Mission First People Always's podcast

Dr. Mike Patterson: Leadership Expert
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Better business results, stronger teams, more successful careers and happier lives often boil down to better relationships, so author and educator Dr. Mike Patterson uses curiosity and kindness to bust biases and break down the barriers that keep people apart. Through respectful and fun conversations with thought leaders, scholars, and real people in the trenches, Dr. Mike explores what it takes to build dynamic and respectful workplace cultures, while also achieving the loftiest of organizational goals. Each episode creates a clear path to achieving results with, through, and for people.

  1. JUL 8

    76. Hope in a Cup: How One Woman Is Using Coffee to Combat Human Trafficking—The Story of Talitha Coffee and Jenny Barber

    What if your morning cup of coffee could help transform someone’s life? In this unforgettable episode of Mission First People Always, Dr. Mike Patterson sits down with Jenny Barber—survivor, leader, and co-founder of Talitha Coffee—for a conversation that will change the way you think about business, leadership, and human dignity. Jenny’s personal journey from surviving child exploitation to founding a thriving, purpose-driven company is nothing short of extraordinary. With over 140 employees and 9 coffee shops, Talitha Coffee is more than a business—it’s a movement of healing, hope, and tangible restoration for survivors of trafficking. In this episode, Jenny opens up about the meaning behind the name “Talitha,” how her personal pain fuels her mission, and how she's built a people-first company that integrates business with deep compassion and purpose. Whether you’re a business leader, social advocate, or someone looking to live with more intention—this episode will inspire you to lead with courage and heart. This episode is a reminder that one person’s story—when paired with vision and bold leadership—can change countless lives. Hit play now to hear Jenny’s powerful journey and discover how your leadership can be a vehicle for healing, justice, and lasting impact. What You’ll Learn: Jenny’s story of overcoming child exploitation and stepping into leadership The biblical and emotional meaning behind the name “Talitha” How Talitha Coffee grew from a vision to a multi-location mission What the Talitha Care Network provides for survivors (job training, housing, healthcare & more) How personal mission shapes leadership style and decision-making Practical ways to support the anti-trafficking movement through your everyday choices   Links for This Episode: https://talitha.com/mikepatterson https://www.instagram.com/talithacoffeeroasters https://www.instagram.com/jennybarber22   Connect with Dr. Mike:  Website: https://www.drmikepatterson.com Book: https://www.missionfirstpeoplealwaysbook.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichaellpatterson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealdrmikepatterson/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/drmikepatterson Buy The Book!: Mission First People Always   Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 – Introduction: From survival to social impact 01:48 – Meet Jenny Barber: Advocate, leader, and founder 03:10 – Jenny’s personal story of overcoming exploitation 07:25 – Why she launched Talitha Coffee 10:44 – The meaning behind the name “Talitha” 13:02 – How the Talitha Care Network supports survivors 16:35 – From vision to 9 thriving coffee shops 20:15 – Challenges of growing a people-first business 23:20 – Leadership lessons from lived experience 26:00 – Trauma-informed culture in the workplace 29:12 – The power of purpose-driven teams 32:44 – How listeners can support Talitha’s mission 35:00 – Final thoughts: Leading with courage, empathy, and hope

