True Colors: A School Branding Podcast

On this episode, I am joined by Michael Bolland from Spreading Hope Network. He is leading the charge of helping visionaries start urban classical Christian schools in the unexpected places. In this interview, we discuss the mission and drive behind the network, the training and challenges that go into planting a new school, and a hopeful outlook for the landscape of urban Christian education. Lea...

On this episode, I'm joined by Marc Hyde from Marc Hyde Creative. He has spent a decade in the marketing space and helps lead schools of all sizes through the terrain of a website build. We discuss his unique solutions to equipping small Christian schools with valuable sites, how to be prepared for a successful build, and why every school needs to give their website time and attention. Marc's Webs...

On this episode, I'm joined by Erick Collings, the Chief of Staff at the Eastern Kentucky University's Model Learning School. We discussed the unique approach of a model learning school, the universal marketing challenges, and how strategy plays a role in unifying teachers and administration. Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madisoncarr/ Visit my website: https://www.creativecham...

On this episode, we're joined by Mark Sherrod from Tree of Life Christian Schools. Mark is the Director of Strategic Growth and discusses the unique challenges and victories of managing the brand and marketing for a multi-campus private Christian school. Find Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-sherrod-6b102192/ Visit Madison's website: https://www.creativechameleonstudio.com/ Find...

On this episode, we're joined by Ashley Trathen from Valley Christian Schools. Ashley is the Director of Marketing and shares the journey of what brought her to VCS, lessons learned in this role, and how she works with her team to position the school in a competitive way. Find Ashley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trathen-ashley/ Visit Madison's website: https://www.creativechameleonstud...

On this episode, we're joined by Aubrey Bursch from Easy School Marketing. Aubrey helps schools gather and analyze personalized market research so they can tailor their marketing strategy to their target audience. She explains the ins and outs of collecting this research, why it's important, and how schools can use it to further their marketing reach and impact. Find Aubrey on LinkedIn: https://ww...

An impactful school brand is one that presents your school in a compelling way. This means shaping a winsome perception of who you are and communicating with your audience in a persuasive way. Your website is a major tool in this process, and having relevant, up-to-date content is necessary to make it an effective tool. On this episode, I'm joined by Dale Seabury, a school consultant who has helpe...

On this episode, we're joined by Scott Barron of School Growth. Scott helps support school leaders, guiding them through strategic alignment, leadership retreats, and professional development. We discussed the challenges of internal school alignment, why strategic services must be tailor made for your school, and what it takes to rediscover joy in education. Find Scott on LinkedIn: https://www.lin...

On this episode, we're joined by Evan Harris from Pathos Consulting Group. Evan is a leading expert on the intersection of AI and education, helping schools navigate the changing landscape and assisting in shaping vital legislation. We talked about the pressing need for schools to be prepared for the new dangers that AI presents, particularly in the area of AI-generated non-consensual images. Scho...

On this episode, we dive into the marketing department of Foundation Academy in Winter Garden, Florida. I'm joined by Joseph Cioffi, the director of marketing and communications. We discuss his unique background, from being a Disney animator to shaping the brand of Foundation Academy. We also talk about how his team works to continually develop the messaging that connects with their audience, crea...

On this episode of True Colors, we're joined by Mark Zockoll from Christian Principals Podcast. Mark helps shine light on the role of principals when it comes to reflecting your school's true colors. He provides insight and understanding for what supports effective leadership, managing board relationships, and interacting with parents and families. Find Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/i...

On this episode, we talk to school consultant Penny Abrahams, from Independent School Management. Penny has worked with 100s of schools and imparts her insight on the importance of alignment and a long-term vision for your school enrollment plan. We cover the key areas to look at when evaluating your school's health, how to find a consultant that is a right fit, and who should be involved in devel...

