Association CEO Index 2024 - Flipbook - Page 5
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Association CEO Index 2024
Welcome
The inaugural Association CEO Index is more than
just a self-assessment tool – it’s a reflection of the
journey and experience of the dedicated leaders of
Australia and New Zealand’s associations.
Commissioned by Bespoken Agency and proudly
supported by AuSAE, this research captures the
realities, challenges, and rewards of leadership in a
sector that is both demanding and deeply
meaningful.
As the CEO of AuSAE, I am proud to endorse this
initiative because it aligns with our commitment to
empower association professionals through
knowledge, advocacy, and tailored support.
At its core, this research is about understanding the
people behind the titles – the leaders who dedicate
themselves to advancing industries, professions and
communities. In an environment where demands are
constantly shifting, it’s essential that association
CEOs have a way to reflect and assess their capacity
to continue making an impact.
These insights are not just valuable – they are
essential. They allow us to respond to the evolving
needs of our members with greater precision. Armed
with this knowledge, AuSAE can shape future
professional development initiatives and advocacy
efforts that truly reflect the lived experiences of the
leaders we serve. When we understand what drives
these executives – and what holds them back – we
can better support them in achieving their goals.
A key finding from the Index is that 89% of
association CEOs report satisfaction with their roles,
with nearly half saying they feel extremely satisfied.
This is a powerful affirmation of the alignment many
leaders find between their personal values and
professional responsibilities. It’s a reminder that
association leadership is not just a career – it’s a
calling to make a meaningful difference in the world.
But the road is not without its challenges.
Economic pressures, talent shortages, and
difficulties attracting new leaders to the sector
highlight the complexities of leadership today. CEOs
expressed concern over the visibility of the sector
and the limitations of salary structures that make it
harder to recruit emerging talent. These insights
serve as both a reality check and a call to action,
providing us with a clear roadmap to build a
sustainable, thriving association sector for
the future.
This Index is more than just data – it’s a conversation
starter. It’s an invitation to reflect, recalibrate, and
refocus on what matters most: creating an
environment where leaders can thrive and
associations can grow. Together, with these insights
in hand, we will continue to elevate and advocate for
the sector and the incredible people who power it.
Toni Brearley
CEO at Australasian Society of
Association Executives
