I explored several part-time and full-time doctoral programs, but the Spears Executive Ph.D. immediately stood out as the best in class. The combination of faculty expertise, program structure, and the executive-friendly design made the decision easy. It offered the academic rigor I wanted while still supporting the realities of a demanding professional career. The relationships, collaboration, and mentorship I received remain some of the most meaningful aspects of my graduate education. The program played a central role in my successful transition from a successful 20-year industry career into academia. It gave me the tools, confidence, and scholarly grounding to thrive as an educator and researcher in advanced logistics technologies, entrepreneurship, and supply chain innovation. More broadly, the program shows that if students "lean in", apply themselves, and work closely with their cohort and faculty, they can accelerate their careers or pivot into higher education with real momentum. I’m grateful for the doors this program opened, as it was one of the best career decisions I’ve ever made.