The Failure Gap Podcast By Julie Williamson Ph.D. cover art

The Failure Gap

The Failure Gap

By: Julie Williamson Ph.D.
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About this listen

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.© 2024 The Karrikins Group Economics Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • A Conversation With Matthew Pine, CEO, Xylem
    Jul 1 2025

    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.

    Takeaways

    • Matthew 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.

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    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/

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    Learn more about Julie’s work and speaking engagements.

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    37 mins
  • A Conversation With April Whitson, Global VP of HR, ABB
    Jun 17 2025

    In this episode of The Failure Gap, Julie Williamson, Ph.D. speaks with April Whitson, VP of HR for ABB and author of The Stay Challenge. They discuss the critical role of leadership in shaping workplace culture, the challenges of employee retention, and the importance of effective one-on-one meetings. April emphasizes that culture is built at the team level and that leaders must prioritize engagement and alignment to create an irresistible workplace. They also explore the concept of regrettable retention and how it affects team dynamics, urging leaders to reflect on their purpose and the impact of their decisions on both individuals and the organization as a whole.

    Takeaways

    • Culture happens at a team level, not just top-down.
    • Regrettable retention can be a bigger issue than unwanted turnover.
    • Leaders often use time as an excuse for not prioritizing culture.
    • Employee engagement is a shared responsibility between leaders and employees.
    • Effective one-on-ones are crucial for understanding team dynamics.
    • Leaders may hold onto underperforming employees out of hope.
    • Regrettable retention negatively impacts overall team morale.
    • Leaders need to articulate their purpose and values clearly.
    • Building a culture that retains talent requires inspiration from leaders.
    • Reflection on leadership purpose is essential for alignment.

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    If you would like to connect with April Whitson outside of this episode, connect with her on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aprilwhitson/

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    Learn more about Julie’s work and speaking engagements.

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    38 mins
  • A Conversation With Dr. Jandel Allen-Davis, CEO, Craig Hospital
    May 20 2025

    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.

    Takeaways

    • Dr. 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.

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    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/

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    Learn more about Julie’s work and speaking engagements.

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    44 mins
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