What does it take to break free from the gravitational pull of "business as usual" in higher ed marketing? In this episode of Escape Velocity, Tracey Halvorsen sits down with Mallory Willsea—B2B media consultant, AI strategist, and award-winning host of Higher Ed Pulse. Mallory shares how she built and scaled media brands like Higher Ed Live and Enrollify, why she believes leaders should stop waiting for permission and start building their own stage, and what it really takes to adopt AI without falling for hype. Along the way, she and Tracey delve into the realities of trust versus likability in leadership, why time is the biggest barrier to AI adoption, and how small risks can accumulate into big wins—even in tradition-bound institutions. Whether you're navigating higher ed, rethinking your career, or simply looking for inspiration to take the leap, this conversation will leave you with frameworks, metaphors, and courage to try the things that scare you most.
What does it really mean to lead creative work in a world being reshaped by AI, complexity, and constant change? In this episode, Tracey Halvorsen sits down with Christina Melito, Creative Director at Fifteen4, for an honest, funny, and deeply insightful conversation about what creative leadership actually requires today — from managing stakeholders in regulated industries to operationalizing AI tools without losing your soul. They explore how tension can be a design tool, why client work is often a form of behavioral psychology, and how real change comes not from polishing pixels — but from shifting minds. Plus: – Why AI might be the most liberating thing to happen to creative teams in 20 years – How to make clients feel heard without losing sight of what really matters – What nobody tells you about visual design (spoiler: zooming in 10,000%) – And yes, the return of the lawnmower, microwave baloney, and meat roll-ups This isn't just about websites — it's about transformation. And how brave, curious creatives help make it happen.
In this episode of Escape Velocity, Tracey Halvorsen is joined by Traci Barrett—founder of Navigate the Journey, executive coach, former HGTV founding team member, and author of What If There's More?. Together, they explore what it means to lead with clarity, navigate burnout, and make brave choices in business and life. From surviving betrayal and recalibrating after setbacks to building teams rooted in honesty and shared values, Traci shares deep wisdom on fear, identity, hope, and finding significance beyond traditional markers of success. This is a must-listen for anyone feeling overwhelmed, off-course, or hungry to realign their ambition with purpose.
In this episode of Escape Velocity, Tracey Halvorsen sits down with Brigid Lawler, a seasoned enrollment strategist with decades of experience navigating the shifting landscape of higher education. From small liberal arts colleges to state institutions, Brigid shares candid insights on what's broken in traditional recruitment, how schools can tap into their true identity, and why the admissions funnel might need to be flipped on its head. Together, they unpack the myth of one-size-fits-all marketing, explore the real reason students (and their parents) make decisions, and reflect on how small teams can punch above their weight with creative thinking, collaboration, and clarity of mission. If you work in higher ed—or are just trying to make bold decisions inside a cautious system—this conversation will hit home.
In this episode, Tracey sits down with her 17-year-old niece Romy, a rising senior deep in the college search process. From TikTok dorm tours to admissions anxiety, Romy offers a refreshingly honest Gen Z perspective on what matters (and what doesn't) when evaluating colleges. If you work in higher ed—or just want to understand how this generation thinks—you'll want to hear this.
In this episode of Escape Velocity, I'm joined by someone I've had the privilege of collaborating with on some of the most meaningful projects of my career—Pete Mackey. Pete is the founder of Mackey Strategies, where he helps colleges, universities, and nonprofits find their voice, sharpen their story, and face the future with clarity and confidence. With more than 30 years of experience leading communications for institutions like Amherst College, Bucknell University, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, and Science Foundation Ireland, Pete brings a rare combination of strategic leadership, creative insight, and on-the-ground experience building teams and navigating change. We talk about the difference between creating a message and reflecting one, and why deep listening is the most underutilized strategic tool in higher education. We explore the role of creative disruption—not as a threat, but as a necessary force for organizations that want to stay relevant without losing their core identity. We get into the challenges facing higher ed communications teams today—from overthinking and risk aversion to leadership misalignment and message control. Pete reflects on his time as an interim communications leader for multiple institutions, what it takes to re-energize internal teams, and why none of this work sticks without trust and buy-in from the top. We also discuss the growing pressures facing higher education in today's political climate, the importance of sector-wide advocacy, and why moments of courage—whether on a global stage or within a single institution—can change the trajectory of an organization and the people it serves. It's a wide-ranging conversation with one of the sharpest thinkers I know, and I'm excited to share it with you.
In this deeply personal and philosophical conversation, Tracey Halvorsen is joined by Richard Banfield—artist, writer, former CEO, widower, parent, and all-around human compass—for a wide-ranging discussion about identity, agency, grief, creativity, and what it means to truly be present in our lives. From confronting midlife reinvention and letting go of society's need to label and define, to embracing vulnerability and the healing power of art, Richard offers an honest and expansive take on what it means to be a whole human navigating an increasingly complex world. The two discuss the myth of productivity, the seductive danger of perfectionism, and how shame can quietly shape our creative pursuits. They also explore the creative tension between mastery and curiosity, the liberating power of saying "yes," and how emerging technologies like AI might paradoxically help us reconnect to our humanity. Richard reminds us that our greatest agency lies not in having all the answers, but in showing up—open-hearted and willing—to our own lives.
