The Failure Gap

Kristen Russell’s leadership journey is anything but linear. From managing engineers at Sun Microsystems to leading global operations at Oracle, serving as Colorado’s first Secretary of Technology, and now guiding CBTS as CEO, her career has been shaped by two questions: Can I learn? and Can I contribute? That curiosity has helped her lead large-scale transformations across industries and navigate the often-messy space between agreement and alignment.Episode TakeawaysTransformation is emotional, not just strategic. Leaders often focus on the intellectual side of strategy while overlooking the emotions people experience during change. As Kristen puts it, “strategy is intellectual, transformation is emotional.” Communication is never one-and-done. Alignment requires ongoing dialogue, listening, and clarification. If you're tired of repeating yourself, your team may just be starting to absorb the message. Focus on advocates, not just skeptics. Early in her career, Kristen spent too much energy trying to convert the loudest detractors. She learned that investing in champions creates momentum that helps bring the broader organization along. Clarity is a leader’s primary job. In the absence of clarity, people fill in the blanks themselves. Transparency about what is working, what is not, and what remains uncertain builds trust and keeps teams moving forward. Work on the team before the strategy. At CBTS, Kristen prioritized leadership team alignment, role clarity, and shared ways of working before tackling ambitious transformation efforts. Sometimes the fastest path forward starts with slowing down long enough to get aligned. One of the most memorable ideas from this conversation is that leaders cannot simply sponsor change for others. They must change how they lead. Alignment is not a presentation, a project plan, or a motivational poster collecting dust in the break room. It is the daily work of creating clarity, building trust, having the hard conversations, and keeping your hands on the wheel as the road changes.To connect with Kristin Russell outside of this episode, connect with her on LinkedIn here.--------------------Is misalignment holding your organization back?Aligned teams deliver better results more consistently, and they have deeper connections to each other and their organizations. Download our free Leadership Alignment Evaluation Tool and take the first step toward transforming how your team works together.Learn more about Julie and Karrikins Group:Connect with Julie on LinkedInFollow Karrikins Group on LinkedIn Check out Julie's book, 'Make HOW Matter: Key Conversations for Leaders to Build Alignment and Accelerate Growth'Learn more about how Karrikins Group helps enterprise teams drive better results

At Karrikins Group, we work alongside leaders to close the gap between great ideas and real results by combining business expertise with social science to help teams align on how to deliver together - driving better outcomes and stronger connections.In this episode of The Failure Gap, Julie Williamson, Ph.D. speaks with Jersey Banks, Co-Founder of Urban Cowboy Boutique Hotels. Jersey shares her unique journey from a professional dancer to a successful entrepreneur in the hospitality industry. The conversation explores the challenges of building a brand, the importance of company culture, and the hard work behind the glamorous facade of hospitality. Jersey emphasizes the need for listening and learning in entrepreneurship, as well as the value of allowing team members to fail and grow. The episode concludes with Jersey's quirky wish for a better design solution for clawfoot tubs, highlighting her creative spirit.Episode TakeawaysJersey's journey began as a professional dancer before transitioning to hospitalityUrban Cowboy started as an Airbnb-style venture before evolving into a boutique hotel brandThe importance of listening to feedback from guests and adapting the business accordinglyBuilding a company culture is crucial for employee engagement and brand consistencyExpansion requires a shift in mindset and understanding of leadership rolesFailure is a part of the learning process in entrepreneurshipInstagram can create an illusion of ease in the hospitality industryTrusting team members to take ownership is essential for growthCreating a reciprocal culture between employees and guests enhances loyaltyEntrepreneurs should embrace the journey as a work in progressIf you would like to connect with Jersey Banks outside of this episode: Connect with her on LinkedIn and learn more about Urban Cowboy.-------------------------Is misalignment holding your organization back?Aligned teams deliver better results more consistently, and they have deeper connections to each other and their organizations. Download our free Leadership Alignment Evaluation Tool and take the first step toward transforming how your team works together.Learn more about Julie and Karrikins Group:Connect with Julie on LinkedInFollow Karrikins Group on LinkedIn Check out Julie's book, 'Make HOW Matter: Key Conversations for Leaders to Build Alignment and Accelerate Growth'Learn more about how Karrikins Group helps enterprise teams drive better results

