Digital Strategy and Company Culture with Ray Van Hilst

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome Jessica Irizarry, Component Relations Director at Shriners International, for an insightful discussion about association management and member engagement. Jessica shares her journey into the association sector, highlighting the importance of adaptability, volunteer management, and the evolving concept of 'components' in associations. The discussion explores the challenges and strategies for engaging multi-generational members, the role of technology in creating impactful work environments, and the importance of recognizing member contributions. Jessica also offers perspectives on giving constructive feedback, leveraging personal interests for better work-life balance, and staying intentional about recognizing and valuing volunteer efforts. 

On this special edition of The Association Podcast, Artesha Moore, FASAE, CAE, CEO of Association Forum, joins us live from Chicago. Moore shares her journey of leading Forum since 2022, from her early days in not-for-profit sectors and association management to successfully integrating AI and technology in today’s rapidly evolving landscape. From discussing her keynote at AWTC Advance to her philosophy on community and mentorship, this episode highlights her disruptive approach to leadership, her focus on empowerment, and her vision for the future of associations. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on leveraging technology to advance and foster meaningful connections within the association community.

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome Justin Scott, PhD, CAE, and Vice President of Innovation and Analytics at the Metal Service Center Institute. Get ready for an in-depth discussion about the nuanced differences between data-driven and data-informed decision-making approaches, and the pivotal role of clear communication and collaboration in making data-driven decisions. Justin shares valuable insights from his experience, including the transition from a think tank to the association world and the importance of community and shared knowledge within the association industry.

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome Alex Skinner, CEO of Pixl8 Group, ReadyMembership, and ReadyIntelligence. Alex shares his journey from founding Pixl8 to becoming a key player in the association space. He discusses the evolution of his company, growth strategies, and the critical role of user experience in developing digital platforms. We discuss the integration of AI in workflows, the importance of not using AI when simpler tools can suffice, and the ethical considerations of AI applications. He also offers insights on navigating complex projects, balancing innovation with practicality, and fostering partnerships in the US and UK markets. www.pixl8.comwww.readymembership.comwww.readyintelligence.com

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome back Bill Conerly, a senior contributor at Forbes, speaker, writer, and consultant. We discuss economic outlooks, the impact of AI on the labor market, workforce demographics, and the effects of mergers and acquisitions on associations and their members. Bill also highlights the Federal Reserve's recent actions on interest rates and the importance of flexible, adaptive strategies for navigating economic uncertainties.

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we're joined by Wade Tetsuka, President of US Transactions Corp, and Kate Coffey-Bacon, SVP of Marketing and Strategy. We hear about Wade's journey from CPA to founding US Transactions Corp, and Kate's innovative marketing strategies. We discuss the significance of creating a community through educational programs like UST Education, offering free webinars and thought leadership opportunities. We also get into the evolution of professional education, marketing trends like microlearning and video content, and the impact of social media, especially the integration of Instagram indexing by Google. Finally, we explore the complexities that associations face with payment processing and the importance of maintaining flexibility and choice in payment providers.

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome Angel Baltimore, Senior Vice President of Information Technology at the National Apartment Association, to discuss her extensive career in association management and technology leadership. Angel shares her journey starting as a temp over two decades ago and rising through various organizations, including the American Institute of Architects and the American Pharmacists Association. We chat about the importance of documentation, branding, data strategy, and the efficient use of technology tools like Microsoft Copilot. We also touch on improving the relationship between national offices and affiliates, the frustrations with current association management systems, and the imperative to simplify processes for staff. Angel offers insightful advice and personal anecdotes, making this episode a rich resource for anyone involved in association management and technology.

On this episode of The Association Podcast, industry veteran Ray Van Hilt, VP of Strategy at Yoko Co, joins the show to discuss UX strategies, effective content strategy, and the vital intersection between marketing and IT. Ray shares personal anecdotes from his career journey, such as working for Ringling Brothers and his experience within the association industry. The conversation dives into the importance of a user-centric approach to web design, the evolving role of AI in content strategy, and ways to foster a strong, inclusive company culture.

On this episode of The Association Podcast, Monica Dillingham Pemberton, Vice President and CIO at the American Council on Education, joins the discussion! Monica shares her journey through the association industry, spanning 14 years, and highlights her experience from NACUBO to ACE. We touch on ACE's focus on higher education advocacy and Monica's extensive board involvement, particularly in STEM and women in technology. She emphasizes the importance of identifying and nurturing talent, inspired by her career experiences and mentors she has had along the way. We also cover topics like delegation, travel recommendations, and the importance of empathy and service in leadership. The episode concludes with a heartfelt mention of Loretta DeLuca's legacy in the association community.

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we are joined by Mats Persson, CEO of Umbraco, one of the world's leading open-source content management systems. We hear about Mats' journey to becoming CEO, his past experiences in the software industry, and how they've shaped his vision for leading Umbraco. Mats discusses Umbraco's strategies for increasing brand recognition, particularly in the U.S. market, and the company's efforts to balance community-driven open source with commercial backing. We also reflect on the challenges and opportunities in educating people about open source and the importance of personalization in modern web solutions. Finally, we touch on scaling for growth, embracing simplicity in technology, and the role of AI in the future of content management.