top of page

author / speaker / facilitator / consultant

  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

In The Beginning...

In The Beginning...

Episode 1

In this inaugural episode of the Mission First People Always: Great Leaders. Great Teams. podcast, Dr. Mike Patterson introduces himself, describes the purpose of the podcast, and sets the stage for all the episodes that will follow.

Leadership Lessons I Learned in the White House with Darrell Williams

Leadership Lessons I Learned in the White House with Darrell Williams

Episode 2

White House Communications Agency Hall of Famer, Darrell Williams, shares leadership insights gathered while working in the White House during the George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush administrations.

Leadership Lessons from the Life of Rosa Parks with Dr. Angela Sadler

Leadership Lessons from the Life of Rosa Parks with Dr. Angela Sadler

Episode 3

Dr. Mike interviews documentary filmmaker and television personality, Dr. Angela Sadler Williamson, who is a cousin of civil rights icon, Rosa Parks. Through family interactions with "Cousin Rosie" and her deep research in support of her award-winning documentary, Angela offers reflections and insights on Rosa Parks as a leader, supporter of leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and a member of the broader team of civil rights workers.

A C.R.A.Z.Y. Approach to Marriage with Ernie Cason

A C.R.A.Z.Y. Approach to Marriage with Ernie Cason

Episode 4

Dr. Mike reconnects with a former team member, Ernie Cason, to discover powerful lessons about creating a healthy marriage even in the face of the most extreme challenges. After meeting on a blind date and quickly becoming engaged, Ernie's heart was pierced...not by Cupid's arrow, but by a serrated steak knife wielded by his fiance, Ronna's, enraged ex-boyfriend after he attacked her.

Mindful Leadership with Dr. Jenn Guignard

Mindful Leadership with Dr. Jenn Guignard

Episode 5

Today, Dr. Mike interviews Dr. Jenn Guignard about the benefits and practices of mindful leadership. During the course of our conversation, Jenn reveals the three key aspects of mindful leadership.

The Antifragile Team with Jodi Orgill Brown

The Antifragile Team with Jodi Orgill Brown

Episode 6

Dr. Mike interviews Jodi Orgill Brown about what it takes to build an antifragile team. "Antifragile" is a term coined by mathematical statistician Nissim Taleb whose work is focused on dealing with randomness, probability, and uncertainty. It suggests a property of systems that increase their capability to thrive amidst stressors, attacks, mistakes, and volatility--something we've all experienced in sometimes overwhelming degrees in the past 2-years.

Purpose Centered Leadership™ with Art Jackson

Purpose Centered Leadership™ with Art Jackson

Episode 7

Dr. Mike here, today I talk with speaker and executive coach, Art Jackson. Join us as we discuss the reason why we have lousy leaders in organizations and what we should do about it when we get one.

Do You Need A Coach? with Dr. Gary Reinecke

Do You Need A Coach? with Dr. Gary Reinecke

Episode 8

On today’s episode, we invite you to carefully consider an important personal and professional question: Do I need a coach? Your answer could change the trajectory of your career and greatly benefit those around you

Developing Soft Skills in Students with Pete Gleason, Ph.D.

Developing Soft Skills in Students with Pete Gleason, Ph.D.

Episode 9

What's the right time to become intentional about developing the relational skills of young people? Today, we discuss how one psychology professor has become very intentional about building interpersonal skills with his students.

Navigating Change with Karen Simmons

Navigating Change with Karen Simmons

Episode 10

Today, we gain a new perspective on organizational change from change expert, Karen Simmons! Karen Simmons is CEO and founder of The Change Executive, an organizational development agency, based out of Sydney, Australia. She is a complex change specialist (and enthusiast!) working across the UK, Europe, USA, Asia Pacific, and Australia for the past 30 years leading and supporting high-impact social and business transformations, including service, programs, operations, and financial performance shifts, organizational restructures, and culture change.

