The Membership IQ with Sarah Sladek: Recent Episodes
Sarah Sladek
A podcast dedicated to helping association leaders and membership professionals adapt to the ever-changing needs of their diverse membership community, while learning why and what to start doing now in order to reach younger members. My goal is to help you succeed by raising your Membership IQ! New podcasts added weekly.
In this thoughtful and engaging episode, Sarah Sladek sits down with Erin Mantz, founder of Gen X Girls Grow Up and VP of Marketing at Zeno Group, to explore the evolving dynamics of generational communication and workplace engagement. Erin shares insights from her recent Fortune interview about Gen Z's communication preferences and challenges stereotypes with her own professional observations.
The two dive into the rising importance of connection, mental health, and mentorship in today’s workforce. They reflect on how generational differences—especially between Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z—affect leadership, employee satisfaction, and innovation. Erin also introduces Project Gap, an initiative designed to close communication divides between today’s leaders and the next generation.
In this episode of Membership IQ, host Sarah Sladek is joined by Susan Swart, a longtime leader in the nursing association world and founder of a niche association management company in Illinois. Together, they explore the unique challenges and opportunities facing nursing organizations today—from engaging younger generations to fostering transparent, community-driven leadership.
Susan shares powerful insights on navigating rapid change, encouraging inclusivity across generational divides, and learning through failure. She emphasizes the value of transparency, experimentation, and empowering frontline professionals to shape the future. The conversation highlights a shift away from perfectionism toward purpose-driven collaboration—where listening, peer support, and human-centered leadership drive innovation in membership organizations.
In this episode of Membership IQ, Sarah Sladek sits down with Tom Gehring—retired Navy officer, former CEO, and founder of a health leadership academy—to unpack the essentials of strategic leadership in chaotic times. With wit and wisdom, Tom outlines the four major barriers leaders face today: time scarcity, lack of actionable follow-through, excessive non-value-added tasks, and what he calls “the branching problem” of modern complexity.
From submarine life to managing physicians, Tom shares stories and strategies that highlight the importance of simplifying decisions, mentoring the next generation, and leading with integrity. His practical leadership compass—seven roles every leader should play—serves as a timeless guide in an era of rapid change. Whether you're steering a membership organization or leading a team, this conversation is a masterclass in meaningful leadership and human connection.
In this episode of Membership IQ, host Sarah Sladek talks with Curtis Nunley, a leader at the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), about navigating and leading through transformational change. Curtis shares insights into ASCE’s recent decision to consolidate its multiple membership grades—combining full, associate, and affiliate categories into one unified level. This change aims to make ASCE more inclusive and reflective of the full spectrum of professionals contributing to civil engineering, including technicians, non-licensed practitioners, and those with varying educational backgrounds.
Curtis explains the cultural and strategic factors behind the decision, including its potential to engage historically underrepresented groups, such as graduates from HBCUs and community colleges. He emphasizes the importance of involving stakeholders in the change process, tailoring member experiences to generational preferences, and simplifying volunteer roles to support community building. The episode also touches on ASCE’s efforts to better engage younger members, especially Gen Z, through tools like social media, mobile accessibility, and flexible payment options.
This conversation is packed with practical advice for any organization looking to evolve membership structures, promote diversity, and build stronger intergenerational communities.
In this episode of Membership IQ, host Sarah Sladek sits down with Christy Beatty, Vice President of Chapter Services and Member Engagement at the Associated General Contractors (AGC). Christy discusses the pressing challenges facing the construction industry—chiefly workforce shortages and generational shifts—and how AGC is adapting to meet member needs in a rapidly changing environment. She emphasizes the growing importance of workplace culture, onboarding, and retention strategies to attract and keep younger generations like Gen Z. The conversation also explores AGC’s digital transformation and embrace of virtual engagement, the shift from traditional member services to becoming a problem-solving business partner, and the organization’s adoption of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to create clarity, accountability, and strategic focus. Ultimately, the episode highlights how associations must evolve to stay relevant, innovative, and impactful.
In this episode of Membership IQ, host Sarah Sladek welcomes Kate Solomon, MPS, Senior Manager, B2C Customer Segment, and ASME.
