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00.1 (1) Ending the Syrup Syndrome_ Making vs Taking _ Patrick Thibaudeau _ TEDxFargo - Yo
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Patrick Thibaudeau equips emerging leaders to Do Your Undoable and make big ideas real.

If you are done with thinking small and you are ready to reimagine your future, then this is your time to experience what Patrick has to offer.

Photo by Studio Freshly. Used with permission.

DO YOUR UNDOABLE means ordinary people can do extraordinary things they didn’t know they could.

Many people suffer from toxic “
it can’t be done” thinking.

Patrick shows you can turn potential into performance overcoming the naysayers and moving forward faster.

You’ll train thoughts that lead to confidence, leading to change that sticks.  Learn to tame the emotional elephants that trample progress and replace fear with courage to DO YOUR UNDOABLE™.

Every session equips new and emerging leaders to:

  • Overcome the common breaking point that stops people cold.

  • Learn actionable principles to overcome “it can’t be done thinking.

  • Adopt practical lessons from true stories of ordinary people who felt small and won big.

Watch the full demo

Video by Studio Freshly, Excerpts used with permission

About Patrick

Photo by Studio Freshly. Used with permission.

Patrick Francis Thibaudeau knows the barriers you face and how you feel, because he’s lived it. 

Named 2024 Person of the Year by CEO New York https://ceonewyork.com/patrick-thibaudeau-the-2024-ceo-new-york-person-of-the-year/ and Insider LA magazines.

 

His early years were marked by fear, criticism, and self-doubt having been squashed by a low-income life lacking in opportunity and poor coaching. He faced isolation and betrayal. Instead of being defeated, he rose to become a first-generation college graduate and went on to get a master’s degree. When some said “you can’t…” he did it anyway and succeeded in building a thriving consulting practice right out of grad school.


Ultimately, beyond anything he could have imagined, he emerged years later as a national and global sustainability leader amassing about 30 firsts, each one bigger and better than the previous, leading national boards and setting strategy for the 60 largest firms in the profession representing about 245,000 employees worldwide and over $70 billion in annual construction value. He learned to silence the voices shouting “can’t” by simply doing it anyway.  In one case an experienced engineering executive said, “it’s impossible.”  Patrick went on to complete and document the first net-positive energy science classroom building in a large region.  He was also the leader of the first in the world, full Living Building Certified renovation.  Patrick shows that every experience, good or bad, can become fuel for the future.


Patrick now shares core concepts through inspiring stories, transferring lessons from his success to the next generation. He works, lives, learns, and plays true to the words DO YOUR UNDOABLE™, it’s not just a slogan, it’s who he is.  


He has spoken to a combined total of about 60,000 people and is at home with groups of all sizes.  With authenticity and calm confidence, he connects naturally with audiences as if they were sitting together for a chat.


Patrick equips leaders and teams to think big, act bold, and be calmly, relentlessly focused. He shows greatness begins in the mind, not in circumstances.  If you are ready to be done with thinking and doing small things and you are ready to reimagine your future, then this is your time to experience what Patrick has to offer.

More about Patrick

RECOGNITION AND IMPACT

Named 2024 Person of the Year by CEO New York https://ceonewyork.com/patrick-thibaudeau-the-2024-ceo-new-york-person-of-the-year/ and Insider LA magazines, Patrick has received national accolades for his work including receiving the Presidential Lifetime Community Service Award, “Call to Action.”  He is recognized globally as a speaker, author, coach and consultant. Patrick has inspired audiences of hundreds to thousands on major stages, including as a COP 26 NGO delegate. His TEDx talk ranks among the most watched on YouTube.

He has performed over 100 speaking engagements and written over 50 nationally published articles. He regularly speaks to audiences ranging from hundreds to thousands. In large groups he connects with people as if they were sitting for a chat.  In small groups and one on one coaching he is discerning, personal, engaging. Patrick brings unmatched credibility and authenticity.  He has led teams to two national firm awards under his leadership.

EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE

Patrick’s message grows from over 4,000 of his own interactions and he has curated about 150 true stories of ordinary people who achieved their own “undoable.” He has 14 years of national board service, including Board Co-Chair and 3 years as National Co-Chair of the Large Firm Roundtable. 


He shows new and emerging leaders how to think big and be calmly relentless. His frameworks turn potential into performance through mindset conditioning, emotional mastery, and strategic clarity that creates change that sticks.

A LIFE OF FIRSTS

Patrick began life criticized as a “daydreamer” and now is a dream maker. He has led transformative global projects and turned dreams into reality.


Among the 30 firsts authored an industry-changing sustainability playbook, and shaped profession-wide policy among the 60 largest firms in the country, established a game-changing design process, and founded leadership innovation. He is living proof that you can do great things.

