As we learn from our guest today on the Association Chat Podcast, Cam Sanders—Founder and Principal of LeadHERShip Strategies—personalization and authenticity are the future of association marketing, and there's really no other way forward.

In an age where marketing is already beginning to be dominated by AI-generated content, it's the organizations that stay authentic and personalize everything that will be best positioned to compete.

Tune in to this week's compelling conversation to learn more, as Cam joins our host KiKi L'Italien to discuss future trends in marketing.

When it comes to nonprofits and associations, the underlying message from this podcast is crystal clear: let's embrace the end of pointless busy work and move toward measuring how the work we do directly impacts mission. 🎯

**And spoiler alert – it's not easy to do**

This week on the Association Chat Podcast, host KiKi L'Italien interviews Juan Sanchez, Chief Information Officer at Inteleos, for an eye-opening discussion on ending "pointless busy work" in your organization or association.

They explore why emphasizing OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) and focusing on outcomes rather than deliverables should be the driving force for any strategic organization looking to keep up with the ever-shifting demands of today's marketplace. They also cover the differences between a Key Performance Indicator (KPI) and an OKR, and why understanding this distinction is so important.

These days, the role of a CEO extends far beyond managing operations—it involves creating an environment where every team member feels a genuine sense of belonging. This week, the Association Podcast welcomes Wendy-Jo Toyama, CEO of the American Epilepsy Society, for a discussion with host KiKi L'Italien focused on the rich organizational benefits of doubling down on belonging and staying true to your values.

In this special episode of the Association Chat Podcast, we hear from a group that helped solidify a new future for women in nonprofit tech as we speak with some of the founders of the Association of Women Technology Champions.

Learn more about AWTC: https://awtc.tech/

This week on Association Chat, host KiKi L'Italien sits down with Dana Freker Doody, owner of Inktide Solutions, and Shameka Jennings, principal and chief events officer of EventsNoire, to discuss outsourcing as a means of saving resources and preserving a strong culture and morale at associations and nonprofits. This interview explores what smart, effective outsourcing looks like in 2025 — from event strategy to marketing and operations — and how association leaders can incorporate consultants (on a part- or full-time basis) to breathe new life into their organizations with fresh perspectives and delegate tasks that are mission-critical. This isn't just about cutting costs — it's about amplifying impact. | Take the Survey: https://bit.ly/4h733kk

How do we create a sense of belonging in a world that feels more disconnected than ever? For thousands of years, spiritual traditions have employed time-tested principles to bring people together, strengthen identities, and cultivate loyalty. But how can today's associations and nonprofits apply these lessons to deepen connections and inspire lasting engagement? In this episode of Association Chat, host KiKi L'Italien sits down with Charles Vogl, best-selling author of The Art of Community, as well as a renowned keynote speaker and expert in leadership and community-building.

Sales, growth strategies, and taking calculated risks — it's not just for those seeking a traditional quarterly profit in the business world. In this episode of the Association Chat Podcast, host KiKi L'Italien sits down with a serial entrepreneur in the association space, Lucas McCann, to talk all about it.

Currently, Lucas is at the helm of Core Adventures, a family of brands dedicated to providing comprehensive solutions for associations. Core Adventures offers services such as membership sales and recruiting, member retention strategies, engagement initiatives, affinity program management, and expert consulting. The company's portfolio includes Big Red M, specializing in association sales, research, and consulting, and Core Affinity, which focuses on affinity solutions to boost non-dues revenue and member engagement. Lucas also hosts the "6 Degrees of Associations" podcast, a platform that promotes industry connections and provides valuable insights into association management. Learn more: https://bigredm.com/.

Join Association Chat's KiKi L'Italien for a candid conversation exploring how associations can overcome the current challenges of keeping members engaged in our digital-first world. Mats Persson from Umbraco and Jake Toohey from Adage will discuss practical approaches to personalization that go far beyond the basics.

• Learn more about Umbraco: https://umbraco.com/
• More about Adage: https://adagetech.com/

❤️ FOLLOW Association Chat! ❤️

• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AssociationChat
• Visit our Website: https://associationchat.com/
• Sign Up for Our Newsletter (SMS Opt-In available): https://mailchi.mp/91755d927784/070x0wvkl2
• Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/associationchat
• Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/associationchat2
• Join our Book Club: https://bookclubs.com/join-a-book-club/club/association-chat-book-club
• Subscribe to Association Chat Magazine: https://bit.ly/assnchatmagsublist
• Fill out the Sponsorship Interest Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe49ISnb9WCXDX6ls5FTRri0TseEi91nL8mtwHp4tQjITrUtA/viewform?usp=sf_link
• Share your insights with Overheard in Associations: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSecySUh-faxwCEwuNytXpum2xzw3uB7hS32P6pNLuvi_sOKDg/viewform?usp=sf_link