In Episode 10 of The Fresh P Podcast, host Baserou Moussa sits down with Jeermal Sylvester, Director of Workforce Development at Saint Joseph College and recent MBA graduate from the University of Notre Dame. Jeermal opens up about what it meant to earn his degree at 52 years old — overcoming self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and years of life experience to walk in purpose and legacy.
He shares his journey from a former athlete who faced hard decisions to a leader in workforce development who’s passionate about building talent pipelines and creating generational change. From hitting the gym for mental clarity to launching his consulting brand Sylvester Solutions, Jeermal delivers real gems on faith, education, personal growth, and lifelong learning.
If you’ve ever doubted whether it’s “too late” to chase a dream — this conversation will change your mindset.
🎓 Key topics:
- Graduating from Notre Dame at 52 (Cum Laude!)
- Pushing through imposter syndrome and discomfort
- The power of group accountability
- Building “Sylvester Solutions” consulting
- The role of faith, self-care, and fitness
- Why lifelong learning is for everyone
Chapters – Episode 10 | Jeermal Sylvester on Legacy, Leadership & Lifelong Learning
00:00 – Episode 10 Preview
01:02 – Fresh P Podcast Intro & Mission
01:30 – How I Met Jeermal Sylvester
02:45 – Getting an MBA from Notre Dame at 52
05:40 – “One of the Greatest Accomplishments of My Life”
06:00 – Imposter Syndrome & Self-Doubt at 52
08:30 – “It Wasn’t Just Me, It Was Us” – Group Accountability
12:05 – Mindset Shift: Comfort in Discomfort
14:40 – You Never Know What’s in You Until You’re Stretched
16:09 – Why Pursue an MBA in Business Administration
20:00 – Director of Workforce Development Role Explained
23:50 – Creating Employer Partnerships & Earn-to-Learn
27:22 – Juggling Responsibilities While in School
28:40 – Fitness as Self-Care: 2-Hour Workouts
30:30 – Life Lessons from Sports
34:30 – EKG Analogy: Life’s Ups and Downs
35:55 – Pacers in the ______? (Fun Q&A)
45:05 – Lifelong Learning and Wisdom with Age
48:18 – What’s Next: Sylvester Solutions
50:40 – Coaching, Consulting, and Workshops
51:10 – Faith Without Works: Jeermal’s Belief in Action
51:30 – Final Words & Outro
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🔗 Link in bio