    36 min

  2. JUN 24

    75. Why Choosing Joy is the Secret to Resilient Leadership with Ricardo Viso

    Have you ever noticed that stress, anxiety, and burnout feel more common than joy these days? What if you could embrace simple habits that make your days lighter, more meaningful, and yes — even more joyful? In this heartfelt and practical conversation, Dr. Mike Patterson talks with Ricardo Viso, a global entrepreneur who’s survived cancer, loss, and hardship and emerged with one clear mission: to help people infuse joy into everyday life — at work and at home. In this episode, Ricardo Viso — speaker, entrepreneur, and founder of the Joyful Living Lounge — shares his story of resilience and reinvention. Despite losing his mother at a young age, battling cancer, and overcoming some of life’s toughest challenges, Viso has learned that choosing joy is one of the most powerful decisions you can make. He walks us through why joy is different from happiness and why focusing on daily joyful habits can radically shift your outlook. Ricardo also introduces his RIC method — Recognize, Identify, Consciously shift — a simple, powerful tool to make joy a part of your everyday experience. Together, they explore: Why most adults wait for hardship to appreciate the present The role of leadership in creating joyful workplaces How small habits like choosing a favorite song as your morning alarm can change your day Why practicing joy is a skill — one you can grow like a muscle Whether you lead a team or simply want to bring more light into your own life, this episode is filled with practical strategies and encouragement. Key Takeaways: ✅ Joy is a Choice: Focus on small, meaningful habits — like listening to uplifting music or laughing with a friend — to infuse your day with joy. ✅ Shift Stress Mindfully: Recognize stress, pause, and consciously reframe your thoughts to focus on what brings you joy. ✅ Workplace Impact: Encouraging joy at work improves team morale, productivity, and retention. ✅ The RIC Method: Recognize what you want to change, Identify what brings you joy, and Consciously practice it. ✅ Embrace Fun: Adults deserve permission to smile, laugh, and play — even at work! Ricardo Viso reminds us that joy isn’t something we wait for — it’s something we practice every single day. With practical advice like his RIC method and his encouragement to embrace fun at any age, this conversation will inspire you to look at your habits, mindset, and work culture in a whole new light. 🎧 Hit play to discover these powerful insights, and then take action — choose one joyful habit to practice today. Ready for more encouragement? Join Viso’s Joyful Living Lounge on Facebook and connect with a community that celebrates joy every day! (Links below!) Links for This Episode: Website: https://www.experienceviso.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ricardoviso     Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ricardo.viso Instagram: experience_viso   Connect with Dr. Mike:  Website: https://www.drmikepatterson.com Book: https://www.missionfirstpeoplealwaysbook.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichaellpatterson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealdrmikepatterson/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/drmikepatterson Buy The Book!: Mission First People Always   Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 – Welcome & introduction to the episode 03:00 – Ricardo Viso’s powerful story of resilience 08:00 – Happiness vs. Joy: What’s the real difference? 12:00 – The RIC method explained 17:00 – Stress and the small habits that shift your mindset 23:00 – Joy at work: Why leaders need to encourage happiness on their teams 29:00 – How hardship shapes our appreciation for joy 35:00 – Personal habits that help you embrace joy every morning 39:00 – Final practical tip & wrap-up

    40 min

  3. MAY 13

    74. From Missed Opportunities to Measurable Growth: Why A Follow-Up System Is the Key to Great Leadership (Not Just Sales) with Doug Brown

