Published on: August 19, 2026
More Likely Than Not, an ATIXA podcast, is for general information, educational, and discussion purposes only. It’s not legal advice. If you’re dealing with a specific issue, consult your institution’s general counsel or a qualified attorney familiar with Title IX and applicable state laws. Facts, policies, and jurisdiction matter.
In Episode 19 of More Likely Than Not, Kayleigh and Joe welcome TNG and ATIXA colleagues Alisha Carter Harris, M.S., and Lauren Starnes, J.D., to discuss the skills Title IX practitioners need to get stuff done.
Are snacks the answer? Maybe. But knowing the key players and understanding your institution’s politics (with a lowercase “p”) is where the real work begins.
Alisha and Lauren remind listeners that not everyone will “like” the Title IX Coordinator, and that isn’t the goal. Advocating for the autonomy and authority to do the work, practicing good customer service, having difficult conversations that leave people feeling heard, understanding the audience, and building credibility across the institution are enduring skills that remain essential even as regulations change. Just as important is building relationships with the people whose partnership makes the work possible, like those you may need to call on to implement supportive or safety measures, navigate institutional barriers, or leverage their own authority and influence to move necessary action forward.
They also walk listeners through how to explain the “why” behind compliance expectations, connect Title IX work to institutional priorities, communicate complex requirements in ways different audiences can understand, and make a stronger case for additional resources.
If you’ve had to relearn how to get stuff done through multiple regulatory environments, or you’re looking to strengthen the skills that endure through all of them, we are more likely than not covering it in this week’s episode.
Additional Resources:
- Time with IX: Beyond Compliance: Soft Skills and Political Maneuvering [Recording]
- ATIXA Tip of the Week: Beyond Compliance: The Soft Skills That Make Compliance Work
- Train and Get Certified with ATIXA
- Early Bird Rates End August 28! ATIXA Annual Conference
For practical guidance from ATIXA’s parent consulting firm, TNG Consulting, contact inquiry@tngconsulting.com.
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