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 and practical perspective on what it takes to lead a modern association.
Amanda shares the mindset shift required when moving from a profit-driven business to a purpose-led membership organisation, and opens up about the realities of working with limited resources while serving a diverse member base, from students and solo bookkeepers to large practices.
We talk about:
🔹 The difference between strategy on paper and real, tangible member value
🔹 Why listening to members in person is still Amanda’s most valuable channel to gather members’ feedback
🔹 How ICB uses partnerships to extend services without stretching the internal team
🔹 The surprising success of ICB’s two podcasts, and why storytelling matters
🔹 Embracing digital transformation and AI, while staying human-centered
🔹 Designing professional development that fits modern life (think: micro-learning and on-demand content)
Whether you’re leading an association, managing membership, or simply passionate about building strong professional communities, this episode is packed with insights, honesty, and inspiration.
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 of association experience across healthcare, engineering, and education sectors, Susan shares her fresh observations on the differences between the UK and Australian association landscapes, what makes rural and remote doctors such a unique member base, and the power of human connection in building member value.
You’ll hear about ACRRM’s brand-new member milestone recognition program, including data challenges, cultural shifts, and tips for keeping your community feeling seen and valued. This episode is packed with practical advice, heartfelt stories, and a healthy dose of inspiration for anyone passionate about member engagement.
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 in the US but a regular in Australia, Rob brings an ear for diverse voices and a sharp eye for where our sector is heading.
We cover:
Part strategy, part tech talk, and part pep talk, this one’s for anyone who wants to stay relevant, connected, and confident in a fast-moving world.
Connect with Rob on LinkedIn.
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 downturns, Bruce shares what it takes to create high-value, strategic partnerships that deliver true member benefits.
From ditching the tired gold-silver-bronze model to his actionable VALUE framework, this is a must-listen for association professionals ready to rethink sponsorship in a more meaningful way.
Plus, get an inside look at Bruce’s new book Mastering Association Corporate Sponsorships and discover the self-assessment tool that might just change your whole approach.
Tune in to learn:
Want to dive deeper? Check out Bruce’s book Mastering Association Corporate Sponsorship: How to Create Strategic Partnerships that Add Value and Member Value at https://brucerosenthal.associates/sponsorship-book/
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 budgets and tight timelines, but still questioning whether you’re the right person for the job? You’re notalone.
Enter Cat Matson!
Cat has spent decades mentoring smart, capable leaders from city Mayors to small business owners who’ve felt that same doubt. She knows the pressure of speaking on behalf of an entire industry. She also knows how to quiet that inner critic and lead with confidence, not bravado.
With her signature honesty and straight-talking warmth, Catunpacks:
Whether you’ve held back from media interviews, board roles or just speaking up in meetings, this chat will give you tools and a bit of a kick to back yourself. Because you don’t have to feel 100% ready to make a meaningful impact.
Oh, and if you’re wondering who Cat really is? Think:corporate hippie, mentor, podcast host, speaker, and strong coffee lover. She's the real deal and after this episode, you’ll understand why people trust her to help them find their voice.
Follow Cat’s work and stay connected:
🔗 Connect with Cat on LinkedIn – where she shares leadership insights, impact strategies, and updates on her latest work.
📘 Follow on Facebook – for live discussions, community conversations, and event updates.
📸 See behind the scenes on Instagram – including personal moments, speaking gigs, and impact in action.🎙️ Listen to Cat’s podcast, Speaking with Confidence – real conversations about making impact, doing good, and building a business that matters.
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 down with one of Australia’s most seasoned professional speakers and MCs. With over 30 years behind the mic and hundreds of association conferences under his belt, Andrew shares what works, what doesn’t, what makes a conference truly unforgettable, and how to turn even the driest content into something genuinely engaging (yes, even those “genius-but-dull” academics).
You’ll learn:
This episode is a must-listen for event planners, association leaders, and anyone who’s ever sat through a painfully long panel discussion. Trust us, you’ll walk away with ideas, laughs, and maybe a newfound respect for your MC.
🎧 Press play, hit follow, and don’t forget to share this one with your events team. They’ll thank you later!
