Read more about the article Governance That Builds Trust, Engagement, and Stronger Associations

Governance That Builds Trust, Engagement, and Stronger Associations

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast powered by OnWrd & UpWrd, host Colleen Gallagher sits down with Mark Fernando, Director of Governance and Administration at the American Sociological Association (ASA), to explore what it takes to build trust, transparency, and engagement within a complex member-driven organization. Managing governance, elections, volunteer leadership, and organizational operations, Mark shares practical lessons on balancing structure with member voice, creating inclusive leadership pathways, and preparing associations for the challenges ahead. Whether you're modernizing governance, strengthening member trust, or thinking about the future of association leadership, this conversation offers valuable insights for association professionals.

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Read more about the article Pricing with Purpose: Rethinking Value, Membership, and Revenue in Associations

Pricing with Purpose: Rethinking Value, Membership, and Revenue in Associations

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast powered by OnWrd & UpWrd, host Colleen Gallagher sits down with Dr. Michael Carr-Tatonetti, CPP, CAE, Founder & CEO of Pricing for Associations, to explore one of the most powerful—and often misunderstood—tools available to association leaders: pricing. From membership dues and event registrations to sponsorships and education programs, pricing decisions influence far more than revenue. Michael shares why associations often underprice their value, overcomplicate their offerings, and allow fear of member backlash to hold them back from making strategic decisions. Whether you're considering a dues increase, or looking to strengthen your organization's financial sustainability, this conversation offers practical guidance grounded in data, value, and member experience.

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Read more about the article Leading Transformation in the Age of AI: What Association Leaders Need to Know

Leading Transformation in the Age of AI: What Association Leaders Need to Know

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast powered by OnWrd & UpWrd, host Colleen Gallagher sits down with Adrienne Lerro, Partner at PwC, to discuss what it takes to successfully lead transformation in large organizations. Drawing on her experience leading global operational and technology transformations, Adrienne shares why the most successful organizations focus on solving business problems—not simply implementing new technology. The conversation explores how AI is accelerating change, where organizations are seeing the greatest returns, and why people, processes, and data remain critical to long-term success. Whether you're evaluating AI, managing organizational change, or looking to improve efficiency while strengthening member value, this episode offers practical insights for association leaders navigating a rapidly evolving landscape.

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Read more about the article Building Trust, Community, and Belonging: Inside Virginia REALTORS®

Building Trust, Community, and Belonging: Inside Virginia REALTORS®

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast powered by OnWrd & UpWrd, host Colleen Gallagher sits down with Leslie Frazier, SVP of Community and Industry Relations at Virginia REALTORS®, for a thoughtful conversation on leadership, advocacy, housing, and the evolving role of associations in building stronger communities. With experience spanning political campaigns, state government, and association leadership, Leslie shares how relationship-building, data, and authentic communication help Virginia REALTORS® navigate complex issues like housing affordability, advocacy, and belonging in a rapidly changing environment. Whether you lead advocacy, membership, communications, or strategy, this episode offers practical insight into how associations can stay trusted, relevant, and member-focused during times of change.

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Read more about the article Helpful Marketing: Building Trust and Loyalty That Lasts

Helpful Marketing: Building Trust and Loyalty That Lasts

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast powered by OnWrd & UpWrd, host Colleen Gallagher sits down with Katy Thorbahn, President & CEO of Shiny, for a thoughtful conversation about customer indifference, trust-building, and why the most effective organizations focus less on selling—and more on being genuinely helpful. Drawing from her deep experience in financial services marketing, Katy shares how brands in highly commoditized industries build loyalty by creating confidence at every step of the customer journey. While her work centers on financial services, the lessons translate directly to associations navigating member engagement, retention, and long-term trust. Whether you’re rethinking onboarding, trying to improve renewal experiences, or looking for ways to create stronger member connection in a crowded landscape, this conversation offers practical, human-centered insights that associations can apply immediately.

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Read more about the article Replay: How OnWrd & UpWrd — and This Podcast — Got Started

Replay: How OnWrd & UpWrd — and This Podcast — Got Started

In this special replay episode of The Association Insights Podcast powered by OnWrd & UpWrd, O&U CEO Colleen Gallagher revisits the very first episode of the show — originally recorded more than four years ago when the podcast launched as The Association 100. As OnWrd & UpWrd approaches six years in business, Colleen reflects on the early conversations, industry frustrations, and vision that led her and Meghan Henning to build an agency focused on helping associations strengthen communications, visibility, and trust. While the industry has evolved significantly since this episode first aired, many of the core themes — authentic storytelling, strategic communications, and serving as true extensions of client teams — remain just as relevant today. Tune in for a look back at where it all started and the mission that continues to shape Association Insights and OnWrd & UpWrd today.

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Read more about the article AI + PR Right Now: What’s Actually Working, What’s Not, and What’s Changing Fast

AI + PR Right Now: What’s Actually Working, What’s Not, and What’s Changing Fast

In this solo episode of The Association Insights Podcast powered by OnWrd & Upwrd, host Colleen Gallagher takes a step back to unpack where AI actually stands right now in association communications and PR. After months of rapid experimentation across the industry, Colleen moves beyond the hype to focus on what’s actually working, where teams are seeing real value, and where challenges are starting to surface. From accelerating workflows to protecting voice and credibility, this episode offers a clear, practical lens on how associations can use AI effectively—without losing what makes their communications impactful. If your team is navigating how to use AI in PR, messaging, or content strategy, this episode will help you cut through the noise and focus on what matters most right now.

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