Sean breaks down a conversation he had with a young professional who believed the only path to a better job was earning more letters behind his name. MBA, certifications, extra degrees… we talk about why those things rarely move the needle the way people think they do.

This episode is all about:

• Why your reputation matters more than your credentials
• How to get “time in the seat” when you feel stuck
• Why networking, showing up, and lifting others up is far more valuable than another degree
• How to build real leverage by becoming known for results
• The mindset shift that opens doors faster than any title ever could

If you're early in your career, in transition, or questioning your next move, this is the reset you probably need.

Podcast Show Notes – Episode 258 | 12.02.2025

Episode Title: Stop Chasing Degrees – Start Chasing Results

Key Moments

00:00 – The conversation that sparked this episode 00:34 – The myth of “get another degree” 01:02 – Why letters behind your name don’t matter 01:33 – The credibility catch-22 01:52 – Getting your foot in the door 02:26 – How lifting others changes everything 02:57 – Stop chasing degrees. Start chasing results.

Key Takeaways

1. Most companies don’t care about the letters behind your name, they care about whether you can deliver.
2. Success comes from experience, consistency, and being the person people want to work with.
3. You don’t become great overnight; you grow through showing up, learning the environment, and helping others succeed.
4. Stop chasing credentials you don’t need. Start chasing the kind of impact you want to have.

Host: Sean Barnes

Website: https://www.wolfexecutives.com

https://www.seanbarnes.com

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbarnes/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/wolfexecutives

https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/

LinkedIn Newsletter:

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7284600567593684993/

The Wolf Leadership Series: https://wolfexecutives.com/wolf-leadership-series/

YouTube: youtube.thewayofthewolf.com

Twitter: https://x.com/the_seanbarnes

https://x.com/wolfexecutives

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes

https://www.instagram.com/wolfexecutives

https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_seanbarnes

Email: Sean@thewayofthewolf.com

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Way-of-the-Wolf-Podcast/B08JJNXJ6C

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BTGdO25Vop3GTpGCY8Y8E?si=ea91c1ef6dd14f15