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:

• Why companies are spending smarter on sponsorships
• What the VALUE framework means for your revenue and relevance
• The one mindset shift associations must make to stay competitive

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:

• Why imposter syndrome is so common in purpose-driven work
• How to spot the difference between self-doubt and an actual skill gap
• Practical ways to back yourself, without pretending you have it all figured out
• How to show up with credibility (even when your brain says otherwise)

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:

• Hilarious real-life event disasters, and how to survive them
• The must-have traits of great conference speakers
• Smart ways to spend your event budget for maximum impact
• Why less content and more connection is the future of successful events
• The magic of risk-taking, authenticity, and ditching the PowerPoint overload.

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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:

• 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.

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:

• Why relying on events and print publications isn’t sustainable anymore
• How to deliver content that’s member-driven, timely and engaging
• What associations can learn from Netflix, not just in delivery, but in customer experience
• The building blocks of a smart content strategy: planning, formats, repurposing, and consistency
• Practical ideas for small teams with limited resources
• And, yes, how to monetise digital content to boost non-dues revenue

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:

• Why onboarding is make-or-break.
• How to design events that serve both members and sponsors.
• What happens when we stop chasing generic ROI and start owning real outcomes.

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:

• What no one tells you about becoming CEO

• Early priorities that help create momentum
• Grassroots member engagement that makes a difference
• Balancing passion with practicality
• How small wins can lead to lasting change
• The role of mentors and mindset

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.

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