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.
Key Highlights
Start with the Business Problem: Successful transformations begin with a clear understanding of the challenge you’re trying to solve. Adrienne explains why technology alone rarely delivers results without the right strategy, processes, and objectives in place.
Reimagine Processes—Don’t Just Automate Them: Organizations seeing the biggest gains from AI aren’t simply making existing workflows faster. They’re stepping back, redesigning processes, and rethinking how work gets done.
Bring Your Team Along: Change is hard—especially when AI enters the conversation. Adrienne shares why involving employees in the transformation journey, investing in upskilling, and creating opportunities for growth leads to stronger outcomes.
AI Supports Expertise—It Doesn’t Replace It: While AI can eliminate repetitive tasks and improve efficiency, human judgment, critical thinking, and accountability remain essential. The future belongs to organizations that combine technology with skilled people.
Break Down Silos: Looking ahead, Adrienne sees significant opportunity in connecting traditionally separate functions, processes, and data sources to improve experiences, reduce risk, and drive better organizational outcomes.
🎧 Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on leadership, AI, and the strategies organizations can use to drive meaningful transformation.
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: We’re continuing to bring you conversations with association professionals, industry experts, and leaders sharing the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of associations. Stay tuned for more insights designed to help organizations adapt, innovate, and better serve their members.
