Arin It Out

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 their own leadership. She then shares five actionable strategies leaders can use to plug the leaks and build more engaged, resilient teams.

This episode is both honest and practical, blending research with storytelling and humor. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just beginning your leadership journey, it will challenge you to reflect on the small habits that make the biggest difference.

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 drive success in any role:

1. Build relationships
2. Develop people
3. Lead change
4. Inspire others
5. Think critically
6. Communicate clearly
7. Create accountability

Through personal stories and practical insights, Arin contrasts raggedy leadership behaviors with research-backed strategies that inspire teams and create thriving workplaces.

Whether you’re a manager looking to grow, an employee navigating leadership at work, or someone curious about what truly drives engagement, this episode offers a mix of research, reflection, and relatable storytelling.

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
• Taking frustration out on employees
• Failing to communicate
• Not leading by example
• Speaking poorly about current or former team members
• Not making time for employees

Each “raggedy” story is paired with practical wisdom, turning cautionary tales into leadership lessons. Arin challenges listeners to reflect on the raggedy behaviors they’ve experienced and the ones they may need to leave behind. Because here’s the truth: raggedy leadership doesn’t just frustrate people — it drives them away. And if we’re not careful, any of us can slip into raggedy habits.

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
• How to avoid getting stuck in “analysis paralysis”
• Leveraging your leadership capital
• Networking in the direction you want to go
• Breaking free from the golden handcuffs

Whether you’re itching for change or just starting to think about your next step, this episode will help you recognize when to shift — and how to do it without starting from scratch.

Let’s Stay Connected:

🎧 Subscribe for Updates + Bonus Content:

👉 https://mailchi.mp/64f89fd2c802/arin-it-out-podcast

🗓️ New episodes every Tuesday at 10:00 AM EST

🎙️ Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube

Follow along: @arinpatterson | #ArinItOutPodcast

Subscribe, follow, and share — you don’t want to miss what’s coming.

Know someone who’s building their leadership voice? Send them this episode!

Find Arin online:

LinkedIn & YouTube: @arinpatterson

Interested in being a guest or submitting a leadership topic? Email Arin at [email protected].

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 frustrating ones, can teach you something
• The nonnegotiables that matter in a healthy work environment
• How Arin’s current role is helping her grow as a strategic leader

Whether you’re early in your career, in the middle of a pivot, or thinking about your next chapter — this one’s for you.

Subscribe, follow, and share — you don’t want to miss what’s coming.

Know someone who’s building their leadership voice? Send them this episode!

Find Arin online:

• LinkedIn & YouTube: @arinpatterson

Interested in being a guest or submitting a leadership topic? Email/DM Arin at [email protected].

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 heart to every mic drop moment. If you've ever felt stuck in systems, silenced by poor leadership, or simply ready to lead with more purpose — this space was made for you.

• Who Arin is — and why her voice matters
• The “Graduation Gridlock” moment that changed everything
• Why poor leadership inspired her to lead well
• What to expect from future episodes (run time, guests, format)
• Why you don’t need to hit 1.5x speed when Arin talks

Subscribe, follow, and share — you don’t want to miss what’s coming.

Know someone who’s building their leadership voice? Send them this episode!

Find Arin online:

• LinkedIn & YouTube: @arinpatterson

Interested in being a guest or submitting a leadership topic? Email/DM Arin at [email protected].