Overcoming Challenges Through Vulnerability with Trey Patterson

In our latest podcast episode, we delve into the transformative journey of Trey Patterson, a compelling story of hope and resilience. Trey's life is a testament to the profound power of vulnerability, as he shares how he transitioned from a troubled past into a beacon of strength and inspiration. His story begins with a pivotal moment of clarity in a jail cell at the young age of 16, a turning point that led him to embrace the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous. This commitment marked the start of his recovery journey, which has since impacted over 50,000 students.

Here are some key takeaways from this episode on Courage Unmasked:

Vulnerability, as discussed in this episode, plays a crucial role in overcoming life's challenges. We explore its significance, especially amid the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought about a unique set of uncertainties and emotional exposures. We examine how vulnerability, characterized by uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure, can shape personal growth and decision-making. Trey's story exemplifies how embracing vulnerability can serve as a catalyst for achieving our deepest aspirations.

One of the main topics we explore is the intersection of vulnerability and leadership. Trey shares his experiences, including battles with body dysmorphia and the pressures of social media. These discussions reveal how opening up about personal insecurities can foster trust and connection, ultimately building a supportive environment for growth. Insights from notable figures like bodybuilder Phil Heath further highlight the importance of vulnerability in leadership roles. Whether leading a team or striving for personal development, open dialogue and honesty can drive transformative change.

The episode also touches on the fitness industry's impact on mental and emotional health. Trey's journey from competitive bodybuilding to becoming a certified health and wellness coach underscores the need for a balanced approach to health. We discuss how vulnerability can lead individuals to shift focus from extreme physical goals to a more holistic health mindset. Recognizing and addressing mental health issues, often masked by the pursuit of physical perfection, is vital for sustainable well-being.

Throughout the conversation, Trey's humility and willingness to share his insights emphasize the power of encouragement and inspiration. His transition from coaching hundreds at Orange Theory to fostering meaningful relationships with a smaller group illustrates how deeper connections can lead to more profound impacts. The episode serves as a reminder that everyone has the potential to lead and influence others, often in ways they might not realize.

In conclusion, this podcast episode is a rich exploration of how vulnerability can drive personal and professional growth. Trey's story, from overcoming addiction to becoming a motivational speaker and author, showcases the transformative effects of embracing one's struggles. The episode is a call to action for listeners to harness vulnerability as a powerful tool for change, fostering environments of trust and support. Whether you're navigating personal growth, leadership, or the complexities of the fitness industry, this conversation offers valuable insights into achieving a balanced and fulfilling life.

About the Guest

Trey Patterson is a motivational speaker, certified health and wellness coach, and the author of the book "The Sustained Fitness Transformation". From overcoming addiction at a young age to coaching thousands in fitness and wellness, Trey’s journey is a testament to resilience and the power of vulnerability. As a former competitive bodybuilder, he now champions a holistic approach to health, focusing on mental and emotional well-being over physical perfection. His book and work have impacted over 50,000 students and countless others, inspiring individuals to embrace their struggles, lead with authenticity, and create lasting change. Trey’s mission is to empower others to find strength in their vulnerabilities and achieve sustainable growth in all areas of life.

‍‍Transcript

Carol Park (Host)

Hi everyone and welcome to the Courage Unmasked podcast. I'm your host, carol Park, and I'm so excited about this adventure, as we unmask courage through the lens and practice of vulnerability. First, a little bit about me. I'm a licensed professional counselor, a registered and licensed dietitian and a certified eating disorder specialist. I'm also trained in Brene Brown's work, which has honestly been a tremendous source of life change for me. Another fun fact is that I am an entrepreneur and co-founded a HIPAA compliant telehealth platform for mental health providers.

