Topic

Ep 90: Computers Just Don’t Make Mistakes

By association40 | April 13, 2024

Think of AI as a highly intelligent coworker or partner. It can help us create. It can help us predict. It can help us understand. It can help us see the hidden. While artificial intelligence can help elevate associations in numerous ways, our guest, David Reid, Owner of Strategic and Consulting Services, suggests that the software needs to be regulated and monitored by the right people. With a strong background working in the IT department for companies like AT&T, AmeriTek, and NASA, we’d say Mr. Reid knows a thing or two about this subject.

For the CEO’s sitting at their desks, looking at their associations wondering how in the world they are going to incorporate AI into their strategic plans, fear not, this episode is for you. In truth, the reality is that artificial intelligence isn’t coming…it’s here. According to Reid, you don’t really have a lot of time to wait and see where this AI thing is going. So don’t stand with your feet on the ground because the train is moving on. Tune in to this vibrant discussion to learn more about generative AI and how to leverage its knowledge in your organization or business.

To get in touch with David Reid, please email david@reid-iba.com.

Links from this episode:

Artificial Intelligence | 60 Minutes

https://youtu.be/aZ5EsdnpLMI?si=L0z-ZmJLMOyuuriJ

What is generative AI and how does it work? – The Turing Lectures with Mirella Lapata

https://youtu.be/_6R7Ym6Vy_I?si=awGCLalAVPBRaEjW

Figure Status Update – OpenAI Speech-to-Speech Reasoning

https://youtu.be/Sq1QZB5baNw?si=cpHaHv-qbRddzOkv

Compare the big 3 AI models

https://youtu.be/ELMDugD5dCA?si=IL_pH77Suy353FgK

Introducing DBRX: A New State-of-the-Art Open LLM

https://www.databricks.com/blog/introducing-dbrx-new-state-art-open-llm

Alignment problems (Robert Miles)

https://youtu.be/bJLcIBixGj8?si=ilWk2QtLhLFvP0Vr

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Ep 89: Leading is Not a Mission. Leading is a Result of Doing Something Excellent.

By association40 | March 30, 2024

It’s all too common for organizations to use the word “lead” in their mission statement. While this isn’t a negative quality to highlight, Garth Jordan, CEO of the American Animal Hospital Association, and Sharon Rice, Managing Director of Business Strategy at .orgSource, urges associations to think twice before using that word in their mission statements.

In their experience, organizations are more successful if they focus their energy on the value they provide to their members and consumers rather than using a catchy word to create a certain image. To members, value might mean how much “stuff” they get with their membership. However, with the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, member-benefits like magazines or newsletters, may lose their luster over time.

This refreshing conversation redefines what true leadership means in associations and how they can go beyond the material value of a membership and create a lasting, positive impact on society and for the greater good. Listen in!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Ep 88: AI Unleashed: Real-World Solutions and Results in Today’s Associations

By association40 | March 16, 2024

Join us for an enlightening journey into the heart of how contemporary associations are harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to drive unprecedented change and efficiency. “AI Unleashed: Real-World Solutions and Results in Today’s Associations” is an enriching conversation tailored for association leaders, technology enthusiasts, and innovation strategists. Our esteemed panelists are Jason Wampler, Senior Information Technology Executive of the International Society of Automation, Luke Vidacovich, Director of IT and Digital Strategy at the American Animal Hospital Association, and Brian Willard, Director of IT for the CCIM Institute.

From membership engagement, personalized communication, to data-driven decision-making, learn how associations of various sizes and sectors have effectively implemented AI solutions.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Ep 87: To Invest Or Not To Invest In AI

By association40 | March 2, 2024

To invest in AI or not? That is the question so many associations face. While artificial intelligence may seem innovative and technologically advanced, organizations need to think hard about whether it’s the right move for their company.

Too often, our guest, Joseph Knecht, CEO of Proteus, sees associations fail after throwing everything they have into AI or a new software system. In their mind, investing in a new software should solve all their problems because it’s the “digital era.” However, Knecht suggests that associations become more “strategy-minded rather than software-minded” and to focus more on the needs of their customers or members.

“Know your customers and what they need from you and equip yourself with the right infrastructure to do that. In that order,” says Knecht.

It’s time to stop blaming marketing or another department for any low registration numbers and to start understanding what values your members seek from your organization and create a solid business model that reflects that.

