Peter Lombardo is a leadership consultant, author, and founder of Patelli Solutions who helps organizations transform disengaged, high-turnover teams into resilient, high-performing ones. After experiencing the failures of command-and-control leadership firsthand, Peter discovered that true success comes from servant leadership—putting people before ego, and service before status. With decades of experience in heavy industry and business management, he brings practical strategies that empower leaders to connect authentically, reduce burnout, and build lasting culture. As co-author of The Turning Point, Peter shows why leadership isn’t about you—it’s about unlocking the potential of the people you lead.
Peter explains how traditional “command and control” leadership often backfires, leading to burnout, disengagement, and high turnover. He shares how being on the receiving end of poor leadership—and trying it himself—forced him to discover a better way: servant leadership. His work focuses on teaching leaders to connect authentically, value their people, and empower teams to succeed together. Instead of carrying all the weight alone, leaders learn they can shift from ego to empathy, creating workplaces where people feel valued, motivated, and ready to perform. Leadership, he reminds us, isn’t about you—it’s about the people you serve.
Resources
Talking Points
(00:00) Lone Wolf Leadership Crash: Peter opens up about trying control-driven leadership, only to see disengaged teams and failure to meet goals.
(03:03) Experiencing Poor Leadership: He recalls being on the receiving end of toxic management and why it made him want to quit.
(06:41) The Power of Connection: Peter explains why learning names, showing up, and genuine one-on-one moments transform culture.
(09:18) Intangibles Create Tangible Results: He argues that trust, empathy, and presence directly improve productivity and retention.
(15:33) Refilling the Tank: Peter shares how leaders can avoid burnout by protecting boundaries and practicing self-care.
(18:16) Why Choose Servant Leadership: He describes why, despite criticism for being “too soft,” empathy and authenticity build stronger teams.
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