Carol Park (Host)
‍0:39

I know you'll learn more about me as time goes on, but I did want to say that part of our vision for the Courage Unmasked podcast is that we really want to build and support a community of culture-first leaders that can tell a story of vulnerability which we believe, in turn unmasks true courage, which again, then, in turn, builds better work cultures and inspires personal growth and development, turn builds better work cultures and inspires personal growth and development. So, with that being said, let's meet today's guest. Okay, so we'd like to welcome Trey Patterson to the Courage Unmasked podcast. Trey, thanks so much for being with us today.

Trey Patterson (Guest)
1:18

I'm so excited to be here. Thanks for having me.

Carol Park (Host)
1:20

Well, we're excited to have you. So, we're going to start with the proverbial kind of icebreaker which, side note, I don't really like these at parties and things, but I think it's just going to be kind of like start into the flow, get to know you just a little bit before we dive in. So, I want to do top five. Top five favorites. So, what's your favorite book or movie?

Trey Patterson (Guest)
1:42

So what's your favorite book or movie? Favorite book, I love James Clear Atomic Habits and my favorite movie is Hands Down Gladiator, which I'm excited because they just released another Gladiator this. I think it's actually being released tomorrow, so I'm excited about that. I'm going to go check it out.

Carol Park (Host)
1:59

Yeah, nice, nice, okay, so favorite beverage.

Trey Patterson (Guest)
2:04

Favorite beverage. I'm a tea guy. I drink a lot of tea. I cut coffee while back I'm a. I'm a tea guy now.

Carol Park (Host)
2:11

Okay, Good deal. And then food, favorite food favorite food.

Trey Patterson (Guest)
2:15

Uh, I'm going to put aside my trainer cap for a second, not admit that I'm a personal trainer and a nutritionist. I'm a pizza guy. I love pizza.

Carol Park (Host)
2:23

Pizza. Hey, pizzas got all the food categories, so you're good there.

Trey Patterson (Guest)
2:28

Right.

Carol Park (Host)
2:29

How about favorite hobby?

Trey Patterson (Guest)
2:31

Favorite hobby. It seems pretty obvious to say exercise, but I do love cycling. Cycling is probably my favorite pastime activity within fitness.

Carol Park (Host)
2:42

I'll put it like that yeah, nice, nice, and then finally favorite place.

Trey Patterson (Guest)
2:47

Favorite place, Mackinac Island in Michigan. Have you ever been there?

Carol Park (Host)
2:51

No, but I'm going. My sister's 60th birthday is this year and that's on the list to go, so okay, you have to check it out later and you'll have to tell me more, since it's your favorite place.

Trey Patterson (Guest)
3:04

So, I've been there probably 20, 30 times. I'm the guy to talk to if you want some advice, oh absolutely, we will definitely post podcast, have this conversation.

Carol Park (Host)
3:15

Well, again, we're so excited to have you on this morning. So tell us, tell everybody a little bit about yourself and kind of your journey into leadership.

Trey Patterson (Guest)
3:26

Yeah, absolutely so. Going back a few years, in my teenage years I had a little bit of a troubled past and struggled with drug addiction, depression, suicide and so, having all these struggles, at a young age I had a rock bottom experience in a jail cell and was committed to changing my life and I realized at this point in my life the trajectory of my life wasn't looking good, had to make some dramatic changes and during this time I went through the 12 steps of AA, um, and to answer your question, yes, I was the youngest person in every AA meeting I ever went to. I was only 16 at the time and uh and part of it too is I was court ordered to go to these alcoholics alcoholics, anonymous meetings and um. And so I had a big come to Jesus moment when I was 16, got really active in church, got pulled away from the wrong environment, spent during this time. I spent nine months in a military bootcamp school. I'd been expelled from my previous school. So I had a little bit of a troubled past and when I made that transition, getting out of that lifestyle, my biggest goal was just to impact people. I wanted to lead the generation. I wanted to be the Superman for the generation and help troubled teenagers that were struggling with my previous addictions. And during this time I got introduced to an individual that had her own drug awareness organization and I had a few conversations with her. She saw how passionate and charismatic I was and offered me a platform to speak within this organization. And so, from the time I was 18 to 24 years old, I've spoken in front of over 50,000 students in DFW, traveling from high schools to middle schools, just sharing about my story, how I came out of my addiction, how I came out of, um, my suicide, uh, suicidal thoughts, depression, and how I was able to overcome and get out of all that.

