Arin It Out

In this episode of Arin It Out , Arin explores the idea of "looking again"—at yourself, at other people, at your dreams, and at your circumstances. Drawing on psychology concepts like the primacy effect, confirmation bias, and growth mindset, this conversation challenges us to reconsider conclusions we've accepted as permanent. Because people change. Circumstances change. Perspectives change. And...

Season 2 of Arin It Out begins with an honest conversation about growth, disappointment, leadership, and becoming. After a several month break, Arin reflects on navigating unexpected setbacks, finishing the final stages of graduate school, continuing to speak and lead publicly, and learning how to trust the process even when life doesn’t unfold the way you planned. In this episode, we explore four...

As Arin It Out closes its first season, host Arin Patterson goes back to the foundation with one essential question: What is leadership? Drawing on Silva’s (2016) five dimensions of leadership — process, influence, context, acceptance, and shared goals — Arin blends research, real-life stories, and practical reflection to help listeners see leadership not as a title, but as a living, evolving prac...

Leadership doesn’t start with a promotion, a corner office, or even a job title. In this episode of Arin It Out , host Arin Patterson explores what it means to lead from where you are—without waiting for a title to give you permission. Drawing from her own career journey across education, higher ed, nonprofit management, and operations, Arin unpacks five keys to leading without a title: Why leader...

In this episode of Arin It Out , host Arin Patterson unpacks why great leaders also know how to be great followers. Drawing from her own experiences, Arin shares how followership is more than obedience—it’s about respect, alignment, and discernment. She introduces The Five Marks of a Great Follower : Respect comes before agreement Alignment matters Watch and learn Exercising influence without auth...

In this episode of Arin It Out , host Arin Patterson explores what it really means to lead with courage, clarity, and care—drawing inspiration from Brené Brown’s book Dare to Lead . Arin reflects on three powerful themes that mirror her own beliefs about leadership: Rumbling with vulnerability — why courage requires leaders to set down their armor and embrace hard conversations. Living into values...

In this episode of Arin It Out , host Arin Patterson explores what makes a truly dynamic team. Drawing from her own experience working on a group that called themselves “The Dream Team,” Arin shares why balance—not sameness—is the key to lasting team success. She unpacks the five elements that every team needs: The Connector — builds trust and relationships The Doer — ensures things get done and d...

In this episode of Arin It Out , host Arin Patterson explores the subtle yet costly behaviors that slowly drain teams of trust, energy, and motivation—what she calls leadership leaks. Arin breaks down leadership through three lenses—behavioral, transformational, and destructive—before walking listeners through a relatable “Put a Finger Down” activity that reveals where leaks may be showing up in t...

In this episode of Arin It Out , host Arin Patterson unpacks Gallup’s groundbreaking research from It’s the Manager! and explores what separates great managers from raggedy ones. Arin begins by sharing her Top 5 CliftonStrengths—Futuristic, Connectedness, Maximizer, Relator, and Positivity—and how they show up in her work and leadership. From there, she dives into Gallup’s seven expectations that...

We’ve all had them — raggedy leaders. The ones who make you shake your head with the things they do, say, or fail to do. In this episode of Arin It Out , Arin shares real-life stories of “raggedy leadership.” With names changed to protect the guilty, Arin unpacks seven all-too-common leadership missteps: Getting jealous when a team member progress Misrepresenting staff to make yourself look better...

In basketball, a pivot isn’t about stopping the play — it’s about adjusting your position to get a better shot. Careers work the same way. In this episode, Arin shares two of her biggest career pivots — leaving education and moving from an individual contributor to a leader of leaders — and the 5 Pivot Points that can help guide your next move. You'll learn: The signs it might be time for a pivot...

In this episode, Arin shares her journey through 19 jobs, including roles in education, nonprofit leadership, property management, and more, and the powerful leadership lessons each one taught her. From realizing the importance of alignment to navigating difficult transitions, she breaks down what it means to grow through experience and lead with intention. You’ll learn: Why every job, even the fr...

Welcome to ARIN IT OUT — the podcast where we talk leadership, lessons, and life. In this premiere episode, Arin Patterson introduces herself, shares the moment that sparked her leadership journey (aka Graduation Gridlock ), and lays out her vision for the podcast. From classroom teacher to TEDx speaker, nonprofit leader to leadership strategist, Arin brings insight, energy, and a whole lot of hea...