In this episode of The Association Hub Podcast, host Olena Lima is joined by association powerhouses Cris Massis and Anna Yerondais - two seasoned leaders with a combined 50+ years of lived experience in the association space. Together, they unpack what modern strategic planning really looks like in 2025.

From shifting member expectations and digital disruption to redefining member value propositions and diversifying revenue streams, this episode is a must-listen for any association executive, board member, or consultant looking to stay ahead of the curve.

Key insights include:

• Why agility and external check-ins are non-negotiable
• The hidden risks of relying too heavily on membership dues
• Creative examples of partnerships and alternative revenue models
• The importance of purpose-driven leadership in a fast-changing landscape

Plus, hear why collaboration beats competition, and why being trusted, future-focused, and needed is the new north star for associations.

Tune in to gain practical, actionable strategies to elevate your next planning session, and your association’s long-term impact.

Gen Z is reshaping the workplace with new expectations, values, and ways of working—and associations need to adapt or risk disengagement. So, how do we bridge the generational gap, foster collaboration, and harness the strengths of this dynamic group?In this episode, we're joined by Janene Wardrop, an expert in workplace management and intergenerational leadership, to explore how associations can effectively engage, communicate with, and empower Gen Z within their teams.

We’ll cover:

🔹 What drives Gen Z in the workplace and how associations can align with their values.
🔹 The biggest misconceptions about Gen Z and how to overcome them.
🔹 How to mentor, communicate, and collaborate across generations.
🔹 Practical strategies to leverage their strengths for innovation and growth.

As associations navigate multi-generational teams, understanding how to lead and retain Gen Z talent is key to long-term success. Tune in for actionable insights on creating an inclusive, high-performing team!

Connect with Janene Wardrop:  www.linkedin.com/in/janenewardrop

Ever seen an association make headlines for all the wrong reasons? Or struggled to get media attention when you had something important to share? The media can be a powerful tool when used correctly. In this episode, we’re diving into how associations can take control of their media presence — both protecting and promoting their brand—with PR expert Tony Nicholls from Good Talent Media. From crisis management to securing positive press, it’s all about choosing between chaos and control. Don’t wait for the media to come knocking—be ready.

Connect with Tony: www.linkedin.com/in/tony-nicholls

Find out more about Good Talent Media: https://goodtalent.com.au

Financial sustainability isn’t always the most glamorous topic—but it’s one of the most critical for any association’s success. In this episode, Olena Lima sits down with Tim Boyle, CEO of ARCS Australia, to explore how he rebuilt the association’s business model from the ground up.

Taking over in the shadow of the pandemic, with funding streams drying up and outdated revenue models, Tim faced some tough calls. But through bold decisions, strategic shifts, and an agile mindset, ARCS Australia is now thriving.

🔹 How Tim turned around the association’s financial sustainability

🔹 The role of partnerships in creating year-round engagement (and new revenue streams)

🔹 How ARCS Australia shifted to a new membership model to smooth out cash flow

🔹 The balance between monetisation and delivering real member value

🔹 Why fail-fast thinking is key to adapting in today’s association landscape

Tim also shares insights on future-proofing associations, evolving membership models for the next generation, and why the biggest challenge is shifting from 'nice to have' to 'must-have' membership value.

If you've worked in the association industry for a while, the chances that you haven’t heard of Wes Lambert are pretty slim. But if you do need an introduction, let’s just say he’s been cooking up some serious change in Australia’s restaurant and café sector.

In just 10 months, Wes and his team at the Australian Restaurant and Café Association (ARCA) have managed to shake up the industry, securing policy wins that others have spent decades trying to achieve. So, what’s his secret ingredient?

In this episode, Olena Lima sits down with Wes to reveal his recipe for success in association advocacy—one that’s packed with focus, bold strategies, and ​

and relentless determination.

Tune in now to listen:

🔹 How Wes went from investment banking, to restaurant management and to leading one of the country’s newest (and fastest-growing) associations

🔹 The key ingredients to getting members engaged and growing an association from scratch

🔹 How ARCA is driving real policy change, from migration reform to taxation policies

🔹 Why laser-focused advocacy can deliver wins for an industry that employs half a million Australians.

And if you’ve ever wondered how one person can juggle high-stakes advocacy, multiple board roles, four kids, and still get eight hours of sleep every night—Wes has the answer.

🎧 Tune in now to hear how ARCA is delivering real results for hospitality businesses across Australia.

Branding isn’t just about a fresh logo—it’s about identity, strategy, and connection. And Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) has embraced this philosophy in its bold new rebrand.

