Dr. Alan M.
Patterson

Author + Enthusiast on leadership
& Talent development; Chief Executive Ladderburner

Alan has inspired hundreds of clients over the past four decades – but not by using standard coaching methods. Instead, he guides career-driven professionals down a path toward meaningful work that is not only successful but also rewarding.

quick Highlights

Professional Experience

Alan has worked with leaders from across the nation with a diverse mix of experience & industry backgrounds.

  • Broad Institute
  • Federal Reserve Bank
  • Hewlett Packard
  • Johnson and Johnson
  • Kite Pharma
  • Major League Baseball
  • United States Army
Education

He has also brought his methods to many conferences and workshops and has served as an adjunct professor in business schools across the country, where he has changed quite a few career paths and, dare we say, a few lives.

  • BA from University of Wisconsin
  • MA from University of North Carolina
  • Ed.D from Boston University
Speaking Engagements

While Alan’s head is full of knowledge and expertise, it’s what is in his heart that sets him apart as a distinctive, industry-leading speaker and voice of inspiration.

  • Young Professionals organizations (Wisconsin-based, UP-ties)
  • SHRM organizations
  • Association of Latino Professionals For America

What People Are Saying...

Alan shines a light on the evolving career landscape of today's market and empowers young professionals to think beyond the corporate ladder to forge their own path without the restraints of archaic expectations.
Megan Schueller
Megan SchuellerLending Project Officer
Patterson doesn’t offer tricks, gimmicks, or slogans of ten-steps-to-happiness. This is a book of deep wisdom as well as practical advice. Anyone who reads it will be wiser—and happier on the job—for it.
Mark Walters
Mark WaltersProfessor, University of South Florida
This book is a road map for crafting one's career. Alan cites compelling data and expert sources along with his own vivid metaphors and anecdotes in presenting his case for a new perspective on career management. In a nutshell the focus is on who you want to become and why. The book is a must read irrespective of one's career stage.
John Poirier, Ed.D.
John Poirier, Ed.D.Executive Coach and Professor of Human Resources
An insightful guide to becoming your best professional self at any stage of your career – even if that means burning the ladder you thought you loved! Patterson is equal parts researcher and raconteur, truth-telling with razor-sharp wit. Both thoroughly delightful and thought-provoking. Patterson's latest project reads quick and lasts long.
Kim Huettl
Kim HuettlProgram Manager, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
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Topic Suggestions

Book Alan Now

Leadership & Career Evolution

From Technical Expert to Strategic Leader or Career Transformations.

The Future of Work

Let's talk about revelation through resignation ... or who is to blame for employee engagement? There are limits of culture in advancing your career.

The Learning Lab

Growth opportunities within organizations can happen anywhere with this approach. Need a topic to fit young professionals, let's chat!

Featured in:

I’ve been featured in/with with the following organizations:

Self-help career development

Alan's Leadership Books

Burn Ladders. Build Bridges. Pursuing Work with Meaning + Purpose

Paperback & Kindle versions available.

Buy now on Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Leader Evolution: From Technical Expertise to Strategic Leadership

Paperback, Kindle, audio versions available.

Buy it now on Amazon.

Ladderburners, unite!

If you choose purpose over power, collective advancement over solo achievements, this mindset & community is for you.

Let's Talk
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