March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization announced the novel coronavirus is a pandemic. Disrupting the global supply chain and causing the cancelation of events and meetings, the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting associations and their members. Yesterday, at my Visionary Leadership Academy, senior executives representing 17 associations, a global association management firm and I put […]
COVID-19 Response Checklist for Associations Read More »
Leading change is a core competency for today’s successful leader. There was a time when change was episodic; it would come and disrupt and then things would settle down. Then change became continuous with software applications that with each release had new iterations. And now we are experiencing continuous, exponential, overlapping change. Where changes in
There are three qualities that every visionary leader I work with has in common: Operational Excellence Strategic Foresight Calculated Bold Risks Executives who possess these three skills are capable of advancing, progressing, and leading, in a way that is consistent with the needs of their organization’s stakeholders. Watch the video above to learn more about
3 Core Competencies of Visionary Leaders Read More »
 What is the number one thing association CEOs wish their direct reports would do? Through my work with 100+ CEOs, I’ve learned that the answer is the ability to create enterprise-wide results. A team that is able to think beyond their individual silos and go for results that push the entire organization forward is
Creating Enterprise Wide Results Read More »
The senior team is the most critical in any organization. They can be the CEO’s most significant asset or greatest handicap. I’ve created a report that outlines the seven most essential elements and includes a short assessment. If you are a CEO, consider how you may develop your senior team. If you’re a member of the
Developing Your Senior Team Read More »
I’m an advocate for associations and the impact they have on society. I believe every association, by virtue of experience and expertise, is in position to make a positive difference in our world. I think impactful work brings value to the association and society at large. And so, I have made it my business to
IMPACT How Association Leaders Change the World Read More »
Association leaders have the unique opportunity to enrich America and sometimes even the world by harnessing the expertise and experience of their members. I am most interested in those initiatives that not only serve society, but serve the organization, the association itself, the members, and even the members’ customers. Last year I hosted a symposium
The Sweet Spot: Where to Aim Your Biggest Initiatives Read More »
I recently led an event featuring Susan Neely, CEO of the American Council of Life Insurers, and Jay Timmons, CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers. Special appreciation to Jay for hosting at the NAM! Susan, Jay and I explored with 35 CEOs in attendance just how association CEOs change the world. Previously, Susan was
Lessons Learned from Susan Neely’s leadership at ABA Read More »
My wife is an extraordinary performer, singer, and songwriter. You can check out her music here: LauraBaronMusic.com. Living around music, having her in our home and going to her events has made live music a massive part of my life. I’ve learned that live music has the power to bring healing and reconciliation and to cross boundaries
The Power of Shared Value Read More »
I love working with emerging professionals; that’s why I founded the Visionary Leadership Academy (VLA). On March 10, 2020, I’ll be holding a special one-day event designed for the professional development of senior managers and executives below the CEO level. The event will include a panel of VLA graduates who have gone on to become
Visionary Leadership Academy – March 10, 2020 – Early bird discount 20% until Dec. 31 Read More »
