Membership World Podcast

Marcia Philbin on Leadership, Medicine, AI and Building a Global Membership

In this episode of the Membership World Podcast, Gordon Glenister is joined by Marcia Philbin, Chief Executive of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine (FPM), for a fascinating conversation about leadership, professional membership, medical innovation and the future of trusted expertise.

Marcia shares her unusual career journey from research chemist at the Ministry of Defence, where she worked on explosives, rocket propellants and forensics, to becoming a senior leader in the membership sector. She explains how transferable skills, strong leadership and a clear vision helped her move rapidly into chief executive roles.

The discussion explores the role of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine as the professional home for doctors working in pharmaceutical medicine, including those involved in medicines development, clinical trials, medical devices, digital health and AI. Marcia explains how FPM supports members across every stage of their career, from trainees through to fellows, and why the organisation is now reviewing its membership model to better serve students, retirees and international members.

Gordon and Marcia also examine the importance of diversified revenue streams, from membership fees and training to education, conferences, examinations and commercial in-company programmes. With members in thirty-eight countries, international growth is also becoming an increasingly important part of the Faculty’s future.

A major theme of the episode is trust in an AI-driven world. Marcia highlights the opportunities AI brings to medicine, but also the risks around ethics, governance, validation and public safety. Together, they discuss why membership organisations must act as trusted, authoritative spaces where professionals can find verified knowledge, safe community and guidance in a rapidly changing landscape.

A compelling episode on modern leadership, innovation and why membership bodies matter more than ever.

Membership, Advocacy and the Future of Home Care with Jon Stone, Director of Corporate Services, Homecare Association

In this episode of the Membership World Podcast, Gordon Glenister speaks with Jon Stone, Director of Corporate Services at the Home Care Association, about the vital role the organisation plays in supporting home care providers across the UK.

Jon explains how the Home Care Association helps more than 2,000 members with advice, guidance, events, training, regulatory support and specialist expertise. He shares his personal journey into the sector and why quality home care is an issue that affects all of us, both professionally and personally.

The conversation explores the biggest pressures facing home care providers today, including regulation, workforce shortages, low pay, recruitment difficulties and the growing gap between the real cost of delivering care and the rates many local authorities are willing to fund. Jon highlights why caring is a highly skilled profession and why the sector deserves greater recognition and investment.

Gordon and Jon also discuss the challenge of demonstrating membership value in a sector under intense financial pressure. Jon outlines how the Association uses research, cost-of-care reports, Freedom of Information data and regional roadshows to support members, strengthen advocacy and give providers a stronger collective voice.

They also touch on franchise models in home care, the importance of tailored member benefits, and what lies ahead as legislative and structural changes continue to reshape the care landscape.

A thoughtful episode on leadership, belonging, advocacy and the future of home care in the UK.

Tony Ryan - The Design & Technology Association

Gordon Glenister is joined by Tony Ryan, CEO of the Design and Technology Association (DATA), to explore how he has rebuilt and re-energised a membership body by focusing relentlessly on member need and mission.

Ryan shares an unconventional career journey—from leaving school at 16 to becoming a car mechanic, then entering teaching and ultimately leading two London comprehensives as a headteacher. Eight years ago, he moved into the association world to champion the subject that first drew him into education.

Ryan explains the wider context: design and technology (D&T) evolved from “woodwork” into a design-led, problem-solving discipline, yet suffered significant decline in school take-up—from over 430,000 GCSE entries at its peak to around 79,000 today. Against that backdrop, DATA has grown its membership from 8,700 to 26,000 and returned to financial stability.

Key moves included simplifying 31 membership categories into a clearer set, tailoring benefits for primary versus secondary teachers, and shifting recruitment away from “hard sell” towards partnership. He highlights lobbying in Westminster, practical classroom support, and industry collaborations such as Samsung-backed competitions. Looking ahead, DATA aims to scale impact through regional, industry-funded sponsorship that could provide free membership to up to 1,700 schools per region—building towards 50,000–60,000 engaged teachers nationwide.

