Engaging in the Next

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 grant writing has evolved over the past decade, and overcoming fears that might get in the way of successful grant writing. 

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 strategies in creating a more inclusive and diverse work environment, and actively promoting diversity at each levels within an organization. 

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 technologies that could have significant impact on associations. Oh, and we talk about Moore's pre-association career, which may (or may not) include professional break dancing!

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 career journey in the association space, communication challenges she faces, new technology, and the future of association marcomm efforts. Oh, and we add a little yacht rock into the conversation.

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, and empowering association members to work collaboratively towards shared goals through community organizing. 

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, what it takes to launch and maintain a successful podcast, how to find the right host, and key themes that have come out of some of her favorite conversations with association executives.  

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 advocacy efforts, why advocacy should be more proactive than reactive, and how the association's rebrand positively impacted the organization's advocacy efforts. 

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 coach and former CEO of the Network for Social Work Management. We chat about the benefits of coaching for association leaders, the importance of mentorship, combatting burnout, the future of work in the association space, DEI, and traits of a great leader. 

Show notes

For more information about Dr. Cherry, visit her website at lakeyacherry.com.

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 association; and our favorite parts of each chapter of the book.

Show notes

Amanda Kaiser is an in-demand keynote speaker for audiences of association leaders worldwide. As a researcher, author, co-creator, and innovator, she is at the forefront of exploring how member engagement is rapidly changing within professional communities.

Order the book here.

For more information on booking a keynote presentation, visit here. 

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 association space. We chat about connecting members, organizational growth opportunities, the importance of member advocacy, and professional development.