Embracing Leadership and Marketing in Higher Education: Insights from Jenny Petty and Carrie Phillips

In the debut episode of Pulse Check - Learning From Leaders Part 1, host Carrie Phillips, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer at UA Little Rock, is joined by Jenny Petty, Vice President of Marketing, Communications, Experience, and Engagement at the University of Montana. Together, they explore the intricacies of leadership in the marketing domain within higher education. This episode is not just a dialogue but a deep dive into practical leadership strategies and the personal growth stories of two accomplished professionals.

The Journey to Leadership: Learning from Experience

Both Carrie and Jenny share a common origin—starting in entry-level positions and climbing up the ranks in their respective educational institutions. Their stories highlight the transformative power of mentorship and the importance of developing essential skills for leadership roles. Jenny emphasizes the role of servant leadership in her approach, a philosophy she studied in-depth during her master’s in organizational leadership. This style focuses on the growth and well-being of team members, aiming to foster autonomy, independence, and a more profound sense of purpose within the team.

Tactical Management vs. Strategic Leadership

The conversation between Carrie and Jenny reveals the delicate balance between managing and leading. Jenny illustrates this through her leadership style, which integrates tactical management to meet goals and strategic leadership that nurtures team members' development. This blend ensures that while organizational objectives are met, the team's growth and morale are also prioritized.

Building Trust and Maintaining Relationships

Trust is a pivotal theme in any leadership role, and Jenny provides valuable insights into building and maintaining it within a team, especially in contexts that have previously suffered from instability. Her approach emphasizes transparency and authenticity, essential for healing and strengthening team dynamics. Moreover, Jenny discusses the importance of addressing conflict directly—a practice that not only resolves issues but also prevents trust deterioration.

Empowerment Through Self-Care and Delegation

An essential part of leadership, as discussed in this episode, is the shift from doing to delegating. This transition allows leaders like Jenny to focus on strategic oversight rather than day-to-day tasks, a shift critical for any senior role. Furthermore, the discussion underscores the importance of self-care for leaders. Jenny advocates for leaders to take care of their health and well-being to effectively support their teams and handle the demands of their roles.

Key Takeaways:

• Servant Leadership: Emphasizes the growth and autonomy of team members.
• Balance in Leadership: Effective leaders balance tactical management with strategic leadership.
• Trust and Transparency: Essential for fostering a healthy team environment.
• Delegation and Self-Care: Critical for sustaining leadership effectiveness and personal well-being.
• Conflict Resolution: Directly addressing issues maintains trust and facilitates professional growth.

For more insights and a deeper understanding of leadership in higher education marketing, listen to the full episode of Pulse Check - Learning From Leaders Part 1 with host Carrie Phillips and special guest Jenny Petty. Explore related content and empower yourself with more actionable tips by tuning into other episodes within the Enrollify network.