    Why Follow-Up Is a Leadership Practice with Doug C. Brown Let’s face it—“follow-up” doesn’t always have the best reputation. It can feel pushy, annoying, or just like one more thing on your to-do list. But what if follow-up wasn’t about pestering people… and instead became one of the most powerful tools you have to show care, build trust, and lead with integrity? In this episode, Dr. Mike Patterson sits down with renowned sales expert Doug C. Brown to reframe everything you think you know about follow-up. Doug shares why this essential practice is about more than just closing a deal—it’s about strengthening relationships, delivering value, and showing others that they matter. About the Episode: Doug C. Brown, CEO of CEO Sales Strategies, brings over 40 years of sales leadership to the table. He’s worked with brands like Tony Robbins, CBS, and Procter & Gamble, built 35 businesses, and helped generate over $900 million in sales. But at the heart of his success is a simple principle: effective, personalized follow-up builds relationships—and relationships drive results. In this conversation, Doug explains why follow-up should be part of every leader’s toolkit. Whether you’re managing a team, building a business, or simply aiming to serve others better, consistent and thoughtful follow-up creates connection, increases retention, and unlocks new opportunities. You’ll hear real-world stories about how follow-up has led to massive referrals, strengthened loyalty, and even closed six-figure deals. Doug also shares how poor follow-up costs companies thousands (if not millions) and reveals how you can avoid those losses with just a few intentional habits. Key Takeaways: Follow-Up = Leadership: It’s not about pestering—it’s about showing respect, accountability, and care. ABR: Always Be Building Relationships: Forget the old ABCs of sales—lasting relationships are what lead to lasting results. Why People Don’t Buy Immediately: Emotional, logistical, and trust-related factors often delay purchases—follow-up bridges the gap. Multimodal Matters: Effective follow-up isn’t just about phone calls—it’s texts, emails, handwritten notes, and more. Three-a-Day Rule: Want to change your business? Follow up with just three people a day. That’s 1,000+ meaningful connections a year. Whether you’re a business leader, a coach, or a team builder—this episode will challenge you to rethink how you engage the people around you. If you want to build stronger relationships, increase trust, and lead with more integrity, it starts with simple, consistent follow-up. Hit play now to learn how to put Doug’s “3-a-day” method into practice and start seeing results in your business and your life.   Links for This Episode:   Social Links Website (CEO Sales Strategies): https://ceosalesstrategies.com Vibitno: https://vibitno.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dougcbrown123 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougbrown123 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dougcbrown_ Upcoming Masterclass: http://ceosalesstrategies.com/stoptheleak   Connect with Dr. Mike:  Website: https://www.drmikepatterson.com Book: https://www.missionfirstpeoplealwaysbook.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichaellpatterson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealdrmikepatterson/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/drmikepatterson Buy The Book!: Mission First People Always Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 – Introduction and redefining sales for leaders 03:00 – Doug’s origin story: learning sales at age 5 07:00 – Why sales is leverage—and a noble profession 09:00 – Reframing follow-up as a leadership and relationship tool 12:00 – How follow-up is like calling after a great date 14:00 – Personal story: surgeon follow-up vs. hospital silence 16:00 – The impact of consistent contact on referrals 19:00 – Forget “Always Be Closing”—try “Always Be Building Relationships” 21:00 – Emotional and psychological barriers to buying 24:00 – Unethical vs. ethical selling: trust and transparency 29:00 – The hidden cost of poor follow-up and missed sales 32:00 – Real-life example: the realtor who earned the business 36:00 – Why multi-modal follow-up (text, email, snail mail) works 40:00 – Doug’s challenge: follow up with 3 people a day 44:00 – Final thoughts and how to put relational follow-up into practice

