When It Mattered Most: The Untold Stories of Associations During the Pandemic

<p>In this episode of <em>The Association Insights Podcast powered by OnWrd &amp; UpWrd</em>, host Colleen Gallagher welcomes back <strong>Joanna Pineda, CEO &amp; Chief Troublemaker at Matrix Group International</strong>, on the eve of the launch of her new book, <em>When It Mattered Most: The Untold Stories of How Associations Protected Professions and Saved Industries During the Pandemic</em>. </p><p>Joanna shares the remarkable stories she uncovered of associations working behind the scenes during the pandemic – and the lessons they offer association leaders navigating disruption today. From advocacy that kept industries operating to leaders making critical decisions in a matter of days, the conversation explores what associations accomplished, why so many of those stories remain untold and what we can learn from them now.</p><p><strong>Key Highlights</strong></p><p><strong>The Stories We Never Heard:</strong> Joanna shares how one conversation with the School Nutrition Association led her to uncover dozens of stories about associations protecting their members, professions and communities during the pandemic. </p><p><strong>Leadership When There Is No Playbook:</strong> Strong board relationships, trusted partnerships, organizational alignment and the ability to make decisions quickly helped associations respond when every day mattered. </p><p><strong>The Lessons Still Matter:</strong> Today’s disruptions may look different, but Joanna argues that association leaders still need to recognize moments that demand urgency, adaptability and decisive leadership. </p><p><strong>Tell the Story Behind the Work:</strong> Associations are often great at communicating <em>what</em> they do but less likely to tell the story of <em>how</em> they made it happen. Joanna explains why those stories matter—and why telling them isn’t bragging. </p><p><strong>Taking Associations Beyond the Association World:</strong> Joanna hopes the book helps the broader public—and the next generation—better understand the role associations play in our professions, industries and everyday lives. </p><p>🎧 Tune in for a powerful conversation about leadership, storytelling and the extraordinary work associations can do when it matters most.</p><p><strong>Resources:</strong> 📘 <strong>Buy When It Mattered Most: The Untold Stories of How Associations Protected Professions and Saved Industries During the Pandemic</strong>: The link will be added later today once the book is available!</p><p