Association Chat Podcast

Your Secret Leadership Superpower | Zovig Garboushian

Think the secret to skyrocketing your leadership and team performance is all about working harder or networking more? Think again. In this episode of Association Chat, KiKi L'Italien teams up with executive coach Zovig Garboushian to dive deep into why the most successful leaders might just be the ones who know themselves best. Why It’s Time to Look Inward: Uncover why the inner game matters more than ever in today's workplace and how it can transform not just your career, but your entire...

A Hot Take on Trust – Do They Trust Your Association?

In this episode of Association Chat, host KiKi L'Italie explores the complex world of trust within associations with "A Hot Take on Trust – Do They Trust Your Association?" Discover why trust goes beyond a binary existence and how associations can actively cultivate it among members, leadership, and broader communities. From the importance of consistency to the impact of technology on our perceptions of trust, KiKi shares what it truly means to build and maintain trust in today's rapidly e...

Can AI Help Make Higher Education More Equitable?

AI and Equitable Education...we hear alot about the harm that generative AI can cause on campuses, but can it also heal and improve equitability for higher ed? Join host KiKi L'Italien for this episode featuring insights from Charles Ansell of Complete College America, Michael Baston from Cuyahoga Community College, and Audrey Ellis, the visionary behind T3 Advisory.  This discussion zeroes in on the role of Generative AI in creating a more equitable education landscape within higher educa...

ASAE Launches Association Governance Institute – What is it? What happens next?

ASAE Launches Association Governance Institute – what is it and what happens next? "Charting New Horizons in Association Leadership: Paul Pomerantz Talks AGI Launch" Tune into Association Chat with host KiKi L'Italien as we welcome Paul Pomerantz, the force behind the new Association Governance Institute (AGI). In this episode, we uncover the essentials of AGI's mission. Discover how AGI aims to equip board members, CEOs, and staff with the tools and knowledge needed for stellar govern...

The AI Evolution in Associations with BettyBot AI’s Pioneers

Join host KiKi L'Italien on Association Chat as she looks into the transformative impact of AI on associations with guests, BettyBot.AI thought leaders: Rob Barnes, Thomas Altman, and Dray McFarlane! Discover how associations are revolutionizing education and engagement through technology – and how BettyBot's leaders are helping them to do it! Highlights from this discussion include: Unlocking Forgotten Knowledge: Learn how AI like BettyBot can look into the depths of an association's kn...

Meet This Association's New AI Staff!

An association introduces its new AI "staff" – and the robot overlords are friendly (for now)... Welcome to this episode of the Association Chat Podcast, full of the delights and dorkiness that any well-intentioned association podcast talking about technology these days can hardly avoid.  For this episode, we talk with Liz Peuster, CAE, Director Of Communications & Public Relations for the South Carolina Association of CPAs about how they are using AI, and specifically generative AI, in ...

Higher Logic's Homecoming: Charting a Future with the Dream Team

Join Association Chat for a discussion with Higher Logic's visionary leaders in our latest episode of Association Chat. We sit down with Rob Wenger, Co-Founder and CEO, alongside returning giants Mark Lowry and Conor Sibley, now serving as Chief Revenue Officer and Chief Technology Officer, respectively. This episode, "Higher Logic's Homecoming: Charting a Future with Rob Wenger, Mark Lowry & Conor Sibley," explores the strategic foresight and innovative spirit driving Higher Logic's lates...

Association Podcasters Battle Royale

Get ready for the most epic, laugh-out-loud episode yet – "Association Podcasters Battle Royale"! This was a full-on adventure where the best of the best association podcasters clash in a hilariously unpredictable showdown. Featuring Dave Will, the strategic genius from "Association Strong!" podcast; Ben Muscolino, the tech sorcerer of "The Association Podcast"; Joanne Pineda, the heart and soul of "Associations Thrive"; Dave Coriale, the digital dynamo from "Reboot IT" by DelCor; and me,...

Can AI's Invisible Hand Shape Relationship Ties? A Chat with Jeff Wickert

In this episode, we'll talk with Jeff Wickert, the CEO/Chief Vision Officer of Quoala – he brings with him insights on enhancing dialogue and understanding in the digital age. We'll explore how an innovative approach to listening, understanding, and responding is creating a ripple effect in the realms of organizational leadership and community engagement. Could new approaches inform and improve upon the way associations communicate internally and with their members, fostering a more conn...

Association Podcasters Mayhem! It's all Dave's fault...

