Finding your niche has never seemed more achievable thanks to this week’s guest, Niche Movement founder Kevin O’Connell. He’s an entrepreneur, author, and digital storyteller on a quest to build the perfect Spotify playlist. Our conversation is all about storytelling, from digital platform best practices to ways to launch the next chapter of your career. Best of all, this episode is packed with practical and tactical advice, especially if you are ready to make some shifts in your life. Find all the show notes at josieahlquist.com/podcast and follow the podcast on Twitter @JosieATPodcast and host Dr. Josie Ahlquist @josieahlquist.     

Kevin O'Connell // Telling Your Story and Finding Your Niche

What does it mean to lead in the digital space with heart and grace?

On my podcast, Josie and the Podcast, I spend time with role models of digital leadership in higher education to answer this question. Whether we’re deconstructing trends on TikTok, sharing best practices for maintaining a digital community, or building up communications professionals by addressing mental health and burnout, my goal is to share conversations that encourage you, empower you, and entertain you to rethink digital strategy - for yourself and the organizations you support.

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We’ve made it through another season of Josie and The Podcast – and as we celebrate the end of Season 6, we’re also celebrating my birthday! To commemorate these milestones, I wanted to use this final episode to reflect on this past season and this era of my life.   One of several themes this season was technology, specifically AI. What better way to help me recap the season than by asking AI to help pull moments that sparked conversation and community for us all. Turns out, we talked a lot about change, community, and mindfulness – a few of my favorite things! Birthdays are a big time for reflection. I asked you all for questions to answer, and you delivered. The episode is packed with life lessons, reminding you that progress doesn't require a grand plan. I advocate for starting small because the momentum created can be transformative. The episode ends with a powerful message of self-acceptance, reminding you that we are all a blend of strength and vulnerability, deserving of grace and moments to pause.   And while the season may be over, I’d love to stay connected over the summer break! Follow me on social media and/or sign up for my monthly newsletter delivered to your inbox to receive updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and a healthy dose of fun. Plus, don’t miss the Real Talk Higher Ed Series – a monthly show where we tackle the big issues in higher education with an experienced and caring panel of professionals.    Thank you for being part of season 6! I look forward to seeing what's in store for season 7. Until next time – sending all the digital love and hugs.   Josie and the Podcast is a production of Dr. Josie Ahlquist and is produced by University FM. The show is also sponsored by  Element451.   For all resources mentioned in this episode, head to  https://www.josieahlquist.com/podcast/this-is-43-josies-version/   Connect with Josie: LinkedIn Instagram Threads Twitter/X Facebook Website Email   Josie and the Podcast is on social too! Podcast Instagram Podcast Twitter/X Podcast Threads   Mentioned in the episode:   Element 451 Engage Summit     Dr. Josie Ahqluist: Pioneering Positive Social Media Guidance in Student Affairs - SA Voices from the Field podcast   Real Talk Higher Ed Series Registration   Supervisor Version of Student Social Media Academy    Radiant Life Retreat   Digital Leadership in Higher Education - Josie Ahlquist   Element451   University FM  

This is 43 (Josie’s Version)

If you ask Dr. Jill Creighton where her favorite place in the world is, she’ll tell you it’s the place she hasn’t been to yet. As a world traveler, Jill leads organizations in global engagement, social impact, and crisis management in the higher education sector. Before starting in her current role as the Associate Vice President for Global Operations at the Institute for Study Abroad, Jill spent years working in student affairs – a passion that stretches back to her dissertation on American college students’ study abroad behavior. Jill also hosts SA: Voices from the Field, a podcast with NASPA.  In this episode, Jill discusses her philosophy of navigating the world as a traveler and not a tourist, her observations of study abroad programs across the globe, and how the podcast SA: Voices from the Field is sharing the stories of the people who make student affairs come to life.  Josie and the Podcast is a production of Dr. Josie Ahlquist and is produced by University FM. For all resources mentioned in this episode, head to: https://www.josieahlquist.com/podcast/being-a-traveler-not-a-tourist-with-jill-creighton/ Connect with Jill: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjillcreighton/  SA Voices email: savoices@naspa.org    Connect with Josie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josieahlquist/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josieahlquist Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josieandthepodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/josieahlquist Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/JosieATPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJosieAhlquist/ Website: www.josieahlquist.com Email: info@josieahlquist.com   Mentioned in the episode: Dr. Kelly Alvarado-Young on LinkedIn  Dr. Peter Hansen on LinkedIn SA: Voices from the Field podcast Colorado Symphony  Chris Lombardi Acapella on YouTube Chris Lombardi Acapella on TikTok  Hunt the Wumpus computer game Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange  From Qatar to Consultancy: Transitions in Dr. Denny Roberts' Career  Dr. Chris Lewis on LinkedIn  NASPA official site   

