Talking Tactics

Dayana Kibilds, Safaniya Stevenson
  • 4.3 (6)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Every game-changing tactic starts with a spark — that moment when someone notices something others missed, asks a different question, or sees a pattern hiding in plain sight. Talking Tactics celebrates these flashes of genius in higher education wherever they come from: the work-study student yapping in the commons, an admissions counselor pulling a late night, or the frazzled enrollment coordinator juggling a million tasks before noon. We explore both the insight AND the action, how a single observation became a tactic that delivered real results. We’ll even look at tactics that were a flop but led to an even greater comeback.
 Talking Tactics is hosted by Safaniya Stevenson and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.

  1. 1D AGO

    Ep. 66: Is Your Campus Ready for Employee Advocacy? The Culture Check Higher Ed Marketers Can’t Skip

    Think your university's perfectly curated Instagram feed is attracting Gen Z students? Think again. Employee advocacy experts Ben Hayes and Maria DeMario reveal why letting professors post typos and unpopular opinions on LinkedIn might be your best recruitment strategy yet. But here's the catch: if you're asking faculty to 'stick to brand guidelines,' you're missing the entire point. Discover why the messiest social media presence might be your competitive advantage in the age of AI. Guest Names: Maria Di Mario, Head of Editorial, Hubbub Labs Ben Hayes, Senior Account & Community Manager, Hubbub Labs  Guest Socials:  Maria: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-di-mario/ Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminhayes80/ Guest Bios:  Maria Di Mario is Head of Editorial at Hubbub Labs, a Barcelona-based marketing agency specialising in education. With more than 18 months leading the agency’s editorial strategy, she shapes high-impact content for education organisations across international markets. Her work sits at the intersection of storytelling, strategy, and education. She develops thought leadership, long-form content, and campaign narratives that help institutions strengthen recruitment, build brand authority, and communicate complex ideas with clarity and nuance. Advising on brand voice, content frameworks and emerging challenges, she is particularly focused on issues of access, equity, and the shifting landscape of international student mobility. Beyond marketing, she advocates for creativity and sustainability, building a personal brand that challenges conventional narratives while elevating thoughtful and intentional work. Ben Hayes is the Senior Account and Community Manager at Hubbub Labs. Daily, he brings more than 20 years experience working in Marketing and Education, and uses this to help create and manage a variety of high impact campaigns for major brands in the education space. His work ensures that strategy, messaging, content and community work in harmony to not only drive results for education brands, but also help people access education to transform their lives. This year, in conjunction with Maria, he developed and launched an internal Employee Advocacy programme at Hubbub Labs and used this experience to lead a client programme. He's passionate about the connections, ROI and personal sense of accomplishment that comes from a well run Employee Advocate programme. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Safaniya Stevensonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/  About The Enrollify Podcast Network:Talking Tactics 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 AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    42 min

