To Lead From the Heart

About The Episode: 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.

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Listen for these three big leadership insights from Mark:

1. The business case for leading from the heart.
2. Why it is difficult for leaders to lead from the heart.
3. Advice for aspiring presidents to lead their faculty and staff from the heart.

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Episode Summary:

Why Lead From the Heart?

‍Mark Crowley’s leadership philosophy, Lead From the Heart, is not just an idea; it’s a lifelong journey inspired by his own difficult upbringing. Crowley’s mother died young, and his father emotionally and physically abused him before kicking him out of the house at 18. These traumatic experiences taught him early on about the importance of empathy and support, things he did not receive but craved. Later, as a manager in the financial services industry, Crowley noticed that by leading with care and genuine interest in his employees, he was able to foster better performance. This inspired his book and podcast, aiming to transform workplace cultures.

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The Science Behind Leading From the Heart

‍Crowley’s leadership style isn’t just based on anecdotal evidence—it’s backed by science. During his research, Crowley discovered that the heart and brain are interconnected, sending signals to each other. Decisions are more often driven by emotions than logic, meaning leaders must tap into the emotional core of their teams. When employees feel appreciated, safe, and valued, they enter an optimal state of performance. Crowley’s methods were tested in one of the toughest environments—financial services—where he proved that heart-led leadership leads to success even in competitive, cutthroat industries.

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Why is Leading From the Heart Difficult in Higher Education?

‍Eddie Francis raises the question of why many higher education leaders struggle to lead with empathy. Crowley points to traditional leadership models that are still rooted in fear and control. In higher education, where departmental and administrative leadership can often be oppressive, employees feel undervalued, leading to high turnover. Crowley explains that many leaders stick to what they know, often managing in the same controlling manner that helped them climb the ranks. However, this approach no longer resonates with younger generations, particularly Gen Z, who are demanding more emotionally intelligent leadership. For higher education to thrive, leaders must shift to more empathetic and inclusive practices.

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About the Show: I Wanna Work There! takes a look at how colleges and universities can develop competitive, compelling employer brands. Join us for an honest and solutions-based look at the issues that surround institutions positioning themselves as employers of choice.

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About The Enrollify Podcast Network: I Wanna Work There is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!  

Some of our favorites include Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager and Talking Tactics. 

Enrollify is produced by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

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Element451 is hosting the AI Engage Summit on Oct 29 and 30. Register now for this free, virtual event.The future of higher ed is being redefined by the transformative power of AI. The AI Engage Summit brings together higher ed leaders,  innovators, and many of your favorite Enrollify creators to explore AI’s impact on student engagement, enrollment marketing, and institutional success.

Experience firsthand how AI is improving content personalization at scale, impacting strategic decision-making, and intuitively automating the mundane tasks that consume our time. The schedule is packed with real examples and case studies, so you leave knowing how to harness AI to drive meaningful change at your institution.

Whether you’re looking to enhance student outcomes, optimize enrollment marketing, or simply stay ahead of the curve, the AI Engage Summit is your gateway to the next level of higher education innovation. Registration is free, save your spot today.