Being a Traveler Not a Tourist with Jill Creighton

Step aside Gen Z, because Generation Alpha is here and making its identity known. Born between 2010 and 2025, Alpha’s are highly digitally-integrated and are set to become the most educated generation.  For insight on Gen Alpha, I brought in a diverse group of guests to speak to what’s ahead. You’ll hear from AJ Lopez, social media & media relations manager at Texas Woman’s University (and parent of two Gen Alphas); Dr. Meghan Grace, researcher, consultant, generational expert; Dr. Amber Williams, Vice Provost for Student Success at the University of Tennessee - Knoxville (also a parent of a Gen Alpha); and Ava Christopher, a Gen Alpha herself, and the cousin of my marketing manager, Kati Hartwig.  As we gear up for this new generation of diverse, intelligent, and independent people, it’s clear that higher ed is going to have to evolve to fit their needs. So what’s the first step?  Josie and the Podcast is a production of Dr. Josie Ahlquist and is produced by University FM. The show is also sponsored by Element451. For all resources mentioned in this episode, head to https://www.josieahlquist.com/podcast/little-giants-big-world-of-gen-alpha/    Connect with Josie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josieahlquist/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josieahlquist Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josieandthepodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/josieahlquist Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/JosieATPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJosieAhlquist/ Website: www.josieahlquist.com Email: info@josieahlquist.com   Mentioned in the episode: Element 451 Engage Summit *Remember to use code JOSIE50 for an exclusive discount through March 31st!* NASPA session with Tim Alexander: Is Student Affairs Ready for Influencer Marketing?  Influencer Marketing and Its Place in Higher Education | Josie and the Podcast ACPA Annual Convention NASPA Virtual Conference  AMA Virtual Conference: Marketing in Higher Education Student Social Media Academy Engaging the Digital Generation AJ Lopez | Texas Women’s University Dr. Meghan Grace | researcher, consultant, generational expert Dr. Amber Williams | University of Tennessee Gen Alpha Primer from Ologie  McCrindle Ashley Fell  Gen Alpha will be more diverse than the rest of the US population (Insider Intelligence) Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library  Inside the Tween Obsession With Drunk Elephant Skin Care (Glamour Magazine)  Skincare Smoothies James Charles  Preparing for Gen Alpha Students: Everything Will Be Different (Volt)  6 Tips for Marketing Higher Ed to Generation Alpha Students Like You | Seton Hall University  The Automatic Millionaire by David Bach Faith Hitch on TikTok Generation research from Dr. Meghan Grace and Dr. Corey Semiller

Little Giants: The Big World of Gen Alpha

A common theme I noticed throughout today's conversation with Mike Muñoz was a focus on breathing. Whether it was metaphorically taking a breather from doom scrolling, or literally stopping yourself for a quiet moment to feel your chest move up and down. Mike’s commitment to self-preservation, his warm persona and dedication to his campus are a driving force behind his work.  Dr. Mike Muñoz, Superintendent and President of Long Beach City College (LBCC), is a nationally recognized leader, passionate about closing the equity gap, creating inclusive environments, and driving innovation. He joined me this episode to chat about the innovative strategies he is implementing at LBCC to foster a sense of belonging and support for students, and the role of social media in enhancing accessibility and engagement. Mike discusses on campus initiatives like 'Paletas with the President,' designed to connect with students while honoring his ethnicity, and his approach to addressing challenges faced by specific groups, such as students with dependents and those experiencing homelessness.  He also emphasizes the importance of empathy, authenticity, and self-care in leadership, and highlights how sharing these values through social media can serve as a powerful platform for uplifting and connecting communities.    Josie and the Podcast is a production of Dr. Josie Ahlquist and is produced by University FM. The show is also sponsored by  Element451.   For all resources mentioned in this episode, head to https://www.josieahlquist.com/podcast/protecting-your-light-with-dr-mike-munoz/    Mentioned in the episode: Element 451 Engage Summit  *Remember to use code JOSIE50 for an exclusive discount through March 31st!* Teddy Ruxpin Long Beach City College (@lbcitycollege) • Instagram  Long Beach City College  Long Beach City College | LinkedIn Paletas With The President  LBCC - President's Circle Funds Students with Dependents - Long Beach City College Want to Become a Peer Advisor? - Long Beach City College  LBCC and Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach Launch New Service to Help Student Parents  LBCC Launches Pilot Program for Student Overnight Parking  Long Beach City College - YouTube Long Beach City College - Facebook LB City College (@LBCityCollege) / X   Connect with Mike: LinkedIn Instagram   Connect with Josie: LinkedIn InstagramThreads Twitter/X Facebook Website Email   Josie and the Podcast is on social too! Podcast Instagram Podcast Twitter/X Podcast Threads

