Episode notes
How would your workplace culture change if love and service were driving forces? In episode 250 of At The Table, Pat and Cody introduce the concepts of BaaM (Business as a Ministry) and WaaM (Work as a Ministry). They explore how viewing business and work through the lens of service and love can create healthier workplaces and stronger organizations. Whether you’re leading a public company or managing a small team, this conversation will invite how you think about purpose, culture, and results. Topics explored in this episode: (0:32) Business as a Ministry (BaaM) * How businesses can be seen…
Chapters
Tap a chapter to play from there.
Podcast
At The Table with Patrick Lencioni
Patrick Lencioni · Business · English
Real conversations and practical advice for everyday leaders. Sit across the table from one of the foremost experts in leadership and business. In his simple and approachable style, Pat tackles every topic related to the world of work (and some that aren’t). From culture to teamwork to building…
More from At The Table with Patrick Lencioni All episodes →
-
E255 · 11 Nov 2025 · 25 min
255. Efficiency vs. Humanity
What happens when innovation outpaces our moral compass? In episode 255 of At The Table, Patrick and Cody wrestle with the tension between technological innovation and human dignity in the workplace. As artificial intelligence reshapes industries, they ask whether efficiency has become more important than humanity. This episode invites leaders and consumers alike to seek a moral “true north”—one that values people over profit and connection over convenience. Topics explored in this episode: (02:57) Innovation Without a True North * Concern that the rise of AI could fundamentally displace…
-
E254 · 28 Oct 2025 · 18 min
254. Virtual Politics
Have your remote teams been unknowingly breeding politics through silence and distance? In episode 254 of At The Table, Pat and Cody explore how remote work can unintentionally foster politics and erode trust within teams. They unpack why virtual communication creates space for misunderstanding and suspicion—even among well-intentioned people. They also offer practical advice for building connections, restoring trust, and maintaining healthy team dynamics across distance. Topics explored in this episode: (00:00) Understanding Virtual Politics * How “virtual politics” can be thought of as the…
-
E253 · 14 Oct 2025 · 19 min
253. Trust Must Be Exercised
Are you unintentionally eroding trust by avoiding hard conversations? Also, what happens to your team when trust goes unexercised? In episode 253 of At The Table, Patrick Lencioni and Cody Thompson unpack why trust isn’t something to simply build and preserve—it must be used, stretched, and tested to grow stronger. They explore how leaders unintentionally erode trust by avoiding honest curiosity, mistaking it for suspicion. Topics explored in this episode: (00:00) Curiosity vs. Suspicion * How simple questions like “What are you working on?” can build or break trust. * Why avoiding questions…
-
E252 · 30 Sep 2025 · 15 min
252. Where There's Smoke...
What happens to a culture when leaders ignore problems? In episode 252 of At The Table, Patrick and Cody explore the leadership principle of running toward the fire. They discuss why leaders often ignore the “smoke” of personnel or cultural issues, hoping problems will resolve themselves. Instead, they argue that credibility, trust, and organizational health are built when leaders courageously confront issues before they spread. Topics explored in this episode: 00:35 – Seeing Smoke * Leaders set the tone by how they respond to problems. 03:33 – Defining the Fire * Personnel problems are the…
-
E251 · 16 Sep 2025 · 22 min
251. Transition Equation
In what ways can the formula for change be useful for understanding both personal and organizational change? In episode 251 of At The Table, Patrick and Cody explore the so-called change equation, a simple yet powerful formula that explains why some change efforts succeed while others stall. Breaking it down into dissatisfaction, vision, and a first simple step—multiplied together—they show how these elements must outweigh resistance for change to occur. Topics explored in this episode: 0:55 – The Change Equation 3:17 – D: Dissatisfaction with the Current State * How leaders and individuals…
-
E249 · 19 Aug 2025 · 18 min
249. Hunger Wins
How can you create a workforce of hungry people who aren't trying to prove their worth by the number of hours they work? And how can you help your coworkers build a sense of ownership and passion around their work? In episode 249 of At The Table, Pat and Cody explore why “hunger wins” when it comes to building competitive, effective teams. They challenge the misconception that long hours translate to productivity. They also reveal how to create sustainable competitiveness that inspires people to go above and beyond—without burning them out. Topics explored in this episode: (0:40) Hunger and…
-
E248 · 5 Aug 2025 · 31 min
248. Leadership Lessons From the Kisscam
How can leaders resist the ego-inflation that comes with praise and status? In episode 248 of At The Table, Pat and Cody reflect on the viral Coldplay kiss cam scandal—not to sensationalize it, but to draw important leadership lessons from it. They explore the dangers of ego, power, and isolation for leaders, particularly those who fail to stay grounded in their home life and faith. Topics explored in this episode: (0:56) When Praise Becomes Poison * Why the Coldplay incident is more than just clickbait—it’s a cautionary tale. (6:44) How Leaders Lose Their Way * "Reward-centered" versus…
-
E247 · 22 Jul 2025 · 20 min
247. Leadership Isn't Cool
Why might being “cool” make someone a dangerous person to work for? And why are some of the greatest leaders uncool? In episode 247 of At The Table, Pat and Cody challenge the cultural obsession with being “cool” and examine how it can corrupt leadership. Using a global study that defined six traits of coolness—especially “powerful” and “hedonistic”—they reveal how these values run counter to responsible leadership. Through stories, examples, and hard truths, they make the case that great leaders are often deeply uncool—and that's precisely what makes them trustworthy. Topics Patrick…
-
E246 · 8 Jul 2025 · 15 min
246. Party at the DMV: When Meta-Culture Shapes Workplace Culture
How does the broader culture of your location influence your organization’s internal culture? In episode 246 of At The Table, Patrick Lencioni and Cody Thompson explore how meta-culture—the broader geographic or societal environment—shapes the internal culture of organizations. From experiences at the DMV to moving company headquarters, they share insights on how values interact with location. Topics explored in this episode: (2:44) Organizational Culture Exists Within a Larger Culture * The macro culture of a city or state can either support or resist company values. * Remote work and…
-
E245 · 24 Jun 2025 · 17 min
245. Dissecting a GOAT
What are some universal traits of successful leaders that any leader in any field can emulate? In episode 245 of At The Table, Patrick Lencioni and Cody Thompson reflect on a remarkable leader they consider one of the greatest CEOs they’ve encountered—Tony Mazzella of Mazzella Companies. Tony’s approach to leadership is rooted in humility, deep responsibility, and a relentless desire to learn, all without seeking fame or recognition. This conversation breaks down the traits that make a truly great CEO, far beyond what the public eye ever sees. Topics explored in this episode: (2:42) Humility…
Take it with you
The Melo app keeps playing with the screen off, works in the car and on your watch, wakes you to your station, and browses the whole catalogue offline. Free, no ads, no account.
