True CRM

This month, Kate Jackson, Group Marketing Director at Coventry University has descended from her rocky outcrop (you’ll need to listen to understand that in-joke) to join the team for a chat!We discussed how finding a solution should start with a  problem, and not the tech; ensuring that CRM is moved upstream to better influence strategic decision making; as well as the importance of being able to say no (and keep focused!)---------FEATURING:Liz SmytheAndy BallKate Jackson 🐆---------True CRM is a podcast production by the CRM Network HE, a collective of friendly CRM professionals working within Higher Education. For more info and to become a member visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://crmnetwork.org

This month, James Maas, CRM Manager at University of Cambridge Professional and Continuing Education, is joining the True CRM band on stage for a special gig on our World Tour (sort of).We discussed his love for designing solutions with real-world impact, the perils of scope creep, and what it's like being a bonafide CRM rockstar! ---------FEATURING:Liz SmytheAndy BallJames Maas---------True CRM is a podcast production by the CRM Network HE, a collective of friendly CRM professionals working within Higher Education. For more info and to become a member visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://crmnetwork.org

This month, we’re piloting the True CRM barge up some famous Dutch canals and visiting our pal, Erald Sula, Student Engagement Specialist at the University of Groningen.We discussed what Erald's superpower is, what he loves about working in CRM, and he shares with us his magical key for motivation (coffee!) ☕️🤩---------FEATURING:Liz SmytheAndy BallErald Sula---------True CRM is a podcast production by the CRM Network HE, a collective of friendly CRM professionals working within Higher Education. For more info and to become a member visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://crmnetwork.org

A familiar face for those on the CRMNHE committee, this week we're saying a cheery hello to Mark Turner, CRM and Automation Solutions Architect at Falmouth University.We discussed what Mark's superpower is, his predictions for CRM developments in the future, and how does the Royal Mail deal with letters to Santa Claus??---------FEATURING:Liz SmytheAndy BallMark Turner---------True CRM is a podcast production by the CRM Network HE, a collective of friendly CRM professionals working within Higher Education. For more info and to become a member visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://crmnetwork.org

We're very pleased to welcome our friend Kayleigh Duddy, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Solution Architect & Team Leader at ANS, aboard the good ship True CRM.We discussed Kayleigh's fondness for her HE clients, how helping people motivates her, overcoming imposter syndrome, and how there is no such thing as a silly question!---------FEATURING:Liz SmytheAndy BallKayleigh Duddy---------True CRM is a podcast production by the CRM Network HE, a collective of friendly CRM professionals working within Higher Education. For more info and to become a member visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://crmnetwork.org

We finally did it. We recorded a live podcast for the CRM Network HE. Recorded on the 18 June 2025 during our annual conference (online again this year), we asked members to either agree or disagree with some contentious CRM-based statements. Are Open rates meaningless? Is the right time to send an email a myth? And does AI write better copy than humans?Listen in to hear the results! ---------FEATURING:Liz SmytheAndy BallThe CRM Network HE Membership!---------True CRM is a podcast production by the CRM Network HE, a collective of friendly CRM professionals working within Higher Education. For more info and to become a member visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://crmnetwork.org

A slight change this week as Richard Scothern, UK Client Care Manager at Azorus Inc, teleports aboard the Starship True CRM to discuss all things CRM from a supplier perspective. We discussed why Starbucks hates him, how Open Days are managed differently at Utrecht University, and the reality of testing and embedding AI chatbots...---------FEATURING:Liz SmytheAndy BallRichard Scothern---------True CRM is a podcast production by the CRM Network HE, a collective of friendly CRM professionals working within Higher Education. For more info and to become a member visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://crmnetwork.org

This week we welcomed Aimee Ellis, CRM Systems Lead at Ravensbourne University London, to the CRM treehouse at the bottom of Liz's garden. Find out what she looooves about working in CRM, how she gets her kicks from helping people solve problems, and her thoughts on the future...---------FEATURING:Liz SmytheAndy BallAimee Ellis---------True CRM is a podcast production by the CRM Network HE, a collective of friendly CRM professionals working within Higher Education. For more info and to become a member visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://crmnetwork.org

This week we've got Christine Rirom from Cranfield University parachuting in behind enemy lines to the True CRM hidden base. Find out how she juggles BAU whilst migrating to a new CRM, what her devilish CRM superpower is, and what happens when there's an airplane crash evacuation simulation outside her office window!---------FEATURING:Liz SmytheAndy BallChristine Rirom---------True CRM is a podcast production by the CRM Network HE, a collective of friendly CRM professionals working within Higher Education. For more info and to become a member visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://crmnetwork.org

We're back! And this week we're welcoming Glen Read from the University of Nottingham into the True CRM bunker for a chat. Listen to find out what he enjoys about CRM, what the future holds for tech in HE, and how he made the move from Cricket to CRM!---------FEATURING:Liz SmytheAndy BallGlen Read-------True CRM is a podcast production by the CRM Network HE, a collective of friendly CRM professionals working within Higher Education. For more info and to become a member visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://crmnetwork.org

Today we're very happy to welcome Mr Josh Dale-Barton (Power Platform/Dynamics 365 Developer, Leeds Beckett University) for a chat about CRM. Josh shares with us how he started his career in CRM, his biggest mistake (!), and some very interesting thoughts on the future of AI in HE Marketing. --------- FEATURING: Liz Smythe Andy Ball Josh Dale-Barton ------- True CRM is a podcast production by the CRM Network HE, a collective of friendly CRM professionals working within Higher Education. For more info and to become a member visit: ⁠⁠⁠https://crmnetwork.org

If you've worked with 'TheBlueCloud', then you'll probably know our guest this week, as we welcome Rupert Frankum (Digital Experience and Platforms Manager, University of Plymouth) for a discussion about all things CRM, including the biggest of all the questions: does CRM sit with Marketing or IT? --------- FEATURING: Liz Smythe Andy Ball Rupert Frankum ------- True CRM is a podcast production by the CRM Network HE, a collective of friendly CRM professionals working within Higher Education. For more info and to become a member visit: ⁠⁠https://crmnetwork.org

For round two, we have the big boss in the room as Chair of the CRM Network HE, Richard Harrison (Digital Platform & Channel Manager, University of Warwick) joins us for a chat. We ask Richard how he developed a career in CRM, his thoughts on emerging trends, and what really makes him tick. --------- FEATURING: Liz Smythe Andy Ball Richard Harrison ------- True CRM is a podcast production by the CRM Network HE, a collective of friendly CRM professionals working within Higher Education. For more info and to become a member visit: ⁠https://crmnetwork.org

For our first ever recording (exciting!), we welcomed Susan Lightfoot (CRM Manager, University of Westminster) to the True CRM bunker for a chat about her career, what she enjoys about CRM and what her typical (or non-typical) day is like. --------- FEATURING: Liz Smythe Andy Ball Susan Lightfoot ------- True CRM is a podcast production by the CRM Network HE, a collective of friendly CRM professionals working within Higher Education. For more info and to become a member visit: https://crmnetwork.org