MEL #063 | From First-Generation College Student to Global Leader Through Curiosity and Humility with Tyler Vassar

In this episode, I speak with Tyler Vassar, Managing Partner at Ascent Ridge Partners, a consulting group that focuses on helping teams and organizations improve their performance.Tyler shares how he grew up on a small farm in rural New York and became the first person in his family to attend a four-year university. Although he initially planned to study business, a chance hallway conversation with a metallurgy professor completely changed his path. That moment became a powerful example of how mentorship and encouragement can redirect someone’s future.In our leadership segment, Tyler explains how his time in the Navy shifted his focus from technical problem-solving toward leading and developing teams. Across industries ranging from healthcare to mining and manufacturing, he learned the importance of listening, humility, and walking the shop floor. He also shares how great leaders coach people through problems instead of simply giving answers.In our advice segment, Tyler discusses the reality of making decisions with incomplete information and why integrity matters in leadership. He emphasizes emotional intelligence, preparation, and continuous self-reflection as critical leadership skills. His advice to engineers is simple: build strong technical skills, care deeply about people, and say yes when leadership opportunities appear.Explore the full episode summary, including guest bio, key takeaways, transcript, and recommended resources in the shownotes at  www.drangeliqueadams.com/podcast