65. The Art of Leadership in the AI Age with Wendy Gonzalez
Mission First People Always's podcast
Release Date: 09/03/2024
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...
info_outlineIn 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? Join Dr. Mike Patterson and Wendy Gonzalez, CEO of Sama, as they dive into the complexities of leadership in the tech space, offering valuable insights and actionable advice for leaders at all levels.
In this episode, Dr. Mike Patterson welcomes Wendy Gonzalez, the dynamic CEO of Sama, a company known for providing accurate AI data to 25% of Fortune 50 companies. Wendy's journey from auditor to tech CEO is nothing short of inspiring, and her commitment to ethical AI development sets her apart as a leader in the industry. Wendy shares her experiences and strategies for leading teams of brilliant minds in Silicon Valley, focusing on how to foster creativity, encourage innovation, and ensure that AI is developed responsibly and without bias.
Wendy discusses her unique leadership practice of "firing" herself annually to evaluate if she is still the right leader for her company's evolving needs. This introspective approach keeps her focused on future challenges and the skills required to meet them. She also emphasizes the importance of bringing your authentic self to work, creating an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their honest opinions, even when they differ from the boss.
Wendy and Dr. Mike explore the ethical considerations surrounding AI, particularly the dangers of bias in machine learning algorithms. Wendy explains how Sama addresses these issues by focusing on responsible AI development, which includes rigorous data governance, continuous model performance evaluation, and ensuring that AI systems are explainable and trustworthy.
The conversation also touches on the importance of building trust within teams, facilitating healthy conflict, and recognizing and addressing blind spots as a leader. Wendy shares practical tips for leaders at all levels on how to adapt to the future needs of their organizations and harness the full potential of their teams.
Key Takeaways:
- Future-Focused Leadership: Regularly assess whether you are the leader your company will need in the future.
- Authenticity in Leadership: Your team needs the real you, not an idealized version, to foster trust and engagement.
- Ethical AI Development: Responsible AI is built on solid data governance, continuous evaluation, and transparency.
- Fostering Innovation: Encourage diverse opinions and healthy conflict to drive innovation and better decision-making.
- Addressing Blind Spots: Use tools like 360-degree feedback to identify and address your leadership blind spots.
Wendy Gonzalez provides a masterclass in modern leadership, blending her passion for technology with a commitment to ethical practices and team empowerment. Her insights are invaluable for anyone looking to lead effectively in today's rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Hit play to hear the full episode and learn how you can apply these leadership lessons to your own journey, whether you're leading a cutting-edge tech team or managing a small business this episode is for you!
Links for This Episode:
- https://www.sama.com
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-gonzalez-a319788
- https://www.instagram.com/sama_ai_
- https://www.facebook.com/samaartificialintelligence
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/sama-ai
- https://www.youtube.com/c/SamaAI
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:
- 0:00 - Introduction: Importance of AI in business and introduction of guest, Wendy Gonzalez.
- 1:16 - Welcome: Dr. Mike introduces Wendy Gonzalez, CEO of Sama.
- 2:50 - Wendy’s Background: Overview of Wendy’s career journey from auditor to tech CEO.
- 5:57 - Mission-Driven Career: Transition to a mission-focused role after a personal life event.
- 7:16 - AI Concerns: Wendy discusses the societal impact and concerns surrounding AI.
- 9:03 - Responsible AI: How Sama addresses bias and ensures trustworthy AI.
- 12:23 - Leadership in Tech: The challenges of leading smart people in cutting-edge technology.
- 13:00 - Firing Yourself: Wendy’s practice of annually “firing” herself to reassess her leadership role.
- 15:00 - Adapting Leadership: How leaders can stay relevant by anticipating future business needs.
- 18:03 - Engaging Smart Teams: The importance of involving teams in decision-making.
- 21:00 - Authenticity in Leadership: The role of authenticity and transparency in leadership.
- 22:03 - Encouraging Debate: Creating a culture of trust and healthy opposition in teams.
- 24:00 - Recognizing Blind Spots: How leaders can identify and address their own blind spots.
- 27:11 - Final Advice: Wendy’s advice on continuous learning and seeking feedback in leadership.