In this episode, Olena sits down with Stuart Lamont, CEO of the Caravan Industry Association of Australia, to uncover the secrets behind building powerful advocacy and consumer campaigns that drive value for the entire industry. Whether it's holding direct conversations with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers, garnering personal support for his campaign from Scott Morrison, or inviting John Howard to speak at his conferences, Stuart seems unstoppable.

His approach reflects a unique mindset: “The answer is always ‘yes’ until it’s ‘no’.” This relentless optimism fuels initiatives like the wildly successful “Road to a Million” campaign on Channel 7, incentivising Australians to explore the outdoors.

Stuart’s approach is refreshingly straightforward: “Give policymakers a reason to fund you. Don’t chase money; chase solutions that make an impact.”

From actionable advice on building authentic relationships with the government to unique member-value strategies, Stuart offers a practical roadmap for association leaders eager to elevate their influence.

This episode is packed with inspiration for those looking to amplify their advocacy, provide real member value, and make a lasting impact on their industry at a national scale.

And if you'd like to hear from Michelle Weston, CEO of the Caravan Parks Association of Queensland on how state associations put consumer-centric strategy into life, listen to our episode #29.

In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, Olena sits down with Paul Zahra, outgoing CEO of the Australian Retailers Association (ARA). Known for his transformative leadership, Paul reflects on his five-year tenure, where he helped the ARA navigate a turbulent era marked by the COVID pandemic, economic shifts, and changing consumer behavior. He shares insights on the power of community in associations, the importance of understanding diverse member needs, and how tailored resources can drive engagement and value. Paul also offers valuable advice for association leaders on the keys to resilience and strategic growth in a fast-changing landscape.

As Paul moves on to new opportunities, he provides a glimpse into the ARA’s future as it transitions into the Australian Retail Council, a consolidation aimed at enhancing the industry's voice and impact.

Whether you're an association leader or a retail industry professional, Paul's insights on handling change, embracing challenges, and delivering member value make this a must-listen episode.

In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, Olena chats with Rob Di Leva, Chief Operating Officer at Speech Pathology Australia, to explore the positives and challenges of exponential growth within associations.

Over the past decade, Speech Pathology Australia has doubled its membership, and Rob takes us behind the scenes to discuss the necessary changes driven by the recent remarkable expansion. He'll cover everything from adapting to external factors like the NDIS and increasing public awareness to enhancing internal strategies in advocacy, professional development, and strategic marketing.

While growth is often celebrated, it also brings its fair share of challenges. Rob opens up about the operational pressures that come with rapid scaling, how to manage resources effectively, and the pivotal role technology plays in supporting organisational change.

He also shares his experience balancing forward-thinking leadership with the practicalities of day-to-day management, offering advice on when to take bold steps and when to focus on preparation and risk management.

Rob also emphasises the importance of remaining true to your organisation’s core purpose, even when opportunities for expansion arise.

This episode is packed with actionable advice and thoughtful perspectives for association leaders at any stage of their growth journey. Don’t miss out – listen in, subscribe, and share it with your colleagues!