Leadership is not just about titles; it’s about resilience, adaptability, and the ability to inspire others. Across industries and communities, University of Phoenix alumni on the Degrees of Success podcast are living examples of what it means to lead with purpose. Through their diverse experiences, from the front lines to the boardroom, these alumni offer powerful lessons that can guide anyone aspiring to make a difference.
Here are four leadership lessons from their extraordinary journeys.
1. Lead with Integrity and Earn Trust
John Kirch, a former U.S. Marine, built a global career in security and risk management by focusing on one essential principle: trust. Throughout his leadership roles, Kirch emphasized the importance of showing up consistently, delivering on promises, and leading by example. For Kirch, trust isn’t just earned in moments of success; it’s built over time, especially during challenges. His story reminds leaders that credibility and integrity form the foundation of effective leadership.
Kirch’s selfless leadership style is all about giving your team autonomy and prioritizing their success. As he puts it, “I don’t need to shine at my level. I make sure that my team is seen by upper management, by presidents of the corporation.”
2. Develop Yourself to Better Serve Others
Dr. Patrick Horton, a Purple Heart recipient, knows that leadership starts with self-development. His journey from the military to serving veterans and the disability community taught him that continual growth is essential. Horton advocates for investing in your personal and professional development, not just for individual success, but to better serve and uplift those around you. His commitment to self-improvement and giving back exemplifies servant leadership at its best.
3. Never Stop Challenging the Status Quo
Patrick Smith, a Marine turned police chief, revolutionized his department by challenging outdated systems and prioritizing community engagement. His leadership wasn’t about maintaining tradition; it was about innovating to better serve the public.
In Smith’s episode, he relays advice he got from his father as he navigated police reform: “Some people make a difference from the outside, but you were hired to make a difference from the inside.”
Smith’s story is a lesson in the courage it takes to push for change, even when facing resistance. Great leaders are not afraid to ask hard questions and reimagine what’s possible.
4. Keep a Mission-Focused Mindset
Dr. Terry Jones credits his military background for instilling in him a mission-focused mindset that he carried into his corporate leadership roles. Whether in the military or the business world, Jones highlights the importance of keeping teams aligned with a clear mission and purpose. His leadership demonstrates that staying focused on core objectives helps navigate complexity and drive meaningful outcomes.
The stories of these University of Phoenix alumni prove that leadership comes in many forms, through service, personal growth, innovation, and dedication to purpose. Their lessons offer timeless guidance for anyone striving to lead with authenticity and impact. Whether you’re just beginning your leadership journey or looking to elevate your current role, these alumni remind us that great leaders never stop learning, evolving, and inspiring those around them.