In this episode, Olena Lima chats with Samantha Hunter, CEO of OTA, to dive into the why, how, and what’s next of their recent transformation. From crafting a brand that truly reflects OTA’s values and vision, to engaging members and ensuring a smooth transition, Sam shares valuable insights for any association considering a rebrand.

🔹 The journey behind OTA’s rebranding and why it was time for a change

🔹 The strategic thinking behind the new identity, tagline, and colour palette

🔹 How member engagement and an independent marketing consultant made all the difference

🔹 Lessons learned from the process—including the importance of patience and storytelling

🔹 What’s next for OTA, including their national conference and strategic growth plans

And if you’re thinking about a rebrand, Sam’s advice is clear: buckle in—it’s a wild ride!

To check out the OTA's new brand, go to https://otaus.com.au/news/stronger-together-the-new-face-of-ota

In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, wehear from Leanne Boase, CEO of the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP), to unpack their journey to winning Small Association of the Year 2024.

Leading a small association comes with unique challenges—limited resources, advocacy hurdles, and keeping members engaged—but ACNP has navigated them masterfully. Leanne shares the strategies, turning points, and lessons that helped ACNP stand out and earn this prestigious recognition.

We discuss:

✔️ What made ACNP a standout association
✔️ Overcoming challenges with growth, engagement, and advocacy
✔️ The key strategies that led to their success
✔️ Advice for small association leaders looking to make a big impact.

This episode is packed with actionable insights for anyassociation leader, whether you're looking to grow, innovate, or position yourself for future success.

Connect with Leanne: www.linkedin.com/in/leanne-boase-82367b41/

Learn more about ACNP: www.acnp.org.au

In this episode, Cecilia Sepp, an association and non-profit management expert and author of Association Chapter Systems: From Frustrating to Fruitful, shares how to transform outdated chapter systems into vibrant, member-focused networks. This conversation transcends geographical boundaries, offering insights that applyglobally to associations striving to modernise and deliver greater value to their members.

Key discussion points include:
💡Why the current chapter system struggles in today’s orld and how to embrace purposeful transformation.
💡Lessons in building relationships and creating alignment between chapters and organisational goals.
💡The critical role of listening, collaboration, and cultural understanding in association success.
💡Practical advice for leaders feeling overwhelmed by chapter management and how a positive mindset can make all the difference.

Whether you’re an association leader, volunteer, or curiousabout reimagining organisations, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways and inspiring perspectives.

Join us as we remove geographical boundaries from theconversation and explore ideas to create associations that are truly future fit!

Connect with Cecilia: www.linkedin.com/in/ceciliaseppLearn More about Rogue Tulips:https://roguetulips.comGet Cecilia’s book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3WoHFzS

In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, we’re joined by Sarah Morgan, the Managing Director of Bespoken and creator of the thought-provoking Association CEO Index Report. Sarah shares her journey from journalist to corporate communicator, explaining how her experience working with an association led her to establish her own agency.

During our conversation, we explored the key insights from the Association CEO Index and how it may shape the future of the sector. We discuss what makes a career in associations so rewarding, with 89% of association CEOs reporting high job satisfaction while also addressing the challenges leaders face, including exhaustion, conflicting priorities, and limited budgets.

Sarah shares stories from her interviews with association leaders, highlighting the dedication, purpose, and community spirit that sustain them despite the obstacles. We also discuss what needs to change to attract and support the next generation of association leaders and how associations can position themselves as meaningful and viable career options.

📌 Want to dive deeper? Download the report at associationceoindex.com.au, you can also reach out to Sarah via her LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahmorgancommunications/.

Listen now to learn what makes association leadership such a unique and fulfilling profession. Don’t forget to follow, subscribe, and share this episode!

How do you create programs that truly serve members, adapt to change, and drive lasting impact?

In this episode, Amelia Hodge, CEO of the Australian Property Institute (API), and Sheila Kushe, GM of Corporate Affairs, share how they’re designing innovative, future-ready solutions that support both members and the broader industry. Whether you work in associations, membership organisations, or any sector that thrives on strong professional communities, this conversation is packed with valuable insights on:

💡 Turning resistance into momentum for growth.
💡 Strengthening stakeholder relationships to drive impact.
💡 Designing programs that solve real challenges
💡 Creating career pathways that future-proof industries.

If you’re looking for inspiration onleadership, innovation, and building stronger professional networks, this episode is for you—no matter your field.

🔗Connect with Amelia:www.linkedin.com/in/amelia-hodge-a6b7b114
🔗Connect with Sheila:www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-kushe-10456532
🔗Learn more about API:www.api.org.au