Around the time of the pandemic, the CLI started up and held a live event as they came on the scene to promote the community profession. After an ownership change, we’re looking at a brand new CLI that is getting off the ground.

We have the leadership of the new Institute as our guests on the next Talk About Your Community to talk about the reinvention of this organization and what they see as key issues shaping the community professional space in 2023.

About Bill McGlade

An industry pioneer, Bill McGlade has served the association and events industry through innovation and ingenuity. As a published author and entrepreneur Bill has scaled, sold, and acquired multiple businesses to further the trajectory of the industry. A firm believer in community and its value in the marketing ecosystem, Bill is currently the President of both epIQ Creative Group and Community Leaders Institute.

About Brad Weaber

Brad Weaber is a veteran of the meetings industry with over 30 years of meeting, events and hospitality industry management roles. Weaber is the founder and Principal of the Brad Weaber Consulting Group, a firm focused on leadership motivation, hybrid and live emcee, professional board and panel facilitation as well as management efficiencies and event strategy review for all market segments. Weaber's meeting and event experience comes from every facet of the meetings industry including SmithBucklin, New Orleans and Company and Experient (Maritz Global Services).

About Natalie Thomas

Natalie's passion for building communities and helping people reach their goals spans her career in academia and decades of volunteering for local and global organizations. Natalie has gained recognition as a uniquely positioned creative data-driven marketer. She now works for Community Leaders Institute as their Director of Marketing & Membership.

Show Notes

3:30: Todd starts with having Bill, Natalie, and Brad introduce themselves and give an interesting fact. Bill starts by telling the story of acquiring Community Leaders Institute.

15:00: Brad takes a question, and then the discussion moves to Natalie and her role. She discusses her take on management.

23:30: What is CLI going to do to try to help people who are hurting and looking for their next opportunity? Bill answers that with advocacy efforts on the power of community and why companies need to hire a community manager. Brad also touches on the importance of accessibility.

32:00: Looking to the future and big announcements, Bill dropped the teaser of a popup event. The team discusses the potential of making events global. Natalie also gives a big announcement about the platform being up and running in 45 days.