Neuropsychology Basics for Leaders with Dr. Steve Swavely

Neuropsychology Basics for Leaders with Dr. Steve Swavely

Episode 11

Over 100 years ago, Henry Ford was reputed to have said, "You can have a car painted any color you want--as long as it's black." It was the beginning of mass production and the assembly line, and "once-size-fits-all" was necessary to make it all work. For many years, we have treated employees pretty much the same way. We hired people for their hands and their ability to perform certain tasks with consistency, but that is rapidly changing in the knowledge era.

Your Team Needs Rhythm with Dr. Gil Brady

Your Team Needs Rhythm with Dr. Gil Brady

Episode 12

Today’s episode is all about teamwork. Teamwork is a term we initially hear at a very early age. It usually happens at 5-, 6-, or 7-years old, or whenever you step onto a sports field or court for your first attempt at sports.

Inclusioning with Ray Linder

Inclusioning with Ray Linder

Episode 13

They are entrepreneurs who are taking an old, stale, stuffy industry and turning it onto its head by creating a people-centered culture for their clients and for their employees.

Three Kindnesses with Odell Mitchell III

Three Kindnesses with Odell Mitchell III

Episode 14

How do you define kindness? Selfless acts that make someone else's life better would probably be part of your definition. You might even offer examples of kind behavior like compassion, generosity, or genuine concern for others. In today's episode, we hear from a kindness ambassador who not only defines kindness in a very precise way, but teaches organizations how to build kindness into their culture.

Innovation in an Old Industry with Latane Meade and Matt Paulson

Innovation in an Old Industry with Latane Meade and Matt Paulson

Episode 15

Today’s guests are two guys who are doing it RIGHT!

An International Entrepreneur's Long Journey to Success with Gerald White

An International Entrepreneur's Long Journey to Success with Gerald White

Episode 16

One of the goals of this podcast is to inspire you with stories of people who overcame adversity, worked hard, played fair, made good decisions, learned from bad decisions, and found a way to succeed. I’m confident that today’s guest will do just that–inspire you to keep pushing forward even when it seems impossible.

Which Assessment Is Right For You? with Ray Linder

Which Assessment Is Right For You? with Ray Linder

Episode 17

Did you know? According to the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), about 60% of employees are asked to take an assessment of some sort, with 22% of employers using assessments to screen job applicants. It’s no surprise then to learn that the growing assessment market is now estimated to represent $500 million in annual sales with strong–as much as 10% per year–growth in recent years. In short, it’s big business.

Building Resilient Teams with Dr. Gene Coughlin

Building Resilient Teams with Dr. Gene Coughlin

Episode 18

Resilience is the capacity to deal with difficulty, adapt, and come back stronger. It's something today's guest argues is critically important for teams--especially if there is going to be meaningful development and learning. But this requires an intentional approach that engages all of the key components of resilience.

Leading from Anywhere with Dr. David Burkus - Part 1

Leading from Anywhere with Dr. David Burkus - Part 1

Episode 19

David is considered one of the top business thought-leaders in the world by Thinkers50, is a sought after keynote speaker with a Ted Talk that's been viewed over 2 million times, and is an active consultant who has a track record with some of the world's top organizations. He's the author of several highly acclaimed books, and today, we dig into this latest book, Leading from Anywhere: The Essential Guide to Managing Remote Teams.

Leading from Anywhere with Dr. David Burkus - Part 2

Leading from Anywhere with Dr. David Burkus - Part 2

Episode 20

We are back again with Dr. David Burkus for part two of our conversation about remote teams and remote leadership. Before you hit play, be sure to catch last week's episode for part one so you are caught up to speed. If you are a leader who has found yourself "working from anywhere," these two episodes are a game changer!

Grief in the Workplace with Kim Kerr

Grief in the Workplace with Kim Kerr

Episode 21

Grief is both a very individual experience as well as a universal reality. At some point in our lives, we will all lose something or someone that we hold dear to us. It will make a significant impact on who we are, how we understand the world, and how we do our work, but the thing to know about grief is that, while painful, it can ultimately lead to a deeper appreciation for life and living.

