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.

• 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

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.

• 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

How do you turn dreams into reality while leading teams through complex, high-stakes projects? Dr. Mike Patterson hosts a LIVE discussion on linkedin with Bob Weis, former head of Walt Disney Imagineering, and Tricia Cerrone, a leadership expert, to uncover the lessons behind chasing big dreams, fostering creativity, and leading with purpose.

In this special live episode, Dr. Mike Patterson is joined by Bob Weis, author of Dream Chasing, and Tricia Cerrone, who facilitates a rich conversation about leadership, creativity, and collaboration. Bob shares his journey leading massive projects, including his 40 years with Disney Imagineering, where he managed creative teams that built theme parks around the world.

The discussion highlights the importance of storytelling in leadership, a skill Bob mastered while designing immersive experiences that unite people across cultures. He reflects on the development of Shanghai Disneyland as a transformative project, not just for Disney, but for fostering international understanding and cultural collaboration.

Tricia adds her expertise in leadership, emphasizing how building trust and empathy are critical to guiding diverse teams through challenges. Dr. Mike ties the conversation back to actionable lessons for leaders in all fields, emphasizing the balance of mission and people.

Join the next LIVE on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichaellpatterson

• Chasing Dreams, Not Just Following Them: Turning dreams into reality requires intentionality, teamwork, and relentless focus.

• The Power of Storytelling in Leadership: Stories unify teams, provide clarity, and keep everyone aligned toward a common purpose.

• Creative Leadership: Building trust, fostering collaboration, and encouraging out-of-the-box thinking are essential for innovation.

• Lessons from Shanghai Disneyland: The project exemplifies leadership through international collaboration, cultural understanding, and respect for workers.

• Empathy and Connection: Effective leadership requires empathy and a commitment to understanding the perspectives of others.

This episode is a masterclass in leadership, innovation, and dream chasing. Bob Weis and Tricia Cerrone share inspiring stories and practical strategies to help leaders think big, lead with purpose, and build stronger, more creative teams.

Hit play to hear the full episode and discover how to take your leadership and dream-chasing skills to the next level

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
• 01:05 - Meet Bob Weis: Leadership Insights from Disney Imagineering
• 03:10 - Introducing Tricia Cerrone: Leadership and Creativity Expert
• 04:50 - Chasing Dreams vs. Following Dreams: What It Takes to Lead Big Projects
• 07:30 - The Power of Storytelling in Leadership
• 10:15 - Building Shanghai Disneyland: Lessons in Collaboration and Culture
• 13:45 - How Leaders Can Foster Creativity and Innovation in Teams
• 17:30 - Empathy and Trust: The Cornerstones of Leadership
• 20:20 - Lessons Learned from International Projects
• 23:45 - How to Balance Mission and People in Leadership
• 27:10 - Advice for Dream Chasers: Insights from Bob and Tricia
• 30:05 - Closing Thoughts: Turning Dreams into Reality

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.

Dr. Mike welcomes Brittany Martin, an expert in HR and leadership development, who brings a unique perspective on how kindness and strategic leadership go hand in hand. As the founder of Be Kind Works, Brittany shares her KIND framework, designed to help leaders foster empathy and effectiveness in the workplace. Brittany discusses why kindness isn’t about being “soft” but rather about driving meaningful results through respect, understanding, and compassion. She outlines how this approach can disrupt traditional management methods, enhancing team performance, employee satisfaction, and overall business outcomes.

Through real-world examples, Brittany demonstrates how leaders can cultivate a kinder, more effective workplace that not only meets goals but exceeds them by fostering innovation, collaboration, and wellness.

• Courage to Be Kind: Kindness in leadership requires strength, empathy, and commitment to creating positive outcomes.
• KIND Framework: Brittany’s framework includes Knowledge, Insight, Navigation, and Drive, providing a roadmap for leading with kindness.
• Disrupting the Status Quo: Brittany’s approach challenges traditional, hierarchical management styles with a more inclusive, people-centered strategy.
• Empowering Emerging Leaders: Developing new leaders with kindness can have a ripple effect, promoting growth across the organization.
• Long-Term Success: Kindness-driven leadership creates sustainable growth by building trust, encouraging innovation, and improving morale.

Brittany Martin’s KIND framework is a revolutionary approach for leaders who want to balance achieving results with fostering a positive and productive workplace culture. Her insights challenge the norm, proving that disruption and kindness can work hand in hand.

