Posts by Sherry Budziak
Your Board Says It Wants Innovation. Does Your Organization Actually Support It?
Many association leaders are hearing the same message right now. We need to innovate. We need to modernize. We need to think differently. We need to stay relevant. That sounds good. It sounds forward-looking. It sounds like leadership. But there is a problem. In many organizations, the language of innovation is stronger than the conditions that actually support it. That…
Read MoreAssociation Leaders Need an AI Plan, Not Another AI Pep Talk
By now, most association leaders know AI matters. That is no longer the question. The real question is this: what are you actually going to do about it? Because right now, many organizations are stuck in one of two places. They are either cautiously circling the topic, waiting for more clarity, more examples, more certainty. Or they are jumping into…
Read MoreStaff Augmentation Is Not a Shortcut. It Is a Smart Leadership Move When Capacity Is Breaking
Many leaders hesitate before bringing in outside support. They worry it will look like weakness. They worry it will signal that the team is not capable. They worry it will raise questions about planning, priorities, or budget discipline. That hesitation is real. But here is the bigger risk. Waiting too long to bring in support when your organization is already…
Read MoreInterim Isn’t a Gap. It’s a Gift.
Why the organizations that use interim talent strategically outperform the ones that don’t. When a key leader leaves an organization, the first instinct is usually to fill the seat as fast as possible. That urgency is understandable. A vacant role feels like a liability. Boards get nervous. Staff wonder what it means. The pressure to “solve” the problem by…
Read MoreYour Retreat Produced a Beautiful Document. Now What?
The difference between a facilitation that feels productive and one that actually is. I want to tell you about a pattern I see at least a dozen times a year. An organization invests two days and significant resources into an off-site retreat. A skilled facilitator leads the group through a well-designed agenda. Energy is high. The…
Read MoreUpskilling Your Workforce: Preparing for the Future of Associations
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, one of the biggest challenges associations face is ensuring their workforce has the skills necessary to thrive in an age of technology. As artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and automation become increasingly integral to operations, upskilling your workforce is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. The organizations that will…
Read MoreHarnessing the Power of AI: Why Associations Need Strong Data Governance to Thrive
As associations begin to explore the vast potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI), one thing becomes crystal clear: data is the foundation on which AI thrives. Without reliable, organized, and well-governed data, AI cannot deliver the insights and efficiencies that promise to revolutionize member engagement, operations, and strategy. For many associations, harnessing the power of AI…
Read MoreEmbracing AI: Opportunities and Challenges for Associations
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a buzzword for years, but it’s no longer just a concept reserved for tech giants or science fiction. Today, AI is transforming industries across the globe, and associations are beginning to recognize its immense potential to revolutionize how they operate, engage with members, and create value. However, along with its…
Read MoreBe Prepared to Deliver Digital Value
You may not want to be the first to dive into the newest digital trends. Some leaders prefer to hang back and let others be the guinea pigs. I’ll offer a caveat. Don’t wait too long. The best hedge against disruption is the Scouts’ motto, “Be Prepared.” In 2018, my business partner, Kevin Ordonez, and…
Read MoreGood Data Governance Equals Great Member Experiences
Lately, I’ve been writing about the importance of connecting technology to values and emotions. But I may be glossing over an important point. It’s impossible to create that high-level, human-centered impact without getting into the weeds. Data is the foundation for every technological initiative. Good data governance is essential for successful digital outcomes. Data that…
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