The full CEO role

Fourteen modules covering the role, organisational health, the board partnership, the governance calendar, finances, strategy, membership, people, operations, risk, AI, advocacy, sustainable leadership and your roadmap.

Tools for the board partnership

A board paper template and quality checklist, a CEO and board working agreement template, operating registers and a board relationship health check.

Assessed and applied

Realistic association cases with feedback on every choice, and an assessed task in each module applied to your own association.

About the course

Association CEOs lead in a unique space: accountable to a board, serving members, and often doing more with fewer resources. Across 14 modules, this course builds the capabilities the role demands, from working with your board and running the governance calendar to financial and strategic leadership, membership growth, people and culture, operations, risk and crisis, leading AI and technology, external leadership and advocacy, and sustaining yourself in the role. It is designed to follow the Association CEO Induction, and works on its own for experienced CEOs. This course is general education for Australian associations, not legal or financial advice, and the certificate records course completion only.

Monthly live Q&A with Annie

Your enrolment includes a live online Q&A with me once a month. Bring your questions, test your thinking on a real situation and hear how other learners are applying the course. When: every third Tuesday of the month, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm Sydney time. How to attend: after you enrol, you will find the registration link in the course and in your welcome email. Register once and Zoom emails you a personal join link and calendar invitation for every session. Attending is optional. The sessions are general education, not advice for your circumstances.

Annie Gibbins

Annie Gibbins is the founder of Nexus Leadership and a five-time CEO. She is currently CEO of the Australian Traditional-Medicine Society and has previously led Glaucoma Australia, the Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine and the Australian Institute of Ultrasound. As co-founder and a board director of the Australasian College of Optical Dispensing, she knows the board table from both sides. Annie began her career as a registered and psychiatric nurse, holds a Master of Education and a Bachelor of Health Science, and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She won a 2023 Grand Stevie Award for Women in Business, is the author of AI for Association Leaders and The Association CEO, hosts the Lead with Annie podcast and writes the weekly Lead with Annie newsletter.

Curriculum

15 Chapters · 226 Lessons

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Welcome and how this course works

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      CEO Operating Registers spreadsheet

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Templates: board paper and working agreement

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Peer group guide

    5. Course prospectus (free preview) Free preview
    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Monthly live Q&A with Annie

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Module overview

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson pack (PDF download)

    3. Lesson 1.1 Know your authority and accountability Free preview
    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Practice questions: Lesson 1.1

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 1.2 Lead in your association's model

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      Practice questions: Lesson 1.2

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      Lesson 1.3 Hold the governance and management line

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      Practice questions: Lesson 1.3

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Interactive workbook: Module 1 The CEO role

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      Workbook (Word and PDF download)

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 1 assessment

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      Submit your assessed task (Module 1)

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 1 knowledge check

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 1 knowledge check (second attempt)

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      Module wrap-up and readiness card

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Module overview

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson pack (PDF download)

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 2.1 Run an annual organisational health check

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      Practice questions: Lesson 2.1

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      Lesson 2.2 Find and fix hidden liabilities

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      Practice questions: Lesson 2.2

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      Lesson 2.3 Reset priorities with the board

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      Practice questions: Lesson 2.3

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      Interactive workbook: Module 2 Organisational health and renewal

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      Workbook (Word and PDF download)

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      Executive Challenge 2: TTA's health report and reset

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      Submit your assessed task (Module 2)

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      Module 2 assessment

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      Module 2 knowledge check

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 2 knowledge check (second attempt)

    16. (Included in full purchase)

      Module wrap-up and readiness card

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Module overview

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson pack (PDF download)

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 3.1 Build the chair partnership

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      Practice questions: Lesson 3.1

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      Lesson 3.2 Write board papers that get decisions

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      Practice questions: Lesson 3.2

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      Lesson 3.3 Shape your review and working agreement

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      Practice questions: Lesson 3.3

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      Interactive workbook: Module 3 Working with your board

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      Workbook (Word and PDF download)

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 3 assessment

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      Submit your assessed task (Module 3)

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 3 knowledge check

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 3 knowledge check (second attempt)

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      Module wrap-up and readiness card

    16. (Included in full purchase)

      Interactive tool: CEO and Board Relationship Health Check

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Module overview

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson pack (PDF download)

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 4.1 Build the compliance calendar and obligations register

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      Practice questions: Lesson 4.1

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      Lesson 4.2 Run the AGM and elections from management's side

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      Practice questions: Lesson 4.2

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      Lesson 4.3 Keep policies current

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      Practice questions: Lesson 4.3

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      Interactive workbook: Module 4 Governance calendar and compliance

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      Workbook (Word and PDF download)

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 4 assessment

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      Submit your assessed task (Module 4)

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 4 knowledge check

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 4 knowledge check (second attempt)

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      Module wrap-up and readiness card

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Module overview

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson pack (PDF download)

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 5.1 Build the budget and rolling forecast

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      Practice questions: Lesson 5.1

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      Lesson 5.2 Run a CEO financial dashboard

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      Practice questions: Lesson 5.2

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      Lesson 5.3 Price and diversify revenue

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      Practice questions: Lesson 5.3

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      Interactive workbook: Module 5 Financial leadership

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      Workbook (Word and PDF download)

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 5 assessment

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      Submit your assessed task (Module 5)

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 5 knowledge check

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 5 knowledge check (second attempt)

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      Module wrap-up and readiness card

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Module overview

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson pack (PDF download)

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 6.1 Lead the strategy process

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      Practice questions: Lesson 6.1

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      Lesson 6.2 Turn strategy into an operating plan

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      Practice questions: Lesson 6.2

