Marketing and Education

Elana Leoni | Leoni Consulting Group
  • 4.9 (14)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Marketing and Education

What if marketing was judged solely by the level of value it brings to its audience? Welcome to All Things Marketing and Education, a podcast that lives at the intersection of marketing and you guessed it, education. Each week, Elana Leoni, CEO of Leoni Consulting Group, highlights innovative social media marketing, community-building, and content marketing strategies that can significantly increase brand awareness, engagement, and revenue.

  1. MAY 15

    What Districts Actually Want from EdTech Partners

    In this episode of All Things Marketing and Education, Elana sits down with Jeremy Dulle, Founder and President of Spring Rock Partners. With over 25 years of experience as a growth strategist, go-to-market advisor, and business developer, Jeremy brings a rare blend of EdTech expertise and Fortune 500 perspective to the table. As funding tightens and districts face mounting pressure to streamline their tech stacks, EdTech companies must prove their value—fast. Jeremy shares practical, hard-earned insights on what sustainable growth looks like in today’s education landscape. Together, Elana and Jeremy explore: The unique complexities of selling to school districts—and how to navigate themWhy implementation is just as important as product innovationCommon missteps EdTech companies make (especially when entering the space)What educators really care about—and how to earn their trustHow to align business goals with district outcomes, not just flashy features This conversation is a must-listen for EdTech leaders who want to build not just a product—but a true partnership with schools. “If you're not tracking usage and providing impact, you're making it easy for districts to cut you.” – Jeremy DulleHere’s the full episode Show notes.

    50 min

  2. APR 24

    How to Build Smarter EdTech Marketing Plans in a Changing Landscape

    In this episode of All Things Marketing and Education, Elana Leoni sits down with Hallie Smith, a seasoned EdTech leader, former educator, and now fractional marketing advisor. Hallie brings her full-circle journey—from early EdTech roles to speech pathology in public schools, and back into EdTech—to unpack the evolving challenges and opportunities in education marketing today. Together, Elana and Hallie explore: The surprising trajectory from EdTech to the classroom—and back againWhy it's getting harder to market to educators, and what to do about itThe crucial difference between marketing to educators and with themHow AI and funding shifts are disrupting the EdTech landscapeCommon marketing mistakes EdTech companies make (and how to fix them)Tactical advice on crafting a marketing plan that actually aligns with your business goals This episode is a must-listen for anyone trying to make meaningful, measurable impact in education—whether you’re new to the space or a seasoned pro. 🎧 Plus: Hallie’s refreshingly honest answer to what really helps her recharge in the face of industry burnout. Here’s the rest of Hallie's show notes.

    49 min

  3. APR 17

    Q2 in Education Marketing: What’s Coming, What’s Changing, and What You Need to Do Now

    Q2 is here—and it’s a whirlwind. In this timely episode, Elana Leoni, CEO of Leoni Consulting Group, and Senior Social Media Manager Hillary Trussell break down everything education marketers need to know right now: from federal budget cuts and district layoffs to the impact of AI, shifting conversations in education’s key phrases, and tightening sales cycles. They also dig into key Q2 events like ASU+GSV, NSBA, and ISTE, plus can’t-miss opportunities like Teacher Appreciation Month and graduation season. Whether you're planning campaigns or prepping your booth, this is your go-to guide for staying relevant, building trust, and getting results. Read the rest of the show notes here.

    32 min

  4. MAR 27

    Using Storytelling to Make Your Education Marketing More Meaningful and Effective

    We’re revisiting this conversation with Katie Test Davis—not just because it’s one of our most-loved episodes, but because it’s a reminder we could all use right now. In a time when educators and decision-makers are overwhelmed by constant change, shifting strategies, and too much information, storytelling still cuts through the noise. In this episode, Katie unpacks how to use storytelling as a strategic tool, not just a feel-good add-on. You’ll hear how to identify a powerful main character, how to connect that story to your broader vision, and how to make it resonate with different audiences, whether you’re talking to a superintendent, a classroom teacher, or a donor. Elana and Katie also get into the emotional side of storytelling: why it matters, why it’s memorable, and why now is the perfect time to double down on it. From scrappy, low-budget formats to long-term campaigns, they explore the mindset and tactics education organizations need to tell better, braver stories. Whether you're just getting started or need a fresh perspective, this episode will leave you thinking differently about how stories shape perception, drive action, and remind us why we do this work in the first place. View the rest of the episode show notes.