Protecting Your Light with Dr. Mike Muñoz

Diving into the world of Artificial intelligence (AI) can be intimidating. Or maybe you’re unsure about using it at all. No one is an expert in these tools right now (unless, maybe, you happen to be one of the tool creators), meaning there is so much room for playfulness and exploration open to those willing to try.     In this episode, I’ll cover the importance of staying updated with changing AI trends, discuss possible concerns and benefits of integrating AI in higher ed, provide practical and effective steps for experimenting with AI, and recommend several (several) resources for learning more.   I am also in the early stages of exploring, so I wanted to seek some advice from my colleagues and hear all about how they're using different tools. Throughout the episode, you’ll hear from me; Carrie Phillips, Chief Communications Officer at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock; Claire Brady, President of Glass Half Full Consulting (and a former Vice President for Student Affairs); and Joel Villarani, Director of Social Media at Florida International University.   AI doesn’t have to be scary, and it can be incredibly helpful! The potential benefits are limitless if we can maintain a humanized approach to AI implementation in higher education.    Josie and the Podcast is a production of Dr. Josie Ahlquist and is produced by University FM. The show is also sponsored by  Element451.   For all resources mentioned in this episode, head to https://www.josieahlquist.com/podcast/in-my-ai-era/    Connect with Josie: LinkedIn Instagram Threads Twitter/X Facebook Website Email   Josie and the Podcast is on social too! Podcast Instagram Podcast Twitter/X Podcast Threads   Mentioned in the episode:     Student Social Media Academy   2024 NASPA Annual Conference, Seattle   ACPA24 // Chicago, IL | ACPA    Josie Episode: Building Community vs. Facilitating Community   Chat GPT   Gemini   Grammarly   Perplexity    HubSpot: AI Trends for Marketers 2023 Report   Claude AI    Consensus   Carrie Phillips - Communications and Marketing   Carrie Phillips, Ed.D. - University of Arkansas at Little Rock | LinkedIn   Claire Brady, Ed.D | LinkedIn   Claire Brady, Ed.D - Glass Half Full Consulting   Joel Villarini Falbe - Florida International University | LinkedIn   Social Media | Strategic Communications, Government and External Affairs | Florida International University    Josie's LinkedIn: Grounding Student Affairs Work in Technology: ACPA/NASPA Approves Updated Competencies    Inside Higher Education 2023 - Benefits and Challenges of AI Report   The New Academic Arms Race - The Chronicle    Higher Ed Pulse Podcast: Beyond Bricks and Clicks: Shaping the Future of Higher Ed Marketing    Study: AI Adoption and Higher Ed Leadership    Risks and rewards higher ed should know when investing in AI   AI Plus | University at Albany    $60M gift to establish major initiative in artificial intelligence at IU   AI Center Opening at MDC    A new collaboration with OpenAI charts the future of AI in higher education | ASU News   DALL·E 3   The Element451 AI Learning Center   Bart Caylor - Caylor Solutions | LinkedIn   Caylor Solutions   Evertrue   Mallory Willsea - Enrollify | LinkedIn   Digital Leadership in Higher Education - Josie Ahlquist   Element 451 Engage Summit    *Remember to use code JOSIE50 for an exclusive discount through April 14th!*   Element451   University FM    

Kevin O'Connell // Telling Your Story and Finding Your Niche

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