This Is IOM

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management

A podcast from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management. This show is a chance to get to know the stakeholders that make Institute possible.

  1. Exit Interview: Nathan Graham

    May 28

    Exit Interview: Nathan Graham

    After 4 years, 37 episodes, and more edits than he'd like to admit, it's time to say goodbye to the mastermind behind This Is IOM —Nathan Graham. Before he hands over the mic and moves on to a new role at the U.S. Chamber, IOM Staff member and new host Cici puts him in the hot seat for one final exit interview. In this episode, we're reflecting, reviewing, and laughing our way through it all — from the origin story of the podcast and the vision behind it, to behind-the-scenes staff moments, the infamous lost episode, and what Nathan is most proud of from his time at IOM. We also get into his work on the curriculum refresh, his favorite guests, lessons learned the hard way, and what's next — including his new role as IOM faculty teaching C360 Culture of Innovation. Buddy, you've been the heart of IOM for four years. Cheers to you, Nathan — and all the best today and for a better tomorrow. Host: Cici Francisco, IOM, CDP Guest: Nathan D. Graham, IOM If you like what you heard and want to get some more, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get them. Also, come to Institute and meet more chamber/association/ nonprofit professionals.  You can find more information about Institute at our website: Institute for Organization Management – A Program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (uschamber.com) If you have any questions, please email us at iom@uschamber.com. Institute Socials Facebook: Institute for Organization Management - Home | Facebook Instagram: Institute for Organization Management (IOM) (@iomeducates) • Instagram photos and videos LinkedIn: Institute for Organization Management | LinkedIn

    1h 31m
  2. 11/26/2025

    AI, Ethics, & The Trust Gap with Jim Johnson

    As Chambers of Commerce and Trade Associations race to adopt new Artificial Intelligence tools, they face a critical question: How do we balance efficiency with the public trust we’ve spent decades building? In this episode, Nathan sits down with Jim Johnson, IOM, CCE, President & CEO of the Pearland Chamber of Commerce and Institute faculty member on technology and ethics. Just in time for Thanksgiving, they discuss how to be thankful for the speed of AI while remaining vigilant about the "hallucinations" and ethical pitfalls that come with it. You’ll learn: The Trust Factor: Why relying on AI for unverified information can dismantle an organization's credibility. Practical Use Cases: How the Pearland Chamber uses tools like Google AI Studio for voicemail updates and NotebookLM to summarize 5-hour City Council meetings. Policy Drift: The danger of letting AI override established organizational policies (and how to handle AI bots invading your Zoom meetings). The "Validation Loop": Why we love that AI agrees with our bad ideas, and how to push past it. Next Gen Ethics: Navigating deepfakes and AI integrity with your team and your family. If you like what you heard and want to get some more, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get them. Also, come to Institute and meet more chamber/association/ nonprofit professionals.  You can find more information about Institute at our website: Institute for Organization Management – A Program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (uschamber.com) If you have any questions, please email us at iom@uschamber.com. Socials: Facebook: Institute for Organization Management - Home | Facebook Instagram: Institute for Organization Management (IOM) (@iomeducates) • Instagram photos and videos LinkedIn: Institute for Organization Management | LinkedIn Send us a text

    41 min
  3. 09/29/2025

    The Governance Navigation System with Kelle Marsalis & Joseph Jones

    In this episode, we delve into the crucial topic of non-profit governance, leadership, and the art of sustaining your mission. We explore the delicate balance a board must strike between strategic oversight and operational management, discussing effective practices for cultivating a high-performing board that truly drives the organization forward. Our guests, experienced leaders Joseph Jones, IOM and Kelle Marsalis, IOM, CCE, share their insightful perspectives from both the staff and board-member chairs, drawing on years of experience in the non-profit sector. We discuss: The Critical Role of the Board: How to balance providing strategic direction without overstepping into the day-to-day management of the staff.Measuring True Success: Moving beyond the budget to identify effective KPIs and metrics that truly gauge an organization's health and progress toward long-term goals.Recruitment for Diversity of Thought: Strategies for actively seeking and integrating a wide array of perspectives to future-proof the board and avoid a "popularity contest."The CEO-Board Chair Partnership: Why open communication and mutual respect are non-negotiable for a healthy and productive organization.The Governance Challenge on the Horizon: Addressing issues like turnover, complacency, and generational shifts in leadership and membership.This episode is essential listening for anyone involved in the leadership and management of non-profits, associations, and chambers seeking to build agile and effective governance structures that uphold their core values. If you like what you heard and want to get some more, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get them. Also, come to Institute and meet more chamber/association/ nonprofit professionals.  You can find more information about Institute at our website: Institute for Organization Management – A Program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (uschamber.com) If you have any questions, please email us at iom@uschamber.com. Socials: Facebook: Institute for Organization Management - Home | Facebook Instagram: Institute for Organization Management (IOM) (@iomeducates) • Instagram photos and videos LinkedIn: Institute for Organization Management | LinkedIn Send us a text

