Association 4.0®

Hosted by Sherry Budziak

Business ManagementInterviews guests

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Episodes

104

Latest episode

Mar 2025

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EN-US

About the show

Welcome to the “Association 4.0® Podcast,” the go-to destination for insights into the future of associations in the digital age. Hosted by Sherry Budziak, the visionary CEO and Founder of .orgSource, this podcast is a masterclass in transforming associations through the lens of Industry 4.0. Each episode delves into the intricate world of digital innovation, agile methodologies, and cutting-edge strategies that are essential for associations to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving digital marketplace. Join us as we engage in thought-provoking conversations with CEOs and senior industry leaders who are at the forefront of this transformation. Our guests share their first-hand experiences, challenges, and successes in leveraging the power of Industry 4.0. They provide valuable insights on how associations can not only adapt but excel by embracing digital tools, fostering agility, and creating robust virtual learning programs.

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60 recent

March 1, 202535 min

Ep 104: Navigating the AI Boom: Ethical Challenges & Opportunities for Associations

In this episode of Association 4.0, we dive deep into how associations can harness the power of AI to stay ahead of the curve while navigating the challenges that come with misinformation, ethical dilemmas, and rapidly evolving technology. Join Kelly Lakas, CEO and Founder of Onyx Point Systems, and Chris Hinrichs, PhD, CTO and Co-Founder of Onyx Point Systems, as they discuss their company’s mission to provide AI-driven solutions that enhance accessibility, usability, and impact for associations. Together, they explore the fascinating world of AI, from understanding the difference between confabulations and hallucinations to addressing the limitations of commercial AI models. They also share thought-provoking insights on how AI could even influence what we think and how associations can embrace AI in ways that will save time, reduce frustration, and keep their members engaged. With the AI boom in full swing, it’s clear that associations who jump on board now can offer innovative services, improving operations and enhancing global reach—especially when it comes to language translation. But as with any new technology, there are risks. Kelly and Chris highlight the importance of vetting AI partners carefully to ensure they align with your association’s goals and values. They also touch on the parallels between the dot-com boom and today’s AI revolution, stressing how essential it is for associations to evolve to stay competitive. Tune in to hear all this and more, including a fun tidbit on keeping cheese on a pizza with… Elmer’s glue? Don’t miss this essential conversation on the future of AI in associations!

January 16, 202530 min

Ep 103: Netflix-Style Education & the Innovation Revolution

In this episode, we sat down with Eric O’Connor, the Chief Innovation Officer at the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA). Eric is a visionary leader whose transformative work in corporate ventures and technology modernization has reshaped the way AANA operates and engages with its members. Under his leadership, the association has seen impressive growth in membership, revenue, and member value. With a background in marketing and photography, Eric’s journey from owning a photography studio to pioneering innovation in the nonprofit and association sectors is a testament to his commitment to serving others. In fact, he’s been volunteering and serving on boards since the age of 17 and has a unique perspective on leadership, collaboration, and creating value. One of Eric’s most impactful moves at AANA was digging into five years of member surveys, uncovering a clear call for accessible, low-cost, on-demand education. This insight led to the idea of “Netflix-style” education for AANA’s members—an innovation that exemplifies how listening to your members can spark game-changing solutions. Eric also shares his excitement about the future of AI in association management and encourages leaders to take action, even when conditions aren’t “perfect.” He challenges associations to think beyond traditional revenue streams, urging them to explore new ways to stay relevant and thrive in an ever-evolving landscape. Whether you’re an association leader or just someone passionate about innovation, this episode is packed with actionable insights and a call to stay curious, lead with purpose, and shape the future of associations together. Tune in for a conversation about leadership, innovation, and the power of listening to your members!

January 4, 202530 min

Ep 102: What’s the Secret Sauce?

In this episode, we sat down with AI Enthusiast and Chief Communications Officer, Liz Peuster, at the South Carolina Association of CPA’s, to talk about what the “secret sauce” is for associations looking to increase member value by utilizing AI to automate mundane tasks in the New Year. According to Liz, artificial intelligence is an incredible tool that staff can use to alleviate “boring tasks” so they have more time to devote to discovering more personable ways to connect with their members. One way Liz and her team took advantage of AI was through member renewal reminders. By adding a few simple prompts into ChatGPT, Liz was able to refresh her entire member renewal campaign in a matter of minutes. This allowed Liz and her team the free time to focus on more ways that their organization could connect with members and enhance their experience. This insightful conversation revealed how AI, while overwhelming at times, can positively shape an association and position it’s staff and it’s members for success in every way. Listen in to learn how Liz and her team are getting in front of the digital revolution and supporting their members along the way.

