Association Hub Podcast

In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, we sit down with S teffi 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 Exte...

What does it take to inspire generosity and create real change in the world? In this episode, Katherine Raskob, CEO of the Fundraising Institute of Australia (FIA), reveals how fundraising isn’t just about collecting donations—it’s about building trust, creating impact, and driving meaningful progress.   Whether you work in the not-for-profit sector or simply care about how charities operate, this...

In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, we’re exploring what it takes to build an association from scratch with Lindsay Hermes, CEO of the Australian Sustainable Seaweed Alliance (ASSA). Lindsay shares the fascinating story of how ASSA went from an idea to a thriving organisation, securing an $8.1 million government grant to establish a national seaweed hatchery network.   We delve in...

Start the year with a deep dive into the Associations Evolve Journal, a publication by Answers for Associations that explores the trends shaping the association world in 2025. Join hosts Angela Shelton and Olena Lima, alongside special guest Belinda Moore, as they unpack key insights from the journal. This conversation highlights the power of sharing stories, the importance of these trends as a gu...

As we close out 2024, Angela and Olena are here to bring you a fun and engaging year-in-review episode packed with the best moments from the past 12 months. If you missed any episodes, this is the ultimate recap you need! From incredible stories to inspiring leaders, we’ll highlight our top episodes and share powerful quotes, along with some funny behind-the-scenes moments that made this year unfo...

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 take...

In this episode of the  Association Hub Podcast , Olena sits down with Elaine Abery, Founder of Unraveling Red Tape , to explore how smaller associations can build effective advocacy strategies. Drawing from her extensive background in government relations, Elaine shares a practical framework designed to help associations set realistic goals, tailor their messages, and establish meaningful relatio...

In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, Olena is joined by Luke Achterstraat, CEO of the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA), to explore the vital role of collaboration in strengthening the voice of small businesses across Australia. COSBOA represents a diverse range of industries, from hairdressing and retail to licensed post offices and hospitality, serving as the...

In this episode, Olena sits down with Stuart Lamont, CEO of the Caravan Industry Association of Australia , to uncover the secrets behind building powerful advocacy and consumer campaigns that drive value for the entire industry. Whether it's holding direct conversations with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers, garnering personal support for his campaign from Scott Morrison...

In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, Olena sits down with Paul Zahra, outgoing CEO of the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) . Known for his transformative leadership, Paul reflects on his five-year tenure, where he helped the ARA navigate a turbulent era marked by the COVID pandemic, economic shifts, and changing consumer behavior. He shares insights on the power of community in as...

In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, Olena chats with Rob Di Leva, Chief Operating Officer at Speech Pathology Australia , to explore the positives and challenges of exponential growth within associations. Over the past decade, Speech Pathology Australia has doubled its membership, and Rob takes us behind the scenes to discuss the necessary changes driven by the recent remarkable expans...

If you're looking for a leader in the association sector who has tackled it all—rebranding, skyrocketing membership, launching a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), and spearheading advocacy—you won’t find anyone better than Michelle Blicavs. In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, Olena chats with  Michelle, CEO of Surveyors Australia , about her dynamic journey in transforming a long...

In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, Angela Shelton sits down with Nikki Walker, Global VP for Associations & Communities at MCI Group, to dive into the 2024 Association Engagement Index. This episode dives into how associations can foster deeper connections with their members by moving beyond passive engagement and embracing innovative strategies like the Engagement Loop. Nikki sha...

It was International Podcast Day on September 30, and association podcasters from around the globe have come together for an epic mashup! Get ready for a fun, insightful, and slightly chaotic episode where top association podcast hosts share their stories, tips, and a few behind-the-scenes bloopers. Featuring: Cecilia Sepp from Radio Free 501C Ben Muscolino from The Association Podcast KiKi L'Ital...

In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, we look into the critical and often overlooked topic of cybersecurity. As technology continues to evolve, associations, like all businesses, face increasing threats that could jeopardise their operations and the sensitive data they hold. With special guest Andrew Lawrence from de.iterate , we discuss the most common misconceptions around cybersecurit...

Imagine having an AI powerhouse transforming your association. In this episode, I sit down with AI expert Dawid Naude from Pathfindr to explore how AI is revolutionising organisational efficiency. We’ll dive into real-life case studies on CPD transformations, member onboarding, and more, showcasing how AI is streamlining operations and boosting productivity. If you’re ready to see how AI can drive...

In this episode, we catch up with  Jane Carey, Head of Membership, Marketing & Communications of The Law Association of New Zealand, who led a significant transformation in the association. Jane walks us through how the organisation rebranded from the Auckland District Law Society, introduced a new CRM system, and switched to a firm-based membership model—all while keeping members informed and...

In this episode of the  Association Hub Podcast , Olena and Angela share their experiences and insights from attending the 2024 ASAE Annual Meeting in Cleveland, Ohio. As first-time attendees, they were struck by the scale of the event, which drew over 5,000 association professionals from around the globe. The episode offers a glimpse into the vibrant atmosphere of the conference, highlighting key...

Join us for this episode of the Association Hub Podcast as we explore the inspiring work of The Diversity Agenda with Programme Director, Charlotte Downes. Discover how this award-winning initiative, founded by the Association of Consulting and Engineering, Engineering New Zealand, and the New Zealand Institute of Architects, is transforming the architecture and engineering industries. Charlotte t...

In this episode, host Angela Shelton sits down with Megan Edwards, CEO of the Primary English Teaching Association Australia (PETAA), to explore their remarkable journey in creating a successful online learning platform. From transitioning away from in-person training to selecting the right Learning Management System (LMS), Megan shares the strategies that have shaped PETAA's digital transformatio...

In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, Olena Lima sits down with Jess Donati, the Membership Manager at REINSW. Jess shares her journey at REINSW, highlighting the organisation's conscious decision to lead in technology and innovation within the real estate industry. Jess provides an in-depth look at REINSW's approach to digital transformation, particularly focusing on their impressive en...

Uncover the secrets of member benefits that matter with Penny Cornah , CEO of the Master Plumbers' Association of Queensland (MPAQ) . Discover how MPAQ offers an incredible array of benefits to its members, from contract preparation and accounting advice to workplace safety and technical support. Penny shares the whole process of member benefits development —from understanding member needs, to gen...

Have you ever wondered how to balance a day job with leading a successful association? In this episode, Angela Shelton sits down with Marise Maechler, President of the Association for Women in Insurance NSW. Marise shares her inspiring journey from a small town to the big city, taking on new challenges and seizing the opportunity to lead the association in 2021. Discover how she empowers early-car...

Are you looking to boost engagement within your association but don't know where to start? Join us for a conversation with Amanda Lea Kaiser as we dive into the essentials of member engagement in our latest episode, For Associations Who Want to Be More Engaging, Where Should They Start? In this episode, Amanda shares her expert insights on: Building strong communities that foster connection and su...

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 ind...