Which of these association podcasters should be banned forever? Wait! Don't answer that until you watch this fun episode that we will all surely regret recording later! This discussion features Dave Will, strategic mastermind from Association Strong! podcast; Ben Muscolino, the tech wizard of The Association Podcast; Joanna Pineda, the community champion from Associations Thrive; and the always mesmerizing Dave Coriale, the digital dynamo of Reboot IT podcast by DelCor; and me, ...I'm ther...

Steering Through the Storm: Innovative Leadership in Times of Environmental Upheaval

In this episode of Association Chat, host KiKi L'Italien, alongside experts Elizabeth Weaver Engel and Shelly Alcorn, explores the pressing issue of climate disruption and its impact on association leadership. Elizabeth and Shelly discuss their recently released whitepaper, exploring strategies for resilience and adaptation in a world increasingly affected by climate change. The conversation highlights the crucial role associations play in addressing environmental challenges and the necess...

Research Integrity, Trust Trends Transforming Scholarly Events

“Integrating DEI and sustainability isn't just about ticking boxes. It's about creating events that truly resonate with our diverse global community,” Laura Harvey, Chief Customer Officer for Ex Ordo. Change is everywhere – even in niche areas like scholarly events. And you know how it is with these things. While some of these changes are good, some come with some challenges. Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down via webcam and mic for an interview with Ex Ordo's chief customer off...

Transforming Association Content into Growth Engines

Join us in this enlightening episode of Association Chat, where we delve into the art of transforming your association's content into a powerful catalyst for growth and innovation as we move towards 2024 with Mission Fuel CEO Dan Streeter. Discover actionable strategies for repurposing existing resources into revenue streams, learn how to align your content with your organization's goals, and explore the latest trends in e-learning and digital strategy. Find out how associations can crea...

Empowering Engagement Bridging Connections Through Technology with Mark Wallach

In this enlightening episode of Association Chat, host KiKi L'Italien sits down with Mark Wallach, CEO Emeritus of Engagement Mobile Strategies, to delve into the future of member engagement. Together, they unravel the complexities of using technology to enhance connectivity, foster relationships, and empower leaders in the association landscape.  From challenges to opportunities, this discussion offers a comprehensive view of how associations can leverage technology to create deeper con...

The IMEX Effect with Matt Regniér: Global Meetings, Events, and Opportunities

Join host KiKi L'Italien on Association Chat Podcast as she ventures into the preparations that international and digital event-maker, Matt Regniér is making to get the most out of his IMEX America experience. IMEX America is the largest trade show in the U.S. for the global meetings, events, and incentive travel industry. As the Founder and CEO of Pleni, The International, and the Founder and President of IC International Consultants - Local Resources Worldwide Events, Matt is a thought l...

Tough Conversations with Sam

Is there a tough conversation that you keep putting off because of anxiety or insecurity over how to handle it? If so, you're not alone. Lots of people avoid difficult discussions – many times to their detriment – and in this interview, we tackle that issue head-on with our special guest Sam Horn. Sam Horn is the CEO of the Intrigue Agency, a positioning/messaging consultancy, which helps people design and deliver TEDx talks, keynotes, funding pitches, and one-of-a-kind brands She is als...

AI Unleashed: Beth & KiKi's Deep Dive into Artificial Intelligence Strategies for Engagement and Growth

Explore the hidden potential of your technology in the latest episode of our podcast with special guest Beth Arritt. Uncover insights into maximizing automation, the impact of AI in marketing, and harnessing tools you may already have. Gain practical tips on empowering your team to innovate and listen to in-house experts. Tune in as KiKi L'Italien and Beth reveal strategies to grow engagement, boost conversion rates, and tap into artificial intelligence for your association. Whether you'...

Supercharge Your Association Advocacy: Apps & Strategies with Expert Shana Glickfield

Get ready to elevate your association advocacy to new heights in this thrilling episode of the "Association Chat Podcast," hosted by KiKi L'Italien. Dive into a lively conversation with Shana Glickfield, a leading expert in association advocacy technology, as they dissect the game-changing apps and strategies tailored for 2023. Wondering how to amplify your association's voice? Looking for tools to connect, engage, and mobilize like never before? This episode's got you covered! You'll lear...

Revolutionizing Associations with AI & Machine Learning: Insights from Amith Nagarajan

Welcome to a cutting-edge episode of the "Association Chat Podcast" hosted by KiKi L'Italien! In this exhilarating conversation with Amith Nagarajan, Chairman of Blue Cypress, we'll uncover the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in the world of associations and nonprofits. Are you intrigued by how technology can revolutionize member engagement, streamline operations, and drive groundbreaking innovation in the association space? Look no further! W...

