In this episode of the Education Marketing Leader podcast, I sat down with Jaime Hunt, Founder and President at Solve Higher Ed Marketing and author of the new book Heart over Hype.

We covered the real work behind building an authentic brand in higher ed.

No fluff.

Just strategy, leadership, and lessons you can actually use.

Here's what we covered in the episode:

✅ What's behind the title "Heart over Hype"

Jaime breaks down why emotional connection and trust matter more than flashy campaigns, especially in higher ed.

✅ How to lead change inside your institution

She talks about aligning leadership, building coalitions, and how to gain internal buy-in when everyone has an opinion on marketing.

✅ Why higher ed marketing needs a reality check

Jaime explains how the pressure to drive enrollment can lead to hype-driven tactics, and how to avoid that trap.

✅ The risks of inauthentic messaging

Misalignment between brand promise and student experience? Jaime's been there. She shares how to fix it.

✅ Practical advice for marketers trying to do better work

We talk about knowing your audience, measuring what matters, and leading with empathy.

This episode is a must-listen if you're juggling leadership expectations, branding constraints, and the pressure to deliver ROI.

Listen now and grab a copy of the book today.

Follow and subscribe to the Education Marketing Leader podcast with Chris Rapozo for more real conversations with the people shaping higher ed marketing.