Where you sit in a room can have a profound effect on your future. On this episode of Conversations by Association, Sheri Jacobs describes attending an ASAE Membership Symposium many years ago where she knew no one. She chose a seat at a table that looked inviting and ended up next to Greg Fine. Although neither of them knew it then, it was the beginning of a strong friendship and professional bond that would deepen and grow over time. Sheri and Greg share the importance of creating informal professional personal communities of peers early in one’s career. Hear how they’ve established a trusting relationship a symbolic “vault” with each other – a term they use to describe the time, space and place where they discuss and store sensitive or difficult conversations, insights, candor and wisdom shared with one another. Both emphasize, if you’re going to be a leader, you need someone who you can be vulnerable with, who will support you in good times and bad, and who will always tell you the truth.

If there has ever been a person that elevates the energy in the room and an organization, it’s Jackie Price Osafo. Her energy, positivity, and dedication are a catalyst for the work she does and the people she meets. Jackie approaches her work, career, and community with a proactive mindset that teaches us how to leverage our talents to drive positive impacts. From her MBA program to volunteering, Jackie develops advisors, mentors, and friends through contributing her time, knowledge, and advice. Listen in to learn and feel energized by our incredible colleague Jackie Price Osafo.

This is a special episode of Conversations by Association, we thought it was important to have a conversation about racial inequality in real time, and what our association leaders can do to support their teams, their organizations, and themselves on this journey. George Floyd's death was a catalyst to reignite change, a catalyst for very important and often difficult conversations that are now in our daily lives and work. To help all of us consider how to lead well in these times of rapid change, we return to two thoughtful leaders and guests from last season, Michelle Mills Clement at Chicago Association of Realtors and Michelle Mason, President and CEO of Association Forum.

Throughout this authentic and honest conversation our guests discuss the emotions they have felt in their own leadership and the skills they've had to call on to help themselves and others take action. Listen for guiding steps forward, and the many opportunities to step up to lead your teams, organization, and self toward positive changes.

This season we're adding mini episodes that help you Take Action on the insights from guests, and some of the most crucial aspects of developing your network, building skills, and leading in your career. Each Take Action episode will be focused on a tool that makes action easier and drives towards positive results that you can download on the Conversations by Association website.

One of the most powerful tools in creating sustainability is to develop buy-in with teammates, peers, and members. It's easy to over complicate the process or buy-in or forget to initiate it all together, so in this episode Christina breaks it down into simple actions focused on inviting others in. You’ll hear Christina share how powerful questions are as a form of building buy-in as it invites others to share their knowledge and feel part of the final results. Check out our Questions that Build Buy-in Guide! It's a great tool to print and post near your computer to keep buy-in top of mind!

What started as a volunteer role turned into a unexpected job opportunity for Carol Pape. Whether she is at an association meeting or a school event, Carol always pitches in – it’s part of who she is. Carol values inclusion and has spent much of her career creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for members, guests and colleagues. She’s learned the importance of leveraging unexpected opportunities, encouraging diverse opinions, and ensuring others are respected and supported. Through big and small acts, we all thrive when our peers show up for one other. Hear Carol’s insights how servant leadership and humility created new opportunities for growth and professional advancement. She also reminds us that we are stronger when we are engaged, supportive and connected.

In this episode Cory, Laura, and Chris share their different paths to associations at different stages in their careers, reminding us the value of being open to new challenges and seeing new paths forward. From experiences in shifting industries to working with a recruiter, it's important to be open to the opportunities even when they look like changes that might not be what we expected. A great reminder when our whole world is in times of change and asking us to switch gears and be open to growth opportunities.

In this episode, Mary Byers teaches us all to look for creative ways to sharpen our skills and learn in new ways. From stepping outside the association industry for new learnings and ideas, to trying a new hobby like improv to help think creatively. Mary demonstrates the value of being proactive in your career, your learning, and searching out new ideas for your association. Listen and learn how to keep relevant throughout your career!

Relationships matter, in personal and professional life. Sometimes they even overlap. Dr. Martha Twaddle and Emily Muse first became coworkers and later their relationship shifted and grew as they assumed the roles of association volunteer leader and staff member.

Association volunteers and staff often comment that they feel they get more out of their experiences than they put into them. Friendships and deep connections often blossom, although that is rarely mentioned in the association literature. This dynamic duo discusses the value of collaborating with someone who shares your vision, passion and is always rooting for each other's success.

Martha and Emily remind listeners that it is the people and partnerships that often endure well beyond a project or appointed position.

Thoughtful, patient, and kind, Dave Bergeson reminds all of us how to find the strengths in our peers, figuring out each step, and be open to a new path from time to time. He takes lessons he learned doing anthropology field work in the jungles of Panama, Peru, and Costa Rica into insightful lessons on how to build relationships. Examining his approach to establishing trust and relationships in our industry, and in other facets of our lives.

Are you a morning lark or a night owl? Or just regularly sleep deprived and looking to sleep better these days? Dr. Marty Martin guides us through habits that help us feel more refreshed and set ourselves up for more success in our days by planning around our natural flows and peak productive times.