What makes some associations thrive while others fade out? According to KiKi L’Italien, the answer lies in one crucial element: trust. 

KiKi L’Italien is a media strategist and advisor who created the Association Chat, a community-driven media brand that evolved into a multi-platform ecosystem including a magazine, live events, podcast, newsletter, and online community, serving the association industry for more than 16 years. She is also the host of the Things Go Sideways podcast. 

In this episode, Christine and KiKi explore how trust impacts everything from revenue to member engagement and why it’s not just a soft concept, but a measurable driver of success. They also unpack how associations can build and maintain trust through intentional communication, even as new technologies like AI enter the picture.

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• How trust directly impacts growth and revenue.
• Real-world examples of how associations can monitor, maintain, and grow trust.
• The warning signs when trust is breaking down—and what to do about it.
• The important distinction between transparency and honesty.
• How to integrate emerging tech like AI to strengthen member relationships.

About Our Guest:

KiKi L’Italien is a media strategist, storyteller, and trusted advisor who helps organizations build relevance, credibility, and connection through human-centered media and narrative strategy. She founded Association Chat and now works as a Fractional Media Director and Brand Storytelling Advisor, creating interview-driven content and thought leadership platforms that deepen trust and engagement. She also hosts the Things Go Sideways podcast, which explores leadership and change, and was recognized with the 2025 ASAE Academy of Leaders Award for her impact on the association community.

Resources:

Listen to Things Go Sideways.

Subscribe to Ungovernable Context by Brian Kirkland.

Explore more on using emerging tech so that your association can lead into the future. 

Learn more:

Visit: AssociationAdviser.com

LinkedIn: @naylorassociationsolutions

Connect with KiKi L’Italien:

LinkedIn: @KiKiL’Italien

Visit: https://amplifiedgrowthmedia.com/

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