Translating research into solutions
Lakefield Drive Publishing
We are excited to release two companion books for Association and NFP leaders.
The Modern Association Playbook
and
Ecosystem Economics for Modern Associations
Together, these works bridge theory and practice, offering strategic vision and economic understanding to navigate sector transformation.
Modern Association Governance and Leadership Series
The Modern Association Playbook
The Modern Association Playbook: Reimagining Strategy, Governance, and Value Creation
A Bold Blueprint for Association Leaders Ready to Transform Their Organisations
Transform Your Association for the Platform Era
Written for today’s association leaders who are ready to challenge legacy models and design new paths to impact, relevance, and financial sustainability, The Modern Association Playbook offers a comprehensive guide to navigating the profound structural changes reshaping the membership sector.
Ecosystem Economics for Modern Associations
Ecosystem Economics for Modern Associations: How Participation, Governance, and Platform Thinking Reshape Value Creation
The Economic Blueprint for Association Transformation
Unlock the Economic Logic of Modern Association Management
In an era where traditional membership models are failing, associations need more than strategy—they need economic understanding. Ecosystem Economics for Modern Associations provides the analytical foundation for transforming your organisation from a service provider into a dynamic platform orchestrator.
The Complete Association Transformation Package
The Complete Association Transformation Package
The Complete Association Transformation Package
The Modern Association Playbook & Ecosystem Economics for Modern Associations
Two Essential Books. One Comprehensive Solution.
Transform your association with this complete strategic and economic framework designed for leaders navigating the platform era. This companion package provides everything you need to reimagine your organisation's future.
The Modern Association Playbook
Reimagining Strategy, Governance, and Value Creation
A Bold Blueprint for Association Leaders Ready to Transform Their Organisations for the Platform Era
Written for today’s association leaders who are ready to challenge legacy models and design new paths to impact, relevance, and financial sustainability, The Modern Association Playbook offers a comprehensive guide to navigating the profound structural changes reshaping the membership sector.
What You’ll Discover:
- Platform Economics for Associations: Learn how to transition from traditional service-provider models to dynamic ecosystem orchestration that enables multi-stakeholder value co-creation
- Modern Governance Frameworks: Reimagine governance as ecosystem stewardship with practical tools for adaptive, transparent, and ethical oversight
- Strategic Transformation: Master the shift from Association 1.0 (hierarchical, static) to Association 2.0 (networked, platform-based ecosystems)
- The Association Platform Success Framework (APSF): A comprehensive model integrating core goals, pillars, and design principles for sustainable transformation
- Trust and Legitimacy Building: Navigate declining institutional trust with strategies for rebuilding credibility and member engagement
Practical Tools and Real-World Applications
Built on real-world experience and grounded in modern strategy, this playbook provides diagnostic frameworks, implementation matrices, and strategic scorecards designed for immediate application in boardrooms and strategic planning sessions. Features Australian case studies and regulatory context, making it highly relevant for domestic association leaders.
Perfect For:
• Association CEOs and Executive Directors
• Board Directors and Chairs
• Company Secretaries and Governance Professionals
• Strategic Planners in the NFP sector
• Membership Organisation Leaders
About the Author
Sean M Johnson is a seasoned governance advisor and company secretary based in Townsville, Queensland, with extensive experience in association management and platform economics.
Ready to lead your association’s transformation? This playbook provides the structured path forward you’ve been seeking.
Publication Details:
• Published: 2025
• Format: Digital Only
• Pages : 375
• Category: Business Strategy / Non-Profit Management / Governance
Ecosystem Economics for Modern Associations
How Participation, Governance, and Platform Thinking Reshape Value Creation
Unlock the Economic Logic of Modern Association Management
In an era where traditional membership models are failing, associations need more than strategy, they need economic understanding. Ecosystem Economics for Modern Associations provides the analytical foundation for transforming your organisation from a service provider into a dynamic platform orchestrator.
What You'll Master:
- Platform Economics: Harness network effects, transaction cost theory, and multi-sided markets to create exponential value through member interaction and co-creation
- Ethical Monetisation: Navigate the delicate balance between financial sustainability and mission alignment with frameworks for transparent, trust-based revenue generation
- Governance as Economic Infrastructure: Transform governance from oversight to ecosystem stewardship, managing systemic risks while enabling sustainable value exchange
- Value Co-Creation Models: Move beyond linear service delivery to enable peer-to-peer collaboration and multi-stakeholder participation
Practical Tools for Implementation:
Built for immediate application, this book includes diagnostic frameworks, strategic matrices, and evaluation tools designed for boardrooms and strategic planning. Features the Platform-Enhanced Business Model Canvas and Contribution-Incentive Alignment Matrix.
Perfect For:
- Association CEOs and Strategic Leaders
- Board Directors and Governance Professionals
- Company Secretaries and Risk Managers
- NFP Leaders Seeking Sustainable Growth
Why This Book Matters:
Written by governance expert Sean M Johnson, this work fills a critical gap in association literature by providing the economic scaffolding necessary for platform-based transformation. Grounded in Australian regulatory context with real-world case studies.
Ready to understand the economics of association transformation? This is your essential guide.
Companion to The Modern Association Playbook - together they provide complete strategic and economic frameworks for association leadership.
About the Author
Sean M Johnson is a seasoned governance advisor and company secretary based in Townsville, Queensland, with extensive experience in association management and platform economics.
Ready to lead your association’s transformation? This playbook provides the structured path forward you’ve been seeking.
Publication Details:
• Published: 2025
• Format: Digital Only
• Pages : 208
• Category: Business Strategy / Non-Profit Management / Governance
