In this episode of Reboot IT, host Dave Coriale meets up with friends and fellow podcasters KiKi L’Italien, Dave Will (PropFuel), and Joanna Pineda (Matrix International) for a lively roundtable recorded live at ASAE Annual 2025 in Los Angeles. The group dives into the intersection of technology, culture, and brand in associations, exploring how tools like AI and VR can either enhance or hinder human connection. From frustrating banking apps to virtual mini-golf team building, they share candid stories, laughs, and lessons on how to implement tech that truly serves people.

Themes and Topics:

Tech That Builds, or Breaks, Trust

• Poorly implemented tech can damage brand perception and member confidence.
• Frustrating digital experiences (like banking apps or chatbots) drive people offline.
• Associations must prioritize usability and member experience from the start.

AI, Anxiety, and Adoption

• AI can amplify human connection, but only when introduced with clarity and care.
• Staff need reassurance and transparency about how AI will impact their roles.
• Leaders must model curiosity and create space for experimentation.

Play, Curiosity, and Culture

• Weekly AI showcases and VR mini-golf are helping teams stay creative and connected.
• Playful, low-stakes experimentation builds confidence and sparks innovation.
• Culture thrives when leaders encourage curiosity and celebrate learning.

Usability Testing: The Missing Link

• Many associations skip or underinvest in user testing, leading to failed rollouts.
• Even minimal testing can reveal major usability issues before launch.

In this episode of Reboot IT, host Dave Coriale sits down with Artesha Moore, President and CEO of Association Forum, to explore the evolving role of artificial intelligence in associations, the importance of unleashing talent, and the mindset shifts required for modern leadership. Artesha shares her bold approach to AI adoption, her expectations for staff engagement, and her belief in lifelong learning as a leadership imperative. From practical experimentation to philosophical reflections, this conversation is packed with insights for association executives navigating the future of work.

Themes and Topics:

AI Adoption & Experimentation

• CEOs must move beyond policy and into hands-on experimentation.
• AI tools like Copilot and ChatGPT should be used to enhance, not replace, talent.

Leadership Expectations

• AI literacy is now a performance expectation for staff.
• Leaders must model curiosity and share their own use cases.

Strategic HR & Learning

• HR should lead AI skill development and integrate it into hiring and performance.
• Lifelong learning applies to all ages, especially older professionals.

Ethical Influence & Industry Impact

• Associations have a unique opportunity to guide ethical AI adoption in their industries.
• Missions should include shaping the future, not just serving members.

Partnerships & Practical Training

• Association Forum partnered with DelCor to deliver hands-on AI labs.
• Real-time training revealed gaps even among certified professionals.

In this episode of Reboot IT, host Dave Coriale sits down with Ben Muscolino, CEO of Breezio, Data Sangria, and co-founder at Vortacity, and Ryan O'Donnell, CTO at Vortacity, to demystify cybersecurity for associations and nonprofits. They explore the evolving threat landscape, the importance of proactive security measures, and how organizations can build a culture of cybersecurity without fear or shame. From phishing-resistant MFA to red team engagements, this conversation is packed with practical advice for leaders and IT professionals alike. 

Themes and Topics: 

Cybersecurity Culture and Leadership 

• Cybersecurity must be embraced across the organization, not just by IT. 
• Leaders should foster a “shameless and blameless” environment for open dialogue. 
• Culture impacts how teams respond to threats and education efforts. 

Phishing and Account Takeover Risks 

• Phishing remains the most common entry point for breaches. 
• Attackers often dwell silently before exploiting access. 
• Social engineering tactics are becoming more sophisticated. 

Cybersecurity Maturity  

• Organizations should progress from asset inventory to vulnerability scans, pen tests, and red team engagements. 
• Skipping foundational steps can lead to ineffective or costly security efforts. 
• Tailoring assessments to organizational needs is key. 

Penetration Testing and Red Teaming 

• Pen tests simulate real-world attacks to expose vulnerabilities. 
• Red team engagements test people, processes, and systems under stealth conditions. 
• Trusted agents within the organization coordinate red team efforts discreetly. 

