Rewriting The Playbook And Leading Others Through Change (feat. Jaime Nolan, CAE)
As President & CEO of the National Speakers Association (NSA), Jaime led the organization through a significant cultural and operational transformation refocusing strategy, stabilizing finances, and aligning the team around a shared vision.Along the way, we modernized core programs, doubled member dues for the majority while increasing satisfaction, and launched new offerings including a robust sponsorship portfolio and a highly successful storytelling conference.
HOST
Matt Poepsel, PhD
Vice President & Godfather of Talent Optimization
GUEST
Jaime Nolan, CAE
CEO, National Speakers Association
In this episode, Jaime Nolan, CAE, shares her journey of transforming organizational culture, challenging outdated systems, and leading with authenticity during times of change. With deep experience in association leadership, Jaime opens up about the personal and professional work required to lead transformation from the inside out.
She reflects on what it takes to build trust across diverse communities, how to unlearn old leadership habits, and why discomfort is often the path to growth. From navigating her own identity to rewriting the playbook with purpose, Jaime’s story offers a powerful look at change, inclusion, and resilience.
Key Takeaways:
- Change starts with doing your own inner work before leading others.
- Trust is built slowly and requires showing up with consistency and care.
- Systems don’t transform until leaders are willing to be uncomfortable.
- Authenticity and vulnerability open the door to more inclusive leadership.
- Rewriting the playbook means questioning what we’ve always accepted as normal.
Additional Resources:
Jaime Nolan, CAE, CEO, National Speakers Association: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimenolan/
National Speakers Association: http://www.nsaspeaker.org
Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/
Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all
Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/
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