Steven Franklin knows a thing or two about leadership. A retired U.S. Army sergeant major with 26 years of service and two Bronze Star Medals, Steven found that his decision to enlist led to more opportunities than he imagined.
“I entered the United States Army on July 20, 1988,” he said. “What started as a decision to serve and create opportunities for myself eventually became much more. The Army challenged me, developed me and placed me in positions where I learned the importance of discipline, responsibility, teamwork and leadership. Over time, I realized that the Army was not simply giving me a career; it was preparing me to lead and serve others.”
Transitioning into a civilian career meant the beginning of a new chapter, and with that came the push to keep learning and adapting.
“Like many working adults, I balanced military responsibilities, family and leadership roles while pursuing my degree,” said Steven. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that growth doesn’t stop when one chapter ends and education helps open the next one.”
Steven chose Columbia Southern University for its flexibility and military support, earning his MBA in 2011.
“I chose to pursue my MBA because I enjoy solving problems and making a difference that goes beyond myself,” he explained. “I wanted to strengthen my ability to lead, think strategically and contribute to meaningful outcomes that create real impact for teams, organizations and communities.”
Today, Steven is a certified John C. Maxwell coach, speaker and trainer. A Baton Rouge, Louisiana, native, Steven’s extended career as a Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and Conscientiousness (DISC) behavioral analysis trainer and consultant involves developing leaders and helping others grow into leadership roles.
“Developing future leaders is extremely important to me because leadership has a multiplying effect,” Steven explained. “One leader can impact a team, an organization, a family or even a community. When you develop one leader, you are potentially influencing every person that leader will eventually have an opportunity to lead.”
He is also the author of “The Leadership Growth Compass: 10 Mistakes to Avoid on Your Journey as an Emerging Leader,” offering sound advice derived from his more than three decades of leading, learning, succeeding, making mistakes and watching other leaders do the same.
“After 26 years in the Army and then transitioning into the corporate environment, I began to recognize that many leadership challenges cross industries and organizations,” he said. “Leaders struggle with communication, accountability, difficult conversations, recognizing their people, making decisions, understanding individual strengths, and being present for the people they lead. That became the foundation for ‘The Leadership Growth Compass.’ I wanted to take those experiences and lessons and turn them into something practical that another leader could use.”
In addition to his military background, Steven applied his leadership skills during a 12-year career with Chevron. His experience in both the military and oil and gas industry gives him a unique perspective on military and civilian leadership and how emerging leaders can develop their capabilities.
“My military and Chevron careers were very different environments, but one principle remained consistent: people and leadership matter,” he said.
Steven’s MBA has allowed him to explore data-driven decisions that promote success.
“In both my U.S. Army career and my ventures in the private sector, I’ve had the privilege of leading large teams through high-stakes operations,” he said. “The MBA has fueled my growth, adding strategic insight and analytical rigor to my experiences. It’s shifted my perspective from relying solely on instinct to making informed, data-driven decisions and implementing standardized methodologies that drive success.”
“Looking ahead, this degree continues to enhance my role as a leadership consultant, trainer and coach. It empowers me to meld disciplined project management with actionable leadership development, ensuring that inspiring ideas aren’t just dreams but are executed with precision and sustainability.”
Disclaimer: These testimonials may not reflect the experience of all CSU students.
Multiple factors, including prior experience, geography, and degree field, affect career outcomes.
CSU does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, eligibility for a position, or other career growth.