Trey Patterson (Guest)
5:35

And so, um, then, as the years went by, uh, graduated college, got a degree in communications. Um, I still I still jokingly tell everybody to this day that you know, as a communications major, this is, you know, you might find it funny as a communications major, you don't really learn a lot except for how to talk. And so I always say you know, I don't really learn any specific trade, but I can BS my way into any job, so I'm really good at communicating. So that's kind of the running joke with communication majors. So went to college learned how to communicate very well.

Trey Patterson (Guest)
6:10

And then from there, I kind of was at this crossroad, didn't really know what fitness bug, was super passionate about fitness and uh, I was, uh, working out at a gym and there was this guy that I really looked up to incredible physique, um, he was a publicized fitness model and um, and he just said, trey, you know what? You're very charismatic, you've got great personality, you would make an amazing group instructor. And how, how would you like it If you became certified? I'll hire you to be a group instructor for um, for my, uh, my classes. And I said, absolutely. So that was my first job as a trainer.

Trey Patterson (Guest)
6:52

And then, within six months, I just decided to apply for um, orange theory fitness I'm not sure if you're familiar with them. So orange theory fitness, big chain, um, and I applied for a job there. I honestly I felt like you know, when you first start something, you don't really feel qualified for it and it's almost like imposter syndrome. I'm walking in to this. You know, auditioning for a role that I knew it was like. It was a very competitive position, a lot of people were applying for that job. I was one of four people to go and audition and long story short, I got the job and I spent the next five years working in Orange Theory Fitness and I was at that point I was instructing, coaching over 500 people on a weekly basis. So I was doing 30 classes a week on average about 18, 20 people per class, and I did that over the course of five years, so I'd coached man, I think 6,500 classes by the time I exited after the five years, um and uh, and so every week, like it was just I, I got to take my motivational speaker and put it into fitness and I would, I would you know, conduct speeches in front of the class and my whole goal was to empower and encourage all the people that were in the class and to push them past what they think their limitations are.

Trey Patterson (Guest)
8:04

And then, from there, I was on my way of transitioning out of Orange Theory when I actually applied for a position at another boutique gym doing group classes and I thought at this time this is going to be great, it's going to be awesome. And then COVID hit and I was in the middle of a job transition. Going to be awesome. And then COVID hit and I was in the middle of a job transition. Here I am at um. You know I didn't have a lot of savings in my account. You know I was. I was, you know, as a fitness coach. I mean just being transparent, you don't make a lot of money, so I didn't have a lot of financial saved.

Trey Patterson (Guest)
8:38

Um, I was definitely struck with a uh, just a reality check of getting my finances in order and for the first three months of COVID, I just started offering. I started inboxing everybody. I knew like, hey, would you like to do personal training with me? Basically, just come support a trainer. I need food on my table.

Trey Patterson (Guest)
8:56

Started selling some very cheap online workouts and then, after the first three months, I will say it was very challenging but it was very rewarding in terms of growth. It was probably my biggest growing experience where I had to really investigate how to you know how to form good financial habits. You know I invested it. You know I started investing in different stocks and learn more about, like, the financial aspects of life. You know, when you're working for someone else and you're getting a paycheck every week, like you don't really you're not really, and especially as young as you are, when you're in your twenties, you don't really think into the future and you know your 401k and what's retirement look like. And all this stuff became a reality check for me when I got put into that position where it's like, wow, like I need to get bread on my table to survive and so, uh, but anyways, that was actually the beginning of me forming my own business.