Leading With Dignity with Dr. Robyn Short

Leading With Dignity with Dr. Robyn Short

Episode 22

Everyone wants to be treated with dignity and feel safe. Unfortunately, some workplace paradigms--and individual leaders--do a poor job of promoting this kind of peace…

What's so Hard about Innovation? with David Thomas

What's so Hard about Innovation? with David Thomas

Episode 23

There is an ancient Chinese proverb that states: “When the winds of change blow, some people build walls and others build windmills.” On this episode, we’re going to build some windmills! Innovation has been called the survival skill of our time. If we don’t innovate, we don’t survive.

Creating a Retirement Filled with Meaning and Purpose with Sheryl Roy

Creating a Retirement Filled with Meaning and Purpose with Sheryl Roy

Episode 24

On today’s episode, we’re talking about what it takes to lead yourself well into retirement–and how to make that season of life filled with meaning and purpose. We’ve also included several great resources to consider here in the show notes, so take a look!

How to Build a Great Leadership Team with Jack McGuinness

How to Build a Great Leadership Team with Jack McGuinness

Episode 25

You have likely been on some really good teams where everyone enjoyed working together and together, you accomplished some pretty exciting things. And…you had fun doing it. And on the rough days, you picked each other up and addressed the challenges together. Like me, you’ve probably also been on some teams where everyone seemed to be pulling in opposite directions, where no one seemed to want to be there, and where results were mediocre at best. It wasn’t a good experience, so you’re in no hurry to go back. You might even be on that kind of team now. Since both scenarios are common, how do we intentionally build great teams?

Navigating Enterprise Politics with Dr. Jawn Lam

Navigating Enterprise Politics with Dr. Jawn Lam

Episode 26

You’ve heard it a thousand times: “I hate all of the politics at work.” You may have even said it a few times or at least carried the sentiment.

Developing Young Hispanic Leaders with Eric Rodriguez

Developing Young Hispanic Leaders with Eric Rodriguez

Episode 27

According to the 2020 census, there are 62.1 million Hispanics in the United States or 18.7 percent of the population. It’s also the fastest growing ethnic group in the country. Yet even with the strength in numbers these data may suggest, many young Hispanics are still struggling to find success in higher education and the workplace.

Doing DEI with Cultural Intelligence with Dr. Kristal Walker

Doing DEI with Cultural Intelligence with Dr. Kristal Walker

Episode 28

According to Diversity Wins, the third in a series of reports from famed management consulting firm, McKinsey and Company, the business case for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) is stronger than ever.

Building Your Professional Network Authentically with Racquel Cagurangan

Building Your Professional Network Authentically with Racquel Cagurangan

Episode 29

Many years ago, I had a professor in grad school who often said, “Your success will almost always be based on the people you know and the stories they tell about you.” I have found his assessment to be absolutely true as I progressed through my career and now serve clients as a speaker, consultant, and coach. In fact, virtually all of my recent client engagements have resulted from a previous student, colleague, or client who knew and respected me, and recognized that I could add value to their current organization. In short, it really is all about relationships.

Turning "Doers" into Leaders with Vanessa Judelman

Turning "Doers" into Leaders with Vanessa Judelman

Episode 30

The transition from being a doer to a leader can be a difficult one for many people. Doers are outstanding individual contributors who, based on their performance in their current role, are promoted with the assumption that they will also be a good manager. In reality, some doers never become leaders. Instead, they become “super-doers” who micromanage the work of their team members with a running commentary on how they would perform particular tasks.

An OD Leader's Expat Journey with Berry Lumpkins

An OD Leader's Expat Journey with Berry Lumpkins

Episode 31

What’s it like for a native of Tennessee to build a successful in learning, leadership development, and organizational development in Europe and the Middle East? Today, we find out because we’re talking to Berry Lumpkins. Berry has followed a very non-traditional career path that took him from the home of country music to exotic, far away places in Europe and the Middle East.