On this episode, we're joined by Bianca Coleborn of School Marketing Manifesto. Bianca has seen firsthand the ups and downs of school admissions and marketing and now helps equip marketing teams with strategic development. We discussed the nuances of marketing plans and strategies, best practices for creating a long-term vision for your team, and the benefit of retreats for a marketing team. Find...

On this episode, we look at the inner workings of the admissions process at Downe House Riyadh. We're joined by the director of admissions and marketing, Sowmiya Muralidharan. She is a leader who thrives on shaping mindsets, fostering team well-being, and building genuine relationships. Equipped with years of experience and know-how, she sheds light on the process of turning interest into enrollme...

On this episode, we step through the doors of a school and hear about the victories and challenges of managing a school's brand. Amber Donnowitz is the Director of Communications & Outreach at Demotte Christian Schools. In this interview, we talk about her day-to-day tasks, the lessons learned in marketing, and how the school navigates a changing market demographic. Learn more about Demotte Ch...

On this episode, we're joined by Marie Saint-Cyr from Saint-Cyr Art Studio. Marie and her team specialize in designing and implementing stunning murals that beautify and enhance school spaces. We discuss what the mural painting process entails, why it's impactful for schools, and important things to know before beginning a mural. Find Marie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariesaintcyr/ V...

On this episode, we're joined by Brendan Schneider of Schneider B Media. Brendan helps schools with digital marketing, making sure their online presence amplifies their reach and increases their enrollment. We discussed the details of digital marketing and the importance of schools embracing this new age. Brendan also gives warning signs a school should look out for, actionable advice on straighte...

On this episode, we hear from Miriam Stein and Laurie Ehrlich from Thrive Hive. With a background in working together on an admissions team, they now help schools create bespoke enrollment strategies. We discuss how data impacts enrollment, what kind of data every school should be tracking, why a strategy is important, and how coaching can help your admissions team evolve and grow. Find Miriam on...

Websites are a complex, multi-layered asset for your brand. On this episode, we're talking with someone who is deeply knowledgeable about them, especially in regards to a school’s site. Mitchell Slater of Slater Strategies is a web wizard, having led many schools through the process of upgrading their websites. He helps schools leverage their SEO and enrollment marketing and get the most out of th...

On this episode, I’m joined by Peter Baron of Moonshot OS. He leads workshops, retreats, and sessions that help school heads grasp the business side of leading a school. Peter is here to peel back the curtain on some of these more daunting elements of running a school efficiently. Find Peter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterbaron/ Visit Peter's website: https://www.moonshotos.com/ Fin...

On this episode, we are joined by Jacob Shultz of Bolsta Education. He helps schools through the process of sorting out their enrollment marketing and delivering key assets all along the way. We discuss what are the foundational elements of an enrollment plan and how to asses & improve your parent experiences. Find Jacob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-shultz/ Visit Jacob's webs...

On this episode, we look at the power of narrative in the school marketing process. Joined by Emily Cretella, who weaves wonderfully impactful school stories, we discuss what goes into understanding stories, the process of writing, and how it compels and convinces prospective families. Find Emily on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilycretella/ Visit Emily's Website: https://cursivecontent....

On this episode, we dive into the world of social media and how it intersects with branding. Andrea Gribble is a social media mastermind for schools, helping them understand and manage their social accounts. We discussed the foundational best practices of social media, ideas for content generation, and the ways to manage multiple school accounts. Find Andrea on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/i...

On this episode, host Madison Carr is joined by videographer Joe Monzo, from Monzo Media Productions. Joe is a veteran at helping schools show themselves in a correct way and he imparts that wisdom. We cover the types of video content a school should think about, good and bad practices of videos, and how your school can best prepare for a video shoot. Find Joe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com...

In this episode of True Colors, we cover all things logo design. From functional to fashionable, there's many things that make a school logo effective and valuable. There's also things to avoid and be cautious of. If you've ever wondered if your school's logo was helping or hurting your brand, this episode is the place to start getting answers. Find more information at www.creativechameleonstudio....