How Leaders Lead with David Novak

#232: Pat Battle, Executive Chairman of Diamond Baseball Holdings – Optimism is a competitive advantage

Mar 27, 2025

Pat Battle, Executive Chairman of Diamond Baseball Holdings, champions optimism as a crucial asset in business. He discusses how a positive mindset can transform minor league baseball through community engagement and innovation. Listeners will learn about revitalizing customer experiences, effective negotiation tips, and the importance of trust in teamwork. Battle also shares insights on strategic growth in the baseball industry, emphasizing collaboration with local leaders and the value of underutilized assets. It's a blend of sports passion and practical leadership wisdom!

58:39

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Episode guests

Pat Battle

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Optimism serves as a competitive edge in business, enabling leaders to focus on opportunities rather than obstacles during challenges.

By retaining local leadership in acquired teams, Diamond Baseball Holdings fosters community ties and preserves the unique culture of minor league teams.

DBH maximizes its stadium assets by creating mixed-use areas for community engagement, illustrating how sports facilities can enhance local revitalization.

Deep dives

Transforming Minor League Baseball

Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH) is reshaping the minor league baseball landscape significantly since its inception. Starting with the acquisition of a few teams, DBH has expanded its ownership to 41 out of 120 affiliated minor league teams within just four years. This rapid growth was spurred by an opportunity identified during a transitional period in minor league baseball, when 42 teams were cut from the MLB system. By focusing on facility improvements and community integration, DBH is enhancing the overall experience of minor league baseball for players and fans alike.

Intro

2min

Transforming Minor League Baseball

15min

Building Strong Teams Through Communication and Trust

2min

Community-Centric Sports Management

15min

From Campus to Commerce: A Legacy of Leadership

9min

The Critical Role of Preparation in Business Decisions

3min

Exploring Strategic Growth in Baseball Business Ventures

3min

Lightning Round Insights and Leadership Lessons

9min

Optimism isn’t just a fluffy feel-good feeling. It’s a real asset in business. Learn how to make it your competitive advantage in this conversation with Pat Battle, Executive Chairman of Diamond Baseball Holdings, a company that owns 45 of the 120 minor league baseball teams.

You’ll also learn:

Why a job change between industries might not be as hard as you think
Two questions that will revitalize your customer experience
The most underrated negotiation tip
How to think creatively about your underutilized assets

Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources:

The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go

Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day

Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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