At Karrikins Group, we work alongside leaders to close the gap between great ideas and real results by combining business expertise with social science to help teams align on how to deliver together - driving better outcomes and stronger connections. In this episode, Mandy Morris discusses the importance of emotional intelligence and mental health in leadership. She shares insights on how early experiences shape adult behavior, the significance of creating psychological safety in teams, and the need for leaders to balance their energy and intentions to foster better communication and collaboration. Mandy emphasizes the importance of understanding subconscious beliefs that keep individuals stuck and offers practical strategies for personal growth and transformation.Episode TakeawaysMandy Morris empowers leaders to unlock their unique success DNA.The brain is wired for efficiency, not happiness.Subconscious beliefs can keep individuals stuck in negative patterns.Emotional intelligence is crucial for effective leadership.Creating psychological safety allows for authentic team dynamics.Ego and insecurity are inversely related in leadership.Setting intentions can significantly impact team communication.Visualizing success helps in forming new neural pathways.Identifying internal noise is key to personal growth.Feelings are indicators of what we need to address. If you would like to connect with Mandy Morris outside of this episode:Connect with her on LinkedIn, learn more about SoFree, and explore her executive coaching services on her website.-------------------------Is misalignment holding your organization back?Aligned teams deliver better results more consistently, and they have deeper connections to each other and their organizations. Download our free Leadership Alignment Evaluation Tool and take the first step toward transforming how your team works together.Learn more about Julie and Karrikins Group:Connect with Julie on LinkedInFollow Karrikins Group on LinkedIn Check out Julie's book, 'Make HOW Matter: Key Conversations for Leaders to Build Alignment and Accelerate Growth'Learn more about how Karrikins Group helps enterprise teams drive better results

At Karrikins Group, we work alongside leaders to close the gap between great ideas and real results by combining business expertise with social science to help teams align on how to deliver together - driving better outcomes and stronger connections.In this conversation, Michelle Prince shares her journey from a corporate career to becoming a bestselling author and the CEO of Performance Publishing Group. She discusses the common barriers people face when trying to write a book, emphasizing the importance of overcoming the 'failure gap' between intention and action. Michelle explains her unique approach to partner publishing, where collaboration with authors is key. She highlights the significance of aligning goals and understanding the true value of writing a book as a platform for serving others. Through personal anecdotes and success stories, she inspires aspiring authors to take the first step in their writing journey and to embrace the support of a community.Episode TakeawaysMichelle Prince's journey to leadership was unplanned and evolved over time.Many people struggle with the gap between wanting to write a book and actually doing it.The importance of taking the first step to overcome self-doubt.Partner publishing emphasizes collaboration between authors and publishers.Understanding the author's vision is crucial in the publishing process.Books serve as platforms for sharing expertise and building authority.The misconception that writing a book will lead to significant financial gain.Success stories can inspire others to take action on their ideas.Mindset is more important than technique when it comes to writing.Encouraging others to see their potential can lead to greater outcomes. If you would like to connect with Michelle Prince outside of this episode, connect with her on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleprincespeaker/----------------------------Is misalignment holding your organization back?Aligned teams deliver better results more consistently, and they have deeper connections to each other and their organizations. Download our free Leadership Alignment Evaluation Tool and take the first step toward transforming how your team works together.Learn more about Julie and Karrikins Group:Connect with Julie on LinkedInFollow Karrikins Group on LinkedIn Check out Julie's book, 'Make HOW Matter: Key Conversations for Leaders to Build Alignment and Accelerate Growth'Learn more about how Karrikins Group helps enterprise teams drive better results

At Karrikins Group, we work alongside leaders to close the gap between great ideas and real results by combining business expertise with social science to help teams align on how to deliver together - driving better outcomes and stronger connections.In this conversation, Matthew Pine, CEO of Xylem, shares his insights on leadership, alignment, and the challenges of organizational transformation. He emphasizes the importance of creating a culture of trust, accountability, and empowerment within teams. Matthew discusses his journey to leadership, the significance of diverse experiences, and the need for leaders to engage deeply in the alignment process. He highlights the role of structure in fostering accountability and the necessity of having quality conversations to navigate mindset shifts. Ultimately, he advocates for a global alignment around trust and mutual respect as essential for driving meaningful change.Episode TakeawaysMatthew emphasizes the importance of diverse experiences in leadership.Creating a culture of trust is essential for alignment.Accountability and empowerment must coexist in organizations.Leaders need to engage deeply in the alignment process.Quality conversations in meetings foster trust and alignment.Mindset shifts are crucial for overcoming organizational challenges.Structure can either enable or hinder accountability.Transformation requires persistent effort and time.Global alignment around trust and respect is vital for progress.Leadership is a team sport that requires selflessness.If you would like to connect with Matthew Pine outside of this episode, connect with him on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-pine-95745713/----------------------------Is misalignment holding your organization back?Aligned teams deliver better results more consistently, and they have deeper connections to each other and their organizations. Download our free Leadership Alignment Evaluation Tool and take the first step toward transforming how your team works together.Learn more about Julie and Karrikins Group:Connect with Julie on LinkedInFollow Karrikins Group on LinkedIn Check out Julie's book, 'Make HOW Matter: Key Conversations for Leaders to Build Alignment and Accelerate Growth'Learn more about how Karrikins Group helps enterprise teams drive better results

