Mandy Fouse | LEADERSHIP WICHITA
Photos by NIKOLE BABB
What are you an expert in?
I would describe myself as a "jack of all trades, master of none." While I don't consider myself an expert in any specific field or discipline, I do have a diverse skill set that allows me to be proficient in a wide range of areas.
What do you collect? Why?
I find so much joy in gathering new experiences, whether it's taking a tour of a place I've never been, trying something that pushes me out of my comfort zone or jetting off to a new destination.
What do you love most about your work?
What I love most about my work is the combination of the ever-changing nature of my role, our mission to make a difference in the community and the tangible impact I get to witness in the lives of our students right here in Wichita. It's a professionally and personally fulfilling journey that I'm grateful to be a part of.
What led you to this career?
My career path as the Director of Public Relations and Marketing at WSU Tech has been influenced by a lifelong passion for business, communications, and entrepreneurship. From a young age, I was fascinated by the dynamics of the business world and the art of effective communication. During my high school years, my interest in marketing and communications continued to grow. I was particularly captivated by the strategic aspects of marketing, the power of clear communication, and the potential for innovation in entrepreneurship. This passion led me to pursue a degree in Marketing and Entrepreneurship at Wichita State University, where I could delve deeper into these areas. After completing my degree, I decided to gain practical experience in the retail industry, which provided invaluable insights into consumer behavior and sales strategies. It was during this time that I realized how impactful marketing and clear communication were in shaping consumer perceptions and driving business growth. However, as my career progressed, I felt a calling to make a significant and meaningful impact on the lives of others through education. This led me to transition into the field of education, where I could merge my expertise in marketing and communication with my passion for helping students achieve their aspirations. Joining WSU Tech was the perfect opportunity to achieve this goal, as it allowed me to use my marketing and communication skills to promote an institution with a powerful mission: meeting workforce needs and transforming students' lives. Returning to my passion for marketing and communication in an educational context has been an immensely gratifying and purpose-driven career move. It permits me to leverage my early interests and experiences in business, communications, and entrepreneurship while making a positive and transformative impact on the Wichita community and the students we serve. This journey has not only been a professional one but also a personal one, aligning my career with my lifelong passions and values.
What is one piece of advice that has served you well in your journey and who did you get it from?
One invaluable piece of advice that has consistently guided me throughout my journey is "Make a Decision and Make it Right." This wisdom was imparted to me by my mom from a very early age, and it has proven to be a cornerstone of my personal and professional growth. The significance of this advice lies in its dual emphasis on decisiveness and responsibility. It encourages taking action and making choices rather than being paralyzed by indecision or fear of making mistakes. It reminds me that it's better to move forward with confidence, even if the decision isn't perfect, than to remain stagnant due to uncertainty. This advice has served me well in numerous aspects of my career. In the fast-paced world of marketing and education, where opportunities and challenges are ever-present, the ability to make informed decisions and stand by them is essential. It has allowed me to take calculated risks, learn from both successes and failures, and continuously adapt and improve. Moreover, "Make a Decision and Make it Right" has been instrumental in leadership roles like my current position as the Director of Public Relations and Marketing at WSU Tech. It has helped me navigate complex projects, inspire my team, and drive positive change within the organization. In essence, this advice from my mom has not only been a guiding principle in my professional journey but has also enriched my personal life. It reminds me to trust my instincts, take ownership of my choices, and embrace the opportunities for growth and learning that every decision brings. It's a piece of wisdom that I hold dear and continue to pass on to those I work with and mentor.
What is the most valuable lesson you have learned?
The most valuable lesson I've learned in my journey is that you can't be everything for everyone all the time. It's a lesson that has profound implications for both my professional and personal life. In the pursuit of a successful career and striving to make a meaningful impact in my role as the Director of Public Relations and Marketing at WSU Tech, I've come to realize that there are limits to what one can achieve while trying to fulfill every expectation and role simultaneously. It's tempting to want to excel in every aspect of life, but attempting to be all things to all people can be not only exhausting but also counterproductive. Balancing a demanding career with other important facets of life, such as family, friendships, and relationships, requires making choices and setting priorities. This lesson has taught me that while I can be all-in on my career and achieve remarkable things, there will be moments when something else must give way. It's not a matter of sacrificing one for the other but rather acknowledging that life's demands are multifaceted, and equilibrium is a continuous negotiation. Attempting to be everything for everyone is an unattainable ideal that ultimately leads to frustration and a sense of being stretched too thin. Over time, I've come to understand that focusing my energy and attention on what truly matters in the moment allows me to be more effective, fulfilled, and successful in my endeavors. I would love to say that I've perfected this balance and consistently apply it, but it's something that remains a work in progress, requiring constant reminders. Embracing this lesson has made me a more balanced, resilient, and content individual, both in my role at WSU Tech and in my life beyond work.
What are your strengths and why?
One of my key strengths is problem-solving. This ability has been honed through both my educational and professional experiences, and it's a skill I've developed for several reasons. First, I've always had a natural curiosity and an inclination to analyze situations critically. I enjoy delving into complex challenges, breaking them down into manageable components, and identifying potential solutions. This innate curiosity drives me to seek deeper insights and consider multiple perspectives when tackling problems. Second, my background in marketing and communications has equipped me with the tools to approach problem-solving strategically. I've learned to assess issues from both a creative and analytical standpoint, allowing me to generate innovative ideas while also considering the practicalities of implementation. Additionally, my experience in leadership roles, such as my current position as the Director of Public Relations and Marketing at WSU Tech, has exposed me to a wide range of challenges. This hands-on experience has sharpened my problem-solving skills, as I've had to navigate diverse issues related to marketing strategies, public relations, and educational outreach. Lastly, I'm a firm believer in continuous learning and adaptability. This mindset has allowed me to stay open to new ideas and methodologies for problem-solving. It enables me to evolve my problem-solving techniques as the landscape of challenges shifts in the fast-paced environments I work in.
What would we mostly likely seeing you doing on a weekend?
When the weekend rolls around after a hectic week, it's all about quality time with my husband and our two kids. You will typically find us on the sidelines at a youth sporting event at some point, cheering on our favorite little athletes. We also love checking out the coolest Wichita events happening around town. Whether it's a lively festival, a family event, or a special community gathering, we're up for the adventure. And, of course, we enjoy exploring various parks around town, visiting the Sedgwick County Zoo, and having fun at Exploration Place, among other exciting local spots. Amidst all this excitement, we like to savor some local eats too. Whether it's brunch at HomeGrown, or indulging in delicious donuts and tacos, we definitely appreciate the local flavors. But we try to not make it all go, go, go. We also value downtime at home, letting the kids play in the neighborhood and trying to find some moments of relaxation.
