Degrees of Success Podcast

About Degrees of Success Podcast

Behind every college degree is a story. At University of Phoenix, those stories often include a few twists that teach some powerful life lessons. Join us as we sit down with University of Phoenix alumni to discuss their journeys to success, including the adversity, the triumph and the insights you can apply to your own life and career. The stories of accomplishments of these incredible alumni will be shared through both video format on the University of Phoenix YouTube channel and in audio format in all the places you get your podcasts. Tune in for stories of how online students reached their educational dreams and hear their insights on career success.

Publisher

University Of Phoenix

Category

business · education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

21 Nov 2024

Latest episode

14 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

52 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   14 Aug 2026

   Leadership Lessons from a Wireless Technology CEO Jim Bradfield EP 44

   Leadership is about more than expertise. It is about building teams, developing trust, embracing lifelong learning, and helping others solve problems that seem impossible. In this episode, leadership takes center stage as Jim Bradfield shares lessons from a career spanning wireless communications, entrepreneurship, technology innovation, and education. Based on the episode transcript. In this video, we explain leadership through the lens of technology innovation and business growth, including how collaboration, continuous learning, and collective intelligence help leaders navigate change, build successful teams, and drive long-term results. Jim Bradfield, CEO of NAS Wireless and University of Phoenix MBA alumnus, discusses how a family legacy in telecommunications led him into the wireless industry, how earning his MBA strengthened his leadership capabilities, and why the ability to learn, adapt, and work with experts has been critical throughout his career. The conversation explores how leadership works in rapidly changing industries, what leaders should consider when making decisions in uncertain environments, why education and communication skills matter when leading teams, and what outcomes are often associated with effective leadership, including innovation, business growth, stronger collaboration, and organizational success. Topics discussed include: • Leadership and team development • Wireless communications and technology innovation • Collective intelligence and collaboration • MBA education and professional growth • Entrepreneurship and business strategy • Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies • Lifelong learning and career development • Building high-performing teams • Leadership communication skills • Technology adoption and change management This episode is relevant for business leaders, entrepreneurs, technology professionals, managers, MBA students, adult learners, executives, and anyone interested in leadership development and professional growth. Whether you're leading a company, managing a team, launching a business, or preparing for your next career move, Jim's insights offer practical perspectives on how leadership evolves through experience, education, and continuous learning. If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, comment, and subscribe. We'd love to hear your thoughts on leadership and the lessons that have shaped your own professional journey. Chapters 00:00 The first cell phones and a family legacy 00:44 Meet wireless technology CEO Jim Bradfield 02:20 Music, creativity, and lifelong passions 07:09 A family history of wireless innovation 09:07 Why saying yes creates opportunity 10:34 Leadership through collaboration 13:04 Building NAS Wireless 14:26 Expanding internet access to rural communities 16:50 Why Jim earned an MBA 20:16 How education shaped leadership 21:31 Growing a business with business strategy 22:41 Collective intelligence and team leadership 26:03 Helping others understand technology 27:07 Leadership lessons for navigating AI 29:00 The future of wireless and artificial intelligence 30:01 Where to connect with Jim Bradfield 31:12 Final leadership takeaways

2. 

