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 creative and critical thinking. In this Conversation by Association, discover the importance of taking the road less traveled and the power of innovation. From equal pay to re-imagined membership models, Dr. O’Loughlin finds ways to leverage her talents, resources and influence to improve outcomes for organizations like the American Dental Association. You’ll feel energized and empowered by the end of the episode!

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 and consider what your members need to create and nurture equity. Her insights open doors to new approaches and actions. Nancy reminds us it is important to learn from our mistakes keep moving forward. Listen and enjoy in Nancy's pointers and perspective!

Throughout the season we've heard leaders in the field share ways that they connect with their peers and network to constantly develop skills that benefit their career. On this Take Action Mini Episode we share ideas for connecting more comfortably and consistently to advance your career!

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 growing in the career you love. Listen in to hear them say it best!

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 way or that slow down high priority work within the association. From removing yearly reviews and replacing them with real time feedback, to helping others see their potential, Debra is always on the lookout for ways to strengthen individuals and the culture in which they work. This conversation will inspire you to rethink how you approach your work and your role as a manager and leader.

Growth happens when we challenge ourselves to get a bit uncomfortable and ask for help where someone else sees things differently, so we have new information to consider and work with along the way. This means that we should all be seeking input and advice along our career path from a variety of different sources. Think of it as your personal advisory board. This episode will help you consider what sources you need to invite into your growth, and how to benefit most from their advice!

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 constant learning and development, Cathy guides her team members to do the same, and helps make Med Chi feel like a home instead of just an employer. Her deep self awareness of her own strengths, the strengths of her team members, and the potential for growth will help leaders consider new perspectives and individuals look through a new lens on how they can examine their next steps! Listen in for ideas on having some of the most important conversations in your career!

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 shares her knowledge and experiences as a leader with others through various platforms, including candid articles posted on LinkedIn. She addresses how she has uses her voice, and how she helps others find theirs. Take advantage of this opportunity to hear her amazing insights and reflections!

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 some tough decisions along the way. Listen in for Arlene's voice as a valued mentor in the community, her calm and creative approach helps build others up and leads to innovative approaches!