Arin It Out

What is Leadership?

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 practice. From the memorable Graduation Gridlock story to lessons learned across education, nonprofit, and higher education leadership, this finale invites listeners to slow down, think deeply, and redefine what leadership means for them. In this episode, Arin helps you: * Understand the five core dimensions of effective leadership * Reflect on your own influence and leadership moments * Learn how to adapt leadership to different contexts * Explore how acceptance and trust shape true followership * Build a personal Leadership Vision Framework through Purpose, People, Practice, and Promise This isn’t just a summary — it’s an invitation. As you look ahead to the new year, craft your own leadership vision and step into influence with clarity and confidence.

Leading Without a Title

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 leadership starts with your posture, not your position * How influence is earned through trust and credibility * The power of everyday leadership moments * The trap of clinging to titles and status * Practical ways to add value and show leadership right now With stories, insights, and actionable takeaways, this episode challenges listeners to rethink what leadership really looks like in their own careers—and sets the stage for next week’s season finale, What Is Leadership?

Follow the 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: 1. Respect comes before agreement 2. Alignment matters 3. Watch and learn 4. Exercising influence without authority 5. Knowing when to stay and when to go Through practical insights and personal reflection, Arin shows how following well not only supports leaders and teams, but also prepares you for your own leadership journey.

Dare to Lead

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 — the role of integrity, relationships, and growth in shaping authentic leadership. * Learning to rise — how setbacks like layoffs or career pivots can become classrooms for stronger leadership. She also shares how leaders often learn to “function in dysfunction,” normalizing unhealthy patterns that hurt both them and their teams. Instead, daring to lead means naming dysfunction, owning mistakes, and rising stronger. This episode is equal parts personal story and practical insight, designed to help leaders reflect on where they need to “dare” a little more in their own work.

The Dream Team

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: 1. The Connector — builds trust and relationships 2. The Doer — ensures things get done and done well 3. The Thinker — analyzes, questions, and prepares for the future 4. The Influencer — moves people, ideas, and systems forward 5. The Balancer — brings adaptability and emotional intelligence to keep the team steady With stories, practical insights, and a yin–yang perspective on opposites working together, this episode will help you see your team in a new light—and reflect on how you can build your own dream team.