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 l…

In this episode, we chat with Tiffany McGee, CAE, CEO of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association. She joins hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert to delve into why staff culture is vital for association success. They discuss the importance of intentionally nurturing a positive work environment, creating a safe space for open communication, a…

In this episode, we sit down with Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, executive director of the Texas Society of Association Executives. We chat about personal journeys, industry insights, and strategic partnerships. We discuss the impact of the pandemic on association innovation, challenges within our space, the value of state organizations and networking, …

In this episode, we talk to Kate Johanns, CAE, marketing and communications director with the Association of Texas Professional Educators. She joins our hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert to discuss the intricacies of a day in the life of a marketing and communications professional in the association world. From dissecting the essenti…

In this episode, we sit down with Joe Lindahl, MA, CAE, CEO of Mission MSA. We chat about running a small staff association and how technology can optimize operations and enhance efficiency, and the overall importance of volunteerism. Joe also shares his professional journey as an Asian American professional navigating identity and representation w…

In this episode, we talk to Lowell Aplebaum, EdD, FASAE, CAE, CPF, CEO of Vista Cova. He joins our hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert to unravel the intricacies of the CEO-board relationship. Together, they explore the keys to fostering a successful CEO-board dynamic, strategies for addressing challenges, and innovative approaches to …

In this episode, we sit down with Jeff De Cagna, FASAE, a respected contrarian thinker on the future of associating and associations. Together, we explore the future of association boards, the significance of foresight as a radical concept, actionable starting points for associations, and Jeff's invaluable advice regarding the duty of foresight.…

In this episode, we talk to Dottie Bossley, CDME, CTA, regional sales director for Visit Galveston, and Theresa Parsons, CAE, CMP, executive director of the Texas Council of Administrators of Special Education. They join our hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert for a conversation wrapped around their many years as TSAE members, as well …

In this episode, we sit down with Deedre Daniel, a seasoned industry expert, captivating keynote speaker, and creative game inventor. Together, we explore the art of networking, stepping outside your comfort zone, and dissecting the shifts in networking dynamics post-pandemic. From inventive strategies to foster networking before and during events …

In this episode, we talk to Jeff De Cagna, FASAE, executive advisor for Foresight First LLC. He joins our hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert for a thought-provoking discussion on the dynamic landscape of foresight and its evolution for association boards. Together, they explore the challenges faced by boards and CEOs in embracing fore…

Live events play a pivotal role in the association community, serving as a powerful hub for networking, learning and fostering a sense of community. But what truly keeps attendees coming back year after year? In our season 3 premier, we talk to Chris Brown, executive vice president and managing director of the National Association of Broadcasters G…

In our season 2 premier, we talk to Jonathan Blum, an attorney specializing in nonprofit and tax exempt law. He joins our hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert for discussion centered on legal trends for associations, the importance of building strong relationships, what legal areas associations should pay more attention to, and question…

It's the time of year when organizations are looking for opportunities to secure funding for upcoming projects. In this episode, we talk to Shelli Vasser Gilliam, director of development for Community Lodgings. We talk about bringing storytelling elements into the grant writing process, how this narrative a significant role in securing grants, how …

On the season 1 finale, our hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert pull the curtain back on what it takes to produce a podcast like Better By Association. They talk about the nuts and bolts of the process, including setting goals, preparation and involving your entire staff in creating content. They discuss some of the best advice they've…

In this episode, we talk to Lori Gracey, CAE, executive director of the Texas Computer Education Association. She joins our hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert for an engaging conversation focused on leadership, learning how to lead and where to go for advice, technological advances including the use of AI, and the importance of being …

Every association is a community, and each has its own culture. And today, those cultures should have a driving element of inclusivity where everyone has a true sense of belonging. In this episode, we talk to Cameron Curtis, CMM, CAE, founder and chief innovator of C2 Association Strategies. We chat about prioritizing a people-first mindset, key st…

In this episode, we talk to Leslie Midgley, executive vice president and CEO at the Texas Land Title Association. She joins our hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert for an engaging conversation focused on leadership, her passion for the association community, mentorship advice, leadership challenges, and the importance of being involved…

Innovation comes with a price - a price many associations aren't always prepared for. In this episode, we talk to Josh Moore, senior director of operations and state partner services at LeadingAge. We chat about setting up an innovation fund for an association, the challenges of state associations and how national groups can help, and emerging tech…

In this episode, we talk to Carrie McIntyre, principal at Navigate. She joins our hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert for a fun conversation focused on increasing non-dues revenue, what works (and doesn’t), valuable sales and marketing tips, and the importance of belonging to an organization like TSAE. This episode was recorded in fron…

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 c…

In this episode, we talk to Trevor Mitchell, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CDP, executive director and CEO of American Mensa and the Mensa Foundation and board, and current Chair for the Texas Society of Association Executives’ Board of Directors. He joins our hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert for an engaging conversation focused on association c…

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, an…

In this episode, we talk to Christopher Williston, VI, CAE, president and CEO of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas, about innovating your association. He joins our hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert for a fun conversation that defines innovation, and includes how IBAT is innovating, what it takes for an organization - regar…

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, wha…

In this episode, we talk to Alex Richardson, CEO and co-founder of The Art of Mentoring. He joins our hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert for an engaging conversation wrapped around, what else – mentorship! They chat about the importance of mentorship in the association space, taking advantage of untapped expertise, setting up a formal…