    46 min

  4. APR 22

    73. Fighting for Greatness: Leadership Lessons from the Cage with Clifford Starks

    What if leadership was less about the boardroom and more about the octagon? In this episode, Dr. Mike Patterson welcomes Clifford Starks—former UFC fighter turned performance coach—for a knockout conversation on mastering mindset, resilience, and leadership under pressure. From climbing into the cage to helping business leaders find their flow, Clifford shares hard-won wisdom that will challenge and inspire you. Clifford Starks knows what it means to face fear head-on—literally. With a 14-5 professional fighting record and a relentless drive for excellence, Clifford has transitioned from mixed martial arts to leadership coaching with one mission: to help others unlock their fullest potential. In this conversation, Clifford walks us through his incredible journey from collegiate wrestler to UFC fighter and now to trusted business consultant. He introduces the Fighter’s Formula—a 6-step framework for leadership and performance—and explains how aligning the mind, heart, and skill is the true key to flow and fulfillment. Cliff dives deep into mental toughness, sharing how he reframed fear, transformed losses (including a high-profile knockout on live TV), and now teaches others to do the same in boardrooms and businesses. Leaders will walk away from this episode with practical tools for building confidence, asking better questions, recovering from setbacks, and creating lasting impact—not just success. Key Takeaways: Reframe Fear: Anxiety and excitement feel the same in the body—how you interpret them makes all the difference. The Fighter’s Formula: Align your mind, heart, and skills for sustainable success and flow. Ask Better Questions: “What do you really want?” and “What happens if I don’t take action?” spark transformation. ABCs of Leadership: Agreements, Boundaries, and Communication build trust and improve performance. Resilience Redefined: Even after devastating setbacks, leaders can return stronger, wiser, and more impactful. Ready to lead like a fighter—with clarity, confidence, and resilience? Don’t miss this powerful conversation with Clifford Starks. Whether you're facing business setbacks or simply want to unlock your full potential, this episode is packed with mindset shifts and practical tools to help you perform at your best. Hit play now to hear how a former UFC fighter turned leadership coach is helping high-performers win in business and life—and how you can too. 🥊🔥   Links for This Episode: Newsletter -https://fearlessfighterx.com/warriorsreport LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/clifford-starks Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/clifford.starks.3 Fearless Fighter Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/share/g/VgfzsSdxnUEHwLdq/?mibextid=A7sQZp   Connect with Dr. Mike:  Website: https://www.drmikepatterson.com Book: https://www.missionfirstpeoplealwaysbook.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichaellpatterson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealdrmikepatterson/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/drmikepatterson Buy The Book!: Mission First People Always Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 – Welcome and Dr. Mike’s first professional athlete guest 03:00 – Clifford’s journey into the UFC: From grief to greatness 06:00 – Practice, fundamentals, and perfect reps in sport and life 08:00 – The excitement vs. anxiety mindset shift 10:00 – Fighting as a stage to teach love and intentionality 11:30 – Clifford’s ABCs: Agreements, Boundaries, and Communication 14:00 – The power of asking: “What do you really want?” 19:00 – The Fighter’s Formula: Mind, Heart, and Skill 23:00 – Bouncing back after a knockout loss on live TV 27:00 – Rewriting the narrative and dealing with internal stories 30:00 – “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face” 33:00 – Who Clifford serves: High-performers building a legacy 35:00 – Why love and listening go hand in hand in leadership 38:00 – Final challenge: What happens if you don’t take action?

    41 min

  5. FEB 25

    72. Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast: How to Build a Thriving Workplace with Andrea Wanerstrand (Culture Lab)

    We’ve all heard Peter Drucker’s famous quote, "Culture eats strategy for breakfast." But what does it really take to build a workplace culture that drives both people and performance? In this episode of Mission First People Always, Dr. Mike Patterson sits down with culture expert Andrea Wanerstrand to uncover the key elements of creating a thriving, human-centric workplace. Dr. Mike welcomes Andrea Wanerstrand, Founder & CEO of A3 CultureLab, a leadership speaker, coach, and consultant who helps organizations—from startups to Fortune 500 companies—design extraordinary workplace cultures. With a background in global performance management at companies like Microsoft and T-Mobile, Andrea shares insights on fostering a workplace where people feel valued, autonomous, and accountable. Andrea breaks down what it means to have a human-centric workplace, emphasizing the importance of how work gets done, how leaders make others feel, and how trust is built. She explains that culture isn't just about perks or policies—it’s about how people interact, communicate, and show up every day. Throughout the conversation, Andrea offers practical advice for leaders, including how to balance empathy with authority, create autonomous teams, and encourage a culture of accountability without fear. She also shares details about her upcoming coaching program, Mindset Maven, designed to help high-achievers develop mental and physical resilience. Key Takeaways: Culture is about the "how," not just the "what"—how work is done, how people feel, and how trust is built. Human-centric leadership requires balancing empathy with authority to foster both people and performance. Autonomous teams thrive on accountability—leaders must set expectations, provide trust, and encourage transparency. Accountability isn’t a bad word—it’s about taking ownership, getting credit for success, and learning from setbacks. Your energy affects your leadership—Andrea recommends an energy audit to identify when you’re at your best and schedule key conversations accordingly. Andrea Wanerstrand’s insights remind us that leadership is about creating environments where people can thrive. Whether you’re a new manager or a seasoned executive, understanding and shaping culture is key to long-term success. Hit play to hear the full episode and learn how to build a workplace culture that supports both people and performance! Links for This Episode: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreawanerstrand Company Website: http://a3culturelab.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreawanerstrand Connect with Dr. Mike:  Website: https://www.drmikepatterson.com Book: https://www.missionfirstpeoplealwaysbook.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichaellpatterson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealdrmikepatterson Twitter: https://twitter.com/drmikepatterson Buy The Book!: Mission First People Always Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 - Welcome and Introduction to the Episode 02:00 - Why Culture is the Driving Force Behind Organizational Success 04:02 - Defining Workplace Culture: The “How” Behind Every Organization 06:00 - Why Leaders Struggle to Build Healthy Cultures 08:06 - The Role of Emotional Awareness in Leadership 10:34 - The Shift from Individual Contributor to Leadership: What Changes? 12:48 - How to Build an Autonomous Team and Why It Matters 15:17 - Balancing Empathy and Authority as a Leader 18:00 - Overcoming Barriers to Authenticity at Work 21:09 - Why Accountability is Not a Negative Word (And How to Use It Effectively) 24:36 - The Importance of Psychological Safety in Workplace Culture 26:00 - What It Means to Have a Human-Centric Workplace 28:25 - Introducing Mindset Maven: Andrea’s New Leadership Coaching Program 30:14 - Andrea’s One Key Piece of Advice for Leaders 32:00 - Final Thoughts and How to Connect with Andrea

