Welcome to another episode of The A100 Podcast, where we’re joined by Stanley Pierre-Louis, President & CEO of the Entertainment Software Association (ESA). In this insightful conversation, Stan takes us through the dynamic world of video games and shares how ESA serves as the voice for the U.S. video game industry.

Key Highlights:

• Stan’s Career Journey: Stan traces his unique career path, from working in media and intellectual property law to leading ESA. He shares how his passion for media, technology, and the arts has shaped his leadership in the video game industry.

• The Role of ESA: ESA advocates for the video game industry and protects its economic and creative contributions. Stan explains how ESA supports its members in areas like free expression, intellectual property protection, and self-regulation.

• Economic Impact of Video Games: With over 190 million Americans playing video games and a $101 billion economic impact, Stan discusses ESA’s research and how data drives advocacy efforts. He also highlights the industry’s substantial contributions to the U.S. economy and job market.

• Advocacy and Policy Priorities: Stan dives into ESA’s top policy priorities, including AI, intellectual property, and digital wellness. He shares how ESA educates policymakers on the nuances of video game technology and advocates for thoughtful, common-sense regulations.

• Collaboration and Partnerships: Stan emphasizes the importance of partnerships in advancing the industry. From working with organizations like the AARP and the American Heart Association to global initiatives that highlight the social and emotional benefits of video games, ESA leverages collaboration to amplify its impact.

Join us as Stan Pierre-Louis shares valuable insights into the intersection of technology, creativity, and advocacy, providing actionable takeaways for association professionals looking to enhance their own advocacy and member engagement efforts.

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to The Association 100 podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode.

• Follow us on LinkedIn at The Association 100 and OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.

Tune in for more episodes filled with expert insights and innovative strategies to drive your association's advocacy and impact to new heights!

In this episode of The A100 Podcast, host Colleen Gallagher is joined by Karley Cunningham, big thinker, creative strategist and founder of Big Bold Brand. Karley shares her unique journey from professional athlete to brand strategist and explains how her team helps purpose-driven organizations develop executable strategies that position them as leaders in their industry.

Key Highlights:

• The Athlete’s Mindset in Business: Karley discusses how her competitive athletic background, including being a former professional mountain biker, has shaped her structured, goal-driven approach to business and branding.

• Branding vs. Marketing: Karley emphasizes the difference between branding and marketing, highlighting that branding is about creating an authentic identity from the inside out, while marketing promotes that identity externally.

• The Surefire Strategy: Learn about Karley’s proven methodology for developing a brand that stands out. She explains how her process can help your association identify your unique value proposition, align with your core beliefs and communicate your mission effectively.

• Building Brands from the Inside Out: Karley explains why it’s critical for organizations to develop their brand based on their internal values and beliefs. She shares how this authentic approach creates alignment across leadership and members, ensuring the brand stands out in a crowded market.

Join us as Karley Cunningham shares actionable insights on building a strong, differentiated brand that resonates deeply with both internal stakeholders and external audiences.

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to The Association 100 podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode.

• Follow us on LinkedIn at The Association 100 and OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.

Tune in for more episodes packed with expert advice and strategies to help your association stand out in a sea of sameness!

In this episode of The A100 Podcast, recorded live at ASAE’s Annual Conference, O&U’s Meghan Henning sits down with Lou Centrella, CAE, Senior Director of Technology Services at ISSA - The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association. Lou shares valuable insights on how ISSA is enhancing its technology strategy to better serve its members and support the entire organization.

Key Highlights:

• Building Strong Cross-Departmental Partnerships: Lou discusses the importance of IT being a collaborative partner with all departments. He emphasizes that the technology team’s role isn’t just about providing tools but about understanding the needs of each department and integrating technology into their processes to achieve shared goals.

• Creating a Roadmap for Success: Lou shares his approach to putting together a detailed technology roadmap, ensuring that the association’s tech investments align with strategic priorities. From selecting the right tools to planning for long-term upgrades, Lou explains how ISSA’s roadmap ensures they stay ahead of tech trends and serve their members effectively.

• Modernizing the Tech Stack: Lou details how ISSA has modernized its tech stack, focusing on integrating systems and leveraging the cloud. He highlights the challenges and opportunities of transitioning to more modern platforms, ensuring that both member-facing tools and internal processes run smoothly.

• Prioritizing Cybersecurity: In a digital-first world, cybersecurity is critical. Lou outlines ISSA’s approach to protecting its data and systems, from implementing secure cloud-based solutions to educating staff on cybersecurity best practices. He explains how they are working to stay proactive against threats while ensuring compliance with industry standards.

Join us as we explore the essential role of technology in modern associations.

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to The Association 100 podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode.

• Follow us on LinkedIn at The Association 100 and OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.

Tune in for more episodes packed with expert advice and strategies to help your association thrive!