Association Hub Podcast - Episodes by Olena Lima and Angela Shelton

#83: Future-Fit Associations with Rob Wenger – Talking Tech, Teams & Thinking Ahead

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 10:37:03 +1000

You can’t miss the orange shirts at a conference and today, you’ll meet the man behind them, Rob Wenger. In this episode, we chat with the Founder and CEO of Higher Logic, someone who’s helped shape the tech landscape for associations and still makes time to get out, meet people, and listen. Based in the US but a regular in Australia, Rob brings an ear for diverse voices and a sharp eye for where our sector is heading.

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We cover:

• Why “Google is dead” (and what AEO means for your association).
• The three big advantages associations have over the rest of the world in the AI era.
• How to build a team that’s ready for the future, not just hanging on.
• The mindset shifts today’s leaders need to pass on to the next generation.

Part strategy, part tech talk, and part pep talk, this one’s for anyone who wants to stay relevant, connected, and confident in a fast-moving world.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/robwenger

#82: Stop Selling, Start Partnering: Why Your Sponsorship Model Might Be Broken

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 11:11:48 +1000

In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, Olena chats with sponsorship expert Bruce Rosenthal about the future of corporate partnerships in the association space.

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Drawing on decades of experience, including his time leading a successful transformational sponsorship program during economic downturns, Bruce shares what it takes to create high-value, strategic partnerships that deliver true member benefits.

From ditching the tired gold-silver-bronze model to his actionable VALUE framework, this is a must-listen for association professionals ready to rethink sponsorship in a more meaningful way.

Plus, get an inside look at Bruce’s new book Mastering Association Corporate Sponsorships and discover the self-assessment tool that might just change your whole approach.

Tune in to learn:

Why companies are spending smarter on sponsorships
What the VALUE framework means for your revenue and relevance
The one mindset shift associations must make to stay competitive

Want to dive deeper? Check out Bruce’s book Mastering Association Corporate Sponsorship: How to Create Strategic Partnerships that Add Value and Member Value at brucerosenthal.associates/sponsorship-book.⁠

#81: Speaking with Impact: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome with Cat Matson

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 13:06:59 +1000

What if the only thing standing between you and real influence… is that inner voice telling you you’re not ready?

In this episode, we dive into one of the biggest blockers facing association leaders today: imposter syndrome. You’re leading change, championing a sector, and doing it all on tight budgets and tight timelines, but still questioning whether you’re the right person for the job? You’re not alone.

Enter Cat Matson.

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With her signature honesty and straight-talking warmth, Cat unpacks:

🔸 Why imposter syndrome is so common in purpose-driven work
🔸 How to spot the difference between self-doubt and an actual skill gap
🔸 Practical ways to back yourself, without pretending you have it all figured out
🔸 How to show up with credibility (even when your brain says otherwise)

Whether you’ve held back from media interviews, board roles or just speaking up in meetings, this chat will give you tools and a bit of a kick to back yourself. Because you don’t have to feel 100% ready to make a meaningful impact.

Oh, and if you’re wondering who Cat really is? Think: corporate hippie, mentor, podcast host, speaker, and strong coffee lover. She's the real deal and after this episode, you’ll understand why people trust her to help them find their voice.

Follow Cat’s work here:

🔗 LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/catmatson/

📘 Facebook www.facebook.com/CatMatson.ImpactCATalyst

📸 Instagram www.instagram.com/catmatson

#80: What Makes or Breaks an Association Conference with Andrew Klein

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 10:35:36 +1000

What do gala dinner punch-ups, blackout moments on Hamilton Island, and dangerous ideas have in common? They’re all part of the wild and wonderful world of association conferences. And nobody tells those stories better than Andrew Klein.

In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, Olena sits down with one of Australia’s most seasoned professional speakers and MCs. With over 30 years behind the mic and hundreds of association conferences under his belt, Andrew shares what works, what doesn’t, what makes a conference truly unforgettable, and how to turn even the driest content into something genuinely engaging (yes, even those “genius-but-dull” academics).

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You’ll learn:

Hilarious real-life event disasters, and how to survive them
The must-have traits of great conference speakers
Smart ways to spend your event budget for maximum impact
Why less content and more connection is the future of successful events
The magic of risk-taking, authenticity, and ditching the PowerPoint overload.

🎧 Press play, hit follow, and don’t forget to share this one with your events team. They’ll thank you later!

🔗 And if you’re on the hunt for a top-notch MC, you can find Andrew at andrewklein.com.au ⁠⁠⁠.

#79. Transforming a Niche Association: Leadership Lessons from Angelina Mallini Pillai

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 14:25:25 +1000

Associations are people-powered, and today we meet a leader proving it. Let us introduce you to Angelina Mallini Pillai, CEO of the Association of Consulting Architects. She didn’t train as an architect, yet she’s built a thriving, values-led community by listening deeply, fostering trust, and putting wellbeing and relevance at the centre of her work.

In this episode, we explore what it really means to lead a niche association, one where most members are running micro-businesses, juggling every role from payroll to design. You’ll hear how Angelina and her team use real-time feedback to shape services, create belonging, and challenge outdated norms in the architecture profession.