    33 min

  6. JAN 28

    71. Story to Strategy: Should You Write a Book In 2025? Using Your Book to Build Multiple Income Streams

    Ever dreamed of writing a book but felt overwhelmed by the process? In this episode of Mission First People Always, Dr. Mike Patterson sits down with Danielle Hutchinson, Chief Creative Officer at Authors on a Mission, to uncover the secrets to writing a book that not only connects with readers but also elevates your brand, grows your business, and creates multiple income streams. Dr. Mike welcomes Danielle Hutchinson, a master storyteller and ghostwriter of over 150 books, who shares her expertise on crafting compelling narratives. From her experiences as an English teacher to her current role at Authors on a Mission, Danielle has helped countless clients bring their stories to life. She breaks down the book-writing process into actionable steps that even the busiest professionals can follow. Danielle tackles some of the most common challenges for aspiring authors, including overcoming writer’s block, writing a book in just 90 days, and finding the time to write—even without prior writing skills. She also discusses the incredible business opportunities that can come from publishing a book, such as creating additional income streams, securing speaking engagements, and building authority in your field. With a wealth of experience and a unique perspective as a digital nomad, Danielle emphasizes the transformative power of storytelling. Whether you’re a leader, entrepreneur, or someone with a message to share, this episode will inspire you to finally put pen to paper and bring your story to life. Key Takeaways: Write a Book People Want to Read: Understand your audience and deliver value through a well-structured narrative. Overcome Writer’s Block: Danielle shares simple tips to keep the creative juices flowing, even on tough days. Write in 90 Days: Break the process into manageable chunks and use proven strategies to stay on track. Monetize Your Book: Learn how to leverage your book to create multiple income streams, including courses, workshops, and consulting. Grow Your Brand and Business: A book can position you as an authority, attract new clients, and open doors to new opportunities. Secure Paid Speaking Gigs: Danielle explains how authors can use their books as a powerful tool to land speaking engagements. Danielle Hutchinson proves that writing a book isn’t just a dream—it’s a practical and achievable goal that can transform your life and career. Whether you’re aiming to grow your business, establish authority, or simply share your story, her advice provides the roadmap you need to succeed. Call to Action: Hit play to hear the full episode and discover how to turn your story into a book that creates impact, income, and influence! Links for This Episode: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-hutchinson-159798259 Instagram: @‌WeLikeBooks Blog: https://authorsonmission.com/blog/ Podcasts:https://open.spotify.com/show/12U5nbvPkcgC83VK9j4lPM?si=6ddaaa0c8a034436 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@authorsonmission Connect with Dr. Mike:  Website: https://www.drmikepatterson.com Book: https://www.missionfirstpeoplealwaysbook.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichaellpatterson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealdrmikepatterson/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/drmikepatterson Buy The Book!: Mission First People Always Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 - Welcome and Introduction to the Episode 02:10 - Meet Danielle Hutchinson: Chief Creative Officer at Authors on a Mission 05:30 - Why Writing a Book Can Transform Your Career 08:45 - How to Write a Book People Actually Want to Read 12:20 - Overcoming Writer’s Block: Simple Strategies for Aspiring Authors 16:00 - The 90-Day Plan to Write Your Book 19:45 - Writing a Book Without Time or Writing Skills 24:10 - How to Monetize Your Book: Creating Multiple Income Streams 28:35 - Using Your Book to Grow Your Brand and Business 33:00 - Landing Paid Speaking Engagements With Your Book 36:50 - Danielle’s Final Advice for Aspiring Authors

