#22: How to Lead with Foresight with Jay Karen of the National Golf Course Owners Association

Most leaders share a common trait: they are doers. They take action, even when it means stepping outside of their comfort zones.

Jay Karen, CEO of the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), exemplifies this mindset. As a key figure in the $103 billion golf industry, Jay not only leads NGCOA but also contributes his expertise as a board chair and member of prominent organizations like ASAE and the U.S. Travel Association.

In today’s conversation, Jay offers an insider’s perspective on what it takes to lead effectively. We discuss invaluable lessons on embracing foresight, taking strategic risks, and staying ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing world. You’ll hear about the leadership qualities that have taken Jay from his beginnings as a high school leader to a prominent figure in multiple billion dollar industries. 

You’ll learn:

• Proven methods to demonstrate next-level thinking for career advancement.
• The power of proactive forecasting to anticipate and address industry shifts.
• How to approach AI strategically within your association.
• Why foresight is the #1 duty for any board and how to implement it.
• Effective strategies for navigating legislative and policy impacts on associations.
• Practical tools and practices associations can use to stay ahead of emerging trends.

About the guest:

Jay Karen is the CEO of the National Golf Course Owners Association, leading initiatives that support the $102 billion golf industry. He has chaired the board of the American Golf Industry Council, served on the Golf USA Tee Time Coalition board, and contributed to the advisory board of the World Golf Hall of Fame. A trusted voice in the industry, Jay has been featured in outlets like The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, The New York Times, and the Golf Channel.  With experience as CEO of two associations in the lodging and hospitality sector, Jay is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) and currently serves on the boards of ASAE and the U.S. Travel Association. Recognized as one of Golf Inc. Magazine’s top 25 most powerful people in golf, he is also a member of the Golf Writers Association of America and an Associate Member of the PGA of America.

Resources:

Recommended reading: Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity

Explore more on embracing the duty of foresight. 

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