Kate shares her journey from being new to the association world to now leading innovative membership strategies. The conversation highlights her early career experiences, involvement in tweet chats that helped her connect with the community, and how Sarah’s books influenced her professional growth.
Kate discusses the evolution of membership engagement, the value of personalization, and why associations need to adapt their approach to attract and retain younger generations. They also explore what’s changed in member expectations and how data-driven strategies can empower more meaningful member experiences.
In this episode of Membership IQ, host Sarah Sladek welcomes Todd Letts, CCE, President of Todd Letts Consulting. Together, they explore the evolving role of chambers of commerce and how Todd has led his organization to become a leading voice in economic development and community engagement. Todd shares insights on strategic partnerships, policy advocacy, and how his chamber has embraced innovation and inclusivity to better serve its diverse business community. From influencing infrastructure projects to championing small business needs, this conversation offers a dynamic look at what it takes to lead a future-focused chamber.
In this episode of Membership IQ, host Sarah Sladek welcomes Cassandra Price, a leader in generational collaboration and an advocate for workplace transformation. Cassandra shares her experience founding the Canadian chapter of the Multi-Generational Employee Resource Group Exchange (MERGE) at Bayer, which fosters collaboration across generations. She discusses Bayer’s shift to Dynamic Shared Ownership (DSO)—a groundbreaking leadership model that decentralizes decision-making and fosters innovation at all levels.
Cassandra explains how DSO empowers employees, builds community, and helps organizations adapt to the ever-changing business landscape. The conversation also explores generational trends, workplace microaggressions, and the importance of leading from any level. Tune in for insights on building inclusive, forward-thinking teams and navigating organizational change.
In this episode of Membership IQ, host Sarah Sladek welcomes April Ellison, founder of the Lights On Collective. April shares her journey from a long-standing career in membership at the American Dental Association to launching her consulting and coaching firm, focused on helping individuals and organizations realize their full potential. Their conversation explores the challenges organizations face today, including capacity constraints, the lingering effects of the pandemic, and the need for anticipatory leadership.
They also discuss generational shifts, particularly the evolving communication and collaboration styles of younger generations, and how leaders can foster inclusive and forward-thinking communities. April shares insights from her work with high school students and her Next Steps Leadership Initiative, which empowers underrepresented young professionals. Tune in to gain valuable strategies for navigating change, building strong communities, and leading with intention.
In this episode of Membership IQ, host Sarah Sladek interviews Heather Whyte, MBA, CDMP, APR founder and CEO of Why Communicate, a communications consultancy specializing in helping associations refine their value propositions. Heather discusses the challenges associations face in navigating a rapidly changing landscape, from economic uncertainty to shifting member expectations. She emphasizes the importance of understanding why associations exist, how they can adapt to member needs, and the crucial role of embracing innovation and member-centric strategies. Tune in for practical insights on overcoming the "poly-crisis" and leading associations into a resilient future.
Join Sarah Sladek on Membership IQ as she dives into the skill of cultivating and sustaining dynamic membership communities. In this episode, Sarah chats with Deborah Curry, CPA, CGMA, an accomplished association executive and Advisory Board Member of XYZ University, about navigating change, fostering intergenerational connections, and overcoming challenges like toxicity in organizations. Discover actionable strategies for leading through transitions, cultivating a vibrant organizational culture, and engaging younger generations. Whether you're a seasoned leader or new to association management, this episode is packed with insights to help you create a dynamic, resilient membership community. Tune in and get smart about membership!
In this episode of Membership IQ, host Sarah Sladek is joined by Abby Perdue, Membership Director at the National Farmers Union, to explore innovative strategies for building and sustaining thriving membership communities. Abby shares insights on addressing generational challenges, fostering mental health awareness, and adapting to change within grassroots organizations. With over 120 years of history, the National Farmers Union is a testament to resilience and evolution, emphasizing the importance of education, community building, and empowering members. Tune in for actionable tips to navigate change and strengthen connections in any membership-driven organization.
In this episode of Membership IQ, tune in to learn why Sarah Sladek thinks “band-aids” like Artificial Intelligence aren't the key to membership growth.
In this episode of the Membership IQ, tune in to hear Sarah Sladek explain how cultivating a lackadaisical "Hold my beer" attitude within organizational leadership is dangerous. And why organizations should hold different expectations of their board, staff, and volunteers.
