Degrees of Success Podcast

Join us in this inspiring episode of the Degrees of Success podcast featuring Kylie Glendenning, a recent University of Phoenix graduate who earned her bachelor’s degree at just 19 years old. Every year, thousands of children go missing—some never to be found again. In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Kylie Glendenning, a passionate advocate for human trafficking awareness and victim support, to uncover the harsh realit...

🎙️ Join us in this inspiring episode of the “Degrees of Success” podcast featuring Shirley Dominick, a retired Air Force officer, entrepreneur, and founder of Willing Warriors, a non-profit retreat for recovering service members. Shirley shares her remarkable journey as one of 11 children who grew up on a farm in South Carolina without running water to becoming a leader in the military and champion for wounded Veterans.

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What happens when you reach the summit of Mount Everest—alone—and suddenly go blind? In this jaw-dropping episode of Degrees of Success, host Freda Richards sits down with Brian Dickinson, a former Navy Air Rescue Swimmer and extreme adventurer who survived one of the most harrowing Everest descents in history. Brian shares the unbelievable true story of how he summited Everest solo, only to be struck with snow blindness, forcing h...

In this powerful episode of Degrees of Success, host Frieda Richards sits down with Tawana, a dynamic leader, educator, and advocate for personal growth. Tawana shares her inspiring journey of resilience, transformation, and self-compassion, offering practical advice on how to navigate life’s challenges with grace and perseverance. From overcoming hardships to fostering a mindset of growth and self-love, this episode is packed with...

In this inspiring episode of the Degrees of Success Podcast, host Freda Richards sits down with Takeisha Sykes, a University of Phoenix Doctoral candidate, author, and the head of a non-profit dedicated to serving the unhoused in Atlanta. Takeisha shares her journey of overcoming adversity, pursuing higher education while leading a social enterprise, and the impact she’s making in her community by advocating for those in need. Thro...

🚀 Mastering Personal Growth: Strategies for Success | Dr. Patrick Horton 🎯 Looking to take your life and career to the next level? In this inspiring episode of the Degrees of Success Podcast, host Freda Richards interviews Dr. Patrick Horton, a Purple Heart recipient, author, and VP of Program Management at Tampa Microwave. Dr. Horton shares his incredible journey from military service during Operation Iraqi Freedom to becoming a...

Leadership, Resilience & Career Growth – A Must-Watch Conversation! In this episode of Degrees of Success, host Frida Richards sits down with an accomplished executive with decades of experience in leadership, strategy, and personal growth. From military service to navigating the corporate world, this episode dives deep into the lessons learned along the way and the mindset shifts necessary for long-term success. 📌 Key Topics ...

What does it take to rise from a U.S. Marine to the Chief of Police in a major city? And how is technology transforming the future of law enforcement? In this episode of Degrees of Success, host Frida Richards sits down with Chief Patrick Smith, a Marine Corps veteran and former LAPD leader who climbed the ranks to become the Chief of Police in Birmingham, Alabama. With over 28 years in law enforcement, Chief Smith shares: ✅ His Le...

In this episode of the Degrees of Success Podcast, host Freda Richards sits down with Brandon Warren, a University of Phoenix alum and the Associate Director of Hospital Operations at Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. Growing up in a small town, Brandon never imagined that he would one day be leading operations at one of the world’s leading cancer centers. But his journey from humble beginnings to leadership in one of...

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 h...

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,...

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 actiona...

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 ...

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. ...