Deception Technology and Canary Tokens 

• Canary tokens act as tripwires to detect post-compromise behavior. 
• These tools are low-cost and high-impact for early breach detection. 
• Ideal for organizations with limited cybersecurity resources. 

Budgeting and Advocacy for Cybersecurity 

• Cybersecurity is often the first to be cut during budget reviews. 
• IT leaders must communicate risk in terms of cost and organizational responsibility. 
• Starting small is better than doing nothing—get from zero to one.

In this episode of Reboot IT, host Dave Coriale, President of DelCor, is joined by Andrew Leggett, Director of Cybersecurity, and Chris Ecker, CTO, to explore the evolving cybersecurity landscape for associations and nonprofits. They discuss the shift toward phishing-resistant MFA, the impact of AI on cyberattacks, and the importance of layered security strategies. The conversation emphasizes how organizational culture, user training, and smart technology choices work together to protect sensitive data and systems. 

Themes and Topics: 

Phishing-Resistant MFA 

• Traditional MFA tokens are vulnerable to interception during phishing attacks. 
• Passkeys and QR codes offer encrypted, device-specific authentication. 
• User experience improves with passwordless logins and fewer steps. 

AI-Enabled Cyber Threats 

• AI lowers the barrier to entry for attackers by automating phishing and scripting. 
• Tools like Copilot can be used maliciously to locate sensitive data quickly. 
• Organizations must train users to monitor prompt history and unusual activity. 

Layered Security Strategy 

• Effective cybersecurity requires training, monitoring, and prevention tools working together. 
• Threat detection systems vary in effectiveness depending on configuration and attacker location. 
• Layering includes phishing-resistant MFA, identity monitoring, and user education. 

Cybersecurity Culture & Training 

• A top-down approach is essential; executives must model secure behavior. 
• Encouraging users to report suspicious activity without fear of blame is key. 
• Training must be ongoing and integrated into organizational culture. 

Copilot and Oversharing Risks 

• Copilot indexes all tenant data and honors existing permissions, but overshared files are vulnerable. 
• Organizations must audit and remediate permissions in SharePoint, OneDrive, and email. 
• Misconfigured access can expose sensitive data like salary or ACH info. 

Cyber Insurance & Compliance 

• MFA is already a requirement for most cyber insurance policies. 
• Phishing-resistant MFA may soon become a standard requirement. 
• Organizations without it may face higher premiums or denial of coverage. 

Dave gets worked up about re-evaluating business rules within organizations. Sometimes business rules are based on isolated incidents and may unnecessarily complicate future processes. Dave emphasizes the need to scrutinize these rules as they play a crucial role in requirements analysis, influencing contracts, payment processing, regulatory compliance, and more.

In this episode of Reboot IT, host Dave Coriale sits down with Ginger Ausloos, Vice President of Technology Solutions and Data Strategy at AACSB International, and Gretchen Steenstra, Director, Project Strategy and Leadership at DelCor, to explore the evolution from digital transformation to digital strategy. Ginger shares how her organization has embraced cloud-based systems, built a transparent IT culture, and developed a governance model that empowers business units. The conversation also dives into leadership styles, AI adoption, and the importance of aligning IT with organizational goals. 

Themes and Topics:

Digital Strategy vs. Digital Transformation

• Ginger emphasizes that it’s time to move from digital transformation to governing and optimizing digital strategy.
• AACSB’s digital strategy sits just below organizational strategy and guides tools, communication, and member engagement.
• Many associations still focus on transformation, but the real challenge is managing change in a cloud-based world.

Leadership Through Transparency and Partnership

• Ginger uses a public-facing Monday board to share IT priorities and progress with the entire organization.
• Business units are involved in strategic planning, fostering collaboration and shared ownership.
• Her leadership style is described as “gentle maneuvers” rather than command and control.

Best-of-Breed Technology and Integration Strategy

• AACSB avoids long-term vendor lock-in, preferring 3-year contracts and best-of-breed solutions.
• A centralized data warehouse enables flexible integrations and easier system replacements.
• The organization has decoupled its AMS from other systems to reduce disruption and increase agility.

Governance and Change Management

• Ginger highlights the importance of protocols for change to avoid chaos in a cloud environment.
• The IT Steering Committee, though currently paused, played a key role in prioritizing initiatives across departments.
• Change management is reframed as adoption and strategic communication, using digital strategy as the glue.

