Leadership Archives

Postcards from the Associations World Congress 2026

25th June 2026

Organised by the Association of Association Executives, the Associations World Congress took place in Portugal this year, for three days of debate and discussions.

A New Challenge for Boards: Governing Through Uncertainty

22nd June 2026

Professors Andrew and Nada Kakabadse of Henley Business School consider the challenges posed by uncertainty now facing boards across the world, and the behavioural characteristics being displayed by organisations that are adapting most successfully.

Pride in Plain Sight: Why Visible Support Still Matters

15th June 2026

As Pride is celebrated around the world, Dr Ole Petter Anfinsen, Special Contributor to Boardroom Magazine, offers a powerful statement on belonging, safety, and solidarity.

What Associations Can Learn From Web Summit Vancouver

8th June 2026

At Web Summit Vancouver in May 2026, three themes surfaced that carry direct implications for every association leader: community, authenticity, and trust.

Decision Rights: The Hidden Design of Good Governance

21st May 2026

When everyone owns it, no one makes decisions - and the association pays the price.

Boardroom’s China Association Series – The New Strategic Logic for Trade Associations in China

12th May 2026

Boardroom goes to China! This is the first article of a 4-piece series titled 'Operational Longevity: The Executive Playbook for International Associations in China' in partnership with Kellen China.

The Next-Generation Values of European Trade Associations

30th April 2026

Maria Teresa Scardigli, Managing Director, Kellen Europe, analyses the changing role of European trade associations and identifies the strategic shifts required to move from representation to impact, intelligence and delivery.

Before You Speak, Listen: Mastering the Digital Conversation in EU Advocacy

28th April 2026

Lorenzo Marchese, Strategy Director, The Right Street draws on his experience in EU policy communications to explore how structured listening can give associations a decisive edge.

Disagreeing Without Division: What the Best Boards Get Right

27th April 2026

Professors Andrew Kakabadse and Nada Kakabadse of Henley Business School, UK, explore the leadership myth that harmony means agreement. In reality, it’s how directors handle disagreement, not avoid it, that determines their performance.

How Congrex Switzerland Helped Associations Confront the AI Question

18th March 2026

A report on an inspiring initiative that saw association leaders attend the health.tech | Global Summit in Basel at the invitation of Congrex Switzerland.

Boardroom Emotions Matter More Than You Might Think

18th March 2026

Professors Andrew Kakabadse and Nada Kakabadse of Henley Business School, UK, argue that governance is not as emotionally neutral as you might assume, and directors’ feelings can ultimately impact long-term effectiveness.

High Performance Secretariats: Mobilising Your Human Resources

23rd February 2026

Mark Dober, Managing Partner at Dober Partners, examines how associations can unlock performance by investing in leadership and people.

The Resilience Shift: How Associations Can Help Industries Prepare for a Changing Climate

12th January 2026

The questions are now "how do we cut carbon?” and "how do we prepare for the climate that's already here?" For associations, this represents an opportunity to help members do both.

Top Trends to Watch for Associations in 2026

5th January 2026

Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA, argues that the year ahead will reward associations ready to adapt, collaborate, and reaffirm their purpose in a rapidly changing world.

The Purpose-Driven Future: Leading Associations in an Era of Unprecedented Change

17th December 2025

For IAPCO, Dr. Ahmed El Shal explores the new playbook of association management.

Brisbane Enters a New Confident Chapter

15th December 2025

As Brisbane steps into a decade set to reshape its global profile both in business events and beyond, the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) marks its 30th year with a renewed purpose.