The Membership IQ with Sarah Sladek

Membership strategy. How much do we really know about it? Membership is not a recognized subject of expertise. There are no degrees, defined requirements, career paths, educational tracks, or training programs. Membership organizations employ millions of people and generate billions in revenue, yet the strategies essential to membership engagement and growth have remained largely unknown, overlooked, guessed, or left to chance. Until now. The Membership IQ is a podcast dedicated to helping association executives and membership professionals adapt to change, create cultures of belonging, engage younger generations, and realize growth. Now you can get smart about what's actually causing membership disengagement and decline and learn the strategies key to success. Tune in to hear Sarah Sladek share research-based quick tips and join the global community of listeners dedicated to raising their Membership IQ! New podcasts added twice a month.

The Membership IQ with Sarah Sladek is a business podcast hosted by Sarah Sladek, with 56 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Sarah Sladek hosts The Membership IQ with Sarah Sladek, a business show with 56 episodes published.

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  Episode #9

  Beyond Stereotypes: Rethinking Generational Trends at Work

  Jul 20, 202520 minS4

  <p>In this thoughtful and engaging episode, Sarah Sladek sits down with Erin Mantz, founder of Gen X Girls Grow Up and VP of Marketing at Zeno Group, to explore the evolving dynamics of generational communication and workplace engagement. Erin shares insights from her recent Fortune interview about Gen Z's communication preferences and challenges stereotypes with her own professional observations.</p><p>The two dive into the rising importance of connection, mental health, and mentorship in today’s workforce. They reflect on how generational differences—especially between Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z—affect leadership, employee satisfaction, and innovation. Erin also i...

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  Episode #8

  Transparency, Trust, and Trying Again

  Jul 16, 202521 minS4

  <p>In this episode of Membership IQ, host Sarah Sladek is joined by Susan Swart, a longtime leader in the nursing association world and founder of a niche association management company in Illinois. Together, they explore the unique challenges and opportunities facing nursing organizations today—from engaging younger generations to fostering transparent, community-driven leadership.</p><p>Susan shares powerful insights on navigating rapid change, encouraging inclusivity across generational divides, and learning through failure. She emphasizes the value of transparency, experimentation, and empowering frontline professionals to shape the future. The conversation highlights a shift away from perfectionism toward purpose-driven collaboration—where list...

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  Episode #7

  Simplify, Communicate, Act: A New Leadership Formula

  Jul 14, 202534 minS4

  <p>In this episode of Membership IQ, Sarah Sladek sits down with Tom Gehring—retired Navy officer, former CEO, and founder of a health leadership academy—to unpack the essentials of strategic leadership in chaotic times. With wit and wisdom, Tom outlines the four major barriers leaders face today: time scarcity, lack of actionable follow-through, excessive non-value-added tasks, and what he calls “the branching problem” of modern complexity.</p><p>From submarine life to managing physicians, Tom shares stories and strategies that highlight the importance of simplifying decisions, mentoring the next generation, and leading with integrity. His practical leadership compass—seven role...

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  Episode #6

  Modernizing Member Models

  May 19, 202524 minS4

  <p>In this episode of Membership IQ, host Sarah Sladek talks with Curtis Nunley, a leader at the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), about navigating and leading through transformational change. Curtis shares insights into ASCE’s recent decision to consolidate its multiple membership grades—combining full, associate, and affiliate categories into one unified level. This change aims to make ASCE more inclusive and reflective of the full spectrum of professionals contributing to civil engineering, including technicians, non-licensed practitioners, and those with varying educational backgrounds.</p><p>Curtis explains the cultural and strategic factors behind the decision, including its potential to e...

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  Episode #5

  The Construction of Culture & Change

  May 5, 202529 minS4

  <p>In this episode of Membership IQ, host Sarah Sladek sits down with Christy Beatty, Vice President of Chapter Services and Member Engagement at the Associated General Contractors (AGC). Christy discusses the pressing challenges facing the construction industry—chiefly workforce shortages and generational shifts—and how AGC is adapting to meet member needs in a rapidly changing environment. She emphasizes the growing importance of workplace culture, onboarding, and retention strategies to attract and keep younger generations like Gen Z. The conversation also explores AGC’s digital transformation and embrace of virtual engagement, the shift from traditional member services to becoming a prob...

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