This episode of the Membership IQ, Sarah details her own personal and professional experience with “crisis mode”. She also shares how leveraging stakeholders can be the key to making it through the storm.
Welcome back! In this episode, Sarah shares her story of receiving an exclusive invitation to attend the Inaugural White House Business Leaders Summit! She had the opportunity to meet with senior Presidential advisors to discuss current issues businesses - especially small businesses, are facing today. Sarah has observed that after COVID-19, the exclusive invitation has been largely phased out and replaced by digital meetings. Learn how research highlights the importance of the invitation and how it can create unique value for your organization. After all, there is nothing more amazing than getting an exclusive invitation!
Join Sarah Sladek on this lively episode of The Membership IQ! Discover the emotional side of member engagement as Sarah shares her story of splurging on fabulous tortoise earrings and the buyer’s remorse that turned into a feel-good moment supporting a community cause. Learn how to elevate your association's marketing by highlighting the greater good your members contribute to. Packed with practical tips and engaging insights, this episode will inspire you to transform your approach to membership engagement and leave your members feeling proud and connected. Don't miss out on this fun and insightful conversation!
Welcome back to The Membership IQ Podcast! Get ready for an eye-opening episode where Sarah Sladek dives into the world of memberships. Today, things look a bit different—Sarah’s got her shirt and earrings on backwards, all to emphasize a critical point. Introducing her new book, The Member Shift: Why Members Leave and the Strategy to Bring Them Back, Sarah shares why it’s crucial to rethink how we approach membership. Reflecting on the trends since 1994, Sarah discusses the decline in association memberships and the urgent need for change. Tune in to discover strategies for revitalizing engagement and reversing membership declines. Don’t miss this enlightening discussion.
Join host Sarah Sladek on a journey to unlock membership engagement and understand the profound difference between treating memberships like mere products and recognizing them as emotional commitments. Through candid discussions and expert insights, we explore how membership isn't just a transaction but an opportunity to foster deep connections, a sense of belonging, and true ownership. Discover the power of emotional engagement and revolutionize your approach to membership, ensuring lasting retention and growth. Tune in to 'Unlocking Membership Engagement - It’s NOT a Product' and embark on a transformative membership journey like never before.
In this episode of Membership IQ, join host Sarah Sladek as she delves into the crucial topic of thriving through recessions within membership organizations. With her wealth of experience in working with associations, Sarah sheds light on the often overlooked 80% principle – a strategy that could make all the difference during economic downturns. She emphasizes the significance of focusing 80% of resources, time, and energy exclusively on members, fostering a strong membership culture and experience. By prioritizing members' needs and continuously providing value, associations can weather the storm of recessions and even see an increase in membership during crisis periods. Sarah's insights and practical advice on implementing a successful membership strategy make this episode a must-listen for anyone involved in membership organizations, whether they're currently facing a recession or preparing for the future. Tune in and get smart about membership strategies that stand the test of economic challenges.
Welcome to "Failure... Soooo Delicious!: Embracing Innovation in Associations," the Membership IQ podcast hosted by Sarah Sladek. In this unscripted and authentic show, Sarah explores the power of failure and how it can drive innovation and growth within associations. Join her as she shares personal anecdotes, including a personal conversation with an association CEO, and discusses the benefits of taking risks and stepping outside of your comfort zone. Get ready to mix up a steaming hot bowl of failure and uncover the hidden opportunities it holds. Bon appetit!
Join Sarah Sladek, recently recognized as a Woman Who Advances Associations, as she delves deep into the challenges of discrimination, from gender to age, and explores the progress made so far. From outdated bylaws to personal experiences, she uncovers the need for true cultural change within associations and go beyond token recognition. It's time to embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion in every aspect and at every level of your organization. Tune in to gain insights, challenge norms, and embark on the transformative journey toward a truly inclusive society.
Join host Sarah Sladek on an insightful journey as she explores the impact of globalization and technology on membership associations on this episode of the Membership IQ podcast. Discover how associations worldwide are facing similar challenges, from engaging younger generations to addressing the workforce crisis. Through compelling anecdotes about her experiences in Holland and the lessons learned from the beloved Stroopwafel, Sarah emphasizes the need for associations to adapt and modernize in a rapidly changing marketplace. Gain valuable insights and actionable strategies to meet the expectations of members in an interconnected world. It's time to step up, break free from outdated models, and shape the future of associations.
