Episode 38: The Unexpected CEO Superpower: Curiosity Over Experience with Patrick Thean
The Freedom Experience with Jean Moncrieff
<p>In this episode of <em>The Freedom Experience</em>, I sit down with <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickthean/" rel="nofollow">Patrick Thean</a>, an international speaker, CEO coach, and bestselling author, to explore his remarkable journey and the powerful lessons shared in his new book, <em>The Journey to CEO Success: 7 Practices for High Growth Leadership</em>. From building Inc. 500 companies to guiding CEOs through high-growth challenges, Patrick shares his unique insights into leadership, execution, and cultivating curiosity as a driver of success.</p>
<p>🎥 <a href="https://youtu.be/n0p29xEIqnk" rel="nofollow">Watch this conversation on <span>YouTube</span></a>. Don’t forget to subscribe!</p>
<p><strong>Key Themes</strong>:</p>
<ol>
<li> <p><strong>Leadership Through Curiosity</strong><br>Patrick explains how curiosity, paired with humility, enables CEOs to build stronger connections, adapt to cultural differences, and uncover hidden opportunities.</p> </li>
<li> <p><strong>Execution Over Strategy</strong><br>Discover why execution often outshines strategy in high-growth companies and how prioritization is the key to avoiding entrepreneurial burnout.</p> </li>
<li> <p><strong>Building and Aligning World-Class Teams</strong><br>Patrick discusses why hiring for core values and fostering a culture of alignment leads to long-term success.</p> </li>
<li> <p><strong>The Role of Purpose in Leadership</strong><br>Patrick shares his passion for purpose-driven work, from supporting Samaritan’s Feet to inspiring CEOs to reignite their dreams.</p> </li>
</ol>
<p><strong>Quotes from the Episode</strong>:</p>
<ul>
<li>“Replace fear with curiosity. What is it you don’t know about AI or the challenges your business faces?”</li>
<li>“When you say yes to one thing, you are inadvertently saying no to others. Prioritization is the foundation of execution.”</li>
<li>“Freedom is waking up every day with maximum joy for what you do.”</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Links & Resources Mentioned</strong>:</p>
<ul>
<li>Connect with Patrick on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickthean/" rel="nofollow">LinkedIn</a></li>
<li><a href="https://a.co/d/6me8sgv" rel="nofollow">The Journey to CEO Success: 7 Practices for High Growth Leadership</a> by Patrick Thean</li>
<li>Rhythm Systems (<a href="https://www.rhythmsystems.com/" rel="nofollow"><span>Website</span></a>)</li>
<li>Samaritan’s Feet (<a href="https://www.samaritansfeet.org/" rel="nofollow"><span>Website</span></a>)</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Actionable Takeaways</strong>:</p>
<ol>
<li>Audit your priorities—identify what you will NOT do this quarter.</li>
<li>Practice visualization: Define what success looks like and align your team around it.</li>
<li>Explore the intersection of AI and strategy in your business operations.</li>
</ol>