Better By Association

In this episode of Better by Association, recorded live at TSAE's New Ideas 2026 in Galveston, hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert welcome leadership speaker, coach and energy intelligence expert Marli Williams for a conversation about avoiding burnout, leading with intention and bringing positive energy to the workplace. Marli shares her unconventional career journey, from a transformative Outward Bound experience to wilderness guiding, higher education and ultimately helping leaders and organizations thrive. She explains why managing energy is often more important than managing time and how leaders can influence the people around them by becoming more aware of the energy they bring into every interaction. The conversation explores practical ways to recharge, establish healthy boundaries, navigate challenging relationships and create environments where people feel energized and supported. Marli also shares why authenticity, curiosity and a little fun, including the occasional emergency dance party, can make a meaningful difference in leadership and everyday life. This episode is sponsored by Visit Austin. Better by Association is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, recorded live at TSAE’s New Ideas 2026 in Galveston, hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert welcome Mollie Pillman, MS, MBA, CAE, executive director of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association. Mollie shares her path into association leadership and what she means when she says it’s “a new day at NATA.” She discusses building trust with staff, board members, and volunteer leaders, navigating when associations should speak up or listen, and creating member value through professional development, advocacy, and connection. Mollie also reflects on leading through rapid change, the importance of delegation and resilience, and why continuous learning remains essential for association executives. This episode is sponsored by Visit Lubbock. Better by Association is produced by Association Briefings.    

In this episode, hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert welcome Lindsay Konlande, executive director of IREM Houston and TSAE’s 2026 Association Professional of the Year, for a conversation about leadership, resilience and finding her place in the association community. Konlande shares how she “fell into” association management and eventually returned to IREM Houston, where she stepped into the top leadership role amid governance, financial and operational challenges. She discusses prioritizing what matters most, using transparency to build trust with volunteer leaders, navigating imposter syndrome and leading the organization through its first strategic planning process. Konlande also shares the leadership values that guide her, including authenticity, curiosity and getting comfortable with discomfort, why she considers associations “invisible heroes,” and how a simple “good job folder” helps her combat burnout. Better by Association is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert, welcome Charles Smitherman, PhD, JD, MSt, CAE, CEO of the Association of Professional Rental Organizations (APRO), for a conversation on leadership, advocacy, and the evolving role of associations in the age of artificial intelligence. Charles shares how his background in law prepared him for association leadership, reflects on APRO's success in advancing meaningful legislative change, and explains why associations have a unique opportunity to become trusted sources of knowledge for both people and AI. Together, they discuss the importance of authoritative content, strategic advocacy, and how associations can position themselves to remain relevant in an increasingly AI-driven world. Better by Association is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert, sit down with Jennifer Jackson, executive director of the Texas FFA Association, to discuss her journey from spending 15 years as an agricultural science teacher to leading the nation’s largest state FFA association. Jennifer shares how she joined Texas FFA during the pandemic in late 2021 and unexpectedly stepped into the executive director role just eight months later with the encouragement of mentor Austin Large. She highlights the scale and impact of Texas FFA, which serves more than 175,000 members across 1,100 chapters and hosts an annual convention that draws nearly 18,000 attendees. Jennifer explains how FFA builds leadership, career readiness, and community through long-standing traditions and diverse opportunities, including its unique talent competitions. She also reflects on her servant leadership philosophy, the importance of relationships and feedback, managing criticism and difficult decisions, and the value TSAE provides through professional development, perspective, and a strong network of peers. This episode is sponsored by Visit Laredo.  Better by Association is produced by Association Briefings.   Show Notes Jennifer Jackson serves as the Executive Director of the Texas FFA Association, a role she assumed on October 1, 2021, after a nationwide search led by the Texas FFA Board of Directors. A native Texan and former FFA member, Jackson brings over 15 years of experience as an agricultural science teacher and FFA advisor. Her career has been defined by a commitment to agricultural education, programmatic development, and career and technical education, giving her both strategic insight and an educator's perspective. In her role, Jackson honors Texas FFA's rich traditions while leading innovative initiatives to meet the evolving needs of students, educators, and communities. She is currently spearheading a forward-thinking strategic plan focused on strengthening member engagement, enhancing leadership programs, and expanding partnerships with stakeholders across the state. "Thanks to our membership, hardworking teachers, and committed stakeholders, I believe our organization's future is brighter than ever," Jackson shared. "I’m excited and honored to serve alongside this dedicated team to continue challenging our students to reach their full potential, while celebrating the values that have shaped Texas FFA for generations."  

