Higher Ed Pulse

In the latest episode of The Higher Ed Pulse, co-hosts Seth and Mallory dive into their 2025 aspirations, blending professional ambitions with personal growth goals. They explore how AI is transforming workflows, the importance of intentional leadership, and strategies for balancing high performance with well-being. This lively discussion offers inspiration for education professionals looking to make meaningful changes in the year ahead.Key TakeawaysAI Integration is Key: 2025 is the year to integrate AI tools into workflows for better efficiency, cost savings, and scalability.Leadership Through Empowerment: Success is a team sport—empowering others leads to greater collective wins.Focus on Intentional Growth: Balancing work and personal well-being requires thoughtful planning, proactive systems, and regular reflection.Prioritize Self-Care: Rest and preventative self-care are vital for maintaining energy and focus in high-performance environments.Get Comfortable with Experimentation: The time for AI experimentation is over; now is the time for implementation and measurable results.Professional Growth: Building an AI-First Organization Seth shares his ambitious vision for 2025: building an AI agency that ensures his team stays ahead of the curve in an evolving digital landscape. He highlights three pillars guiding this transformation:Education: Providing team-wide access to the latest AI tools and fostering a culture of continuous learning.Augmentation: Leveraging AI to enhance existing workflows, increasing efficiency and impact.Segmentation: Preparing for future innovations that AI will unlock in entirely new business areas.This strategic approach ensures long-term growth while keeping teams motivated and empowered to innovate. Leadership Reflections: Empowering TeamsMallory reflects on her guiding philosophies as a leader, emphasizing trust, empowerment, and collective wins. She explains how Enrollify is positioned to thrive at the intersection of AI, technology, marketing, and higher education. Her focus for 2025 is on fostering a collaborative environment where team members can shine, all while steering the network toward greater impact and relevance.Personal Development: Reimagining Work-Life Balance Both hosts emphasize the importance of intentional self-care in high-performance environments. Seth shares how he’s structuring his life with healthy constraints, such as prioritizing family time, hiring a personal coach, and exploring authentic relating practices. Mallory, meanwhile, resolves to embrace rest, go off the grid more often, and carve out time for rejuvenating activities like fitness.Key Insight: Preventative self-care and mindful systems, such as hiring support staff or simplifying workflows, can create space for personal growth without sacrificing professional responsibilities.AI in Higher Ed: Actionable Next Steps Mallory highlights the upcoming AI Engage Summit as a pivotal resource for higher ed professionals looking to implement AI into their operations. Co-hosted by Enrollify and Element 451, this free, virtual event offers actionable insights for using AI to improve student recruitment, streamline communications, and enhance the student journey. As AI shifts from experimentation to results-driven integration, 2025 is the year to embrace these tools for transformative impact.Final Thoughts 2025 presents an exciting opportunity for personal and professional evolution. Whether you’re focused on leveraging AI, empowering your team, or creating more balance in your life, the new year is the perfect time to take stock and set intentional goals.Ready to make 2025 your year of transformation? Register for the AI Engage Summit to learn how to harness AI for real results in higher education. Don’t wait—start your journey today! - - - -Connect With Our Co-Hosts:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaSeth Odell https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/https://twitter.com/sethodellAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

Welcome back to this Pulse Check Series for Pt. 2 — How to Make a Difference (Even Without the Title). Leadership doesn’t always come with a title. This episode dives into practical ways to lead through influence, whether it’s starting initiatives, building rapport, or making your voice heard on campus.Key TakeawaysInfluence Without Authority: You don’t need a title to lead. Preparation, relatability, and collaboration are key to influencing decisions effectively.Active Listening and Empathy: Understanding your team’s perspective and goals can build trust and credibility, fostering stronger relationships.Balance Is Key: Leading through influence requires a careful balance between sharing ideas and respecting team dynamics to avoid overstepping boundaries.Take Initiative: Responsibility is taken, not given. Proving your value through thoughtful contributions can open doors to leadership opportunities.Trust Fosters Confidence: Leaders who trust their teams empower individuals to step up, take ownership, and contribute meaningfully.How Can You Make an Impact Without a Title? Erin shares an example from her background in graduate admissions where she successfully influenced a campaign by preparing thoroughly, framing her ideas as collaborative contributions, and backing them with data. Shelby reflects on how young professionals can apply these strategies, emphasizing that taking initiative and doing the homework behind your ideas is vital for earning trust and credibility.What Skills Are Overlooked in Leading Through Influence? For Shelby, relatability is an underrated skill that can significantly enhance workplace collaboration. She explains that leaders who engage in conversations rather than lectures create a more open, supportive environment. Erin adds that active listening and genuine curiosity about others’ perspectives are foundational for effective influence. Both agree that fostering these skills early can shape your leadership style for the better.How Do You Build Trust and Credibility? Erin emphasizes the importance of consistency and transparency in establishing trust. Being upfront about what you know and what you’re still figuring out builds credibility and creates a collaborative environment. Shelby highlights the value of supporting colleagues both professionally and personally, sharing how team gestures like celebrating life milestones have fostered a sense of belonging and motivation within the Enrollify team.What’s the Balance Between Assertiveness and Overstepping? Navigating the fine line between being assertive and pushy is crucial for leading through influence. Erin stresses the importance of reading the room, framing ideas as contributions rather than directives, and aligning them with team goals. Shelby adds that taking initiative with clear, team-centered intentions can help avoid stepping on toes while still making an impact.Final Thoughts on Leading Without a Title Shelby and Erin close by advocating for the importance of empathy, relatability, and active listening in building leadership skills early. They emphasize that leading through influence is about creating value and fostering collaboration, not simply seeking personal recognition. - - - -Connect With Our Co-Hosts:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaSeth Odell https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/https://twitter.com/sethodellAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

