SEASON 3: Ep. 7 The Power of Heart-First Leadership with Joseph Brennan, Montclair State University

In this episode of the Higher Ed Leaders podcast, Suzan sits down with Joseph to discuss what leadership looks like in a time of disruption across higher education. Drawing on more than 35 years in higher ed communications and his work as an executive coach, Joseph shares his philosophy of heart-first leadership, which prioritizes empathy, presence, and psychological safety while still holding teams to high standards. The conversation explores how leaders can shift from being the person with all the answers to becoming a coach who asks powerful questions that unlock creativity and ownership within their teams. Suzan and Joseph also reflect on the pressures facing higher education today, including demographic challenges, talent retention, and rising expectations for marketing and communications teams, as well as the evolving role of AI in the field. Throughout the discussion, Joseph emphasizes that in a complex and uncertain environment, the most effective leaders focus on building trust, supporting their people, and creating workplaces where teams feel safe to learn, experiment, and do their best work.This podcast is sponsored by Viv Higher Education About Viv Higher EducationViv Higher Education is a Boston-based, female-owned comprehensive marketing agency specializing in higher education. With expertise in strategic planning, creative asset development, and media campaigns, we focus on enrollment-centric initiatives. Our approach is grounded in industry best practices, ensuring precision in reaching target audiences. We have extensive experience in marketing to diverse groups, including high school students, Hispanic, military, LGBTQ+, international students, and online learners. Navigating the complex landscapes of university environments is second nature to us, and we prioritize fostering collaborations that yield mutually beneficial outcomes. With a personable, nimble, and highly responsive approach, we deliver tailored solutions to empower organizations to achieve their objectives.Website: https://vivhied.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/viv-higher-ed/