    37 min
  4. 08/25/2025

    Reflections from the Podium: 2025 Summer Site Graduate Recap

    What is the Institute for Organization Management (IOM) experience really like? In this special episode, Nathan sits down with four recent graduates who share a unique honor: they were all chosen to be the graduation speaker for their respective classes at the Northeast, Midwest, and Southeast sites. Join this candid conversation with: Carla Young, IOM, from the Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce Kyle Oppenhuizen, IOM, from the Greater Des Moines Partnership Kyle Sheldon, IOM, from Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy Sam Mashburn, IOM, from the Shoals Chamber of Commerce Listen as they pull back the curtain on their #IOMJourney, discussing everything from what first inspired them to sign up to their most cherished memories. You'll hear about the deep connections, the powerful faculty members who shaped their careers, and the distinct culture of each site. They also explore how IOM fundamentally changed their perspective on being an association and chamber professional and reveal what inspired them to accept the honor of speaking on behalf of their graduating class. Whether you're a prospective student, a current attendee, or a seasoned alum, this episode is a heartfelt look at the professional growth and lifelong friendships forged at Institute. If you like what you heard and want to get some more, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get them. Also, come to Institute and meet more chamber/association/ nonprofit professionals.  You can find more information about Institute at our website: Institute for Organization Management – A Program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (uschamber.com) If you have any questions, please email us at iom@uschamber.com. Socials: Facebook: Institute for Organization Management - Home | Facebook Instagram: Institute for Organization Management (IOM) (@iomeducates) • Instagram photos and videos LinkedIn: Institute for Organization Management | LinkedIn Send us a text

    1h 2m
  5. 05/30/2025

    Aligning Money with Mission: Non-Dues Revenue Strategies for Associations & Chambers with Avi Olitzky

    In this episode of IOM, we delve into the crucial topic of non-dues revenue for associations and chambers. We explore why reliance on membership dues alone is becoming increasingly unsustainable and discuss effective strategies for diversifying revenue streams while staying true to an organization's mission. Our guest expert, Avi Olitzky, President and Principal Consultant of Olitzky Consulting Group, shares his insightful perspective, drawing parallels between the challenges faced by houses of worship and similar organizations. We discuss: The shift from obligation to benefit-based membership: Why members are leaving and how to address it. The importance of aligning non-dues revenue with mission: Avoiding the "business of being in business" trap. Strategic vs. tactical approaches to non-dues revenue: Focus on long-term vision, not just quick fixes. Building a cross-functional discovery team: The power of diverse perspectives. Balancing innovation and risk management: The "Three B's" of non-dues revenue: Bonus, Balance, and Basis. Ethical considerations in non-dues revenue: Avoiding conflicts of interest and ensuring transparency. Future trends in non-dues revenue: Including the emergence of incubation and equity sharing models. This episode is essential listening for anyone involved in the leadership and management of associations, chambers, and similar organizations seeking to build sustainable financial models that reflect their core values. If you like what you heard and want to get some more, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get them. Also, come to Institute and meet more chamber/association/ nonprofit professionals.  You can find more information about Institute at our website: Institute for Organization Management – A Program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (uschamber.com) If you have any questions, please email us at iom@uschamber.com. Socials: Facebook: Institute for Organization Management - Home | Facebook Instagram: Institute for Organization Management (IOM) (@iomeducates) • Instagram photos and videos LinkedIn: Institute for Organization Management | LinkedIn Send us a text

    22 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

A podcast from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management. This show is a chance to get to know the stakeholders that make Institute possible.