MEMORABLE MESSAGES

He shows how to beat the breaking point and replace fear with courage through his proven 4C championship game plan and laws of the limitless.


When Patrick calls out, “It’s not raining!” or “You CAN do it!” from the stage, it’s not performance, it’s proof. He also brings a unique flair to the stage and has been seen flipping pancakes into audiences along with his Syrup Syndrome talk to make a memory that motivates audiences to throw off “business as usual” and adopt a new recipe for “Change that Sticks.”

LEGACY OF COURAGE

Patrick’s heritage is one of adventure, exploring, survival and thriving.  His name literally means a bold leader with vision who nurtures and lifts others. From Pierre Thibaudeau’s 1630 voyage from France to North America, to Simon Thibaudeau’s survival through war and wolves, every generation of Thibaudeau’s has faced the frontier of fear and doubt.
That same spirit fuels Patrick’s life. From France to Nova Scotia, Quebec to Wisconsin, his predecessors moved from place to place doing things they did not know they could survive and thrive. Today, Patrick moves people from limited to limitless and from laggers to leaders overcoming the naysayers who stalk like wild wolves ready to devour anyone who dares to venture out.

STYLE AND APPROACH

Patrick’s calm confidence as a speaker and storytelling style connects deeply with audiences. He doesn’t sell hype, he builds real transformation, Change that Sticks. His message creates clarity, confidence and courage. He relates well with many diverse groups and roles such as executives, entrepreneurs, college students and youth. He offers a rare blend of connection and human insight.


Audiences leave his talks not just inspired, but equipped to turn practical, actional ideas that can become a way of life.

PURPOSE AND PROMISE

Patrick lives to help others see themselves differently, to become someone they didn’t know they could be.
He embodies his leadership values: Integrity, Respect, Loyalty: first, always and forever.

If you’re done tinkering with incremental improvement and want real change that lasts and you are ready to stop playing small, this is your moment.  DO YOUR UNDOABLE™ means do what YOU did not know YOU could.  His message is not about vague generalities of doing the impossible all at once.  He has uniquely identified that focusing on what you think you cannot do is more impactful than trying to conquer all impossible things at once.  In this way he does what others only talk about and is ready, willing and able to help you.

Patrick's Talks

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Photo by Studio Freshly. Used with permission.

Ending the Syrup Syndrome: Change the Sticks

Patrick Thibaudeau exposes why most attempts at change fail—they’re just business as usual with syrup on top. The stack of pancakes stays the same while leaders pretend something’s different because they’ve poured “change” over it. Patrick challenges this illusion with a bold message: real transformation requires a new recipe.

 

You can’t just coat the surface; you have to mix change into the batter from the beginning. Through vivid stories and practical insight, he inspires audiences to create lasting, meaningful change that sticks—starting from the inside out.  A version of this talk was given at TEDx Fargo [insert link] and is one of the most watched talks posted on TEDx.  Patrick shares research from UC Berkeley Center for the Built Environment where Patrick has been on the board for 14 years and recently national co-chair that gives a key insight to why change doesn’t last and what it takes to make it stick.

 

During one recent keynote presentation of this talk Patrick tossed pancakes into the audience to represent throwing off the old way and passionately commit to bold, daring change.

 

  • Identify business as usual mediocrity 

  • Understand the key ingredients to a new recipe for change that sticks

  • Stories of real people that did it and how you can too.

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Photo by Studio Freshly. Used with permission.

4C’s: A Championship Game Plan

Looking for a keynote that fires up your audience and drives real results? Patrick Thibaudeau delivers The 4 C’s: Concentration, Conditioning, Cooperation, and Coaching—a game-changing plan that defines the pillars to achieve high performance in life and leadership.

 

Drawing from 4,000+ personal interactions and 150+ true success stories, Patrick equips teams to focus sharper, prepare stronger, work smarter together, and embrace coaching that unlocks greatness.  Train with the mindset of an MVP and the focus of a Champion.  Build unbreakable mental strength–greatness starts in the mind.


This isn’t just motivation—it’s transformation. Audiences leave inspired, engaged, and ready to perform at championship level in business, sports, and life.​

 

  1. Four principles of the game plan for championship performance

  2. Create a coaching approach that unlocks potential

  3. Identify actions needed to win BIG!

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Photo by Studio Freshly. Used with permission.

Integrity, Respect, Loyalty:  Leave a lasting legacy First, Always, Forever

Patrick Thibaudeau shares the timeless values that drive extraordinary leadership and performance.

 

Throughout his career, Patrick has led more than 100 direct reports, and his teams—both collectively and individually—have consistently exceeded KPI goals. Why? Because he doesn’t just talk about values; he lives them. Integrity, Respect, and Loyalty aren’t leadership buzzwords or passing fads—they’re the foundation of who he is and how he leads.

