In this conversation, Julie Williamson and Jo Aidroos explore the journey of leadership, the challenges faced in navigating personal and professional growth, and the importance of moving from mere agreement to true alignment in organizations. Jo shares her personal experiences, including her struggles with mental health and the need for better mental health education in schools. They discuss the significance of communication, trust, and vulnerability in leadership, and how these elements contribute to successful transformation within organizations.

Takeaways:

• Jo Aidroos emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in leadership.
• Resilience is built through experience, especially during challenging times.
• Transformation requires time and dialogue for true alignment.
• Effective communication is crucial for understanding and implementing strategies.
• Mental health education should be normalized in schools to reduce stigma.
• Simplicity in messaging helps in achieving alignment among stakeholders.
• Trust is foundational for moving from agreement to alignment.
• Vulnerability in leadership fosters trust and connection with teams.
• Personal experiences can provide valuable lessons in leadership and transformation.
• Engaging in conversations rather than just telling is key to effective leadership.

In this episode, Julie Williamson speaks with Ken Wilkinson, founder and CEO of Layer 10, about his leadership journey, the importance of alignment in business, and the intersection of technology and property development. They discuss the challenges of executing ideas, the role of AI in the built environment, and the need for affordable housing solutions. Ken shares insights on how to move from agreement to alignment in personal and professional contexts, emphasizing the importance of intentionality and mentorship. The conversation also highlights the work being done by Trailhead Community to support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Takeaways

• Ken's journey from consulting to founding Layer 10 was shaped by his experiences and realizations about his true purpose.
• Alignment with personal values, such as faith and family, serves as a guiding light in business decisions.
• Execution is key; ideas alone are not enough to create impact.
• Technology should enhance the user experience in property development, not just be implemented for its own sake.
• Future readiness is more important than future proofing; prepare for inevitable changes in technology.
• AI has the potential to revolutionize architecture and building operations by predicting patterns and improving efficiency.
• The conversion of office spaces to residential is complex and requires careful planning and execution.
• Affordable housing remains a critical issue that requires alignment across various sectors.
• Intentional communication and clear purpose are essential for moving from agreement to alignment in teams.
• Mentorship and seeking guidance from experienced individuals can help navigate challenges in entrepreneurship.

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If you would like to connect with Ken outside of this episode, connect with him on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenwilkinsonjr/ or learn more about Trailhead Community here: https://www.trailheadcommunity.org/

In this episode of the Failure Gap, Julie Williamson speaks with Katie Jarek, a Global Business Strategist and Consulting Director, about her career journey, the challenges of swimming the English Channel, and the parallels between personal challenges and leading organizational transformations. They discuss the importance of embracing opportunities, building trust, and creating a safe space for difficult conversations in leadership. Katie shares insights on navigating the messiness of transformation, connecting in a hybrid work environment, and the significance of normalizing tough discussions to foster transparency and collaboration.

Takeaways

• Embrace opportunities as they arise and be willing to explore new paths.
• Building a strong network is essential for career growth.
• Flexibility and creativity are crucial during challenging times.
• Creating a safe space for difficult conversations is vital for team success.
• Trust and transparency in leadership foster a positive work environment.
• Engaging in team-building activities can strengthen remote connections.
• The messiness of transformation is a natural part of the process.
• Normalizing difficult conversations can prevent issues from escalating.
• Empowering teams to learn and adapt is key to successful transformations.
• Celebrating small successes keeps the team motivated during long projects.

#transformationalleadership #leadershiptransformation #hybridwork #TheFailureGap