Transforming Technical Experts into High-Impact Leaders with Dr. Angelique Adams

How can technical experts harness their unique strengths to become impactful leaders?
Join Dr. Mike Patterson and Dr. Angelique Adams as they explore the transition from technical mastery to effective leadership and discuss actionable tools for success.
About the Episode

In this episode, Dr. Mike Patterson welcomes Dr. Angelique Adams, an accomplished engineer-turned-leadership coach, to discuss the journey of transforming technical experts into high-impact leaders.

Drawing on 25+ years of experience, Dr. Adams shares her personal story of transitioning from a lab technician to a corporate executive overseeing global teams.

Dr. Adams addresses the myth that technical professionals aren’t natural leaders, highlighting how their analytical strengths and problem-solving skills can become powerful assets in leadership roles. She also explores the challenges technical leaders face, such as:

Overcoming imposter syndrome
Improving interpersonal skills
Managing work-life expectations

Key to Dr. Adams’ approach is her ability to translate abstract leadership concepts—such as empathy and collaboration—into tangible behaviors that resonate with highly analytical minds. She explains how tools like leadership assessments and small behavioral experiments can help technical leaders develop their emotional intelligence and build meaningful connections with their teams.

Listeners will also gain insights into:

The importance of building networks within their organizations
Using KPIs to monitor both professional and personal success
Maintaining an "accomplishments inventory" to stay motivated and focused

Key Takeaways:

Breaking the Myth: Technical experts bring unique strengths like problem-solving and analytical skills to leadership, disproving the idea they can’t thrive in these roles.
Actionable Leadership Skills: Learn how to translate abstract concepts like empathy and collaboration into practical, easy-to-adopt behaviors.
Work-Life Harmony: Use KPIs for personal and professional goals to stay balanced and productive.
Building Confidence: Overcome imposter syndrome by leveraging assessments and feedback to grow as a leader.
Fostering Connections: Build strong networks and collaborations within your organization to support your growth and impact.

Hit play to hear Dr. Angelique Adams’ practical advice for transitioning into leadership, and discover how you can start your journey to becoming a high-impact leader today!
Links for This Episode:

Website: www.drangeliqueadams.com
Email: angelique@drangeliqueadams.com
Book: You’re More Than a Diversity Hire

Connect with Dr. Mike:

Website: https://www.drmikepatterson.com
Book: Mission First People Always
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichaellpatterson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealdrmikepatterson/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/drmikepatterson

Episode Minute By Minute:

00:00 - Welcome and Introduction to the Episode
02:00 - Dr. Angelique Adams’ Background and Leadership Journey
05:12 - Dispelling the Myth: Why Technical Experts Can Be Great Leaders
09:45 - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Tools and Strategies
13:30 - Building Leadership Skills Through Tangible Actions
17:15 - Setting Personal KPIs for Work-Life Balance
22:10 - How to Build a Strong Network Within Your Organization
26:40 - Advice for Aspiring Leaders: The Power of Accomplishments Inventories