Valuegraphic Strategy for a Values-Driven World

Discover the power of Valuegraphics in this exclusive interview with renowned values expert, David Allison! In a values-driven world, understanding your audience's core values is key to creating effective marketing strategies. Join us as we dive deep into David's groundbreaking approach and learn how to revolutionize your business using the Valuegraphics methodology. Don't miss this game-changing conversation! Like, share, and subscribe for more insightful interviews! Mastering Market...

Maximizing Member Value: Component Relations in Associations

Get ready for an exhilarating ride through the maze of component relations in associations in this episode of the "Association Chat" podcast, hosted by your favorite association enthusiast, KiKi L'Italien! Brace yourself as we unpack the "love languages" of component/national relationships with our guest, the incomparable Elisa Pratt, CEO and Chief Strategist of Brewer Pratt Solutions. Together, we'll navigate the twisty tunnels of member value and discover how to maximize it. It's a thril...

The ROI of Prioritizing Mental Health in the Workplace

How can associations prioritize and promote mental health among their staff and members? In this episode of Association Chat, host KiKi L'Italien dives deep into a crucial yet often overlooked topic: promoting mental health in associations.  Joining her is Nabil El-Ghoroury, a renowned psychologist and principal at Executive Therapy & Consulting. With 13 years of experience as a nonprofit executive, including a four-year tenure as CEO of a $6 million association, Dr. El-Ghoroury brings a u...

Exploring Metaverse Applications for Associations – Atlanta's Metaverse for ASAE Annual!

Join KiKi L'Italien on the Association Chat Podcast as she dives deep into the rapidly-evolving realm of the metaverse. In this episode, she discusses practical and potential applications of the metaverse for associations and nonprofits with two influential industry figures - Mike Aaron and Andrew Wilson.  As the Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB), Andrew Wilson leads the charge in utilizing cutting-edge digital, socia...

Take a Break Before You Break – Self-Care for the Caregiver with Breeda Miller

Whether caring for aging parents, young children, or family with special needs; one thing is for sure...caregivers must learn how to practice good self-care to avoid burnout. For this special edition of the Association Chat Podcast, KiKi interviews Breeda Miller who shares how to Take a Break Before You Break and provide insight, resources, and skills to manage your unique situation and affirm you are not alone. Breeda is a life-long Michigander who enjoys time on her screened porch, her two ...

The Association CEOs Guide to Leadership with Paul Belford

"As a mostly learn-by-doing career, the experience and training of the association CEO is routinely idiosyncratic—moving up through the ranks in associations of varying sizes, types and cultures. And for the mid-career executive, thrust fresh and new into the world of associations at the CEO level, a holistic look at the association CEO position can be even more crucial." [https://www.associationceohandbook.com/] Join KiKi L'Italien as she interviews the author of The Association CEO Handb...

Can You Create a Social Offset for Your Next Conference? An Alternative to Destination Boycotts

Do boycotts work? Sometimes. But it's complicated.  Often, when it comes to hosting conferences, it turns out it's the workers at the destinations who get hurt the worst and the boycott doesn't always have the intended impact desired. Could there be a middle ground for organizations hosting meetings in states that support legislature that *doesn't* align with an individual's – or an organization's – values? SocialOffset is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation created to provide event org...

Event Design Can Save Your Conference with Ruud Janssen

Today’s Nonprofit Business Model often relies heavily on meetings and events. Whether it is for commitment to cause, content, or community; all we know is that the value proposition for an association often finds an important channel in its events. But what happens when attendance begins to slide? What happens when the value of that value proposition doesn’t seem to be what it used to be? Can Event Design Save Your Conference? Ruud Janssen is an events industry powerhouse. You may have a...

On Deciding to Become a Certified Association Executive (CAE) with Guest Cecilia Sepp

If you work in the association industry, sooner or later you think about getting your CAE. The Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential is the marker of a committed association professional who has demonstrated the wide range of knowledge essential to manage an association. Rogue Tulips Consulting’s education program, The 501c League, supports aspiring and current CAEs with study groups, programs, and resources. Join host KiKi L'Italien as she interviews Cecilia Sepp of Rogue Tul...

