Business Growth Pulse

selected

The latest insights, news, podcasts, and more to help you grow your business and leadership skills.

Trailblazing the Industry: A Podcast (Part 2)

podcast Mar 19, 2025

In this second episode, Jeff Hannah delves into Pat Alacqua’s journey as a leader and entrepreneur, exploring the emotional and strategic dynamics of building and eventually selling Nth Degree. In this rare interview, Pat Alacqua also candidly reflects on the toll of seeing valued team members move-on over time – a natural yet bittersweet reality of leading a fast-growing business in a thriving industry where the demand for trained and skilled professionals constantly grows.

Pat discusses the complexities of growth, including the decision to hire people from outside the trade show industry to drive transformation and innovation. Jeff emphasizes the importance of a rigorous hiring process, which included assessments supported by an industrial psychologist to ensure alignment with the company’s values and culture – an approach that was uncommon for entrepreneurial companies at the time. Pat also shares his philosophy on hiring and leading great people, underscoring the value of surrounding oneself with individuals who bring diverse mindsets and perspectives to the table.

A lifelong learner, Pat reflects on how leadership is more about asking the right questions than it is about having all the right answers. He shares how continuous learning has shaped his approach to influence—building alignment, securing support, and inspiring others—all of which require patience and intentionality.

Pat also opens up about some of his greatest life challenges, the lessons they taught him, and how mentorship has been a cornerstone of his career. He passionately believes in "paying it forward" by mentoring and guiding others, and he credits much of his own success to those who mentored him along the way.

Jeff also asks about Pat’s decision to sell Nth Degree, his perspective on that decision, and his broader view on defining success. Pat talks about how growth is not just about transforming a company but about how it also transforms the people involved in that journey. He reflects on how rare and fulfilling it is to build a business with a continuous growth trajectory.

This episode is packed with insights on leadership, learning, and the power of mentorship, offering listeners valuable lessons from Pat’s remarkable career.

FREE GUIDE

The 3Cs Process to Faster Results

selected

Ready to cut through the noise, overcome obstacles, and seize opportunities for enhanced productivity, efficiency, and growth?

Get your FREE copy of the 3Cs Spotlight Guide by Pat Alacqua. 

In this guide, you'll learn how to:

  • CLARIFY Your Challenges
  • CHART Your Course
  • COALIGN Your Team 
Streamline your approach, save time and resources, and achieve a clear path to success.

You're safe with me. I'll never spam you or sell your contact info.