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.
 
📖 Chapters: Jump to key moments
00:00 - Introduction to Degrees of Success and John Kirch.
00:15 - Overview of John’s journey from Marine Corps service to corporate leadership.
05:40 - How military discipline shaped John’s career and leadership style.
12:20 - Insights into John’s role as Director of Corporate Security.
22:15 - Overcoming Challenges Post-9/11.
31:45 - Balancing Work and Family.
40:10 - Leadership in High-Stakes Environments
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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/
 
Learn more about the MBA program at UOPX!    👉 https://www.phoenix.edu/online-business-degrees/mba-competency-based-degree.html  
Subscribe for more powerful success stories and mindset strategies!  👉 https://www.youtube.com/@UOPXDegreesOfSuccessPodcast
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
 

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.
⭐️ Key takeaways from this episode:
✓ Education should be the foundation of your dreams.
✓ Surround yourself with people who truly care about you.
✓ Vulnerability is a superpower in leadership.
✓ The Violet Movement aims to help those dealing with grief.
✓ Community engagement is crucial for local leaders.
✓ Mentorship can significantly impact your career.
✓ Time will pass; make the most of it now.
✓ Don't let anyone pigeonhole you into a single role.
✓ Networking is essential for career growth.
✓ It's okay to not be okay; seek support.
 
📖 Chapters: Jump to key moments
00:00 - Introduction to Degrees of Success and Dr. Scott Andrews.
00:23 - Dr. Andrews’ background, achievements, and roots.
01:19 - Childhood experiences and the foundation for Scott’s career.
02:29 - The impact of family and mentors like his grandmother, Violet.
07:35 - From Fitness to Local Government Leadership
11:24 - Turning personal tragedy into advocacy for mental health and education.
17:50 - Why degrees and lifelong learning are vital for career success.
20:44 - Advice for Aspiring Leaders
24:46 - How empathy and authenticity strengthen leadership.
27:57 - Scott’s Book: Violets Are Blue
31:07 - Final Thoughts and Career Advice
33:20 - Rapid-Fire Questions with Dr. Andrews
 
Learn more about the MBA program at UOPX!    👉 https://www.phoenix.edu/online-business-degrees/mba-competency-based-degree.html  
Subscribe for more powerful success stories and mindset strategies!  👉 https://www.youtube.com/@UOPXDegreesOfSuccessPodcast
✅ 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