by Gwen Garrison, PhD, High Sierra Insights 

As we continue this month’s theme of spring cleaning, let’s talk about tidying up—not with brooms and dustpans, but by refreshing and refining our organizational data. How can we clean up our data in ways that go beyond the usual fixes?

At its core, data cleaning is one of the most important activities we can undertake to enhance the value of our data and improve cross-operational usage within an association. Clean, well-maintained data allows us to streamline automated integrations, tell more compelling stories through business intelligence platforms, and foster a stronger data-driven culture for better decision-making.

by Gwen Garrison, PhD, High Sierra Insights 
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Although it may seem a little kitschy, it is February and everywhere we turn there are images of love all around us. Though many of us don’t associate data with love, we can use this moment to talk about how organizational leaders can, and should, show their data a little love and in doing so, reap rewards in their organizations. 

Let's start with a simple but elegant definition of love. I've come to define love as the ‘unconditional positive regard for a person, place, or thing.’  What this means is that I accept an object of my affection with both the flaws and the jewels. That said, I also try to make it sparkle and shine with a bit of tender loving care. 

How does this apply to data? Let me share 3 ways.
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by Gwen Garrison, PhD, High Sierra Insights 

In today's data-driven business landscape, a robust data strategy is no longer optional—it's imperative.  The growth and power of data strategy has been developing for decades and now is critical for organizations to develop skills, knowledge, and dedicated expertise to enhance an organization's decision-making capabilities and competitive edge. How did this happen and how do senior managers get going?

by Gwen Garrison, PhD, High Sierra Insights 

AMS Fest is in full swing so this month on our blog, the Strategico Team is making space for how digital transformation and data strategy connect to your association management systems (AMS).

by Gwen Garrison, PhD, High Sierra Insights
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Association innovation is critical for both member engagement and organizational vitality. Let’s look at this through the lens of data strategy by developing key business questions and developing a master data list.

First, the engine of any association is its people. Nearly all associations express their mission and vision through the work of the executives and staff to enhance and improve member engagement. The main issue today is how to stay fresh with so many competing demands, especially under the strain of aging technology.

Ever since I was a little girl, I was curious at how math helps us navigate our lives and help us understand what we know. That same curiosity guides me today to help navigate a complex world where decisions are layered and full of uncertainty. This passion, aided by rigorous education, propels me to ask how nonprofits can connect through data to drive decision-making. I have four tips.

​by ​Gwen Garrison, PhD

As we head into ASAE's Annual Meeting in early August, the insights we've shared this month become even more valuable. This event presents a unique opportunity to put our networking strategies into action, forge new connections, and strengthen existing relationships. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting out, the principles of effective networking—preparation, authenticity, respect, and continuous learning—are essential to making the most of this gathering.