AI Adoption and Organizational Readiness

• Ginger is pursuing a doctorate focused on AI and machine learning, but sees slow adoption at the organizational level.
• She warns that AI is being explored individually, not strategically, and leaders need to drive top-down initiatives.-
• ChatGPT-enhanced emails are not enough. Real transformation requires leadership engagement.

Professional Development and Personal Growth

• Ginger is a Six Sigma Black Belt, beekeeper, and self-described professional development junkie.
• Her journey from receptionist to VP over 20 years reflects a deep commitment to learning and leadership.
• She encourages her team to keep moving forward: “If you're not moving forward, you're being left behind.”

In this episode of Reboot IT, host Dave Coriale, President of DelCor, sits down with fellow podcasters KiKi L’Italien (former EVP Marketing & Community), Joanna Pineda (CEO, Matrix Group), and Dave Will (Co-founder, PropFuel) to discuss why technology implementations often take longer than expected. From strategic misalignment and governance bottlenecks to emotional resistance and resource constraints, the group explores the underlying causes of slow change. 

Themes and Topics:

The Emotional Impact of Letting Go

• KiKi shares her experience stepping away from Association Chat after 16 years, describing a mix of grief and relief.
• Joanna reflects on taking a break from LinkedIn during a personal loss and the surprising sense of freedom it brought.
• The group discusses how identity and purpose are often tied to long-term projects, making change psychologically difficult.

Strategic Planning and Prioritization Gaps

• Associations often struggle to define clear strategic goals, making it hard to prioritize technology decisions.
• Lack of alignment on KPIs leads to confusion and stalled initiatives.
• Dave Will emphasizes that knowing what’s important makes change easier and faster.

Governance and Decision-Making Bottlenecks

• Too many stakeholders involved in decisions leads to paralysis and delays.
• Joanna suggests sunsetting committees when strategic plans change to realign focus and authority.
• Leadership must clarify who owns decisions and avoid retroactive interference.

Risk Aversion and Culture of Caution

• Associations operate in a highly visible environment, making them more cautious about failure.
• Fear of public scrutiny and investing too early in emerging tech (like AI) slows down innovation.
• Dave Will notes that experimentation is often discouraged, even when it could lead to valuable breakthroughs.

Leadership and Ownership 

• Leadership must define clear goals and empower teams to make decisions without fear of being second-guessed.
• Joanna highlights the importance of psychological safety and trust in project ownership.
• Late-stage leadership involvement often derails progress and undermines team autonomy.

Resource Constraints and Internal Silos

• Many associations lack internal tech expertise or project management capacity, leading to delays.
• Misunderstanding the need for internal PMs results in stalled implementations.
• Silos between departments (e.g., marketing, membership, IT) hinder collaboration and alignment.

In this episode of Reboot IT, host Dave Coriale, President of DelCor, sits down with Adam Kuhn, IT Director and DelCor alum, to discuss the evolving role of IT in associations. From foundational infrastructure to advanced cybersecurity strategies, Adam shares lessons learned from both sides of the fence—being an internal influencer and a business partner. The conversation explores how IT leaders can move beyond “keeping the lights on” to proactively shaping organizational maturity, especially in the face of overwhelming system data and increasing security demands.

Summary:

Cybersecurity as a Strategic Investment

• Cybersecurity tools like Arctic Wolf elevate IT maturity beyond basic infrastructure.
• Associations must move from reactive to proactive security strategies.
• Cyber insurance requirements are evolving and often unclear, requiring IT guidance.

IT Maturity: From Core Requirements to Electives

• Adam compares IT infrastructure to college coursework—core requirements vs. electives.
• Core includes cloud migration, Microsoft 365, and basic security tools.
• Electives like threat detection systems represent strategic growth and investment.

Information Overload & the Need for Synthesis

• Devices generate massive amounts of data that are impossible to interpret manually.
• Security operations centers help synthesize logs and alerts across systems.
• IT teams need tools to manage and interpret this data effectively.

