In this episode, we're joined by Sarah Sladek, best selling author, keynote speaker, researcher and podcast host, to unpack the realities of association membership today. Sarah breaks down how political and economic disruption has reshaped the post-pandemic landscape and why many associations are struggling to articulate value, respond to demographic shifts, and diversify board leadership. She dives into the disconnect younger members often feel and why belonging, relationship-building, and modern engagement strategies matter more than ever. Sarah also introduces Membership U, her new global learning community designed to equip membership professionals with tools, research, and best practices. Looking ahead, she predicts associations will become smaller, more nimble, and increasingly focused on education and career development.

In this episode, we sit down with Jessica Richardson, membership manager at the American Association of Immunologists, to explore how collaboration and community fuel success in the association space. Jessica shares how her involvement with the Association Women Technology Champions (AWTC) helped her build meaningful connections and advance her career. Drawing inspiration from the board game Catan, she uses a creative analogy to explain the journey of transforming members from “tourists” to “townspeople.” Along the way, Jessica highlights why collaboration beats competition, how knowledge sharing strengthens the profession, and what practical steps associations can take to create a true sense of belonging among their members.

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In this episode, we talk with Chris Vaughan, PhD, co-founder of Sequence Consulting, about why associations can’t afford to sit on the sidelines when it comes to AI. Chris explains how consumer tools like ChatGPT are reshaping expectations, while associations have historically lagged in adopting new technology. He points to the pandemic as a turning point—pushing organizations to innovate faster—and shares real-world examples, including how AARP uses AI to personalize member content. The conversation focuses on starting small with existing tools, applying AI to solve specific business challenges, and positioning associations as thought leaders for their members. From member engagement to retention and operational efficiency, Chris outlines practical ways associations can make AI work today.