Association Hub Podcast

In today’s episode of the Association Hub Podcast, we’re joined by the unstoppable Annie Gibbins. CEO, strategist, speaker, publisher, mentor, and yes, mum of five. With decades in association leadership and a growing reputation as an AI advocate, Annie brings a unique blend of C-suite wisdom, digital savvy, and grounded advice for association professionals navigating rapid change.Olena and Annie chat about the evolving role of association leaders, the shift from managing to reimagining, and why embracing AI is not a tech move, but a leadership imperative. We unpack the myths, explore practical use cases for AI in member engagement, and talk about Annie’s new book, AI for Association Leaders, which outlines how to scale smarter, serve better, and lead with confidence into the future.If you’re facing pressure to do more with less, trying to bring your board on the AI journey, or just wondering where to begin, this episode is your practical, empowering guide.Tune in, and don’t forget to follow, subscribe and share the pod. And if you would like to learn more about Annie, connect, order her book or schedule a session, head to her website anniegibbins.com.

In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, Braden Clark, CEO of the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers (ANZASW), joins as a guest to discuss the importance of a well-crafted member value proposition (MVP) statement. Braden shares his experience of reshaping ANZASW's MVP statement to make the association more relevant and engaging, especially for younger members. The team worked together to develop a new statement emphasising the association's role as a community of social workers, promoting, supporting and protecting the social work profession and advocating for social change and justice. The episode explores the power of inclusive language and how the MVP statement can be used in marketing communications. Tune in to this episode to learn actionable tips on crafting an impactful MVP statement that drives member engagement and growth. Discover how a clear and compelling value proposition can resonate with different audiences and effectively communicate the benefits of association membership. ANZASW's member value proposition statement: "Together, we are a community of social workers. Develop, support, and protect social workers. Enhance our professional identity. Promote the social work profession. Advocate for social change and justice. Together, we are ANZASW." For more information, visit the ANZASW website at https://www.anzasw.nz/.

Start the year with a deep dive into the Associations Evolve Journal, a publication by Answers for Associations that explores the trends shaping the association world in 2025. Join hosts Angela Shelton and Olena Lima, alongside special guest Belinda Moore, as they unpack key insights from the journal. This conversation highlights the power of sharing stories, the importance of these trends as a guiding framework for associations, and how leaders can use this resource to navigate the year ahead. 📖 Download and read your copy of the Associations Evolve Journal at www.associationsevolve.com What idea of trends are you most excited about exploring this year? We’d love to hear from you! Connect with Belinda Moore: www.linkedin.com/in/belindaamoore Connect with Angela Shelton: www.linkedin.com/in/angelamshelton Connect with Olena Lima: www.linkedin.com/in/olenalima

In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, we sit down with Amanda Linton, CEO of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB), to explore her remarkable journey from solo bookkeeper to leading a national professional body. With nearly 30 years of industry experience, Amanda brings a fresh and practical perspective on what it takes to lead a modern association.Amanda shares the mindset shift required when moving from a profit-driven business to a purpose-led membership organisation, and opens up about the realities of working with limited resources while serving a diverse member base, from students and solo bookkeepers to large practices.We talk about:🔹 The difference between strategy on paper and real, tangible member value🔹 Why listening to members in person is still Amanda’s most valuable channel to gather members’ feedback🔹 How ICB uses partnerships to extend services without stretching the internal team🔹 The surprising success of ICB’s two podcasts, and why storytelling matters🔹 Embracing digital transformation and AI, while staying human-centered🔹 Designing professional development that fits modern life (think: micro-learning and on-demand content)Whether you’re leading an association, managing membership, or simply passionate about building strong professional communities, this episode is packed with insights, honesty, and inspiration.

In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, Olena sits down with Susan Foster, Member Services Manager at the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM), to unpack what it truly means to connect with members, whether in metropolitan London or remote Australia. With over 20 years of association experience across healthcare, engineering, and education sectors, Susan shares her fresh observations on the differences between the UK and Australian association landscapes, what makes rural and remote doctors such a unique member base, and the power of human connection in building member value. You’ll hear about ACRRM’s brand-new member milestone recognition program, including data challenges, cultural shifts, and tips for keeping your community feeling seen and valued. This episode is packed with practical advice, heartfelt stories, and a healthy dose of inspiration for anyone passionate about member engagement.