Before she was a stage 4 ovarian cancer survivor, Tracy Gosson was already a force. As the founding executive director of Live Baltimore, Tracy helped rebrand city living and sparked a movement to bring people back into Baltimore neighborhoods. She later launched Sagesse, Inc., a boutique consultancy that's helped cities and developers across the country reimagine how place, story, and investment intersect. Then, in 2019, everything stopped. Tracy was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer—and suddenly, the only thing on the agenda was survival. In this deeply personal episode of Escape Velocity, Tracy shares what it took to get through an aggressive, experimental treatment—and what she learned about herself, her business, and her boundaries in the process. We talk about: • Reinventing your business after reinventing yourself • Getting clear on what (and who) is worth your time • The hard-won wisdom that only shows up after everything falls apart This is a story about velocity, clarity, and real courage—the kind that only shows up when your life depends on it.
Carl Smith is more than a leader—he's a community builder, a mentor, and, as I call him, the "daddy of digital agencies." In this episode, we dig into everything from the evolution of agency life to the promise and peril of AI, the value (and curse) of ego, and why trust and human connection matter more than ever. Carl shares candid stories from his time running an agency, building the Bureau of Digital, and navigating complex relationships in creative teams. It's funny, heartfelt, and packed with hard-earned wisdom. If you're building a business, leading a team, or trying to stay sane in a shifting industry—this one's for you.
In this episode of Escape Velocity, host Tracey Halvorsen sits down with Ashley Budd, higher education marketing expert and co-author of Mailed It!, to discuss how email remains one of the most powerful communication tools—when done right. Ashley shares insights from her book, offering practical strategies and "hacks" for making email more effective in an era of overwhelming digital noise. From the importance of clear subject lines to the role of authenticity, empathy, and logic in building trust, Ashley breaks down the principles that help emails stand out and drive action. The conversation touches on the evolution of email, how AI and automation are shaping inboxes, and why personalization isn't just about inserting a name—it's about delivering real value. Ashley also explains the impact of eye-tracking studies on email design, why institutions should embrace a more engaging and even humorous tone, and how a well-planned content strategy can transform audience engagement. If you want to make your emails more impactful, reduce unsubscribe rates, and turn your email program into a relationship-building powerhouse, this episode is a must-listen. 🎧 Tune in to Escape Velocity to hear Ashley Budd's expert take on how to cut through inbox chaos and make email work for you!
In this special episode of Escape Velocity, Tracey Halvorsen sits down with her 10-year-old to dive deep into what it means to be part of Gen Alpha. From rapid-fire fun questions to an in-depth breakdown of Gen Alpha slang, Fin offers an unfiltered, hilarious, and surprisingly insightful take on his generation. With plenty of laughs, wild tangents, and deep Gen Alpha wisdom, this episode is an entertaining ride into the mind of a 10-year-old who knows what's up.
In this episode of Escape Velocity, I sit down with Elizabeth Bawol, Creative Director at Wide Eye, for a deep dive into the high-stakes world of political branding. We explore her experience leading creative efforts for the Harris campaign, her previous work with Planned Parenthood, and the challenges of branding within the constraints of political strategy and high-profile personalities. Elizabeth shares candid insights into: • The intensity of working on a political campaign: from sleepless nights to last-minute brand decisions. • The Harris campaign brand strategy: what worked, what didn't, and the impact of rapid decision-making. • The power of authenticity in storytelling: how mission-driven work has shaped her career. • Political campaign branding vs. traditional branding: the unique constraints, pressures, and rapid iteration required. • Navigating big egos and campaign hierarchy: what it's like to design with multiple layers of approvals. • Branding beyond aesthetics: the importance of strategic messaging, typography, and color choices in high-stakes environments. • The evolution of grassroots branding: how a campaign identity takes on a life of its own in the public sphere. This conversation sheds light on the tension between authenticity and strategy in political campaigns and what it takes to shape the public perception of a candidate in real time.
Tracey is joined by Nancy Lyons, CEO and co-founder of Clockwork, a digital transformation consultancy, and author of Work Like a Boss: A Kick-in-the-Pants Guide to Finding (and Using) Your Power at Work. Nancy is known for her bold leadership style, no-BS approach to business, and commitment to transforming workplace culture. She and Tracey dive into the future of work, the power of personal agency, leadership failures, and why trusting teams is essential for innovation. They also unpack the challenges of toxic workplace norms, the backlash against DEI efforts, and the cultural resistance to change, along with how to find joy and purpose in work—even in uncertain times. This conversation is essential listening for leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives, and anyone rethinking their relationship with work, power, and personal growth.