Member Advocacy and the Importance of Associations Leveraging their Members

In this episode of the Membership World podcast, Gordon Glenister speaks with Caroline Larissey, CEO of the National Hair & Beauty Federation, the UK’s largest organisation representing the hairdressing and beauty sector, with a proud history spanning almost 87 years.

Caroline reflects on the NHBF’s pivotal role during the pandemic, including its place on the Government taskforce, helping salons reopen safely while securing vital support for businesses. She highlights how the sector’s return was about far more than haircuts and treatments – salons are social hubs and a cornerstone of many high streets.

The conversation explores the power of member advocacy, including the NHBF’s Respect Our Sector campaign, encouraging members to engage MPs and champion the industry.

Caroline also discusses the NHBF’s Top 100 Influencer Index, celebrating professional excellence across hair and beauty and amplifying member influence both online and at major industry exhibitions.

“Membership is about making sure every voice is heard, from small brewers to national pub chains.” CEO of The BBPA Emma McClarkin

In this episode, Gordon Glenister is joined by Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA). Emma shares insights into the beer and pub industry, the role pubs play as community hubs, and the importance of strong membership engagement in shaping the sector’s future.

With over 100 members representing 90% of the UK’s beer production and half of the country’s pubs, Emma explains how the BBPA champions its members, influences policy, and supports one of Britain’s most loved industries.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• The scale and influence of the beer and pub sector in the UK economy.
• How the BBPA advocates on behalf of members with government and regulators.
• The challenges facing pubs post-pandemic, including energy costs, staffing, and shifting consumer behaviours.
• Why pubs are more than just businesses — they are vital community anchors.
• Strategies the BBPA uses to keep members engaged and aligned.
• Emma’s perspective on leadership in a membership organisation.

About Emma McClarkin

Emma McClarkin has been CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association since 2019. She leads efforts to ensure the sector thrives despite significant challenges, from policy pressures to cultural shifts. A passionate advocate for pubs as places of community, connection, and tradition, Emma brings both strategic vision and a deep commitment to the people behind the industry.

Episode Highlights

• “We represent 90% of the beer produced in the UK — it’s an enormous responsibility.”
• “Pubs aren’t just businesses; they are the beating heart of the high street.”
• “Membership is about making sure every voice is heard, from small brewers to national pub chains.”

Links & Resources

• Learn more about the British Beer and Pub Association: https://beerandpub.com
• Connect with Emma McClarkin on LinkedIn
• Follow Gordon Glenister for more membership insights

Leading with Purpose: Insights from Robin Osterley, CEO of the Charity Retail Association

In this episode of the Membership World Podcast, Gordon Glenister sits down with Robin Osterley, CEO of the Charity Retail Association, to explore his journey from the commercial world of sales and IT to leading one of the UK’s most recognised membership bodies in the charity retail sector. Robin shares his professional story, lessons from the arts and charity sectors, and insights into the challenges and opportunities facing charity retail today.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Robin’s personal career journey, from sales and IT to music, arts, and ultimately charity retail.
• The mission and role of the Charity Retail Association in supporting over 9,000 charity shops across the UK.
• How charity shops contribute not only financially but also socially and environmentally.
• The challenges the sector has faced — including sustainability, volunteer recruitment, and the impact of COVID-19.
• How membership organisations can remain relevant, support their members, and advocate effectively.
• Robin’s advice on leadership, managing change, and building resilient communities.

Key Quotes:

• “It wasn’t just about selling things — it was about creating impact that mattered.”
• “Charity retail is one of the most visible and trusted faces of the sector on the high street.”

Episode Highlights:

• [00:01:00] Robin’s unconventional career path and move into the charity sector.
• [00:08:00] The role of charity shops in communities and in the circular economy.
• [00:15:00] Post-pandemic challenges and opportunities in charity retail.
• [00:25:00] Leadership insights from running a membership association.
• [00:35:00] Advice for future leaders in the charity and membership world.