IT’s Role in Business Decision-Making

• IT should be a trusted advisor, not a gatekeeper or veto power.
• Excluding IT from technology selection leads to costly integration surprises.
• IT’s involvement ensures better alignment, risk mitigation, and long-term success.

Building Cross-Departmental Partnerships

• IT needs access to systems it doesn’t own to ensure full security coverage.
• Business units must understand their role in cybersecurity and collaborate with IT.
• Partnership is essential—not optional—for organizational safety and resilience.

Influencing Leadership & Budget Decisions

• IT leaders must make cogent cases for investment in security and infrastructure.
• Budget support depends on trust and clear communication with leadership.
• Adam emphasizes gratitude for working in a supportive environment that values IT input.

In this episode of Reboot IT, host Dave Coriale sits down with Rob Wenger, CEO and Chief Product Officer at Higher Logic, to discuss the evolving landscape of association technology, the impact of AI and automation, and strategies for enhancing member engagement.

Summary:

AI and Automation:

• Rob emphasizes the importance of AI and automation in the association world, highlighting how these technologies can streamline tasks and improve efficiency. 
• He discusses the use of various AI tools, including ChatGPT, Cursor, and Glean, to enhance productivity and decision-making. 
• Rob shares insights on the balance between using AI for personal and professional tasks, and the importance of data security and compliance.

Member Engagement:

• The conversation delves into the significance of member engagement in associations and how technology can facilitate this.
•  Rob explains the concept of member journeys and how predictive analytics can help identify and support members at different stages of their engagement.
•  He highlights the role of community platforms and marketing tools in fostering meaningful interactions and delivering personalized content.

Ethical Considerations and Future Outlook:

• Rob and Dave discuss the ethical implications of AI, including concerns about data privacy and the potential for job displacement.
•  They explore the role of associations in creating valuable, forward-thinking content and the importance of maintaining high standards in content creation.
•  Rob shares his vision for the future, emphasizing the need for associations to adapt to technological advancements while safeguarding their core values. 

Episode Summary:
Dave Coriale sits down with Gretchen Steenstra, Director of Project Strategy and Leadership at DelCor, and Niko Cribb, Technology Consultant at DelCor, to unpack what happened at the DelCor Bootcamp during AMS Fest. They explore the evolving challenges of AMS selection, the importance of ecosystem and context diagrams, and how associations can better prepare for system adoption. From peer-to-peer learning to the impact of private equity on vendor trust, this episode is packed with practical takeaways for association professionals navigating the complex world of association management systems. 

Topics & Themes:

• Inside the DelCor Bootcamp at AMS Fest
  • A vendor-free, candid environment where association professionals can ask real questions and get honest feedback.
  • Bootcamp helps attendees feel more confident and prepared before engaging with vendors.
• Ecosystem and Context Diagrams
  • Attendees were asked to draw their current tech ecosystem to visualize integrations and ownership.
  • The process of creating the diagram was more valuable than the final product.
• Writing Better Requirements
  • Participants practiced writing user story-based requirements, often for the first time.
  • Emphasis on considering multiple perspectives: membership, finance, and member services.
• Understanding the Role of the Business Analyst
  • Associations don’t need to turn staff into BAs, but must understand the BA role.
  • Clear requirements are essential for selection, configuration, and adoption.
  • Most AMS issues stem from poor adoption, not poor functionality.
• Balancing Ecosystems vs. All-in-One Platforms
  • Discussion around whether to consolidate or diversify systems.
  • Risks of over-reliance on a single platform vs. complexity of multiple systems.
• Private Equity and Vendor Trust
  • Mergers and acquisitions are eroding trust in vendors and direct access to decision-makers is more difficult.
  • Associations must take ownership of training, documentation, and vendor relationships.
• Change Management and Adoption Fears
  • Some staff fear change and struggle with system transitions.
  • Bootcamp helps surface these concerns early in the process.
• Peer Learning and Community Support
  • AMS Fest’s value lies in shared experiences and peer advice.
  • One piece of advice from a peer can shift an entire selection strategy.
• Final Question: What’s Got You Worked Up?
  • Gretchen: Frustrated by the lack of payoff from private equity investment in platforms.
  • Niko: Wants more associations to engage in the conversation and learn from peers.