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Strategy & Leadership in Associations

The interplay between strategy and leadership is crucial for fostering growth, navigating change, and building high-performing teams. This Association Hub Podcast topic draws from a series of insightful podcast discussions featuring experts who share their experiences for driving success in associations. From reigniting stalled initiatives and leading transformative journeys to purposeful board leadership and nurturing organisational culture, these episodes provide a wealth of knowledge on the impact of effective strategy and leadership. Tune in to these episodes to discover key takeaways that can inspire and guide your association towards achieving your goals and making a lasting impact.

Key Takeaways

Purposeful Governance

Board leadership should align with the association’s mission and values to ensure that all decisions and actions are consistent with the organisation's core principles and long-term objectives. 


Effective Communication 

Clear and consistent communication is essential for aligning team members with the organisation’s vision and strategic goals.


Cultivating a Positive Culture

Engaging board members in collaborative decision-making and fostering a culture of diverse perspectives and innovative thinking can enhance organisational success.


Strategic Planning for Transformation

Leaders should focus on forward-thinking strategies and remain agile to adapt to competitive environments and evolving industry landscapes.


Episodes on Strategy & Leadership

🎧 #59: Seaweed, Startups and Sustainability: How to Build an Association with Impact with Lindsay Hermes


In this episode, Lindsay Hermes, CEO of the Australian Sustainable Seaweed Alliance, shares how ASSA grew from an idea to a thriving organisation, securing an $8.1M government grant.




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🎧 #56: 130 Years Strong: How AusIMM Became Association of the Year with Stephen Durkin and Melissa Holdsworth


In this episode, Stephen Durkin and Melissa Holdsworth, proud recipients of the Association of the Year Award, unveil how they transformed a 130-year-old organisation into a dynamic, forward-thinking association.



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🎧 #55:  Small Steps, Big Impact: Advocacy Framework for Small Associations with Elaine Abery


Drawing from her extensive background in government relations, Elaine shares a practical framework designed to help associations set realistic goals, tailor their messages, and establish meaningful relationships with key stakeholders.

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🎧 #54: Stronger Together: Amplifying Small Business Voices Through Association Collaboration with Luke Achterstraat



In this episode, Luke Achterstraat, CEO of COSBOA, shares how the power of collaboration amplifies the voices of small business owners who form the backbone of the Australian economy.
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🎧  #53: From Campsites to Canberra: Stuart Lamont on Powerful Advocacy and National Campaigns  


         

Join Olena as she chats with Stuart Lamont, CEO of the Caravan Industry Association of Australia, to uncover how bold strategies and relentless optimism fuel national advocacy and consumer campaigns.
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🎧 #52: Never Waste a Crisis: Paul Zahra on Leading Through Challenges and Change


In this inspiring episode, Olena catches up with Paul Zahra, outgoing CEO of the Australian Retailers Association (ARA). Paul reflects on his journey leading the ARA through some of its toughest years.



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🎧 #39: A Story of Association Success, Mentorship, and Sell-Out Events with Marise Maechler 


Marise shares her inspiring journey from a small town to the big city, taking on new challenges and seizing the opportunity to lead the association in 2021.

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🎧 #35 : Why Implementation Stalls & How to Reignite Progress, with Rosie Yeo



Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that will empower you to transform strategic challenges into opportunities for growth.
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🎧  #30: Unmasking Imposter Syndrome in Association Leadership with Sam Osborne  


         

Learn the impact of Imposter Syndrome in the association community, inspired by Sam's article in the Associations Evolve Journal. 
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🎧 #26Leading Through Change: IAP2 Transformative Journey



Marion shares her story of a comprehensive transformation that touches every aspect of association management.



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🎧 #25: Leading from Within: Self-Leadership for Association Success with Mel Kettle 


Mel joins us to explore the vital topic of self-leadership in the world of association professionals.



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🎧 #21: Start with the Why Not: Challenging Conventions to Drive Association Innovation with Lindsay McGrath, SPASA 


Discover how Lindsay encourages culture of innovation by asking 'why not' and considering alternative approaches to member engagement, service delivery, and industry leadership. 



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🎧  #18:  Board Leadership with Purpose with Laura Bos, SCA (Qld) | Small Steps 4 Hannah 



Laura lights the way with her own vibrant story, proving that it’s possible to lead at work and still make time for community impact.


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🎧 #7: Culture & High Performing Teams with Belinda Nankivell, Australian Property Institute 


Belinda shares the significance of clear roles and responsibilities, open communication, active listening, and constructive feedback in creating a strong team dynamic.


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🎧 #3Growth, Transformation and Leadership with Marianne Kintzel, RWTA 


Explore the importance of effective leadership in the association industry and its impact on organisational growth, featuring Marianne Kintzel’s transformative journey as the leader of the RWTA.



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