Board Leadership Is a 360° Convo ft. Freida Smith, Past President, CA Health Information Association

What happens when leadership changes unexpectedly, and how do you keep an organization moving forward when everything around it is shifting? In this episode of Revenue Speaks, host Sheila Johnston sits down with Freida Smith, immediate Past President of the California Health Information Association (CHIA), to explore the power of communication, the importance of listening in 3D, and what it really takes to lead through change. When a longtime, respected CEO retired in the middle of Freida's presidency, she found herself navigating a significant leadership transition while balancing the needs of the board, members, and incoming executive leadership. Her priority? Maintaining stability, building trust, and ensuring the organization and its members never lost momentum. But effective leadership isn't just about having the right message. It's about knowing when to listen, whose voices need to be heard, and how to turn those perspectives into meaningful action. From navigating organizational change and strengthening board relationships to engaging members and communicating with transparency, Sheila and Freida explore why great leadership requires more than simply sitting at the head of the table. And as Freida reminds us, leadership isn't about you. It's about the people you represent, the organization you serve, and the legacy you leave behind. Because when leadership changes, communication matters most. And sometimes, the most powerful thing a leader can do is listen. Revenue Speaks is hosted by Sheila Johnston, Founder and CEO of Luminari Partners. This podcast is produced in partnership with Page Design Group. 🎙️ www.revenuespeaks.com 👉 www.luminaripartners.com 🎨 www.pagedesigngroup.com #RevenueSpeaks #StrategicCommunication #ExecutiveLeadership #LeadershipTransition #NonprofitLeadership #OrganizationalChange #BoardGovernance #ChangeManagement #LeadershipDevelopment #MemberEngagement #AssociationLeadership 0:03 Introduction and Welcome 0:44 Meet Freida Smith: CHIA's Immediate Past President 3:42 Why Serving on a Board Is About Giving Back 6:43 Communicating Membership Value to the Next Generation 7:54 How Past Presidents Shape Future Leaders 8:43 Why Organizations Must Evolve to Stay Relevant 9:24 When the CEO Leaves: Navigating an Unexpected Transition 10:40 Communicating Stability During Leadership Change 11:42 The Power of Active Listening in Leadership 12:26 Why Communication and Leadership Are Inseparable 13:57 Breaking Down Barriers Between Boards and Members 15:13 Using Video to Build Stronger Member Connections 16:39 Balancing Local Member Needs with National Leadership 18:11 Representing Your Members, Not Yourself 19:03 Listening to Members When Their Needs Change 20:14 Turning Member Feedback Into Meaningful Action 21:47 Leading Through a Year of Organizational Transformation 23:38 What Every Board Chair Needs to Understand 24:28 Building Trust and Stability When Leadership Changes 25:45 The Heart of Leadership: Knowing Your Why 27:45 How Authentic Communication Builds Lasting Trust 28:23 Where to Find Freida Smith 29:28 Closing and Revenue Alignment Assessment