On this special episode of Higher Ed Pulse, Mallory Willsea sits down with former co-host and higher ed marketing leader Seth Odell at the inaugural Let's Go Upstate Retreat in Saratoga Springs, New York. Together, they reflect on friendship, leadership, wellness, and what the higher education community needs most right now.

Seth shares updates on life and business, including the growth of Kanahoma, the launch of new AI-powered products, and the joys (and sleep deprivation) of raising a young family. But the heart of the conversation centers on the retreat experience itself—why creating space for wellness, vulnerability, and meaningful connection may be exactly what higher ed professionals need in an increasingly demanding environment.

The discussion explores the power of practices like breathwork and mindfulness, the importance of investing in people beyond their professional roles, and how community can help leaders navigate uncertainty.
As the conversation wraps, Seth offers his latest higher ed prediction: in an era of shrinking demographics, changing search behavior, and growing disruption, institutions that invest in brand-building—not just performance marketing—will be best positioned for long-term success.

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Mallory Willsea
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