SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER
Stay in the loop! Subscribe to our newsletter and gain access to exclusive insights, trends, and news from the world of business and leadership. Don’t miss out!
Master Your Mindset to Do Your Undoable Patrick Thibaudeau, the 2024 CEO New York Person of the Year, inspires us to rethink what is achievable by overcoming the common thought, “It can’t be done.” He is world-renowned for his life’s mission – “master your mindset to do your undoable.”
From Obscurity to Global Change Maker
Thibaudeau was an obscure boy who was often punished for the traits that today earn him praise. “My elementary school report card often noted I spent too much time ‘daydreaming’ and doing things differently,” remembers Thibaudeau. Dreaming big has now become the fuel for success. As a COP26 delegate, Thibaudeau helped shape the Glasgow Climate Pact, leading a precedent-setting transformation to a decarbonized global economy. Then, as national co-chair for the Large Firm Roundtable, he led the U.S. architecture profession to accelerate its own decarbonization. He is currently serving as Vice-Chair of the Board for the University of California Berkeley, Center for the Built Environment, helping to lead strategic planning, curate existing research, and originate new knowledge about positive climate action that helps people thrive.
Building an Idea–A Trailblazer
Thibaudeau’s 2023 TEDx talk, Ending the Syrup Syndrome, became one of the most-watched talks of the year. Thibaudeaudescribes a metaphor for the outdated approach to sustainability and his cutting-edge work to set a new standard for a living-building at the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. “Too often, plans are conceived, then sustainability is poured on after the fact, like syrup on a stack of pancakes,” Thibaudeau explains. “We need to integrate sustainability from the beginning, making it an essential ingredient rather than an afterthought.” His call to action for a new mindset—one that incorporates ten core sustainability principles into designs and business plans from the beginning—has resonated globally, pushing industries to rethink their practices and adopt more holistic, future-focused strategies. Watch the TEDx talk here.
Thibaudeau has amassed over 30 sustainability firsts, proving what seems impossible can become reality. One of many examples is Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, where he led the world’s first Living Building Challenge Certification for a renovation project. As Pete Smerud, Executive Director of the center, stated, “This accomplishment would not have been possible without Patrick’s gentle tenacity… He remained steadfast in his commitment to find a pathway to success.” Thibaudeau’sinnovative solutions and unyielding dedication to sustainable design have left an indelible mark on the field.
New Ideas That Connect–Storyteller and Story Maker
Thibaudeau connects with audiences and inspires innovative ideas through storytelling so people can make their own stories of change. He has reached tens of thousands of people, empowering them to unlock their full potential. Whether addressing a crowd of thousands in a large arena or speaking to a smaller group, he is the master of connecting and inspiring audiences to act. He said, “We’re building an idea with a powerful transformative impact on the way we live, learn, and work.” It is this forward-thinking vision that has made Thibaudeau one of the most sought-after speakers on the global stage.
In 2025, Thibaudeau will focus on “The 4 C’s: A Game-Changing Plan for Championship Performance in Life.” Based on over 4,000 personal interactions and 100 true stories of others, Thibaudeau will outline the keys to success which are concentration, conditioning, cooperation, and coaching, turning dreams into reality with big, lasting impact.
Thibaudeau will also present the “Seven E’s of Excellence”—Equip, Embed, Empower, Embrace, Engage, Expand, and Enact—a comprehensive model for achieving peak performance in organizations.
Dream BIG–An Acclaimed Trailblazer
His big dreams have earned him many accolades. He was recently named as a top global innovator and a top speaker to watch for in 2025. He was honored with the Presidential Lifetime Community Service Award, “Call to Action,” recognizing over 10,000 hours of lifetime volunteer community service, much of it done with family. Under his leadership, two large firms each received the National Environmental Stewardship Award. One of the industry’s most respected voices said, “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. A long-time collaborator said, “He equips every attendee with the tools to break through limits, change business as usual, and reshape how individuals and organizations approach leadership, growth, and success.” One mentee said, “Patrick Thibaudeau is a force of nature. He inspires us to think bigger, act bolder, and lead with purpose.”
Future Focus
As we enter 2025, Thibaudeau’s message is clear: your mindset is key to doing the undoable. If you are ready to do massive things and change business as usual, his innovative ideas and transformative approach make him a true change-maker.
To find out more, visit https://patrickthibaudeau.com
