#51: Growing Pains: When Membership Growth Shakes the Business

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 expansion. He'll cover everything from adapting to external factors like the NDIS and increasing public awareness to enhancing internal strategies in advocacy, professional development, and strategic marketing. While growth is often celebrated, it also brings its fair share of challenges. Rob opens up about the operational pressures that come with rapid scaling, how to manage resources effectively, and the pivotal role technology plays in supporting organisational change. He also shares his experience balancing forward-thinking leadership with the practicalities of day-to-day management, offering advice on when to take bold steps and when to focus on preparation and risk management. Rob also emphasises the importance of remaining true to your organisation’s core purpose, even when opportunities for expansion arise. This episode is packed with actionable advice and thoughtful perspectives for association leaders at any stage of their growth journey. Don’t miss out – listen in, subscribe, and share it with your colleagues!