December 20, 202431 min

Ep 101: Lean on Your Culture in Difficult Times

Join us for Episode 101 where Kevin Martlage delivered a presentation on leveraging business culture during difficult times, drawing from his 24 years of experience. He shared personal experiences handling various crises, from natural disasters to corporate transitions. Martlage emphasized three key pillars: transparency, intentionality, and trust. He explained how these elements help organizations bridge gaps between normal operations and post-crisis transformation. The presentation focused on practical ways to maintain and strengthen organizational culture during challenging times, particularly relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic. Martlage stressed the importance of clear communication plans, providing context for decisions, and maintaining transparency with team members. He highlighted how trust serves as the foundation for effective business culture and discussed strategies for building and maintaining it during uncertain times. Listen in!

November 29, 202425 min

Ep 100: Implementing AI and Machine Learning

In this special 100th episode of the Association 4.0 Podcast, join hosts Joanna Pineda of Matrix Group and Jason Wampler of the International Society of Automation (ISA) for a fascinating deep dive into the future of AI in associations. Jason shares how he and his team are implementing cutting-edge AI software to transform their organization, enhance member experiences, and deliver new, innovative services. Discover how AI is reshaping the landscape for associations like ISA, as they leverage machine learning and generative AI to provide more personalized, efficient, and scalable solutions for their members. Learn how Jason’s team is training the AI to optimize processes, improve engagement, and create a brighter, more dynamic future in the digital age. But it’s not just about the technology—Jason and Joanna also discuss the financial side of AI implementation. Whether you’re working with a modest budget or tens of thousands of dollars, there are options to integrate AI into your organization in a way that fits your resources. They break down how associations can approach AI investments, make smart choices, and ensure a high return on their technology spend. As pioneers in the field, Jason and his team are leading the way for other associations looking to embrace AI and machine learning. This episode is a must-listen for association leaders, tech enthusiasts, and anyone interested in how AI can drive innovation and growth in today’s rapidly evolving digital world. Tune in to celebrate our 100th episode and gain valuable insights into the transformative power of AI for associations, and how you can harness it to build a brighter, smarter future. Why listen? Learn how AI is transforming the association world Hear about real-world AI implementation and training Get tips on budgeting for AI integration Discover how generative AI can boost your organization’s digital capabilities Join the conversation on the future of associations in the digital age

November 8, 202423 min

Ep 99: Exploring Your Alternatives Using Decision Trees

In this episode, Sharon Rice, Managing Director of Business Strategy at .orgSource, delves into the powerful application of decision trees for navigating complex business choices. Through three illuminating examples, Sharon demonstrates how this tool can guide decisions with clarity and precision. First, Sharon explores the decision-making process behind whether to work, shop online, or stay in bed, weighing costs and potential revenues. Next, Sharon examines the critical question of whether to hold, cancel, or transition a fall conference to a virtual format, factoring in registration costs and associated probabilities. Lastly, Sharon tackles the nuanced issue of dues billing for the upcoming three months, weighing options like continuing as planned, suspending billing, or offering extended grace periods. By employing the decision tree framework, Sharon highlights how businesses can quantify costs, revenues, and probabilities to make well-informed, data-driven choices. Throughout the discussion, she underscore the importance of not only vetting numerical data but also integrating both quantitative and qualitative considerations in the decision-making process. Listen in!