Hit play now to hear the full episode and discover how Brittany’s KIND framework can help you lead with empathy, drive results, and transform your team dynamics.

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:

• 00:29 - The Role of Kindness in Today’s Business Environment
• 01:22 - Guest Introduction: Brittany Martin’s Background and Experience
• 03:30 - Exploring Maya Angelou’s Quote on Kindness and Courage
• 04:29 - Defining Kindness in a Professional Context
• 06:11 - Can Kindness Drive Business Results?
• 09:23 - Introducing the KIND Framework for Leadership
• 09:55 - Knowledge: Awareness and Acknowledgment in Leadership
• 10:21 - Insight: Reflection and Perspective as Leadership Tools
• 10:43 - Navigation: Setting Boundaries and Focus
• 11:00 - Drive: Personal Motivation and Taking Action
• 11:11 - How the KIND Framework Helps Leaders Through Change
• 13:00 - Practical Application of the KIND Framework in Real Organizations
• 15:58 - Needs Assessments and Customized Leadership Solutions
• 17:40 - Making Kindness a Strategic Part of People-Centric Organizations
• 18:00 - Brittany’s Role with Disrupt HR and the Concept of “Disrupting” in HR
• 20:21 - How Disrupt HR’s Presentation Style Engages Audiences
• 22:00 - Is Kindness Truly Disruptive in the Workplace?
• 23:20 - Developing Emerging Leaders: Importance and Long-Term Impact
• 26:13 - Brittany’s Success Story with Leadership Transformation
• 29:23 - Reflection on Brittany’s Leadership Journey and Lasting Influence
• 31:05 - Final Advice: Be Yourself, Considerate, and Compassionate as a Leader

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.

Dr. Mike welcomes Jeff Gaines, a personal development expert with over 30 years of experience working with leaders across industries. Jeff introduces his latest offering, Triggerproof, a program designed to help leaders and teams manage their emotional responses in high-stress environments.

Jeff breaks down human motivation into two drives: the urge to create and the urge to protect. When we’re triggered, we move into protection mode, often subconsciously. Jeff explains how triggers aren’t always obvious—most people don’t look visibly upset or angry. Instead, they quietly disengage, reduce productivity, or withhold valuable feedback that could improve decision-making.

Throughout the conversation, Jeff discusses his Three Drivers model, which explains how our thoughts and emotions are shaped by a "screen" of unconscious processing. This screen often distorts reality, leading to emotional responses that seem disproportionate to the situation. Jeff’s program teaches leaders how to recognize these distortions and manage them effectively.

He also emphasizes the importance of emotional resilience and collaboration in the workplace. Whether you’re a leader looking to encourage honest feedback or a team member trying to overcome stress, understanding and managing triggers is key to thriving in today’s work environment.

• Triggers Are Not Always Visible: People may not outwardly express when they’re triggered, but it impacts their work.

• Managing the "Screen": Our emotions and logic are shaped by a filter that distorts reality. Learning to manage this screen is crucial.

• Emotional vs. Logical Decisions: While we often think we're making logical decisions, emotions play a larger role than we realize.

• Resilience Tools: Building emotional resilience helps us bounce back faster when triggered, leading to better collaboration and decision-making.

Jeff Gaines’ approach offers practical, real-world strategies for managing emotional responses in the workplace. By understanding how our brains process information and learning to manage our reactions, we can foster healthier, more productive work environments.

Call to Action: Hit play to hear the full episode and learn how you can become Triggerproof and foster resilience in your leadership style!

Links for This Episode:

• https://www.linkedin.com/company/triggerproof
• http://triggerproof.us
• jeff@triggerproof.us

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 - Jeff Gaines' Background and Experience
• 03:34 - Introducing Triggerproof and Why It's Needed
• 05:14 - The Role of Technology in Creating Triggers
• 09:12 - What It Means to Be Triggerproof
• 10:21 - Common Responses to Triggers: Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn
• 12:48 - Overview of Triggerproof Course and the Three Drivers Model
• 19:13 - How Emotional Triggers Impact Decision-Making in the Workplace
• 23:16 - Changing the Screen: Aligning Logic and Emotion for Better Outcomes
• 29:31 - The Business Case for Managing Triggers in Organizations
• 31:00 - Jeff’s One Piece of Advice for Leaders: Define Your Purpose