Hero Testimonials

R. Michael Condrey

CLU, CFP Northwestern Mutual

“Habits of Heroes is a tremendous program…for both the mentor and the mentees! I see it as having the potential to dramatically change our industry- one Hero at a time!”

Rick Pennell

CEO, Metromont Corporation

“We all have a journey in life and the Habits of Heroes taught me how to get the most out of mine. My experience was inspirational, thought provoking and humbling.”

Trina Marlow

Sr. Director, Quality Improvement, Ironbow Inc.

“I had no idea that I would gain this much insight, when I started this program. The true value is when you discover these lessons are utilized at a subconscious level. It’s amazing how “release attachment to outcome” was such a big part of making the transition. Embrace it.”

Greg Landers

(former)Cisco SSEM

The Habits of Heroes” program was truly life-changing. Obvious yet illusive, the 12 Practices require deep thought and great conversation! There was no greater honor for me than leading my team through this program over the last year though I was intimidated at first about leading a group.  EVERY Practice became meaningful and impactful in my home life and professional career. What a tremendous joy this has been.

Kenneth G. Estep

Program Manager, Cisco Systems

For me The Habits of Heroes program was instrumental in my overall recovery for the loss of my wife, a 20 year journey, and my son, so far a 10 year journey. It helped me to address internal issues, understand more about myself and put in place the habits. In fact I am reviewing them again as I transition to a new role in the Cisco organization. I led these lessons with 2 Cisco mentee’s and a Partner mentee. Each found the course most enlightening.

Tim Silk

Sr. Manager, Systems Engineering, Data Center, US Public Sector

“The Habits of Heroes” is a revolutionary development program that focuses squarely at the heart of People Leadership. My experience in the program awakened me to the life-changing habits that will enable me to effectively lead myself and my team. Habits of Heroes had a profound impact on me as a person and as a leader. Cisco would benefit significantly if all leaders practiced the habits studied in this program.

Mike Younkers

Senior Director, Systems Engineering, US Federal, Cisco

In a world that is desperate for leadership, The Habits of Heroes is a powerful and life-altering journey.  It takes the participants deeply inside themselves, inside the core tenants of leadership and helps them emerge not only as better individuals and better leaders but also as a mentor.  Having personally participated in this program, first as a student and then as a mentor with my own cohort of mentees, I have experienced first-hand the power of this journey.  Given the incredible change taking place within Cisco and the indescribable need we have for authentic leaders and mentors, the Habits of Heroes will transform our leadership and bring our People Deal to life.

Tony Bovia

(former) Sr. Manager, Cisco Sales Engineering

The Habits of Heroes program is most impressive as every course I have taken with the Patnaude Group has had a strong mentoring component. I have incorporated these critical lessons into my leadership role at Cisco as developing our next generation of leaders is a critical component for future success.

Chris Dolan

Cisco SEM

Habits of Heroes was a very emotionally enriching course. The content and dialog helped solidify the importance of the foundational skills in life, to the outcome on human interactions, including the critical task of mentoring relationships. Thanks Jeff for being so patient and collaborative in your instruction.

Mike McIver

(former)Cisco Systems SE

It was easy to recognize, after just a few lessons, that The Habits of Heroes is not a year-long class – instead it is a lifelong set of practices that created unbelievable changes for helping me become a stronger leader and mentor.

Stacy Betts

Senior Director, Cisco US Partner Organization

I had the wonderful opportunity to work with Jeff Patnaude for close to 4 years as the Executive Sponsor of the premier transformational leadership program in the Cisco Americas Partner Organization called Leadership in Action (LiA).  I saw firsthand the impact his program had on our participants.  We had over 200 graduates over the 4 year period.  His approach really focuses on the “how” and “why” of a HERO leadership level…reaching those deep areas in a person’s development that leave lasting change not just at work but in all facets of life.  His gift to help people see their potential as leaders and human beings is truly unique and transformational.

George Perakis

SSEM, Cisco, Sr. Systems Engineering Manager, Global Security Sales Organization

The principles from the Habits of Heroes are very much aligned with the servant leadership culture that we have as a USPS GSSO leadership team.  It’s a framework of how to treat each other: listen and pay attention to your team and mentees, honor kindness, be truthful, integrity, humility (confidence without humility is arrogance), create a safe space for your team.  The training helps you raise the bar to be a better leader.

Tim Carter

SEM, Cisco

The Habits of Heroes is a transformational training that enhances your leadership skills by first looking inside yourself to help you understand who you are.  Then it brings out key leadership strengths within you to enhance your style and trait. After going through this program, my relationship with my direct team is much better. By understanding myself better and new sensitivity in leadership skills like listening, presence, honor, trust and so on, I’ve reached a deeper level with my team. I would recommend this training to any leader whether they are new or have years of experience.