Money Matters for Nonprofits

Nonprofit board members know their organization must be financially healthy to do the most good, but some people find financial statements hard to decipher. Join host KiKi L'Italien as she interviews author of the book, Money Matters for Nonprofits, Melisa Galasso. Melisa is the founder and CEO of Galasso Learning Solutions LLC. A CPA with nearly 20 years of experience in the accounting profession, Melisa designs and facilitates courses in advanced technical accounting and auditing topic...

The Essential WISP and Your Association

Data privacy rules continue to expand, and even if you are well informed on GDPR, you may not know why you need to know about the WISP. A Written Information Security Program (WISP) is a set of documents that details an organization’s security controls, processes as well as policies. In many states in North America, a WISP is a legally required document, to show the organization’s IT security and data protection status. It takes into account the policies and processes that should be in p...

Empowering the People through GovTech Innovation 2

No matter which part of the political spectrum you fall on, you are likely unhappy with the opaque and difficult-to-track political process – especially when it comes to policy development. Patrick Utz is the CEO and Co-Founder of Abstract and he is building the future of lobbying & advocacy. A former engineer at Boeing, Patrick leads Abstract focused on its mission to increase government transparency. Association Chat host KiKi L'Italien talks with Patrick about Abstract.us and the drive ...

Learn More About Creating Vision Boards with Donna Baines

Vision boards are a visual way to set goals. A person can create many types of vision and dream boards depending on whether they are trying to set short or long-term goals.   Join us for this quick discussion and learn more about vision boards and why and how to create them!

Cyber-Attacks Data Breaches What Associations Need to Know to Manage Risk

Guest experts David Clarke and Penny Heyes of The Trust Bridge joined host KiKi L'Italien to talk about the greatest cyber security challenges facing associations today and how association leaders can best navigate ever-changing data protection and privacy regulations. Guests: Penny Heyes, Chief Commercial Officer and co-founder, The Trust Bridge David Clarke, Chief Technology Officer for The Trust Bridge and leading authority on security issues with experience across Finance, Telecoms...

Beth Kanter, Allison Fine Discuss The Smart Nonprofit and Staying Human-Centered in an Age of Automation 1

For this episode, nonprofit mavens Allison Fine and Beth Kanter joined Association Chat host KiKi L'Italien for a discussion about the information and tools nonprofit staffers and board members need to effectively use artificial intelligence without alienating the human stakeholders and donors on whom they rely. Allison Fine is among the nation’s preeminent writers and strategists on the use of technology for social good. Beth Kanter is an internationally recognized thought leader in dig...

Climate Collapse: What Associations Need to Know and Do

The recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) laid out our current global situation in stark relief and as United Nations General-Secretary António Guterres declared it is "Code Red" for humanity. We are now past midnight and if the most recent Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow is any indicator, we are justified in saying our governments have failed us and we have to assume that we are now on our own. It is now too late for sustainability, and regener...

The Impact of Tech Mergers and Acquisitions on Associations

The Impact of Tech M&A on Associations Why should people care when one tech company is acquired by another?  This interview features Kevin Bruffey, president of Protech and Pat McGlynn, general manager of Togetherwork’s associations business unit to talk about the recent acquisition of Protech by Togetherwork and what all of that means (and could mean) for the innovation of solutions, current customers and association professionals, and for the association industry as a whole.

Michelle Mason on the Future for the Association Industry

We've got some big problems to solve and associations are in a position to help bring the right people together to solve them. But what does it mean to be an association professional today and what role will associations play in solving these big issues in the upcoming months? What role *should* associations play? Can a stronger association community help?   For this episode, Association Chat host KiKi L'Italien talked with Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE about her role as CEO for ASAE: Th...

How to Strengthen Your Associations Value Proposition

Is your association's value proposition as strong as it could be? Are your governance, operations, and culture aligned to support strategy? Join Tecker International senior consultant KiKi L'Italien as she shares the connection between community, content, and culture and how to use these elements to fortify your association's value proposition to members. In this episode, KiKi shares real-world examples of how other associations have improved everything from meeting attendance to online ...

The Surprising Gift of Doubt

XR for Associations with Vivian Chan

We are in the midst of a Creator Renaissance and Vivian Chan is ready for it. Vivian believes that disruption often starts at the intersection of things — with many of the best ideas coming from outside one’s immediate domain or industry. As a technology executive, Vivian has been involved in the launch monetization, sales, and marketing management for three different waves of disruptive technologies — Analytics, Cloud, and AR/VR (the intersection of 3D and AI). With more than 20 years o...