    31 min

  7. 12/31/2024

    70. The Art of Leadership: What Ballet Can Teach Business Leaders with Ahli Moore

    What do leadership and ballet have in common? More than you might think! In this inspiring episode of Mission First People Always, Dr. Mike Patterson speaks with Ahli Moore about the surprising connections between ballet and leadership, uncovering how the discipline, practice, and passion behind the art of dance can guide leaders to be more effective and impactful. Dr. Mike welcomes Ahli Moore, founder of X-Factor Solutions, a consulting firm dedicated to leadership development and organizational transformation. Drawing on his unique perspective as a business leader and his connection to the ballet world through his wife, a professional choreographer and former ballerina, Ahli shares how foundational principles of ballet mirror essential leadership practices. Ahli discusses the importance of passion and purpose in leadership, drawing parallels with the early dedication of ballet dancers. He highlights how practice, preparation, and consistency are vital for both dancers and leaders, emphasizing that great performances—on stage or in the boardroom—are the result of relentless preparation. Ahli also introduces the concept of core positions in ballet, which serve as a foundation for all movements, and relates this to defining and mastering core leadership skills. He explores how adaptability and the ability to pivot in challenging situations can make leaders more resilient and effective. Finally, Ahli dives into the importance of receiving feedback, or “post-performance notes,” as an ongoing practice for growth and excellence. Leaders, like dancers, must embrace continuous improvement to stay at the top of their game. Key Takeaways: Passion and Purpose: Leaders, like dancers, need to continuously assess their passion for their work and ensure their purpose aligns with their goals. Practice and Preparation: Excellence doesn’t happen overnight—it’s the result of consistent effort and refinement. Core Positions: Identify and master the foundational skills that everything else builds upon. The Power of Pivoting: Adaptability is key, but always stay anchored to your core values. Feedback for Growth: Welcome constructive criticism as a tool for improvement, and incorporate it into your daily practices. Ahli Moore’s insights remind us that great leadership is an art form, requiring passion, discipline, and continuous improvement. Whether you're leading a team or striving for personal excellence, these lessons from the ballet world can guide you to greater success. Hit play to hear the full episode and discover how the art of ballet can transform your approach to leadership!   Connect with Dr. Mike:  Website: https://www.drmikepatterson.com Book: https://www.missionfirstpeoplealwaysbook.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichaellpatterson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealdrmikepatterson/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/drmikepatterson Buy The Book!: Mission First People Always Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 - Welcome and Introduction to the Episode 02:00 - Ahli Moore’s Background and Journey in Leadership Consulting 07:00 - How Ballet and Leadership Are Connected 10:24 - The Importance of Passion and Purpose in Leadership 15:00 - How Leaders Can Rekindle Their Passion and Align with Their Purpose 20:12 - The Role of Practice and Preparation in Both Dance and Leadership 24:34 - Understanding Core Positions: Foundational Skills for Success 30:03 - The Art of Pivoting: Staying Flexible While Remaining Anchored 35:10 - The Value of Performance Consistency in Leadership 38:27 - Embracing Post-Performance Notes: Feedback as a Tool for Growth 41:00 - Keep Practicing and Growing: The Lifelong Journey of Leadership 43:30 - Ahli’s One Piece of Advice for Leaders: Focus on What Excites You

