True CRM

This month, Kate Walewska, Director of Marketing and Student Recruitment at the University of Warwick has trebuchet herself over the True CRM castle walls and into our royal court for a quick chat.

We discussed what Kate would do if she had a magic wand, what the future of CRM looks like, and her journey through marketing in HE so far!

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FEATURING:

Liz Smythe

Andy Ball

Kate Walewska

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True CRM is a podcast production by the CRM Network HE, a collective of friendly CRM professionals working within Higher Education. For more info and to become a member visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://crmnetwork.org

This month, Kate Jackson, Group Marketing Director at Coventry University has descended from her rocky outcrop (you’ll need to listen to understand that in-joke) to join the team for a chat!

We discussed how finding a solution should start with a  problem, and not the tech; ensuring that CRM is moved upstream to better influence strategic decision making; as well as the importance of being able to say no (and keep focused!)

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FEATURING:

Liz Smythe

Andy Ball

Kate Jackson 🐆

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True CRM is a podcast production by the CRM Network HE, a collective of friendly CRM professionals working within Higher Education. For more info and to become a member visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://crmnetwork.org

This month, James Maas, CRM Manager at University of Cambridge Professional and Continuing Education, is joining the True CRM band on stage for a special gig on our World Tour (sort of).

We discussed his love for designing solutions with real-world impact, the perils of scope creep, and what it's like being a bonafide CRM rockstar!

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FEATURING:

Liz Smythe

Andy Ball

James Maas

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True CRM is a podcast production by the CRM Network HE, a collective of friendly CRM professionals working within Higher Education. For more info and to become a member visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://crmnetwork.org

This month, we’re piloting the True CRM barge up some famous Dutch canals and visiting our pal, Erald Sula, Student Engagement Specialist at the University of Groningen.

We discussed what Erald's superpower is, what he loves about working in CRM, and he shares with us his magical key for motivation (coffee!) ☕️🤩

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FEATURING:

Liz Smythe

Andy Ball

Erald Sula

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True CRM is a podcast production by the CRM Network HE, a collective of friendly CRM professionals working within Higher Education. For more info and to become a member visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://crmnetwork.org

A familiar face for those on the CRMNHE committee, this week we're saying a cheery hello to Mark Turner, CRM and Automation Solutions Architect at Falmouth University.

We discussed what Mark's superpower is, his predictions for CRM developments in the future, and how does the Royal Mail deal with letters to Santa Claus??

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FEATURING:

Liz Smythe

Andy Ball

Mark Turner

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True CRM is a podcast production by the CRM Network HE, a collective of friendly CRM professionals working within Higher Education. For more info and to become a member visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://crmnetwork.org

We're very pleased to welcome our friend Kayleigh Duddy, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Solution Architect & Team Leader at ANS, aboard the good ship True CRM.

We discussed Kayleigh's fondness for her HE clients, how helping people motivates her, overcoming imposter syndrome, and how there is no such thing as a silly question!

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FEATURING:

Liz Smythe

Andy Ball

Kayleigh Duddy

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True CRM is a podcast production by the CRM Network HE, a collective of friendly CRM professionals working within Higher Education. For more info and to become a member visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://crmnetwork.org

We finally did it. We recorded a live podcast for the CRM Network HE.

Recorded on the 18 June 2025 during our annual conference (online again this year), we asked members to either agree or disagree with some contentious CRM-based statements. Are Open rates meaningless? Is the right time to send an email a myth? And does AI write better copy than humans?

Listen in to hear the results!

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FEATURING:

Liz Smythe

Andy Ball

The CRM Network HE Membership!

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True CRM is a podcast production by the CRM Network HE, a collective of friendly CRM professionals working within Higher Education. For more info and to become a member visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://crmnetwork.org

A slight change this week as Richard Scothern, UK Client Care Manager at Azorus Inc, teleports aboard the Starship True CRM to discuss all things CRM from a supplier perspective. We discussed why Starbucks hates him, how Open Days are managed differently at Utrecht University, and the reality of testing and embedding AI chatbots...

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FEATURING:

Liz Smythe

Andy Ball

Richard Scothern

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True CRM is a podcast production by the CRM Network HE, a collective of friendly CRM professionals working within Higher Education. For more info and to become a member visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://crmnetwork.org

This week we welcomed Aimee Ellis, CRM Systems Lead at Ravensbourne University London, to the CRM treehouse at the bottom of Liz's garden. Find out what she looooves about working in CRM, how she gets her kicks from helping people solve problems, and her thoughts on the future...

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FEATURING:

Liz Smythe

Andy Ball

Aimee Ellis

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True CRM is a podcast production by the CRM Network HE, a collective of friendly CRM professionals working within Higher Education. For more info and to become a member visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://crmnetwork.org

This week we've got Christine Rirom from Cranfield University parachuting in behind enemy lines to the True CRM hidden base. Find out how she juggles BAU whilst migrating to a new CRM, what her devilish CRM superpower is, and what happens when there's an airplane crash evacuation simulation outside her office window!

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FEATURING:

Liz Smythe

Andy Ball

Christine Rirom

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True CRM is a podcast production by the CRM Network HE, a collective of friendly CRM professionals working within Higher Education. For more info and to become a member visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://crmnetwork.org