53. Next Level Nonprofits with Dr. Chris Lambert
Mission First People Always's podcast
Release Date: 10/17/2023
76. Hope in a Cup: How One Woman Is Using Coffee to Combat Human Trafficking—The Story of Talitha Coffee and Jenny Barber
Mission First People Always's podcast
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,...
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75. Why Choosing Joy is the Secret to Resilient Leadership with Ricardo Viso
Mission First People Always's podcast
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...
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74. From Missed Opportunities to Measurable Growth: Why A Follow-Up System Is the Key to Great Leadership (Not Just Sales) with Doug Brown
Mission First People Always's podcast
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...
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73. Fighting for Greatness: Leadership Lessons from the Cage with Clifford Starks
Mission First People Always's podcast
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...
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72. Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast: How to Build a Thriving Workplace with Andrea Wanerstrand (Culture Lab)
Mission First People Always's podcast
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...
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71. Story to Strategy: Should You Write a Book In 2025? Using Your Book to Build Multiple Income Streams
Mission First People Always's podcast
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...
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70. The Art of Leadership: What Ballet Can Teach Business Leaders with Ahli Moore
Mission First People Always's podcast
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...
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69. Transforming Technical Experts into High-Impact Leaders with Dr. Angelique Adams
Mission First People Always's podcast
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...
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68. Chasing Big Dreams: Creativity and Connection in Teams with Disney Imagineer Bob Weis and Tricia Cerrone
Mission First People Always's podcast
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. About the Episode: 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...
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67. Leading with Kindness: Brittany Martin on Disrupting Workplace Culture
Mission First People Always's podcast
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...
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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. On today’s episode, we talk with the leader of Life Remodeled, a community-based organization in Detroit, MI that is transforming communities and providing opportunities for many people experiencing life-controlling challenges. But this episode is not just for those involved in the nonprofit world. It’s about organizational leadership at its finest, and what it takes to be a great leader and build a great team.
About our Guest
Dr. Chris Lambert is the author of Next Level Nonprofit and Founder/CEO of Life Remodeled. Chris originally pursued a degree in marketing at Indiana University with the hope of attending law school and launching a career as a real estate developer. A spiritual awakening during his junior year led to a passion to follow Jesus, and Chris eventually followed a call to Fuller and Gordon-Conwell seminaries, where he earned his MDiv and doctorate in preaching. Moving to Liberia in 2007, he and his wife helped a village raise the necessary resources for a well, farm animals, and a new school building. Upon returning to the U.S., Chris founded a church called Ekklesia. In 2010 he started Life Remodeled, which repurposes vacant school buildings into one-stop hubs of opportunities and helps create neighborhood revitalization that lasts. Additionally, he and his dream team built and launched the Next Level Nonprofit organizational operating system.
From the TEDx stage to lists like Crain’s 40 Under 40, Building Design + Construction 40 Under 40, and SMART BUSINESS Dealmaker of the Year, Chris’ reputation precedes him. But it’s the journey ahead—and the people he’s asked to help lead the way—that excites him most.
Social Links
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lambertliferemodeled/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LambertRemodeled
Life Remodeled Website: https://www.nlncoaching.org/
Next Level Nonprofit Website: https://www.nlncoaching.org/
What You’ll Learn
The mission of Life Remodeled and its role in urban neighborhood revitalization.
Chris' failures, learnings, and inspiring stories.
Key insights from his recently published book, Next Level Nonprofit, which provides an easy-to-implement, practical, and proven system to do more good by operating at the highest levels of organizational excellence.
Connect with Dr. Mike:
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Website: https://www.drmikepatterson.com
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealdrmikepatterson/
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/drmikepatterson
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Buy The Book!: Mission First People Always
Episode Minute By Minute:
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00:00 Introduction to today’s episode with special guest, Dr. Chris Lambert
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01:20 Who is Dr. Lambert, his book, and how he’s impacting the world
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03:43 Chris’s journey leading up to where he is today
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05:03 Chris talks about pursuing a life in business, but radically shifting to non-profit
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05:48 The story of Chris’s non-profit, Life Remodeled
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07:10 Chris shares the “why” behind Life Remodeled
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09:03 How Life Remodeled has seen so much success in 8 years of existence
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11:25 Chris talks about why an operating system is critical to an organization's success
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13:24 Why it’s important to focus not only on the people, but the management side as well
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15:28 Chris talks about how the best “who’s” lead to the best “how’s”
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19:24 Who are “reindeer” people, how to find them and how to hold onto to them
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23:55 Chris shares his vision behind weekly 90 minute staff meetings
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26:16 The importance of having a unified vision
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31:46 Chris gives his say on if it’s tougher to work for non-profit than corporate
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34:53 Chris gives a transformational story that keeps him going in his business
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37:15 Chris shares one thing that could be implemented to becoming a good leader
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39:28 How to follow Chris and where to find his book