From Music to Medicine: Finding Balance in Healthcare Leadership | Degrees of Success Podcast #06

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 the most competitive and high-pressure environments is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and education. Brandon opens up about his career path, the challenges he faced in transitioning from a small-town life to the fast-paced world of New York City healthcare, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. He also shares how his love for playing music has helped him find balance and creativity amidst his demanding career in hospital operations. Whether you're seeking inspiration on how to navigate career growth, overcome challenges, or integrate personal passions into your professional life, Brandon’s story provides valuable insights into the intersection of leadership, education, and personal fulfillment. The Degrees of Success podcast by the University of Phoenix showcases the transformative success stories of alumni who have used education to propel their careers and lives forward. Tune in for inspiring stories of perseverance, growth, and impact—and discover how education can help you take the next step on your own journey to success.   📖 Chapters: Jump to key moments 00:00:00 - Welcome & Introduction 00:00:14 - Meet Brandon Warren: Healthcare Leader & Musician 00:00:42 - Brandon’s Childhood in Northern Pennsylvania 00:01:07 - Moving to Upstate New York & Small-Town Life 00:01:31 - Early Love for Music & Writing 00:02:06 - High School Years: Drama, Music, & Leadership 00:03:30 - Writing & Performing Music from a Young Age 00:04:44 - Meeting His Wife in High School & Their Love Story 00:06:03 - The Influence of His Grandmother on His Life 00:07:27 - Losing His Grandmother & The Impact on His Career 00:09:00 - Pursuing a Career in Healthcare Inspired by Family 00:11:20 - Working at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center 00:12:42 - Passion for Helping People & Career Growth 00:15:55 - Big Brothers Big Sisters: Becoming a Mentor 00:19:45 - The Pandemic & Challenges in Healthcare 00:21:12 - Finding Purpose Through Mentorship 00:23:30 - Building a Bond with His Mentee, Miles 00:25:48 - Teaching Guitar Over Zoom During COVID 00:28:10 - Overcoming Personal Struggles & Seeking Growth 00:30:22 - Winning ‘Rookie of the Year’ for Mentorship 00:32:14 - Choosing a Master’s in Public Administration 00:34:16 - Love for American History & Government 00:36:00 - The Importance of Public Administration 00:39:57 - Balancing Fatherhood, Work, and Education 00:43:10 - Lessons from University of Phoenix 00:47:00 - Servant Leadership in Healthcare 00:51:30 - Exploring a Future in Politics 00:55:00 - Brandon’s Band: Warren Scott Band & The New Deal Album 01:05:00 - Live Performance: "You’ve Got the Rest of Your Life to Be Dead" 01:07:00 - Closing Thoughts & Where to Find Brandon Online   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  Brandon Warren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-m-warren-mpa-6b57735b?trk=public_post_feed-actor-name Explore the University of Phoenix: https://www.phoenix.edu/ Explore the Degrees of Success Podcast Page: https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/alumni-chronicles/podcast.html ►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 ► YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UOPXDegreesOfSuccess   ADD UOPX INFO LINKS: 📱 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