From Surviving to Thriving: A Reframing Leadership for Association Executives

If you’re a mid-to-senior leader in today’s association world, chances are you're carrying more than ever—rising expectations from your board and members, shrinking resources, and teams stretched thin. You’re not just running operations; you're navigating complexity, shifting demands, and the very human realities of a workforce under pressure.

You may be noticing the signs: burnout, stress leave, high turnover—even key people stepping away. You’ve likely invested in leadership programs, wellness initiatives, or strategic planning sessions that promised big change… but didn’t deliver real traction. That’s not failure—it’s a sign the old ways of leading aren’t working anymore.

You’re not alone. And you're not the problem.

What if, instead of managing the chaos, you could build a workplace where people want to be—where they feel valued, supported, and equipped to thrive? Where leaders aren’t just managing crisis but are trusted, respected, and leading with purpose?

That’s the shift I help you bring to life.

As founder of FORTLOG Services, I work with leaders to move from reactive survival mode to proactive, values-driven leadership using my SHIFTRAP framework, Run Toward the Roar ethos, and I AM versus I HAVE principle. Together, they form a practical and transformative approach to building trust, resilience, and sustainable performance.

SHIFTRAP: A Real-World Framework for Leadership That Works

• Shepherds – Guide and Lead by example, walking with people—not herding from behind.
• Harness –Motivate through values, not just policies and checklists.
• Intervention – Build trusted supports so wellness matters, not merely to do item.
• Focus – Define what success really means for your team and mission.
• Team – The wrong person in a critical role can cost more than any external challenge.
• Resources – Provide meaningful factors for success – time, finances and right persons.
• Action Plan – Move from one-off sessions to a clear, ongoing strategy to grow forward.

This isn’t about adding more tasks to already full calendars—it’s about reframing how we lead, so people, culture, and performance align.

Run Toward the Roar

This mindset equips leaders to face tough moments with courage and clarity—turning crisis, change, and pressure into opportunities to grow leadership, connection, and trust.

I AM versus I HAVE Leadership

True leadership starts with person, not position; trust not title. Who you are matters more than what you have. This shift builds trusted, respected leadership that people want to follow.

As CSAE members, we know leadership in associations comes with unique pressures. You serve members, boards, communities—and often do more with less. You need more than theory. You need leadership approaches that hold up in the real world.

What is truly Rooted in Values, Revealed in Pressure

I’ve worked with leaders across high-pressure sectors—non-profits, Indigenous communities, emergency services, long-term care, and yes, associations. While the language may differ, the leadership challenges are universal: disconnection, unclear expectations, engagement, retention, and staff struggling to stay well while doing meaningful work.

If you're ready to stop reacting to crisis and start creating a culture where people flourish—where leadership becomes a source of stability, not stress—let’s connect. Whether it’s a leadership session, board retreat, or CSAE event, I’d love to support you in building a workplace where people thrive, not just survive.