Tune in to this wisdom-packed episode to learn more about how to leverage AI more effectively and tips to build an organization that will last for years to come. To learn more about Joseph Knecht and his company, visit https://www.proteus.co or email Knecht directly at jknecht@proteus.co.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Ep 86: We Don’t Have Conversations Like We Used To

By association40 | February 16, 2024

In the hot seat this week, is North Carolina Association of CPA’s Chief Operating Officer, Mark Soticheck. Mark weaves his extensive experience in accounting to this enlightening conversation with .orgSource’s CEO/Founder, Sherry Budziak. Together, they discuss how Artificial Intelligence has impacted their organizations, the potential demise of bookkeeping in associations, and when to unlearn any bad habits acquired over the last few years and reestablish new boundaries, new guides, and new ways of working together.

One of the simplest and most effective ways the NCACPA overcomes the challenges of communicating with their team, is by ensuring each person has their camera turned on during zoom meetings. This helps everyone become more intentional about their time and encourages their team to problem solve together.

Listen in to this episode to hear how Mark and his team create a balance between innovation and stability and to be reminded of the importance of being curious about what you’re doing and how you’re doing it.

To learn more about Mark Soticheck and his organization, visit https://www.ncacpa.org or get in touch with Mark directly at msoticheck@ncacpa.org.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Ep 85: Punks and Pinstripes

By association40 | February 2, 2024

Let’s face it. Most professionals in the world enjoy being liked. While being admired isn’t a bad thing, it could lead organizations to settle for the status quo again and again. In order for progress to be made, our guest, international keynote speaker, best-selling author, and CEO/Founder of “Punks and Pinstripes,” Greg Larkin, encourages the professional “punks” to rise up.

Many associations struggle with advancing their organizations, whether it’s a fear of rejection from their board or an aversion to the chaos when implementing new programs, change is hard. That’s why change was made for the “hard core” folks AKA the “punks.”

Greg Larkin has founded his business, “Punks and Pinstripes” on the belief that opposition is validation, and that outlier perspective makes “punks” uniquely capable of solving hard problems. We’re so excited for you to listen to Greg’s impactful tips for innovation and learn how to embrace the qualities that make you different in an organization. Let’s be punk on purpose!

You can connect with Greg Larkin on his LinkedIn page, join the www.punksandpinstripes.com community, read his internationally best-selling book, “This Might Get Me Fired,” or watch some of his talks with the .orgCommunity.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Ep 84: Moving Away from Strategic Planning and Embracing Iterative Planning

By association40 | January 20, 2024

Stepping into the spotlight, is .orgSource’s very own Managing Director of Business Strategy AKA .orgSource’s “Resident Futurist,” Sharon Rice.

Sharon is an expert on strategic and business planning, growth strategies, comprehensive product development, and has helped numerous associations find lasting success. In this episode, we tapped into Sharon’s wealth of knowledge to discover applicable ways CEO’s and Executives can adapt to a more virtual environment and inspire their staff and board members to embrace a more collaborative planning method.

“Associations can create the future that they want to create. It’s all about being intentional,” says Sharon.

Instead of the typical, “set it and bake it” type of strategic planning, Sharon urges organizations to lean into iterative planning which allows more voices to be heard and better prepares associations for change.

From book recommendations for leaders to discussing whether or not organizations should keep their leases in a virtual culture, the amount of wisdom packed in this episode is something you won’t want to miss. Listen in!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Ep 83: Creating an Organism Instead of an Organization

By association40 | January 6, 2024

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Garth Jordan, CEO of the American Animal Hospital Association to discuss his thoughts on the current state of associations after the pandemic, how bosses can become more like mentors and guides, whether or not long-term strategies are worth planning, and much more.

This episode is jam-packed with advice for CEOs and association leaders to discover the path towards high collaboration within their board and how to build trust to minimize micromanagement. It’s time to eliminate the extraneous and unnecessary and create a more balanced and innovative organization. Tune into this powerful episode to learn how to simplify the journey towards excellence!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Ep 82: Strategies and Advice for Future Success for Leaders and the Like

By association40 | December 16, 2023

Business, regardless of whether you’re in the profit or nonprofit sector, is fundamentally about people. An association’s employees and board members play a crucial role to the health of the organization and its future success. Finding and attracting the right people can prove to be a difficult challenge, especially in today’s fast-paced digital market.

Our guests, Don Dea, Co-Founder of Fusion Productions and digitalNow, and his son, Al Dea, Founder of Edge of Work, sat down with us to discuss how leaders can be better listeners, tips to attracting top talent, and the most effective ways to encourage a team to do their best work.

“If you did your job in terms of bringing the right people on the bus, you have to make sure they are in the right seats,” says Don.

