#73 - Storytelling Insights from The Personal Journey of Maria Kuntz from University of Colorado, Boulder

My guest today is Maria Kuntz, Director of Creative Communications and Services for University Advancement at University of Colorado, Boulder.In this episode, Maria shares her personal and professional journey, discussing her experiences as a student, single parent, and higher education professional. She provides insights on storytelling in higher education marketing, the challenges faced by students and caregivers, and the importance of understanding individual student needs.Key Takeaways:Personal experiences shape our approach to storytelling and marketing in higher educationThe importance of understanding and addressing the diverse needs of students, including caregiversThe power of language and framing in shaping narratives and perceptionsThe potential of AI in higher education marketing and student supportTopics Discussed:Maria's background in theater, French, and international studiesChallenges faced as a student and single parent pursuing graduate educationThe importance of time and support for caregivers in higher educationApproaches to storytelling that respect individual experiences and avoid assumptionsThe concept of universal design in student support servicesThe use of AI in higher education marketing and student supportStrategies and Examples Discussed:Asking students what's important to them when telling their storiesUsing AI for qualitative analysis of interview transcriptsExploring different storytelling constructs beyond the hero's journeyThe potential of custom GPTs for brand-aligned content creationConnect With Maria:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariakuntz/Connect With John:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnazoniWebsite: https://unveild.tvNewsletter: https://unveild.tv/newsletter