In this final episode of 2025, host Colleen Gallagher, CEO of OnWrd & UpWrd, reflects on a year of learning, listening, and leadership across 53 episodes of The Association Insights Podcast this year.

From member value and communications to AI, advocacy, culture, and leadership, this solocast pulls together the most consistent themes that emerged across conversations with association CEOs, communicators, strategists, and builders navigating a year defined by uncertainty—and intentional change.

Rather than predictions or hype, this episode focuses on what association leaders actually shared about what’s working, what’s shifting, and what deserves more focus as we head into 2026.

Key Reflections from 2025

• Uncertainty is the environment—strategy is the response

• Relationships, not transactions, drive influence and trust

• Member value is defined by experience, not benefits lists

• Data matters only when it’s used to adjust and improve

• AI is a leadership decision, not just a technology one

• Culture determines whether strategy succeeds or stalls

Colleen also offers reflection questions to help association leaders close out the year with clarity—and outlines what associations should be prioritizing in 2026, grounded directly in insights shared throughout the podcast.

🎧 Tune in for a thoughtful, grounded close to 2025—and a clear-eyed look at what associations should carry forward into the year ahead.

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Coming Soon: We’re kicking off 2026 with new conversations, fresh case studies, and practical insights from association leaders navigating change, growth, and opportunity. Stay tuned for what’s next.