Join Sarah Sladek on the Membership IQ podcast, where you'll learn how to improve your membership game. From overcoming fears and obstacles (such as Sarah's first time snorkeling) to achieving success, she shares her expertise and insights to help associations and organizations reach their full potential. Tune in to hear about the Ghosts and Legends exercise, best practices, and inspiring stories of membership triumph.
In this episode, Sarah talks about how membership has evolved over the years and how recognition plays a crucial role in it. She shares her own experience of receiving a pin for her 10th anniversary of membership, which made her think about the lack of outreach by the association towards its members. Tune in to learn more about the importance of recognition and how it can impact membership! #MembershipIQ #Recognition #MembershipEvolution
We are in an era of disruption. Our models, hierarchies, and practices are being called into question because there is a call for change. Our world is becoming more individualized, more diverse. In this week’s episode of the MIQ, I’m sharing best practices for how your organization can embrace change in this fluid environment.
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In my work as a researcher and consultant, I’ve found that nearly all associations have struggled to attract Gen-Xers. To understand why we need to look at how this generation came of age and what they value most.
In this week’s episode of the MIQ, I’m sharing three ways to start engaging this generation and the important role they play in your organization’s future.
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How do you approach change? With acceptance - or something quite the opposite?
In this episode of the Membership IQ podcast, Sarah Sladek uses the weather as a metaphor for the many unexpected, uncontrollable changes that occur in our lives. She reminds her audience that resistance to change is not only futile but creating a culture of resistance also creates many problems within the organization. To optimize your association’s forecast, it’s time to accept change!
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Messaging matters! In this week’s episode of the Membership IQ, Sarah Sladek explains how some associations are giving members and prospective members the wrong impression. Drawing upon her work as a former journalist and member strategist, she shares examples of messaging and marketing tactics that tend to backfire - and which ones work effectively! Sladek reminds her audience of association leaders they are always on stage, representing the association's membership and brand.
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As the expression goes, “hindsight is 2020.” We’ve learned a lot in the past few years about how to pivot, but has it informed what your association is doing to plan ahead? In this week’s episode of the Membership IQ, I share a valuable exercise that has helped countless organization leaders improve their overall vision. You’ll learn how, with a few simple steps, you can be better prepared for what lies ahead and be the go-to resource for your members.
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As an association leader, advocating for your organization is one of your top priorities. What many associations don’t realize is that advocacy as we once knew it may not be as effective anymore. Young people today are approaching problems as social entrepreneurs, building a following through grassroots activism, social media, and online platforms. Not all heroes wear capes, and your NextGen members are truly the unsung heroes of your operation. As such, they should play an integral role in your advocacy efforts - listen in to this week’s episode to learn how you can leverage their superpowers!
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Many association leaders don’t realize it, but being mindful of your members’ experiences is the secret to growing your community. This week, I’m sharing five key ways that your association can curate a unique, memorable membership experience that will make your organization stand out in the marketplace, attracting members that will continually reinvest in all you have to offer.
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As an association leader, member satisfaction is one of your top priorities. Oftentimes, new ideas can clash with established traditions, leaving your membership base at odds with one another. In this week’s episode, I am sharing how you can solve disparities between your more seasoned members and NextGen populations by creating a solid succession plan and looking at membership data trends. The ball is in your court: are you ready to ace the game of membership?
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Let’s face it - change can be scary! Sometimes, we can’t predict change (hello, pandemic!) and your association needs to be prepared with the right approach. In this week’s episode, I’m discussing how to leverage change, using it as an opportunity to help your organization evolve. You’ll learn how the right mindset and a little bit of strategizing can help your association effectively address change, embrace it, and attract new members in the process!
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As an association leader, you’ve likely discovered that the road to success will have some bumps along the way. Your final destination? Growing your membership community and providing a robust experience for your members! In this week’s episode, I am discussing the three roadblocks that organizations commonly encounter that can take you down a path toward disengagement and membership decline. I am also going to share how you can navigate past these barriers with caution to create a powerful and lasting legacy for your association’s future.
