VP Without a Bachelor’s Degree: How I Turned Curiosity Into a Career

What if your most valuable career asset isn’t your degree—but your curiosity?

Join Chris Cureton, VP of Brand Design at BOLTGROUP, for an honest and energizing talk on how he built a successful, strategic creative career from the ground up—without a bachelor’s degree.

Through his story, Chris reveals how self-education, resourcefulness, and relationship-building can open doors and create real-world credibility. He’ll share how non-traditional paths often lead to uncommon impact—and how to turn what others might view as disadvantages into differentiators that define leadership style and drive success.

This 45-minute education session is designed for marketers, creatives, and leaders navigating their own unconventional journeys. Whether you’re just starting out or seeking to reimagine your next chapter, you’ll walk away inspired and equipped with a framework to lead with authenticity and grit.

Key Takeaways

Turn Self-Education into Credibility

Learn how to transform curiosity and independent learning into career growth and recognition.

Reframe Perceived Disadvantages

Discover how non-traditional paths can create unique perspectives and leadership strengths.

Apply 10 Principles for Grit-Fueled Growth

Take home actionable principles to guide a career built on determination, not pedigree.

About the Speaker

Chris Cureton is the VP of Brand Design at BOLTGROUP, where he leads multidisciplinary teams to build strategic and cohesive brand systems. With two decades of experience spanning agency and in-house leadership, he’s developed strategies and design systems for brands like Microsoft, Chick-fil-A, Lowe’s, and Circle K.

A self-taught designer and strategist, Chris’s story is proof that consistency, curiosity, and vision often matter more than credentials. He’s also the creator of The United State of Brand Design™ Framework, a tool that helps growth-stage companies align product, marketing, and sales to scale more effectively.

Follow Chris:
🔗 LinkedIn
📸 Instagram
🌐 BOLTGROUP | chriscureton.com/framework

🎥 Watch Chris in action:

• Designers on Film: The Shining (Podcast)
• YouTube Clip 1
• YouTube Clip 2

Parking Information

There are a few places available to park.

Street Parking - Tryclan Dr and Dewitt Ln. Small parking lot right behind the brewery. You can ignore the no

parking signs. Please don't block anyone in.

Light Rail Stop - Scaleybark. A 5 minute walk.