October 25, 202442 min

Ep 98: AI Association Executive Discussion Panel

Leveraging AI: Best Practices and Transformative Strategies for Associations – A Panel Discussion In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) offers unprecedented opportunities for associations to enhance service delivery, member engagement, and operational efficiency. This panel discussion is designed to delve into the practical applications of AI within associations, illustrating how this transformative technology can be seamlessly integrated into their daily operations and long-term strategic initiatives. Join us as we explore our panelists’ involvement in changes that are harnessing AI to, among other things, optimize member services, automate administrative tasks, and drive personalized marketing campaigns. Our expert speakers will provide insights into the latest AI tools and technologies that are reshaping the way associations function, from predictive analytics improving decision-making processes to natural language processing enhancing customer service interactions. Learning Objectives: Understanding AI Applications: Gain a comprehensive overview of how AI is being used in associations today, including examples of successful AI integration in various operational areas such as marketing, member services, and administrative automation. Best Practices in AI Implementation: Learn about the best practices for implementing AI in an association setting, focusing on strategies for overcoming common challenges such as data quality, privacy concerns, and technology adoption barriers. Future Trends and Innovations: Look ahead at emerging AI trends and how they might influence future association strategies. Discuss the ongoing innovations in AI that could open new opportunities for enhancing member engagement and operational effectiveness. Moderated by: Kevin Ordonez, President and Managing Director, Digital Strategy, .orgSource Panelists: Manuel Alfaro, MBA, CIO and Senior Director, I&T, Digital Learning, and Membership, American College of Chest Physicians Mike Lakas, Vice President of IT and Operations, American Foundry Society Laura Lewis, Director of Technology, Society of Critical Care Medicine Eric O’Connor, Chief Innovation Officer, American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology

July 20, 202419 min

Ep 97: The X-Factor of Any Organization or Team

Trust is more than a buzz word. It’s the lifeline of an organization or team. Trust is essential for fostering a positive culture in associations, according to Kevin Martlage, Senior Consultant at .orgSource and expert in interpersonal dynamics and organizational culture. As a certified Myers Briggs practitioner, Kevin also highlighted the need to reimagine culture to create a supportive environment for innovation. He emphasized the importance of intentionality, transparency, and empathy in building trust, and the need to align expectations and overcome blind spots. Kevin also stresses the importance of assessing and defining an organization’s culture by identifying what good looks like through several key factors. By incorporating these factors into the workplace, whether online for in-person, employee relations will improve and create a more positive work environment. Listen in! Reach out to Kevin directly at martlage@orgsource.com to learn more about how he can help organizations with culture assessments or visit www.orgsource.com to schedule a meeting with one of our team of experts.

July 5, 202419 min

Ep 96: Transparency and Accountability – Helping Organizations Thrive

Artificial intelligence is certainly top of mind for association leaders and board members. That’s why we are delighted to feature .orgSource Consultant, Sue Dykema, on today’s episode. Sue has over 27 years of experience working as CEO and in various managerial positions at the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and is an expert in guiding organizations to achieve strategic objectives. Her esteemed track record and deep roots in the association industry bring a unique perspective that we can all learn from to find efficient solutions and make wise decisions. In this episode, Sue emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence in associations to build trust and a positive culture for members. In addition, she discusses how board members can determine when artificial intelligence can be leveraged for tasks and when a human perspective is needed instead. Lastly, Sue shared her thoughts on how associations can reimagine governance in light of the shifting digital landscape. All in all, Sue highlighted that technology is a tool to build productivity and associations need to be wise when incorporating it into their organizations. Listen in to learn how! To get in touch with Sue, please email sue@orgsource.com or sherry@orgsource.com.

June 25, 202432 min

Ep 95: Managers and Directors – Our Unsung Heroes

Joining us on the podcast today is .orgSource Managing Director of Digital Strategy, Sharon Rice, and .orgSource Consultant, Jennifer Proctor. About a decade ago, Sharon used to be Jennifer’s supervisor, which sparked the conversation of the relationship between staff members and directors, and how associations can better support those in positions of power to work at their full potential. Sharon and Jennifer identified three major areas of consideration. In order for managers and directors to be more successful, they must first analyze their capacity. If there is a feeling of dread before the work day starts, or the feeling of never having enough time to get tasks completed, this could be a sign of burnout. To overcome this feeling, Sharon and Jennifer recommend using some of those vacation days to reset or delegating accordingly. The second area managers and directors can find success in is having their staff create weekly status reports. This doesn’t have to be a lengthy write-up. It can be as simple as a one-page document with bullet points. A weekly status report is an excellent way for association leaders to stay informed about projects and build stronger connections with their staff. Last, but not least, managers and directors need to remember they are in a unique position to understand the strategy of an organization and where the waste is. Waste doesn’t necessarily equate to a monetary value either. Waste could be identified by finding a better use of everyone’s time. For example, if meetings are disrupting too much of the day, why not establish a boundary of “No Meeting Mondays” where staff and leaders can be free to focus on their tasks for at least one day of the week? There is a plethora of “food for thought” knowledge in this episode that is perfect for any leader in an organization. Feel free to send us a message on social media @orgsource to let us know some of the ways we can help association’s “unsung heroes” find success. Happy listening!