AI for U

In this episode, host Brian Piper speaks with Paul LeBlanc, Visiting Scholar and Special Advisor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Paul explores the profound impact of AI on higher education, arguing that institutions must move beyond traditional knowledge transfer to focus on character formation and a “care economy.” He outlines a three-phase approach for leaders that includes preparing graduates with AI mastery, developing a theory for the future of work, and addressing the existential shift toward teaching students who to be rather than just what to know. Paul emphasizes the urgent need for institutional leadership and guardrails to ensure AI serves as a “genius TA” that preserves human relationship and trust.

Join us as we discuss: 

[3:46] Why higher ed leaders need to urgently prepare their graduates for an AI-assisted workforce

[15:24] Preserving brand voice when using AI tools to augment content creation

[24:38] Why higher ed needs to evolve from knowledge transfer to relationship-building

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on 

Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.

Episode prompt: 

You are a Senior Strategy Leader in Higher Education with deep experience in:

Institutional strategy and governance

Enrollment marketing and communications

Academic program positioning

Change management and organizational alignment

Risk assessment and implementation planning

You routinely advise presidents, provosts, VPs, and senior leadership teams.

TASK

Review the uploaded document in full and perform a strategic gap analysis.

Your job is to identify where the document is incomplete, misaligned, unclear, or underdeveloped relative to its stated goals and intended outcomes.

ANALYSIS REQUIREMENTS

Evaluate the document across the following dimensions:

Logic & Strategic Coherence

Gaps in reasoning, assumptions, or sequencing

Areas where conclusions are not supported by evidence or rationale

Missing connective tissue between strategy, tactics, and outcomes



Audience & Stakeholder Considerations

Missing or underdefined audiences (e.g., prospective students, faculty, staff, leadership, donors, partners)

Unclear value propositions for specific stakeholder groups

Assumptions about audience knowledge, motivation, or readiness



Objectives & Success Criteria

Objectives that are vague, implicit, or not clearly stated

Lack of measurable outcomes, KPIs, or success definitions

Misalignment between stated goals and proposed actions



Risk, Constraints & Readiness

Strategic, operational, reputational, or adoption risks not addressed

Missing considerations around capacity, skills, budget, governance, or change management

Dependencies or prerequisites that are assumed but not documented



Alignment With Stated Goals

Sections that do not clearly support the document’s stated goals

Tactics or recommendations that feel disconnected or misprioritized

Opportunities where alignment could be strengthened or clarified



OUTPUT FORMAT (STRICT)

Organize your response as a gap-by-gap analysis, using the following structure for each item:

Gap Identified

(Clear, specific description of what is missing, unclear, or misaligned)

Why This Is a Problem

(Strategic risk, confusion, inefficiency, or misalignment it could cause)

Suggested Addition or Revision

(Concrete, actionable recommendation—what should be added, clarified, reframed, or rewritten)

Priority Level

(High / Medium / Low, based on impact to strategic success)

TONE & STANDARDS

Be candid, precise, and executive-level

Avoid generic advice—anchor feedback in the document itself

Do not rewrite the entire document; focus on targeted improvements

Assume this document may be used to inform leadership decisions

OPTIONAL (IF APPLICABLE)

If you notice:

Contradictions or internal tensions, call them out explicitly

Sections that should be merged, reordered, or elevated, recommend structural changes

Missing next steps for implementation, flag them

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Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/
About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Brian welcomes Erin Fields, Marketing Director at Ologie, to discuss the critical transition from using AI for mere efficiency to using it for strategic orientation. Erin shares how AI has transformed her workflow by offloading the “invisible work” of reconstructing context and analyzing social data at scale. She emphasizes that while AI can surface patterns, humans must remain responsible for the “human in the loop sandwich,” providing the initial intent and the final authoritative judgment. Erin and Brian also explore the necessity of institutional governance to move past “shadow AI” and the importance of using saved time for intentional, high-energy critical thinking.