Trey Patterson (Guest)
9:49

So, I became a full-time personal trainer. To this day, I'm still a full-time personal trainer, um, and now I also I do group classes as well. Um, I'm partner with um Addison, uh, with um Addison, texas. Um, I've got a permit with them where I do offer group classes outside and I do personal training as well. I became certified as a health and wellness coach and I wrote my first book and it's going to be the first of many. So that's where I'm at today. So I am a full-time business owner, work for myself, self-employed, and have my own training business and I'm an author and I do a little bit of speaking on the side as well.

Carol Park (Host)
10:26

Fantastic, so many leadership roles. And even as you were talking, I was thinking, oh so true, covid was such the just vulnerability come in and for everybody. You know, uncertainty, risk, emotional exposure is how Brene Brown defines vulnerability. And so, for you it's like, oh, the group classes at the gym we all remember it's like shut down and then, as you said, it's like, oh gosh, I got to put bread on my table, and I didn't write my finances in order is what you said. So that vulnerability that was just catapulted onto all of us then, you know, kind of drove you to figure some things out and sounds like too opened up a lot of gateways for you. So, the kind of not necessarily wanted, but catapult, you know, it just kind of came out of nowhere, where that vulnerability kind of pushed you into that.

Carol Park (Host)
11:30

So, I do want to hear a little more about your book, because if I think again that definition vulnerability, uncertainty, risk and emotional exposure I mean publishing a book is going to have lots of uncertainty and risk and then certainly potential for lots of emotional exposure. So, tell us just a little bit about your book that you published.

Trey Patterson (Guest)
11:55

Yeah, you know, it's funny you mentioned the word vulnerability because you know, like I jokingly say like I'm an open book and I've written books. So everything that about my baggage, all the things that I struggled with in my past, my teenage years, even just struggles I had as a fitness coach, I used to compete in bodybuilding as well Um, and there was a lot of like mental struggles, body dysmorphia that I developed through those years of competing and and this is all stuff that I lay out in my book. So, you know, I jokingly say, but also at the same time, I'm serious, I'm an open book. You know all the information about, you know the struggles that I used to have. It's all in my book. I exposed it to the world.

Trey Patterson (Guest)
12:36

book. So, the title of the book is the "Sustained Fitness Transformation". So, one thing I will say is I actually I've never even thought about writing a book. And you know, funny, during COVID I got really big into reading. I was just really hungry for growth. It was a time in my life, like I said at the beginning of COVID, where I developed a growth mindset, and I really was hungry to learn about financials. I was hungry to learn about how to grow in leadership, how to run your own company, and so the Sustained Fitness Transformation.

Trey Patterson (Guest)
13:12

I started reading a lot of books and at the time I just wanted to be the best steward of the position that I was given, and my position was being a personal trainer and leading my team and leading the people that are coming out to my group classes all my personal training clients as well. And so, I started reading a lot of books and, honestly, I had no intention of writing a book. And then, after I was reading all these books, like there was a lot of books that just kind of gave. Like a lot of the authors gave their opinion on what actions you should take to be successful, but none of these books talked about what systems to create in order to produce change. And so, I kind of tie within my book. I tie my past and how I came out of a drug addiction mindset to someone who's free um, who came out of that addiction Um, and I tie up a lot of.

Trey Patterson (Guest)
13:57

I talk a lot about identity and understanding your identity. Um, that the um, the like. For example, the outcome of the highest achievement is an identity change. So I talk about, like, if you're trying to create sustainable change in your fitness journey, don't seek to get into the habit of running, but seek to become a runner, because if you start to see yourself as something like identity, behavior theory suggests that if you see yourself as something, you're more likely to continue in the actions that reflect your shaped identity, to continue in the actions that reflect your shaped identity. So, I started talking about within the book how to create systems to produce change rather than just here's the information on how to get results. Like we all know, we should avoid fast food, drink a lot of water. But I also talk about how to form new habits. I talk about how to shift your identity, how to develop the proper mindsets to produce that success.