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We are celebrating twenty years of business this month! Over the past two decades, I’ve discovered what makes membership organizations thrive - and struggle to survive. In this week’s episode, I discuss how you can effectively combat membership decline by cultivating a sense of community amongst your members. “Equity,” “diversity,” and “inclusion” have become buzzwords in the association world, but belonging is an important fourth that often gets overlooked. I’ve got the tips and tricks to inspire your members, leaving them feeling engaged, welcomed, and valued in your membership community.
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Negativity can drain the energy from almost any environment, and your association is no exception! As a leader, the attitude you model is reflected in your organization. In this week’s episode, we discuss the role positivity plays in making your association more attractive to prospective members. If it’s time to build momentum within your organization, I’ve got the tools to get you started.
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From a young age, we’ve had nursery rhymes memorized that we pass down to younger generations. As the leader of an organization, I want you to commit this acronym to memory: EIOU! I developed this initialism to help associations attract, retain, and engage their members. In this week’s episode of the Membership IQ, we discuss how the EIOU tool can support your organization’s efforts to drive meaningful change and bolster your member-focused mission.
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Millennials (also known as Generation Y) are the largest and most-researched generation in history…as well as the most criticized. Unfortunately, research shows that age discrimination is alive and well in the workplace and membership organizations. Many fail to realize that Millennials (and eventually Gen Z!) are the lifeblood of your organization that will carry it into the future. This week’s episode discusses how your association can make room at the table for NextGen members and create a community where inclusion and belonging are the status quo.
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To stay on a forward trajectory, you’ve got to look ahead! The past can teach us valuable lessons, but with dated membership approaches, you risk becoming irrelevant to current and prospective members. To keep your member base engaged (and your organization growing!), your association needs to stay ahead of the curve and on top of the latest industry trends. It’s time to modernize by leaving the past behind and shifting your focus towards what’s on the horizon!
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Is your association sharing the latest buzz with your members? Just like every bee has a role in the hive, you and your members play an important part in your association's overall operations, which includes sharing all of the incredible achievements taking place! Oftentimes, associations choose to help their communities behind the scenes, avoiding “unnecessary” recognition or attention. It’s time to abandon this mindset and take on a new approach that will garner buzz and momentum while attracting new members to your hive.
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Your organization might find itself with little flexibility when it comes to leadership, members, and initiatives. It’s time for leadership to bend their approach and start stretching! In this week’s episode, we look at how a carefully curated board of directors can boost productivity and profitability, resulting in a more engaged (and involved!) membership. Tune in!
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Every week, it seems as though a newer, faster phone comes onto the market, with the promise of exclusive features and access to more information. You may not realize it, but this tiny piece of technology and your association share more in common than you may think. In this week’s episode of the Membership IQ, we dial into your membership mission and look at how a future-focused, member-centric model can lead to a more engaged membership community, keeping your association one step ahead of the rest.
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What drives people to join organizations? You may think it’s the perks you offer or the networking and programming opportunities you provide, but don’t be fooled by those illusions! Rather, members will join your organization because they genuinely believe you’ve got the magic to solve their problems. To be effective in today’s rapidly changing world, you need to understand the way to your member’s hearts. This week’s episode of the Membership IQ explores the relationship between workforce and membership decline and how you can remedy it - no magic tricks necessary!
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There exists a widespread misconception that “young people don’t join” membership organizations. Perhaps your association has struggled with a similar mindset. I’m here to debunk this “membership myth” and share with you the ways in which you can recruit (and retain!) young members. Tune in to this week’s episode of the Membership IQ, as we discuss how the cycle of engagement has evolved for young people over the last century and its lasting impact on membership organizations. I provide three key strategies that will transform how you attract and engage NextGen members, making that “membership myth” a thing of the past.
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An organization is as good as its value proposition. What kind of value are you offering your members? Do they leave the table feeling like they have been dealt a good hand? It’s time organizations assess the changes that need to be made and strategize to turn the odds in their - and their members - favor. Tune in to this week’s episode as we discuss how your organization can make your members feel like a valuable part of the deal!
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A great recipe is one that uses quality ingredients, made with special care and attention, and loved by all who try it. The culture within your organization isn’t much different from that amazing dish that draws everyone to the table. What many associations don’t realize is that a great strategic plan is no match for negative culture, hence the saying “culture eats strategy for breakfast.” In this week’s episode, we take a look at how the right combination of ingredients can foster truly great culture within your association, leaving your members energized and craving more of what your organization has to offer!