   13 Jul 2026

   Briaca Duesette on Career Change and Creative Leadership EP 43

   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 Animation Discovery Studio and creating opportunities for future animators. Keith Chandler sits down with entrepreneur and University of Phoenix Alumni Luminary Briaca Duesette to discuss career pivots, lifelong learning, leadership, education, and the importance of creating pathways for underserved youth. The conversation explores how animation can become both a creative outlet and a career path, while highlighting the practical steps involved in starting and growing a mission-driven organization. You'll learn: · How Animation Discovery Studio teaches animation and digital creativity to students · What aspiring entrepreneurs should consider when starting a new venture · Why exposure to technology and creative education matters for young people · What outcomes and career paths can emerge from animation, content creation, design, and technology fields Key topics covered: · Career transitions and entrepreneurship · Animation education and youth development · Leadership and team building · University of Phoenix education experience · Mentorship and professional growth · Creative careers and technology opportunities This episode is especially relevant for: · Entrepreneurs · Career changers · Educators · Parents · Students interested in animation, technology, or creative industries Timestamps 00:00 Building a creative future for young people 01:02 Introduction to Briaca Duesette 03:36 Education journey and early career goals 05:00 Transition from healthcare to technology 06:29 Creating Animation Discovery Studio 08:53 Leadership and team development 10:20 Working with underserved communities 12:35 Briaca's animated projects 13:53 Lessons from University of Phoenix 16:00 Balancing creativity and leadership 17:04 Mentorship and advice 19:04 Managing multiple career paths 21:45 Starting a business and entrepreneurship 23:08 Growth as a founder and CEO 25:18 Motherhood and creative inspiration 27:03 Recognition as an Alumni Luminary 28:00 What's next for Animation Discovery Studio 29:37 Lifelong learning and future goals 30:41 Final thoughts

3. 

   5 Jun 2026

   Lessons from Deputy Chief & MBA Graduate Michael Bullock | Degrees of Success Podcast | Ep #41

   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 Michael Bullock moved from frontline emergency response into organizational leadership through practical experience, an MBA, and a commitment to continuous learning. The discussion shows how leadership works when trust, teamwork, and preparedness matter every day, what people should consider when stepping into new responsibilities, why education matters when building credibility and confidence, and what outcomes are often associated with this kind of career path, including promotion, stronger team culture, and broader impact. Michael also explains how he applies lessons from school and the field to real operational decisions, including inventory management, purchasing systems, contract structure, and supporting crews with better tools and processes. He talks about the value of being honest without creating panic, knowing when to pause a difficult conversation, and using failure as part of learning rather than a reason to quit. The episode also highlights the role of family support, professional development, and mentorship in long-term success. This episode is relevant for first responders, public service professionals, adult learners, and anyone considering a return to school while balancing work and family. It is also useful for people interested in leadership development, career advancement, and the connection between experience and education. If this conversation resonates with you, please like, comment, and subscribe, and share this episode with someone who is considering their next step. ⭐️ Key takeaways from this episode: ✓ Leadership & communication ✓ Ideal day in the fire service ✓ Healthcare and public service ✓ Applying an MBA in the fire service 📖 Chapters: Jump to Key Moments 00:00 - Leadership, communication, and growth mindset 01:03 - Introduction to Michael Bullock 02:03 - Ideal day in fire service leadership 04:09 - Early interest in healthcare and public service 07:48 - How emergency work shapes perspective 08:48 - Returning to school and choosing an MBA 13:08 - Applying the MBA in the fire department 16:10 - Inventory management and process improvements 20:33 - Leadership style and growth mindset 23:22 - University of Phoenix luminary recognition 27:32 - Advice for adult learners 29:55 - Personal and professional milestones 31:36 - Closing thoughts If this helped, please like, comment with your biggest takeaway, and subscribe for more leadership and career conversations. 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@UOPXDegreesOfSuccessPodcast Learn more about scholarships at UOPX! 👉 https://www.phoenix.edu/info/scholarships.html Alumni Chronicles | Magazine 👉 https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/alumni-chronicles/magazine.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 Explore the University of Phoenix 👉 https://www.phoenix.edu/ ⭐️ Connect with us on social! ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uopx ► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/universityofphoenix ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uopxalumni/ ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uopx/ ► LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-phoenix/ ► X: https://x.com/UOPX Thinking about attending UOPX online? 📱 Request info today: https://www.phoenix.edu/request/request-information 💻 Apply to one of UOPX’s online programs today: https://rb.gy/k0a75c 🎓 Find your degree program University of Phoenix: https://www.phoenix.edu/online-degrees/find-your-program.html

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Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

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