In this episode of the Degrees of Success Podcast, host Freda Richards sits down with Matthew Phillips, a University of Phoenix alum, former franchise owner, and current Chief of Staff for the City of Detroit’s Water Department. Matthew opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped his career, from missed opportunities to the life-changing experience of open-heart surgery. He also shares the challenges of running a franchise and his unexpected transition into nonprofit leadership, where he ultimately became the CEO of a large organization. Matthew is quick to tell you that he has a lot to say—and he does it in a way that’s sure to make you laugh. But behind the humor lies a story of resilience, determination, and the power of education to pivot careers and overcome life’s obstacles. Whether you’re navigating career transitions, facing personal setbacks, or looking for inspiration on how to move forward, Matthew’s story offers valuable lessons on perseverance and finding success through unexpected paths. The Degrees of Success podcast by the University of Phoenix highlights the inspiring journeys of alumni who’ve transformed their careers and lives through education. Each episode showcases stories of overcoming challenges, finding purpose, and achieving professional milestones. Tune in to hear how education and perseverance can help you shape your own path to success.

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Matthew Phillips on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-phillips-83696610/ 

Alumni Chronicles | Matthew’s Story  

Alumni Chronicles | Main Page

https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/alumni-c...

Explore the Degrees of Success Podcast Page:https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/alumni-chronicles/podcast.html

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Trailblazer. Leader. History-Maker. 🎓✨ Dr. Mautra Jones is redefining leadership in higher education as the first woman and first person of color to serve as President of Oklahoma City Community College. In this episode of Degrees of Success, she shares her inspiring journey—from overcoming a challenging childhood to earning top honors in education and becoming a nationally recognized advocate for diversity and inclusion. In 2023, Dr. Jones was named Oklahoma’s Most Admired CEO for public companies by The Journal Record. She’s also received prestigious awards like the 100 Women to Know Across North America Award and Oklahoma’s Remarkable Woman award. Dr. Jones was inducted into the Oklahoma African American Educators Hall of Fame in 2022 and named National Mother of the Year in 2021 by American Mothers, Inc. Dr. Jones’s dynamic leadership has left an indelible mark on the institutions she’s served, and she is now one of the nation’s most sought-after thought leaders. In this episode, Dr. Jones discusses how education has shaped her career, the challenges she’s overcome, and the importance of perseverance and leadership in driving institutional change. The Degrees of Success podcast by the University of Phoenix brings you inspiring stories of alumni who have transformed their careers through education. Each episode highlights personal journeys of overcoming obstacles, achieving professional milestones, and using education to unlock new opportunities. Whether you’re looking for motivation, career advice, or guidance on how education can propel you forward, these alumni stories offer invaluable insights to help you succeed.

Join us as Dr. Jones discusses:

✅ What it means to break barriers in higher education leadership

✅ The importance of representation and mentorship in shaping future leaders

✅ How community colleges are transforming lives and creating access to education for all

✅ Her personal lessons in resilience, leadership, and lifelong learning If you’re passionate about equity in education, career growth, and fearless leadership, this episode is for you! 🚀

📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories of success! #EducationLeadership #BreakingBarriers #DegreesOfSuccess Tune in and be inspired by Dr. Jones’s remarkable story of leadership, achievement, and the power of education to create change. Your next chapter might just be your best one yet.

VIDEO CHAPTERS

0:00 - Welcome to the Podcast Introduction to Degrees of Success and Dr. Mautra Jones.

0:20 - Meet Dr. Mautra Jones Overview of Mautra’s historic leadership and achievements.

4:15 - Becoming a Trailblazer in Education How Mautra broke barriers as a leader in higher education.

12:40 - Leadership Lessons for Success Insights into Mautra’s leadership style and her impact.

21:25 - Awards and Recognitions Reflecting on national accolades and their importance.

32:10 - Mentorship and Community Impact Supporting others through mentorship and community involvement.

40:05 - Final Thoughts on Leadership and Legacy Advice for aspiring leaders and reflections on her journey.

