I Wanna Work There!

Eddie Francis

A great employee experience equals a great student experience. I Wanna Work There! takes a look at how colleges and universities can develop competitive, compelling employer brands. Hosted by Eddie Francis, a brand strategy consultant with backgrounds in higher education marketing and communications and talent acquisition, each episode is packed with information and insights about how our institutions of higher learning can develop strategies for talent attraction, talent experience and talent retention to deliver what all colleges and universities want to deliver – a great student experience. Episodes feature interviews with experts from talent recruitment and retention, human resources, and marketing and communications in and outside of higher ed. Listeners get an honest and solutions-based look at the issues that surround institutions positioning themselves as employers of choice. I Wanna Work There is hosted by Eddie Francis and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.

  1. 10/28/2024

    Ep. 35: To Lead From the Heart

    Through the past 19 episodes of “I Wanna Work There!,” we have taken a more involved look at how talent attraction, talent experience and talent retention impact colleges and universities as employers of choice. One constant throughout our conversations has been how leadership impacts an institution’s employer brand. This episode examines how presidents, boards, deans, cabinet members, directors and other leaders across campuses can be more intentional about leading with the mantra, “Lead From the Heart.”. Mark Crowley, author of the book and host of the podcast of the same name, has experienced how productive teams are when their leaders put people first; and he shares his thoughts about leading from the heart in higher education. Listen for these three big leadership insights from Mark: The business case for leading from the heart.Why it is difficult for leaders to lead from the heart.Advice for aspiring presidents to lead their faculty and staff from the heart.Guest Name: Mark C. Crowley/Leadership & Sales Management Consultant, Author of Lead From the Heart: Transformational Leadership for the 21st Century and Host of the “Lead From the Heart” Podcast/Mark C. Crowley & Associates Guest Socials:  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markccrowley/ X - https://x.com/markccrowley Guest Bio:  Mark C. Crowley is the author of Lead From The Heart: Transformational Leadership For The 21 st Century, and his mission is to fundamentally change how we lead people in workplaces around the globe.  Mark is a regular columnist for Fast Company Magazine and has been published in USA Today, Reuters, Forbes, the Stanford Social Innovation Review, The Huffington Post, Gallup, The Financial Times, CEO Magazine, Great Britain, and The Seattle Times. His two LinkedIn Pulse articles on inspiring a 21 st Century workforce and managing millennials have been read well over a million times.  The second edition of Mark’s book debuted in August, 2022 as an “Amazon #1 Release.” His book has been taught in eleven American universities, including the educational Ph.D program at the University of Massachusetts Global and at the University of Iowa’s MBA Program. Mark’s “Lead From The Heart” podcast ranks in the top 1.5% of all podcasts in the world with an audience in 175 countries.  Before writing his book, Mark spent over 20 years in the dog-eat-dog world of financial services. He held two national level positions at one of America’s largest financial institutions where he was named “Leader of the Year.” Quite untraditionally, Mark proved that deeply caring about and supporting people, and thereby positively affecting employee’s hearts, had a profound effect on motivating their sustained engagement, loyalty and productivity.  New and breakthrough medical research Mark draws upon in his book proves that the heart is actually the driver of optimal human performance. A leadership pioneer, Mark shows us that, rather than weak or soft management, leading from the heart is the most informed and enlightened thing a manager or organization can do. Mark is a graduate of the University of California, San Diego and the University of Washington’s Pacific Coast Banking School. He lives in La Jolla, California.

