What happens when you stop “selling” college and start telling real stories instead? In this episode, we explore how authenticity, people-first leadership, and intentional communication can transform higher education marketing and the lives it touches.

In this episode, Kevin and Lisha Dunlap discuss:

• Authenticity, self-awareness, and personal growth
• Storytelling vs. traditional advertising in education
• Audience-specific and platform-specific marketing strategies
• The difference between bosses and true leaders
• Nonlinear career paths and community impact (100+ Women Who Care)

Key Takeaways:

• Embracing who you truly are without apology creates the confidence needed to serve both yourself and others better.
• Storytelling provides prospective students with an experience they can see themselves in, which is far more powerful than a list of features or benefits.
• Effective marketing shows deep respect for the audience by speaking to them where they are, in their language, and on the platforms they actually use.
• Real leadership is collaborative and human; it’s about valuing people’s strengths, not standing above them or leading through fear and control.
• A winding, nonlinear career can still align perfectly in hindsight when guided by a consistent passion—like giving people a voice and telling meaningful stories.

"So my philosophy is to just be a leader that makes people's lives better, because 40 to 50 hours a week is a long time to impact someone." - Lisha Dunlap

About Lisha Dunlap:

Lisha Dunlap is the Director of PR & Marketing at Gateway Community College in Phoenix, AZ. She began her education at a community college in Kansas, earning an A.A. in Business from Cowley County Community College. She then transferred to Washburn University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts with an emphasis in Public Relations and a minor in Military Studies. Dunlap is an experienced public relations professional, marketer, writer, editor, social media expert, communications specialist, photographer, reputation manager, and passionate storyteller with more than 20 years of experience in the related fields.

Connect with Lisha Dunlap:

Website: http://www.gatewaycc.edu/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gatewaycc

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gatewaycc/

Connect with Kevin Neal:

Website: https://drkdneal.com

Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS

https://www.amazon.com/Guided-Greatness-Mentorship-Developing-professionals-ebook/dp/B0FGBH1VNS

Email: coachkd63@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63