An original podcast from Association Briefings where we talk about what’s next for the association community when it comes to technology, marcomm strategy, people, membership, and non-dues revenue.
Ep 52 - Dealt a New Hand: New Energy, New Ideas, New Leadership
In this episode of Engaging in the Next, hosts Colby Horton and Frank Humada welcome Mollie Pillman, MS, MBA, CAE, executive director of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, as she closes in on one year in the top job. So, what happens when you walk into an established organization and start asking, “Why do we do it that way?” Mollie shares the lessons, surprises and occasional growing pains of bringing new energy to NATA, from launching a listening tour and rebuilding trust to selling a 23,000-square-foot office and creating a new strategic plan. She also explains how a simple LinkedIn post declaring “It’s a new day at NATA” became a rallying cry for members and staff. Along the way, Mollie talks about building a culture people want to be part of, questioning the “we’ve always done it that way” mindset, making employees feel seen and why great mentors make you want to pay it forward.
24 Jul 2026
Ep 51 - Not the End of the Road: Beyond the Strategic Plan
In this episode of Engaging in the Next, hosts Colby Horton and Frank Humada welcome Lowell Aplebaum, EdD, FASAE, CAE, CPF, CEO of Vista Cova, for a conversation about why strategy and governance often drift apart, and how boards can better position their organizations for long-term success. Lowell explains why strategic planning should be treated as a living framework rather than a static document, explores the board's role in setting direction and allocating resources, and discusses how associations can foster innovation through stronger governance practices. The conversation also covers shorter strategic planning horizons, future-focused board meetings, objective governance health checks, clear board-staff authority boundaries, and the critical partnership between the CEO and board chair in navigating change.
23 Jun 2026
Ep 50 - From 6-7 to 67: Why the Message Matters More Than Ever
In this milestone episode, hosts Colby Horton and Frank Humada welcome Whitney Meyerhoeffer, director of communications at the American Mental Health Counselors Association, for a conversation about what it really takes to communicate in a noisy world. Whitney explains the difference between marketing and communications, why storytelling and audience segmentation matter more than ever, and how engagement has evolved from simple metrics to a full-time discipline. The discussion explores when associations should take public stances, how communicators can help shape those decisions, and why bringing communications teams into strategic conversations early is essential. Along the way, Whitney shares practical advice for preventing burnout, creating "sacred spaces" for self-care, and building mentally fit teams.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Spotify
3.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 17 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
10
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
60
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