Join us as we discuss:
[3:18] How AI saves your mental energy and where it excels in marketing analysis 
[13:35] Why you need an AI process before grabbing the next exciting tool
[23:14] Keeping your unique brand voice in AI-assisted content creation

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.
Episode prompt: 
Open and AI browser, like Comet or Atlas, navigate to a social media page of yours (or a competitor), and ask a question like:
Look through my posts and comments and tell me which topics get the most engagement.
Guest Name: Erin Fields, Marketing Director, Ologie
Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-fields-ms/
Guest Bio: Erin Fields is the Marketing Director at Ologie, the agency for brands on a mission, where she helps lead the agency’s content marketing and social media strategies. She started her career in graduate admissions at West Virginia University, before moving into edtech at Element451, where she helped manage content for more than 15 shows on the Enrollify Podcast Network. Erin is a proud graduate of Marshall University and West Virginia University.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/
About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Higher ed is stepping into a new era, and Rebecca Stapley is right in the middle of it. The Director of Marketing and Communications at the Rochester Institute of Technology joins Brian to reveal how AI is helping her cut through email chaos, understand new audiences, and create more space for meaningful work. She also talks frankly about feeling hesitant at first, realizing AI literacy was becoming essential, and discovering that experimentation is the key to unlocking its real value.
Join us as we discuss:
[6:20] AI as a practice: the yoga analogy, and learning through experience
[11:43] The higher ed marketer’s perspective: fundamentals that won’t change
[18:58] The responsibility of higher ed to remain transparent and trustworthy
To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on 
Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.
Episode prompt: 
You are an expert communicator.

Analyze this email thread and provide a structured summary:
[Provide the link to the thread or tell the tool to analyze that thread in your email.
Then, either tell the tool "Based on what you know of me..." or, provide the following **My Content** information:]
**My Context:**
- Role: [Your position]
- Department: [Your department]
- Typical responsibilities: [Brief description]
**Please provide:**
1. CORE TOPIC (2-3 sentences)
What is this actually about?
2. ACTION ITEMS
- What needs to be done
- Who is responsible
- My role (if any)
- Timeline/deadline
3. DECISIONS NEEDED
- What needs to be decided
- Who should decide
- Information needed
4. GAPS & CONFUSION
- Missing information
- Points of disagreement
- Questions needing answers
5. MY NEXT STEPS
What should I do immediately based on my role?
6. SUGGESTED RESPONSE APPROACH
If I need to reply, what should I address?
Guest Name: Rebecca Stapley, Director of Marketing and Communications, Rochester Institute of Technology's College of Health Sciences and Technology and the School of Individualized Study
Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rstapley/
Guest Bio: Rebecca is Director of Marketing and Communications for Rochester Institute of Technology's College of Health Sciences and Technology and the School of Individualized Study. With over 15 years of experience in higher education marketing, she is a relationship-driven leader specializing in crafting integrated, audience-centered strategies and storytelling anchored in institutional goals and values. 
Throughout her career, Rebecca has launched impactful campaigns, enhanced brand visibility, and developed content strategies to boost recruitment and engagement. She spearheaded initiatives such as the "Nazareth Student Content Team," which elevated authentic student voices; led major campaigns, including Nazareth University’s Giving Day, and accepted student initiatives. 
Rebecca holds a Master’s Degree in Integrated Marketing and Communications. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys being cozy with her dogs, curating yoga playlists, and embracing creativity through art and poetry.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/
About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this conversation, Brian talks with Eric Hollenbeck, Communications Manager for Research at Washington State University - Carson College of Business, to explore how generative AI is becoming a genuine partner in the creative and strategic process. Eric shares why he sees the future not as artificial intelligence but as augmented intelligence. He explains how tools like ChatGPT and Copilot help him analyze data, visualize insights, improve workflows, and communicate more persuasively with leadership and stakeholders. It’s a forward-looking conversation on how AI can elevate the work we do, not replace it.
Join us as we discuss: 
[2:02] How to use AI to overcome creative blocks
[14:31] What industry leaders expect from AI-ready graduates
[20:57] Why you should treat AI like you’re supervising an intern
To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.
Episode Prompt: 
You are an expert strategic advisor and content creator.

