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:

Learn more about the MBA program at UOPX!    

Subscribe for more powerful success stories and mindset strategies!  

Follow us on Social:

Thinking about attending UOPX online?