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.

Degrees of Success Podcast
Claim This Podcastby University Of Phoenix
Podcast Overview
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.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
11/21/2024
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Recent Episodes

July 13, 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

June 5, 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

June 4, 2026
2026 Commencement | Associate Degree in Business: Deann Smith’s Comeback Story
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 after difficult life circumstances. Her journey highlights why education matters as a tool for rebuilding stability and creating long-term career paths. This episode covers key sub-topics such as overcoming adversity, balancing parenthood and education, and developing personal discipline. It also explores the outcomes associated with earning an Associate Degree in Business, including increased confidence, career mobility, and the ability to pursue further education. This video is relevant for adult learners, individuals facing setbacks, and anyone considering going back to school for the first time. ⭐️ Key takeaways from this episode: ✓ Deann's background and challenges ✓ The role of faith and community support ✓ The importance of grit and self-belief ✓ Future plans and aspirations 📖 Chapters: Jump to Key Moments 00:00 - Overcoming Adversity: A Journey from Homelessness to Graduation 02:33 - The Power of Grit and Self-Discovery 05:53 - Faith and Support: The Role of God and Community 07:47 - Inspiring the Next Generation: Lessons for My Children 10:15 - Future Aspirations: Building a Shelter and Continuing Education 12:51 - Encouragement for Others: Taking the Leap of Faith 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
51 total episodes available
Recent guests on Degrees of Success Podcast
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Dr. Terry Jones
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Brandon Warren
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is Degrees of Success Podcast?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates weekly.
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This podcast is available on 7 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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