Exit Interview: Nathan Graham

Exit Interview: Nathan Graham

After 4 years, 37 episodes, and more edits than he'd like to admit, it's time to say goodbye to the mastermind behind This Is IOM —Nathan Graham. Before he hands over the mic and moves on to a new role at the U.S. Chamber, IOM Staff member and new host Cici puts him in the hot seat for one final exit interview. In this episode, we're reflecting, reviewing, and laughing our way through it all — from the origin story of the podcast and the vision behind it, to behind-the-scenes staff moments, the infamous lost episode, and what Nathan is most proud of from his time at IOM. We also get into his work on the curriculum refresh, his favorite guests, lessons learned the hard way, and what's next — including his new role as IOM faculty teaching C360 Culture of Innovation. Buddy, you've been the heart of IOM for four years. Cheers to you, Nathan — and all the best today and for a better tomorrow. Host: Cici Francisco, IOM, CDP Guest: Nathan D. Graham, IOM If you like what you heard and want to get some more, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get them. Also, come to Institute and meet more chamber/association/ nonprofit professionals.  You can find more information about Institute at our website: Institute for Organization Management – A Program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce ( [https://institute.uschamber.com/]uschamber.com [http://uschamber.com]) [https://institute.uschamber.com/] If you have any questions, please email us at iom@uschamber.com [iom@uschamber.com]. Institute Socials Facebook: Institute for Organization Management - Home | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/IOMeducates/] Instagram: Institute for Organization Management (IOM) (@iomeducates) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/iomeducates/] LinkedIn: Institute for Organization Management | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/institute-for-organization-management/]

2026 Winter Institute Recap with Kathi, T.J., & Tia

The conversation delves into the Winter Institute experiences of the attendees and Board of Regents' chair, highlighting the impact of the Institute curriculum, memorable experiences, building connections, and the role of the chair at the Winter Institute site. Guests Kathi Roetter, IOM T.J. Holmes, IOM Tia Stone, IOM If you like what you heard and want to get some more, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get them. Also, come to Institute and meet more chamber/association/ nonprofit professionals.  You can find more information about Institute at our website: Institute for Organization Management – A Program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce ( [https://institute.uschamber.com/]uschamber.com [http://uschamber.com]) [https://institute.uschamber.com/] If you have any questions, please email us at iom@uschamber.com [iom@uschamber.com]. Socials: Facebook: Institute for Organization Management - Home | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/IOMeducates/] Instagram: Institute for Organization Management (IOM) (@iomeducates) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/iomeducates/] LinkedIn: Institute for Organization Management | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/institute-for-organization-management/]

From Us to You: The Institute Holiday Spectacular 2025

Ho ho hold onto your hats! "Father Quizmas" (aka Nathan Graham, IOM) has arrived to pit the Institute team against one another in the ultimate holiday trivia showdown. Join Senior Director Karyn MacRae, IOM, CAE, CMP, Senior Manager Cici Francisco, IOM, CDP, and the newest team member Sam Kolb as they face off in a competition of the mind. From obscure Institute curriculum codes and volunteer organizations to Taylor Swift trivia and streaming service parent companies: no topic is safe. Will the team crumble under the pressure, or will they prove they know the program inside and out? Tune in for the laughs, the friendly rivalry, and to find out who takes home the title of Holiday Champion! If you like what you heard and want to get some more, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get them. Also, come to Institute and meet more chamber/association/ nonprofit professionals.  You can find more information about Institute at our website: Institute for Organization Management – A Program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (uschamber.com) [https://institute.uschamber.com/] If you have any questions, please email us at iom@uschamber.com. Socials: Facebook: Institute for Organization Management - Home | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/IOMeducates/] Instagram: Institute for Organization Management (IOM) (@iomeducates) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/iomeducates/] LinkedIn: Institute for Organization Management | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/institute-for-organization-management/] Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2161471/open_sms]

AI, Ethics, & The Trust Gap with Jim Johnson

As Chambers of Commerce and Trade Associations race to adopt new Artificial Intelligence tools, they face a critical question: How do we balance efficiency with the public trust we’ve spent decades building? In this episode, Nathan sits down with Jim Johnson, IOM, CCE, President & CEO of the Pearland Chamber of Commerce and Institute faculty member on technology and ethics. Just in time for Thanksgiving, they discuss how to be thankful for the speed of AI while remaining vigilant about the "hallucinations" and ethical pitfalls that come with it. You’ll learn: The Trust Factor: Why relying on AI for unverified information can dismantle an organization's credibility. Practical Use Cases: How the Pearland Chamber uses tools like Google AI Studio for voicemail updates and NotebookLM to summarize 5-hour City Council meetings. Policy Drift: The danger of letting AI override established organizational policies (and how to handle AI bots invading your Zoom meetings). The "Validation Loop": Why we love that AI agrees with our bad ideas, and how to push past it. Next Gen Ethics: Navigating deepfakes and AI integrity with your team and your family. If you like what you heard and want to get some more, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get them. Also, come to Institute and meet more chamber/association/ nonprofit professionals.  You can find more information about Institute at our website: Institute for Organization Management – A Program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (uschamber.com) [https://institute.uschamber.com/] If you have any questions, please email us at iom@uschamber.com. Socials: Facebook: Institute for Organization Management - Home | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/IOMeducates/] Instagram: Institute for Organization Management (IOM) (@iomeducates) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/iomeducates/] LinkedIn: Institute for Organization Management | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/institute-for-organization-management/] Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2161471/open_sms]

The Governance Navigation System with Kelle Marsalis & Joseph Jones

In this episode, we delve into the crucial topic of non-profit governance, leadership, and the art of sustaining your mission. We explore the delicate balance a board must strike between strategic oversight and operational management, discussing effective practices for cultivating a high-performing board that truly drives the organization forward. Our guests, experienced leaders Joseph Jones, IOM and Kelle Marsalis, IOM, CCE, share their insightful perspectives from both the staff and board-member chairs, drawing on years of experience in the non-profit sector. We discuss: * The Critical Role of the Board: How to balance providing strategic direction without overstepping into the day-to-day management of the staff. * Measuring True Success: Moving beyond the budget to identify effective KPIs and metrics that truly gauge an organization's health and progress toward long-term goals. * Recruitment for Diversity of Thought: Strategies for actively seeking and integrating a wide array of perspectives to future-proof the board and avoid a "popularity contest." * The CEO-Board Chair Partnership: Why open communication and mutual respect are non-negotiable for a healthy and productive organization. * The Governance Challenge on the Horizon: Addressing issues like turnover, complacency, and generational shifts in leadership and membership. This episode is essential listening for anyone involved in the leadership and management of non-profits, associations, and chambers seeking to build agile and effective governance structures that uphold their core values. If you like what you heard and want to get some more, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get them. Also, come to Institute and meet more chamber/association/ nonprofit professionals.  You can find more information about Institute at our website: Institute for Organization Management – A Program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (uschamber.com) [https://institute.uschamber.com/] If you have any questions, please email us at iom@uschamber.com. Socials: Facebook: Institute for Organization Management - Home | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/IOMeducates/] Instagram: Institute for Organization Management (IOM) (@iomeducates) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/iomeducates/] LinkedIn: Institute for Organization Management | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/institute-for-organization-management/] Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2161471/open_sms]