Association Transformation

Is the juice worth the squeeze? 🍊

Send us a textIn the latest episode of the Association Transformation Podcast, Elisa Pratt of Brewer Pratt Solutions and Andrew Chamberlain of Elevated tackle a tough question for association and nonprofit leaders:👉 Are foundations advancing mission and impact, or quietly draining time, money, and focus?They dig into why foundations get created, why they’re so hard to unwind, and how leaders can honestly assess whether a foundation is truly adding value—or becoming a distraction.This episode isn’t about easy answers. It’s a call to the sector.💬 Have you seen a foundation work really well?💬 Have you inherited one that wasn’t worth the squeeze?💬 What lessons (good or painful) would you share?🎧 Listen in, then chime in with your own stories.Support the show

Fighting for Members but Undervaluing Association Staff

Send us a textWhat happens when associations aggressively advocate for their members, while quietly shortchanging the professionals who make that advocacy possible?In Episode 167, Elisa Pratt and Andrew Chamberlain unpack a timely and uncomfortable case from the UK that exposes a deeper, sector-wide challenge: how perceived value, power, and authority shape decisions about association staff compensation, governance, and respect. Using the current British Medical Association staff dispute as a lens, this conversation goes far beyond one organization, exploring reserves, volunteer decision-making, executive authority, cultural hierarchy, and the real consequences of undervaluing professional expertise.This episode is a must-listen for CEOs, board chairs, finance committee members, and volunteer leaders who care about credibility, sustainability, and the future of association leadership.Because advocacy starts at home, and how we treat our staff says everything about the values we claim to represent.🎧 Listen now.Support the show

Rethinking Association Events

Send us a textTired of expensive conferences with ten competing tracks, swag bags that collect dust, and exhibitors standing awkwardly behind tables? So is Gordon Glenister.In this episode, the CEO of Membership World joins Andrew and Elisa to share his upcoming UK road show—a bold experiment in intimate, regional events designed around one question: How do we actually engage members in an increasingly noisy world?Gordon breaks down what he's doing differently: → Four locations bringing content to members instead of making everyone trek to London → A pricing model that rewards participation (£60 if you commit to meeting with partners) → Repositioning suppliers as "experts" and embedding them in roundtables—not relegating them to the hallway → Capturing and sharing insights from every session so the learning doesn't die in your notebookWhether you're rethinking your own conference model or just fed up with the status quo, this conversation is packed with ideas worth stealing.P.S. 📣 Association Transformation is proud to be the official media partner for the Membership World Road Show. Dates run January 29 through February 10 across Birmingham, Manchester, London, and Glasgow. Details and registration at https://www.membershipworld.com/roadshow/ 🎧 Listen now and join the transformation.Support the show

The Year of Courageous Associations: Letting Go, Leaning In, and Leading Forward

Send us a textAs associations head into 2026, the pressure to prove relevance, sharpen focus, and deliver measurable member value has never been greater. In Episode 165 of Association Transformation, Andrew Chamberlain and Elisa Pratt are joined by Grant Carpenter of Raybourn Group International for a candid conversation about what association leaders must stop doing, start doing, and seriously rethink. From moving beyond pre-COVID benchmarks and sunsetting “sacred cow” programs, to redefining membership value, strengthening volunteer leadership, navigating increased competition, and confronting the growing impact of AI on member industries, this episode challenges boards and executives to get lean, lead with courage, and stay relentlessly member-focused as they position their associations for the next decade, not the last one.Support the show

400 Resumes Later: Real Talk on Landing Your Next Association Role

Send us a textIn this special holiday episode of Association Transformation, host Elisa Pratt is joined by Brewer Pratt Solutions' Client Solutions Coordinator Jess Bellamy for a candid conversation about the current job market in the association space. Fresh from completing an employee search that received over 400 applications, they pull back the curtain on the hiring process and share practical, no-nonsense tips for job seekers. From crafting effective cover letters to perfecting your resume, preparing for interviews, and knowing when (and how) to follow up, Elisa and Jess offer insider insights that can help candidates stand out in a competitive market. They discuss common mistakes that trip up otherwise qualified candidates, share what really catches a hiring manager's attention, and provide actionable advice for anyone looking to launch or advance their career in the nonprofit and association sector.Whether you're actively job searching, considering a career transition into associations, or simply want to keep your application materials fresh, this episode delivers honest, practical guidance from two professionals who've just reviewed hundreds of applications and know exactly what works, and what doesn't.Support the show