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...
Jul 02, 2025•43 min
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 e...
Jun 25, 2025•40 min
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.
Jun 18, 2025•33 min
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/
Jun 11, 2025•1 hr 11 min
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 ...
Jun 04, 2025•32 min
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 w...
May 28, 2025•33 min
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 sal...
May 21, 2025•40 min
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/@As...
May 14, 2025•54 min
As we learn in this interview, it’s time to stop letting artificial intelligence overwhelm your association staff. Host KiKi L’Italien visits with Dan Chuparkoff, CEO of Reinvention Labs, to talk about AI and The Future of Work in this Association Chat Podcast episode. Analysis paralysis is real, and as Dan reminds us: sometimes it is best to keep things simple and start small when aiming to keep pace with the explosion in technology that could potentially benefit you and your association team. ...
May 07, 2025•35 min
Association Chat Podcast host KiKi L'Italien goes one-on-one with Devon Montgomery Pasha, an expert on events and programming who wants to revolutionize how associations capture audience hearts and minds. As Chief Experience Officer at DMP Creative, her SPARK method has rescued countless events from the curse of mediocrity. In an era where member attention is your scarcest resource, the difference between forgettable conferences and transformative experiences often comes down to who's holding th...
Apr 30, 2025•28 min
As associations and nonprofits face explosive rates of cyberattacks, one thing is clear: human error is almost always the root cause. 😟 This week, the human element in nonprofit cyberattacks is explored in depth as Association Chat host KiKi L’Italien sits down with Brian Scott, a top cybersecurity strategist with 37 years of experience, to uncover the biggest threats facing associations—and how to protect our organizations. ❤️ FOLLOW Association Chat! ❤️ Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https...
Apr 23, 2025•35 min
In a time when leadership feels more stressful than ever, what if the secret to thriving was as simple as joy? In this episode of Association Chat, host KiKi L’Italien sits down with The Party Scientist himself, Jacques W. Martique, to explore how science-backed joy can transform the way we lead and build community. Jacques has rocked festival stages, corporate offices, and global events with his high-energy approach to human connection, helping people tap into their body’s natural feel-good che...
Apr 16, 2025•33 min
With political tensions high, associations and nonprofits face tough choices about where and how they host events. Enter SocialOffset, a groundbreaking initiative co-founded by Dr. Elena Gerstmann that empowers conference attendees to offset the economic impact of destination boycotts—without sacrificing meaningful participation. In this episode of Association Chat, host KiKi L’Italien sits down with Dr. Gerstmann, Executive Director of INFORMS, to explore how SocialOffset is changing the conver...
Apr 09, 2025•30 min
Lori Anderson, the president and CEO of the International Sign Association (ISA), is our distinguished guest this week on Association Chat. In January, she was named Association Executive of the Year and recently celebrated her 20th anniversary leading ISA. However, when she took over, things were a bit more unstable. In this interview, we’ll discuss change management, stabilizing chaos, and how to be comfortable in your own skin as an association leader. We also cover navigating unimaginable pe...
Apr 02, 2025•35 min
Join host KiKi L’Italien on the Association Chat Podcast as she sits down with Rick Harris, CEO of the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP), to explore how associations can discover new revenue opportunities through creative strategies and innovation. With over a decade of experience leading APMP and a reputation as a nonprofit growth expert, Rick shares his insights on: How to identify and capitalize on untapped revenue opportunities. Aligning staff performance with organizat...
Mar 26, 2025•34 min
Join host KiKi L'Italien for a riveting conversation with PR powerhouse Adele Gambardella. In today's politically charged climate, when should associations take a stand—and how can they do it effectively? Dubbed "the expert to call in a crisis" by The Wall Street Journal, Gambardella brings over 20 years of high-stakes PR experience to this timely discussion. Her client roster includes President Biden, billionaire Ted Leonsis, and former Lockheed Martin CEO Marillyn Hewson. As Washington, DC nav...
Mar 19, 2025•39 min
In this episode of Association Chat, we’re talking with James King, President of the California Police Athletic Federation (CPAF), to explore the vital role CPAF plays in supporting first responders. CPAF fosters wellness, camaraderie, and resilience among law enforcement and firefighter athletes and as you will learn in today’s episode there is nothing on earth quite like the games we discuss and what they ultimately do for the morale of our world’s incredibly selfless and heroic first responde...
Mar 12, 2025•32 min
What exactly is the state of associations in the opening days of President Trump’s second term? As the political climate shifts dramatically, Association Chat Magazine Editor-in-Chief and Association Chat Podcast Host KiKi L’Italien is joined by ASAE President & CEO Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE, and Mary Kate Cunningham, CAE, ASAE’s Chief Public Policy and Governance Officer for this discussion, which has unprecedented consequences for nonprofits. ❤️ FOLLOW Association Chat! ❤️ Subscribe to ou...