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Dr. Mautra Jones LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mautra-staley-jones-ed-d-70566b3/

Alumni Chronicles

Mautra's Story https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/uopx-alumni-mautra-jones.html

Alumni Chronicles | Main Page https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/alumni-chronicles.html

Explore the Degrees of Success Podcast Page: https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/alumni-chronicles/podcast.html

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#overcomingadversity #highereducation #podcast #successstories #universityofphoenix #degreesofsuccesspodcast

Are you thinking about switching careers but don’t know where to start? 🤔 Whether you're feeling stuck in your current job or dreaming of a new path, this episode is for YOU! Join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of Gary Batara, who went from being a French-trained chef to a VP of Marketing at a top company. Discover the key skills that helped him transition careers, the mindset shifts required for reinvention, and actionable strategies to climb the corporate ladder—at any age!

💡 In this episode, you'll learn:

✅ How to successfully transition careers—even with no experience

✅ The unexpected skills that transfer across industries

✅ The power of networking & personal branding in career growth

✅ How to overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome

✅ Why reinvention is possible at ANY stage of life Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area in a family of healthcare professionals, Gary’s decision to pursue a career in the culinary arts wasn’t easy—his family was skeptical, but their support fueled his passion for cooking. After spending two months in France, Gary developed a deep appreciation for slow food and French cuisine that would shape his culinary career. However, Gary’s journey took an unexpected turn when he moved from the kitchen to the corporate food service world. He quickly advanced into management, and his career trajectory led him to marketing, where he found his true calling. Today, Gary is the vice president of marketing at Garten, a food service company, and an accomplished author of Lessons to Inspire: Practical Advice from Successful People. In this episode, Gary shares his unique story of career reinvention, how he navigated the challenges of shifting industries, and how his education played a pivotal role in his success. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about following your passion, overcoming career setbacks, and using education to unlock new opportunities in unexpected places. The Degrees of Success podcast by the University of Phoenix highlights transformative success stories from alumni who have used education to reshape their careers and lives. Whether you’re seeking career advice, motivation, or practical tips for making a career transition, this episode offers valuable insights into how education and perseverance can help you reinvent yourself and achieve success.

🚀 If you're ready to take control of your career, hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on NOTIFICATIONS so you never miss an episode! 💬 Comment below: What career shift are you considering? Let's discuss! 👇 #CareerChange #ReinventYourself #ClimbTheLadder #Leadership #Success #Mindset #CorporateSuccess

VIDEO CHAPTERS

0:00 - Welcome to the Podcast Introduction to Degrees of Success and Gary Batara.

1:15 - Meet Gary Batara Overview of Gary’s unique journey from culinary school to corporate marketing. 8:10 - Lessons from Culinary Arts How Gary’s culinary background influenced his leadership style.

15:45 - Overcoming Personal Struggles Building resilience through life’s challenges.

24:20 - From Employee to Executive Gary’s rise to VP of Marketing and his strategies for growth.

31:40 - The Value of Authentic Leadership Why authenticity matters in building strong teams.

40:10 - Mentorship and Paying It Forward Stories of mentorship and how Gary supports others.

48:05 - Navigating Industry Changes Staying adaptable in a fast-paced corporate world.

55:30 - Tips for Aspiring Leaders Practical advice for achieving career success.

1:03:25 - Personal Reflections and Goals Gary’s insights on life, growth, and creating impact.

1:10:30 - Final Thoughts Closing remarks and encouragement from Gary Batara.

Learn more about the MBA program at UOPX!    

Subscribe for more powerful success stories and mindset strategies!  

✅ Subscribe, like, and leave your comments below to join the conversation.

Gary Batara's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-batara-bb063451/

Gary Batara's Book: https://a.co/d/coaqWvV Alumni Chronicles

Gary's Story https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/alumnus-gary-batara.html

Alumni Chronicles | Main Page https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/alumni-chronicles.html

Explore the Degrees of Success Podcast

Webpage: https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/alumni-chronicles/podcast.html

Explore the University of Phoenix: https://www.phoenix.edu/

Follow us on Social:

