In this week's episode, we will interview Patrick Cates, who has worked at USC for nearly 15 years and is the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs at Marshall, where he also serves as one of Marshall's DEI Fellows. In addition to his duties as Associate Dean, he teaches Organizational Change and Leadership classes as an adjunct faculty member at Marshall and Rossier. Patrick and his parents are mental health advocates. They used to volunteer at a 24 hours telephone support for people with emotional problems called Samaritans in the UK for many years. The importance of mental health has provided a foundation for Patrick's approaches to teaching and leadership. 

Patrick and the hosts, Biyeni & James, will discuss the importance of compassion and gratitude to students, teachers, and business leaders and what professors should do to help manage students' stress. He will also discuss how students can overcome imposter syndrome, hopelessness post-Covid, and the challenges of moving to a new environment, such as college.

3:30 - How is mental health important to Patrick, and how does it affect his life?

7:48 - Why does Patrick think compassion and gratitude are crucial to students, teachers, and business leaders? How can we practice compassion and gratitude?

14:42 - What should professors do to help students manage their stress?

34:38 - Ways students can overcome the challenges of moving to a new environment, such as college

37:14 - How can students overcome imposter syndrome?

45:31 - Patrick's advice for students and anyone that might be struggling to maintain a positive attitude and hope about life in general after Covid

48:01 - Resources at USC and Marshall that help promote students' mental health