Degrees of Success Podcast

Briaca Duesette shares her journey from healthcare administration and caregiving into entrepreneurship and creative education. In this conversation, Briaca Duesette explains how Animation Discovery Studio was built to help young people explore animation, storytelling, technology, and creative careers. In this video, we explain Briaca Duesette's entrepreneurship journey, including how she transitioned from healthcare into building A...

Entrepreneur success story is the focus of this episode, as Fernando Torres explains how he moved from hospitality and corporate sales into business ownership. This entrepreneur success story also shows how education, confidence, and adaptability can shape long-term growth for a service-based company.

In this video, we explain entrepreneur success story, including how Fernando Torres built a pest control business, made a career tra...

Leadership is the central theme of this episode, as Michael Bullock shares how emotionally intelligent leadership, communication, and a growth mindset shaped his path in the fire service. Leadership is also the thread that connects his education, his promotions, and the way he manages training, resources, and people in a high-stakes environment. In this video, we explain leadership in fire service and education, including how Micha...

Associate Degree in Business graduate Deann Smith shares how she overcame major life challenges to earn her first college degree. In this video, we explain Associate Degree in Business, including how education can create new opportunities and personal transformation. Deann discusses how the Associate Degree in Business program works, what it takes to stay consistent, and what individuals should consider when returning to school aft...

Master of Health Administration graduate Terry Setzer shares how he advanced his healthcare career through education. In this video, we explain Master of Health Administration, including how the program builds leadership skills and industry knowledge. Terry explains how the Master of Health Administration works, what professionals should consider before enrolling, and why credentials are important in healthcare leadership roles. Hi...

Doctor of Business Administration graduate Dr. Paul White explains his path from career shifts to earning a doctoral degree. In this video, we explain Doctor of Business Administration, including the level of effort, discipline, and long-term value of completing the program. Dr. White shares how the Doctor of Business Administration process works, including coursework, dissertation requirements, and time commitment. He also outline...

Doctorate in Business Administration graduate Dr. Bria James shares her journey from St. Croix to earning her doctoral degree. In this video, we explain Doctorate in Business Administration, including the commitment, challenges, and outcomes of completing a doctoral program. Dr. Bria James earned her Doctorate in Business Administration at age 28 and discusses the role of family support, discipline, and lifelong learning in her suc...

Education entrepreneurship is the focus of this conversation with Jenica Lindquist.In this episode, we explore education entrepreneurship through global teaching experience, innovation in learning, and building student-centered schools.In this video, we explain education entrepreneurship, including how educators create new learning models, support diverse student needs, and build sustainable education businesses. Jenica Lindquist s...

Law enforcement leadership is at the center of this conversation with Dr. Shaun Ward. In this episode, we explore law enforcement leadership through mentorship, education, and real-world experience. In this episode, we explore leadership in law enforcement through mentorship, education, and real-world experience. Dr. Shaun Ward shares his journey from growing up in New Jersey to building a career in policing, leadership, and organi...

Collaboration is the focus of this conversation with Jennifer Reed Goddard, president and CEO of Philanthropy West Virginia. In this episode of Degrees of Success, she explains how partnership-building shows up in real work across nonprofits, funders, and community institutions. In this video, we explain collaboration in statewide philanthropy, including how organizations coordinate funding, communication, and response when communi...

Geoffrey Aguilera joins the Degrees of Success Podcast to share his journey through education, leadership, and community impact. In this Degrees of Success Podcast episode, Geoffrey Aguilera discusses perseverance, mentorship, higher education, and building a nonprofit while working full time. In this video, we explain the Degrees of Success Podcast episode with Geoffrey Aguilera, including how education, mentorship, and community ...

Flow Mindset can help leaders and teams structure work so people stay engaged without burning out. In this episode of the Degrees of Success Podcast, host Keith Chandler speaks with Dr. Kevin Gazzara, University of Phoenix alumnus and 2025 Luminary in entrepreneurship, about leadership development, organizational culture, and how practical task design supports focus and motivation. In this video, we explain Flow Mindset, including ...

🔍 What this alumni story helps explain How working adults can build purpose-driven careers through education, resilience, and advocacy. This episode explains how lived experience, flexible learning, and long-term persistence can lead to meaningful work in mental health and community leadership. In this episode of Degrees of Success, University of Phoenix alum Schwanna Jenkins shares how she navigated single motherhood, career pivo...

Dr. Ann Diese shares a detailed, chronological account of her education and nursing career across multiple countries and health systems. This video explains Dr. Ann Diese’s doctoral journey, including what it took to complete the program and publish research. You’ll hear how the process works, including building credentials over time, returning to school later in life, completing doctoral milestones, and navigating peer...

Learn how earning a master’s degree can open unexpected leadership and service opportunities. Army veteran and University of Phoenix alum Hodari P.T. Brown shares how education, mentorship, and faith shaped his path to military service, leadership, and community impact. After completing his master’s degree at University of Phoenix, Hodari experienced a pivotal moment that redirected his life toward military service. Wha...

In this episode, we sit down with Shantavia Webb, the Nashville Division Human Resources Leader at Kroger, to explore her remarkable career journey from intern to leader. Shantavia shares her insights on the importance of mentorship, diversity, and representation in the workplace. Learn how her dedication to fostering black leadership and community engagement has not only shaped her career but also inspired others.

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In this conversation, Janice DaCosta shares her journey from being a teenage mom to becoming a mindfulness and wellness coach. She discusses the importance of education, personal experiences, and the transformative power of travel. Janice emphasizes the significance of choosing oneself, advocating for health, and the mind-body connection in achieving wellness. Her insights on nutrition, mindfulness practices, and the impact of pers...

Join host Freda Richards as she sits down with Dr. Wayne McCoy, a distinguished faculty member at University of Phoenix. In this episode, Dr. McCoy shares his inspiring journey from high school dropout to military service and eventually becoming a faculty of the year award recipient. Discover his passion for teaching, his insights on education, and the importance of servant leadership.

Tune in to hear Dr. McCoy's valuable insights ...

Join host Freda Richards as she sits down with Orlando Jiménez, a multifaceted entrepreneur, veteran, and athlete. Discover how Orlando's upbringing in Arizona's agricultural heartland shaped his work ethic and passion for service. From his time in the Navy to founding Dos Bros Coffee and Fight Rope, Orlando shares insights on leadership, resilience, and the power of community. Tune in to hear Orlando's inspiring story and learn ho...