Podcast

Megan Killian, CAE, IOM, Executive Vice President at the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA), has gained a reputation for adapting to change in the association industry. She shares her journey and experiences leading change amidst challenges in the tax landscape. Megan also humorously envisions an association industry musical featuring its memorable characters.

Brandy Spears, Director of Marketing and Communications at NAEA, discusses her journey from journalism to the professional associations industry. She emphasizes the importance of creativity, technology, and storytelling in her mission work. Brandy shares insights on navigating change, utilizing new tools, and fostering member connections in a dynamic digital landscape.

Join Lucas McCann and co-host Casey Callanan in a bonus episode of 6 Degrees of Association, discussing the urgent need for associations to prioritize growth in 2025. The episode includes a podcast update and highlights growth as a central theme for future discussions on achieving it in various unique ways.

Cassandra Atchison, Vice President of Marketing at Modern Litho, discusses innovative marketing and communication strategies that blend digital and print. The conversation explores how evolving print marketing can enhance communication efficiency and effectiveness in the modern landscape.

Vicki R. Deal-Williams, CEO of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, discusses transforming associations from sterile entities to warm, welcoming environments. She emphasizes the importance of serving people and creating personalized experiences at annual meetings.

Katie Jordan, CEO of the American Occupational Therapy Association, shares her journey from dance to occupational therapy and association leadership. She discusses the significance of belonging, the value of authentic credibility from hands-on experience, and her transition into the association world.

Greg Melia, CAE, CEO of the Customer Experience Professionals Association (CXPA), discusses his journey in association leadership. He emphasizes the importance of customer experience in associations for enhancing member retention and satisfaction, and the need for seamless processes across various touchpoints to foster a thriving association culture.

President and CEO of Manufacturers Alliance, Stephen Gold, shares insights on mindfulness as a journey rather than a destination. He emphasizes its benefits for association professionals and how adopting mindfulness principles can enhance personal well-being and positively impact others.

Sharon Kneebone, IOM, FASAE, CAE, Executive Director of the American Academy of Pain Medicine, discusses her journey in association management on the Six Degrees of Associations Podcast. She emphasizes that there are diverse paths to executive leadership in the association sector and that adaptability is crucial for long-term success.