    41 min
  2. 09/30/2024

    Ep. 33: To Attract AND Recruit the Talent You Want

    Throughout the season, one focus of “I Wanna Work There!” has been talent attraction–making colleges and universities places that people truly want to work. This episode adds a layer by looking closer at recruiting faculty and staff, that is going out and getting the faculty and staff who are right for the institution. This episode’s guest features Lesley Regalado, a veteran talent acquisition professional who has also spent time in academia. On this episode of “I Wanna Work There!” You’ll learn: How your institution can get past the practice of “post and pray” to attract and recruit the talent you truly want.Common recruitment mistakes that institutions make.How to recruit talent effectively on a budget.Guest Name: Lesley Regalado/Founder & Consulting Principal/Career Resource Services Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesreg626/ Guest Bio: Lesley Regalado has always been a “connector” and “matchmaker.” Her passion for helping companies build their desired corporate culture while helping people build their careers sparked a true passion for the business of talent acquisition and career coaching. Lesley realized the value of providing corporations, both large and small, with a flexible human resources workforce that allows her to partner with companies and candidates to make that perfect match. Lesley is a progressive thinker who has been acknowledged as a customer-focused human capital professional with the exceptional ability to build relationships and teams at all levels. Lesley has a natural focus on diversity and inclusion and a deep skillset in building college and military recruiting programs. She has been a guest speaker at numerous college and university programs and currently serves as the president of the board of directors for the Pioneer Alumni Association (Texas Woman's University). Lesley is a CPP Strong Interest Inventory Certified Practitioner and trained professional coach. When Lesley is not busy not running CRS, she is in the classroom. She has taught at Dallas College, Collin College, Tulane University, and the University of Alabama. Lesley was recently named an associate clinical professor in the College of Business at the University of Texas at Arlington. Previously, she served on the board of directors for Frisco Family Services, the Youth Village Resources of Dallas, and the Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico.  Lesley holds a B.S. in education from Baylor University, an M.A. in women’s studies and diversity from Texas Woman’s University, a College Counseling Certificate with distinction from UCLA, an M.A in instructional technology from the University of Alabama, and an Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction from Liberty University. Lesley is a graduate of Leadership Frisco Class 19, a member of the Frisco Chamber of Commerce, and Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses DFW Cohort 13.

    37 min
  3. 09/16/2024

    Ep. 32: Strengthening Talent Attraction and Experience Through Academic Branding

    What if your institution had a program that helped faculty promote themselves? What would that possibly mean for your employer brand? Maya Demishkevich has been working on such a program to boost both the value of faculty and the value of the institution. On this episode of “I Wanna Work There!” Maya will share three things: A description of academic brandingHow to determine the best channels to communicate faculty members’ brandsHow HR teams and/or marketing and communications teams can measure the success of these effortsGuest Name: Maya Demishkevich/Chief Marketing Officer/Carroll Community College and Host/”The Hidden Gem” Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayademishkevich/ Guest Bio: Maya Demishkevich is a distinguished marketing and communications professional, currently serving as the chief marketing officer at Carroll Community College and the host of the Enrollify podcast, “The Hidden Gem.” With over 15 years of experience in higher education marketing, Maya has developed a reputation for excellence, particularly in the realms of digital media and education marketing. Her expertise extends to leveraging academic research and industry best practices to drive success in various marketing initiatives.  Under Maya's leadership, the marketing and creative services team at Carroll Community College has achieved significant recognition for their innovative and impactful work. The team's efforts have been honored with six Medallion Awards from the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations (NCMPR), showcasing outstanding achievement in design and communication. These accolades include three Gold Awards, one of which celebrated the redesign of the College's website for its user-friendly interface and vibrant portrayal of campus life, significantly enhancing the institution's online presence and accessibility.  Maya's strategic approach to social media and marketing has been instrumental in addressing challenges related to content development and engagement, setting a standard for excellence in community college marketing. Her work not only supports Carroll Community College's strategic goals but also positively impacts students' lives by highlighting the value and opportunities offered by the institution.