    53 min

  5. MAR 6

    The Secret to Sales & Marketing Success? A Shared Revenue Mindset

    In this episode of All Things Marketing and Education, host Elana Leoni sits down with Dan O’Reilly, founder of FuelK12, who brings over 35 years of sales experience—half of that in EdTech. Having led both sales and marketing teams, Dan offers a unique perspective on why these two functions often struggle to work together—and what it takes to truly align them. Dan unpacks the biggest barriers between sales and marketing, from siloed goals to misaligned expectations. He shares why shared goals (not just aligned goals) are the key to breaking down silos and fostering real collaboration. The conversation covers tactical steps to build a culture of alignment, including regular communication, journey mapping exercises, and using data to eliminate the blame game. This discussion is especially relevant as EdTech companies navigate long sales cycles, shifting budgets, and increasing pressure to drive measurable results. Dan offers practical advice on how marketing and sales teams can move beyond tension and toward a shared revenue mindset. Whether you're a CMO, head of sales, or EdTech leader looking to improve cross-team collaboration, this episode provides actionable insights to strengthen your go-to-market strategy. View the episode's show notes.

    43 min

  6. FEB 6

    Playing the Long Game: How to Build a Lasting EdTech Company

    In this episode of All Things Marketing and Education, host Elana Leoni sits down with Bert Bower, founder of Teachers' Curriculum Institute (TCI), whose remarkable 36-year journey in educational publishing has transformed how social studies is taught in American classrooms. From humble beginnings as a bootstrapped startup to becoming a leader in core curriculum, Bert shares insights on building a sustainable EdTech company while staying true to teacher-focused values. Bert emphasizes the importance of classroom-first design and human interaction over technological gimmicks. He describes TCI's evolution from supplemental materials to core curriculum, and how they've navigated multiple transformations—from physical materials to digital platforms, and most recently, to interactive video activities that encourage student engagement. For EdTech professionals, his insights on maintaining lean operations, and focusing on teacher adoption before administrative buy-in offer valuable lessons in building sustainable educational companies. This conversation is especially timely as the EdTech industry faces significant changes. Bert offers candid insights about the current state of educational technology, including thoughtful perspectives on AI's role as a "guide on the side" rather than a replacement for human interaction. Whether you're an EdTech entrepreneur looking to understand the industry's dynamics or an educator interested in the evolution of classroom technology, this episode provides valuable insights into building products that truly serve teachers and students. Here are the rest of the episode show notes.

    49 min

  7. JAN 10

    How Experiential Learning Transforms Education: A Conversation with Mary Beth Hertz

    In this episode of All Things Marketing and Education, host Elana Leoni sits down with seasoned educator and EdTech leader Mary Beth Hertz, whose inspiring journey in education spans nearly two decades. Together, they explore Mary Beth's unique relationship with technology—from the early days of building computers to her current work as an advocate for experiential learning. Mary Beth shares her insights into the evolution of technology in education and her passion for experiential learning, a hands-on approach that transforms traditional teaching methods. She explains how it differs from project-based learning and the profound impact it has on students in her classroom. For EdTech professionals, this episode offers practical advice on supporting experiential learning through innovative products and services, ensuring alignment with effective pedagogical strategies. Tune in for an engaging discussion about Mary Beth's fascinating EdTech journey, the power of experiential learning, and how understanding diverse teaching methodologies can help us all better support educators and students alike. This conversation is packed with valuable insights for educators, EdTech entrepreneurs, and anyone passionate about authentic, impactful education. Link to the episode show notes.

    40 min

  8. 12/05/2024

    Transforming K-12 from the Systems-Level: A Conversation with Amos Fodchuk

    In this episode of All Things Marketing and Education, Elana Leoni sits down with Amos Fodchuk, the President and Founder of Advanced Learning Partnerships (ALP). Amos isn’t just an expert in EdTech—he’s a true partner to school districts, working side by side with educators and leaders to create real, meaningful change. Amos shares ALP’s unique “year of learning” model, a collaborative, year-long process designed to build literacy and establish policies around emerging technologies like Generative AI. Throughout the conversation, he dives deep into how a systems-level approach can create lasting educational transformation by connecting all stakeholders, ensuring technology isn’t just used but used effectively. The discussion also explores the importance of workplace wellness, emphasizing the need to support educators in the midst of rapid change and competing demands. Whether you’re in EdTech, work in a school district, or are curious about the future of education, this episode offers actionable strategies, inspiring insights, and a refreshing systems-level perspective on how to navigate today’s complex education landscape. View the rest of the show notes.

    48 min
See All (88)

Trailer

4.9
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

What if marketing was judged solely by the level of value it brings to its audience? Welcome to All Things Marketing and Education, a podcast that lives at the intersection of marketing and you guessed it, education. Each week, Elana Leoni, CEO of Leoni Consulting Group, highlights innovative social media marketing, community-building, and content marketing strategies that can significantly increase brand awareness, engagement, and revenue.

Information

  • Creator
    Elana Leoni | Leoni Consulting Group
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    88
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Elana Leoni | Leoni Consulting Group
  • Show Website
    Marketing and Education

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada
OSZAR »