Co-host Celisa Steele talks with Lowell about how identity has to come before strategy because you can’t lead effectively if you’re unclear on who you are as an organization. They also delve into bravery, stability (even in volatile times), empathy, and curiosity. And, while those might sound like highfalutin topics, Lowell translates them into practical advice.
In this episode of Associations NOW Presents, guest host Lowell Aplebaum, continues the conversation on workforce development in the association space. He speaks with Eduardo Arabu, CEO of the National Hispanic Corporate Council, and Justin Bradley Reyes, membership manager at the Latino Corporate Directors Association. They discuss the importance of creating safe, inclusive spaces, the value of mentorship and sponsorship, and the role of proactive networking in fostering equitable professional growth through associations.
In this episode of Better by Association, hosts Steven Stout and Katy Markert talk to Lowell Aplebaum, CEO of Vista Cova. He unravels the intricacies of the CEO-board relationship. Together, they explore the keys to fostering a successful CEO-board dynamic, strategies for addressing challenges, and innovative approaches to strengthening collaboration.
In this episode of the Leadership Crucible Podcast, Lowell Aplebaum delves into the challenges of time management and communication in organizations. As the conversation unfolds, a dilemma arises that leaves the audience wondering how leaders will navigate the evolving landscape of inclusive leadership and remote work.
Tune in to unravel the complexities of 21st-century leadership.
How do you define governance for an association? How does governance power or constrain an organization? What are some things chief execs can do to improve their relationships with Board members?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Lowell Aplebaum, CEO of Vista Cova. Lowell introduces Vista Cova, talks about his journey to becoming founder and CEO, and then discusses why governance is so critical to the success of an organization.
In this Six Degrees of Association conversation, Vista Cova CEO Lowell Aplebaum unpacks why the classic “3-year strategic plan” is fading—and what should replace it: a strategic framework that stays steady as a true north while tactics shift. He shares practical guidance on right-sizing priorities (often 3–4), building a culture that helps leaders say no, and investing in experimentation and learning so governance stays future-focused.
Listen to the episode to hear Lowell’s takeaways on strategy, board culture, and making innovation intentional—and then share it with a leader who’s stuck in the weeds.
Vista Cova CEO Lowell Aplebaum joins Six Degrees of Associations to reframe what it really means to “build a board.” He breaks it into two essentials: selecting leaders based on strategic competencies (not popularity or résumés) and developing a leadership pipeline through onboarding, learning, and clear expectations. Lowell also shares how “radical curiosity,” deep listening, and smart facilitation unlock true diversity of thought.
Listen to the episode for Lowell’s practical governance insights—especially on diversifying perspectives, piloting ideas, and avoiding the twin enemies of progress: unanimity and nostalgia.
Lowell sits down with DelCor President, Dave Coriale, CAE for a look at leadership in the digital age based on his article Enhancing Virtual (Reality) Connections.
In this podcast Lowell says it is essential for association members to feel like they belong and have the space to talk with one another in micro-communities. Many association leaders forget what it was like to be a new member and feel the need to identify association volunteers to emulate. When volunteers spend time working on problems together, that can be a powerful force toward building community. Lowell says members also need to develop a competency in listening to be able to be productive together. He says a critical distinction is whether your organization is creating things for your members or with your members. Lowell says he also has learned how important it is to have the right volunteer leaders who can create community, especially through diversity and inclusion. Another important point is to recognize that community is not just about bringing in new members, but also recognizing the members who have been loyal to the association for decades, and to mix new and long-time members. Lowell says the bottom line is that people join associations to meet and connect with other people to help solve problems.