In this episode, we sat down with Eric O’Connor, the Chief Innovation Officer at the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA). Eric is a visionary leader whose transformative work in corporate ventures and technology modernization has reshaped the way AANA operates and engages with its members. Under his leadership, the association has seen impressive growth in membership, revenue, and member value.

With a background in marketing and photography, Eric’s journey from owning a photography studio to pioneering innovation in the nonprofit and association sectors is a testament to his commitment to serving others. In fact, he’s been volunteering and serving on boards since the age of 17 and has a unique perspective on leadership, collaboration, and creating value.

One of Eric’s most impactful moves at AANA was digging into five years of member surveys, uncovering a clear call for accessible, low-cost, on-demand education. This insight led to the idea of “Netflix-style” education for AANA’s members—an innovation that exemplifies how listening to your members can spark game-changing solutions.

Eric also shares his excitement about the future of AI in association management and encourages leaders to take action, even when conditions aren’t “perfect.” He challenges associations to think beyond traditional revenue streams, urging them to explore new ways to stay relevant and thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.

Whether you’re an association leader or just someone passionate about innovation, this episode is packed with actionable insights and a call to stay curious, lead with purpose, and shape the future of associations together.

Tune in for a conversation about leadership, innovation, and the power of listening to your members!