Hosting this podcast has so many benefits, including getting to meet, interview, and learn from so many smart and interesting people. And while I enjoy every interview I do, there are some people that I meet and connect with immediately. Today’s guest is one of those people. I am beyond thrilled to welcome Dr. Kevin J. Fleming to the podcast. Dr. Fleming has an impressive bio. He’s produced multiple viral animation videos including Success in the New Economy and he is the author of the educational bestseller (Re)Defining the Goal. Dr. Fleming is a true lifelong learner, Eagle Scout, father, and self-proclaimed recovering academic elitest. He has spent over 20 years in higher education, currently as the Vice President of Strategic Development & Planning at Norco College.
During our conversation, Dr. Fleming talks about the relationship between degrees, skills, and the labor market and shares the four important questions young people should be asking themselves before planning their future. We talk about the importance of giving our teens permission to pivot and how to help students find their purpose on purpose. You won’t want to miss Dr. Fleming’s 4 Skills and 4 Steps that all students need in order to become career-ready. Be sure to listen all the way to the end when Dr. Fleming shares the most important question that parents should be asking their teens when it comes to their future. This episode is packed full of valuable insight and actionable steps for parents of teens.
About Dr. Kevin Fleming
Dr. Fleming currently leads the Strategic Development & Planning unit as a Vice President at Norco College (part of Riverside Community College District, CA) having previously supported over 40 Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs as well as multiple state and federal grants as a Dean of Instruction. Producer of multiple viral animation videos including Success in the New Economy, and author of the bestseller, (Re)Defining the Goal, Dr. Fleming is a passionate advocate for ensuring all students enter the labor market with a competitive advantage.
While vice president for the California Community College Association for Occupational Education, and serving on visiting teams for the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Dr. Fleming wrote three books including Maintaining Strategic Relevance and an interactive e-textbook to train Supply Chain Technicians. Previously, his Center of Excellence was recognized by the Community College Futures Assembly for analyzing workforce trends and providing customized labor market research for the largest higher education system in the world: the California Community Colleges.
Dr. Fleming is a faculty member, national speaker, CEO of Telos Educational Services, and a recovering academic elitist. A true life-long learner, he has earned two Bachelor’s degrees from Loyola Marymount University (Psychology & Philosophy); a Master of Arts from The Ohio State University (Educational Policy & Leadership), an MBA from the University of Redlands, and a Ph.D. in Education from Claremont Graduate University…but it was his CTE industry certification in geographical information systems (GIS) that lifted him out of working poverty.
Dr. Fleming has successfully founded four private-sector companies and currently serves on the Boards of Future N Focus Dream Catcher Enterprises and California Baptist University’s School of Education. He has been honored with the Presidential Citation for Outstanding Achievement and Service from Loyola Marymount University and the Corona Chamber of Commerce “40 Under 40” award. Dr. Fleming is a proud eagle scout, father, certified etiquette trainer, has completed five marathons and remains an active volunteer with Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity (Distinguished Alumnus Award), and his local church.
Episode Highlights
- Dr. Fleming’s journey through higher education
- Not all degrees are equal
- The relationship between degrees, skills, and the labor market
- The Japanese philosophy of Ikigai and the 4 important questions your teens need to answer
- Throw away the averages and throw away the means
- The importance of alignment in education and who you are
- Be careful about cultural biases
- We need to unlearn all we’ve been taught about wages and college degrees
- Our teens’ career paths will not be linear
- Helping teens find their purpose on purpose
- 4 skills that all students need
- 4 steps to helping your teen become career ready
- The #1 questions to ask your teen about their future
- Dr. Fleming’s advice to his middle school self
Resources
Success in the New Economy video
(Re)Defining the Goal: The True Path to Career Readiness in the 21st Century by Kevin J. Fleming, Ph.D.