The Value of Emotional Intelligence with Phil Johnson

The Value of Emotional Intelligence with Phil Johnson

Episode 32

To unpack the value of emotional intelligence, our guest today is Phil Johnson. Phil is an author and the creator of the Master of Business Leadership program which focuses on emotional intelligence. For the past 22 years, Phil has been an executive coach assisting executives and organizations to bet on themselves by developing better leaders and stronger teams with EQ. What You’ll Learn On today’s episode, we talk about What exactly is Emotional Intelligence?

Lead like a Navy Seal with Dr. David Livingston

Lead like a Navy Seal with Dr. David Livingston

Episode 33

We all admire at the courage, commitment, and success of the US Navy SEAL Teams. These warriors are often thought of as supermen, but in reality, they are just highly trained professionals who work very effectively as a team--even in volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environments. This does not happen by accident. It is part of their training and their culture--and something other teams can learn from and aspire to become.

The Solution is in the Dialogue with Peter Andrew Nixon

The Solution is in the Dialogue with Peter Andrew Nixon

Episode 34

The world is in dire need of better, more productive conversations. To support that assertion, all you have to do is turn on the news to witness people talking at each other, making accusations, and interacting in ways that, in some cases, are disrespectful and in no way honor the human dignity of the people involved. My guest today contends that we would all be better off if we had better dialogue–a statement with which most of us would agree.

Lead Deeper with Coaching with Jeremiah Shaw

Lead Deeper with Coaching with Jeremiah Shaw

Episode 35

Coaching is an approach to learning and personal and professional growth that creates self--awareness, drives transformational change, and provides much needed support and an appropriate level of challenge. Some executives have the opportunity to engage professional coaches who are outside of their organization and chain-of-command, and have no loyalties beyond their professional commitment to their clients.

Reflections of a Learning Leader with Dr. Kevin Claypool

Reflections of a Learning Leader with Dr. Kevin Claypool

Episode 36

Have you ever wondered how learning leaders think about delivering leadership and employee development across a large enterprise? On this episode we climb inside the brain of the Head of Learning and Development for an iconic American company and the world’s largest beer company, Anheuser-Busch.

Team Effectiveness Around the World with Pete Baker

Team Effectiveness Around the World with Pete Baker

Episode 37

On this episode, you’ll meet Pete Baker, a senior leader in Human Resources for a variety of organizations, who has worked in nine countries of the course of his 30-year career. During that time, he has learned a great deal about what makes teams successful and the kind of interaction that ignites innovation and energized collaboration. He shares some of what he has learned from his journey in a fun, upbeat conversation.

Authentic Collaboration: Practical Tips to Lead and Energize Your Team with Edward van Luinen and Tricia Cerrone

Authentic Collaboration: Practical Tips to Lead and Energize Your Team with Edward van Luinen and Tricia Cerrone

Episode 38

My guests on this episode believe that they have cracked the code on improved collaboration and creating healthy organizational culture. It’s an issue that most companies need to address--especially since a recent Salesforce Survey found that 85% of respondents said that the primary reason for failed projects and workplace failures is “poor communication and an overall lack of collaboration.” Few people would disagree; however, most people don’t know how to fix it. Our guests believe the answer is authentic collaboration.

Leadership in Practice with Colonel George Reynolds (US Army Retired) and Colleen Mizuki Part 1

Leadership in Practice with Colonel George Reynolds (US Army Retired) and Colleen Mizuki Part 1

Episode 39

On this special two-part episode, you’ll hear from two seasoned leadership consulting professionals who come from very different backgrounds, but work incredibly well together. One is a retired US Army Infantry Officer who has served in and prepared others to serve in combat zones for a number of years, while his colleague is an expert on the practice of mindfulness techniques; brain-mind-body-optimization, and self-regulation techniques for for greater wellbeing and improved performance.

