In this thoughtful and engaging episode, Sarah Sladek sits down with Erin Mantz, founder of Gen X Girls Grow Up and VP of Marketing at Zeno Group, to explore the evolving dynamics of generational communication and workplace engagement. Erin shares insights from her recent Fortune interview about Gen Z's communication preferences and challenges stereotypes with her own professional observations.

The two dive into the rising importance of connection, mental health, and mentorship in today’s workforce. They reflect on how generational differences—especially between Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z—affect leadership, employee satisfaction, and innovation. Erin also introduces Project Gap, an initiative designed to close communication divides between today’s leaders and the next generation.

In this episode of Membership IQ, host Sarah Sladek is joined by Susan Swart, a longtime leader in the nursing association world and founder of a niche association management company in Illinois. Together, they explore the unique challenges and opportunities facing nursing organizations today—from engaging younger generations to fostering transparent, community-driven leadership.

Susan shares powerful insights on navigating rapid change, encouraging inclusivity across generational divides, and learning through failure. She emphasizes the value of transparency, experimentation, and empowering frontline professionals to shape the future. The conversation highlights a shift away from perfectionism toward purpose-driven collaboration—where listening, peer support, and human-centered leadership drive innovation in membership organizations.

In this episode of Membership IQ, Sarah Sladek sits down with Tom Gehring—retired Navy officer, former CEO, and founder of a health leadership academy—to unpack the essentials of strategic leadership in chaotic times. With wit and wisdom, Tom outlines the four major barriers leaders face today: time scarcity, lack of actionable follow-through, excessive non-value-added tasks, and what he calls “the branching problem” of modern complexity.

From submarine life to managing physicians, Tom shares stories and strategies that highlight the importance of simplifying decisions, mentoring the next generation, and leading with integrity. His practical leadership compass—seven roles every leader should play—serves as a timeless guide in an era of rapid change. Whether you're steering a membership organization or leading a team, this conversation is a masterclass in meaningful leadership and human connection.

In this episode of Membership IQ, host Sarah Sladek talks with Curtis Nunley, a leader at the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), about navigating and leading through transformational change. Curtis shares insights into ASCE’s recent decision to consolidate its multiple membership grades—combining full, associate, and affiliate categories into one unified level. This change aims to make ASCE more inclusive and reflective of the full spectrum of professionals contributing to civil engineering, including technicians, non-licensed practitioners, and those with varying educational backgrounds.

Curtis explains the cultural and strategic factors behind the decision, including its potential to engage historically underrepresented groups, such as graduates from HBCUs and community colleges. He emphasizes the importance of involving stakeholders in the change process, tailoring member experiences to generational preferences, and simplifying volunteer roles to support community building. The episode also touches on ASCE’s efforts to better engage younger members, especially Gen Z, through tools like social media, mobile accessibility, and flexible payment options.

This conversation is packed with practical advice for any organization looking to evolve membership structures, promote diversity, and build stronger intergenerational communities.

In this episode of Membership IQ, host Sarah Sladek sits down with Christy Beatty, Vice President of Chapter Services and Member Engagement at the Associated General Contractors (AGC). Christy discusses the pressing challenges facing the construction industry—chiefly workforce shortages and generational shifts—and how AGC is adapting to meet member needs in a rapidly changing environment. She emphasizes the growing importance of workplace culture, onboarding, and retention strategies to attract and keep younger generations like Gen Z. The conversation also explores AGC’s digital transformation and embrace of virtual engagement, the shift from traditional member services to becoming a problem-solving business partner, and the organization’s adoption of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to create clarity, accountability, and strategic focus. Ultimately, the episode highlights how associations must evolve to stay relevant, innovative, and impactful.

In this episode of Membership IQ, host Sarah Sladek welcomes Kate Solomon, MPS, Senior Manager, B2C Customer Segment, and ASME. 

Kate shares her journey from being new to the association world to now leading innovative membership strategies. The conversation highlights her early career experiences, involvement in tweet chats that helped her connect with the community, and how Sarah’s books influenced her professional growth.

Kate discusses the evolution of membership engagement, the value of personalization, and why associations need to adapt their approach to attract and retain younger generations. They also explore what’s changed in member expectations and how data-driven strategies can empower more meaningful member experiences.

In this episode of Membership IQ, host Sarah Sladek welcomes Todd Letts, CCE, President of Todd Letts Consulting. Together, they explore the evolving role of chambers of commerce and how Todd has led his organization to become a leading voice in economic development and community engagement. Todd shares insights on strategic partnerships, policy advocacy, and how his chamber has embraced innovation and inclusivity to better serve its diverse business community. From influencing infrastructure projects to championing small business needs, this conversation offers a dynamic look at what it takes to lead a future-focused chamber.

In this episode of Membership IQ, host Sarah Sladek welcomes Cassandra Price, a leader in generational collaboration and an advocate for workplace transformation. Cassandra shares her experience founding the Canadian chapter of the Multi-Generational Employee Resource Group Exchange (MERGE) at Bayer, which fosters collaboration across generations. She discusses Bayer’s shift to Dynamic Shared Ownership (DSO)—a groundbreaking leadership model that decentralizes decision-making and fosters innovation at all levels. 

Cassandra explains how DSO empowers employees, builds community, and helps organizations adapt to the ever-changing business landscape. The conversation also explores generational trends, workplace microaggressions, and the importance of leading from any level. Tune in for insights on building inclusive, forward-thinking teams and navigating organizational change.

In this episode of Membership IQ, host Sarah Sladek welcomes April Ellison, founder of the Lights On Collective. April shares her journey from a long-standing career in membership at the American Dental Association to launching her consulting and coaching firm, focused on helping individuals and organizations realize their full potential. Their conversation explores the challenges organizations face today, including capacity constraints, the lingering effects of the pandemic, and the need for anticipatory leadership. 

They also discuss generational shifts, particularly the evolving communication and collaboration styles of younger generations, and how leaders can foster inclusive and forward-thinking communities. April shares insights from her work with high school students and her Next Steps Leadership Initiative, which empowers underrepresented young professionals. Tune in to gain valuable strategies for navigating change, building strong communities, and leading with intention.

In this episode of Membership IQ, host Sarah Sladek interviews Heather Whyte, MBA, CDMP, APR founder and CEO of Why Communicate, a communications consultancy specializing in helping associations refine their value propositions. Heather discusses the challenges associations face in navigating a rapidly changing landscape, from economic uncertainty to shifting member expectations. She emphasizes the importance of understanding why associations exist, how they can adapt to member needs, and the crucial role of embracing innovation and member-centric strategies. Tune in for practical insights on overcoming the "poly-crisis" and leading associations into a resilient future.