Carol Park (Host)
14:50

You know, it's so interesting because you said you're an open book and even talking about your past and at 16, when you had that rock bottom moment and made the decision that you were going to change and that life was going to change, and then you moved into that. I want to help others change. You know, I think sometimes people don't understand that even moving from and I'm going to use this term a jail cell to success is vulnerable. You know, we think that because, again, it's uncertainty. What you knew was things of your past at that time and those were that's, that's what you knew, so that was certain.

Carol Park (Host)
15:37

So, to move to the uncertainty of success and the risk of do I put myself out there? I mean, again, we think that it's like vulnerability is always going to. You know, this is what it is what you wanted, but we think of it as well. Of course you want it. So that's not vulnerable. But the truth is, moving from what you're familiar was which let's just call it that trouble past, the addiction to success at that point was actually very vulnerable. Past, the addiction to success at that point was actually very vulnerable. But I like what Brene says too, that vulnerability is actually the gateway to the things that we want more of in life.

Trey Patterson (Guest)
16:19

Absolutely.

Carol Park (Host)
16:20

Yeah, and so you moved into that vulnerability of getting clean and sober and whatever all of that entails. So that's really that's amazing. So, as we're talking about vulnerability, has there ever been a time you, as a trainer or a coach or a mentor, that and you said you shared some of this? Is there a specific example that you would want to share of when you were vulnerable, like with a client, that then led them to inspire them to change or to growth?

Trey Patterson (Guest)
17:38

Yeah, I think within fitness, you know, there's a lot, even within my book, that I talked about with my struggles with body dysmorphia, um, struggles that I had with poor eating patterns, and you know it's when sometimes it almost feels like, in a weird sort of way, like when clients come to me they're very reserved, they don't want to share, cause, at the end of the day, like it's not easy to be vulnerable, it's not easy to share, like I have an eating disorder, it's not easy to share that and sometimes it takes, it takes a long time sometimes to build that trust as well. Yeah, um, and so it's what I find as a leader when I am training clients, that when I open up and share about my struggles, it makes them comfortable because they realize, okay, like it makes me relatable. They look at me and say you know cause, sometimes I think, as a leader like you, you want to present yourself as like you're on this throne, you're strong, you're mighty, you're grand, you're great. But when you actually open up and share, like, hey, I've got these struggles too and I even still struggle with some of these struggles Um, I think that's when, um, they become much more inclined to become vulnerable with you and open up to you and share about their struggles. And I've seen that over and over again when I talk about like hey, listen, it's normal to struggle with eating patterns. It's normal to struggle, especially in today's day and age.

Trey Patterson (Guest)
18:53

You know, I keep going back to body dysmorphia and that's something I struggle with, and it seems like almost the majority of my clients struggle with that. You know, we have all these filters today that alter appearance, and one thing I even say in my book is and not trying to make any social argument against filters, but filters make the world see a better version of you quote unquote but it makes you see a flawed version of you. And so, when you open up and share about your own insecurities and you share about your own struggles with body dysmorphia or whatever it is, it makes them much more inclined to talk about. You know what you're right I do get triggered when I'm on social media because I'm so, you know, I'm so busy comparing myself to others' looks and lives and it's not realistic. So, I've seen, I've seen it over and over where, just when you express that vulnerability with them, it makes them much more inclined to open up and share with you.

Carol Park (Host)
19:46

Absolutely. I think that is one of the keys in leadership. You know we want to see in other people vulnerability, but we're scared to, so we're scared to share it ourselves. But really in leadership, I do think, as we can open up and share our humanity and so the common humanity trust is a word you just used, and I absolutely agree that can help build trust which creates safety within the relational dynamics, so then they can feel safe to open up and now you have connection, and with connection I mean there's so much opportunity for growth and change.

Carol Park (Host)
20:28

And so, yeah, what an incredible example which, just as an aside, I don't know if you know this about me or not. I said it in the intro, but I have actually worked with eating disorders for 40 plus years at this point, and I'm so grateful that you, as a male, can share that. You have this struggle because everybody believes that it's just, it just affects women, you know, but it doesn't. It really doesn't. And, as you touch on the different aspects of what social media does and all of that, it's really hard. So, to find people who are willing to be open, to share and find that common humanity and build trust, it really does help all of us. So, thank you for sharing that.