At Karrikins Group, we work alongside leaders to close the gap between great ideas and real results by combining business expertise with social science to help teams align on how to deliver together - driving better outcomes and stronger connections.In this conversation, Dr. Jandel Allen-Davis shares her journey from being an obstetrician-gynecologist to the CEO of Craig Hospital, emphasizing the importance of saying yes to opportunities and navigating change. She discusses the significance of data-driven decision-making, building commitment over compliance, and fostering a culture of inclusion. Dr. Davis also reflects on the challenges of leadership in healthcare and her vision for a better future, advocating for a collaborative approach to problem-solving.Episode TakeawaysDr. Jandell Allen Davis transitioned from clinical care to leadership.Saying yes to opportunities can lead to unexpected paths.Navigating change requires patience and understanding of resistance.Data-driven decision-making enhances organizational effectiveness.Building commitment is more important than enforcing compliance.Creating an inclusive culture fosters better problem-solving.Celebrating small wins motivates teams and builds momentum.Curiosity about resistance can uncover valuable insights.Leadership involves checking one's ego and being open to collaboration.A vision for a better future requires collective effort and commitment.If you would like to connect with Dr. Jandel Allen-Davis outside of this episode, connect with her on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jandelallendavismd/ or learn more about Craig Hospital here: https://craighospital.org/----------------------------Is misalignment holding your organization back?Aligned teams deliver better results more consistently, and they have deeper connections to each other and their organizations. Download our free Leadership Alignment Evaluation Tool and take the first step toward transforming how your team works together.Learn more about Julie and Karrikins Group:Connect with Julie on LinkedInFollow Karrikins Group on LinkedIn Check out Julie's book, 'Make HOW Matter: Key Conversations for Leaders to Build Alignment and Accelerate Growth'Learn more about how Karrikins Group helps enterprise teams drive better results

At Karrikins Group, we work alongside leaders to close the gap between great ideas and real results by combining business expertise with social science to help teams align on how to deliver together - driving better outcomes and stronger connections.In this episode of the Failure Gap, Richard Giles shares his unique journey from studying English literature to becoming a group finance director. He emphasizes the importance of passion in leadership, the need for effective communication, and the role of people in driving transformation. Richard discusses the challenges of navigating change, the significance of creating a supportive culture, and the necessity of psychological safety in teams. He also highlights the importance of understanding different perspectives and fostering collaboration to achieve alignment and success in organizations.Episode TakeawaysRichard's journey from English literature to finance was unintentional but fulfilling.Passion is crucial for motivating teams and driving success.Creating a vision and culture takes time and requires team involvement.Transformation is primarily about people, not just processes or technology.Psychological safety is essential for effective collaboration and communication.Understanding different perspectives can break down barriers within teams.Leaders must model the behavior they want to see in their teams.Using tools like Myers-Briggs can foster shared understanding and language.Change takes time, and leaders must be patient and persistent.Authenticity in leadership builds trust and encourages open communication.If you would like to connect with Richard Giles outside of this episode, connect with him on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-giles-23b33793/----------------------------Is misalignment holding your organization back?Aligned teams deliver better results more consistently, and they have deeper connections to each other and their organizations. Download our free Leadership Alignment Evaluation Tool and take the first step toward transforming how your team works together.Learn more about Julie and Karrikins Group:Connect with Julie on LinkedInFollow Karrikins Group on LinkedIn Check out Julie's book, 'Make HOW Matter: Key Conversations for Leaders to Build Alignment and Accelerate Growth'Learn more about how Karrikins Group helps enterprise teams drive better results