Degrees of Success Podcast

How to Reinvent Yourself & Your Career | From Chef to Executive Leader | Degrees of Success Podcast

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 actionable strategies to climb the corporate ladder—at any age! 💡 In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ How to successfully transition careers—even with no experience ✅ The unexpected skills that transfer across industries ✅ The power of networking & personal branding in career growth ✅ How to overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome ✅ Why reinvention is possible at ANY stage of life Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area in a family of healthcare professionals, Gary’s decision to pursue a career in the culinary arts wasn’t easy—his family was skeptical, but their support fueled his passion for cooking. After spending two months in France, Gary developed a deep appreciation for slow food and French cuisine that would shape his culinary career. However, Gary’s journey took an unexpected turn when he moved from the kitchen to the corporate food service world. He quickly advanced into management, and his career trajectory led him to marketing, where he found his true calling. Today, Gary is the vice president of marketing at Garten, a food service company, and an accomplished author of Lessons to Inspire: Practical Advice from Successful People. In this episode, Gary shares his unique story of career reinvention, how he navigated the challenges of shifting industries, and how his education played a pivotal role in his success. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about following your passion, overcoming career setbacks, and using education to unlock new opportunities in unexpected places. The Degrees of Success podcast by the University of Phoenix highlights transformative success stories from alumni who have used education to reshape their careers and lives. Whether you’re seeking career advice, motivation, or practical tips for making a career transition, this episode offers valuable insights into how education and perseverance can help you reinvent yourself and achieve success. 🚀 If you're ready to take control of your career, hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on NOTIFICATIONS so you never miss an episode! 💬 Comment below: What career shift are you considering? Let's discuss! 👇 #CareerChange #ReinventYourself #ClimbTheLadder #Leadership #Success #Mindset #CorporateSuccess VIDEO CHAPTERS 0:00 - Welcome to the Podcast Introduction to Degrees of Success and Gary Batara. 1:15 - Meet Gary Batara Overview of Gary’s unique journey from culinary school to corporate marketing. 8:10 - Lessons from Culinary Arts How Gary’s culinary background influenced his leadership style. 15:45 - Overcoming Personal Struggles Building resilience through life’s challenges. 24:20 - From Employee to Executive Gary’s rise to VP of Marketing and his strategies for growth. 31:40 - The Value of Authentic Leadership Why authenticity matters in building strong teams. 40:10 - Mentorship and Paying It Forward Stories of mentorship and how Gary supports others. 48:05 - Navigating Industry Changes Staying adaptable in a fast-paced corporate world. 55:30 - Tips for Aspiring Leaders Practical advice for achieving career success. 1:03:25 - Personal Reflections and Goals Gary’s insights on life, growth, and creating impact. 1:10:30 - Final Thoughts Closing remarks and encouragement from Gary Batara. ✅ Subscribe, like, and leave your comments below to join the conversation. Gary Batara's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-batara-bb063451/ Gary Batara's Book: https://a.co/d/coaqWvV Alumni Chronicles | Gary's Story https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/alumnus-gary-batara.html Alumni Chronicles | Main Page https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/alumni-chronicles.html Explore the Degrees of Success Podcast Webpage: https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/alumni-chronicles/podcast.html Explore the University of Phoenix: https://www.phoenix.edu/ Follow us on Social: ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uopx ► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/universityofphoenix ► 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

How a Marine Built a Global Career in Security and Risk Management | Degrees of Success Podcast

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.
✅ Subscribe, like, and leave your comments below to join the conversation.
John Kirch's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kirch-mba-7aab1625/
Explore the Degrees of Success Podcast Webpage: https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/alumni-chronicles/podcast.html Alumni Chronicles | Main Page https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/alumni-chronicles.html Explore the University of Phoenix: https://www.phoenix.edu/
Follow us on Social: ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uopx ► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/universityofphoenix ► 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
 

How a First-Gen College Graduate Became County Manager in New Mexico | Degrees of Success Podcast

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. Andrews overcame personal tragedy—the loss of his baby daughter—to launch The Violet Movement, a non-profit dedicated to fostering love, kindness, and positive change through scholarships. His book, Violet’s Are Blue: Finding Relief From Grief and Lessons from Depression, reflects his personal battle with grief and his determination to help others navigate similar challenges. Dr. Andrews’s journey is a testament to how overcoming personal adversity can lead to not just professional success, but also a lasting impact on communities. In this episode, he discusses the power of education, the importance of leadership in times of difficulty, and how transformative change starts with a vision for a better future. The Degrees of Success podcast by the University of Phoenix brings you the inspiring success stories of alumni who have turned challenges into triumphs and made an impact in their fields and communities. Whether you’re seeking motivation or practical advice on overcoming obstacles, Dr. Andrews’s story offers valuable insights into leadership, resilience, and using education to build a brighter future. Tune in and discover how education, perseverance, and a desire to help others can lead to profound personal and professional growth.
✅ Subscribe, like, and leave your comments below to join the conversation.
Scott Andrews on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cscottandrews/ Scott Andrews Book: https://a.co/d/iKuviup The Violet Movement: https://www.thevioletmovement.com/
Alumni Chronicles | Scott's Story https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/alumnus-scott-andrews.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/
Follow us on Social: ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uopx ► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/universityofphoenix ► 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