🔗 And if you’re on the hunt for a top-notch MC, you can find Andrew at andrewklein.com.au.
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 putting wellbeing and relevance at the centre of her work.
In this episode, we explore what it really means to lead a niche association, one where most members are running micro-businesses, juggling every role from payroll to design. You’ll hear how Angelina and her team use real-time feedback to shape services, create belonging, and challenge outdated norms in the architecture profession.
We talk about:
If you’re passionate about the future of associations, or leading through change, this one’s for you.
Connect with Angelina Maallini Pillai.
Learn more about the Association of Consulting Architects at www.aca.org.au.
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 sustainable revenue models, this conversation explores what it takes to stay relevant and how to deliver value year-round.
In this episode, we unpack:
This episode is full of practical takeaways for association professionals who want to do things differently. Tune in now and get inspired to transform your digital game.
If you’re curious about how associations can level up their content, elevate member experience, and create sustainable engagement strategies, WorkerBee.TV is packed with resources, insights, and examples to get you started.
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 and shares a more strategic, human-centred model for partnership success.
You’ll learn:
If you're ready to stop pitching and start partnering,this is the conversation you didn’t know you needed.
Want to know more?
Connect with Mike Barouche.
Find out more about his partnership insights at www.revenuethroughrelationships.com.au
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 associations was formally recognised when he was awarded an AM (Member of the Order of Australia) for his standout contribution to the sector.
In this episode, John shares personal stories, practical insights, and governance tips for association leaders.
We explore:
How John’s family roots and teenage volunteering sparked a lifelong commitment to associations
The most common governance pitfalls
What makes a truly effective association board, and how to tell if yours needs a revamp
The role of associations in a fast-changing world and why staying relevant means staying innovative
John also reflects on the evolving landscape of member engagement, the rise of new communities, and how associations can continue to be the trusted voice in their sector.
This episode is a must-listen for CEOs, board members, and emerging leaders looking to sharpen their governance skills and stay ahead of the curve in a fast-changing sector.
Check out John’s work and dive into one of the many brilliant sector events hosted by Associations Forum (in Australia) or Governology (in the UK), there’s always something valuable on offer.
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, facing imposter syndrome, and learning to lead while still finding your feet. It's honest, practical, and sometimes unexpectedly funny (yes, even job interviews with two dislocated knees).
Whether you're leading for the first time, mentoring future leaders, or just curious about what modern association leadership actually looks like, this episode is for you.
Highlights from this episode:
A grounded, refreshing take on leadership from someone living it day to day.
If you want to know more, reach out and connect with Luke Daly on LinkedIn.
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, digital savvy, and grounded advice for association professionals navigating rapid change.
Olena and Annie chat about the evolving role of association leaders, the shift from managing to reimagining, and why embracing AI is not a tech move, but a leadership imperative.
We unpack the myths, explore practical use cases for AI in member engagement, and talk about Annie’s new book, AI for Association Leaders, which outlines how to scale smarter, serve better, and lead with confidence into the future.
If you’re facing pressure to do more with less, trying to bring your board on the AI journey, or just wondering where to begin, this episode is your practical, empowering guide.
Tune in, and don’t forget to follow, subscribe and share the pod. And if you would like to learn more about Annie, connect, order her book or schedule a session, head to her website anniegibbins.com.
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 for volunteer-led organisations, Marty brings a fresh perspective to association leadership.
During this conversation, we discussed DAPA’s transformation journey from a traditional transactional model to one grounded in engagement, advocacy, and accessibility. We unpack how DAPA is balancing financial sustainability with inclusivity, why Marty believes connection matters more than membership numbers, and what this shift means for the future of associations across Australia.
If you’re curious about innovative membership strategies or grappling with how to make your organisation more relevant and representative, this episode is a must-listen.
P.S. To download the Purpose Under Pressure: Global Association Trends in 2025 report we mentioned at the beginning of the episode, click here.
Scott Millar is a generational consultant dedicated tobuilding meaningful pathways between emerging talent and the organisations ready to evolve. In this energising episode, we explore what Gen Z and Gen Alpha truly value — across learning, leadership, communication, and co-creation.
From reverse mentoring and micro-credentials to shiftingsocial norms and the decline of traditional engagement models, Scott offers practical, forward-thinking insights tailored for association leaders.
