Association Executive Masterclass - Series One

Real-World Case Studies to Strengthen Leadership, Strategy and Performance in Member-Based Organisations

What you'll learn

Diagnose and resolve common operational, cultural and governance challenges facing associations using real-world case frameworks

Develop strategic approaches to membership growth, stakeholder engagement and financial sustainability based on proven interventions

Apply prioritisation and innovation tools to maximise member value, improve internal alignment and drive non-dues revenue

Strengthen board, staff and volunteer leadership dynamics to build a collaborative and high-performing organisational culture

Requirements

Association experience would be beneficial

Description

Association Executive Masterclass Series One is a practical, case study–based course designed to equip association leaders with the insight, tools and strategic thinking needed to tackle the sector’s most pressing challenges.Delivered through sixteen real-world case studies drawn from the field, this course unpacks critical issues facing professional and membership-based organisations from declining membership, disengaged boards and fractured culture, to advocacy misalignment, financial strategy and stalled innovation.Each case study follows a consistent, practical format:The Challenge – What went wrong and why it matteredThe Diagnosis – How the issue was uncovered and understoodThe Solution – What actions were taken and why they workedThe Results – Measurable impacts and improvementsKey Takeaways – Strategic insights you can applyWhether you’re leading a national association, managing a professional society, or supporting member-driven organisations, this course offers an unfiltered look at real scenarios and the leadership required to move from problem to progress.You’ll learn how to:Prioritise innovation when funding is tightRepair broken cultures without sacrificing performanceAlign board, staff and volunteer leadershipBuild data-driven decision-making into your operationsDesign equity strategies that balance risk with growthCommunicate strategy and value in a way members understandThis is not a theoretical course. It’s a leadership toolkit grounded in experience, credibility, and action.

Overview

Section 1: Introduction

Lecture 1 Introduction

Section 2: Case Study Two - Farming Professionals Association

Lecture 2 Background

Lecture 3 Solutions

Lecture 4 Results, Impact and Lessons Learned

Section 3: Case Study Three - Cyber Attack on an Association

Lecture 5 Background

Lecture 6 Solutions

Lecture 7 Results, Impact and Lessons Learned

Section 4: Case Study Four - $10M Digital Disaster

Lecture 8 Background

Lecture 9 Solutions

Lecture 10 Results, Impact and Lessons Learned

Section 5: Case Study Five - Membership Decline

Lecture 11 Background

Lecture 12 Solutions

Lecture 13 Results, Impact and Lessons Learned

Section 6: Case Study Six - AI for Associations

Lecture 14 Background

Lecture 15 Solutions

Lecture 16 Results, Impact and Lessons Learned

Section 7: Case Study Seven - Turning Around Toxic Culture

Lecture 17 Background

Lecture 18 Solutions

Lecture 19 Results, Impact and Lessons Learned

Section 8: Case Study Eight - Driving $500K in Revenue Growth

Lecture 20 Background

Lecture 21 Solutions

Lecture 22 Results, Impact and Lessons Learned

Section 9: Case Study Nine - Executives Too Busy to Innovate

Lecture 23 Backgound

Lecture 24 Solutions

Lecture 25 Results, Impact and Lessons Learned

Section 10: Case Study Ten - Baking the Perfect Member Experience

Lecture 26 Background

Lecture 27 Solutions

Lecture 28 Results, Impact and Lessons Learned

Section 11: Case Study Eleven - When to Charge

Lecture 29 Background

Lecture 30 Solutions

Lecture 31 Results, Impact and Lessons Learned

Section 12: Case Study Twelve - Advocacy on a Budget

Lecture 32 Background

Lecture 33 Solutions

Lecture 34 Results, Impact and Lessons Learned

Section 13: Case Study Thirteen - Turning Member Data in to Strategy

Lecture 35 Background

Lecture 36 Solutions

Lecture 37 Results, Impact and Lessons Learned

Section 14: Case Study Fourteen - Great Ideas but No Budget

Lecture 38 Background

Lecture 39 Solutions

Lecture 40 Results, Impact and Lessons Learned

Section 15: Case Study Fifteen - A Leopard Never Changes Its Spots

Lecture 41 Background

Lecture 42 Solutions

Lecture 43 Results, Impact and Leassons Learned

Section 16: Case Study Sixteen - Strategic Reserves

Lecture 44 Background

Lecture 45 Solutions

Lecture 46 Results, Impact and Leassons Learned

Section 17: Additional Learning - Case Study One - Ocean Breeze Yacht Club

Lecture 47 Background

Lecture 48 Solutions

Lecture 49 Results, Impact and Lessons Learned

Section 18: Conclusion

Lecture 50 Final words

This course is designed for current and aspiring leaders in member-based organisations,Chief Executive Officers and General Managers of associations, colleges, societies and professional bodies,Senior staff and department heads in marketing, membership, policy, education or operations,Board directors and committee chairs seeking to better understand the challenges faced by association executives,Consultants and advisors who work with not-for-profit, peak body and member-based organisations,Emerging leaders preparing for executive roles in the association sector