Leadership in Practice with Colonel George Reynolds (US Army Retired) and Colleen Mizuki Part 2

Leadership in Practice with Colonel George Reynolds (US Army Retired) and Colleen Mizuki Part 2

Episode 40

On this Episode On this special two-part episode, you’ll hear from two seasoned leadership consulting professionals who come from very different backgrounds, but work incredibly well together. One is a retired US Army Infantry Officer who has served in and prepared others to serve in combat zones for a number of years, while his colleague is an expert on the practice of mindfulness techniques; brain-mind-body-optimization, and self-regulation techniques for for greater wellbeing and improved performance. It’s a wide ranging conversation about leadership and teamwork, and how to do both in incredibly challenging situations.

Desperately Seeking Emotional Intelligence with Dara Rossi, Ph.D.

Desperately Seeking Emotional Intelligence with Dara Rossi, Ph.D.

Episode 41

Emotional Intelligence could be the reason you’re getting ahead in your career or could explain why you’re stuck. If you have it in abundance, there’s a good chance that you are finding fulfillment in your work and relationships, you’re able to communicate and collaborate with a wide array of people, and you’re getting stuff done. If you find yourself unable to understand or explain what you’re feeling, you find it difficult to connect with coworkers, and your team’s engagement is tanking, then you would almost certainly benefit from boosting your EQ score. But how?

Creating a Conflict Competent Workplace with Dr. Robyn Short

Creating a Conflict Competent Workplace with Dr. Robyn Short

Episode 42

Many people will quickly say that they want to avoid conflict in the workplace. That’s not surprising because anyone who has experienced conflict know that it is usually very unpleasant. It usually throws us off our game, becomes an enormous waste of time, and has the potential to create long-lasting strife if not handled well. In some cases, it causes us to lose sleep, perhaps feel ill, and elevates stress levels far beyond what we normally experience. Needless to say, conflict is no fun. But guest will make the case for more productive and meaningful conflicts through the creation of conflict competent workplaces. She takes a systems approach to conflict management and offers online training to develop skills that are immediately useful in the workplace. If you want to make conflict more productive, please listen.

Why the Best Leaders are Mindful Leaders with Outi Hilgert, MD

Why the Best Leaders are Mindful Leaders with Outi Hilgert, MD

Episode 43

If you are stressed out, feel like you always have too much to do and too little time to do it, find yourself to be irritable and tired, and you feel a bit disconnected from your work and the people around you, this episode is for you! Today, we hear from a medical doctor who trains her patients–and organizational leaders–on mindfulness practices and compassion skills. We’re going to talk about being more human and compassionate in the workplace, and introduce the powerful practices of mindfulness. This episode could be the wake-up call you need to make some changes–changes that you can learn and practice in as little as 5-minutes per day. Listen, learn, calm down, and become a better leader.

What a Life in Football Teaches us about Leadership with DeChon Burns

What a Life in Football Teaches us about Leadership with DeChon Burns

Episode 44

Have you ever wanted to have an intimate conversation with someone who has played in a Rose Ball and coached in the National Football League with the likes of Marv Lewis and Steve Spurrier –and hear what it takes to be successful–as a leader–with some of the most elite athletes and largest humans on the planet? If that’s you, then you’re going to love this episode and my conversation with Dechon Burns. Of course, it’s fun to hear the stories about the big games and the big names in football, but the real reason I wanted to have Coach Burns on the show is because I thought that some of the lessons he learned on the football field were transferable to the conference room, the shop floor, or wherever you need to accomplish your mission. And I was right. Here’s the bottom line: You have to take care of your people off the field if you want to win on the field. In other words, people and performance go hand in hand. But you’re going to want to listen to the entire conversation. It’s just too good to miss.

