They are shaped by interruptions, detours, and moments of uncertainty that test both resolve and purpose. What begins as a clear plan often evolves into something deeper—an examination of values, discipline, and faith in the long arc of one’s calling.
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
Matthew 7:13-14
For me, this journey began in 2019 at Oklahoma City University, was unexpectedly paused by a global pandemic, and ultimately resumed with renewed clarity at the University of Oklahoma.
This experience reaffirmed a central truth captured in Matthew 7:13–14: meaningful paths are rarely easy or crowded, but they are worth pursuing. Completing my MBA at the University of Oklahoma – Price College of Business was not merely an academic milestone; it was the fulfillment of a long-deferred commitment to growth, leadership, and disciplined execution.
This essay reflects on three central themes of that journey: perseverance through disruption, the development of a personal leadership philosophy rooted in purpose, and the professional transition that followed—one grounded in gratitude, service, and strategic clarity.
Perseverance Through a Nonlinear Journey
The path to completing my MBA required persistence through unexpected delays and sustained uncertainty.
The journey began in 2019 at Oklahoma City University, where the foundation for advanced business education was laid through early coursework and academic momentum. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted not only timelines but also priorities, stretching what was intended to be a brief pause into a four-year hiatus. This period tested commitment, as stepping away from formal education can quietly become permanent without intentional reengagement.
Choosing to re-enroll in 2024 at the University of Oklahoma represented a deliberate decision to finish what had been started. This choice required humility, discipline, and a willingness to reenter an academically rigorous environment after time away. Rather than viewing the delay as failure, it became evidence that perseverance is not defined by speed, but by completion.
Officially walking at the Fall 2025 Commencement after completing the program in the summer served as public closure to a private commitment. Receiving the MBA was not simply symbolic; it marked the end of a long, narrow road chosen intentionally over easier alternatives.
This experience reinforced that meaningful achievements often require patience and resolve over convenience.
Together, these experiences confirmed that perseverance is less about uninterrupted progress and more about sustained intention.
Leadership Rooted in Purpose and Light
A defining outcome of the MBA experience was the articulation of a personal leadership philosophy grounded in clarity and purpose.
First, a Strategic Leadership course required the development of a personal leadership mission statement—an exercise that moved beyond theory into introspection.
My statement, “Be the Light,” emerged as a guiding principle centered on leading with clarity, positivity, and moral conviction, particularly in uncertain or complex environments.
This philosophy aligns directly with the biblical directive to “enter through the narrow gate” and to be “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). These verses emphasize intentionality, visibility, and responsibility—qualities essential to ethical leadership. Rather than seeking the broad, popular path, effective leadership demands principled decision-making even when it is less traveled.
This mission statement now serves as a filter for both professional and personal decisions. Whether navigating organizational strategy or interpersonal dynamics, “Be the Light” functions as a practical framework for consistency, accountability, and service. Leadership, in this sense, is not positional but directional—it points others toward clarity and purpose.
Ultimately, defining this leadership philosophy transformed academic learning into lived practice.
Professional Transition and Applied Impact
Completing the MBA also catalyzed a meaningful professional transition grounded in service and knowledge transfer.
First, since earning the degree in June, I have been intentionally rebalancing my career to include teaching as a part-time adjunct professor at the University of Central Oklahoma. This role represents a shift from solely applying knowledge to actively shaping future professionals through instruction and mentorship.
Second, teaching Managerial Economics in the MBA program and Introduction to Business in both online and in-person formats allows for direct application of strategic thinking and managerial decision-making developed during the program. These courses bridge theory and practice, reinforcing disciplined execution and analytical rigor for students navigating real-world business challenges.
Third, this transition underscores the broader impact of education beyond personal advancement. Teaching demands clarity of thought, adaptability, and empathy—qualities refined through the MBA experience. It also reinforces the responsibility to model the leadership principles being taught, ensuring alignment between instruction and example.
This new role reflects how education, when fully internalized, naturally extends into service and influence.
The Point
Completing my MBA was the culmination of a journey defined by perseverance, purpose, and disciplined execution. What began in 2019 and was delayed by global disruption ultimately became a deeper affirmation of choosing the narrow path—one that prioritizes growth over convenience and integrity over ease.
Through this experience, I strengthened my strategic thinking, clarified my leadership philosophy, and transitioned into a role that allows me to serve others through education. Most importantly, the journey reinforced that true leadership is about being the light—consistently, visibly, and intentionally.
As with all meaningful pursuits, the value lies not only in the destination, but in the character forged along the way.
John McLearen
Oklahoma City, December 22, 2025 21:55