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 adv…

In this episode, we talk to Cathi Hight, president of Hight Performance Group, and membership guru. She joins our hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert for an engaging conversation about taking care of members throughout the member journey, attracting the next generation of members, the importance of telling your organization's story, me…

In Episode 14 of Do Not Adjust Your Focus, the podcast from sustainability and communications consultancy Blurred, Stuart talks to award-winning author, Ray Nayler. Ray is the author of the critically acclaimed novel The Mountain in the Sea, which The Washington Post called "(a) poignant, mind-expanding debut." The Mountain in the Sea is a finalist…

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 coac…

In this episode, we talk to Annette Hicks, CMP, vice president of meetings & events for the Texas Food & Fuel Association. She joins our hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert for a timely conversation about the future of association event planning, cutting costs, creating amazing RFPs, the importance of mentorship, and advice for young p…

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 associati…

In this episode, we talk to Mollie Pillman, MS, MBA, CAE, senior vice president of member engagement for the American College of Emergency Physicians, and Dana Kirkhart, CEM, director of client services for Freeman. They join our hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert for an engaging conversation wrapped around key takeaways from TSAE's r…

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 a…

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…

In our inaugural episode, we talk to Jodi Ann Ray, CAE, CCE, IOM, president and CEO of the Texas Society of CPAs and current Chair for the Texas Society of Association Executives’ Board of Directors. She joins our hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert for an engaging conversation wrapped around strategic planning, industry challenges, le…

The Texas Society of Association Executives presents the all-new Better By Association – an original podcast series where we chat with professionals in the TSAE community. Join our hosts Steven Stout, CAE, and Katy Markert as they engage in conversations with TSAE members about career journeys, leadership, networking, and the importance of belongin…

As we enter 2023, more and more employers are asking employees to return to the office. Yet, workers are still demanding flexibility. So where do associations stand? In this episode, we talk to Mike Moss, president at the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP), about the future of work in the association space and what he calls purposef…

Whether you're right out of college or a seasoned association executive, developing a personal brand is important in building relationships. advancing your career, or simply showing off what you are passionate about. In this episode, we talk to Allegra Tasaki, communications director with the National Association of Bond Lawyers, about ways to defi…

Moving away from a "one size fits all" membership model takes planning, dedication and the willingness to knock on doors and make personal connections with members and prospects. And that's a large goal of the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors. In this episode, we talk to Dan Schuberth, chief revenue officer at NAW, about creating per…

An inactive community forum is like a quiet karaoke bar. Without engagement, why would anyone go? In this episode, we talk to Beth Arritt, marketing strategist and association evangelist, about the importance of an association's tech stack, advice on creating and maintaining a successful online community, the definition of an association influencer…

Because they represent such niche audiences, associations have a great opportunity to engage with their industries through creative storytelling. And data is a huge component of that narrative. In this episode, we talk to Audra Kruse, director of public affairs and digital engagement for AHIP, about the advantages of data storytelling, how to craft…

Like most successful businesses, smart associations must look to diversify their revenue streams. That’s where non-dues revenue comes into play. In this episode, we talk to Teri Carden, association junkie, founder of ReviewMyAMS.com, 100Reviews and Non Dues-a-Palooza. We discuss re-engaging sponsors, creating a strong non-dues revenue plan, and wha…

In episode 13 of DNAYF, the podcast from ESGP advisory firm Blurred, founder Nik Govier talks to designer and creative consultant Greg Bunbury. Greg is a British-born, award-winning Graphic Designer, Creative Consultant, Diversity & Inclusion Consultant and public speaker of Caribbean heritage. He helps mission-led, purpose driven businesses and or…

While an association's focus on member acquisition and retention seems to lie within the young professional segment, a successful organization can't forget about the mid- to late-career professionals. In this episode, we talk to Dave Bowman, senior director of membership development at NARFE—The Association for Federal Employees and Retirees, about…

Associations understand that attracting and retaining young professionals within the organization is a must. So, in this episode, we explore ways to customize communication efforts, professional development and volunteer opportunities for these emerging professionals within your association. We talk to Manisha Bhaskar, senior director of communicat…

The need to be a part of a like-minded community has never been more important to millions of industry professionals. In this episode, we talk about community – involving young professionals into your association’s community; planning events that bring together the entire community; and evolving the way we plan those events to create an inviting co…

After a Covid hiatus, DNAYF is back! In Episode 12 of Do Not Adjust Your Focus, the podcast from strategic and creative advisory firm Blurred, Blurred CEO Nik Govier talks to PR icon and spokeswoman on women's issues Lynne Franks OBE. Lynne founded a public relations consultancy in the early 1970s and is an advocate, communications strategist, writ…

Let’s face it, the way associations acquire members has changed immensely in recent years. So, in this episode, we provide ways to boost acquisition and loyalty by letting members talk about their positive experiences. It's called user-generated content and it can create influencers out of your members, suppliers and exhibitors. We chat with Joel R…

Open any business-focused publication and you’re going to see article after article discussing the Great Resignation and its impact on employers. But for forward-thinking associations, the Great Resignation can provide great opportunities - both internally and for the industries they serve. Join us as we chat with Kerri McGovern, CAE, senior direct…

What better topic to start this podcast series than to talk about podcasting for associations. Our inaugural episode features Darrin Scheid, CAE, marketing director at the American College of Emergency Physicians. He talks about how podcasting can help organizations reach young professionals; the challenges associations face when starting a podcast…