Mindful School Marketing

We’re bringing back one of our most insightful conversations with Jesse Meadows, co-founder and managing director of Schoolcraft Digital. This episode is a must-listen for schools looking to use data-driven marketing to increase enrollment and engagement. Join us as we dive into: The biggest mistake schools make in their enrollment funnel—and how to fix it. Why first-party data is more important than ever for school marketing. How admissions and communications teams can work together to turn data into action and nurture prospective families effectively. If you’re looking for smart ways to level up your school’s marketing strategy, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

In this episode, we are joined by Michelle Mercurio, a brand catalyst and authenticist who empowers big-picture thinkers to be true to themselves, find their unique brands, and execute their goals in a way that aligns with their vision. Showing her clients how to showcase their unique stories to build connections, Michelle shares with us the power of storytelling and how schools can benefit from this meaningful and effective approach.

In this episode, we are joined by David Willows and Suzette Parlevliet from [YELLOW CAR] a leading training and consultancy firm focused on helping schools stand out through experience strategy. Join us as we discuss how experience strategy works for independent schools and how it can help schools stand out. We also cover how to design intentional experiences for families and a tool that helps schools measure every stage of their journey to determine whether families are having a good experience.

In this special 100th episode of the Mindful School Marketing podcast, we’re celebrating an incredible milestone and reflecting on the journey that brought us here. Join us as we look back at how this podcast started, the lessons we’ve learned, and the amazing guests we’ve had the privilege to feature. We’ll share behind-the-scenes stories, insights into how marketing and education have evolved since 2021, and our favorite moments from the show. Plus, we’ll talk about the key themes and trends that have shaped not only our podcast but also the independent school community we’re so passionate about serving.

In this episode of Mindful School Marketing, we talk with Evan J. Harris, founder of Pathos Consulting Group, about the role of AI ethics in independent schools. Evan shares his journey into AI, offering insights on integrating AI tools responsibly to enhance efficiency while addressing key risks like data privacy and bias. He emphasizes the importance of better training for non-classroom staff, maintaining authentic communication, and engaging both internal and external communities. Evan also highlights the power of storytelling in building strong organizations and provides practical advice for schools starting their AI journey.

In this episode of Mindful School Marketing, we are joined by Bob Thomas, Head of School at the Walden School in Pennsylvania. Bob shares his journey through school leadership, emphasizing the impact of diversity, equity, and servant leadership. He recounts an inspiring letter about his father's achievements as an African American leader and the significance of servant leadership principles learned from Robert Greenleaf. The conversation also covers the importance of listening, storytelling, and creating inclusive school environments. Bob offers insights into how independent schools can foster a more supportive climate for leaders of color and emphasizes the community's role in driving systemic change. Mentioned in the episode: PDF of letter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oEx56yunICiZv2BFwRLbFC4QS8-cKyrt/view?usp=sharing Volvo Ad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42ZMi0DnMtE

In this episode of Mindful School Marketing, we dive into the world of branding for schools with Madison Carr, a branding expert who specializes in helping schools align their identity and connect with the right audience. Madison shares insights on the critical role of brand strategy in standing out in a competitive educational landscape, the importance of internal alignment before focusing on visual design, and how a thoughtful brand strategy can build trust and drive enrollment. Whether you're a school leader or marketing director, you'll walk away with actionable tips on creating a unified and effective brand presence.

In this episode of Mindful School Marketing, we sit down with Tesha McCord Poe, founder and CEO of Joy Raising. Tesha shares her inspiring journey from a successful legal career to building her own consultancy, where she blends fundraising with principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). We dive into her unique approach to creating joyful, mission-aligned fundraising strategies, the importance of understanding donor backgrounds, and how to tap into the joy of giving. Tesha also shares practical examples of impactful campaigns and actionable advice for schools looking to incorporate DEIB into their fundraising practices.

On this episode of Mindful School Marketing, we welcome Jen Danish, head of Grace Episcopal Day School, who brings over 30 years of experience in independent schools. Jen’s commitment to fostering nurturing and inclusive school communities is at the heart of her work at Grace. In this episode, she introduces us to Grace’s pioneering Community Tuition Model, designed to make independent education more accessible and welcoming. We explore how this model redefines traditional financial aid, allowing families to pay tuition based on their means, fostering a balanced and inclusive school environment. Jen also shares the research and strategy that support this innovative approach, offering a roadmap for other schools looking to embrace inclusivity and affordability in their tuition models. To learn more about Community Tuition at Grace: https://geds.org/admission/tuition/

In this episode of Mindful School Marketing, we sit down with Nicole McDermott, an independent school leader with over two decades of experience. Nicole shares insights into her work as a facilitator and certified leadership coach trained in Brene Brown's 'Dare to Lead' program. We dive deep into how courage, vulnerability, and clarity play a critical role in educational leadership. Nicole shares how integrating mindfulness and leadership principles can positively impact school communities, from supporting teachers to strengthening relationships with parents. We also explore how schools can better market their unique approaches to stand out.