Purpose, Agency, and the Real Work of Leadership with Dr. Patrick Farran

Episode notes

In this powerful conversation, Romie Montpeirous sits down with leadership expert Dr. Patrick Farran—founder of The Ad Lucem Group and former Notre Dame MBA faculty member—to unpack the true meaning of leadership in today’s complex world. They explore: Why purpose is the foundation for resilience in leadership How agency (or lack of it) silently kills engagement and fuels burnout Why leaders don’t need to have all the answers—but must have humility How to foster ethical leadership in nuanced, high-stakes environments The truth about culture: it’s not ping pong tables—it’s the way we treat people Why hiring for values (not just pedigree) transforms teams Plus, Patrick opens up about his personal journey through triathlons and how discipline and growth mindset shape his leadership today. This episode is a call to reflection, courage, and aligned action—for every leader who wants to build something real. Learn more at