Learning by Association

How Associations Can Build Trust and Career Growth

On this episode of Learning by Association, we explore how rethinking learning as a core strategy can help member organizations stay relevant in an increasingly competitive and fast-changing landscape. Host Bill Sheehan speaks with Rozalyn Werner-Arcé, executive director of the Ontario Public Buyers Association [https://opba.ca/] (OPBA), about how associations can deliver meaningful value through education, community and professional development.  Rozalyn shares how OPBA is evolving its approach to learning through its Public Procurement Learning Lab [https://publicprocurementlearninglab.ca/], adopting blended learning models and continuously updating content to meet the needs of modern learners. She also discusses the importance of community in driving engagement, the role of trusted information in today’s environment and how associations can bridge knowledge gaps as experienced professionals retire.  Other key topics Bill and Rozalyn covered in this episode include:  * the shift from learning as a program to learning as a strategic driver of association value  * how blended learning models can improve engagement and knowledge retention  * the importance of community and networking in attracting and retaining members  * strategies for keeping educational content relevant and up to date  * how associations can address generational shifts and evolving learner expectations  * the growing role of AI and emerging skills in shaping the future of professional development  This conversation underscores how associations are evolving beyond traditional models to play a more strategic role in their industries. By prioritizing learning and delivering trusted expertise, associations can continue to support their members in navigating change and advancing their careers.  To follow us on social media, find us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/d2l/?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Egoogle%2Ecom%2F&originalSubdomain=ca] or Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/D2Linc/] @D2L. You can also check out our YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/user/desire2learninc] @Desire2LearnInc for the video version of this podcast and so much more. Please take a moment to rate, review and share the podcast, and reach out with comments and ideas for future episodes. For more content like this, visit D2L.com/Learning-by-Association [https://d2l.com/learning-by-association]. Don't miss our other show, Teach & Learn [https://www.d2l.com/podcasts/teach-and-learn/], a podcast for curious educators. To learn more about how D2L is transforming the way the world learns, visit our website at D2L.com [https://www.d2l.com/].

Reinventing the Modern Association Through Trust, Talent and Transformation

In this episode of Learning by Association, host Bill Sheehan speaks with Neal Couture, CEO of the American Society of Nondestructive Testing [https://www.asnt.org/] (ASNT), about what it really takes to transform an association into a high-performing, future-ready organization.  Neal shares how he helped ASNT shift from a dues-dependent membership model to a data-driven, business-minded enterprise focused on delivering measurable value. He explains why associations must stop thinking in terms of dues and non-dues revenue and start thinking in terms of products, markets and trust.  Neal also unpacks the governance changes that supported ASNT’s transformation—from redesigning board selection and reducing board size to implementing comprehensive board training rooted in fiduciary responsibility.  Bill and Neal also explore several timely themes, including:  * why associations must operate like businesses to remain competitive  * the shift from member-driven to mission-driven leadership  * how some associations may benefit from a freemium membership model to expand reach without cannibalizing revenue  * upskilling staff and restructuring teams to drive innovation  * why trust is an association’s greatest competitive advantage in the age of digital content  * how artificial intelligence is reshaping both member value and competitive risk  Neal offers a candid look at the cultural, structural and financial shifts required to modernize an association—providing a practical roadmap for association leaders who want to move beyond tradition and build organizations that deliver sustained value to both members and the industries they serve.  To follow us on social media, find us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/d2l/?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Egoogle%2Ecom%2F&originalSubdomain=ca] or Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/D2Linc/] @D2L. You can also check out our YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/user/desire2learninc] @Desire2LearnInc for the video version of this podcast and so much more. Please take a moment to rate, review and share the podcast, and reach out with comments and ideas for future episodes. For more content like this, visit D2L.com/Learning-by-Association [https://d2l.com/learning-by-association]. Don't miss our other show, Teach & Learn [https://www.d2l.com/podcasts/teach-and-learn/], a podcast for curious educators. To learn more about how D2L is transforming the way the world learns, visit our website at D2L.com [https://www.d2l.com/].