The Entrepreneurial Journey of a Pharma Quitter with Jennifer Jones

The Entrepreneurial Journey of a Pharma Quitter with Jennifer Jones

Episode 45

Have you ever dreamed about what it would be like to be your own boss? To become an entrepreneur with the freedom to choose how and when you’re going to work? Perhaps at the end of a bad day or bad week, you’ve wanted to say, like the old country song, “Take this job and shove…I ain’t working here no more.” But then you think about all of those great benefits from your corporate job–the health, dental, and vision insurance, the 401K match, and guaranteed paycheck every 2-weeks that comes in rain-or-shine…and you say to yourself, I’m going to suck it up and keep plodding along. My guest today actually broke free of the corporate handcuffs and transitioned away from a great job into what she would describe as a great, entrepreneurial business that gives her the freedom to live the life she wants to live.

A Serial Entrepreneur’s Next Great Idea with Michael Van Erdewyk

A Serial Entrepreneur’s Next Great Idea with Michael Van Erdewyk

Episode 46

If you like the origin stories of great business ideas--especially great ideas that involve financial technology--that promise to do good in the world, then this episode is for you. We talking to Michael Van Erdewyk, a serial entrepreneur who has started a number of new technology based businesses, about how he is creating opportunity for influencers and non-profits to communicate with their audiences through a new app and make money for their causes in the process.

Managing with Empathy with Debi Yadegari

Managing with Empathy with Debi Yadegari

Episode 47

I’m sure you’ve heard the expression, “life happens.” It suggests the idea that despite our enthusiastic, gung-ho plans and best efforts, certain life events distract us and attempt to pull us off course. In some cases, these so-called distractions are positive life events like the birth of a child or a tremendous professional opportunity for one’s spouse that requires relocation, but there are also hard things in life that make it difficult to focus on work or maintain the same routines.

Delegation, Decision Making, and Dreaming with Drew Jackson

Delegation, Decision Making, and Dreaming with Drew Jackson

Episode 48

In this episode we explore three D’s of leadership: delegation, decision making, and dreaming. Two of the three are often top-of-mind for managers, but dreaming with your team is a new idea that gets everyone thinking bigger. We dig into these topics with a coach who works with leaders in the trenches every day.

Stop Being Nice with Jim Uhl

Stop Being Nice with Jim Uhl

Episode 49

Have you run into people who seem just a bit too nice? They are so accommodating and non-confrontational that you’re not sure exactly what they think? There’s a lot of smiling and nodding, but little healthy opposition, so there isn’t much in the way of innovation and meaningful improvements. Nobody wants to rock the boat, so it becomes a go-along-to-get-along situation. There really aren’t any moments of excitement or exhilaration in these nice, plain vanilla worlds. Some organizations have a nice culture–and my guest today is going to argue that nice is unhealthy and weak. Instead, he calls for leaders to build teams that are cohesive, courageous, and kind.

How Successful Leaders do Business with their World with Stephen Barden

How Successful Leaders do Business with their World with Stephen Barden

Episode 50

Have you ever wondered why some people tend to climb the career ladder effortlessly, while others get stuck a few rungs from the bottom? How do successful people harness power and authority for their purposes, while others seem to be crushed under the weight of others' power and authority? Whether it’s business, government, or nonprofits, some leaders simply do better? Is there an explanation for the success of some and the mediocrity of others?

Retaining Gen Z and Young Millennials with Haydn Shaw

Retaining Gen Z and Young Millennials with Haydn Shaw

Episode 51

In this episode we focus on how to retain and engage Gen Z and younger Millennials, while also discussing general practices for working better with all of the generational cohorts actively in the workplace.

Our guest is an expert on generational differences and how to overcome the sticking points that work to tear us apart.