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about the Charity Retail Association
• Connect with Robin Osterley on LinkedIn
• Explore more episodes of the Membership World Podcast

 

Key strategies for marketing and growing international membership organisation with Stephen Weiss Director of International Coaching Federation

In this episode, Gordon Glenister speaks with Stephen (Steve) Weiss, a Director at the International Coaching Federation (ICF). With a career spanning sports coaching, event production, and leadership roles in membership organisations, Steve brings unique insights into marketing international associations on a global scale.

Together, they explore how the ICF builds its worldwide community of professional coaches, the challenges of engaging members across diverse cultures, and the strategies that enable associations to thrive internationally.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How Steve’s career journey — from athletics coaching to association leadership — shaped his approach to membership growth.
• The role of the International Coaching Federation in setting global standards for professional coaching.
• Key strategies for marketing and growing international membership organisations.
• How cultural differences affect engagement and communication.
• The importance of storytelling, trust, and brand consistency when operating globally.
• Leadership lessons for building communities that span continents.

About Stephen Weiss

Stephen Weiss is a Director at the International Coaching Federation, a leading global organisation for professional coaches with tens of thousands of members worldwide. With decades of experience in membership organisations, Steve is passionate about connecting communities, raising professional standards, and ensuring members find value in belonging.

Episode Highlights

• “This is career number three for me — each one has given me skills that I bring into the membership world today.”
• “When you’re global, you can’t just replicate one strategy everywhere — you have to adapt to local cultures.”
• “Coaching is about people and transformation — and so is building a membership community.”

Links & Resources

• Learn more about the International Coaching Federation (ICF): https://coachingfederation.org
• Connect with Stephen Weiss on LinkedIn
• Follow Gordon Glenister for more insights into membership organisations

How Generation Logistics is Transforming the Industry with Rona Hunnisett

Summary
In this episode of the Membership World Podcast, host Gordon Glenister speaks with Rona Hunnisett, Deputy Director at Logistics UK, about the groundbreaking Generation Logistics campaign. Rona shares how the initiative is inspiring young people, women, and underrepresented groups to consider careers in logistics, an industry that keeps the world moving but is often overlooked.

The conversation explores the challenges faced during the pandemic, the perception shift needed to attract new talent, and the creative strategies behind an award-winning campaign. Listeners will gain insight into how trade associations can go beyond advocacy and policy to actively reshape the future of their industries.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why logistics is essential but often invisible to the public.
• How the Generation Logistics campaign is tackling workforce shortages.
• The importance of collaboration between government, industry, and associations.
• Practical lessons in running campaigns that inspire and engage.
• Success stories and recognition the initiative has already achieved.

Guest Bio

Rona Hunnisett is Deputy Director at Logistics UK, one of the leading trade associations for the logistics sector. With a background in communications and public affairs, she has spearheaded initiatives to raise the profile of logistics and attract the next generation of talent into the industry.

Resources & Links

• Logistics UK
• Generation Logistics
• Connect with Rona on LinkedIn (insert direct link)

Membership Bespoke - Dennis Howes and Daniel Goddard

In this episode we talk with Dennis Howes and Daniel Goddard, co-founders of association recruitment specialist Membership Bespoke.

Membership Bespoke launched 14 years ago, has seen a rapid expansion in growth since the pandemic and now plans to expand into the US market.

By having a strong niche in this sector, has allowed the team to really have a deep understanding of many of the different roles and organisational types from Royal Societies, to trade bodies and membership organisations.

As a vetted partner to Membership World all the jobs will be posted on our job board.Dennis has also been behind the very successful Salary Review Guide that has been an invaluable guide for association leaders to benchmark their teams remuneration packages.

Find out more www.membershipbespoke.co.uk

Why do 84% of largescale digital projects fail with my Guest Nej Gakenyi

In todays episode we talk about why digital transformation projects sometimes fail and what needs to be done in all parts of the process. A lot of this is due to mindset and a desire to change.

We draw on examples in the association world where there are often multiple stakeholders involved.  Nej talks more about the importance of Digital Evolution and why associations need to be constantly evolving in the digital landscape. 

If you want to find out more about GRM Digital head over to the Membership World Solutions Centre or connect with Nej on Linkedin