The MADness Podcast

Remco Weeda, Director of Marketing and Admissions at Scarborough College, talks with James and Nik about the looming VAT on school fees, how to put your school at the centre of its community, and why brisket is his absolute favourite meat to smoke.

Kelsey Hayre, Assistant Director of Advancement at Stratford Hall School in Vancouver explains exactly what advancement means - and talks about the power of alumni, authentic storytelling and word-of-mouth marketing when she hits the studio with hosts James and Nik.

Kyle Aldous, Executive Director of Communications at Singapore American School, chats with James and Nik about his experience being part of an expat family, the importance of organic social, and his journey from the candy business to the world of marketing and admissions.

David Milner, Director of Marketing and International Relations at Sedbergh School and Board Chair of AMCIS, speaks to James and Nik about 500 years of Sedbergh history, the challenges facing the UK Independent School sector, and his vibes on Whatsapp and Linkedin,

Nik brings you a short update on what's new with the podcast, including a new episode format for Season 2, our upcoming collaboration with The PIE, and how you can get involved with the show.

Nikita Vasyliev, Communications & Marketing Manager at Pechersk School International, speaks to James and Nik about his experience of the war in Ukraine, how you relocate a school in the middle of a conflict, and the springs of hope that come the warmth of an international school community.

Elizabeth Drake, VP Global Marketing at Amerigo Education, chats to James and Nik about the secondary system in the USA, selling the American dream, and why a bit of good old hustle is ingredient in the recipe for success.

Jane Forster, Director of Marketing and Admissions at Wellington College International School Bangkok, talks about standing out in a competitive marketplace, why the perfect photo is the most powerful marketing asset, and the key differences between the marketing and admissions functions in an international school as she joins James and Nik in the studio.

Irene Chung, Group Chief Commercial Officer at XCL Education, talks about MAD strategies, the power of authentic storytelling, working in a strategic role across 19 schools and the value of CRM (amongst many other things) as she joins James and Nik in the studio.

We chat with Anne Dickinson (Director of Marketing and Admissions, Rugby School Japan) about attracting families to a totally new international school, how you explain that Rugby School is more than a school for rugby, and the changing expat demographics in Japan.