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: drmikepatterson.com
Book: Mission First People Always
LinkedIn: Dr. Michael Patterson
Instagram: @therealdrmikepatterson
Twitter: @drmikepatterson

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