Podcast Summary: The Leadership Dance Episode 7: Storytelling with Joy & Curiosity, featuring Arielle Patrick Release Date: January 6, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 7 of The Leadership Dance, host Alissa Hsu Lynch engages in a vibrant conversation with Arielle Patrick, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Ariel Investments and its private equity arm, Ariyl Alternatives. As a seasoned leader recognized for her excellence in communications and advocacy for diversity, Arielle brings a wealth of experience from both the corporate and artistic worlds. This episode delves into her career trajectory, the power of storytelling, advocacy for diversity, and balancing professional responsibilities with personal life.
Guest Background
Arielle Patrick boasts an impressive resume, including senior roles at renowned PR firms Edelman and Weber Shandwick. A Princeton University alumna, she serves on multiple boards such as American Ballet Theatre, Yellowstone National Parks Foundation, and Chelsea Factory. Her accolades include PR Week Magazine's Women of Distinction Award and Innovator 25 by Provoke Media. Arielle's multifaceted career is underpinned by her passion for storytelling, nurtured by a culturally rich upbringing.
Notable Quote:
"There was a lot happening that was disrupting the media industry at the time... that became an incredibly lucrative and emerging part of the marketing and communications ecosystem."
— Arielle Patrick [04:40]
Career Journey: From Arts to Corporate Communications
Arielle reflects on her early aspirations in the arts, shaped by her mother's background in singing and her father's passion for book collecting. Initially dreaming of a career in musical theater, she transitioned to journalism during college, influenced by the evolving media landscape and the rise of digital platforms. Recognizing the dwindling prospects in traditional print media, she pivoted to public relations, an area that aligned with her love for storytelling.
Notable Quote:
"I sort of ditched the concept of having a five or ten-year plan a long time ago in my career... I've essentially found ways to exceed my own expectations."
— Arielle Patrick [04:40]
Storytelling in Leadership
A central theme of the episode is the role of storytelling in leadership. Arielle emphasizes that storytelling is not just about conveying information but about creating narratives that resonate and inspire. Her background in the arts has honed her ability to craft compelling stories, a skill that translates seamlessly into her corporate role where effective communication is paramount.
Notable Quote:
"The through line was storytelling, you know, writing, research, narrative. And that's sort of how I ended up becoming a communicator."
— Arielle Patrick [01:45]
Advocacy for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
Arielle discusses her passion for DEI, highlighting her sponsorship of a study on diversity trends in corporate America. The research reveals that while 98% of board directors consider DEI a primary agenda item, there is a noticeable decline in capital committed to DEI initiatives. Arielle argues that effective DEI strategies require both top-down commitments and robust communication to bridge the gap between leadership and employees.
Notable Quote:
"If DEI is considered a primary agenda item, it should be treated with the same rigor they would anything else."
— Arielle Patrick [23:02]
Board Involvement and Philanthropy
Beyond her corporate responsibilities, Arielle serves on several nonprofit boards, including the American Ballet Theatre and Yellowstone Forever. She attributes her board memberships to a service-oriented mindset, where contributing her expertise aids these institutions while also enriching her professional skills. Her involvement underscores the interconnectedness of business acumen and philanthropic endeavors.
Notable Quote:
"It was actually just about being of service... Using my core skills in another context helped me just train and expand my brain."
— Arielle Patrick [27:02]
Networking and Building Authentic Relationships
Arielle shares her approach to networking, advocating for relationship-building based on authenticity and service rather than transactional interactions. She highlights the importance of nurturing long-term connections through genuine interest and support, which often lead to meaningful professional opportunities.
Notable Quote:
"Focus on the one or two people in the room who you have something in common with... be of service to them over time, not just asking for things."
— Arielle Patrick [30:37]
Balancing Career and Personal Life
As a new mother with a demanding career, Arielle discusses strategies for balancing her professional responsibilities with personal life. She emphasizes the importance of prioritization, setting clear objectives, and practicing self-care. By filtering commitments based on her immediate goals and eliminating non-essential obligations, Arielle maintains her well-being and effectiveness both at work and home.
Notable Quote:
"My form of self-care is just shedding obligation... pick what your priority is and weed out from there."
— Arielle Patrick [37:14]
Developing Confidence and Overcoming Barriers
Arielle attributes her confidence and success to her upbringing and proactive approach to building relationships. Encouraged by her parents to believe in her potential, she learned to navigate predominantly white and male-dominated environments by engaging with others through curiosity and shared interests. This mindset has been pivotal in her ascent to the C-suite.
Notable Quote:
"I subconsciously entered rooms not assuming that people were smarter than me and that I deserve to be there."
— Arielle Patrick [33:33]
Advice for Navigating Careers with Authenticity
In her closing thoughts, Arielle advises trusting oneself and maintaining resilience in the face of challenges. She recommends keeping a personal data log to track past successes and using them as confidence boosters when confronting new obstacles. Additionally, she underscores the importance of effective communication and maintaining integrity to foster trust and respect in professional settings.
Notable Quote:
"Trusting yourself is the hardest part... you have to be comfortable and flexible about the fact that that's going to change and accepting of it."
— Arielle Patrick [42:42]
Conclusion
Arielle Patrick's journey from the arts to corporate leadership exemplifies the symbiotic relationship between creativity and strategic communication. Her commitment to storytelling, diversity, and authentic relationship-building provides valuable insights for aspiring leaders. Through her experiences, Arielle illustrates how embracing joy and curiosity can choreograph a fulfilling and impactful leadership dance.
Key Takeaways
- Embrace Storytelling: Crafting compelling narratives is essential for effective leadership and communication.
- Prioritize DEI: Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion must be supported by tangible investments and clear communication.
- Authentic Networking: Building genuine relationships based on service rather than transactions leads to meaningful professional opportunities.
- Balance and Self-Care: Prioritizing objectives and eliminating non-essential commitments is crucial for maintaining personal and professional well-being.
- Confidence and Resilience: Trusting oneself and maintaining integrity fosters resilience and sustained success in leadership roles.
For those interested in leadership, communication, and the interplay between the arts and business, Episode 7 of The Leadership Dance offers a wealth of insights and inspiration through Arielle Patrick’s remarkable experiences.