113. Kate Fryer, CEO of the Endocrine Society, on Intentional Decision Making, Calculated Risks, and Non-Dues Revenue

How do you balance being risk-averse with taking calculated risks that could benefit your organization? Can you think of a time when taking a risk in your organization led to unexpected success or a valuable learning experience?In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Kate Fryer, CEO of the Endocrine Society. Kate discusses:How Kate discovered the association world after working as a copy editor for scientific journals, later pursuing a long-term association career.The importance of intentional decision making, and how inattention and inactivity can force you to make the wrong decision, taking choice out of your hands.Her experience starting as a CEO during the pandemic, and the effort she made to establish connections with staff and member leaders virtually.How Kate knew she was ready for a CEO role after realizing she could anticipate and critically evaluate the decisions of her mentor.How the Endocrine Society honestly evaluates their own strengths and weaknesses. Kate says that associations often have a "rose-colored glasses" view of their programs, which leads to some programs having a longer life than really needed..How the Endocrine Society is driving non-dues revenue by leveraging its large reserves to fund an innovation fund that invests in for profit ventures in the association and nonprofit space.Her advice to first time association CEOs: Your first Board meeting is critical to your success. You want Board members to be confident in their decision to hire you as the chief staff executive.References:The Endocrine Society Website