Trey Patterson (Guest)
21:17

Yeah, absolutely. You know. There's actually something else that just came to mind and it's something that for the longest time, I think, I was in denial that I actually had this issue. And it's funny because we're talking about leadership, we're talking about vulnerability, and a few years back when I say a few years back, it's probably about seven, eight years ago there was a guy named Phil Heath.

Trey Patterson (Guest)
21:35

I don't know if you know like much about the bodybuilding scene, but he's like a seven time Mr Olympia and he openly came out and talked about like how he had body dysmorphia and an eating disorder. And so it's interesting because he opened up and you just think like here's this guy, he's at the top of the bodybuilding circuit and it's crazy because it honestly it convicted me. I was like you know what I mean. Everything he's talking about I can relate to. This is a struggle of mine as well. And so you talk about leadership, actually opening it up and being vulnerable with your audience, when you're supposed to be the poster child of health, you're supposed to be the poster child of bodybuilding, and here you are talking about your struggles, and it allowed me to even open up and say you know what I get, that that makes sense.

Carol Park (Host)
22:21

Wow, yeah, again, it's that I think of him at the top Uncertainty, risk. Do I open this up and it blows everything, and then I'm just devastated and whatever. And yet it's like look what it did your life and then, and then it's like it just trickles down, you know, and then as humans, we feel seen, and then it allows for our own personal growth and change, or in teams, you know too. So, wow, what an example. You know. I was going to ask you has there ever been a client who was vulnerable that inspired you? But in this case, it was another leader that inspired you by opening up, which, I think, is how vulnerability really works. So, but is there like, have you ever worked with a client, and they were vulnerable, perhaps first, or whatever that allowed you then to grow or see something differently?

Trey Patterson (Guest)
23:20

Yeah, absolutely, I think you know there's. I think more so when I think about when I was my years of being a motivational speaker, getting to work directly with teens that had those depressions and struggles. You know there was. You know, like we had a big support group, you know. So we're always sharing things with each other and sometimes you don't even realize that it is the struggle, that it is, until someone else opens up and shares what their struggle is. And then all of a sudden it makes sense to you, like in the same, in the same way that, like when Phil Heath opened up and talked about his struggle with body dysmorphia and even eating disorder. You know, mind you, this guy's a monster, he's huge, you know, and like you just think, like this guy had eating disorder, but it's, it's interesting that it's it's. You know, when you're in that type of support group and people are sharing about their struggles, and all of a sudden it resonates with you and you realize, wow, I've got that same struggle. So it 100% works both ways.

Carol Park (Host)
24:16

Yeah, yeah, that's. That's incredible, you know, as we're talking about even kind of social media and the fitness industry, and you know how that can actually. Sometimes it could lead to people becoming less, say, like mentally healthy, instead of more you know. Focus on that because we're such a society. I think that so for you, how do you feel like vulnerability and leadership may impact? The fitness industry to be more holistic in nature and perhaps not just focused on how the body may look in the external image. You've touched on it already.

Carol Park (Host)
25:11

The story is amazing and I'm so grateful that you've had the courage to come on and to share it and write your book and that you're going to continue to just put it out there. But how do you think some of this may, the vulnerability, may impact the fitness industry to perhaps become more holistic in nature mental health, emotional health, not just the physical.

Trey Patterson (Guest)
25:37

Yeah, I, I, um, trying to trying to think. So, you know, I, I let me let me kind of point the finger at myself on this one. So, you know, my mindset changed through the years, you know, when I started realizing and starting to see the vulnerability and seeing the struggles of people that were in the fitness space and talking about, especially a lot of competitors like, as someone who is a bodybuilding competitor, um, and all the you know, and I've even trained a lot of other competitors a lot of these competitors they've got a body dysmorphia. I mean, I'd probably say a majority of people competing there's, there is a body dysmorphia behind that, you know, to take their body to that extreme.

