Private Club Leadership is Changing: A Conversation with Joel Livingood
Crushing Club Marketing Podcast
Release Date: 10/20/2025
Private Club Leadership is Changing: A Conversation with Joel Livingood
Crushing Club Marketing Podcast
The role of the General Manager is evolving — and so are the expectations of private club leadership. In this episode, Ed Heil sits down with Joel Livingood, General Manager and COO of Interlachen Country Club, to unpack how mission, culture, and governance are redefining what it means to lead a modern club. Joel shares how Interlachen turned alignment into its greatest strength — guiding nearly a decade of growth, investment, and transformation. From establishing clear governance with the board to building a culture of empowerment among 400 team members, his approach offers a blueprint...
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Inside the Mid-Year Golf Life Navigators Report: Trends Shaping Private Clubs
Crushing Club Marketing Podcast
In this episode, Ed Heil and Jason Becker discuss the insights from the Golf Life Navigators mid-year report, focusing on trends in private club memberships, generational shifts, and the integration of real estate with golf communities. They explore the importance of understanding consumer preferences, the impact of service-based amenities, and the financial health of clubs in a changing market. Summary: 00:00 Introduction and Background on Golf Life Navigators 02:59 Understanding the Mid-Year Report and Its Importance 06:01 Generational Trends in Private Club Membership 09:01 Transition Times...
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The Culture Conversation Club Leaders Can’t Ignore: Why Your Staff Should Shape Your Strategy
Crushing Club Marketing Podcast
Private clubs are no longer just competing with each other for talent—they’re competing with every employer offering a flexible, supportive work environment. In this episode, Ed Heil talks with Meridith Picarelli-Khattar, Certified Club Manager and Certified Chief Executive, about what it really takes to build a team that delivers exceptional member experiences. Drawing from over 20 years in club leadership, Meridith shares why investing in people-first policies like parental leave, flexible scheduling, and employee development is no longer optional—it’s essential. If your club is...
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What Private Club Leaders Need to Know Before Producing a Club Video
Crushing Club Marketing Podcast
In this conversation, Ed Heil and Steve Mulholland discuss the intricacies of video production, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and understanding the audience's needs. They explore how to capture the essence of a club through various filming techniques, including documentary styles and the use of drones. The discussion also covers the significance of finding the right voices for interviews and mastering the art of conducting them effectively. In this conversation, Ed Heil and Steve Mulholland delve into the intricacies of video production, focusing on the art of cinematography, the...
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The State of Private Club Governance: Survey Findings and Solutions
Crushing Club Marketing Podcast
Private clubs often pride themselves on tradition—but without strong governance, even the most respected institutions can find themselves unprepared for what’s ahead. In this data-driven conversation, Ed Heil talks with Joseph Abely, Executive Consultant at Club Benchmarking and lead author of the Club Benchmarking 2025 Governance Report. Rather than offering surface-level advice, Joe draws on insights from over 400 clubs to reveal what actually moves the needle: board education, succession planning, and long-term strategic thinking. The findings are clear—clubs that prioritize these...
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Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow: Dr. Bonnie Knutson on Creating Value in Modern Private Clubs
Crushing Club Marketing Podcast
What defines value in today’s private club? It’s not the square footage of your dining room or how fast your greens roll—it’s how your members feel when they engage with your club. In this episode, Ed Heil is joined by Dr. Bonnie Knutson, professor at Michigan State University’s School of Hospitality Business and longtime private club member. Together, they explore why exclusivity isn’t the draw it once was, how member experience now drives perceived value, and what progressive clubs are doing to evolve with generational expectations. From redefining reputation to creating...
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Why Every Club Leader Needs a Crisis Management Plan
Crushing Club Marketing Podcast
No club is immune to crisis, but most are unprepared when it strikes. In this episode, Ed Heil is joined by Andy Skoogman, a seasoned crisis communications expert with a background in law enforcement, media, and private clubs. Together, they discuss the common misconceptions club leaders have about crisis situations, what effective planning actually looks like, and why managing internal communication is just as important as handling the public response. Whether it’s a media incident, a member conflict, or something more serious, this conversation sheds light on what clubs can do today to be...
