Impact and Inspiration

Making the world a little better, one speech at a time.

About

Every speech I give is meant to empower people to make the world a little better, every single day. You will never leave one of my speeches without specific, concrete tools for making a difference.

My audiences tell me they like the relatable stories I share, the energy I bring, and the actionable tips I offer.

I’ve loved public speaking since I was in grade school. The chance to reach people with a powerful message is highly motivating to me.

Throughout my career I’ve had the chance to speak to audiences from dozens to over 1,000, all across the United States, as well as in China, where I’ve spent a decade of my life. I’ve spoken to audiences in the corporate, nonprofit, academic, and government sectors.

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Topics

Using our power to create more inclusive workplaces and lives

As I wrote in my book, Humanly Possible, we notice power most when others have it, and when we feel it being used against us. It’s harder to notice power when we have it — so we might end up using it in harmful ways, whether we mean to or not.

How can we become more aware of our power, and use it to improve the working conditions of the people under our care? How can we recover quickly from our mistakes, shake off the shame, and get back to work?

“This is probably the best opening session of any conference I’ve attended.”

I’m not overstating it when I say Jason’s talk was possibly life-changing.”

“I loved this presentation. I want to take what I learned and begin applying it now, in my life here and outside of work.”

Leading globally and across cultures

I know the challenges of leading across cultures and languages. As a fluent Mandarin speaker in high-level leadership in China, as a senior leader in multicultural organizations in the U.S., and as a global consultant and coach, I know what it’s like to be confused and confounded by the dizzying difference around me — and how to leverage differences for the precious strengths that they are.

“This session was absolutely amazing and a perfect opening and introduction to this year’s conference theme. Powerful and timely.”

Credit: Ryan Christopher Gourley

The neuroscience of difference

Evolution has wired us to act first, think later. Our amygdala — the part of the brain that detects threats — forces us to act immediately when we feel threatened: fight, flee, or freeze. Want to survive a lion attack? Thank you, amygdala! Want to lead effectively in the 21st century, across identities, generations, and cultures? Mmm…no thank you, amygdala!

Learn specific skills and strategies for recognizing and interrupting the threat reaction, and for returning again and again to engaging our beautiful neocortex, empowering us to be the best leaders we can possibly be.

“Amazing! Gave me a better perspective on how I can make my employees feel more valued.”

“Jason left us with a simple thing I can do right now to begin applying what I learned to my daily life.”

Innovate better and faster

Thomas Edison said it best: invention is 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration. We love the story of the Big Idea. But what about the 99%? How do the most innovative teams succeed?

The same way any diverse team succeeds: by creating psychologically safe environments where everyone can express themselves freely and feel valued.

“Bring more speakers like Jason Patent to the organization. It was really insightful and resonating.”

“I've had the opportunity to hear Jason's teachings and learnings, and each time I take away the ability to change some of my own behaviors that I believe have made my family dynamics, my community, and my workplace a better place.”

Speaker Reel

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Humanly Possible: A New Model of Leadership for a More Inclusive World

Human beings have everything we need in order to create radically more inclusive workplaces, and a radically more inclusive world. But power mucks everything up. How can we instead use our power every day to create a more inclusive world?

Humanly Possible is a guidebook for a new kind of leadership. If you sense that something greater is possible, download your copy now.

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