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We talk about:

Using Pulse Check surveys to drive real support and advocacy
Building trust as a non-industry CEO in a deeply technical field
Embedding mental health, equity, and culture into strategic priorities
Rethinking leadership models and giving permission to innovate

If you’re passionate about the future of associations, or leading through change, this one’s for you.

Connect with Angelina Mallini Pillai: www.linkedin.com/in/angelinapillai
Learn more about the Association of Consulting Architects: www.aca.org.au

#77: Building Corporate Partnerships That Actually Work with Mike Barouche

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 09:48:15 +1000

Partnerships aren’t just a revenue stream, they’re a critical part of how we deliver impact across an organisation. But too often, we reduce them to packages, logos, and vague promises of “exposure.”

This episode is your chance to rethink that.

Mike Barouche challenges the traditional approach and shares a more strategic, human-centred model for partnership success.

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You’ll learn:

• Why onboarding is make-or-break

• How to design events that serve both members and sponsors

• What happens when we stop chasing generic ROI and start owning real outcomes

If you're ready to stop pitching and start partnering, this is the conversation you didn’t know you needed.

Want to know more?

Connect with Mike: www.linkedin.com/in/mikebaro uche

Find out more about his partnership insights: www.revenuethroughrelationships.com.au

#76: Governance with Purpose: John Peacock AM on Evolving Associations

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 12:46:21 +1000

In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, Olena sits down with one of the most respected voices in the Australian association sector, John Peacock AM. With a career spanning decades and a legacy that includes founding Associations Forum and later launching Governology, John’s passion for associations was formally recognised when he was awarded an AM (Member of the Order of Australia) for his standout contribution to the sector.

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In this episode, John shares personal stories, practical insights, and governance tips for association leaders.

We explore:

How John’s family roots and teenage volunteering sparked a lifelong commitment to associations
The most common governance pitfalls
What makes a truly effective association board, and how to tell if yours needs a revamp
The role of associations in a fast-changing world and why staying relevant means staying innovative

#74 Leading Associations with AI, Agility & a Human Touch – with Annie Gibbins

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 12:14:56 +1000

In today’s episode of the Association Hub Podcast, we’re joined by the unstoppable Annie Gibbins. CEO, strategist, speaker, publisher, mentor, and yes, mum of five. With decades in association leadership and a growing reputation as an AI advocate, Annie brings a unique blend of C-suite wisdom, digital savvy, and grounded advice for association professionals navigating rapid change.

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Olena and Annie chat about the evolving role of association leaders, the shift from managing to reimagining, and why embracing AI is not a tech move, but a leadership imperative.

We unpack the myths, explore practical use cases for AI in member engagement, and talk about Annie’s new book, AI for Association Leaders, which outlines how to scale smarter, serve better, and lead with confidence into the future.

If you’re facing pressure to do more with less, trying to bring your board on the AI journey, or just wondering where to begin, this episode is your practical, empowering guide.

Tune in, and don’t forget to follow, subscribe and share the pod. And if you would like to learn more about Annie, connect, order her book or schedule a session, head to her website anniegibbins.com⁠.

#37: Committees Done Right - Lessons from Lori Modde, Outdoors NSW & ACT

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 09:39:54 +1000

Join us for a chat with Lori Modde about committee management and our shared love for the outdoors, packed with valuable insights on managing committees effectively and engaging volunteers.

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Committee management doesn’t always come easy, but with the right strategies and insights, it can be incredibly rewarding. Join hosts Olena Lima and Angela Shelton as they welcome Lori Modde, CEO of Outdoors NSW & ACT, to the Association Hub podcast.

In this episode, Lori shares her expertise on managing committees effectively, drawing from her extensive experience in the sport and outdoor industries. Learn how Lori successfully manages 10 committees with 53 members, ensuring productive meetings, clear communication, and engaged volunteers.

Discover practical tips on setting up committees, maintaining motivation, and leveraging technology to enhance committee management. Whether you're looking to improve your committee management skills or curious about best practices in the association world, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

#36: How $500 Can Save the Future of an Industry with Leisha Jordan, NGINA

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 10:08:00 +1000

Discover how Leisha led a groundbreaking campaign that revitalised the future of the nursery and garden industry by bringing in young talent and addressing significant skill shortages.

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Join us on the Association Hub Podcast as we chat with Leisha Jordan, Marketing & Communication Manager at the Nursery & Garden Industry NSW & ACT Ltd (NGINA). Discover how Leisha led a groundbreaking campaign that revitalised the future of the nursery and garden industry by bringing in young talent and addressing significant skill shortages.

With a budget of just $500, this campaign achieved a 1175% increase in enrolment for the CIII Nursery Operations TAFE NSW Course, ensuring the industry's sustainability.

Tune in to learn how creativity, strategic targeting, and leveraging various communication channels can lead to extraordinary results. Don't miss this inspiring episode that showcases the true potential of impactful marketing on a shoestring budget!

Key Takeaways:

Even with a limited budget, creativity and strategic targeting can lead to significant results.
Building trust with members and leveraging word of mouth can be highly effective in promoting a campaign.
Utilising various communication channels, such as social media, email marketing, webinars, and published media, can significantly enhance effectiveness of marketing campaigns.
Tracking and measuring the progress of a campaign is crucial for making adjustments and optimising results.Adapting the product or service to meet the needs of the target audience is essential for campaign success.

See the marketing in action, and access NGINA's game-changing campaign ⁠here.

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