Beyond Bottomless Chips: Why Communication Belongs at the Table

In this episode of Engaging in the Next, hosts Colby Horton and Frank Humada welcome Preeti Vasishtha, AAiP, editor-in-chief and director of content at the American Academy of Actuaries, for a conversation about the evolving role of association publishing and content strategy. Preeti shares her journey from computer science engineering in Northern India to journalism and association communications, and explains why understanding audience needs should drive content decisions, not the platforms used to deliver it. She discusses the continued value of association magazines in a digital-first world, strategies for gathering member feedback, and ways to make complex topics like artificial intelligence, climate risk, and Social Security relevant and accessible. The conversation also explores combating content fatigue through thoughtful curation, elevating communications to a strategic leadership role, and embracing AI while maintaining the authenticity and editorial judgment that build audience trust.