In this episode, hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert are joined by Sarah Sladek, founder and CEO of XYZ University, renowned author, and keynote speaker at this year's New Ideas Conference. Sarah dives into the evolving landscape of member engagement, emphasizing the need for associations to adapt to shifting demographics. She discusses the emotional connection members have with organizations and the critical focus on retention over recruitment. Sarah also highlights the importance of aligning organizational values with members and maintaining a member-first approach to drive meaningful change. This episode was recorded live at TSAE’s New Ideas Conference in The Woodlands.

Better By Association is produced by Association Briefings.

Show notes

Sarah Sladek has been referred to as a social equity expert and recognized as both a Global Leader in Strategy and a Talent Economy Influencer. Organizations worldwide have relied on her insights to plan their futures, foster cultures of relevance and belonging, and realize growth. Leaders who seek Sarah’s expertise tend to want a different outlook for their organizations, but they aren’t sure how to make it happen. They feel stuck. Overwhelmed by change, turnover, conflict, and decline. Sarah has the solutions to these challenges and more.

Since 2002, she has dedicated her career to understanding the concepts of engagement and belonging and answering these core questions:

• Why are organizations experiencing more turnover, disengagement,

• and decline than ever before?

• Why are younger generations less likely to feel like they belong?

Sarah studies belonging through the lens of social change and generational influences, alongside trends and shifts in organizational cultures, workforce development, consumerism, and economics.

She refers to this comprehensive approach as Next Gen Intelligence. Using this approach, Sarah has successfully turned organizations around, bringing them to a place of increased relationship-building and revenue generation. Sarah is the founder and CEO of XYZ University, a training and consulting firm advising organizations worldwide. She is the author of six books. Her latest book, MemberShift: Why Members Leave and the Strategies Proven to Bring Them Back, hit the market in late 2023 and received the Silver Nonfiction Book Award. In addition, Sarah is a web show host, podcaster, member of Forbes Business Council, and contributing writer for Boardroom magazine. She was recently named to the global list of Women Who Advance Associations, and she’s prominently featured in the Jobs of Tomorrow docuseries currently streaming on Tubi. Her expertise has been prominently featured in international media, and she has keynoted events throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe.

In this episode, Paulina Van Eeden Hill, CAE, chief operating officer at Strategic Association Management, executive director of the Texas Association for the Gifted & Talented, and 2024-2025 board chair of the Texas Society for Association Executives, joins hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert. Paulina shares her insights on balancing responsibilities, personal growth, and blending both scientific and artistic approaches to leadership. The conversation covers the role of Association Management Companies, how the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) has shaped her organization, the importance of continuous learning, taking on new challenges, and the human side of association management.

This episode is sponsored by eLearningDOC.

Better By Association is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, Tracy Tomson, CAE, former executive director and CEO of the Restaurant Facilities Management Association and Distinguished Life Member of TSAE, joins hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert. Tracy shares her fascinating career journey, detailing her transition from the radio industry to association management. She discusses the transferable skills that contributed to her success and emphasizes the value of learning from failure. The conversation also explores essential leadership qualities, the importance of fostering a positive team culture, and the critical role of engagement with organizations like TSAE.

This episode is sponsored by the Chazin & Company.

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, and addressing sensitive issues head-on. Tiffany also highlights the value of engagement and professional development resources for new employees, and how a supportive culture and transparent communication boost employee satisfaction and motivation. 

This episode is sponsored by the enSYNC Corporation.

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 essential role of marcomm to navigating challenges and seizing opportunities within the discipline, they cover it all. Tune in to discover valuable tools for communications professionals, insights into the future of marketing, and the significance of involvement in TSAE.

This episode is sponsored by Visit Austin.  

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 strengthening collaboration. Plus, discover the importance of engagement with organizations like TSAE.

This episode is sponsored by Visit Galveston.  

Show notes

With decades of experience in the education and association realm, Lowell Aplebaum, EdD, FASAE, CAE, CPF founded Vista Cova with the goal of bringing dynamic tools and knowledge to associations across the globe. As a previous association executive, Lowell now has had the privilege of working closely with hundreds of organizations – guiding leaders, members, and staff through facilitation, keynoting, and more.  

Lowell is a committed believer in bringing authentic curiosity, experiential learning approaches, and active listening to the table. 

Lowell is an IAF Certified ™ Professional Facilitator and currently studying to achieve his Doctorate of Education in Leadership. Lowell resides in Maryland where his 10-year-old twins and 12-year-old son keep the house full of surprises and laughter. 

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 as their diverse career journeys in the association space. Discover the pivotal role of mentorship in professional growth, and gain insights into the significance of active involvement in organizations like TSAE. Whether you're navigating an association career or looking to engage as an industry supplier, tune in for valuable advice and inspiration from our seasoned guests.

Better By Association is produced by Association Briefings.

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 foresight, offer valuable advice to boards for navigating the remainder of this decade and beyond, and emphasize the significance of active involvement in organizations like TSAE. 

Better By Association is produced by Association Briefings.

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 questions association should ask when seeking an attorney.   

Better By Association is produced by Association Briefings.

Show notes

Jonathan Blum is a nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations attorney in Holland & Knight's Dallas office. His experience includes assisting nonprofit leaders in managing their legal matters on a broad array of issues affecting charities, foundations, trade and professional associations, advocacy groups and other nonprofit organizations. 

Prior to joining Holland & Knight, Jonathan worked in the nonprofit practice group for a national Am Law 100 firm in Dallas, where he served as counsel and later as shareholder. He also spent nearly seven years serving as in-house counsel for tax-exempt organizations such as a national breast cancer foundation and a private family foundation. In addition, he served as a transactional attorney for an international law firm headquartered in New York City. He previously served as an adjunct professor at Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law.

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 received from season 1 guests and what to look forward to in season 2. And for those looking to start a podcast for their organization, Steven and Katy chat with Colby Horton, CEO of Association Briefings and producer of Better By Association, about what makes an interesting podcast, how to pick a host, and three steps to get started.

Better By Association is produced by Association Briefings.