Membership World Podcast

“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

Russell Hamblin Boone, CEO of the Civil Enforcement Association – the Professional Trade Association CEO

In this episode we talk with Russell Hamblin Boone, who is CEO of the Civil Enforcement Association. The Association deals with civil enforcement for local authorities & government bodies and represents bailiffs.  

Here we talk about the challenge the industry has around bailiff reputation and particularly since austerity and the cost of living crisis. Often people that don’t know too much about what they do have a strong opinion of them. Russell alludes to why its good for associations to bring in experienced professional trade association experts, rather than industry-experienced individuals.

When he went for the interview for the role he said, "If you are looking for a Yes Man, I am not it, because I will challenge positions, in order to move the organisation forwards. Never did I think I needed to be a master of diplomacy, but its true - as a CEO you do.

You have wide opinions and voices across the membership and Board. 

Associations often need to show their value to the membership trough an issue, not only might they have to deal with external issues, but also internal challenges within the sector".

Russell set up the Energy Retail Association which went onto to be Energy UK. He also shares his experiences at the Finance and Leasing Association through the credit crunch. 

We round up by talking about managing crisis and why the Professional CEO has to often be the face of the issue. Navigating around member key stakeholders and communicating the right message is essential for the CEO. If you want to follow Russell on Linkedin, you can reach out to him here

This episode is sponsored by global membership events app RD mobile RD Mobile | Virtual Event Platform and Member Engagement App (resultsdirect.com)

Securing Digital Trust in the Evolving Mobile Landscape with Dario Betti, CEO of MEF.

Dario Betti, the Chief Executive Officer of the Mobile Ecosystem Forum (MEF), is a distinguished figure with over 20 years of experience in spearheading initiatives within the mobile phone industry.

Betti's comprehensive knowledge of the mobile ecosystem, coupled with his strategic vision, has been pivotal in shaping MEF's influential role in addressing the multifaceted dynamics of the industry.

Renowned for his expertise in mobile entertainment, consumer safeguarding, and fostering industry-wide collaboration, Betti has emerged as a prominent authority in the mobile sector. His unwavering commitment to nurturing sustainable and secure mobile ecosystems has significantly contributed to fostering strategic growth and industry-wide collaboration, cementing MEF's position as a trailblazer in driving impactful change within the mobile ecosystem.

This episode is sponsored by global membership events app RD mobile RD Mobile | Virtual Event Platform and Member Engagement App (resultsdirect.com)

Association Events – making them work better with Heather Lishman - Association Director for ABPCO

In this episode Heather Lishman, Director of the British Professional Conference Organisers, talks about the changing face of association events.  

One of the most stressful jobs, the professional event organisers role has changed considerably over the years, with them having to grapple around event tech, sustainable events, tighter and tighter budgets and more demanding sponsors. 

One of the areas we talk about is the growth in event legacy and Heather cites some great examples of what associations are doing.

This episode is sponsored by global membership events app RD mobile RD Mobile | Virtual Event Platform and Member Engagement App (resultsdirect.com)

 

Discrimination and harassment in the workplace is still happening

The law hasn’t stopped discrimination misogyny, homophobia, prejudice and sexism it has simply gone underground. This has made it more difficult to prove. Why concrete evidence is needed if the law is to step in.

The problem that discrimination, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder; can you as a reasonable person, know whether a raised voice and/or aggressive action is aimed at you because you are gay, a woman or of ethnic origins?

A personal story to illustrate this; the word of one person against another; laws are there to protect individuals but in practice they don’t prevent inequality, injustices or discrimination.

Along with the incident that caused global outrage with the Spanish Football President, this is just some of the areas we cover in this insightful podcast episode with the Patron of the National Association of Licensed Paralegals, Amanda Hamilton.  Find out more from the Association here.

 

This episode is sponsored by global membership events app RD mobile RD Mobile | Virtual Event Platform and Member Engagement App (resultsdirect.com)