Lights, Cameras, Action… My Reflections from ASAE 2025
As a CEO, I spend much of my time at surveying events, leading discussions and championing our profession. But every three years, I take time out for me. As a Certified Association Executive (CAE), I commit to ongoing professional development, and the ASAE Meeting & Expo is my opportunity to step back, recharge, and challenge my own leadership thinking.
This year’s theme — Imagine the Possibilities — was both inspiring and grounding. ASAE CEO, Michelle Mason, reminded me that association leaders aren’t just running organisations: "we are visionaries shaping the future of our communities".
On Leadership: Lessons from the Stage
Hearing Gary Shapiro and Magic Johnson was a masterclass in leadership.
Gary Shapiro challenged us to think 10 years ahead, not just about next quarter. His mantra — “Pivot or Die” — cut to the heart of what Boards (and CEOs!) must embrace: decisive change when the environment demands it. He also reminded us that advocacy isn’t about pushing an agenda, but about empathy — seeing the world through the eyes of policymakers and members.
Magic Johnson brought energy and authenticity. His message: leaders find a way to win. No excuses, no shortcuts — just clarity of strategy, belief in your team, and a relentless focus on excellence. What struck me most was his balance: a demanding CEO and an understanding CEO. He pushes hard but stays flexible, always focused on the outcome, not the ego.
These insights hit home for me — leadership is about setting bold standards while making space for empathy and adaptability.
On Associations: Our Unique Role
One phrase stayed with me: “When associations lead, the world follows.”
This resonated deeply. Associations aren’t passive observers of change — we are often the ones building frameworks, shaping industries, and convening communities with purpose. Whether in surveying or any other sector, our impact is amplified when we lead with vision and courage.
On Wellbeing and the Future of Work
It was refreshing to hear Susan Cain (hosted by Aussie Holly Ransom) remind us that productivity isn’t just about managing time — it’s about managing energy. Charisma may be overrated, but listening? Listening is the superpower.
Equally thought-provoking were the sessions on universal basic income and the four-day work week. These ideas challenge the way we think about work, wellbeing, and creativity. The future of associations will be built not just on trust, but on how we respond to these evolving expectations of the workforce.
Why This Matters for Me (and for Us)
Attending ASAE isn’t just about ticking the box on my CAE requirements. It’s about investing in my growth as a leader, so that I can bring fresh energy, insights, and foresight back to our sector.
Every keynote, panel, and conversation pushed me to think differently. To imagine the possibilities. To balance high standards with empathy. And to keep asking the hard question: what must we change now to win in the future?
Final Reflection
As leaders, we often focus on developing others — our teams, our members, our industries. But we must also invest in developing ourselves. For me, ASAE is that space. It is where I step back, listen, learn, and reconnect with why I lead.
And after this year in Los Angeles, I return energised, reminded that leadership is about courage, empathy, and vision.
Or as Magic Johnson would say — finding a way to win.