In this episode, Mark Kenny offers a preview of his opening keynote, “Uncommon Collaboration: The Paths That Transform How We Work Together,” ahead of VSAE’s Fall Conference & Expo. Mark shares his journey from IT and software entrepreneurship to helping organizations build stronger, more collaborative teams, and explains why simply coordinating work isn’t the same as true collaboration. He introduces his concept of “collaboration passes,” the human gifts we give one another that help teams succeed, including the importance of passing our presence through attention, curiosity and listening without an agenda. Mark also shares a simple question leaders can use to invite meaningful feedback from staff, boards and volunteers and discusses how to keep conversations about collaboration going long after the conference ends.

VSAE ConneXions is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, Joe Burak, founder and chief strategist of TRANSiT Strategy & Analytics, explores how artificial intelligence and data analytics are transforming the association industry. He shares his journey from analyzing home show attendance data to launching an AI and analytics consulting firm, and discusses how tools like ChatGPT accelerated AI adoption across associations. Joe explains how organizations can use AI to turn member, survey, program, and financial data into actionable insights, dashboards, forecasts, and faster decision-making. He also offers practical advice on AI governance, staff training, evaluating new tools, and balancing innovation with security and organizational readiness.

VSAE ConneXions is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, Janine Stange, closing keynote speaker for VSAE’s upcoming annual conference, shares her journey from pursuing a music career to leading a purpose-driven mission that reshaped her path. From recording albums on Long Island and in Los Angeles, Janine reflects on the pivotal moment sparked by her mother’s illness that led her to reevaluate her priorities, let go of self-imposed limitations, and focus on something bigger than herself. That shift inspired her to embark on a nationwide journey to sing the national anthem in all 50 states, honoring veterans and their families while bringing people together through a shared moment of connection. She also shares how the journey gained momentum through national media coverage and grassroots support, culminating in her final performance in Tennessee during a Vikings–Titans game in 2014, later captured in a documentary. Throughout the conversation, Janine connects her experience to the realities of association leadership, highlighting the importance of resilience, adaptability, intentional listening, and her “DROP method” as a practical approach to getting unstuck and moving forward with clarity.

VSAE ConneXions is produced by Association Briefings.