Most leaders share a common trait: they are doers. They take action, even when it means stepping outside of their comfort zones.

Jay Karen, CEO of the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), exemplifies this mindset. As a key figure in the $103 billion golf industry, Jay not only leads NGCOA but also contributes his expertise as a board chair and member of prominent organizations like ASAE and the U.S. Travel Association.

In today’s conversation, Jay offers an insider’s perspective on what it takes to lead effectively. We discuss invaluable lessons on embracing foresight, taking strategic risks, and staying ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing world. You’ll hear about the leadership qualities that have taken Jay from his beginnings as a high school leader to a prominent figure in multiple billion dollar industries.

You’ll learn:

• Proven methods to demonstrate next-level thinking for career advancement.
• The power of proactive forecasting to anticipate and address industry shifts.
• How to approach AI strategically within your association.
• Why foresight is the #1 duty for any board and how to implement it.
• Effective strategies for navigating legislative and policy impacts on associations.
• Practical tools and practices associations can use to stay ahead of emerging trends.

About the guest:

Jay Karen is the CEO of the National Golf Course Owners Association, leading initiatives that support the $102 billion golf industry. He has chaired the board of the American Golf Industry Council, served on the Golf USA Tee Time Coalition board, and contributed to the advisory board of the World Golf Hall of Fame. A trusted voice in the industry, Jay has been featured in outlets like The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, The New York Times, and the Golf Channel. With experience as CEO of two associations in the lodging and hospitality sector, Jay is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) and currently serves on the boards of ASAE and the U.S. Travel Association. Recognized as one of Golf Inc. Magazine’s top 25 most powerful people in golf, he is also a member of the Golf Writers Association of America and an Associate Member of the PGA of America.

Resources:

Recommended reading: Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity

Explore more on embracing the duty of foresight.

Visit: https://www.naylor.com/

Connect with the National Golf Course Owners Association & Jay Karen:

LinkedIn: @NGCOA & @JayKaren

Visit: www.ngcoa.org/home

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: @NaylorAssociationSolutions

Christine Shaw: christine.shaw@naylor.com

*Please rate us and leave us your thoughts and comments on Apple Podcasts, we’d love to hear from you!

Understanding your association’s value proposition is key to showing up effectively for members—because every membership sector has unique needs. This insight is especially critical today, as members are more discerning about where they invest their dollars, expecting clear returns on their membership.

Today, we’re joined by David Murillo, President and CEO of Compass Management Solutions, and an association executive with over 20 years of experience. David specializes in governance and strategic guidance for Boards of Directors and brings a wealth of knowledge to the table.

Together, we discuss essential leadership qualities like self- awareness and empathy and how they can affect decision making. Plus, David explains how associations can navigate challenges and seize opportunities, from changes in tech to diversity and inclusion initiatives.

You’ll Learn:

• The importance of staying true to core values during times of change.
• How to break free from recycled yearly planning and create forward-looking strategies.
• Why cultivating self-awareness is a must for today’s leaders.
• How empathy can be used to build lasting trust in a team.
• How to align an association’s value proposition with mission-driven strategies.

About the guest:

With over 20 years of experience, David Murillo is a highly respected association executive specializing in governance and strategic guidance for Boards of Directors. His career began in membership roles, including serving as the membership executive for the American Council of Engineering Companies and the California Restaurant Association. As President and Chief Mission Officer of The Core Management Company, he managed business operations and served as Executive Director for diverse associations. Now leading Compass Management Solutions, David continues to guide organizations of all sizes and industries. A dedicated leader, he served on the California Society of Association Executives (CalSAE) Board from 2016-2023, including as Chair from 2020-2021, and is active on ASAE’s CAE Exam Committee and the CSU Sacramento Alumni Association Board. Recognized as a 2024-2026 ASAE Diversity Executive Leadership Program Scholar and CalSAE’s 2018-2019 Executive of the Year, David’s contributions to the association field continue to inspire.

Resources:

Recommended reading: The Four Agreements

Explore more on enhancing membership value and inspiring growth.

Visit: https://www.naylor.com/

Connect with Compass Management Solutions & David Murillo:

LinkedIn: @CompassManagementSolutions & @DavidMurillo

Visit: https://compass.management/

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: @NaylorAssociationSolutions

Christine Shaw: christine.shaw@naylor.com

*Please rate us and leave us your thoughts and comments on Apple Podcasts, we’d love to hear from you!

Technology isn’t something to fear—it’s a powerful tool that can propel your association to new heights. Today, we’ll speak with a leader who used both data and new technology like AI to transform his association.

In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Reed, Executive Director of the American Fence Association. With over 25 years of experience working with associations and their leaders, Michael brings a wealth of knowledge in organizational development. He’s not only an expert in the field but also an entrepreneur who founded a technology company specializing in back-office solutions for associations.

Michael shares his proven strategies for leveraging technology to enhance operations, boost member engagement, and drive non-dues revenue. From utilizing AI in educational programs to adopting tools that gather meaningful member feedback, he reveals how associations can stay ahead in a rapidly changing world.

You’ll learn:

• How trust fosters collaboration and creates a more effective work environment.
• The art of blameless problem solving in volunteer leadership.
• How to break down strategic planning and make tough choices about organizational priorities.
• The way to harness OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) to align teams and achieve success.
• How to keep your association relevant and valuable for all members.

About the guest:

Michael Reed is an organizational development expert who has spent over 25 years working in and with associations and their leaders. Michael developed leadership and chapter operation programs for two collegiate fraternal organizations and started a technology company that offered back office solutions for associations. As an executive, he led membership, certification, and human resources efforts for both trade associations and professional societies. As a trusted consultant, Michael was a valued thought partner to a variety of professional societies and trade organizations, including the American Fence Association. He was recently named Executive Director of AFA and is committed to helping industry leaders grow their businesses and a world-class association. Michael is currently pursuing a doctoral degree at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, where his research interests focus on trust and board governance.

Resources:

Recommended reading: Measure What Matters: How Google, Bono, and the Gates Foundation Rock the World with OKRs

Explore more on using technology to elevate your association.

Visit: https://www.naylor.com/

Connect with the American Fence Association & Michael Reed:

LinkedIn: @AmericanFenceAssociation & @MichaelReed

Facebook: @AmericanFenceAssociation

Visit: https://www.americanfenceassociation.com/

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: @NaylorAssociationSolutions

Christine Shaw: christine.shaw@naylor.com

*Please rate us and leave us your thoughts and comments on Apple Podcasts, we’d love to hear from you!