Climbing the Association Ladder

As young professionals in the association world, many of us dream of one day reaching the C-suite. But what does it really take to get there? ASAE’s Young Professionals Advisory Committee member John Losh recently had the opportunity to chat with Chantal Almonord, chief information and engagement officer at ISPOR—The Professional Society for Health Economics and Outcomes Research, about her journey to association leadership. Her insights offer a road map for ambitious up-and-comers looking to make their mark.

Building Your Career House, One Room at a Time

Almonord used a brilliant metaphor that stuck with me—she compared building an association career to constructing a house. The foundation in this case is your expertise knowledge in your vertical (let’s say it’s IT), but there is more to a great house.

As she put it: “To be in a CIO position doesn’t mean just knowing IT. You’ve got to have a little bit of understanding of accounting. You’ve got to balance your budget. You’ve got to have a little bit of understanding of membership models and how that works and governance and how that works—a little bit of everything across the board.”
These are the electrical, plumbing, and the HVAC of the house.

In other words, don’t get tunnel vision in your current role. Look for opportunities to expand your knowledge across different association functions. That well-rounded perspective is what organizations are looking for.

The Importance of Lifelong Learning

Almonord underscores that professional development extends far beyond classroom education. While formal training and certifications are valuable, the ability to learn on the job and adapt to organizational culture is equally important. She highlights two essential components of growth:

• On-the-job learning. Embracing roles that provide exposure to various operational areas, such as membership, IT, and accounting, helped Almonord understand the inner workings of associations.
• Continuous improvement. She stresses the importance of revisiting foundational skills, such as project management, to refine leadership capabilities.

Find Your Micro-Mentors

One of Almonord’s most intriguing ideas was the concept of “micro-mentors.” She explained: “I never had a formal mentor. I longed for it … and I know now ASAE has a great mentoring program (in which I do mentor). Although, it doesn’t have to be through ASAE, it could be through any other means, but it’s important to find a way.”

Instead of waiting for the perfect long-term mentor, Almonord sought out brief but meaningful conversations with leaders she admired. She made it a point to walk away from each interaction with at least one key takeaway.

This micro-mentoring approach is something we can all implement, whether at conferences, networking events, or even on LinkedIn. Don’t be afraid to reach out and request a quick chat with someone whose career you admire.

Put Yourself Out There

Perhaps Almonord’s most emphatic advice was to make yourself seen in the association world. Write articles, speak on panels, volunteer for committees.

As she noted: “I’ve met people who are like, ‘I’ve seen your name, and we’ve never got a chance to meet.’ That carries you and propels you forward as well.”

Building your personal brand isn’t just self-promotion—it’s about contributing your unique knowledge and perspective to the wider association community. The more you put yourself out there, the more opportunities will come your way.

Closing Thoughts

Almonord’s career journey is a testament to the power of professional development in achieving leadership success. Her advice to aspiring leaders includes:

• Be proactive in your growth. Seek opportunities to learn and contribute, even if they aren’t readily provided by your organization.
• Expand your knowledge base. Explore areas beyond your expertise to gain a holistic understanding of association management.
• Prioritize visibility. Build your personal brand and establish yourself as a thought leader.
• Embrace the journey. Growth is an ongoing process that requires persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to take risks.

She emphasizes the value of collaboration, both internally and externally, in building a successful career and encourages aspiring leaders to leverage their networks, embrace lifelong learning, and focus on foundational improvements within their organizations.

The path to association leadership isn’t always straightforward. But by expanding your skill set, finding mentors (micro or otherwise), putting yourself out there, and harnessing the power of data, you’ll be well on your way to the C-suite. As Almonord’s journey shows, with persistence and the right mindset, that corner office could be in your future.