#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 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 You’ll hear how Angelina and her team use real-time feedback to shape services, create belonging, and challenge outdated norms in the architecture profession.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:

• Using Pulse Check surveys to drive real support and advocacy
• Building trust as a non-industry CEO in a deeply technical field
• Embedding mental health, equity, and culture into strategic priorities
• Rethinking leadership models and giving permission to innovate

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.