The Leadership Wellbeing Series Podcast

Redefining Resilience in Association Leadership

In the season finale of the Leadership Wellbeing Series, hosts Aaron Wolowiec, FASAE, CAE, CMP Fellow, and Tara Puckey, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CMP, are joined by Vy Le, Director of Professional Development and Member Engagement at the Australasian College of Dermatologists, for a conversation about resilience, self-awareness, and sustainable leadership practices. Vy shares how she defines resilience not as simply enduring stress or pushing through challenges, but as maintaining consistency, calm, and awareness in the midst of uncertainty. The discussion explores practical habits that support personal wellbeing, including intentional breathing, getting outside for sunlight, and free writing to process thoughts and emotions. They also examine how organizational culture influences resilience, from modeling healthy behaviors as leaders to focusing on outcomes rather than hours worked. Throughout the conversation, Vy reflects on the importance of vulnerability, values alignment, trust-building across hybrid and remote teams, recognizing signs of depletion, and cultivating a personal “board of directors” support network outside the workplace. The Leadership Wellbeing Series is produced by Association Briefings [https://associationbriefings.com/].

Leading Without Isolation: Why Peer Connection Matters

In this episode of the Leadership Wellbeing Series, hosts Aaron Wolowiec, FASAE, CAE, CMP Fellow, and Tara Puckey, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CMP, sit down with Lindsay Currie, CAE, executive officer at the Council on Undergraduate Research, for a conversation about the often-overlooked loneliness of leadership and the importance of meaningful peer connection. Lindsay shares why leadership roles can feel isolating, from the pressure to always have answers to the hesitation many leaders feel around vulnerability and risk. She also reflects on the challenge of finding support from people outside the profession who may not fully understand the realities of association leadership. The conversation explores the unique value of peer networks compared to coaching or therapy, highlighting how peers offer not only emotional understanding, but also practical insight, shared experiences, and real-world resources. Lindsay also discusses how leaders can intentionally build support systems through curiosity, reciprocity, and small moments of connection, while modeling wellbeing and openness within their own organizations. At its core, the episode is a reminder that leadership does not have to be a solitary experience—and that meaningful connection often starts with simply reaching out. This episode is sponsored by Vista Cova [https://vistacova.com/]. The Leadership Wellbeing Series is produced by Association Briefings [https://associationbriefings.com/].

When Leadership Gets Personal: Navigating Crisis and Community

In this episode of the Leadership Wellbeing Series, hosts Aaron Wolowiec, FASAE, CAE, CMP Fellow, and Tara Puckey, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CMP, are joined by Kelli Baxter, MS, founder and managing partner at KG1 Consulting Group; Maria Huntley, CAE, MAM, CEO of the Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians; and Celia Chomón Zamora, PhD, CAE, executive director of the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy, for a conversation about leading during times of political and cultural upheaval. The guests share how moments of crisis can feel both professional and deeply personal, particularly for leaders from historically marginalized communities, and reflect on the emotional labor required to support teams while navigating ongoing strain. They also discuss the tension many organizations face between neutrality and silence, noting how decisions about communication, language, and values can shape how leaders and institutions show up for their communities. Throughout the discussion, they explore practical leadership responses, including grounding decisions in mission and values, prioritizing listening and internal communication, and creating space for staff to process challenging moments. The conversation concludes with reflections on integrity, courage, and the importance of modeling humanity while leading organizations through complex times.   The Leadership Wellbeing Series is produced by Association Briefings [https://associationbriefings.com/].

Beyond Balance: A Leader’s Approach to Work–Life Integration

In this episode of the Leadership Wellbeing Series, hosts Aaron Wolowiec, FASAE, CAE, CMP Fellow, and Tara Puckey, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CMP, are joined by Donte Shannon, FASAE, CAE, CEO of the Industrial Designers Society of America, to explore the shift from the traditional idea of work–life balance to a more realistic model of work–life integration. Donte shares how embracing integration helped him move beyond the guilt of addressing personal needs during work hours, tracing that mindset to rigid workplace norms and time-based measures of commitment. The conversation examines how leaders can focus on outcomes over hours, manage energy rather than just time, and normalize stepping away when needed, including taking mental health days. Donte also discusses practical culture strategies he uses to support wellbeing, such as pacing major initiatives across the year, closing the office on holidays, offering summer hours, and celebrating wins to reinforce healthy productivity. The episode concludes with a candid reminder that sustainable integration begins when leaders stop prioritizing external judgment and instead design work patterns that support both wellbeing and high performance. This episode is sponsored by Matrix Group International [https://www.matrixgroup.net/]. The Leadership Wellbeing Series is produced by Association Briefings [https://associationbriefings.com/].

When Fresh Starts Feel Heavy: Mental Health and Leadership

In this episode of the Leadership Wellbeing Series, hosts Aaron Wolowiec, FASAE, CAE, CMP Fellow, and Tara Puckey, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CMP, are joined by Danielle Baron, MA, MBA, FASAE, CAE, Vice President of Marketing, Communications, and Industry Relations at the School Nutrition Association, for an honest conversation about mental health and leadership. Danielle reflects on how moments like January—often framed as times for fresh starts—can carry added emotional weight, and she shares personal insights from her own mental health journey. The discussion explores the importance of vulnerability in leadership, how to model healthier norms without oversharing, and why intentional language matters in creating psychologically safe workplaces. Throughout the episode, the conversation emphasizes breaking stigma, building trust, and fostering supportive team environments. Danielle also discusses balancing professional responsibilities with personal well-being, the value of strong support networks, and practical ways leaders at all levels can cultivate a culture that prioritizes mental health and wellbeing.   The Leadership Wellbeing Series is produced by Association Briefings [https://associationbriefings.com/].