Open Source and Brand Growth with Mats Persson, CEO, Umbraco

03/08/25 • 46 min

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we are joined by Mats Persson, CEO of Umbraco, one of the world's leading open-source content management systems. We hear about Mats' journey to becoming CEO, his past experiences in the software industry, and how they've shaped his vision for leading Umbraco. Mats discusses Umbraco's strategies for increasing brand recognition, particularly in the U.S. market, and the company's efforts to balance community-driven open source with commercial backing. We also reflect on the challenges and opportunities in educating people about open source and the importance of personalization in modern web solutions. Finally, we touch on scaling for growth, embracing simplicity in technology, and the role of AI in the future of content management.

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Leading with Yes: Innovation, Efficiency, and the Future of Associations with Christina Lewellen

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we sit down with Christina Lewellen, MBA, CAE, CEO of the Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (ATLIS). Christina shares her journey from journalism to leading a fast-growing association, the power of starting with "yes," and why vendor partners should have a seat at the table. We also dive into the innovative ways ATLAS is driving efficiency, including a no-email policy and a four-day workweek, and how small staff associations can punch above their weight. Whether you're leading a large or small organization, this conversation is packed with insights on leadership, digital transformation, and creating real impact in the association world.

Tune in to hear Christina’s take on breaking traditional association norms, fostering collaboration, and why she believes in finding hidden talent in unexpected places.

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Building Bridges Between Tech, Leadership, and Community with Monica Dillingham Pemberton

On this episode of The Association Podcast, Monica Dillingham Pemberton, Vice President and CIO at the American Council on Education, joins the discussion! Monica shares her journey through the association industry, spanning 14 years, and highlights her experience from NACUBO to ACE. We touch on ACE's focus on higher education advocacy and Monica's extensive board involvement, particularly in STEM and women in technology. She emphasizes the importance of identifying and nurturing talent, inspired by her career experiences and mentors she has had along the way. We also cover topics like delegation, travel recommendations, and the importance of empathy and service in leadership. The episode concludes with a heartfelt mention of Loretta DeLuca's legacy in the association community.