#68: The Business of Associations: How Tim Boyle Rebuilt ARCS Australia for a Sustainable Future

01.04.25 10:29 AM - By Olena Lima and Angela Shelton

Tim Boyle shares how he transformed ARCS Australia’s financial sustainability with bold decisions and strategic shifts. From revamping revenue streams to rethinking membership models, he reveals the key moves that turned the association’s future around.

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Financial sustainability isn’t always the most glamorous topic—but it’s one of the most critical for any association’s success. In this episode, Olena Lima sits down with Tim Boyle, CEO of ARCS Australia, to explore how he rebuilt the association’s business model from the ground up.

Taking over in the shadow of the pandemic, with funding streams drying up and outdated revenue models, Tim faced some tough calls. But through bold decisions, strategic shifts, and an agile mindset, ARCS Australia is now thriving.

🔹 How Tim turned around the association’s financial sustainability
🔹 The role of partnerships in creating year-round engagement (and new revenue streams)
🔹 How ARCS Australia shifted to a new membership model to smooth out cash flow
🔹 The balance between monetisation and delivering real member value
🔹 Why fail-fast thinking is key to adapting in today’s association landscape

Tim also shares insights on future-proofing associations, evolving membership models for the next generation, and why the biggest challenge is shifting from 'nice to have' to 'must-have' membership value.