About the Episode
In this episode, Jeremy has a thought provoking and in-depth conversation about leadership with DJ Menifee. They discuss DJ’s admissions and enrollment management journey from his first leadership opportunity all the way to his current Vice President role.
Key Takeaways
- Clarity is Mission-Critical: Clearly define roles, responsibilities, and the “why” behind tasks to empower teams and align everyone with organizational goals.
- Transparency and Empathy Are Must-Haves: Being open and empathetic as a leader builds trust, fosters collaboration, and creates a psychologically safe environment for teams.
- Leaders Must Lead Up and Across: Whether you’re a middle manager or a senior leader, it’s crucial to build relationships with peers and higher-ups to ensure alignment and collaboration.
- Self-Awareness Fuels Growth: Regular self-reflection and seeking external mentorship or coaching can help leaders understand their strengths, address their blind spots, and navigate challenges.
- Preparation Starts Early: For new roles, leadership begins the moment you say “yes.” Invest time in building relationships, understanding organizational frameworks, and preparing for the challenges ahead.
Early Leadership Lessons
DJ Menifee traces his leadership journey back to youth sports, where teammates and coaches looked to him for guidance as a point guard. He notes that his first formal leadership role came during his tenure at Knox College, where he oversaw both professional staff and student ambassadors.
While DJ’s natural strengths in strategy and execution helped him prepare for his role, a mentor encouraged him to prioritize relationship building—a lesson that continues to shape his leadership philosophy. DJ learned to take time to understand what motivates his team, how they navigate challenges, and what they need to thrive in a psychologically safe environment.
The Role of Clarity and Accountability
DJ emphasizes that clarity is foundational to effective leadership. When he first began managing staff, he prioritized defining roles, responsibilities, and the team’s “why.” Leaders, he argues, must articulate not just what needs to be done, but why it matters and how it contributes to broader organizational goals.
Equally important is accountability—not just for the team, but for the leader as well. DJ believes in creating an environment where both team members and leaders feel comfortable holding each other accountable, even when it requires having difficult conversations.
Transitioning into Senior Leadership
When DJ transitioned to director and later to VP roles, the weight of responsibility grew. At Butler University, he prepared for the complexities of managing a larger team and a bigger budget. At Susquehanna University, his portfolio expanded to include financial aid and student accounts, requiring him to learn new areas while balancing institutional leadership responsibilities.
One of the biggest surprises for DJ was understanding the broader role senior leaders play in shaping the entire institution—not just their individual departments. This required a shift in perspective, focusing not only on enrollment goals but also on institutional strategy and collaboration.
Balancing Empathy and Performance
DJ shares that empathy is no longer a “nice-to-have” in leadership—it’s a necessity. However, empathy must be authentic to be effective. Leaders need to genuinely care about their team’s well-being while also maintaining high performance standards.
He highlights the importance of extending grace to team members, especially during challenging times. However, DJ notes that grace is easier to extend when individuals have a track record of consistent performance. For leaders, this underscores the importance of building trust and credibility over time.
Navigating Overwhelm and Finding Balance
Leadership comes with weight, and DJ acknowledges that moments of overwhelm are inevitable. To maintain balance, he leans on his faith, family, and hobbies, such as reading and collecting sneakers. DJ also emphasizes the importance of listening to your body and taking breaks when needed to avoid burnout.
He believes that leaders must model vulnerability by openly sharing when they’re feeling overwhelmed. This creates a culture where team members feel safe to express their own challenges and seek support.
Practical Advice for Leaders
1. Build Relationships Early
DJ advises leaders to start building relationships with their teams and peers before officially stepping into a new role. Whether through one-on-one meetings or proactive communication, these relationships lay the groundwork for effective collaboration.
2. Schedule Regular Check-Ins
Weekly or bi-weekly one-on-one meetings with direct reports are critical for maintaining alignment and addressing issues early. DJ recommends preparing agendas in advance and giving team members the space to share their priorities first.
3. Prioritize Self-Reflection
Leadership begins with self-awareness. DJ encourages leaders to reflect on their actions, motivations, and contributions to challenges. Seeking mentorship or coaching can also provide valuable perspective and guidance.
4. Lead with Vulnerability
By being transparent about his own challenges, DJ creates a culture of psychological safety where team members feel comfortable sharing their struggles. Vulnerability, he argues, is a sign of strength, not weakness.
5. Align with Senior Leadership
For middle managers, DJ recommends proactively seeking clarity from senior leaders and aligning departmental goals with the institution’s broader mission. If clarity isn’t provided, take the initiative to define it for your team while maintaining open communication with leadership.
Ready to Lead with Impact?
If you’re an aspiring or current leader, here’s how you can apply DJ’s insights to your own journey:
- Focus on Clarity: Clearly define roles, responsibilities, and the “why” for your team. Regularly check in to ensure alignment.
- Lead with Empathy: Show genuine care for your team while holding them accountable. Balance vulnerability with strength.
- Be Proactive: Whether it’s preparing for a new role or seeking clarity from leadership, take the initiative to set yourself and your team up for success.
- Invest in Relationships: Build trust with your team, peers, and leadership by prioritizing open communication and collaboration.
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About the Enrollify Podcast Network
Mission Admission is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Our podcast network is growing by the month and we’ve got a plethora of marketing, admissions, and higher ed technology shows that are jam packed with stories, ideas, and frameworks all designed to empower you to be a better higher ed professional. Our shows feature a selection of the industry’s best as your hosts. Learn from Mickey Baines, Zach Busekrus, Jaime Hunt, Corynn Myers, Jaime Gleason and many more.
Learn more about The Enrollify Podcast Network at podcasts.enrollify.org. Our shows help higher ed marketers and admissions professionals find their next big idea — come and find yours!
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