When most CEOs think about leadership, they imagine structures, processes, and compliance. Not Jeff Patterson, founder and CEO of Gaggle. Since founding the company in 1999 without investors, a board of directors, or a formal HR leader, Patterson has grown Gaggle to 160 employees while doing things his own way.
His secret? Treating rules as suggestions, empowering people to perform without micromanagement, and focusing on long-term impact over short-term exits.
“My exit strategy is a coffin,” he stated, emphasizing his commitment to building sustainable growth rather than chasing acquisitions or venture-backed returns.
Leadership through inspiration, not control
Patterson describes himself as a “cheerleader” on LinkedIn rather than a traditional CEO. He explained that his leadership approach is about believing in people and inspiring them to perform at their best. Rather than relying on hierarchy or rigid policies, he focuses on cultivating autonomy, accountability, and creativity across the company.
This was published on Inc.com first.
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About the Author
From securing an $8M breakthrough inside a global fintech to being named CEO of the very platform she built, Netta Jenkins has mastered the art of turning bold ideas into lasting business transformation. With a LinkedIn community of over 200,000, she’s the CEO redefining how organizations drive employee engagement and performance through AI. A two-time Wiley author, Netta’s work has been amplified by Arianna Huffington to more than 10 million people. Her latest book, Supercharged Teams: How Every Manager Can Create a Culture of Excellence, gives leaders the playbook to transform everyday teams into high-performing powerhouses.
As founder of HIC, a workplace consulting firm and creator of HIC HR Hub, a private community for senior HR leaders to share and gain new insights. She also hosts Beyond Management™, a viral LinkedIn leadership series with over 50 million impressions, where she sparks street-level conversations that elevate employer brands, attract top talent, and inspire customers. A seasoned TEDx and international keynote speaker, Netta has energized audiences across the U.S., Ghana, the Netherlands, and Turkey with bold insights and measurable takeaways. With 15+ years of global advisory experience, she shares weekly video tips that empower managers at every level. Her work has been featured in The Washington Post, McKinsey, Forbes, Fortune, and more. Named one of CIO Views’ Top 10 Most Influential Black Women in Business to Follow.
Netta helps organizations connect workplace culture, technology, and performance to deliver measurable, lasting impact. Previously serving as VP of Global Inclusive Strategy at IAC, Netta partnered with brands like Match.com, Vimeo, and Daily Beast. She advises Betterment, consults executives via the Intro app, and is pursuing a doctorate in quality systems. Currently, she collaborates with Marc Lore (former CEO of Walmart) and Preet Bharara (former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York) to build Telosa, a visionary new city in America. Residing on the East Coast with her family, Netta continues to make a transformative impact in both the corporate and startup landscapes.
