Lessons in Leadership from Jeff Stibel: How a Pepperdine Classroom Visit Reshaped EMBA Student Korey Jones’ Approach to Innovation
For Korey Jones, an eight-year Navy veteran turned entrepreneur, the transition from military service to business leadership was driven by a passion for problem-solving and innovation. Now the Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer of Intview, an AI startup, Korey credits Pepperdine's Executive MBA program—and the mentorship of professors like John Paglia—for equipping him with the strategic insights needed to scale his ventures and reach his major accomplishments. A defining moment in his EMBA journey came during Paglia's class when LegalZoom CEO and tech investor Jeff Stibel, alongside COO and CFO Noel Watson, shared invaluable lessons on leadership, failure, and risk-taking.
A Masterclass in Strategic Thinking
When Jeff and Noel visited Korey's Executive MBA class at Pepperdine Graziadio, it wasn't just another guest lecture—it was a deep dive into the realities of leadership and the resilience required to build successful businesses. They shared firsthand experiences of scaling companies, overcoming failures, and making high-stakes decisions—insights that distinguish good leaders from truly exceptional ones.
The Power of Failure and Risk-Taking
One of the most impactful lessons from the discussion was Stibel's candid take on failure. Rather than viewing setbacks as obstacles, he framed them as stepping stones toward success. "You can fail multiple times, but one well-executed idea can define your career," Korey recalls. This insight reinforced Korey's approach to launching Intview, which focuses on solving real problems rather than chasing trends.
Beyond the Textbooks: The Value of Executive Insights
For Korey, hearing from executives like Stibel and Watson is one of the biggest advantages of Pepperdine's EMBA program. The ability to engage with leaders who have built and scaled businesses adds a real-world dimension that traditional coursework can't replicate. These experiences bridge the gap between theory and practice, giving students like Korey a strategic mindset to apply in their own ventures.
A New Perspective on Leadership
Stibel and Watson's visit didn't just reinforce Korey's entrepreneurial vision—it challenged him to think differently about leadership and decision-making. The key takeaway? Success isn't about perfection but persistence, adaptability, and the willingness to take calculated risks. For Korey, that lesson is already shaping the future of his work in AI and beyond.
About Pepperdine's Executive MBA Program
Pepperdine Graziadio's Executive MBA program and other MBA programs offer a transformative experience for professionals seeking to advance their careers and leadership capabilities. These MBA programs combines rigorous academic coursework with real-world application. With an emphasis on strategic thinking, leadership development, and innovation, the EMBA program equips professionals to drive impactful change in today's dynamic business landscape.