Posts by Sherry Budziak
From Resistance to Resilience: Navigating the Human Side of Tech Upgrades
When your association invests in new technology—be it a CRM, AMS, learning management system, or AI-driven tools—the expectation is often that improved efficiency, deeper member engagement, and smarter operations will naturally follow. But as any seasoned leader knows, digital transformation isn’t just about software—it’s about people. The most advanced tools in the world won’t yield…
Read MoreIs Your Organization Built for Long-Term Excellence?
The ground is shifting beneath us. Technology is accelerating. Member expectations are rising. Revenue models are evolving. And the pace of change isn’t slowing down. In this environment, reacting to disruption isn’t enough. Associations need to be built for resilience, relevance, and reinvention. That level of performance doesn’t happen by chance. Long-term excellence—the kind that…
Read MoreRushing to Check AI Off Your List Could Cost You
“Do we have an AI policy yet?” If that question sparked a flurry of emails—or worse, got added to someone’s already overflowing to-do list—you’re not alone. Across the association landscape, leaders are feeling the pressure to keep up with AI. Draft a policy. Hold a quick training. Show the board you’re on it. Check the…
Read MoreBeyond Automation: How Associations Can Lead with Humanity in an AI World
The conversation around AI has shifted from speculation to reality almost overnight. What was once seen as a distant innovation is now reshaping the way we work, connect, and create. For associations — organizations built on trust, expertise, and community — the rise of AI isn’t just a question of adaptation. It’s a challenge of…
Read MoreUnlocking AI Success: The 3 Essentials Every Association Needs to Thrive
In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a future concept—it’s a present-day game changer. But while headlines scream about revolutionary AI tools and the promise of automation, there’s a critical element that often gets overlooked: AI success isn’t about the technology itself—it’s about how well your organization is prepared to use…
Read MoreStop Tripping Over the Rug: Why Familiar Obstacles Are Still Holding Your Organization Back
Outside the boardroom at one of our client’s offices, there’s a well-worn rug. It’s been there for years. You can see the edges curling up—just enough to catch a shoe or cause a stumble. And sure enough, during a visit, I watched three people trip over it within an hour. No one said anything. They…
Read MoreWill Your Organization Be a Case Study for Innovation—or Irrelevance?
It’s a bold question—but it’s the one association leaders must ask themselves today: Are we writing our own case study in innovation, or are we inching toward irrelevance while clinging to yesterday’s strategies? The truth is disruption doesn’t ask for permission. It doesn’t care if you’ve had a stellar year or if your team just…
Read MoreTechnology Upgrades Are Not Enough: Why People, Training, and Mentorship Matter More
In an era where AI, automation, and digital transformation dominate business conversations, organizations are rushing to upgrade their technology. But here’s the hard truth: Technology alone doesn’t guarantee success. It’s the people using it that determine whether an upgrade is a game-changer or just another expensive, underutilized tool. A recent white paper on AI transformation…
Read MoreAligning People. Building Culture. Driving Change.
What do the most successful associations have in common? It’s not the size of their staff, their budget, or even the latest tech. It’s the ability to bring people together around a shared vision, foster a culture that empowers them, and take meaningful action when it matters most. In a world where complexity is the…
Read MoreThe Future of Associations: Key Takeaways from Association 4.0™
The association industry is at a crossroads. The rapid pace of digital transformation, changing member expectations, and economic uncertainty require associations to rethink their business models and adapt to new realities. Association 4.0™: Positioning for Success in an Era of Disruption provides a roadmap for associations to thrive in this evolving landscape. Drawing from real-world…
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