Innovation is one of the most talked-about ideas in the association space, but putting it into practice in a meaningful way is often harder than defining it. 

In this episode, Christine sits down with Rebecca O’Brien, Executive Director of the Institute for Real Estate Management Foundation, to discuss how associations can turn innovation into real outcomes, generate revenue, and create new ways to serve their members and industries. 

As a seasoned entrepreneur turned association professional, Rebecca brings over twenty years of experience innovating in both the for-profit and non-profit space. Christine and Rebecca dive into creating a culture that supports innovative thinking and how associations can rethink the role foundations play in long-term revenue strategy. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How innovative thinking can uncover entirely new revenue opportunities.
• What separates meaningful innovation from ideas that never gain traction.
• Why association foundations can become powerful drivers of growth and industry impact.
• The role failure plays in experimentation, progress, and long-term innovation.
• How to keep new ideas tied to measurable outcomes and goals. 

About Our Guest: 

Rebecca O'Brien is a seasoned entrepreneur, intrapreneur, and association professional with over 20 years of experience innovating in for-profit and non-profit sectors. As the Executive Director of the IREM Foundation, Rebecca is working to advance workforce development, access to careers, inclusion, and innovation. Rebecca holds her Certified Association Executive (CAE) and Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designations, as well as an MBA from the University of Chicago, Booth School of Business.

Resources:

Visit IDEO.com for information and resources on turning ideas into a future reality. 

Explore more on embracing foresight and innovation. 

Learn more:

Visit: AssociationAdviser.com

LinkedIn: @naylorassociationsolutions

Connect with Rebecca O’Brien & IREM Foundation:

LinkedIn: @RebeccaO’Brien & @IREM

Facebook: @IREM

Visit: https://www.iremfoundation.org/

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