Use AI Without Losing the Human Connection

And that’s the trap associations are walking straight into.  Look, AI is delivering real value for preliminary research right now. Scanning trends, summarizing documents, pulling themes from member feedback, getting teams past the blank page. We’re seeing it work. But the second you mistake AI’s output for the finish line instead of the starting blocks, you’ve lost something critical. You’ve lost the human connection. And you’ve missed…

Read More

What ChatGPT Health Means for Medical Associations For years, medical association leaders have debated: How much medical content should we share with the public? That question was just answered—loudly—by OpenAI and Anthropic. Last week, OpenAI announced ChatGPT Health, a dedicated experience for people to engage with AI around their health and wellness. The data? Astounding:…

Read More
What’s Next

Reflections on digital transformation, leadership, and what comes next for associations  I’ve spent the last 25 years standing at the edge of what’s next. When many association executives were still wondering if the internet was a fad, I was already helping organizations rethink how digital tools could transform member relationships.   When cloud computing emerged, I was leading conversations about operational agility and…

Read More
AI and Digital Transformation

Why association leaders can’t afford to ignore the future anymore  Let’s start with the uncomfortable truth: Many associations are still operating as if AI and digital transformation are optional. They’re not. Artificial Intelligence (AI) isn’t a distant disruptor lurking on the horizon. It’s already changing how your members live, learn, and work. If your organization isn’t adapting alongside them,…

Read More
Digital Dexterity

You invested in the platform. You launched the tools. You checked the “digital transformation” box. But something’s still off. Systems don’t talk to each other. Staff rely on workarounds. Member experiences feel… clunky. Sound familiar? The problem might not be your tech stack. It might be your team’s digital dexterity.  What Is Digital Dexterity?  Digital dexterity isn’t about coding or mastering AI. It’s your organization’s ability to adapt, adopt, and apply digital tools—across…

Read More
Chasing Digital Trends

There’s a new tool. A new platform. A new webinar on “emerging tech” almost every week.  The noise is loud.  And if you’re like most association leaders, you’ve probably asked:  Here’s the truth no one wants to say out loud: Chasing digital trends is easy. Solving real member problems is harder. But that’s where the real value is—and that’s where your strategy needs to live.  The Cost of Chasing Digital Trends It’s tempting to…

Read More
breaking down silos

You’ve invested in new systems. You’ve reworked your member experience. Maybe you’ve even dipped a toe into AI. But nothing’s changing. Your teams are still slow to act, data is hard to find, and no one seems to own the full picture. The real barrier might not be your tools or your people—it’s the structure…

Read More
AI Adoption in Associations

It’s tempting to treat AI like a buzzword. Something big… but also vague. Fascinating… but not quite urgent. Maybe useful—eventually.  But AI adoption in associations is already happening. While many organizations are still forming task forces or “monitoring the landscape,” your members are already living in an AI-shaped world. And some of your competitors? They’ve stopped waiting and started building.  AI won’t replace…

Read More
stop guessing and start understanding your members

What worked five years ago isn’t broken. It’s just irrelevant. Too many associations are still pouring energy into programs and engagement strategies that no longer resonate. Why? Because they’re basing decisions on assumptions—about what members want, how they engage, and what drives value. But here’s the real challenge: changing member expectations are moving faster than most associations can adapt. Are You Listening—or Guessing?  Let’s be honest:…

Read More
Integrate Reskilling into Workforce Planning

Artificial intelligence is no longer optional. It’s not just a tool—it’s the force reshaping how we operate, deliver value, and remain relevant. For associations, the real risk isn’t that AI will eliminate jobs. It’s that your team won’t be prepared for the new ones unless you begin reskilling your workforce to meet the demands of a rapidly changing digital era. To thrive in the era of Association…

Read More