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Darin Francis

Managing Partner & CEO Harbinger Lane Consulting

With 20 years of experience at the intersection of higher education and edtech, Darin Francis brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for driving meaningful change in the sector. Having led teams, crafted go-to-market (GTM) strategies, and worked closely with institutions, Darin is uniquely positioned to help edtech companies navigate the complexities of U.S. and Canadian higher education. Darin Francis, based in Detroit, MI, US, is currently a Managing Partner and CEO at Harbinger Lane Consulting.

Counseling Psychology 1990 - 1993
account-executives Account Executives
consultative Consultative Selling
image-1 Strategic Planning
product-manage Product Management
sales-promotion Sales Operations
image-15 Team Leadership

Recent Posts

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Articles Education Technology

The New Playbook for College ROI: Podium Education’s Scalable Model for Real-World Learning

Darin Francis - November 12, 2025

The debate around the return on investment (ROI) of a four-year degree has reached a fever pitch. As tuition costs rise and employers question the value of traditional credentials, higher education leaders are rethinking how to make college more career-relevant.

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Articles Education Technology

Gamifying College Readiness: How Loper Makes the Enrollment Journey More Engaging!

Darin Francis - October 16, 2025

High schoolers are overwhelmed and not just by homework. The path to college can feel like a maze of forms, essays, and deadlines, with little guidance on where to begin.

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Education & EdTech

Holistic Support in Higher Ed: Why Non-Traditional Students Need More Than Just Financial Aid

Darin Francis - October 1, 2025

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Articles Education Technology

Kai: Finally an AI Solution for Enrollment Teams to Create Connection, Not Just Mine Data!

Darin Francis - September 19, 2025

Artificial intelligence has become the buzzword of the moment in higher education, but for many enrollment teams, it often feels like just another layer of complexity on top of an already demanding job. Budgets are tight, teams are stretched thin, and the pressure to recruit and retain students has never been greater.

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Articles Education Technology

MeetYourClass Heads to NACAC 2025 with a Vision for the Future of Enrollment and Community On Campus

Darin Francis - September 11, 2025

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Articles Education Technology

Why Data-Driven Financial Aid Strategies Are Critical to Higher Ed’s Future

Darin Francis - September 8, 2025

As higher education faces declining public trust and heightened financial pressure, colleges are being pushed to rethink how they manage enrollment and financial aid. Data analytics and predictive modeling are emerging as critical tools, with institutions seeking ways to allocate limited aid dollars while still aligning with their missions.

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