Association Hub Podcast - Episodes , Award Winning AssociationsAssociation Hub Podcast - Episodes , Award Winning Associationshttps://www.associationhubpodcast.com/episodes/award-winning-associationsMon, 06 Apr 2026 19:37:28 -0700http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[#67: Building an Advocacy Powerhouse: Wes Lambert’s Recipe for Association Advocacy]]>https://www.associationhubpodcast.com/episodes/post/67-building-an-advocacy-powerhouse-wes-lambert-s-recipe-for-association-advocacyIn this episode, Olena Lima chats with Wes Lambert to uncover his bold strategies, sharp focus, and unwavering determination in association advocacy. Wes has been making waves in Australia’s restaurant and café sector, achieving policy wins in just 10 months that others have chased for decades.]]>

In this episode, Olena Lima chats with Wes Lambert to uncover his bold strategies, sharp focus, and unwavering determination in association advocacy. Wes has been making waves in Australia’s restaurant and café sector, achieving policy wins in just 10 months that others have chased for decades.

 Available on

If you've worked in the association industry for a while, the chances that you haven’t heard of Wes Lambert are pretty slim. But if you do need an introduction, let’s just say he’s been cooking up some serious change in Australia’s restaurant and café sector.

In just 10 months, Wes and his team at the Australian Restaurant and Café Association (ARCA) have managed to shake up the industry, securing policy wins that others have spent decades trying to achieve. So, what’s his secret ingredient?

In this episode, Olena Lima sits down with Wes to reveal his recipe for success in association advocacy—one that’s packed with focus, bold strategies, and ​and relentless determination.


Tune in now to listen:


🔹 How Wes went from investment banking, to restaurant management and to leading one of the country’s newest (and fastest-growing) associations

🔹 The key ingredients to getting members engaged and growing an association from scratch

🔹 How ARCA is driving real policy change, from migration reform to taxation policies

🔹 Why laser-focused advocacy can deliver wins for an industry that employs half a million Australians.


And if you’ve ever wondered how one person can juggle high-stakes advocacy, multiple board roles, four kids, and still get eight hours of sleep every night—Wes has the answer.


🎧 Tune in now to hear how ARCA is delivering real results for hospitality businesses across Australia.

]]>Tue, 25 Mar 2025 10:14:18 +1100<![CDATA[#65: What Does It Take to Become Small Association of the Year? with Leanne Boase]]>https://www.associationhubpodcast.com/episodes/post/65-what-does-it-take-to-become-small-association-of-the-year-with-leanne-boaseIn this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, we hear from Leanne Boase, CEO of the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP), to unpack their journey to winning Small Association of the Year 2024.]]>

In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, we hear from Leanne Boase, CEO of the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP), to unpack their journey to winning Small Association of the Year 2024.

 Available on

In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, we hear from Leanne Boase, CEO of the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP), to unpack their journey to winning Small Association of the Year 2024.

Leading a small association comes with unique challenges—limited resources, advocacy hurdles, and keeping members engaged—but ACNP has navigated them masterfully. Leanne shares the strategies, turning points, and lessons that helped ACNP stand out and earn this prestigious recognition.

We discuss:

✔️ What made ACNP a standout association
✔️ Overcoming challenges with growth, engagement, and advocacy
✔️ The key strategies that led to their success
✔️ Advice for small association leaders looking to make a big impact

This episode is packed with actionable insights for any association leader, whether you're looking to grow, innovate, or position yourself for future success.


]]>Tue, 04 Mar 2025 10:17:00 +1100<![CDATA[#61: The Art of Change: Steffi Jackson on Leading a Global Community]]>https://www.associationhubpodcast.com/episodes/post/61-the-art-of-change-steffi-jackson-on-leading-a-global-communitySteffi shares the story behind this success, starting with Change Management Institute being named Small Association of the Year in 2023, followed by their 2024 win for External Campaign of the Year.]]>

Steffi shares the story behind this success, starting with Change Management Institute being named Small Association of the Year in 2023, followed by their 2024 win for External Campaign of the Year. 

 Available on

In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, we sit down with Steffi Jackson, CEO of the Change Management Institute, to celebrate their remarkable achievement: winning two Associations Forum Awards in back-to-back years.

Steffi shares the story behind this success, starting with Change Management Institute being named Small Association of the Year in 2023, followed by their 2024 win for External Campaign of the Year. From the campaign’s humble beginnings to its resounding success, Steffi reflects on how the Institute’s small but passionate team and global network of volunteers came together to create something truly impactful.

We also explore:

  • CMI’s mission to connect and support change management professionals worldwide.
  • The power of community and collaboration in achieving big goals.
  • Practical advice on crafting award submissions that truly tell your story.

This conversation isn’t just about awards; it’s about the dedication, vision, and teamwork that made it all possible. Tune in to celebrate with us, and don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review!




]]>Tue, 04 Feb 2025 10:16:42 +1100<![CDATA[#56: 130 Years Strong: How AusIMM Became Association of the Year with Stephen Durkin and Melissa Holdsworth]]>https://www.associationhubpodcast.com/episodes/post/56-130-years-strong-how-ausimm-became-association-of-the-yearIn 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.]]>

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.

 Available on

In this episode we hear from Stephen Durkin (CEO) and Melissa Holdsworth (COO) of Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM), the proud recipient of the Association of the Year Award. They share how they transformed a 130-year-old organisation into a modern, thriving association.

Through strategic leadership, digital innovation, and revenue diversification, they reveal the steps taken to build a growth mindset, foster a strong organisational culture, and enhance member engagement. Stephen and Melissa also provide invaluable lessons for other associations aiming to drive change and achieve excellence, while highlighting the critical role associations play in shaping industries and communities.

Interesting fact: Sir Henry Ayers was the first president of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM). He is also the namesake of Ayers Rock, now respectfully known by its traditional name, Uluru, connecting AusIMM to a significant piece of Australia’s cultural and historical heritage.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their organisation and make a lasting impact.

Find out more about AusIMM
Connect with Stephen Durkin
Connect with Melissa Holdsworth
]]>Mon, 16 Dec 2024 13:26:42 +1100