You’ll hear why co-creating with young professionals, notsimply designing for them, is key to relevance, and how small shifts in communication and connection can have a lasting impact.
This conversation is a must-listen for professionals navigating generational change and offers a strategic lens on how to engage the next generation meaningfully, sustainably, and with impact.
Connect with Scott Millar.
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 in 2025.
From shifting member expectations and digital disruption to redefining member value propositions and diversifying revenue streams, this episode is a must-listen for any association executive, board member, or consultant looking to stay ahead of the curve.
Key insights include:
Plus, hear why collaboration beats competition, and why being trusted, future-focused, and needed is the new north star for associations.
Tune in to gain practical, actionable strategies to elevate your next planning session, and your association’s long-term impact.
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 Wardrop, an expert in workplace management and intergenerational leadership, to explore how associations can effectively engage, communicate with, and empower Gen Z within their teams.
We’ll cover:
🔹 What drives Gen Z in the workplace and how associations can align with their values.
🔹 The biggest misconceptions about Gen Z and how to overcome them.
🔹 How to mentor, communicate, and collaborate across generations.
🔹 Practical strategies to leverage their strengths for innovation and growth.
As associations navigate multi-generational teams, understanding how to lead and retain Gen Z talent is key to long-term success. Tune in for actionable insights on creating an inclusive, high-performing team!
Connect with Janene Wardrop: www.linkedin.com/in/janenewardrop
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 — both protecting and promoting their brand—with PR expert Tony Nicholls from Good Talent Media. From crisis management to securing positive press, it’s all about choosing between chaos and control. Don’t wait for the media to come knocking—be ready.
Connect with Tony: www.linkedin.com/in/tony-nicholls
Find out more about Good Talent Media: https://goodtalent.com.au
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 in the shadow of the pandemic, with funding streams drying up and outdated revenue models, Tim faced some tough calls. But through bold decisions, strategic shifts, and an agile mindset, ARCS Australia is now thriving.
🔹 How Tim turned around the association’s financial sustainability
🔹 The role of partnerships in creating year-round engagement (and new revenue streams)
🔹 How ARCS Australia shifted to a new membership model to smooth out cash flow
🔹 The balance between monetisation and delivering real member value
🔹 Why fail-fast thinking is key to adapting in today’s association landscape
Tim also shares insights on future-proofing associations, evolving membership models for the next generation, and why the biggest challenge is shifting from 'nice to have' to 'must-have' membership value.
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 at the Australian Restaurant and Café Association (ARCA) have managed to shake up the industry, securing policy wins that others have spent decades trying to achieve. So, what’s his secret ingredient?
In this episode, Olena Lima sits down with Wes to reveal his recipe for success in association advocacy—one that’s packed with focus, bold strategies, and
and relentless determination.
Tune in now to listen:
🔹 How Wes went from investment banking, to restaurant management and to leading one of the country’s newest (and fastest-growing) associations
🔹 The key ingredients to getting members engaged and growing an association from scratch
🔹 How ARCA is driving real policy change, from migration reform to taxation policies
🔹 Why laser-focused advocacy can deliver wins for an industry that employs half a million Australians.
And if you’ve ever wondered how one person can juggle high-stakes advocacy, multiple board roles, four kids, and still get eight hours of sleep every night—Wes has the answer.
🎧 Tune in now to hear how ARCA is delivering real results for hospitality businesses across 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 their recent transformation. From crafting a brand that truly reflects OTA’s values and vision, to engaging members and ensuring a smooth transition, Sam shares valuable insights for any association considering a rebrand.
🔹 The journey behind OTA’s rebranding and why it was time for a change
🔹 The strategic thinking behind the new identity, tagline, and colour palette
🔹 How member engagement and an independent marketing consultant made all the difference
🔹 Lessons learned from the process—including the importance of patience and storytelling
🔹 What’s next for OTA, including their national conference and strategic growth plans
And if you’re thinking about a rebrand, Sam’s advice is clear: buckle in—it’s a wild ride!
To check out the OTA's new brand, go to https://otaus.com.au/news/stronger-together-the-new-face-of-ota
