Every community needs its champions — those people whose ideas spark conversation, whose work uplifts a sector, and whose voice brings clarity to complex challenges. In the the membership world, the Top 100 Most Influential Membership Professionals index does precisely that: it recognizes individuals whose digital presence, leadership, and advocacy are helping reshape how associations operate, evolve, and connect.
In this post, we’ll explore what this index means, how selections were made, and — most importantly — what lessons we can draw from their influence for all membership organisations.
TLDR
- Membership World’s first Top 100 index celebrates changemakers in associations who use digital platforms to lead, innovate, and inspire.
- Influence was measured via member engagement, advocacy, thought leadership, and consistent social media presence (especially LinkedIn)
- Key insights from the list include: the power of consistent content, the value of niche leadership, and the importance of amplifying underrepresented voices.
- Associations can learn from this by helping more staff build influence, encouraging cross-pollination of ideas, and leveraging thought leadership as a membership benefit.
- Influence is not just about popularity — it’s about impact, responsibility, and sustained contribution.
Why the Top 100 Index Matters
In an era of algorithm shifts, information overload, and short attention spans, influence is harder to define than ever. But for the membership sector, it’s also more essential than ever.
The Top 100 index puts a spotlight on those individuals who are not just loud, but constructive — those who lead conversations, push boundaries, and bring underrepresented perspectives into view. It celebrates not just popularity, but responsibility.
At its core, this index helps elevate the profession by:
- Recognising individuals who share knowledge generously
- Creating role models for newer professionals in the membership space
- Highlighting how influence and impact can go hand in hand
When your community sees peers gaining recognition, it raises the bar — and inspires more people to step forward.
What the Index Measures
What does it take to be “influential” in this context? According to the index, influence is measured across four dimensions:
- Member engagement and growth
Those who are creating real value in their communities — through retention strategies, inclusive programming, or innovation in member services - Thought leadership and education
Those who don’t just share opinions, but who structure strategy, lead research, and guide others in the field - Advocacy, innovation, and inclusion
Influence demands responsibility. This index celebrates those who champion diversity, equity, and new ideas within their organisations and across the sector - Consistent online presence
Influence today is partly digital. The index prioritizes professionals who are active, visible, and compelling across platforms (especially LinkedIn)
To qualify, individuals needed to meet criteria like holding a membership-related role, having at least 3,000 LinkedIn followers, using a personal rather than a company profile, and actively contributing in the sector.
Patterns We Noticed in the 2025 Top 100
From reviewing the list, several interesting patterns emerge — not just about the individuals, but about what the sector values.
🎯 Niche Expertise Wins
Many of those on the list are not generalists. They lean deep into a particular area — for instance, membership growth, diversity strategy, technology adoption, or even specific sectors (e.g. healthcare associations, professional bodies in STEM). Their influence comes from being deeply credible in a niche, not broadly loud everywhere.
📅 Consistency over Virality
This is not a “viral moment” index. Many on the list have built influence steadily over years. They publish regularly, engage with peers, and sustain conversations — not just chase trending topics.
🤝 Amplifying Others
A remarkable number of influencers use their platforms to raise others up. Whether featuring peers, quoting emerging voices, or spotlighting community work, influence often comes with a generosity of platform.
🔁 Hybrid Voices
Many top influencers don’t limit themselves to one format. They blog, host podcasts, speak at events, and engage on LinkedIn. That cross-format presence strengthens their reach and credibility.
🌍 Global & Local Balance
While influence in international circles matters, many list members are also deeply active in regional and local communities. They balance global ideas with regional relevance — which makes their influence both expansive and grounded.
What This Means for Associations
Seeing a list like the Top 100 is inspiring, but the real question is: how can associations translate this into action?
Here are some ideas:
- Encourage staff to build influence
Give staff room — time, resources, and encouragement — to contribute to the profession. Let them blog, speak, or curate content. Their development becomes a benefit for the association too. - Recognize influence as a membership asset
Create awards, spotlights, or mentoring programs that mirror the index’s values. Recognising members who share, lead, and engage can turn influence into a visible path inside your community. - Create platforms that amplify underrepresented voices
Many on the Top 100 are making space for minority voices, lesser-seen perspectives, or new entrants to the field. Associations should not only highlight leaders, but actively lift others. - Use influence in your strategy
Influential voices can help test new ideas, drive thought leadership content, or even co-create offerings. Having trusted voices inside your organisation helps navigate change. - Measure influence meaningfully
Beyond likes and followers, consider metrics like comments, shares that spur action, repeat engagement, and cross-platform reach. Influence is more than numbers — it’s relational impact.
Final Thoughts
Influence is not an ego game. It’s a responsibility. The Top 100 index gives us a map of who is leading with substance, consistency, and community in the membership sector.
For associations, this is not just a moment to applaud — it’s a moment to cultivate. To help more voices rise, to use influence as a tool for growth, and to design communities where thought leadership is accessible, impactful, and rooted in values.
💬 To those listed, and to those who support them, your journey matters. Who in your network deserves to be spotlighted next — and how can your association help them grow?