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Studies show that 80% of your organizational work should be mission-critical and member-centric, but that is usually not the case for most associations. Executives tend to wear too many hats that leave them distracted and losing sight of their mission. How are you spending your time as a leader and is it truly dedicated to your member-centric mission? In this week’s episode, we will help you determine whether your focus is directed in the right places and how you can keep your eye on the ball and better serve your members!
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We’ve all been there - trying to be everything to everyone. Organizations find themselves in this same position by trying to accommodate too broad of an audience. In this week’s episode, we explore your “target market,” a concept rooted in quality rather than quantity. You will learn how to add value to your organization and attract new members that will continue to steer your association towards a successful future!
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To determine whether your association is genuinely evolving with the times, you may want to consider what would happen if your organization didn’t exist. In this week’s episode, we will explore your association’s “value proposition,” and consider what valuable services would be missing from your community, industry - and the world - if your association had to shutter its doors. You will learn how to leverage your value proposition to create must-have value, attract new members, and give them what they truly need to succeed in today’s rapidly changing marketplace.
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In this episode, we explore the notion of finding your niche - and how it can positively impact your membership growth potential. Most of us can relate to the practice of trying to tackle too many things at once - and therefore accomplishing nothing at all! If your organization is trying to be everything to everyone, it's hard to focus on that ONE thing you do better than everyone else. We live in a time when meaningful interactions and experiences matter - and people are joining organizations that provide those very services. Let’s count your organization among those who not only find their niche but excel at it!
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Research shows that, to some degree, change instills fear in all of us. Change, however, is integral to an association’s survival. For many membership organizations, the notion of change is disruptive…and scary! Let’s face it - altering the habits, patterns, and behaviors we are conditioned to can be uncomfortable, but it can also yield incredible rewards. In many instances, change can lead to long-term benefits, including membership growth and stronger engagement.
In this episode, we explore the benefits of accepting change, how sticking to the same routines can be detrimental to your organization, and how you can overcome your fear of change!
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Is your association membership genuinely healthy? It may be time for a check-up, and this week, we are here to help assess your organization’s overall wellness. It’s time to take a look at your membership succession plan and how it will impact the long-term health of your organization.
In today’s rapidly changing world, we know that every generation has something to learn and something to teach. If your association isn't tapping into prospective young members, it could be missing out on a community that’s ready to share new ideas, and keep your association alive and well.
In this episode, we discuss how an effective membership plan - that truly grows your membership - rests on the idea of including both seasoned and younger professionals in the conversation. The impact of this diverse group of voices will be felt throughout your organization but, more importantly, in each member's experience. The true prescription? Plan for the future and engage younger generations within your membership!
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Today’s generation creates and consumes more information than any of its predecessors. Demand is on your association to provide more content and yes…entertainment! Membership is no longer a spectator sport, so what are you doing to engage your member base? In this week’s episode, we’ll learn more about how to adapt to the shifting expectations of a younger audience and how you can stay relevant today for a stronger tomorrow. Don’t forget your popcorn!
We kick off the first season of Membership Mondays by getting into the Membership is Life mindset! In this episode, I give some backstory behind my passion for multigeneration membership practices. I began to see the challenges associations face due to an apathy towards membership and the belief that members will always continue to grow. Let’s face it, as membership professionals, we don't have a lot of guidance on what it takes to engage and retain the next generation of members. In this podcast, I give you actionable strategies based on my experiences over the last decade to get into the Membership is Life mindset.
In the last thirty years, "the business of membership" has shifted dramatically. Associations of yesteryear are unrecognizable compared to the ones we have today, and people are no longer joining simply because it’s “the right thing to do”. With membership rates on the decline around the globe, we can no longer ignore how times have changed. Associations are under constant pressure to deliver ROI for their members in new and innovative ways -- yet, many associations are not set up to keep up with this pace of change.
In this episode, we'll tackle how clinging to traditional hierarchies has been holding associations back from achieving membership growth. As our workforce and potential members are getting younger, their vision of "value" is changing, and so are the ways they want it delivered. Yet, there are some nuanced similarities to keep in mind from generations past.