How Can You Succeed Without a Degree? Dennis Francis’s Story
What if the key to success wasn’t a diploma—but drive, intuition, and a deep commitment to your community? Dennis Francis, President and Publisher of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, has built a decades-long career in media leadership without ever finishing college. In a recent episode of Greater Good Radio, he sat down with Evan and Kari Leong to share his unconventional path—and the wisdom he’s gathered along the way.
From Coal Country to the Corner Office
Dennis’s journey began far from Hawaii—in Appalachia, Kentucky, and then Dayton, Ohio, where he took his first job in the newspaper industry at just 19 years old while attending a local community college. With family finances stretched thin and no access to financial aid, he made the difficult decision to leave school and pursue full-time work. “I loved what I was doing,” he recalls. “It didn’t feel like work.” That decision marked the beginning of a climb that would take him through several states and leadership roles, all the way to Hawaii.
A Leap of Faith to Hawaii
In 1987, while shivering through a Vermont winter, Dennis received a life-changing phone call: an offer to interview for a position in Hawaii. He’d never been to the islands before, but the opportunity was too compelling to pass up. “It was 17 degrees below zero, and they said ‘Hawaii’—the rest is history,” he joked. What began as a business move quickly turned into a personal transformation. The culture, climate, and community spirit of Hawaii left a lasting impression, and Dennis has called the islands home ever since.
Climbing Without a Degree
Throughout his career, Dennis often found himself managing teams of people with MBAs and advanced degrees. Did he ever feel inferior for not having a diploma? “Never,” he says. “I focused on results.” His advice to young professionals? Stay in school if you can—but know that education comes in many forms. He credits much of his learning to mentors, mistakes, and real-world experiences. “I read everything I could get my hands on. And I learned to trust my instincts.”
Leadership Lessons: Fire, Then Aim
Dennis’s leadership style is rooted in decisiveness and adaptability. He shared how one early marketing change initially seemed like a disaster—until his boss helped him analyze the data and stay the course. The move ended up paying off. “You’ve got to let the market adjust,” he said. That experience taught him the value of persistence and what he calls a “ready, fire, aim” approach. In other words: act, assess, and adjust as you go.
Community as a Non-Negotiable
Despite his busy schedule, Dennis believes giving back is a must—not a maybe. He credits Hawaii’s unique sense of community for inspiring his involvement with local nonprofits, from the Hawaii Foodbank to Diamond Head Theatre. “You profit from the people in your community—it’s your responsibility to give back.” His approach to nonprofit work mirrors his business mindset: build teams, make data-driven decisions, and don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves.
Street Smarts vs. Book Smarts
In a world that often glorifies credentials, Dennis’s story is a powerful reminder that success isn’t one-size-fits-all. “I was rooting for the street-smart people,” he admitted, referencing a famous Apprentice episode. Still, he acknowledges the value of formal education—especially in hiring. “It gets you in the door. But once you’re in, it’s about performance.”
Final Advice: Trust Yourself—and Adjust
Looking back on his career, Dennis says he wouldn’t change much—except maybe finishing school, if he could do it all over again and still end up where he is today. His parting wisdom? Trust your instincts. Don’t be afraid to change course. And get involved with your community in ways that matter. “Be willing to jump in and contribute. You don’t have to know everything—you just have to care.”
Dennis Francis’s story is proof that success isn't always found in a classroom. Sometimes, it’s found in the trenches—through long hours, tough calls, and a willingness to grow. Whether you’re a young professional questioning your path or a seasoned leader reflecting on your impact, his story is a powerful reminder: you can lead with or without a degree, as long as you lead with heart.
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