Retaining Gen Z and Young Millennials with Haydn Shaw

Retaining Gen Z and Young Millennials with Haydn Shaw

Episode 51

Introduction In this episode we focus on how to retain and engage Gen Z and younger Millennials, while also discussing general practices for working better with all of the generational cohorts actively in the workplace. Our guest is an expert on generational differences and how to overcome the sticking points that work to tear us apart. Guest’s Bio Haydn Shaw has researched and helped clients regarding generational differences for over twenty years.

Lead like a Mother with Dr. Anne Welsh

Lead like a Mother with Dr. Anne Welsh

Episode 52

Moms are the hardest working people we know. They juggle demanding careers and family responsibilities in ways that make us wonder just how they do it. In truth, though, some are wondering how long they can keep doing it.

Next Level Nonprofits with Dr. Chris Lambert

Next Level Nonprofits with Dr. Chris Lambert

Episode 53

When nonprofits--or any organization for that matter--are poorly run, it inhibits their ability to deliver value for their customers and communities. Because nonprofits often deliver vital services to our most vulnerable citizens, we need systems in place that make them more efficient, more focused, and more productive.

Why Fewer Meetings Lead to Stronger Teams with Yari Ising

Why Fewer Meetings Lead to Stronger Teams with Yari Ising

Episode 54

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the number of meetings you attend and wonder whether your time could be better used elsewhere? According to research referenced in Harvard Business Review, executives now spend an average of 23 hours per week in meetings--up from about 10 hours in the 1960s. Are the extra hours spent in meetings making us more or less productive?

Performance Freedom with Tom Hanson, Ph.D.

Performance Freedom with Tom Hanson, Ph.D.

Episode 55

In this episode you’ll hear a conversation with sports psychologist, Dr. Tom Hanson. While Tom has worked with some of the biggest names in professional baseball, he is also a prolific author, coach, and sought after speaker in the corporate world. Today, we’ll explore what it takes to be a top performer in any field of endeavor. We’ll discuss mental toughness, performance inhibitors and so much more. This is a great episode for anyone who wants to elevate their performance.

The Lobiko Initiative with Wilita Sanguma

The Lobiko Initiative with Wilita Sanguma

Episode 56

Globally, 700 million people live below the poverty line–surviving on less than $2 per day. In Africa as a whole, 4 in 10 people live in poverty and in Congo, at least 7 in 10 people live below the poverty line. So, what are we going to do about it? In this episode, hear what one young leader and the organization he founded is doing to make a lasting difference through identifying and empowering local leaders in some of the world’s most impoverished communities.

Everyone Benefits when Women of Color Feel Belonging at Work with Dr. Christine Coleman

Everyone Benefits when Women of Color Feel Belonging at Work with Dr. Christine Coleman

Episode 57

It’s March and Women’s History Month, so what better way to celebrate than to speak with someone who leads an organization dedicated to helping women overcome societal barriers by providing educational and empowering experiences that promote sisterhood and community. Sol Sisters, the organization we’re highlighting today believes, as I do, that all women deserve to feel safe, supported, and celebrated. And since we talk about leadership and teamwork in the workplace on the Mission First People Always Podcast, we’re going to hone in on how everyone benefits when women of color feel belonging in the workplace. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case, but we’re here to learn how to change that, so settle in for an informative and empowering conversation.

Promotions are So Yesterday with Julie Winkle Giulioni

Promotions are So Yesterday with Julie Winkle Giulioni

Episode 58

The time-honored tradition of defining career development exclusively in terms of promotions, moves, and title changes is dead. Beyond, between, and besides the climb up the positional ladder, there are many other ways that employees can—and want to—grow. This episode explores some of those alternative ways to grow, the important role managers play in guiding that growth, and organizational executives should think differently about career and talent development.

 A California Love Story with John Thill

A California Love Story with John Thill

Episode 59

I’m excited to share my conversation with an author who transports us back nearly 100 years–to a time when the promise of southern California was just beginning. It was a time when the California coastline was still wild and uncharted, the beaches were pristine, and there was no traffic! And my guest allows us to experience the remarkable sights and sounds of these different times through a beautiful love story. Whether you’re interested in the history of California, romance, or how individuals can shape the course of history, you're going to enjoy my conversation with author John Thill.

