Reflecting on nearly five years hosting the Leadership Lab podcast and interviewing over 225 guests, one word stands out among many of them as key to their success: humility. Humility, often underrated, is a cornerstone of influential leadership. Like kindness, it’s not about being meek or timid; it’s about recognizing your limitations and valuing others’ contributions. Here are three aspects to understand about humility as a leader. 1. Humility isn’t self-deprecation; it’s self-awareness. A humble leader is aware of their strengths and weaknesses. They don’t shy away from acknowledging their ..read more

The leader pulled me aside before the working session I was facilitating began, echoing his earlier phone warning. He stressed that his team had limited resources and urged me to keep them from setting overly ambitious goals. He recounted instances where grand goals had to be scaled back due to a need for more resources to balance their regular duties with ambitious targets. As the session progressed, two things became clear: The team was brimming with expansive, often ingenious ideas, and they were confident that, with collective effort, they could manage their routine duties and still reac ..read more

In 2001, my wife, Jamie, and I started a boutique consulting firm that focused on developing leaders and organizations. We assembled a great team, opened offices in several states, built a terrific list of clients, and achieved double-digit growth every year. There were two other companies that we often competed with, occasionally partnered with, and frequently encountered in client meetings. We shared a mutual respect for one another and allowed each other to operate unchallenged in the space. One company was a large global firm. The other was mid-sized with a strong desire to grow. The three ..read more

In this episode of the Leadership Lab podcast, Patrick engages in a thought-provoking dialogue with Taylor Leddin-McMaster, exploring the profound significance of curiosity and the art of understanding others’ stories. With a remarkable career trajectory since the tender age of 17, Taylor has established herself as a prominent freelance writer, garnering recognition from esteemed national platforms and earning accolades as a leading figure in journalism, notably by Thrive Global.  Taylor is the Life Editor at The Daily Journal and Editor-in-Chief of The Tidbit. The post Episode 244: Pr ..read more

In this episode of the Leadership Lab, Patrick welcomes Curtis Morley, a Wall Street Journal Bestselling author and seasoned entrepreneur. Curtis delves into the complex world of emotions, focusing on the deceptive impact of counterfeit emotions on decision-making and leadership. Drawing on his extensive experience, he offers actionable insights on how to identify and manage these misleading feelings to enhance personal and professional growth. Tune in to uncover the strategies needed to navigate emotional challenges effectively and transform your understanding of your emotional landscape for ..read more

I have news for you. If you wait for the perfect moment to make your next big move, you will likely stay in waiting for a long, long time. No one is going to knock on the door and hand you the perfect opportunity. Don’t wait for perfection. The concept is overrated – it will never arrive. Perfect partners, projects, and jobs don’t exist. Step into imperfection. Take a risk. Make your move. Do the next right thing. A mountain slope, high altitude, very cold temps, and icy ground—not perfect conditions, but we made it happen. The picture is from our way down from the summit of Pico de Orizaba. W ..read more

Whether you’re gearing up to start your own business or leading a team in a large organization, speaking the language of business is absolutely essential. Marc Butler is fluent in this critical language and is ready to share his mastery with you. Dive into an exhilarating episode of the Leadership Lab podcast where Marc, co-author of “Funding a New Business for Dummies,” joins Patrick to explore the essentials of startup funding, effective business communication, and smart financial management. Marc is a luminary in strategic leadership, known for his impactful work in spurring growth and spea ..read more

Patrick sits down with mental performance coach Derin “DMAC” McMains. Derin is renowned for his work with top athletes, musicians, executives, and teams, providing them with the mental strategies needed to excel and lead in their respective arenas. In their conversation, DMAC shares insights into the psychological skills and disciplines that are crucial for maintaining focus, resilience, and peak performance under pressure. He discusses practical approaches for mastering your mental game, from enhancing concentration to overcoming challenges with grace and determination. This episode is essent ..read more

In this captivating episode of the Leadership Lab, Patrick dives into the remarkable journey of Trina Frierson, from overcoming addiction and personal loss to founding Mending Hearts, an organization transforming the lives of women facing similar challenges. Trina’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, showcasing how one’s darkest moments can lead to a purpose-driven life dedicated to service and community healing. Her work with Mending Hearts, which has grown to support over 5400 women, illustrates the profound impact of leadership rooted in empathy and action. Join us for a conversat ..read more

Incentives can be a powerful tool to motivate and guide teams toward success. But, it’s crucial to recognize that the force of incentives is akin to a double-edged sword—capable of propelling us toward greatness or leading us astray. As the leader of The Disruption Project at Vanderbilt University, I have the unique opportunity to study the disruptive efforts of people worldwide, ranging from household names to unsung heroes. One critical insight we’ve gained is the profound relationship and importance of Incentives and Inertia. This insight has illuminated how the strategic application of inc ..read more