Trey Patterson (Guest)
26:15

And so I think that, as more and more people are starting to realize and I'm by no means bashing bodybuilding, bodybuilding- is great, I think there's a lot of people that you know there's a lot of people that that it's it's a great thing for them in a lot of ways, like I loved it because it was something that really pushed me into stricter discipline, eating healthy, um, and helped me to form good habits, um, but uh, I'll put it like this, like when I started getting out of that and started developing my own health issues and then hearing other people that were vulnerable about their struggles, in that it kind of pushed me into more of a health and wellness space and that's why I became certified as a health and wellness coach.

Trey Patterson (Guest)
26:54

And I think that for a lot of people, especially in fitness, fitness, like, when you think about fitness, you mainly think about like you want to look good, you're trying to, you know, accomplish something great, whether it's on a marathon, and so you have these great goals and that's all awesome, um, but in a lot of ways, there is a lot of to take your body to the extreme from a bodybuilding perspective.

Trey Patterson (Guest)
27:15

There's a lot of unhealthy elements involved in that, and so I think, as more and more people open up about their struggles and what they're going through and their body dysmorphia, eating disorders, whatever it is, um, that's more people are kind of shifting into more of a health mindset and realizing, like man, I'm actually hurting myself by taking my trying to take my body to this extreme. So I think that it's more, not so much like within the whole fitness industry that there's a shift, but it's in the individual that, uh, that vulnerability is really shifting them into more of a health space rather than, you know, physique and fitness and bodybuilding space, if that makes sense.

Carol Park (Host)
27:56

Yeah, that makes so much sense, I think, for me. A lot of times I will refer to our bodies as our earth suits. You know that this is the vehicle that I've been given to live out my passion, my purpose. You know my goals, and so you said being the steward and that you know you've got so many different areas that you're passionate. But but really, is there a for you? Is there a primary message or goal that you find yourself speaking or wanting to kind of promote as you do the work that you do, and maybe you don't, but so one thing I'll say is you know, someone listening to this might, you know, might think to themselves like I'm not a leader.

Trey Patterson (Guest)
28:46

They hear all this talk about leadership, being a leader, being vulnerable, and they might think to themselves that I'm not a leader because, well, I'm not a manager for company, I don't have my own business, I don't really have a lot of people that look up to me. But the reality is and this is something I even mentioned in my book is that everyone is a leader because everyone leads someone. So, whether you know it or not, there's someone that looks up to you. It could be your daughter, it could be your son, it could be your son, it could be your sister, it could be your brother, it could be someone in your network that looks up to you.

Trey Patterson (Guest)
29:29

So, everyone is a leader and the essence of much more substantial impact on those few than someone that like, for example, for myself, that could be on a stage speaking in front of several thousand people, and so and that's one thing I will say that I actually had to learn the hard way. It was very humbling when I, you know, left my position with Orange Theories. You know, coaching 500 people on a weekly basis, feeling like I'm making this incredible impact to only coaching a few people on a weekly basis when I first started, and it made me realize that you know what, I can make a much grander impact on those 20 people that I'm coaching today than those 500 people that I didn't really even have that much of a relationship with. So I think, at the end of the day, most important thing is to remember that everybody is a leader, because everyone leads someone and you can have a very profound impact on those few people that you lead.

Carol Park (Host)
30:20

Wow, Trey, that's yes Exclamation point to that Beautiful and just again, so grateful that you were willing to come on to the podcast today to be vulnerable in sharing your story, and I'm glad you know that you're open book if you will, that you're willing to be vulnerable and share, and that you wrote a book that is open for people to read, and I just thank you so much. You're a leader, you're an encourager, you inspire those who you work with and then it trickles down right and so just pass that on and so that's part of the goal in the podcast and, yes, your vulnerability, your willingness to come on, so grateful.

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