Leading Change Without Losing What Matters

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast powered by OnWrd & UpWrd, host Colleen Gallagher welcomes back Preeti Vasishtha, AAiP, Director of Content and Editor-in-Chief at the American Academy of Actuaries, for a conversation about leadership, navigating change and knowing when to let go. More than a year after her first appearance, Preeti shares how her role has evolved from revamping a flagship publication to shaping a broader content strategy – and what she's learned about bringing people along, making difficult decisions and redefining her own contributions as a leader. Key Highlights Change With Purpose: Why understanding an organization's history, processes and member needs should come before making changes, and why tradition alone isn't a reason to keep doing things the same way. Bring People Along: How building a shared understanding of the problem, inviting different perspectives and creating ownership can help teams embrace change. Collaboration vs. Decision-Making: Why giving people a voice doesn't mean every decision needs to be made by committee –and how leaders can balance listening with moving forward. Learning to Let Go: How moving into senior leadership requires shifting from measuring what you personally produce to the impact you help your team and organization achieve. Rethinking AI Through a Leadership Lens: Why Preeti is asking not just what AI can do, but when it should be used – and what we risk losing when we outsource too much of our thinking. It's OK Not to Have Every Answer: Why becoming comfortable saying "I don't know yet" can be a sign of stronger, more thoughtful leadership. 🎧 Tune in for an honest, practical conversation about leading through change, trusting your judgment and growing into leadership without feeling like you have to do it all yourself. Stay Connected: Subscribe to The Association Insights Podcast powered by OnWrd & UpWrd on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode. Follow us on LinkedIn at OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies. Coming Soon: More conversations with association executives, innovators and industry experts sharing fresh perspectives, practical strategies and ideas shaping the future of associations. Stay tuned!