  2. 12/23/2025

    Ep. 65: How Indigenous Values Can Transform Enrollment Strategies

    In this episode of Talking Tactics, host Safaniya Stevenson sits down with Jana Hanson of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) and Kata Traxler from Student Ready Strategies to explore how tribal colleges model culturally rooted, community-centered student support. Together, they dive deep into how embracing Indigenous values can reshape how institutions approach family engagement, enrollment communication, and student success. This conversation offers higher ed leaders tactical guidance for more inclusive, empathetic, and effective enrollment strategies. Guest Names:  Katalina (Kata) Traxler, PhD, Director of Postsecondary Strategy, Student-Ready Strategies Jana M. Hanson, PhD, Senior Director of Member and Student Services, American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) Guest Socials:  Jana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jana-hanson-54723270/  Kata: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katalinatraxler/ Guest Bios:  Dr. Katalina (Kata) Traxler is the Director of Postsecondary Strategy at Student-Ready Strategies. In this role, she is primarily responsible for project management, data analysis, report writing, and technical assistance support. Kata's interest in higher education began in college. Her roles as a teaching assistant and peer mentor ignited her passion for removing barriers to student success. Kata has over a decade of experience in higher education across private and public institutions, with expertise in admissions, multicultural affairs, residential life, and academic advising. Kata’s professional practice is grounded in fostering an environment where all college students can achieve their academic and personal goals. When Kata is not working, you can find her weight lifting, reading, or spending time with her support network. Kata holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Services with a specialization in College Student Personnel from the University of Louisville, where her research focused on implicit racial bias in multiracial college students. She also earned a Master of Education in College Student Personnel Administration from Marquette University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Communication Studies from DePaul University. Dr. Jana M. Hanson is the Senior Director of Member and Student Services at the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC). She earned her PhD in Higher Education and Student Affairs from The University of Iowa, a Master’s in Psychology from Boston University, and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Augustana University. With over 15 years of experience in higher education leadership, Dr. Hanson is known for her expertise in integrated planning, institutional assessment, research, and effectiveness. She is committed to fostering a culture of continuous improvement through data-informed decision-making and innovative leadership. In her current role at AIHEC, Dr. Hanson provides strategic support to the 35 accredited Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) across the United States. She works closely with each institution to advance initiatives that enhance Native student learning, improve student outcomes, and strengthen student support services. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Safaniya Stevensonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/  About The Enrollify Podcast Network:Talking Tactics 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 AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    23 min

  3. 12/09/2025

    Ep. 64: Going Vertical: When SEO Meets Social Video

    When TikTok bans threatened to upend their social strategy, one university's marketing team discovered an unlikely ally: their SEO colleagues. In this episode, Amanda Ferrill reveals how Temple University turned platform uncertainty into opportunity by marrying keyword research with vertical video content on YouTube Shorts. Learn why ditching cute captions for searchable titles might be the smartest move your social team makes this year. Plus, find out how a video aimed at parents became their surprise hit, all thanks to thinking like a search engine instead of just a content creator. Guest Name: Amanda Ferrill, Senior Associate Director of Social Media, Temple University Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-ferrill/ Guest Bio: Amanda Ferrill is the Senior Associate Director of Social Media at Temple University, specializing in strategic storytelling, audience engagement, and brand amplification. With a background spanning social media, marketing, and communications across higher education, she combines creative vision with analytics to build meaningful connections. Passionate about the power of community and conversation, Amanda turns ideas into strategy, strategy into content, and content into real connection. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Safaniya Stevensonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/  About The Enrollify Podcast Network:Talking Tactics 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 AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    20 min

  4. 11/25/2025

    Ep. 63: From Likes to Leads: Finding Your Marketing Sweet Spot on LinkedIn

    This week on Talking Tactics we’re talking social media championships and test kitchens? We’re joined by Michaela Taylor, Senior Social Media Strategist at the University of South Carolina—home of Rival IQ’s back-to-back social media champs. She’s breaking down how a “try it on LinkedIn” mindset turned into a growth engine for the university’s digital strategy. Whether you're managing a university account or just trying to figure out if facilities services really needs its own Instagram, this episode is packed with tactics that'll make you rethink everything you thought you knew about LinkedIn for higher education marketing. Guest Name: Michaela Taylor, Senior Social Media Strategist, University of South Carolina Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelajbaker/ Guest Bio: Michaela Taylor has spent the last seven years working in higher education marketing and communications with the last three and a half years working on the social media at the University of South Carolina. She currently works as the senior social media strategist at USC where her team keeps their audience at the center of their social media strategy keeping Gamecock alumni, near and far, connected. She's a visual communicator at heart, font snob, joyful storyteller and creative solution enthusiast. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Safaniya Stevensonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/  About The Enrollify Podcast Network:Talking Tactics 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 AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    33 min