I'm experiencing a creative block and need help working through it systematically. Before we dive in, I want you to help me clearly identify what type of block I'm facing so we can address it appropriately.
**My Project Context:**
- Type of content: [News story, marketing campaign, PR strategy, presentation, etc.]
- Target audience: [Who will consume this]
- Primary goal: [What should this accomplish]
- Deadline pressure: [Timeline constraints]
- Stakes level: [Low-risk personal project vs. high-stakes publication]
**Where I Am:**
- What I've completed so far: [Any research, notes, drafts, outlines]
- What I know I want to say: [Core message or key points]
- Resources I have: [Data, interviews, research, examples]
**Where I'm Stuck:**
Describe in detail where your creative process has stalled. Be as specific as possible.
Based on my description, help me identify which type(s) of creative block I'm experiencing:
- Angle/approach block (I have information but can't find the right way in)
- Opening block (I can't figure out how to start)
- Structural block (I have pieces but can't organize them effectively)
- Illustration block (I can't find the right example, metaphor, or analogy)
- Transition block (I can't connect ideas smoothly)
- Conclusion block (I don't know how to end effectively)
- Voice/tone block (I can't find the right way to express this)
- Confidence block (I doubt whether my ideas are worth pursuing)
Once we identify the type(s), suggest 3-4 specific strategies for working through each one.
Guest Name: Research Communications Manager, Carson College of Business, Washington State University
Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericdhollenbeck/
Guest Bio: Eric Hollenbeck is the research communications manager for Washington State University’s Carson College of Business, where he leads strategic storytelling and media outreach for faculty research. He has more than 25 years of experience in marketing, communications, sales, and public relations across higher education, health care, and nonprofit sectors. At WSU, he works with faculty to share research insights on topics such as AI, marketing ethics, consumer behavior, and technology in business. He holds an MBA from Washington State University.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/
About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Brian sits down with Ross Simmonds, Founder and CEO of Foundation Marketing, for a sharp and unfiltered look at how AI is rewriting the rules of higher education, content strategy, and the entire student decision journey. They dig into the cultural roadblocks that keep institutions stuck, the game-changing speed of AI-assisted content, and the rise of answer engine optimization. Ross unpacks the new world of discoverability, why Reddit, YouTube, and TikTok now carry real weight in recruitment, and what colleges must do to thrive as AI agents begin researching and making recommendations on behalf of future students.
Join us as we discuss: 
[2:23] Where AI excels in content marketing and where it falls short
[15:35] What to do about the collapse of organic traffic and the zero click problem
[22:11] How to repurpose content everywhere without burning out your team
Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:
ElevenLabs
WisprFlow
Create Once, Distribute Forever
To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.
Episode prompt: 
You are a channel research expert with a deep understanding of audience behavior.
I'm going to ask you to do research related to [Institution name and URL]
For each potentially relevant platform, conduct a detailed analysis:
**REDDIT:**
- Search for existing subreddits related to our institution
- Search for mentions in relevant subreddits (r/college, r/gradadmissions, program-specific subs)
- Analyze what questions get asked about institutions like ours
- Document sentiment and common themes
- Identify if we're being cited in LLM responses
Assessment:- Does this platform influence our target audience? (High/Medium/Low)
- Do we currently have a presence? (Yes/No/Unofficial)
- What would strategic presence require?
- What are risks of not having a presence?
**LINKEDIN:**
- Analyze what content about our institution performs well
- Review what competitors are publishing
- Assess if our target audience(s) are active here
- Evaluate if LinkedIn articles/newsletters could expand our reach
Assessment: [Same framework as Reddit]
**YOUTUBE:**
- Search for content about our institution and programs
- Analyze view counts and engagement on existing videos
- Research what video content performs well for competitors
- Identify gaps in video content about our offerings
Assessment: [Same framework]
**TIKTOK:**
- [If relevant to audience] Search for our institution and programs
- Analyze student-generated content
- Research competitors' presence and performance
- Assess cultural fit and resource requirements
Assessment: [Same framework]
**RANKING/DIRECTORY SITES:**
- Identify which sites cite us or competitors
- Document which appear in LLM responses
- Assess if we're listed/featured appropriately
- Determine if pay-to-play models are worth investment
Guest Name: Ross Simmonds
Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosssimmonds/
Guest Bio: Ross is the founder of Foundation, a B2B content marketing agency and the founder of Distribution.ai, an innovative software helping brands and creators spread their stories with ease. He's an Amazon best selling author of the book: Create Once Distribute forever and has worked with organizations all over the world ranging from some of the fastest-growing startups, well known higher education institutions and global Fortune 500 brands. Ross has been named one of the most influential marketers in the world by multiple marketing publications and firms like BuzzSumo, SEMRush, Moz and more. Ross has received the Harry Jerome Young Entrepreneur Award and has been named one of the Top 50 CEOs in Atlantic Canada.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/
About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.