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Hi, I'm Mike!

Advanced Data Strategies for Higher Education Leadership

With 17 years of insider experience, I specialize in enhancing university operations and strategic planning through innovative, data-driven solutions. Receive succinct, powerful insights on using analytics and artificial intelligence to streamline operations, increase ROI, and make informed strategic decisions. Ideal for C-suite aiming to do more with less and navigate the complexities of modern higher education.

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Featured Post

How 1.5M Data Points and an Army of Robots Saved a College…

Hi there Reader, Diving into this week's insights from the fringes of the Academy... New Website Alert: I’ve revamped my branding to better highlight my edge in leveraging Data/AI to address institutional pain in higher education. While "Consultant" still doesn’t sit perfect, it’s growing on me (I think). Check out the fresh look and let me know your thoughts: Visit Now. Messaging Magic: In a time where so many institutions struggle to differentiate, I'm baffled by how antiquated...

3 days ago • 1 min read
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Greetings Reader, Dropping in with a few high-impact insights from the academic fringe to help spark ideation... Critique Your University Website in 20 Seconds: Ever wondered how your website stands up against competitors? Use this ChatGPT prompt to find out fast: "You're a positioning expert in the vein of Al Ries & Jack Trout, tasked with critiquing college websites. Focus on their branding and positioning to help improve their market strategy, referencing ‘The 22 Immutable Laws of...

22 days ago • 1 min read
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Hey there Reader, I trust you’ve been finding pockets of brilliance in the everyday. I’ve been down the rabbit hole of data and emerging tools, surfacing now with some nuggets I hope you’ll find as fascinating as I do. A Little Secret I’ve Been Sitting On: There’s this tool I’ve been leveraging for a foundational campaign, and let me tell you, the results are real! In under a month, we improved open rates from 42%-69% and had a 4.6x spike in replies. (Yes, you read that right). My favorite...

about 1 month ago • 1 min read
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Dear Reader, I hope this message finds you thriving. Apologies for the brief silence - I've been deep-diving in a few data projects, and am now surfacing with a few insights I thought you'd find valuable. Clay: Your Gateway to Customized Outreach Speaking of data, Clay is the best tool I’ve found, re: HIGHLY Customized Outreach. It allows users to scale highly personalized outbound campaigns - and fast. The tool combines 50+ data sources, web-scraping functionality, and AI integrations to...

about 2 months ago • 1 min read

Hi there Reader, Hoping your week is unfolding into a story worth sharing! In the spirit of curiosity and forging ahead, I've stumbled upon a few gems at the fridges of the Higher Ed Landscape. Here's the lowdown: HR Without Borders: The evolution of work nudges HR from its traditional silos into the realm of boundaryless collaboration. This transformation isn't just about talent attraction but about weaving people expertise into the very fabric of our institutions, fostering a culture that’s...

3 months ago • 1 min read
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Hey Reader, How's your week shaping up? I've rounded up some intriguing snippets/resources on the edge of Higher Ed innovation—just for you. Polymath Insights Samantha Postman, an authority on Polymaths, champions a liberal style education and the value of lifelong learning. Her insights are worth a watch. The Power of Positioning Dive into a fascinating discussion with author/consultant Sebastian Hildago on strategic positioning. In this clip, he explains how Lamborghini can charge nearly...

3 months ago • 1 min read

Hi there Reader, I hope you are navigating challenges with your usual tenacity and insight. Staying ahead means continuously seeking out tools and resources that not only meet current demands but also anticipate future trends. Here's a glimpse into what's been catching my attention at the fringes of Higher Ed. Underrated Emerging Technology: The "No Code" Movement The "No Code" movement is democratizing app development. Outside of Higher Education, it's empowering businesses to create more...

3 months ago • 1 min read

Hi there Reader, How are things, really? I'd love to hear from you (seriously, hit reply!). Have you heard of the "Paradox of Choice"? It’s the notion that while a few options are good, too many leads too: Anxiety Decision paralysis Dissatisfaction with choices A grocery store study showed that customers bought more jam when offered 6 varieties rather than 24. An abundance of choices doesn't just make us indecisive - but unhappy. This paradox extends to careers too.... Excessive optionality...

4 months ago • 1 min read

Hi there Reader, Hope you're navigating the winter with zest and innovation... Here again are some tools and resources at the edges of Education innovation... 🌟 Extreme Brainstorming for Breakthrough Ideas These prompts stretch reality to the brink, offering fresh perspectives that could lead to unique business models and strategies. Perfect for your next senior staff or leadership retreat. These prompts will help you "think different". Extreme Brainstorming Techniques 🔍 Your Institution's...

4 months ago • 1 min read

Hey Reader, I hope all is smooth sailing at [COMPANY GOES HERE]. Quick heads-up: you're now part of my exclusive newsletter circle. Why? Because novel insights should be shared, not shelved. Here are few nuggets I hope you find useful... IPEDS Data + Chat GPT = A Goldmine Unlocked Navigating the data-rich seas of IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Data System) can be overwhelming. Paired with Chat GPT, and you can turn cumbersome data into actionable insights. [Explore the Transformation via my...

4 months ago • 1 min read
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