The Failure Gap
The Failure Gap
Podcast Description
The Failure Gap podcast is hosted by Julie Williamson, Ph.D., the CEO and a Managing Partner at Karrikins Group, a Denver-based, global-serving business consultancy. Julie delves into the critical space between agreement and alignment - where even the best ideas falter without decisive action. Through candid conversations with a diverse mix of leaders, this podcast explores both the successes and failures that shape the journey of leadership. Featuring visionary leaders from companies of all sizes, from billion-dollar giants to mid-market innovators, to scrappy start-ups, The Failure Gap uncovers the real-life challenges of transforming ideas into impactful outcomes. Tune in to learn how top leaders bridge the gap and drive meaningful progress in their organizations.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast centers on the themes of leadership, alignment, and organizational transformation. It addresses how leaders can navigate the space between agreement and alignment, emphasizing the importance of intentional communication and trust-building. Episodes include discussions on topics like financial clarity in entrepreneurship, digital transformation challenges, and the role of AI in business. Specific episodes feature leaders like Ken Wilkinson discussing property development challenges and Rob Ripp focusing on financial management.
The Failure Gap podcast is hosted by Julie Williamson, Ph.D., the CEO and a Managing Partner at Karrikins Group, a Denver-based, global-serving business consultancy. Julie delves into the critical space between agreement and alignment – where even the best ideas falter without decisive action. Through candid conversations with a diverse mix of leaders, this podcast explores both the successes and failures that shape the journey of leadership. Featuring visionary leaders from companies of all sizes, from billion-dollar giants to mid-market innovators, to scrappy start-ups, The Failure Gap uncovers the real-life challenges of transforming ideas into impactful outcomes. Tune in to learn how top leaders bridge the gap and drive meaningful progress in their organizations.
Susan Lintonsmith has built a career by saying yes to opportunities that stretched her leadership. From marketing roles at Pizza Hut and Coca-Cola to leading Quiznos as CEO and now serving as President and CEO of Regis Corporation, her journey reflects a commitment to learning, enterprise thinking, and leading through change. Along the way, she has also served on multiple boards, bringing a broad perspective to leadership across industries. One lesson is clear: if you want the next role, start leading like you’re already in it. It’s easier to ask for the marker when you’ve already been sketching the future.
Episode Takeaways:
- Think beyond your function. Enterprise leaders stand out by understanding how decisions ripple across the entire business, not just their own department. Silos might keep your inbox organized, but they rarely grow great companies.
- Alignment requires clarity, not just agreement. Teams move faster when everyone understands the why, their role, and how progress will be measured. Getting in the boat is agreement. Picking up the oar is alignment.
- Create a culture where respectful challenge is expected. Strong leaders invite pushback, reward curiosity, and make it safe for people to question ideas in the room, not after the meeting in the hallway.
- Look for the real source of resistance. What appears to be reluctance is often a communication gap or an operational concern. Leaders who stay curious uncover the invisible barriers instead of assuming people simply dislike change.
- Courage starts with the leader. Alignment grows when leaders model openness, ask thoughtful questions, encourage healthy debate, and build an environment where the best ideas win, regardless of whose idea they were.
Susan’s perspective reinforces that leadership is less about having every answer and more about creating the conditions for better conversations. Enterprise leaders who make the invisible visible, stay curious, and invite honest dialogue build stronger alignment and achieve results that no single function can deliver alone. The work is not always easy, but as Susan reminds us, progress usually starts with someone willing to pick up the marker.
To connect with Susan Lintonsmith outside of this episode, connect with her on LinkedIn here.
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