Five minutes with…Jon Bisset

I’ve been a member of AuSAE since…

I was a member of AuSAE in the early 1990s for a few years whilst living in Brisbane, but only recently rejoined as I was looking for opportunities to network with other association professionals.

The most valuable thing about my AuSAE membership is…

Whilst I’ve only been a member again for less than a year, it is particularly refreshing to know that many other association executives are facing similar challenges and that AuSAE provides opportunities where we can help each other out. I’ve also recently joined the AuSAE Board as I believe you get out of an organisation what you put in.

Before I was an association executive I was…

A student and a swimming teacher! That feels like a lifetime ago, essentially I’ve been an association executive for my entire working life.

If I wasn’t an association executive I would be…

A ski instructor.

The thing that gets me out of bed every morning is…

LOL, my alarm clock. I just keep hitting the snooze button until I finally can put a foot on the ground and move.

My career highlight would have to be…

Working in the early stages on the development of the ANZ Championships whilst I was General Manager, Netball Operations at Netball Australia. It’s been great watching a vision come to reality.

I love working in this sector because…

It is enjoyable, rewarding and after all, associations influence and shape virtually every facet of the environment in which we live, work and play. Helping members reach their objectives and the dedicated involvement and knowledge of volunteer leaders makes this profession rewarding.

The trouble with some associations is…

In Australia there is a huge need to come to terms with our federated structures and to merge some state based organisations where they are able to make a better social impact as a national group. I’m excited to now be leading the Public Relations Institute of Australia, which recently merged all their state entities into one much larger, more efficient organisation.

As a manager it’s important to…

Create a positive environment in which my team members are willing to go the extra distance and to focus on what we can do instead of what we can’t do.

The relationship between CEO and board is…

The most critical relationship in any organisation. The healthy CEO-Board relationship is one that is grounded in mutual respect, honest and open dialogue, a willingness to disagree, and mutual support.

I am inspired by…

Passionate people. People who dare to take risks and are willing to go the extra mile to chase their dreams.

When I am not working you can find me…

I’ve recently taken up sailing, so if I’m not on the ski slopes then you can find me out on Sydney Harbour.