In this special episode from the American Marketing Association conference, Carrie sits down with Claire Skelton, Assistant Director of Content Marketing at Southeast Missouri State University, and Nikki Peters, Design Manager at the same institution. They discuss the impact of leadership lessons, the value of continuous learning, and the excitement of their first AMA conference. If you're a higher education marketing professional or someone stepping into leadership roles, their experiences will resonate deeply.

Key Takeaways

• Continuous Learning Fuels Leadership Growth: Claire and Nikki emphasize that leadership is an ongoing journey, not a destination.
• Collaborative Development Strengthens Teams: Completing leadership courses together allowed them to reflect, share insights, and grow as leaders.
• Flexibility in Leadership Matters: Tailoring leadership styles to individual team members is a game-changer.
• Networking and Shared Experiences Are Priceless: The conference provides a unique opportunity to connect with peers facing similar challenges and to explore innovative solutions.
• First-Time Attendees Should Take the Leap: The advice is simple—if you're debating attending next year, go.

The Power of Shared Leadership Development 
Claire and Nikki shared how the Lessons in Leadership course shaped their approach to managing teams and fostering collaboration. By taking the course together, they identified each other’s strengths and weaknesses, creating a space for vulnerability and growth. Weekly meetings became a cornerstone of their development, offering a chance to reflect on insights, identify areas for improvement, and brainstorm how to adapt their leadership styles to meet the needs of their diverse teams.

This collaborative approach highlights an essential takeaway: leadership growth is amplified when it's shared. Leaders who hold themselves and others accountable can create meaningful change for their teams and organizations.

Situational Leadership and Self-Awareness 
A key insight from the course that resonated with Nikki and Claire was the importance of situational leadership. Nikki explained how tailoring her approach based on the unique needs of her team members and projects allowed her to adapt more effectively. Flexibility, she noted, is a critical skill for navigating the fast-paced challenges of higher education marketing.

Claire highlighted the importance of self-awareness, particularly around communication. Recognizing tendencies, such as unintentionally interrupting others, and making a conscious effort to listen more effectively, helped her grow as a leader. Both agreed that leadership is as much about personal reflection as it is about team management.

First-Time Conference Experiences and Advice 
Both Claire and Nikki expressed excitement about their first AMA conference and the wealth of knowledge it offers. With sessions on branding, leadership, CRM strategies, and social media tactics, they are eager to return to their teams with actionable insights. For Nikki, rebranding at their institution provided a timely opportunity to absorb fresh perspectives on guiding her team through significant changes.

The networking opportunities were another highlight. Meeting peers at the welcome reception and engaging with vendors gave them a sense of belonging in a larger professional community. Their advice to first-time attendees: “Go for it.” The energy, shared challenges, and inspiring ideas make it an invaluable experience.

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Connect With Our Host:
Mallory Willsea 
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