? That's what Jerrica Thurman, CAE, President and CEO of Elation Communications, is here to talk about! Jerrica shares how her interest in inclusive communications started, her framework for inclusive communications, and her commitment to building awareness of this practice. It's all about recognizing and appreciating our differences and finding common ground for conversation. We discuss compassion, empathy, and how the power of a question should not be underestimated. What would you like to know about inclusive communications? Share a comment!

The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting weekly e-newsletter, Rogue Speak. See other articles on the website: www.roguetulips.com

Episode 268: We kick off Season 7 with first time guest and friend Wendy Kavanagh, CAE! Wendy is an experienced association CEO and is a leader that never gets stuck in a rut. She shares her experiences working with volunteers across her association and with external partners to bring programs to life that enhance the experiences of the association's members. Building relationships, sharing knowledge, and bringing ideas into reality is what Wendy enjoys the most, and she shares tips and insights into how she has evolved as a leader. We have a lot of fun in this episode so you don't want to miss it! What would you like to do better to increase volunteer engagement? Share a comment!

Episode 267: As we near the end of 2024, we all consider what we might want to do differently in the new year. Many of us want to be more present and less distracted, especially when we are with other people. But how can we do that? Cue my returning guest, Kevin Tuuaga, Vice President of Education at LeadingAge CA. He brings his expertise in events to this conversation as well as his attitude of gratitude. Kevin shares advice about why being present matters, supporting and showing gratitude to vendors and sponsors, tips for being in the moment at events, and the ripple effect of engagement. Don't miss this heartfelt conversation about really being there. What helps you be present in the moment? Share a comment! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cecilia-sepp/support

"Association Chapter Systems: From Frustrating to Fruitful” by Cecilia Sepp, CAE, ACNP. Interested in Chapter Systems? Or maybe you want some insight on relationship management? This book condenses decades of wisdom into digestible bites. Great gift for the association executive in your life :) Bite into the fruit of knowledge with this tasty tome! Exclusively on Amazon.com via Broken Column Press.  Get your copy now! https://amzn.to/48ZKUTo --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cecilia-sepp/support

The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter Rogue Speak. This week's topic: Achieving a Life-Long Goal Feels Great! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cecilia-sepp/support

Episode 266: Have you ever thought about writing a book? Me too! I finally did with the support and guidance of my guest, Carl Weaver, CAE, President of Broken Column Press. An author himself, Carl shares his insights on creating space to write, how writing a book demonstrates your expertise and can broaden your clientele, and how it boosts your image. We also have our usual fun side conversations, like how are Associations like the story, "Planet of the Apes"? If you want to learn more about ideation to publication you don't want to miss this one! What keeps you from writing? Share a comment! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cecilia-sepp/support

The author reads her message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter, Rogue Speak. This week's topic: AWTC Does it Again! Advance Conference is a Hit! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cecilia-sepp/support

Episode 265: When things change too fast for us to keep up, and it seems like the things that made sense are gone, it can be frightening. In a novel of an incredibly disruptive time, the French Revolution, Charles Dickens wrote "A Tale of Two Cities," and he started the story with: "It was the best of times. It was the worst of times." It is a story of disruption -- just like the era in which we live today. The 21st century is just about 25 years old -- it's time to change the way you lead. How can we do our best in a changing world? In this episode, I talk with Michael Butera of Association Activision and Cheryl Ronk, CAE, of SoRight LLC about the importance of Adaptive Leadership and how it helps you Define Your Impact. We discuss purposeful evolution in real time, intentional agility in a disruptive environment, and making the most of the patterns and differences affecting your organization. We all agree that adaptation is the new super power! What do you think? Share a comment! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cecilia-sepp/support

Episode 264: Did you know there is something out there holding people back? It's called The Bamboo Ceiling and it affects people of Asian descent. My guest, Khánh Vũ, CEO of the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE), explains what it is, who it affects, and why we need to be aware of it. The Bamboo Ceiling can prevent your team members from achieving their potential and it can deprive them of opportunities to develop their leadership skills. Understanding culture and adopting different ways of interacting with your team can break down stereotypes and help your entire team overcome challenges. This is an insightful and fun conversation about breaking down barriers to understanding. How do you address The Bamboo Ceiling? Share a comment! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cecilia-sepp/support

The author reads here weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter, "Rogue Speak." This week's topic: The Problem with Giving Credit Where It's Due --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cecilia-sepp/support

Episode 263 is Supported by USAE News! Organizations can communicate success in many ways but do you think about winning awards as a way to do it? Well my guest, Owen Kavanagh of Kavanagh Solutions, has some great advice and insights on how to raise awareness of your group by promoting your wins! Not only do awards showcase the outstanding work you are doing, it demonstrates the value of belonging to the group to your members. Owen shares how to better leverage your own award programs that recognize your members and others in your profession or industry. Our conversation reviews Fellows programs and how these recognize the many people that contribute to your organization's success. Share the wealth when it comes to sharing the credit! We cover a lot when it comes to recognition including Proclamations. Hear ye hear ye -- don't miss this episode! What do you think about awards programs? Share a comment! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cecilia-sepp/support