Over the past few weeks, my colleagues Daniel Elacqua, Becky Breeden, Christopher Maynard, and Towsif Nasor have walked you through the twists, turns, and slow climbs of what we call the AMS Rollercoaster. Together, they’ve offered insight into what these projects actually feel like from the early realization that your systems are holding you back, to the strategic planning required to chart a new path, to the emotional chaos (and eventual payoff) of going live.

If you missed any of those posts, here’s what we’ve learned, and why it matters for associations navigating change

The Ride Starts with Honesty

As Daniel shared in our first blog, the AMS journey begins with a quiet moment of clarity. Maybe it’s an internal report that takes twelve steps to generate, a clunky member portal, or a staff team constantly inventing workarounds. It’s the realization that “we can’t keep doing it this way.”

That’s where we met the Investments & Wealth Institute. Their team didn’t jump to a solution, they started by asking the right questions.  Then they engaged Strategico as a strategic partner to assess their current environment, gather stakeholder input, and map a smarter way forward. That moment of truth, handled with clarity and care, made all the difference.

Strategy Is the Safety Harness

Once the decision to change is made, as Becky explained, it’s time to get deliberate.
That’s the purpose of the requirement gathering phase, not to slow things down, but to anchor them in reality. Without it, you’re flying blind. This is where organizations translate frustrations into functionality, align across departments, and define what “success” will actually look like in measurable terms.

Becky showed us how this phase turns complaints into testable requirements, surfacing the hidden costs of inefficiency and the true potential of what a new system could deliver. It’s not glamorous, but it’s foundational.

Implementation Is Where Things Get Real

By the time you reach implementation, as Christopher laid out, you’re not just configuring a system, you’re leading a change initiative.

This is where strategy, people, and process all collide. Emotions run high. Resistance pops up. Timelines stretch. And yet, it’s also the moment when transformation begins to take shape, if you have the right roadmap and the right team around you.

Chris reminded us that AMS projects succeed not by avoiding turbulence, but by preparing for it, emotionally and operationally. Momentum is earned in this phase through clear communication, visible wins, and leadership that stays close to both the vision and the people doing the work.

What This Series Is Really About

So why did we build the AMS Rollercoaster campaign?

Because these projects aren’t linear, and they’re never just about technology. They’re about aligning people, building capacity, and setting your organization up for long-term success. They require empathy, expertise, and stamina, not just implementation plans.

At Strategico, we don’t just help clients install systems. We help them navigate change with clarity, confidence, and a steady hand, no matter how sharp the next turn looks.

​If you’ve found yourself on the rollercoaster or standing at the edge wondering if it’s time to get on, we’re here to help.

Let’s make your next ride smoother, smarter, and more strategic. Schedule a complimentary consultation today.