Mar 05, 2025•36 min
In this episode of Association Chat, KiKi L’Italien sits down with Amy Lestition Burke, Executive Director and CEO of SWANA, to uncover the extraordinary leadership required to guide an association through two devastating hurricanes and a critical annual conference. As Amy shares her experiences, listeners will gain insight into how SWANA supports its members during crises, the lessons learned from disaster recovery, and the pivotal role the association plays in maintaining national infrastructu...
Nov 21, 2024•26 min
In this episode of Association Chat, host KiKi L’Italien welcomes David Allison, founder of the Valuegraphics Project and best-selling author of The Death of Demographics . Together, they explore how associations can uncover and leverage shared human values to bridge divides and foster stronger connections. From finding common ground in loyalty, personal responsibility, and independence to addressing internal politics and divisive challenges, this episode provides strategies for creating a more ...
Nov 14, 2024•1 hr 7 min
Fresh off the heels of the US Presidential Election, they explore how values—not demographics—drive behavior and decision-making, even in the association space. From origin stories in the advertising world to actionable insights on bridging divides, this episode offers a thought-provoking look at how associations can better connect with their members by focusing on what truly matters. In this timely episode of Association Chat, KiKi L'Italien sits down with David Allison, creator of the Valuegra...
Nov 13, 2024•1 hr 6 min
Inclusive Event Planning with Tracy Stuckrath In this episode of Association Chat, we sit down with Tracy Stuckrath, host of the Eating at a Meeting podcast, to dive into the powerful role of food in event planning. Tracy shares insights on how thoughtful food choices can elevate member engagement, drive sustainability, and keep attendees safe. From crafting menus that meet dietary needs and preferences to smart ways of managing F&B budgets, Tracy offers practical advice for creating truly i...
Oct 25, 2024•44 min
In this "shorty" episode of Association Chat, host KiKi L'Italien opens up about the recent loss of her mother and the surprising complexity of navigating grief. From the unexpected physical and emotional toll to the confusing cultural practices surrounding bereavement, KiKi explores how grief is handled—and often mishandled—across different settings. Tune in for a raw, personal reflection, mixed with moments of humor and insight into the universal experience of loss. Whether you're grieving now...
Sep 05, 2024•9 min
In this episode of Association Chat, host KiKi L'Italien interviews Jeff De Cagna, thought leader and founder of Foresight First, LLC. Listen to this full, unedited interview: https://youtube.com/live/1hRKtoNHVcg 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...
Aug 28, 2024•19 min
In this episode of Association Chat, host Kiki La Italian interviews Jeff De Cagna, about the crucial need to challenge orthodox beliefs in association governance. Listen to this full, unedited interview on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/1hRKtoNHVcg ❤️ 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...
Aug 21, 2024•14 min
In this episode of Association Chat, host KiKi L'Italien is joined by Jennifer Lewi to discuss building your "side-hustle muscle" as an associations professional. We all know that no full-time job is truly 100% secure. Why not try to develop the skill of consulting or providing professional services while you are still employed? You can see it as an insurance policy in case times become uncertain. Learn more about Association Chat's title sponsor, Big Red M: https://bigredm.com/ Watch this full,...
Aug 14, 2024•13 min
In this episode of Association Chat, host Kiki La Italian interviews Jeff De Cagna, thought leader and founder of Foresight First, LLC. Jeff discusses his influential series, "The Three Stewardship Imperatives," emphasizing the urgent need for association boards to evolve beyond the status quo in today's rapidly changing landscape. Listen to this full, unedited interview on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/1hRKtoNHVcg FOLLOW Association Chat: LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13680339/ ...
Aug 07, 2024•22 min
In this episode of Association Chat, host KiKi L'Italien is joined by Jennifer Lewi to discuss how to go about actually getting paid when you quit your job to pursue a side hustle. The two also talk about what it is like to go from working in an association to joining the "dark side" as a consultant and how to quit your job with class so you leave your association on great terms. Learn more about Association Chat's title sponsor, Big Red M: https://bigredm.com/ Watch this full, unedited intervie...
Aug 01, 2024•17 min
In this special association podcast collaboration episode, Association Chat host KiKi L'Italien is joined by four other association consultants and podcasters to explore the growing importance of associations to consider roles like Chief Entrepreneur Officers, and how associations themselves can foster a more entrepreneurial mindset. We also touch on the significance of experimenting with new ideas, enhancing member value, and achieving product-market fit to drive revenue and member engagement. ...
Jul 25, 2024•20 min
In this episode of Association Chat, host KiKi L'Italien is joined by Jennifer Lewi to discuss the key financial factors everyone should consider when planning to transition from their current job to making their side hustle their full-time occupation. Learn more about Association Chat's title sponsor, Big Red M: https://bigredm.com/ Watch this full, unedited interview on YouTube here: https://youtube.com/live/507jiDRW7mE FOLLOW Association Chat: LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/1368033...
Jul 18, 2024•17 min
