Association Transformation
Welcome to Association Transformation, a transatlantic conversation advancing the impact and evolution of non-profit organizations. We're always seeking diversity of thought and new examples of innovation in action. That and a commitment to mission driven organizations spurred this collaboration between the teams at Brewer Pratt Solutions and Elevated. Together with our special guests, each episode we take a deep dive into the issues, topics, challenges and opportunities facing the association community. Between us we’ve been there, done it, got the t-shirt: membership, mergers, boards and leadership, advocacy, and education - nothing is off limits. Any subject that effects non-profits, their survival or their success is up for discussion.
Episodes
184 episodes
The Small Charity Bunfight!
This week on Association Transformation, we’re unpacking another UK controversy: members can ask hard questions about outcomes and value, but they don’t get to design the org chart. Instead of letting leadership lead, parts of the charity secto...
Dissecting & Defining Engagement
Inspired by recent industry research, including member experience and membership marketing benchmark reports, this episode explores what “engagement” really means for associations, where organizations may be confusing communication with connect...
Recovery is Not Success: The Case for Anti-Fragile Associations
What if the goal isn’t to bounce back… but to move forward stronger?In this latest episode of Association Transformation, co-hosts Elisa Pratt (Brewer Pratt Solutions) and Andrew Chamberlain (Elevated) unpack a bol...
🎙️ Navigating the Ethics Minefield
March is National Ethics Awareness Month, which makes it the perfect time to talk about something every association faces, but few discuss honestly: ethics in leadership.In the newest episode of Association Transformatio...
Let's explore the new MXC!!
🚨 Breaking news in the membership world.A new professional certification for membership leaders has just launched and we got the inside scoop first.In the newest episode of Association Transformation, c...
🎙️ The Upside Down of Dues: Pricing vs. Perception
Membership dues feel maxed out. But the financial pressure on associations keeps rising.In the latest episode of Association Transformation, co-hosts Elisa Pratt and Andrew Chamberlain sit down with Dr. Michael Ca...
Is the juice worth the squeeze? 🍊
In 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 foun...
Fighting for Members but Undervaluing Association Staff
What 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 ca...
Rethinking Association Events
Tired 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 h...
The Year of Courageous Associations: Letting Go, Leaning In, and Leading Forward
As 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 ...
400 Resumes Later: Real Talk on Landing Your Next Association Role
In 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. Fres...
The Real Challenges Facing Trade Association CEOs
Susan Avery, CAE, CEO of the Performance Plastics Association, joins us to expose why trade associations have become the "forgotten format" in association management. With 28 years spanning both sides of the association world, Susan reveals cri...
From Industry to Inside: Navigating the CEO leap into association leadership
What happens when seasoned industry leaders become first-time association CEOs? In this episode, we sit down with Sandy Moore (Pet Advocacy Network) and Melissa Loner (National Society of Compliance Professionals), two executives ...
🎧 Radical Transparency: The Renewed Role of Associations in a Misled World
Trust is under attack; from misinformation, disinformation, and even unchecked AI “truths.” In this powerful new episode of Association Transformation, Elisa Pratt and Andrew Chamberlain revisit their white paper
From Scratch: The Startup Story of a Brand NEW Association
What if you could build an association from scratch? No inherited bylaws, no legacy structures, no forever committees, just purpose and potential. In this episode, Elisa and Andrew welcome Matt Ott...
Halloween Horror Stories III
Dying for Relevance, Zombie Members, Toxic Boards & Other Association NightmaresFrom members who vanish into thin air, to boards behaving monstrously, to the creeping dread of dying for relevance, this year’s fri...
Leading Through Change... into the future
What really drives leadership decisions? Data, ethics, or a good hard look in the mirror? 🤔 In our latest episode, we dive into the Institute of Leadership’s new <...
Boardroom Bullies & Boundary Setting: Protecting Staff & Volunteers from Corrosive Behavior
In Episode 157 of Association Transformation, co-hosts Elisa Pratt and Andrew Chamberlain tackle one of the most uncomfortable, but increasingly urgent, realities in association life: the mistreatment of volunteers and staff by volunte...
Digital Accessibility: Building Vibrant & Inclusive Member Experiences
Is your digital content reaching everyone? In Episode 156 of Association Transformation, Elisa Pratt goes solo to tackle a vital and often overlooked conversation on digital accessibility and ADA Section 508 compliance, with spe...
Behind the Byline: The Stories That Shape Associations
In Episode 155 of Association Transformation, co-hosts Elisa Pratt and Andrew Chamberlain welcome Mark Athitakis, Contributing Editor at Associations Now, the flagship digital publicat...
The CFO/COO Balancing Act: Revenue, Operations & Resilience!
Join us for Episode 154 of Association Transformation, where co-hosts Elisa Pratt and Andrew Chamberlain sit down with Beth Eagle, Chief Finance & Operations Officer at the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA), to unpack w...
Are Dues Dead? Rethinking the membership model
Recorded live from their Autumn 2025 leadership retreat, Elisa and Andrew tackle a big question: are membership dues dead? They unpack the flaws of the annual renewal model, the pull of subscription-style approaches, and the tension between val...
Leadership lessons from our first retreat
In this special episode of Association Transformation, Andrew and Elisa reflect on their very first Governance as Leadership Retreat. Over two days, CEOs, board chairs, and senior leaders came together to dig deep into the reali...
Back to Basics: What Really Builds Membership
Welcome back!! In this episode Elisa and Andrew sit down with guest Jane Zaretskie, CAE to unpack the essential strategies behind real, lasting membership growth. Forget the flashy trends, Jane takes us back to the foundations of recruitment an...
RE-RELEASE: Constructive Conflict: Turning Team Tension into Transformation
We're taking a break for the summer, but we don't want you to go without your regular AT fix, so we're re-releasing some of our favourites until we return in September. Next up, we're going back to Season 5, Episode 123 from November 2024.<...