Tracey Halvorsen welcomes Miles Kemp, CEO and design innovator at Variate. With a background in architecture and experience leading digital transformation for brands like Marriott, Carnival, and Macy's, Miles brings a unique perspective on the evolving relationship between technology, design, and human experience. The conversation explores: • Bridging Architecture and UX: How Miles transitioned from architecture to digital experience design, and how architectural thinking influences his work today. • Reimagining Customer Experience: Insights from Miles' work redesigning Marriott's digital ecosystem, touching over 900 million users worldwide. • Technology & Humanity: A deep dive into the importance of "the people layer" in technology-driven experiences—highlighted through Miles' firsthand experience with Prenuvo's full-body MRI service, which transformed a typically stressful medical procedure into a luxury hospitality-like experience. • The Future of Work & Design: Why creativity, empathy, and relationship-building are the most valuable skills in an AI-driven world. • Conway's Law & Organizational Design: How the way companies communicate internally is reflected in their products and services—and why breaking down silos is key to creating seamless customer experiences. • Escape Velocity & Trust: The critical role of trust and collaboration in building momentum within organizations and creating breakthrough designs. • Building for Transformation: How digital projects aren't just about interfaces—they can fundamentally change brands by shifting how they think, work, and connect with audiences. This episode is a must-listen for designers, strategists, and business leaders looking to push the boundaries of innovation while keeping people at the center of everything they create.
In this episode, Tracey sits down with Chris Gilbert, a senior creative developer with over a decade of experience in building performant, interactive, and accessible websites and applications. Chris is a deep thinker on the evolution of AI in software development, the future of web design, and the shifting role of agencies in an AI-driven landscape. They discuss how AI-powered development tools like Cursor, GitHub Copilot, and Windsurf are fundamentally changing how developers work, why custom GPTs and AI-driven workflows will be essential for agencies, and how AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) could reshape the entire knowledge economy. This episode is a must-listen for developers, digital strategists, and agency leaders looking to understand where AI is taking the industry and how to stay ahead of the curve.
In this episode, Tracey speaks with Kara Redman, founder and lead strategist of Backroom, about the evolution of brand strategy, the power of personal branding, and why showing up authentically in public spaces (especially on LinkedIn) is both a risk and a powerful tool. Kara shares insights on how her personal brand has brought unexpected opportunities, her experiences in scaling and re-scaling Backroom, and the importance of building relationships over transactions in business. They discuss AI's impact on branding and content, how to filter out the noise of bad advice, and why brands need to embrace individual voices rather than relying solely on corporate messaging. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, marketers, and creative professionals looking to navigate an industry that is shifting under their feet.
In this episode, Tracey sits down with Edit Barry and Allison Le, co-founders of E&A Collaborative, an award-winning women-owned brand consultancy specializing in higher education and mission-driven branding. With nearly two decades of experience, Edit and Allison share their insights on the challenges facing higher education marketing, the growing trend of "Blanding" (branding becoming homogenized and generic), and how institutions can break free from the sameness to stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape. The conversation dives into topics like how students seek belonging rather than just prestige, the role of AI in branding, and why higher ed institutions struggle to showcase their true personality. They also unpack Harvard's radical website redesign and discuss how other universities can be bold without needing Harvard's reputation. If you're interested in brand strategy, higher ed marketing, or creative differentiation, this episode will spark new ideas on how to challenge the status quo.
In this episode, Tracey speaks with Elizabeth Bawol, Creative Director of Brand and Strategy at Wide Eye Creative. With a career spanning work at Planned Parenthood, AmeriCorps, and Wide Eye, Elizabeth shares her experiences shaping major campaigns, including the Democratic National Convention. She discusses the messy yet rewarding process of creative work, the importance of strategic storytelling, and how the best creative breakthroughs come from going through the hard parts rather than looking for shortcuts. The conversation covers the pitfalls of design by committee, how great creative gets watered down, the role of AI in design and brand strategy, and why trusting the creative process is essential. If you're a designer, strategist, or creative leader, this episode offers a masterclass in balancing strategy, risk-taking, and audience empathy to create work that truly resonates.
In this episode, Tracey speaks with Monica Sanchez and Yianni Mathioudakis, co-founders of DEEO, a creative studio focused on digital design, strategy, and innovation. Having worked together for years in different capacities, Monica and Yianni share their experiences launching their own company, embracing risk, rejecting bad-fit clients, and fostering an environment of curiosity, exploration, and adaptability in their work. They discuss the importance of defining what you don't want as much as what you do, why creative work requires breaking free from checklists, and how they balance process with innovation. The conversation also dives into AI in design, the evolving role of experimentation in creative agencies, and what it means to work with clients who trust the creative process rather than treating designers as mere "pixel pushers." If you're a creative professional, business owner, or simply someone who values intelligent risk-taking, this episode offers deep insights into running a modern creative studio.
In this episode, Tracey speaks with Dave Look, CEO of Chromatic, about the pursuit of curiosity, the challenges of leadership, and the discipline of prioritization. From practicing Krav Maga to exploring lockpicking, Dave embodies the idea that developing diverse skills can enhance leadership, problem-solving, and creative thinking. The conversation covers ruthless prioritization, the philosophy of making time for what truly matters, and why businesses should embrace curiosity to drive innovation. They discuss books that have shaped their perspectives, the role of AI in creativity, and the art of navigating complex projects with clients. If you're looking for inspiration on how to balance personal growth with professional excellence, this episode will give you valuable perspectives on leadership, adaptability, and creative resilience.