In the inaugural 2025 episode of The Higher Ed Pulse, hosts Mallory and Seth dive into the complex and urgent topic of ethics in artificial intelligence (AI) within higher education. They explore the challenges AI presents, such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and over-reliance on automation, while discussing strategies to align AI usage with institutional missions. This thought-provoking episode is a must-listen for higher education professionals navigating the evolving landscape of AI ethics.Key TakeawaysAI Ethics as a Priority: Higher education must prioritize creating frameworks for ethical AI usage to align with institutional missions.Data Privacy Concerns: Transparency in how student data is collected, stored, and used is essential to build trust and avoid misuse.Bias in Algorithms: Institutions must proactively identify and address biases in AI systems to prevent perpetuating societal inequities.Human Oversight: Despite AI's capabilities, human context, empathy, and decision-making are irreplaceable in areas like financial aid and student support.Accessible AI Tools: Colleges should consider offering AI tools, such as ChatGPT Pro, to ensure equitable access for all students.AI Literacy and Training: Institutions should invest in professional development to empower staff, faculty, and students to use AI responsibly.What are the main ethical challenges of AI in higher education?Mallory and Seth highlight three primary concerns:Data Privacy: AI thrives on data, but students often remain unaware of how their data is used. Institutions must simplify communication about data usage to ensure transparency and trust.Algorithmic Bias: AI tools can inadvertently reinforce inequities if trained on biased data. Institutions need regular audits to identify and mitigate biases.Over-reliance on Automation: AI may lack the human nuance needed in situations like financial aid, where personalized solutions are vital. Human oversight remains critical.‍How can institutions develop frameworks for ethical AI?  Mallory advocates for cross-functional committees to establish fairness, transparency, and accountability in AI policies. Seth emphasizes the importance of aligning AI initiatives with institutional missions, a perspective often overlooked. Both stress the need for a proactive approach, much like crisis communications planning, to address potential AI-related issues before they arise.‍What role does access play in AI ethics? Seth raises concerns about unequal access to AI tools, which could create a divide between students with and without financial resources. He suggests that institutions consider providing AI tools, akin to software licenses for Adobe or Microsoft, to ensure equitable access and skill development.Why is AI literacy essential? The duo underscores the importance of investing in AI education for staff, faculty, and students. Building AI literacy equips educators to use the technology responsibly and aligns with institutional goals to prepare students for the modern workforce.What actionable steps can listeners take? Seth urges individuals to secure their seat at the AI decision-making table within their organizations. Mallory adds that fostering a culture of ethical inquiry and transparency will not only benefit institutions but also serve as a career accelerator for AI advocates. - - - -Connect With Our Co-Hosts:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaSeth Odell https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/https://twitter.com/sethodellAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

Feedback is at the heart of mentorship, and this episode dives into embracing constructive criticism, learning from mistakes, and understanding the power of “tough love.” It’s about turning feedback into actionable steps for personal and professional growth—even when it’s not easy to hear.Key TakeawaysFeedback Feels Personal: Feedback often feels like a critique of our identity, not just our work—especially as young professionals still finding their footing.Mindset Matters: Shifting from seeing feedback as "positive" or "negative" to viewing it as an opportunity for growth creates a healthier, more collaborative approach.Delivery is Key: Poorly delivered feedback can derail progress, while thoughtful critique builds trust and inspires improvement.Ask for Clarity: Confidence grows when you ask for clarity instead of assuming, ensuring feedback is actionable and meaningful.Delegation and Growth: Letting go of tasks isn’t about giving up control—it’s about creating space for team growth and focusing on higher priorities.Why Does Feedback Feel So Personal? Feedback can feel like a gut punch, especially early in your career when you're still establishing your identity in the professional world. Erin explains that feedback often feels more personal than it is because young professionals tend to conflate their work with their self-worth. Shelby emphasizes the need for a mindset shift, seeing feedback not as a critique of your person but as a tool for improvement. Together, they explore how balancing ambition with openness to critique helps build resilience.Is There a Right Way to Give and Receive Feedback? Feedback isn’t just about the content; it’s about the delivery. Erin highlights the importance of learning how to give feedback in a way that resonates, using techniques like the “compliment sandwich” to keep morale high. Shelby praises thoughtful feedback that’s constructive rather than critical, emphasizing the power of collaboration. By fostering a team environment where feedback feels like a partnership, it becomes less about judgment and more about mutual growth.What If We Stopped Labeling Feedback as Positive or Negative? Erin introduces the concept of removing labels from feedback entirely, treating it as neutral data for growth. When we label feedback, we often let emotions dictate how we process it, which can hinder progress. Shelby adds that collaboration thrives when feedback is stripped of emotional labels, leading to better solutions and shared success. This subtle but impactful mental shift can make feedback feel like an empowering opportunity rather than a dreaded critique.How Can Feedback Improve Team Dynamics? Shelby and Erin share personal stories about how feedback has shaped their growth. Shelby recalls her early days writing blog posts for Enrollify, initially overwhelmed by critique but eventually transforming her skills with practice and guidance. Erin talks about learning to delegate, a lesson in trust that helped her grow as a leader. Both agree that thoughtful feedback creates space for team members to shine and grow, strengthening team dynamics.What’s the Key to Maintaining Confidence Amid Critique? Maintaining confidence in the face of tough feedback is a balancing act. Shelby stresses the importance of stepping back, reminding yourself that everyone—at all levels—receives feedback. Erin advises focusing on clarity by asking questions to ensure you truly understand the critique. By treating feedback as actionable advice rather than a judgment of worth, you can build resilience and confidence over time. - - - -Connect With Our Co-Hosts:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaSeth Odell https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/https://twitter.com/sethodellAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register