Episodes
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Episode 261: Technology is supposed to make our work easier but we are not always smarter about how we work. IT expert Brian Scott of Clear Tone Consulting is back for another fun discussion on technology for associations and this time we are talking Automation. To have a solid tech stack that serves the needs of the organization we need to practice system oversight and conscious decision making. However, it's people using those tech stacks so we need to be aware of Shadow IT, aging systems, technical debt, process debt, and Oompa Loompas driving Bentleys. That last phrase relates to artificial intelligence - find out how by listening to this conversation that will help you de-stress when it comes to your system management! What gets in the way of you working smarter? Share a comment!
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Missing episodes?
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Episode 260: Last fall, Sandra Nam of Qiqo Chat joined me to discuss Adventures in Community. Now she's back to give us an update on what came out of those adventures: Association Marketplace! Sandra shares how it started, where it is now, and the future they are building to support everyone in the association community. Rogue Tulips Consulting has a page -- you should too! From their news stream of podcasts and newsletters to offering real-time virtual meetings, Association Marketplace is creating connection and community all in one place. What do you look for in online communities? Share a comment!
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Episode 259: This episode supported by USAE News! Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to spread throughout our global technology ecosystem -- but laws are not catching up with this fast-moving tech. My guest, Pete Sepp of the National Taxpayers Union, works on these issues with his global colleagues. He shares his insights on development of internal guidelines and policies, the IRS and its implementation of AI, and how governments in other parts of the world are working to manage AI and its implications. We talk about regulatory sandboxes, cautionary tales, and discuss whether people are getting lazier. Whatever you think about AI it's here to stay -- this conversation will help you put it all in perspective. What bothers you about government regulation of AI? Share a comment!
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Episode 258: October is Dwarfism Awareness Month and I invited back Samyuktha Neeraja, MPH, CAE, to discuss what's it like living with this particular disability. Earlier in 2024, she shared her DEI story. In this episode, she continues her story talking about how Advocacy and Allyship are important in her personal experience. Samyuktha explains dwarfism and how it is different for everyone who has it, and we learn from her the types of accommodations that help her experience life independently. She shares her experiences as a child and her experiences as an adult who is sometimes mistaken for a child. It can be exhausting but having friends and family who advocate for her and support her makes the difference. She shares that allyship throughout her life has built her confidence and contributed to her becoming an advocate for herself and others. We also talk about attending conferences and what might make this easier for more people to participate. Samyuktha is always inspiring -- her insights will lift you up and show you that you can be an ally too! How are you an ally to those who need support? Share a comment!
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Episode 257: In 2025, the Tax Cuts and JobsAct of 2017 (TCJA) expires. Several white papers have been published on the potential impact on the nonprofit community and these are causing quite a stir! What is the real impact going to be, especially for the 501c6 designation? My guest Pete Sepp, President, National Taxpayers Union, sets the record straight about what expires, what needs to be reviewed and renewed, and the action that Congress could take. Does it mean the end of the nonprofit status?? Probably not but we discuss other threats to the nonprofit status that are real. We touch on full employment for foundling waifs, credit unions being tax exempt, and how Kaiser Permanente is one of the biggest (and richest) "nonprofits" in the country. Get a taste of our dinner table conversation with this deep dive into the TCJA and what it could mean for everyone. What are your questions about the TCJA expiration? Share a comment!
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Episode 256: If you work in an association, membership is on your mind most of the time -- or at least it SHOULD be. This week my guest, Kim Berry, Vice President of Membership, NABA Inc., shares her years of wisdom on membership, component relations, different structures and why we work at associations. We talk about the importance of a membership focus, the need for strong relationships, why you need a dedicated membership staff, and how a member focus -- remembering WHO we serve -- can make associations profitable AND relevant. What drives your passion for membership? Share a comment!
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Episode 255: This episode supported by USAE News! Many associations know they should be "cyber savvy" but it's an overwhelming issue. It can also be very expensive if you work with an enterprise level company. That's where my guest Brian Scott of Clear Tone Consulting comes in! He knows cybersecurity is a critical issue for associations and other nonprofits so he works with them to do assessments and find solutions that work for them. With the industrialization of cybercrime -- that's right, it's now an industry -- how can you stay safe? Brian breaks it down for associations and makes it doable. He will also expand your glossary -- we discuss phishing, "spear fishing", vishing, mishing, and quishing. Want to know what we are talking about? Check out this fun conversation about cybersecurity and the steps that any of us can take to be safer online. What worries you the most about cybersecurity? Share a comment!
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Episode 254: We all wish we had the time to reflect, recharge, re-energize and just think! But how many of us actually give ourselves the gift of time? My guest Laura Caputo did just that -- she gave herself a sabbatical. She shares her experience and what she learned about herself and what she wants her life to look like. This inspiring conversation will get you thinking about taking your own sabbatical -- or at least setting aside a few days of "quiet work time." Laura loves artificial intelligence so we discuss that and how it was part of her sabbatical. As married consultants we also talk about "consulting our spouses" and how that can be productive and rewarding. What did Cecilia's husband pay her with for a staff presentation? Listen and find out! How do you recharge? Share a comment!
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Episode 253: All messaging begins with clear and consistent writing. For Nonprofits to have success in mission fulfillment, consistent messaging is necessary across all areas of the organization. My guest, Stephanie Malench of Write by Steph, is a writer and nonprofit consultant who shares her experiences and advice on nonprofit messaging. Our wide ranging conversation covers modeling ethical behavior, understanding and clarity of the nonprofit leader role for all volunteers, why you need to have legal counsel for nonprofits, and the role of the Board. We also celebrate Stephanie's recent purchase of a digital newspaper! Want to know what Cecilia determined is "just stupid"? Listen and find out! How do you keep messaging consistent? Share a comment!
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Episode 252: USAE News is the longest continuously publishing newspaper in the association management profession. Founded over 40 years ago, it has covered changes in our community, national news, and broken its share of hard-hitting stories. This week, we hear from the man who started it all: Ross Heller, Founder & Publisher Emeritus. He shares his inspiration for starting USAE News, how publishing has changed over the years, and many stories about people and events that only someone with a long career can collect. This history of our profession is just as important as its future; join me and Ross for a look at how we got where we are and how we will continue moving forward. What's your favorite part of the conversation? Share a comment!
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