In this episode, hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE sits down with Erika Boyd, president & CEO of the Texas Travel Alliance, for a conversation about leadership, mentorship, and the unexpected paths that often lead people into the association world. Boyd reflects on her “fall-in” journey into associations after responding to a newspaper ad, and how her career evolved from communications and advocacy into executive leadership, with the COVID-19 pandemic accelerating her transition into the CEO role. Along the way, she shares lessons learned from mentors and contrasting leadership styles, emphasizing the importance of empowering teams, trusting employees, and supporting professional growth opportunities. The conversation also explores the broader impact of travel and tourism as both a storytelling industry and a major economic driver that touches countless connected sectors. Boyd discusses how tourism often serves as an early indicator of consumer sentiment and why authentic, in-person experiences continue to matter in both travel and associations. Steven and Erika also highlight the upcoming LeadHERship Live event, taking place June 9–10 in The Woodlands, a joint initiative designed to inspire, connect, and support women leaders across the travel and association communities. This episode is sponsored by Visit Lubbock.  Better by Association is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert sit down with Jancy Darling, CEO of Darling Promo and TSAE Board member, for a conversation centered on entrepreneurship, adaptability, and the power of relationships in the association space. Jancy reflects on an unconventional career path that led her into associations and ultimately into building her own business, sharing how a willingness to say yes, learn quickly, and lean into opportunity became the foundation for growth. The conversation explores what it takes to scale a company from the ground up, and how trust, responsiveness, and long-term relationships can drive sustained success. The episode also dives into navigating uncertainty, as Jancy recounts leading her team through the challenges of COVID by making difficult decisions, pivoting quickly, and finding new ways to serve clients. Throughout the conversation, she highlights the importance of resilience, accountability, and community—particularly the role associations play in both professional growth and giving back. At its core, this episode is about building something meaningful, staying adaptable in the face of change, and investing in the relationships that make long-term success possible. Better by Association is produced by Association Briefings.   Show Notes Jancy Darling is currently the CEO of Darling Promo, a promotional products provider for a wide range of industries, including many associations and association suppliers. Since, 2014, Darling Promo has been privileged to serve as TSAE’s Endorsed Provider for promotional products. Jancy with the help of her amazing team built her small business into a multi-million-dollar company by always keeping customer service and competitive pricing as her top priorities. Jancy believes relationships and trust are the cornerstones of any successful business. Jancy currently serves on the TSAE Board and hopes her entrepreneurial perspective will help TSAE continue to thrive. Jancy is married to Michael Hammond who keeps her life interesting by introducing her to his many passions and hobbies including sailing, surfing, skiing, rafting and white water paddleboarding.  

In this episode, hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert welcome Kristen Philips, MBA, CAE, IOM, executive director with Stringfellow Management Group and a TSAE Board member, for a candid conversation on leadership, strategy, and sustainability in association management. Kristen reflects on her unexpected path into the profession and shares lessons learned from two decades working with association management companies. She discusses practical approaches to addressing budget deficits, including evaluating underperforming programs, sunsetting outdated initiatives, and reimagining costly products through more efficient digital solutions. The conversation explores leading through constant change with focused annual roadmaps, transparent communication, and project management tools that help align staff and board expectations. Kristen also offers guidance on launching and managing credential programs, growing membership without devaluing benefits, and navigating leadership challenges with confidence and humility. The episode concludes with her perspective on the value of staying engaged with TSAE to strengthen credibility, stay current on best practices, and build meaningful professional connections.   Better by Association is produced by Association Briefings.

In our Season 4 premiere of Better By Association, hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert sit down with Jodi Ann Ray, CAE, CCE, IOM, executive director of the Texas Society of CPAs, and Eric Curtis of Curtis Strategy, to discuss the major shifts expected in associations over the next decade. Together, they explore how geographic boundaries are fading, why governance and strategic planning must evolve, and what the future of membership really looks like in an increasingly digital world. The conversation dives into career development as a core value proposition, the impact of digital transformation, and the growing expectation that associations deliver relevance across an entire professional lifecycle. They challenge leaders to ask “why,” rethink long-standing models, and adopt innovative approaches—while staying grounded in mission and purpose.    Better By Association is produced by Association Briefings.

In this special holiday bonus episode of Better By Association, hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert sit down with Juan Bendana, motivational speaker, confidence expert, and opening keynote speaker for the 2025 New Ideas Annual Conference. Together, they unwrap the power of embracing uncertainty, strengthening trust, and leading with authenticity—timely reminders as we close out the year and look ahead to new beginnings. Juan draws on his work with high-performing teams to share how curiosity, energy management, and individual motivation can spark meaningful growth. The episode ends with a warm reflection on the importance of community and connection within associations, especially during seasons of change and celebration. This episode is sponsored by Association Briefings.   Better By Association is produced by Association Briefings.