Using AI to Prove Member Value and Future-Proof Associations

In this episode of Learning by Association, host Bill Sheehan is joined by Dr. Gleb Tsipursky, behavioral scientist, bestselling author and CEO of Disaster Avoidance Experts [https://disasteravoidanceexperts.com/], to explore why artificial intelligence is no longer a “nice to have” for associations but a strategic necessity.  Together, Bill and Gleb unpack how AI can help associations address some of their most pressing challenges, including declining membership, rising costs and growing expectations for personalized learning and engagement. Gleb shares a practical framework for AI adoption that starts with efficiency, builds staff confidence and ultimately unlocks new value for members through smarter services, learning experiences and revenue opportunities.  The conversation also dives into the psychology behind AI resistance, why leadership modeling matters and how associations can move past fear and hesitation by starting small with pilots, governance and transparent tools. Drawing on real-world examples, including innovative work with the American Society for Nondestructive Testing, Gleb illustrates how associations can position themselves as trusted guides for members navigating an AI-driven future.  Key topics discussed in this episode include:  * why AI adoption is accelerating faster than past disruptions  * how associations can use AI to improve efficiency before redesigning workflows  * overcoming staff and board resistance by demystifying AI tools  * the role of chatbots, learning personalization and member data in driving value  * how associations can lead their professions through AI upskilling and thought leadership To follow us on social media, find us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/d2l/?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Egoogle%2Ecom%2F&originalSubdomain=ca] or Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/D2Linc/] @D2L. You can also check out our YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/user/desire2learninc] @Desire2LearnInc for the video version of this podcast and so much more. Please take a moment to rate, review and share the podcast, and reach out with comments and ideas for future episodes. For more content like this, visit D2L.com/Learning-by-Association [https://d2l.com/learning-by-association]. Don't miss our other show, Teach & Learn [https://www.d2l.com/podcasts/teach-and-learn/], a podcast for curious educators. To learn more about how D2L is transforming the way the world learns, visit our website at D2L.com [https://www.d2l.com/].

From Content to Connection: Rethinking Member Engagement

In this episode of Learning by Association, host Bill Sheehan welcomes Jackson Boyar, CEO and co-founder of RallyBoard [https://www.rallyboard.com/], for a wide-ranging conversation on one of the most pressing challenges facing associations today: Meaningful member engagement in an attention economy. Drawing on his background as the founder of Mentor Collective and his work with associations across industries, Jackson shares why connection is becoming the defining value proposition for associations, particularly for millennials and Gen Z professionals. Together, Bill and Jackson explore how cohort-based programs, peer learning and mentorship can help associations move beyond transactional engagement toward deeper, more authentic member experiences. The discussion also examines how associations can leverage their unique social capital to differentiate themselves from big tech platforms, create year-round value beyond the annual meeting and rethink engagement, learning and community as strategic drivers of relevance and growth . Key topics covered in this episode include: * Why traditional engagement metrics fall short and what real engagement looks like * The role of cohort-based learning and peer connection in attracting younger members * How associations can design intentional member experiences that foster trust and loyalty * The intersection of learning, mentorship and community as a competitive advantage * Opportunities to scale connection while supporting staff capacity and sustainability To follow us on social media, find us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/d2l/?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Egoogle%2Ecom%2F&originalSubdomain=ca] or Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/D2Linc/] @D2L. You can also check out our YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/user/desire2learninc] @Desire2LearnInc for the video version of this podcast and so much more. Please take a moment to rate, review and share the podcast, and reach out with comments and ideas for future episodes. For more content like this, visit D2L.com/Learning-by-Association [https://d2l.com/learning-by-association]. Don't miss our other show, Teach & Learn [https://www.d2l.com/podcasts/teach-and-learn/], a podcast for curious educators. To learn more about how D2L is transforming the way the world learns, visit our website at D2L.com [https://www.d2l.com/].

How Associations Can Use Microcredentials to Elevate Learning and Value

In this episode of Learning by Association, Bill Sheehan sits down with Letty Kluttz, Senior Vice President of Education, Membership and Programs at the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), to explore the growing trend of microcredentialing in associations. Letty shares APIC’s journey in launching microcredentials, why they matter and how they complement existing certifications. The conversation covers practical steps for getting started, lessons learned and strategies for ensuring these offerings deliver value to members and the industry.  Key Themes discussed in this episode include:  * what microcredentials mean for associations and how APIC defines them * why microcredentials are gaining traction in healthcare and beyond  * steps to launch a successful microcredential program  * avoiding confusion with certifications with clear guardrails  * leveraging partnerships, SMEs and existing content  * marketing, pricing and demonstrating value to members  * how microcredentials can attract new audiences and younger professionals  * continuous improvement and the importance of content strategy  To follow us on social media, find us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/d2l/?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Egoogle%2Ecom%2F&originalSubdomain=ca] or Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/D2Linc/] @D2L. You can also check out our YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/user/desire2learninc] @Desire2LearnInc for the video version of this podcast and so much more. Please take a moment to rate, review and share the podcast, and reach out with comments and ideas for future episodes. For more content like this, visit D2L.com/Learning-by-Association [https://d2l.com/learning-by-association]. Don't miss our other show, Teach & Learn [https://www.d2l.com/podcasts/teach-and-learn/], a podcast for curious educators. To learn more about how D2L is transforming the way the world learns, visit our website at D2L.com [https://www.d2l.com/].