In this conversation, Brian talks with Eric Hollenbeck, Communications Manager for Research at Washington State University - Carson College of Business, to explore how generative AI is becoming a genuine partner in the creative and strategic process. Eric shares why he sees the future not as artificial intelligence but as augmented intelligence. He explains how tools like ChatGPT and Copilot help him analyze data, visualize insights, improve workflows, and communicate more persuasively with leadership and stakeholders. It’s a forward-looking conversation on how AI can elevate the work we do, not replace it.

Join us as we discuss:

• [2:02] How to use AI to overcome creative blocks
• [14:31] What industry leaders expect from AI-ready graduates
• [20:57] Why you should treat AI like you’re supervising an intern

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.

Episode Prompt:

You are an expert strategic advisor and content creator.

I'm experiencing a creative block and need help working through it systematically. Before we dive in, I want you to help me clearly identify what type of block I'm facing so we can address it appropriately.

**My Project Context:**

- Type of content: [News story, marketing campaign, PR strategy, presentation, etc.]

- Target audience: [Who will consume this]

- Primary goal: [What should this accomplish]

- Deadline pressure: [Timeline constraints]

- Stakes level: [Low-risk personal project vs. high-stakes publication]

**Where I Am:**

- What I've completed so far: [Any research, notes, drafts, outlines]

- What I know I want to say: [Core message or key points]

- Resources I have: [Data, interviews, research, examples]

**Where I'm Stuck:**

Describe in detail where your creative process has stalled. Be as specific as possible.

Based on my description, help me identify which type(s) of creative block I'm experiencing:

- Angle/approach block (I have information but can't find the right way in)

- Opening block (I can't figure out how to start)

- Structural block (I have pieces but can't organize them effectively)

- Illustration block (I can't find the right example, metaphor, or analogy)

- Transition block (I can't connect ideas smoothly)

- Conclusion block (I don't know how to end effectively)

- Voice/tone block (I can't find the right way to express this)

- Confidence block (I doubt whether my ideas are worth pursuing)

Once we identify the type(s), suggest 3-4 specific strategies for working through each one.

Guest Name: Research Communications Manager, Carson College of Business, Washington State University

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericdhollenbeck/

Guest Bio: Eric Hollenbeck is the research communications manager for Washington State University’s Carson College of Business, where he leads strategic storytelling and media outreach for faculty research. He has more than 25 years of experience in marketing, communications, sales, and public relations across higher education, health care, and nonprofit sectors. At WSU, he works with faculty to share research insights on topics such as AI, marketing ethics, consumer behavior, and technology in business. He holds an MBA from Washington State University.

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Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How do you stay authentic when AI touches everything you create? In this episode, we talk with Stu Eddins, Chief Digital Strategy Officer at Stamats, about the human side of artificial intelligence and why authenticity matters more than ever. Stu shares how AI has quietly shaped digital marketing for years and why technology alone will never replace genuine connection. The conversation turns to higher education and the growing pressure to sound real in a world of automated tools and machine-written messages. Stu explains how schools and marketers can use AI to amplify their voice instead of losing it, focusing on clarity, purpose, and the kind of communication that actually feels human.

Join us as we discuss:

• [2:39] Is AI a bubble or the next big shift?
• [9:48] AI as the medium, not the message
• [17:27] How personalization and agentic AI could impact higher ed

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

• NotebookLM

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.

Episode prompt:

You are a strategic marketing expert with a deep understanding of higher education. I need to conduct a competitive content analysis to identify gaps in my institution's messaging and content. I want you to help me systematically compare multiple competitor pages against my own to discover what I'm missing or where I could strengthen my positioning.

**My Context:**

- Institution: [Your institution name and type]

- Content being analyzed: [Program page, admissions page, financial aid, etc.]

- My page URL: [Your URL]

- Target audience: [Who this content serves]

- Key goals for this content: [What should it accomplish]

**Competitor URLs to analyze:**

1. [Competitor 1 URL]

2. [Competitor 2 URL]

3. [Competitor 3 URL]

4. [Competitor 4 URL]

5. [Competitor 5 URL]

[Add up to 10 total]

Please visit each URL and analyze the content. Then provide:

1. **Common Themes**: What topics, benefits, or information appear on 3+ competitor pages but are missing or underrepresented on mine?

2. **Unique Differentiators**: What unique angles is each competitor taking that others aren't?

3. **Content Depth Comparison**: Where do competitors provide more comprehensive information than my page?

4. **Messaging Patterns**: What language, tone, or framing approaches are competitors using successfully?

5. **Missing Questions**: What prospective student questions do competitors answer that I don't address?

Guest Name: Stu Eddins, Chief Digital Strategy Officer, Stamats

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stueddins/

Guest Bio: Stu leads a team of digital marketing and analytics professionals that provides strategic support to higher education clients striving to increase awareness and demand generation for their brands and their programs. He brings decades of digital marketing expertise, having led enterprise-level initiatives in advertising and SEO for industries such as healthcare, higher education, ecommerce, and manufacturing.

Certified in Google Ads, Analytics, and Tag Manager, Stu uses his background in sales, customer service, analytics, and marketing to plan and implement successful campaigns that address overarching strategic goals and outcomes with data-driven tactics.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Brian Piper
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.