In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast powered by OnWrd & UpWrd, recorded on the show floor at the 2026 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition in Indianapolis, host Colleen Gallagher sits down with Celia Chomón Zamora, Ph.D., CAE, AAiP, Executive Director of the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT), to explore what it takes to build inclusive organizations, develop effective leaders and create environments where people can thrive.
Drawing on her experience in education, association leadership and professional development, Celia shares why meaningful change doesn’t require starting from scratch, how small adjustments can make organizations more neuro-inclusive and why curiosity, vulnerability and mentorship are essential to stronger leadership.
Key Highlights
Leadership Transcends Industries: Why effective association leadership isn’t necessarily about being a subject-matter expert, but about supporting members, advancing the mission and helping an organization thrive.
Move From Intention to Action: Why fear of getting it wrong can hold organizations back—and how embracing mistakes, learning quickly and taking small steps can drive meaningful progress.
Build Inclusion Into Everyday Practices: How simple changes like sharing agendas in advance, offering multiple ways to participate and recognizing different processing styles can create more neuro-inclusive workplaces.
Rethink Mentorship: Why successful mentorship requires preparation, transparency and commitment from both mentors and mentees—and how everyone can play a role in helping others grow.
Create Buy-In Through Shared Goals: How meeting people where they are and framing inclusion around helping everyone succeed can build broader organizational support.
Lead With Vulnerability and Curiosity: Why authentic leadership, assuming positive intent and asking questions before making judgments can strengthen relationships and workplace culture.
🎧 Tune in for practical insights on turning good intentions into meaningful action, building more inclusive associations and creating opportunities for staff, volunteers and members to thrive.
Stay Connected: Subscribe to The Association Insights Podcast powered by OnWrd & UpWrd on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode. Follow us on LinkedIn at OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.
Coming Soon: More conversations with association executives, innovators and industry experts sharing fresh perspectives, practical strategies and ideas shaping the future of associations. Stay tuned!