    38 min
  4. 09/02/2024

    Ep. 31: Prepping for Gen Z

    Is the higher ed workplace ready for Generation Z? While the mention of Gen Z (like with any generation in its youth) may draw out audible groans from Baby Boomers, Generation Xers and Millennials, there exists a big opportunity. Janet Reeves-Wilson sees that opportunity and embraces it. As Gen Z begins their career journeys, there is much that they can obviously learn. But, what can we learn from them? Here are your takeaways for this episode: We will learn about Generation Z’s workplace characteristics.Janet will give her thoughts about what is important to Gen Z.You will hear ideas about how institutional leaders can continue their preparations to lead Gen Z in the higher ed workplace.Guest Name: Janet Reeves-Wilson/Executive, Career and Student Success Coach/Divine Metamorphosis  Guest Social: linkedin.com/in/janetreeveswilson Guest Bio: Janet Reeves-Wilson is a professionally trained coach who works with executives, managers, and their direct reports to develop their leadership skills, career goals, and self-development goals. She is also a student success coach and behavioral strategist. She supports students with transitioning from the classroom to the boardroom, increasing their confidence and resilience, and developing masterful communication and other soft skills. With a background in healthcare and 30 years of teaching experience in histology, Janet began coaching in 2014. She was moved by their ability to ask questions that led to profound realizations.  Janet holds bachelor’s degrees in biology and allied health and a master’s degree in psychology. She is also an adjunct professor at Roosevelt University where continues to teach histology.

    40 min
  5. 08/19/2024

    Ep. 30: The Need for R.E.S.T.

    In higher ed, faculty and staff feel the constant crush of research, student enrollment goals, teaching loads, projects that need to be managed, fundraising goals, and more. We know, all too well, that the pressures of the job aren’t going anywhere. Kim Gordon believes that it is important to feel a sense of affirmation and validation through work amid these pressures. She sees that happening for faculty and staff through a spirit of R.E.S.T.:  Reflecting, reEnergizing, Strategizing, and Thriving.  In this episode, you will hear about the following: How to gain a sense of affirmation and validation through work.How to incorporate R.E.S.T. into the work you do.Which types of leaders can help faculty and staff experience R.E.S.T.Guest Name: Kimberly Gordon-Achebe, Founder & CEO of the BHETC Group Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkimanswers/ Guest Bio: Dr. Kimberly Gordon-Achebe is a visionary leader, acclaimed psychiatrist, and passionate advocate for health equity and social justice. As a nationally renowned thought leader with multifaceted expertise spanning public/community psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, medical education, systems of care, trauma-informed care, social justice, diversity, health equity, inclusion, and mindset coaching, Kim is uniquely qualified to empower BIWOC (Black, Indigenous and Women of Color) leaders to overcome burnout, build resilience, and cultivate inclusive leadership skills to enhance customer service excellence. As a double board-certified psychiatrist, health equity consultant, and mindset coach, Kim's pioneering work has earned her prestigious awards and recognition, including the Jeanne Spurlock, M.D. Minority Fellowship Achievement Award from the American Psychiatric Association and the Distinguished Fellow designation and distinguished physician leader with The Women's Wellness through Equity and Leadership (WEL). Her groundbreaking lectures and workshops at prestigious institutions and conferences have enlightened and inspired audiences nationwide with thought-provoking insights on urban trauma, physician burnout, the origins of racism in psychiatry, and strategies for fostering resilience and inclusive leadership in diverse settings. Through her leadership roles, such as serving as President of the Caucus of Black Psychiatrists within the American Psychiatric Association, on the Board of the American Association for Community Psychiatry, and co-chairing the National Council for Mental Wellbeing's Child Committee for the Medical Director Institute, Kim has tirelessly advocated for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the field of psychiatry, driving meaningful change, empowering the next generation of Black mental health professionals, and advocating for the mental health needs of underserved communities on a national scale. As a high-achieving Black woman who has navigated the challenges of facing microaggressions, bias, and limited opportunities for advancement in predominantly white, male-dominated industries, Kim intimately understands the struggles and triumphs of her clients. Through her transformative e-learning programs, workshops, and coaching, she equips BIWOC leaders with the tools and strategies they need to break free from societal barriers, overcome burnout and impostor syndrome, and unleash their full potential as inclusive leaders and exceptional service providers. Her own journey of resilience and success serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of self-discovery, healing, and purpose-driven leadership. Kim's extensive publications on the impact of discrimination on health disparities in peer-reviewed journals and book chapters have shaped the discourse on mental health equity, serving as a powerful call to action for the medical community to confront and dismantle systemic barriers to care. Through the founding of BHETC, LLC, she has created a platform to champion initiatives for underserved populations, ensuring that her impact extends far beyond the walls of academia and professional organizations. With her unparalleled expertise in DEI, burnout prevention, resilience-building, inclusive leadership, and customer service excellence, Dr. Kimberly Gordon-Achebe is the ultimate guide and mentor for BIWOC leaders seeking to redefine success, overcome burnout, lead with empathy and cultural competence, and deliver exceptional service to diverse populations.