Never Say “Calm Down”: How People Unintentionally Escalate Conflict on Your Team with Carol Bowser

Never Say “Calm Down”: How People Unintentionally Escalate Conflict on Your Team with Carol Bowser

Episode 60

Carol Bowser, J.D is a workplace conflict expert. After practicing Employment Law for several years, Carol founded Conflict Management Strategies when she realized a lawsuit can’t deliver the level of resolution and satisfaction that is gained when people are actively involved in creating solutions to their workplace conflict.

Leadership and Customer Success with Jess Osborn

Leadership and Customer Success with Jess Osborn

Episode 61

Over the past decade, the role of customer success has gained importance and prestige. On this episode of the podcast, we have an industry veteran and thought leader who is going to tell us not only why customer success is critical, but how to build high-performing customer success teams and develop leaders from within those teams.

Building an Elite Sales Team with Dan Fantasia

Building an Elite Sales Team with Dan Fantasia

Episode 62

Revenue is the lifeblood of any business and it’s one of the factors that determines success or failure. As a result, one could rationally argue that the revenue generators are the most important people in any for profit business. But finding high-quality, committed sales professionals isn’t easy. And keeping your top performers can be equally challenging. There’s no worse day for a sales manager than when one of his top producers calls to say that she’s leaving to pursue another opportunity.

Radical Resilience with Dr. Andy Garrett

Radical Resilience with Dr. Andy Garrett

Episode 63

How do you navigate the difficult things in life and keep going? Better yet, how do you navigate the tough stuff, take a few gut punches, deal with setbacks, and come back even better? That takes a radical form of resilience and that’s what we discuss in this episode with clinical psychologist, Dr. Andy Garrett.

Practical Storytelling Techniques for Leaders: Insights from Josh Webb

Practical Storytelling Techniques for Leaders: Insights from Josh Webb

Episode 64

Ever wondered why some stories stick with you while others fade away?
Join Dr. Mike Patterson and storytelling master Josh Webb as they unravel the secrets behind compelling narratives that inspire and move audiences to action!

The Art of Leadership in the AI Age with Wendy Gonzalez

The Art of Leadership in the AI Age with Wendy Gonzalez

Episode 65

In a world where AI is rapidly reshaping the business landscape, what does it take to lead highly intelligent teams on the cutting edge of technology?

Simple Health Tips: How CEOs Can Stay Fit with Rebecca Macieira-Kaufmann's FitCEO

Simple Health Tips: How CEOs Can Stay Fit with Rebecca Macieira-Kaufmann's FitCEO

Episode 66

In today's fast-paced corporate world, balancing leadership with personal health is key to long-term success. Dr. Mike Patterson sits down with Rebecca Macieira-Kaufmann to explore the strategies leaders can use to enhance both their personal vitality and professional performance.

How to Become Triggerproof: Managing Emotional Triggers in the Workplace with Jeff Gaines

How to Become Triggerproof: Managing Emotional Triggers in the Workplace with Jeff Gaines

Episode 67

In today’s fast-paced world, it seems like everyone is talking about being “triggered.” But what does it really mean, and how can leaders and employees manage their triggers to stay focused and productive? In this episode, Dr. Mike Patterson and Jeff Gaines dive into how to become “triggerproof,” offering practical strategies to overcome workplace stress and emotional reactions.

Leading with Kindness: Brittany Martin on Disrupting Workplace Culture

Leading with Kindness: Brittany Martin on Disrupting Workplace Culture

Episode 68

In a competitive and ever-changing business world, is there room for kindness? Dr. Mike Patterson sits down with Brittany Martin, founder of Be Kind Works, to discuss how leaders can embrace kindness as a powerful strategy for sustainable success.

Mission First, People Always: Great Leaders, Great Teams

bottom of page