Boundaries, Burnout and Emergency Dance Parties: A Different Take on Leadership
In this episode of Better by Association, recorded live at TSAE's New Ideas 2026 in Galveston, hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert welcome leadership speaker, coach and energy intelligence expert Marli Williams for a conversation about avoiding burnout, leading with intention and bringing positive energy to the workplace. Marli shares her unconventional career journey, from a transformative Outward Bound experience to wilderness guiding, higher education and ultimately helping leaders and organizations thrive. She explains why managing energy is often more important than managing time and how leaders can influence the people around them by becoming more aware of the energy they bring into every interaction. The conversation explores practical ways to recharge, establish healthy boundaries, navigate challenging relationships and create environments where people feel energized and supported. Marli also shares why authenticity, curiosity and a little fun, including the occasional emergency dance party, can make a meaningful difference in leadership and everyday life.
This episode is sponsored by Visit Austin.
Better by Association is produced by Association Briefings.
23 Sept 2026
Building Trust and Member Value Through Change
In this episode, recorded live at TSAE’s New Ideas 2026 in Galveston, hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert welcome Mollie Pillman, MS, MBA, CAE, executive director of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association. Mollie shares her path into association leadership and what she means when she says it’s “a new day at NATA.” She discusses building trust with staff, board members, and volunteer leaders, navigating when associations should speak up or listen, and creating member value through professional development, advocacy, and connection. Mollie also reflects on leading through rapid change, the importance of delegation and resilience, and why continuous learning remains essential for association executives.
This episode is sponsored by Visit Lubbock.
Better by Association is produced by Association Briefings.
28 Aug 2026
Getting Comfortable with Discomfort: Lessons in Association Leadership
In this episode, hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert welcome Lindsay Konlande, executive director of IREM Houston and TSAE’s 2026 Association Professional of the Year, for a conversation about leadership, resilience and finding her place in the association community. Konlande shares how she “fell into” association management and eventually returned to IREM Houston, where she stepped into the top leadership role amid governance, financial and operational challenges. She discusses prioritizing what matters most, using transparency to build trust with volunteer leaders, navigating imposter syndrome and leading the organization through its first strategic planning process. Konlande also shares the leadership values that guide her, including authenticity, curiosity and getting comfortable with discomfort, why she considers associations “invisible heroes,” and how a simple “good job folder” helps her combat burnout.
Better by Association is produced by Association Briefings.
Who has been a guest on Better By Association
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Tracy Ginsburg
Angela Davis
Dr. Michelle Smith
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
7 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 14 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
16
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Questions about Better By Association
Who hosts Better By Association?
Katy Markert and Steven Stout host the show. Published by TSAE.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes monthly, based on its RSS feed.
Does Better By Association take guests?
The show does not typically feature guests, based on episode analyses.
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