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The Impact of Behavioral Assessments on Club Culture: A Conversation with Jodie Cunningham
Crushing Club Marketing Podcast
In this episode of Crushing Club Marketing, Ed Heil sits down with Jodie Cunningham, owner of Optimus Talent Partners and a certified Predictive Index partner, to explore how behavioral assessments can revolutionize hiring in the private club industry. Drawing on her years of experience, Jodie shares practical insights on building stronger teams, aligning talent with culture, and avoiding costly hiring mistakes. From understanding your club’s identity to using data to navigate generational differences, this conversation is packed with strategic takeaways for club leaders who want to elevate...
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Change Management: Why Communication is the Key to Private Club Success
Crushing Club Marketing Podcast
Episode Description In this episode, Ed sits down with Bret, an expert in change management and communication, to discuss why successful club transformations depend not just on strategy but on how change is communicated. They explore the unique challenges of implementing change in private clubs, the importance of transparency, and how leaders can effectively manage member expectations. From capital improvements to governance restructuring, Bret shares insights on how clubs can proactively shape the narrative, overcome resistance, and drive meaningful progress. Key Moments: The Heart of Change...
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Strategic Private Club Communications: Beyond the Club Newsletter
Crushing Club Marketing Podcast
Episode Description In this episode, we chat with Jackie Singleton and Kristen LaCount from The Country Club about their approach to club communications. From the evolution of their communications department to managing capital project messaging, they share practical insights on building member trust through transparent, consistent communication across multiple channels. Learn how they've developed a culture where communication is prioritized at every level and how they effectively manage messaging for major club initiatives. Key Moments: Setting the Stage [00:00:25]: Ed introduces Jackie and...
info_outlineThe role of the General Manager is evolving — and so are the expectations of private club leadership.
In this episode, Ed Heil sits down with Joel Livingood, General Manager and COO of Interlachen Country Club, to unpack how mission, culture, and governance are redefining what it means to lead a modern club.
Joel shares how Interlachen turned alignment into its greatest strength — guiding nearly a decade of growth, investment, and transformation. From establishing clear governance with the board to building a culture of empowerment among 400 team members, his approach offers a blueprint for sustainable leadership in today’s complex club environment.
Summary:
00:00 Introduction and Overview of Interlachen’s Transformation
Ed and Joel discuss Interlachen’s decade of change, from major renovations to family-focused investments and restored golf facilities.
03:45 Finding Direction After 2008
Joel explains how recovery began with defining the club’s mission and values — the foundation for every decision that followed.
06:45 Balancing Heritage and Progress
How Interlachen honored its legacy while adapting to the expectations of modern members.
09:20 Turning Mission into Action
The club’s mission to “enrich members’ lives through outstanding championship golf and family experiences” becomes the guide for culture and operations.
12:30 Embedding Values Across the Club
Tradition, excellence, innovation, and stewardship influence hiring, culture, and communication.
15:10 Building the Interlachen Brand
Joel discusses intentional storytelling, brand consistency, and how the club communicates its values internally and externally.
18:30 Leading a 400+ Person Team
The power of showing up, removing roadblocks, and building a workplace rooted in purpose and growth.
21:10 Empathy as a Leadership Skill
Why understanding team members’ lives beyond work has strengthened culture and retention.
24:50 Governance and Board Alignment
How defining roles between board and management turned governance into a strategic advantage.
28:00 Accountability and Trust
Why results, transparency, and shared goals have built long-term trust at Interlachen.
31:15 High Standards, Honest Expectations
Setting clear expectations for excellence without shying away from the difficulty of achieving it.
34:10 Managing Board Involvement and Feedback
Joel’s three strategies for addressing operational overreach and maintaining collaboration.
37:10 The Evolving Role of the GM
How today’s leaders balance visibility, focus, and flexibility in an increasingly complex club world.
40:10 Advice for Emerging Leaders
Joel’s three essentials: work hard, stay positive, and adapt quickly.
42:10 Why Business Fundamentals Still Matter
Joel explains why today’s club leaders must think like business operators and treat experience as the product.