  5. 11/11/2025

    Ep. 62: Turning Keynotes Into Curriculum to Create Community Beyond the Stage

    NC State University sold out 700 tickets in just two days when they brought Alton Brown to campus, but that was only the beginning. Nash Dunn and Allie Bloom Whitley share how NC State’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences transformed a single keynote into a year-long initiative that engages students, alumni, donors, and faculty across multiple touchpoints. Discover the tactical framework behind "The Human Factor" speaker series and why your next keynote should be more than just a one-night event. Guest Names:  Nash Dunn, Director of Communications and Marketing, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, NC State University  Allie Bluhm-Whitley, Assistant Director of Communications, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, NC State University  Guest Socials:  Nash: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nashdunn/  Allie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alliebluhm/ Guest Bios: Nash: Nash Dunn is the director of communications and marketing for NC State University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences. He leads a creative team that develops strategies and content to showcase the impact of the humanities and social sciences, attract students, and inspire support. Most recently, his team launched The Human Factor, a premier speaker series exploring the human side of today’s global challenges. Allie: Allie Bluhm-Whitley is the assistant director of communications for NC State University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences. She aides in promoting the strategic goals of the college internally while helping communicate the value of humanities and social sciences to external audiences. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Safaniya Stevensonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/  About The Enrollify Podcast Network:Talking Tactics 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 AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    28 min

  6. 10/28/2025

    Ep. 61: New Game, New Rules, and Rewriting Student Philanthropy

    What happens when a fundraiser decides to end one of higher ed’s most sacred traditions—the senior giving campaign? In this episode, Safaniya sits down with Alex Rodríguez from UC Berkeley, who made the bold move to shut it down and rebuild student giving from the ground up. From pandemic pivots to Mario-inspired metaphors, Alex shares how he turned a once-obligatory tradition into a culture of authentic student philanthropy. Tune in to hear how rethinking generosity, meeting students where they are, and redefining “giving” beyond dollars changed the game entirely. Guest Name: Alex Rodríguez, Assistant Director, Digital Campaigns, University of California, Berkeley Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/ Guest Bio: Alex Rodríguez engages all generations of the Cal community through digital marketing and social media for crowdfunding and giving days as UC Berkeley’s Assistant Director, Digital Campaigns. After overhauling student philanthropy through social content creation and digital giving, Alex now oversees the Crowdfunding program, launching and marketing ~80 projects and raising over $1 million annually. Throughout his different roles at Berkeley, Alex helped pioneer social media strategy in fundraising at his alma mater - he created the school’s first Instagram Reel! Alex uses his passion for social media (and chronically online experience) to put the “fun” back in fundraising at Berkeley. Outside of his professional life, Alex loves to express himself creatively through thrifted fashion, dance, and TikTok, and can likely be found listening to K-Pop at any given moment. Alex lives in SoCal with his very photogenic cat, Chromeo Kiwi Lunario (@chromeo.kiwi)! - - - -Connect With Our Host:Safaniya Stevensonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/  About The Enrollify Podcast Network:Talking Tactics 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 AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    36 min

  7. 10/14/2025

    Ep. 60: Building Alumni Affinity Through Curiosity Content

    Safaniya Stevenson sits down with Daniel Freeman, Chief Development Officer at Gaston Community College, to unpack how a “curiosity-first” approach reshaped alumni engagement. Tapping into years of fundraising experience and his knack for building authentic relationships, Dan shares how he turned passive alumni into active supporters using low-cost, high-impact development tactics. If you're in enrollment marketing or advancement and you're wondering how to spark alumni giving at a two-year institution, this is your must-listen guide. Guest Name: Dan Freeman, Chief Development Officer, Gaston College Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dantheeddman/ Guest Bio: After earning his degree in sociology from UNC Charlotte, Daniel Freeman Ed.D entered the collegiate athletics industry to explore his passion for sports, coaching, marketing, and external relationships. His journey continued with an MS in Exercise Science/Sport Management and a Doctorate in Education/Global Sport Leadership, two more stops in athletics fundraising, and then settled into the realm of academic fundraising, where he currently resides. His work in higher education fundraising is focused on individual giving, campaign fundraising, and development leadership & strategy. Due to the multiple roles Dr. Freeman has held, he considers himself a fundraising generalist with multiple specialties. Those roles have allowed him to experience all elements of a successful advancement department.  Dr. Freeman is a school record holder in the javelin at UNC Charlotte where he competed on the track and field team. He is a cook, a DIY'er, and a nationally known track and field throws coach. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Safaniya Stevensonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/  About The Enrollify Podcast Network:Talking Tactics 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 AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    34 min

