Many Seats at the Table: Overcoming the Scarcity Mindset
For many women in technology and associations, advancement can feel like a competition for limited seats—whether that’s leadership roles, visibility, or influence. But what if that scarcity isn’t real, and is instead a byproduct of how our organizations are structured?
In this session, we’ll explore how business culture can unintentionally reinforce a scarcity mindset, leading even the most collaborative leaders to compete rather than connect. More importantly, we’ll unpack how to shift from competition to coalition—unlocking new pathways for influence, growth, and collective success.
Attendees will leave with practical strategies to:
- Recognize and disrupt scarcity-driven behaviors
- Build stronger networks rooted in trust and advocacy
- Expand opportunities—not just for themselves, but for others
Speakers
Lindsay Currie, CAE is the Executive Officer of the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR), where she leads strategic initiatives that elevate undergraduate research and strengthen the impact of the broader higher education ecosystem. A champion of mission-driven leadership, Lindsay brings two decades of experience in association management with a focus on innovation, community-building, and long-term sustainability.
Clarissa Rusell is a seasoned association executive and business leader recognized for driving organizational growth, operational excellence and inclusive leadership. She partners with Board of Directors to define strategic direction and aligns teams around shared goals to deliver measurable results.
As founder of a successful association management firm, Clarissa has served as Executive Director for the Society of Toxicology, Safety Pharmacology Society, and the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology, among others. A Certified Associate Executive (CAE) through American Society of Association Executive (ASAE) and a Certified Interim Executive through Third Sector, she integrates foresight and best practice to strength governance and performance.
Clarissa holds an MBA from Johns Hopkins University, a BS from James Madison University, and DEI Certification from University of South Florida. She serves on ASAE Ethics Committee, co-chairs the ASAE Reston Loudon SWAP, and volunteers with SCORE to support small business growth.