Association Hub Podcast
by Angela Shelton & Olena Lima
For Curious Association MindsLooking for a quick and exciting way to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and insights in the Association industry? Look no further than The Association Hub Podcast, the bite-sized podcast series for curious and passionate Association Professionals! Join hosts Angela Shelton and Olena Lima as they dive into the most pressing issues facing the APAC Association sector. From membership growth to online communities, from alternative sources of revenue to governance, they cover it all!
Episodes
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#86 Your Strategy Isn’t the Problem — Your Storytelling Is
Let’s be real, strategy without stories is just a dusty document no one reads. If you want your members to care, connect, and actually show up, you need to tell the right stories. In this episode, we sit down with Brendon Moo, Head of Strategic Engagement and Communications at National…
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#85: Beyond the Balance Sheet: Human-Centered Leadership in Associations with Amanda Linton
In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, we sit down with Amanda Linton, CEO of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB), to explore her remarkable journey from solo bookkeeper to leading a national professional body. With nearly 30 years of industry experience, Amanda brings a fresh…
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#84: Making Milestones Matter: Inside ACRRM’s Member Engagement Journey
In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, Olena sits down with Susan Foster, Member Services Manager at the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM), to unpack what it truly means to connect with members, whether in metropolitan London or remote Australia. With over 20 years…
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#83 Future-Fit Associations with Rob Wenger – Talking Tech, Teams & Thinking Ahead
You can’t miss the orange shirts at a conference and today,you’ll meet the man behind them, Rob Wenger. In this episode, we chat with the Founder and CEO of Higher Logic, someone who’s helped shape the tech landscape for associations and still makes time to get out, meet people, and listen. Based...
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#82. Stop Selling, Start Partnering: Why Your Sponsorship Model Might Be Broken
In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, Olenachats with sponsorship expert Bruce Rosenthal about the future of corporate partnerships in the association space. Drawing on decades of experience, including his time leading a successful transformational sponsorship program duringeconomic...
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#81: Speaking with Impact: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome with Cat Matson.
What if the only thing standing between you and realinfluence… is that inner voice telling you you’re not ready? In this episode, we dive into one of the biggest blockersfacing association leaders today: imposter syndrome. You’re leading change, championing a sector, and doing it all on tight...
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#80. What Makes or Breaks an Association Conference with Andrew Klein
What do gala dinner punch-ups, blackout moments on Hamilton Island, and dangerous ideas have in common? They’re all part of the wild and wonderful world of association conferences. And nobody tells those stories better than Andrew Klein. In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, Olena sits...
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#79. Transforming a Niche Association: Leadership Lessons from Angelina Maallini Pillai
Associations are people-powered, and today we meet a leader proving it. Let us introduce you to Angelina Maallini Pillai, CEO of the Association of Consulting Architects. She didn’t train as an architect, yet she’s built a thriving, values-led community by listening deeply, fostering trust, and...
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#78. How Content Shapes Member Experience (and Why It Matters More Than Ever )
In this global edition of the Association Hub Podcast, Olena chats with Marcus Leite from WorkerBee.TV, our very first Canadian guest! Marcus brings an international perspective to challenges that are surprisingly universal. From member experience and content strategy to digital engagement and...
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#77. A Modern Perspective on Building Corporate Partnerships That Actually Work with Mike Barouche
Partnerships aren’t just a revenue stream, they’re a critical part of how we deliver impact across an organisation. But too often, we reduce them to packages, logos, and vague promises of “exposure.” This episode is your chance to rethink that. Mike Barouche challenges the traditional approach…
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#76 Governance with Purpose: John Peacock AM on Evolving Associations
In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, Olena sits down with one of the most respected voices in the Australian association sector, John Peacock AM. With a career spanning decades and a legacy that includes founding Associations Forum and later launching Governology, John’s passion for...
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#75: What the First Year as CEO Really Looks Like with Luke Daly
We welcome back Luke Daly, now one year into his role as CEO of the Australian Swim Schools Association for a candid conversation about what it truly takes to step into the top job. Forget the highlight reel. Luke shares the unfiltered version: navigating change, managing limited resources…
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#74 Leading Associations with AI, Agility & a Human Touch with Annie Gibbins
In today’s episode of the Association Hub Podcast, we’re joined by the unstoppable Annie Gibbins. CEO, strategist, speaker, publisher, mentor, and yes, mum of five. With decades in association leadership and a growing reputation as an AI advocate, Annie brings a unique blend of C-suite wisdom,...
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#73 Building Belonging: DAPA’s Bold Shift to a Community-First Membership Model
What does it really mean to put community first in an association? In this episode, Olena chats with Marty Thomas, CEO of the Dental Assistance Professional Association (DAPA), about reimagining membership through a community-first lens. With a background in commercial enterprise and a passion…
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#72: Upskilling, Reverse Mentoring & the Gen Z Shift: A Conversation with Scott Millar
Let us introduce you to Scott Millar, a generational consultant dedicated to building meaningful pathways between emerging talent and organisations ready to evolve. In this honest conversation, we explore what Gen Z and Gen Alpha truly value — and how Baby Boomers and others can connect with them...
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#71: Strategic Planning That Works: Agility, Value & the Future of Associations with Cris Massis and Anna Yerondais, YM3
In this episode of The Association Hub Podcast, host Olena Lima is joined by association powerhouses Cris Massis and Anna Yerondais - two seasoned leaders with a combined 50+ years of lived experience in the association space. Together, they unpack what modern strategic planning really looks like...