  8. 09/30/2025

    Ep. 59: Risky or Rewarding? Bold Design Lessons for Education Marketing

    Most higher ed campaigns play it safe—and end up milk toast. In this episode of Talking Tactics, Safaniya Stevenson sits down with Baldwin&’s Ashley Yetman and Emily Watson to unpack why bold ideas beget bold design. Partnering with the North Carolina School Board Association on a hearts & minds campaign, they leaned into disarming nostalgic illustrations and creator collaborations to humanize messaging. They reveal how taking creative risks can unite communities, energize audiences, and spark real impact in education marketing. Guest Names: Ashley Yetman, Co-CEO, Director of Brand Strategy, Baldwin& Emily Watson, Group Creative Director, Baldwin& Guest Socials:  Ashley Yetman - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-yetman-a39a0b14/ Emily Watson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-watson-b9383312/ Guest Bios: Ashley Yetman - As 1/3 of the kick-ass, co-CEO team, Ashley Yetman has been growing and leading the brand strategy practice at Baldwin& since 2016 — after years in the Bay Area, working on global brands like Apple, Audi, AAA and Callaway Golf. Since joining B&, she’s tackled all things brand and strategy for brands across all industries; from established companies like Radio Flyer, Krispy Kreme, Gaia Herbs, Lansinoh, and KIOTI tractors, to start-up brands like Circ, Pivotal, Shibumi Shade, and Ithaca Hummus. Ashley has dedicated her career to helping companies extricate and articulate their inherent goodness, so they can live into their most real-est selves. ‘Cause she believes that being yourself (brand-self or human-self) is the best sales tool you can ever uncover. When she’s not geeking out here at B&, she’s either shredding mountains, at home in Durham putting up with her goofy-but-adorable sheepadoodle, or loving/negotiating every moment with her husband and two boys. Emily Watson - Emily Watson is Group Creative Director at Baldwin&, where she has led creative for Gaia Herbs, KIOTI Tractor, Long John Silver’s, NCSBA, and Zulily. Since joining in 2019, she has played an integral role in growing the agency. She helped launch Take Your Seat, helping to increase Black representation in corporate boardrooms, and The Lieutenant Governor’s Fund for the Fabulous, which won Gold at the Shorty Impact Awards and the Grand Award the ANA Awards. She previously did more creative stuff at MullenLowe and GSD&M, working on brands like BMW, Trésemme, Food Lion, and NC Lottery. She has many interests outside of work but is trying to keep this bio to an appropriate length and so will not bore you with stories about hiking and little kids and hound dogs. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Safaniya Stevensonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/  About The Enrollify Podcast Network:Talking Tactics 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 AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    31 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Every game-changing tactic starts with a spark — that moment when someone notices something others missed, asks a different question, or sees a pattern hiding in plain sight. Talking Tactics celebrates these flashes of genius in higher education wherever they come from: the work-study student yapping in the commons, an admissions counselor pulling a late night, or the frazzled enrollment coordinator juggling a million tasks before noon. We explore both the insight AND the action, how a single observation became a tactic that delivered real results. We’ll even look at tactics that were a flop but led to an even greater comeback.
 Talking Tactics is hosted by Safaniya Stevenson and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.

Information

  • Creator
    Dayana Kibilds, Safaniya Stevenson
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    69
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Enrollify
  • Show Website
    Talking Tactics