Sarah Foley, Director of Brand Marketing at the University of Denver, has built her career at the intersection of creativity and strategic leadership. With a B.S. in Graphic Design from Syracuse University's renowned Newhouse School and an M.S. in Organizational Leadership from Regis University, Sarah brings a valuable blend of skills to her work in higher education marketing.
In this episode, Sarah shares candid insights from her journey, from her early days as a graphic designer to her current role at the University of Denver. She dives into the challenges and rewards of working in higher ed, offering her own fresh perspective on finding purpose, navigating complex politics, and embracing personal growth in a field that's all about making a difference in the lives of the next generation of leaders.
Sarah's no-BS approach to work and life is a breath of fresh air, and her commitment to authenticity and adaptability is something we can all learn from.
Listen to the full episode HERE.
Now, let's dive into each of these insights and see what we can learn from Sarah.
[28:14] Finding Meaning in the Madness
[24:22] Lean Into Your Inner Generalist
[49:39] Navigating the Politics of Higher Ed
[57:41] Striving for Personal Growth: No Pressure, No Diamonds
Working in higher education comes with its fair share of challenges. From debates about cost and value to navigating complex bureaucracies, it can put you in some difficult spots. But for Sarah, the rewards outweigh the frustrations. She believes in the transformative power of education and is committed to making a positive impact, even in the face of tough conversations and difficult decisions. As she puts it:
"As much as it's a hot button topic for is it worth it and what's the ROI? Yeah. You know it's so expensive and we should be having all of those conversations. But at the end of the day I do still think it's a good thing."
Sarah's dedication to her work is a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful careers are the ones that challenge us to stand up for what we believe in, even when it's not easy.
When Sarah transitioned into higher education, she realized that success in this field requires a diverse skill set. From proofreading to brand management to project coordination, the ability to wear multiple hats is essential. Reflecting on her own experience, Sarah shares:
"They also needed someone who could proofread, and they needed someone who could say, that's not the right brand column, or that logo was from seven years ago. They needed someone to wear a lot of hats."
In a workforce that is rapidly shifting, versatility is key. Sarah's story highlights the value of being adaptable and willing to take on new challenges, even when they fall outside our traditional job descriptions. While specialization is often seen as an advantage, Sarah offers a different perspective. She believes being a generalist is an asset in today's job market.
As she says:
"A jack of all trades and master of none is not where the song ends."
Her view challenges the notion that we need to be experts in a single field to be successful. Instead, she suggests that the ability to bring a multiple skills and perspectives to the table opens up new opportunities.
Higher education is an industry steeped in tradition, and change is often met with resistance. As a marketer in the space, Sarah has had to navigate competing priorities and build consensus among a wide range of stakeholders. She got candid about the challenges:
"God forbid you call students customers, God forbid, you call admissions sales. You know, like there's this very hard line of very taboo things that you just don't do. Especially in the face of deans and professors and people who really believe in the work that they do."
Sarah's experience underscores the importance of understanding the unique culture and values of the industry you work in. It's not about compromising your own beliefs, but rather finding ways to drive progress while respecting the deeply held convictions of those around you.
One of the most pivotal moments in Sarah's career came when she decided to move across the country without a job or a place to live. It was a bold move, but one that ultimately paid off in ways she couldn't have anticipated. As she reflects:
"I moved across the country without a job, without a place to live…that's it. And I never looked back like it really was me bucking the trend of ‘I'm just going to go do what everybody else is going to’."
Sarah's willingness to take risks and step outside her comfort zone is a reminder that growth requires us to challenge ourselves in new ways. Whether it's taking on a new role, moving to a new city, or simply trying something we've never done before, embracing change is the only thing that will open up new possibilities.