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#70: The Z Factor: How Associations Can Lead & Engage Gen Z
Gen Z is reshaping the workplace with new expectations, values, and ways of working—and associations need to adapt or risk disengagement. So, how do we bridge the generational gap, foster collaboration, and harness the strengths of this dynamic group?In this episode, we're joined by Janene…
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#69: Mastering Media: How Associations Can Protect & Promote Their Brand
Ever seen an association make headlines for all the wrong reasons? Or struggled to get media attention when you had something important to share? The media can be a powerful tool when used correctly. In this episode, we’re diving into how associations can take control of their media presence —…
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#68: The Business of Associations: How Tim Boyle Rebuilt ARCS Australia for a Sustainable Future
Financial sustainability isn’t always the most glamorous topic—but it’s one of the most critical for any association’s success. In this episode, Olena Lima sits down with Tim Boyle, CEO of ARCS Australia, to explore how he rebuilt the association’s business model from the ground up. Taking over…
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#67: Building an Advocacy Powerhouse: Wes Lambert’s Recipe for Association Advocacy
If you've worked in the association industry for a while, the chances that you haven’t heard of Wes Lambert are pretty slim. But if you do need an introduction, let’s just say he’s been cooking up some serious change in Australia’s restaurant and café sector. In just 10 months, Wes and his team…
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#66: Rebranding with Purpose: Samantha Hunter on Transforming Occupational Therapy Australia
Branding isn’t just about a fresh logo—it’s about identity, strategy, and connection. And Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) has embraced this philosophy in its bold new rebrand. In this episode, Olena Lima chats with Samantha Hunter, CEO of OTA, to dive into the why, how, and what’s next of...
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#65: What Does It Take to Become Small Association of the Year? with Leanne Boase
In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, wehear from Leanne Boase, CEO of the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP), to unpack their journey to winning Small Association of the Year 2024. Leading a small association comes with unique challenges—limited resources, advocacy…
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#64: The New Era of Association Chapters with Cecilia Sepp
In this episode, Cecilia Sepp, an association and non-profit management expert and author of Association Chapter Systems: From Frustrating to Fruitful, shares how to transform outdated chapter systems into vibrant, member-focused networks. This conversation transcends geographical boundaries,...
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#63: Insights from the Association CEO Index with Sarah Morgan
In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, we’re joined by Sarah Morgan, the Managing Director of Bespoken and creator of the thought-provoking Association CEO Index Report. Sarah shares her journey from journalist to corporate communicator, explaining how her experience working with an...
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#62: Launching Member-Centric Programs with the Australian Property Institute
How do you create programs that truly serve members, adapt to change, and drive lasting impact? In this episode, Amelia Hodge, CEO of the Australian Property Institute (API), and Sheila Kushe, GM of Corporate Affairs, share how they’re designing innovative, future-ready solutions that support…
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#61: The Art of Change: Steffi Jackson on Leading a Global Community
In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, we sit down with Steffi 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...
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#60: Fundraising Reimagined: Trust, Transparency, and Impact with Katherine Raskob, Fundraising Institute of Australia
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...
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#59: Seaweed, Startups and Sustainability: How to Build an Association with Impact with Lindsay Herm
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…
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#58: 2025: Trends Shaping the Future of Associations with Angela Shelton, Olena Lima and Belinda Mo
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...
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#57: Association Hub Podcast: Our 2024 Year in Review
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...
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#56: 130 Years Strong: How AusIMM Became Association of the Year with Stephen Durkin and Melissa Holdsworth
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....
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#55: Small Steps, Big Impact: Advocacy Framework for Small Associations
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…
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#54: Stronger Together: Amplifying Small Business Voices Through Association Collaboration with Luke Achterstraat
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…
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#53: From Campsites to Canberra: Stuart Lamont on Powerful Advocacy and National Campaigns
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…
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#52: Never Waste a Crisis: Paul Zahra on Leading Through Challenges and Change
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…
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#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...
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#50: Leading Through Growth and Advocacy: Elevating the Surveying Profession with Michelle Blicavs
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,...
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#49: Unlocking Member Engagement with the 2024 Association Index with Nikki Walker
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…
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#48: International Association Podcast Mashup - Celebrating International Podcast Day
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...
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#47: Cybersecurity 101: Simple Steps to Strengthen Your Association's Security with Andrew Lawrence
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…
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#46: How Associations Are Using AI: Real Case Studies with Dawid Naude
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…
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#45: Rebrand, Revamp, Renew: How the Law Association Navigated Major Changes with Jane Carey
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…
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#44: The Aussie Contingent Takes Cleveland: Our ASAE Annual Meeting Adventure
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…
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#43: The Diversity Agenda: From Talk to Action with Charlotte Downes
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...
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#42: Navigating the Digital Classroom: A Successful LMS Adventure
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...
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#41: How REINSW is Leading the Way in Technology and AI Integration with Jess Donati, REINSW
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...
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#40: Member Benefits That Matter with Penny Cornah, MPAQ
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....
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#39: A Story of Association Success, Mentorship, and Sell-Out Events with Marise Maechler
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...
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#38: For associations who want to be more engaging right now, where should they start? Amanda Lea Kaiser
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...
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#37: Committees Done Right - Lessons from Lori Modde, Outdoors NSW & ACT
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...
About this show
For Curious Association MindsLooking for a quick and exciting way to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and insights in the Association industry? Look no further than The Association Hub Podcast, the bite-sized podcast series for curious and passionate Association Professionals! Join hosts Angela Shelton and Olena Lima as they dive into the most pressing issues facing the APAC Association sector. From membership growth to online communities, from alternative sources of revenue to governance, they cover it all!
Hosted by
Angela Shelton & Olena Lima
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