 

In this inspiring keynote, Patrick shows how these principles create trust, fuel performance, and leave a legacy that lasts long after the results are achieved.

 

  1. 7 key elements to a change management plan

  2. What an organization needs to do and what individuals need to do

  3. Key milestones to maintain change

50 20211103_165608 Patrick Thibaudeau Speaking at COP26 event to Architects about Sustaina

Photo by Studio Freshly. Used with permission.

7E’s of Performance Excellence: framework for elevating

In “The 7E’s of Performance Excellence,” Patrick Thibaudeau unveils a powerful framework for organizations and teams to achieve their highest potential.

 

This approach led one change management expert to say “Patrick led the most effective change approach I have ever seen..” CEO of BuildingEase, founder and Executive Director of the nonprofit Sustainable Performance Institute. Leaders provide vision, strategies and plans that Embed, Equip, Empower with the intent to Elevate.  The individuals are asked to Embrace, Engage, and Expand. Patrick shows how to build lasting excellence from the inside out. This dynamic keynote moves beyond motivation to transformation—helping organizations embed purpose, equip people with skills, empower confident action, and elevate performance across every level. Audiences learn how to embrace challenges, engage with passion, and expand their influence.

 

It’s a proven roadmap for leaders and teams ready to rise higher and achieve extraordinary, sustainable success.

 

  1. 7 key elements to a change management plan

  2. What an organization needs to do and what individuals need to do

  3. Key milestones to maintain change

OTHERS TOPICS, STORIES, TALKS, WORKSHOPS AND STRATEGY SESSIONS

Resilience: Fuel for Future Growth
Tame the Wild Wolves of Naysayers
The High Performance Playbook: 5 Actions and 5 Attributes that lead to success
Gateway to the Future–Drivers of Change:The Fifty Year Future Today
A Strategic Visioning and Planning keynote with a companion workshop.
Components teams and Target Value Budgeting
Dual Operating Systems. Hub Centered Network Supported
Its Not Raining
ZeroPlus: Making Not Taking

Testimonials

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Forward Thinking and Insightful

“Patrick is alert to changing trends and value propositions.” James P. Cramer, Chairman Emeritus and Co-founder, Design Futures Council.

James P. Cramer, Chairman Emeritus and Co-founder, Design Futures Council.

Engaging and Relatable

“His metaphors got me hooked. He's very personable and relatable.” 

TEDx viewer

Connects–Story Teller, Story Maker

“Thibaudeau’s ability to connect with audiences and inspire them is unmatched.  A natural storyteller he empowers people to unlock their potential and create stories of change.” 

Mike Chase, CEO New York Author, Jan 2025

Motivates to Action

“His ideas make me want to change and do better.” 

TEDx viewer

Captivating, Inspiring

“His inspirational talk and inspired leadership helps move the industry forward and attracts top talent. I was thrilled with your innovative approach. "

Chayna Claeys, attendee.

Can Do Attitude, Practical How To’s

“In the midst of people saying No, he asks questions, suggests new pathways, and convinces…everyone to say Yes. Patrick is unwavering in his commitment.”  

Attendee

Fan Favorite–Entertaining

“Patrick delivered one of the most talked about Keynote sessions…His knowledge of the topic and excellent presentation style was well suited for our diverse audience. Patrick is able to very effectively communicate complex concepts in an entertaining and engaging manner. Our attendees loved him, definitely one of the highlights of our Summit! "

Mary Pat Halaska, Conference Organizer

Global Change Maker, Disruptor

“I unconditionally provide my highest of recommendations for Patrick Thibaudeau. He found a pathway to our first in the world achievement that would not have been possible without Patrick’s gentle tenacity, and steadfast commitment.”

Pete Smerud, Executive Director of Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center

Global Change Maker, Disruptor

“Thibaudeau has achieved the most impressive and successful behavior change initiative related to sustainability that I’ve seen.”

Barbra Batshalom, Executive Director of the Sustainable Performance Institute.

Patrick has been seen here

100+ speaking engagements and 50+ publications.

Photo by Studio Freshly. Used with permission.

Contact Patrick

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Photo by Studio Freshly. Used with permission.

Contact Patrick

Patrick Thibaudeau equips new and emerging leaders to DO YOUR UNDOBLE ™ and make big ideas real.

(651) 303-7739

Thanks for submitting!

Patrick Thibaudeau

DO MOR(TM) DO YOUR UNDOABLE(TM)

 

Patrick Thibaudeau equips new and emerging leaders to Do Your Undoable and make big ideas real.

© 2025 by Patrick Thibaudeau

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