Tamsen Webster and Finding Your Red Thread

As a professional "Idea Whisperer," Tamsen Webster helps people find, build, and tell the stories of their ideas. She combined 20 years in brand and message strategy with four years as a TEDx Executive Producer to create The Red Thread®, a simple way to change how people see...and what they do as a result. (Though as she'll tell you, everything she knows about people, speaking, and change, she learned at Weight Watchers.) Today, Tamsen is a globe-hopping keynote speaker who consults with ent...

Squeezing Non-Dues Revenue Out of Your AMS

The world suddenly changed, but should your AMS? Maybe not. What non-dues revenue sources are lying in wait with your current AMS? Maybe more than you think! For this episode of Association Chat, we talk about APIs and how your current AMS could be helping you with everything from virtual event fees, certification exam charges, e-Learning proceeds to eCommerce sales and so much more! What AMS does all that? Most of them now, because they have increasingly robust APIs! We ask: What ar...

Can Overachievers Overcome Imposter Syndrome?

Are you ambitious? Goal-oriented? Successful? Shhh...! Imposter syndrome is the dirty little secret of overachievers. Do you have it? *Imposter Syndrome can look like: a sense of being a fraud fear of being discovered difficulty internalizing success On this episode of Association Chat, we talk with guest Cynthia D'Amour about overachievers, imposter syndrome, and how to combat fear around failure. Cynthia D'Amour has spent the last 20 years helping leaders be successful. She is a ...

Questions can Amplify Your Growth

What’s the first thing you typed into Google today? Was it a question? What kind of question was it? Questions are a phenomenal place to start if you ever want to get closer to understanding something – whatever it is. And that’s what I’m thinking about today when it comes to business and how we can better show up for ourselves and the people we serve. So I invite you to come along and think about it with me on this week’s inaugural episode of Amplified Growth with me, KiKi L’Italien.

The Story of Julius Solaris and EventMB

Who is Julius Solaris, what is EventMB, and what happens when a founder steps back from the role he is most known for in a company he started 14-years-prior? On Tuesday, February 16, 2021, Julius Solaris announced he was stepping down from his role as Editor-in-Chief for EventMB. I talked with him on Thursday, February 18th at 5 pm ET to look back at the creation of EventMB, its highs and lows over the years, its acquisition, and what he sees on the horizon for the events industry, EventMB...

Association Tech Acquisitions: Fonteva and the Future for the Association AMS

Find out what the acquisition of Fonteva means for the association industry! For this interview, I talk with three guests playing a big role in the recent acquisition of Fonteva, an enterprise AMS focused on the association industry. Neal Platt --- Neil has served as CEO of Togetherwork since its founding in 2016. He has more than 20 years’ experience as a software and payments entrepreneur and executive, nurturing and growing successful fintech companies. He spent 11 years building Cash...

Hybrid Events in 2021 – What Works. What Doesn't. (with Tahira Endean)

Join me for this talk with Tahira Endean, head of events for the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE), about what we've learned about virtual and hybrid events this past year. This year, SITE just held their HYBRID meeting with around 1,200 signed up for the hybrid edition, and delegates joining from 53 global nations. There were smaller, in-person gatherings taking place simultaneously in Chicago and Dallas with public health protocols in place and I have just the person here to...

Leading with Your Strengths

Leveraging your strengths at work makes you stronger personally and professionally.   The world seems obsessed with fixing what's broken with people, but if you invest your energy into building on your natural talents (and your team's natural talents), your productivity and engagement will see a boost.   We're talking with guest Shaara Roman, Founder and CEO, The Silverene Group Shaara Roman is a mom, wife, board member, entrepreneur, and former CHRO.   Shaara and her team co...

Interview with YouMaps Creator Kristin A. Sherry

Kristin A. Sherry is a bestselling and award-winning author, globally recognized career expert, and creator of the YouMap® profile which won a 2020 Career Innovator Award from Career Directors International. She is a speaker, trainer, and author of international bestseller, YouMap, and a 2020 Pencraft award-winner in business books for Your Team Loves Mondays...Right? She is the managing partner of YouMap LLC, which certifies coaches, career services and HR professionals as YouMap® coache...

How We Work Has Changed! Now What!?

Learn how you can shape the future of work through the better engagement of people with guest Troy Pfeffer. Troy developed a world-renowned and highly successful intelligence process of building and capitalizing on a company's internal employee networks.   Howspace is an AI-powered digital collaboration tool that brings social learning to the forefront of your process and development initiatives.   I also talk with surprise guest Paul Meyer of Tecker International to share about ...