    45 min

  8. 12/17/2024

    69. Transforming Technical Experts into High-Impact Leaders with Dr. Angelique Adams

    How can technical experts harness their unique strengths to become impactful leaders? Join Dr. Mike Patterson and Dr. Angelique Adams as they explore the transition from technical mastery to effective leadership and discuss actionable tools for success. In this episode, Dr. Mike Patterson welcomes Dr. Angelique Adams, an accomplished engineer-turned-leadership coach, to discuss the journey of transforming technical experts into high-impact leaders. Drawing on 25+ years of experience, Dr. Adams shares her personal story of transitioning from a lab technician to a corporate executive overseeing global teams. Dr. Adams addresses the myth that technical professionals aren’t natural leaders, highlighting how their analytical strengths and problem-solving skills can become powerful assets in leadership roles. She also explores the challenges technical leaders face, such as overcoming imposter syndrome, improving interpersonal skills, and managing work-life expectations. Key to Dr. Adams’ approach is her ability to translate abstract leadership concepts, such as empathy and collaboration, into tangible behaviors that resonate with highly analytical minds. She also explains how tools like leadership assessments and small behavioral experiments can help technical leaders develop their emotional intelligence and build meaningful connections with their teams. Listeners will also gain insights into the importance of building networks within their organizations, using KPIs to monitor both professional and personal success, and maintaining an "accomplishments inventory" to stay motivated and focused. Key Takeaways: Breaking the Myth: Technical experts bring unique strengths like problem-solving and analytical skills to leadership, disproving the idea they can’t thrive in these roles. Actionable Leadership Skills: Learn how to translate abstract concepts like empathy and collaboration into practical, easy-to-adopt behaviors. Work-Life Harmony: Use KPIs for personal and professional goals to stay balanced and productive. Building Confidence: Overcome imposter syndrome by leveraging assessments and feedback to grow as a leader. Fostering Connections: Build strong networks and collaborations within your organization to support your growth and impact. Hit play to hear Dr. Angelique Adams’ practical advice for transitioning into leadership, and discover how you can start your journey to becoming a high-impact leader today!   Links for This Episode: www.drangeliqueadams.com angelique@drangeliqueadams.com https://www.amazon.com/Youre-More-Than-Diversity-Women   Connect with Dr. Mike:  Website: https://www.drmikepatterson.com Book: https://www.missionfirstpeoplealwaysbook.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichaellpatterson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealdrmikepatterson/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/drmikepatterson Buy The Book!: Mission First People Always Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 - Welcome and Introduction to the Episode 02:00 - Dr. Angelique Adams’ Background and Leadership Journey 05:12 - Dispelling the Myth: Why Technical Experts Can Be Great Leaders 09:45 - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Tools and Strategies 13:30 - Building Leadership Skills Through Tangible Actions 17:15 - Setting Personal KPIs for Work-Life Balance 22:10 - How to Build a Strong Network Within Your Organization 26:40 - Advice for Aspiring Leaders: The Power of Accomplishments Inventories

    38 min
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5
out of 5
30 Ratings

About

Better business results, stronger teams, more successful careers and happier lives often boil down to better relationships, so author and educator Dr. Mike Patterson uses curiosity and kindness to bust biases and break down the barriers that keep people apart. Through respectful and fun conversations with thought leaders, scholars, and real people in the trenches, Dr. Mike explores what it takes to build dynamic and respectful workplace cultures, while also achieving the loftiest of organizational goals. Each episode creates a clear path to achieving results with, through, and for people.

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