Why Curiosity Beats Judgement
episode 27
Why Curiosity beats Judgement
episode 27
In this episode of the Shocking Profit Podcast, host Tim Van Mieghem sits down with Gary Fretwell, a seasoned university consultant, for a deep dive into how the art and science of driving transformation in higher education applies to business. Gary shares candid insights from working with hundreds of colleges, drawing important parallels between student engagement and customer retention. Together, Tim and Gary dissect what it means to truly understand the needs of those you serve and explore strategies that foster real, measurable growth.
Topics covered on this episode:
- Uncovering the power of listening: Gary illustrates how connection and genuine curiosity with people from all angles of a business can open doors to meaningful change
- Identifying root causes: Dive into how segmenting data reveals hidden challenges with a thought-provoking story of why athletes flourish while other students struggle, and how business can learn from these patterns.
- The link between advising and retention: Learn why academic advising stands out as the number one driver of student success, and how proactive support shapes outcomes in both education and business settings.
- Translating student journeys to customer experiences: Tim and Gary connect the dots between keeping students enrolled and keeping customers loyal, emphasizing communication and expectation management.
- Acting on what matters: Gain practical advice on collecting the right data, analyzing it, and moving from insight to action to address attrition and generate lasting growth.
This conversation is packed with actionable wisdom for leaders in any field who want to foster stronger connections, and build environments where people thrive. If you’re ready to rethink your approach to retention—be it students, customers, or employees—you won’t want to miss this episode.
Our guest Gary Fretwell
Gary Fretwell is an accomplished author, speaker, and consultant with decades of experience in higher education and organizational development. Over his career, he has worked with nearly 1,000 institutions across North America, helping campuses and organizations navigate strategic planning, enrollment management, and transformational change, most recently as a senior vice president with Ruffalo Noel Levitz. His work bridges inspirational leadership with practical action—whether consulting with colleges, delivering keynote presentations, or coaching individuals and teams for success. Gary is also a #1 international best-selling author of The Magic of a Moment: Unlock the Potential in Every Moment, a book that explores how life’s seemingly small experiences can lead to profound personal and professional growth.
Beyond his professional achievements, Gary is deeply committed to community service and lifelong learning. He leads as president of Prescott Meals on Wheels and regularly shares his insights on productivity, personal development, and purposeful living through his blog and speaking engagements. A passionate advocate for connection, reflection, and growth, he encourages others to embrace meaningful change at every stage of life, including guiding readers through intentional second acts in retirement.
Learn more about Gary Fretwell
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