Get ready to challenge assumptions, spark creativity, and invite exploration in this thought-provoking episode of the Association 4.0 Podcast. Listen in!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Ep 81: The Blueprint for Success – A Proven Framework for Driving Certification Revenue

By association40 | December 1, 2023

Welcome to episode 81 with this week’s inspiring guest, Ashish Rangnekar, CEO/Co-Founder of BenchPrep. Sherry Budziak, Founder/CEO of .orgSource discovered the inside scoop into his wildly successful company. BenchPrep is proud to be the world’s first exam prep mobile app for iPhone. Since 2009, the app has transformed into a Learning Management System trusted by the world’s leading associations and credentialing organizations. In fact, Ashish and his team recently celebrated their app serving professionals in more than 50 countries with over 10 million learners!

This enlightening conversation dives into the history of BenchPrep, the importance and growing popularity of continuing education, and features a sneak peak of Ashish’s recent webinar with .orgCommunity. To watch the full webinar, visit https://videos.orgcommunity.com/mastering-revenue-growth-a-strategic-framework-for-your-certification-training-program. Don’t miss Ashish and Sherry’s ideas for growth and how to increase revenue using a strategic framework for educational programs. Listen in!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Ep 80: Unlocking the Executive Mindset with Donna Gandt of Impexium

By association40 | November 13, 2023

Join us in this insightful episode as I sit down with Donna Gandt, Chief Revenue Officer at Impexium, a leading force in empowering associations through streamlined membership management solutions. In today’s conversation, Donna and I delve into a topic close to .orgSource’s heart—cultivating the executive mindset within your team. We explore the essence of “thinking like an executive” and the profound impact it can have on both individuals and organizations.

Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable insights from Donna’s wealth of experience and expertise. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or aspiring to develop your team, this episode provides actionable strategies for fostering a culture of executive thinking within your organization.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Ep 79: The important role for AI functionality in the learning environment with Robb Rabito

By association40 | October 28, 2023

Join us in this enlightening episode as we sit down with Robb Rabito, the Senior Director of Program Development at the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST). Robb wears many hats, overseeing education, program creation, instructional design, accreditation, and online learning, all in the pursuit of advancing healthcare and professional development.

Discover how CHEST is at the forefront of empowering healthcare professionals with the knowledge and resources they need to excel in their fields. Robb Rabito shares insights into the organization’s work and the profound impact they have on the world of chest medicine. Whether you’re a healthcare practitioner or simply curious about the ever-evolving world of medical education, this episode is a must-listen.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Ep 78: Adapting and Innovating in Healthcare: A Conversation with Terrence Sykes, Chief Growth Officer at ENA

By association40 | October 14, 2023

This week, we have the pleasure of hosting Terrence Sykes, Chief Growth Officer at the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA). ENA stands as the leading professional nursing association, committed to shaping the future of emergency nursing through advocacy, education, research, innovation, and leadership.

In this episode, Terrence delves into the transformative impact of the pandemic on his perspectives, shedding light on how it has reshaped his approach to nurturing relationships and driving revenue in recent years. He also provides insights into his strategies for fostering innovation within his team, ensuring that imaginative concepts become actionable realities.

With ENA’s strong emphasis on nurturing a culture rooted in values, Terrence reveals the methods they employ to mitigate risk and seize opportunities in their pursuit of excellence. Join us for this insightful conversation!

Also check out the other podcasts from association leaders at the ENA:

EP 44: FOCUSING ON CULTURE TO RECRUIT AND RETAIN THE RIGHT PEOPLE FOR YOUR ASSOCIATION

EP 27: BUILDING THE FRAMEWORK FOR A HEALTHIER WORK ENVIRONMENT

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Ep 77: Modern marketing technologies and strategies to build stronger connections

By association40 | September 30, 2023

This week’s guest is Chris Gloede, Chief Consultant at Ricochet. For over 25 years, Chris worked on-the-ground driving marketing experimentation and change for the world’s most notable brands, including BP, Chrysler, Kraft, Unilever, and more. He later brought innovation culture to the American Bar Association as its first-ever Chief Marketing Officer, reversing decades of membership decline. Chris and his team at Ricochet help associations and law firms leverage modern marketing technologies and strategies to build stronger connections to prospects, clients, and members.  Join us for this exciting conversation as Chris shares his view on the challenges and opportunities that associations experience while implementing MarCom technology, the impacts of AI, and his opinion about the best structures for future success.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Ep 76: The Transformative Power of Technology

By association40 | September 9, 2023

In this episode, our host, Sherry Budziak, steps into the spotlight to discuss the transformative impact of technology on our interactions with association members. She explores the profound potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in reshaping how we engage with our members, enhance the value we provide, and streamline internal processes.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download