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In this episode of the Degrees of Success Podcast, host Freda Richards talks to John Kirch, a University of Phoenix alum and global leader in corporate health, safety, and security. Living in Lima, Peru for nearly 30 years, John has navigated a diverse and impactful career, from aviation security leadership in the aftermath of 9/11 to overseeing global security operations for Grupo Gloria, one of the largest conglomerates in Latin America. As the Corporate Health, Safety and Security Manager for Grupo Gloria, John leads security operations across 20+ companies in seven countries, ensuring the protection of personnel, assets, and business continuity. He also directs crisis management and risk assessments in one of the world’s most dynamic and diverse regions. Before his corporate success, John served as a United States Marine, providing security at U.S. embassies in Myanmar and Peru. He also played a pivotal role in shaping aviation safety policies in the wake of the September 11 attacks. With two degrees from the University of Phoenix, a bachelor's in organizational security and an MBA, John shares how education and his diverse experiences have shaped his leadership philosophy and helped him thrive in international, high-stakes environments. John’s journey demonstrates the power of education and perseverance in shaping a meaningful career, no matter where you are in the world. Tune in for a conversation on leadership, global risk management, and how taking bold steps in your education and career can lead to success in both local and international arenas.

📖 Chapters: Jump to key moments

00:00 - Introduction to Degrees of Success and John Kirch.

00:15 - Overview of John’s journey from Marine Corps service to corporate leadership.

05:40 - How military discipline shaped John’s career and leadership style.

12:20 - Insights into John’s role as Director of Corporate Security.

22:15 - Overcoming Challenges Post-9/11.

31:45 - Balancing Work and Family.

40:10 - Leadership in High-Stakes Environments

✅ Subscribe, like, and leave your comments below to join the conversation.

John Kirch's LinkedIn:

Explore the Degrees of Success Podcast Webpage:

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In this inspiring episode of the Degrees of Success Podcast, host Freda Richards talks to Dr. Scott Andrews, the County Manager for Doña Ana County in New Mexico. Dr. Andrews shares his remarkable journey to leadership, from his roots as a first-generation U.S.-born college graduate to 21 years of service in public sector administration across Florida, Georgia, and California. A powerful story of resilience and transformation, Dr. Andrews overcame personal tragedy—the loss of his baby daughter—to launch The Violet Movement, a non-profit dedicated to fostering love, kindness, and positive change through scholarships. His book, Violet’s Are Blue: Finding Relief From Grief and Lessons from Depression, reflects his personal battle with grief and his determination to help others navigate similar challenges. Dr. Andrews’s journey is a testament to how overcoming personal adversity can lead to not just professional success, but also a lasting impact on communities. In this episode, he discusses the power of education, the importance of leadership in times of difficulty, and how transformative change starts with a vision for a better future. The Degrees of Success podcast by the University of Phoenix brings you the inspiring success stories of alumni who have turned challenges into triumphs and made an impact in their fields and communities. Whether you’re seeking motivation or practical advice on overcoming obstacles, Dr. Andrews’s story offers valuable insights into leadership, resilience, and using education to build a brighter future. Tune in and discover how education, perseverance, and a desire to help others can lead to profound personal and professional growth.

⭐️ Key takeaways from this episode:

✓ Education should be the foundation of your dreams.

✓ Surround yourself with people who truly care about you.

✓ Vulnerability is a superpower in leadership.

✓ The Violet Movement aims to help those dealing with grief.

✓ Community engagement is crucial for local leaders.

✓ Mentorship can significantly impact your career.

✓ Time will pass; make the most of it now.

✓ Don't let anyone pigeonhole you into a single role.

✓ Networking is essential for career growth.

✓ It's okay to not be okay; seek support.

📖 Chapters: Jump to key moments

00:00 - Introduction to Degrees of Success and Dr. Scott Andrews.

00:23 - Dr. Andrews’ background, achievements, and roots.

01:19 - Childhood experiences and the foundation for Scott’s career.

02:29 - The impact of family and mentors like his grandmother, Violet.

07:35 - From Fitness to Local Government Leadership

11:24 - Turning personal tragedy into advocacy for mental health and education.

17:50 - Why degrees and lifelong learning are vital for career success.

20:44 - Advice for Aspiring Leaders

24:46 - How empathy and authenticity strengthen leadership.

27:57 - Scott’s Book: Violets Are Blue

31:07 - Final Thoughts and Career Advice

33:20 - Rapid-Fire Questions with Dr. Andrews

Learn more about the MBA program at UOPX!    

Subscribe for more powerful success stories and mindset strategies!  

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Scott Andrews on LinkedIn:

Alumni Chronicles | Scott's Story

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Thinking about attending UOPX online?