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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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.

What does it really mean to put community first in an association?

In this episode, Olena chats with Marty Thomas, CEO of the Dental Assistance Professional Association (DAPA), about reimagining membership through a community-first lens.

With a background in commercial enterprise and a passion for volunteer-led organisations, Marty brings a fresh perspective to association leadership.

During this conversation, we discussed DAPA’s transformation journey from a traditional transactional model to one grounded in engagement, advocacy, and accessibility. We unpack how DAPA is balancing financial sustainability with inclusivity, why Marty believes connection matters more than membership numbers, and what this shift means for the future of associations across Australia.

If you’re curious about innovative membership strategies or grappling with how to make your organisation more relevant and representative, this episode is a must-listen.

P.S. To download the Purpose Under Pressure: Global Association Trends in 2025 report we mentioned at the beginning of the episode, click here.

Let us introduce you to Scott Millar, a generational consultant dedicated to building meaningful pathways between emerging talent and organisations ready to evolve. In this honest conversation, we explore what Gen Z and Gen Alpha truly value — and how Baby Boomers and others can connect with them through learning, leadership, communication, and co-creation.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• The power of reverse mentoring to foster mutual respect and learning

• The rise of micro-credentials as a flexible, skills-based learning pathway

• Shifting social norms and the decline of traditional engagement models

• Why co-creating with young professionals (not just designing for them) is key to staying relevant

• Small but meaningful changes in communication and connection that leave a lasting impact

This conversation is a must-listen for professionals navigating generational change, offering a strategic lens on how to engage the next generation meaningfully, sustainably, and with impact.

Connect with Scott Millar.

Learn more about BOP Industries — inspiring our next generation of young innovators.

Love this podcast chat? We’d love to hear from you!
Visit www.associationhubpodcast.com to get in touch.

In this episode of The Association Hub Podcast, host Olena Lima is joined by association powerhouses Cris Massis and Anna Yerondais - two seasoned leaders with a combined 50+ years of lived experience in the association space. Together, they unpack what modern strategic planning really looks like in 2025.

From shifting member expectations and digital disruption to redefining member value propositions and diversifying revenue streams, this episode is a must-listen for any association executive, board member, or consultant looking to stay ahead of the curve.

Key insights include:

• Why agility and external check-ins are non-negotiable
• The hidden risks of relying too heavily on membership dues
• Creative examples of partnerships and alternative revenue models
• The importance of purpose-driven leadership in a fast-changing landscape

Plus, hear why collaboration beats competition, and why being trusted, future-focused, and needed is the new north star for associations.

Tune in to gain practical, actionable strategies to elevate your next planning session, and your association’s long-term impact.

Gen Z is reshaping the workplace with new expectations, values, and ways of working—and associations need to adapt or risk disengagement. So, how do we bridge the generational gap, foster collaboration, and harness the strengths of this dynamic group?In this episode, we're joined by Janene Wardrop, an expert in workplace management and intergenerational leadership, to explore how associations can effectively engage, communicate with, and empower Gen Z within their teams.

We’ll cover:

🔹 What drives Gen Z in the workplace and how associations can align with their values.
🔹 The biggest misconceptions about Gen Z and how to overcome them.
🔹 How to mentor, communicate, and collaborate across generations.
🔹 Practical strategies to leverage their strengths for innovation and growth.

As associations navigate multi-generational teams, understanding how to lead and retain Gen Z talent is key to long-term success. Tune in for actionable insights on creating an inclusive, high-performing team!

Connect with Janene Wardrop: www.linkedin.com/in/janenewardrop