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      Lesson 6.3 Lead change

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      Practice questions: Lesson 6.3

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      Interactive workbook: Module 6 Strategic leadership

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      Workbook (Word and PDF download)

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 6 assessment

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      Submit your assessed task (Module 6)

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 6 knowledge check

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 6 knowledge check (second attempt)

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      Module wrap-up and readiness card

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Module overview

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson pack (PDF download)

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 7.1 Understand member value

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      Practice questions: Lesson 7.1

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      Lesson 7.2 Improve acquisition and retention

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      Practice questions: Lesson 7.2

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      Lesson 7.3 Engage and hear members

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      Practice questions: Lesson 7.3

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      Interactive workbook: Module 7 Membership growth and value

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      Workbook (Word and PDF download)

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 7 assessment

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      Submit your assessed task (Module 7)

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 7 knowledge check

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 7 knowledge check (second attempt)

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      Module wrap-up and readiness card

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Module overview

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson pack (PDF download)

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 8.1 Meet core employment obligations

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Practice questions: Lesson 8.1

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      Lesson 8.2 Lead performance and delegation

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      Practice questions: Lesson 8.2

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 8.3 Manage psychosocial risk and involve volunteers

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      Practice questions: Lesson 8.3

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Interactive workbook: Module 8 Leading people and culture

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      Workbook (Word and PDF download)

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 8 assessment

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      Submit your assessed task (Module 8)

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 8 knowledge check

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 8 knowledge check (second attempt)

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      Module wrap-up and readiness card

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Module overview

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson pack (PDF download)

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 9.1 Map and simplify core processes

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Practice questions: Lesson 9.1

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 9.2 Reduce key-person and single-point risks

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      Practice questions: Lesson 9.2

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      Lesson 9.3 Prioritise and report operational issues

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      Practice questions: Lesson 9.3

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Interactive workbook: Module 9 Operational excellence

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      Workbook (Word and PDF download)

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      Executive Challenge 9: Five things on your desk

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      Submit your assessed task (Module 9)

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 9 assessment

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 9 knowledge check

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 9 knowledge check (second attempt)

    16. (Included in full purchase)

      Module wrap-up and readiness card

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Module overview

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson pack (PDF download)

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 10.1 Run the operational risk register

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Practice questions: Lesson 10.1

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      Lesson 10.2 Prepare for incidents and continuity

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      Practice questions: Lesson 10.2

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      Lesson 10.3 Lead in a crisis

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Practice questions: Lesson 10.3

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Interactive workbook: Module 10 Risk, legal obligations and crisis

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      Workbook (Word and PDF download)

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      Executive Challenge 10: Payment fraud at WCN

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      Submit your assessed task (Module 10)

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 10 assessment

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 10 knowledge check

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 10 knowledge check (second attempt)

    16. (Included in full purchase)

      Module wrap-up and readiness card

    17. (Included in full purchase)

      Interactive tool: CEO Crisis First Hours Checklist

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Module overview

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson pack (PDF download)

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 11.1 Lead AI adoption safely

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Practice questions: Lesson 11.1

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 11.2 Choose and manage technology suppliers

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Practice questions: Lesson 11.2

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 11.3 Report AI and technology to the board

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Practice questions: Lesson 11.3

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Interactive workbook: Module 11 Leading AI and technology

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      Workbook (Word and PDF download)

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      Executive Challenge 11: TTA's first AI and technology report

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      Submit your assessed task (Module 11)

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 11 assessment

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 11 knowledge check

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 11 knowledge check (second attempt)

    16. (Included in full purchase)

      Module wrap-up and readiness card

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Module overview

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson pack (PDF download)

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 12.1 Map and manage stakeholders

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Practice questions: Lesson 12.1

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 12.2 Advocate effectively and lawfully

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Practice questions: Lesson 12.2

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 12.3 Build partnerships and sponsorship

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Practice questions: Lesson 12.3

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Interactive workbook: Module 12 External leadership and advocacy

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      Workbook (Word and PDF download)

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      Executive Challenge 12: HPLA's CPD hours position

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      Submit your assessed task (Module 12)

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 12 assessment

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 12 knowledge check

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 12 knowledge check (second attempt)

    16. (Included in full purchase)

      Module wrap-up and readiness card

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Module overview

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson pack (PDF download)

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 13.1 Manage workload and boundaries

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Practice questions: Lesson 13.1

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 13.2 Build support around you

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Practice questions: Lesson 13.2

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 13.3 Lead under pressure

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Practice questions: Lesson 13.3

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Interactive workbook: Module 13 Sustainable leadership

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      Workbook (Word and PDF download)

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      Personal sustainability plan

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 13 assessment

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 13 knowledge check

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 13 knowledge check (second attempt)

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      Module wrap-up and readiness card

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Module overview

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson pack (PDF download)

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 14.1 Review your year with evidence

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Practice questions: Lesson 14.1

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 14.2 Plan your development

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Practice questions: Lesson 14.2

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 14.3 Capstone: a CEO's week at WCN

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Practice questions: Lesson 14.3

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Interactive workbook: Module 14 Your leadership roadmap

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      Workbook (Word and PDF download)

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      Capstone: Ruth's week at WCN, March 2027

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      Submit your assessed task (Module 14)

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      Your leadership roadmap

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 14 assessment

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 14 knowledge check

    16. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 14 knowledge check (second attempt)

    17. (Included in full purchase)

      Module wrap-up and readiness card

    18. (Included in full purchase)

      Talk it through with Annie (optional)

Lead your next board cycle well

Start with Module 1 and map the authority, accountability and priorities of your role.

Enrol now Free preview