    40 min
  6. 08/05/2024

    Ep. 29: 3 Cs of Employee Engagement

    For Lisa Nichols, there are three Cs that inspire employee engagement:  compassion, connection, and communication. However, the obstacles to achieving employee engagement in an organization can be significant. Unfortunately, lack of employee engagement is part of higher education’s overall reputation challenge.  This episode provides three takeaways: Lisa will discuss why employee engagement matters.You will learn about employee engagement challenges that are specific to higher ed.Lisa will describe how compassion, connection and communication can improve employee engagement at colleges and universities.Guest Name: Lisa Nichols, CEO of Lisa Nichols Consulting  Guest Social Handles:  LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisacnichols/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loveyourniche Guest Bio: Lisa Nichols is the founder and CEO of Lisa Nichols Consulting, an employee engagement and retention firm that equips leaders to cultivate engaged and connected teams. With a career spanning both the nonprofit and corporate sectors, she is a trusted mentor to leaders at every stage of their careers. Lisa’s approach is informed by her commitment to self-advocacy and to expanding equity in the workplace, stemming from her multicultural and multilingual background. Understanding that the most effective teams function as greater than the sum of their parts, Lisa uses her 3C method to enhance productivity, morale, and retention by establishing a foundation of compassion, connection, and communication for teams.

    36 min
  7. 07/22/2024

    Ep. 28: The Problems with Burnout

    Burnout has become one of higher education’s worst kept human resources secrets. We only have to go as far as an off-campus conversation to find out that some colleagues who seem to have it all together are probably suffering the worst cases of burnout. On this episode, we will chat with Rebecca Pope-Ruark, a former tenured professor who researches burnout and coaches faculty through their burnout experiences.  In this episode of “I Wanna Work There!” we will: Hear Rebecca’s burnout story and learn what it is.Learn how burnout impacts employees’ productivity, particularly on the faculty side.Get an idea of how colleges and universities can help their faculty and staff manage burnout.Guest Name: Rebecca Pope-Ruark, Director of Faculty Professional Development, Georgia Tech and Host, “The Agile Academic” Guest Social: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-pope-ruark-b681627b/ Guest Bio: Dr. Rebecca Pope-Ruark is the director of the Office of Faculty Professional Development at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. A former tenured professor with 17 years experience teaching undergraduates as well as an experienced facilitator and certified coach, she is the author of two books: Unraveling Faculty Burnout: Pathways to Reckoning and Renewal (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2022) and Agile Faculty: Practical Strategies for Managing Research, Service, and Teaching (University of Chicago Press, 2017). She is also the host of “The Agile Academic,” a podcast for women in higher education.

    38 min
5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

A great employee experience equals a great student experience. I Wanna Work There! takes a look at how colleges and universities can develop competitive, compelling employer brands. Hosted by Eddie Francis, a brand strategy consultant with backgrounds in higher education marketing and communications and talent acquisition, each episode is packed with information and insights about how our institutions of higher learning can develop strategies for talent attraction, talent experience and talent retention to deliver what all colleges and universities want to deliver – a great student experience. Episodes feature interviews with experts from talent recruitment and retention, human resources, and marketing and communications in and outside of higher ed. Listeners get an honest and solutions-based look at the issues that surround institutions positioning themselves as employers of choice. I Wanna Work There is hosted by Eddie Francis and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.