Jeremy Sharpe grew up riding around the desert with his dad, thinking he was on grand childhood adventures while secretly getting groomed as a real estate developer. Now president of Sharpe Development Group and managing partner of Rancho Sahuarita, he carries forward a multigenerational commitment to “creating a better life for people” through the built environment. His path was not linear, with early dreams of being a vet and launching his own company before returning to the family business in Tucson, stepping fully into leadership after his father’s illness and passing. That experience, and the vulnerability it required, continues to shape how he leads his team, his partners, and his community.

Episode Takeaways

• Values before vision: People may disagree with a decision, yet still trust it if they believe in the leader’s values and integrity. That trust becomes the real foundation of long-term alignment.
• Alignment includes time, not just ideas: Large-scale communities play out over decades, not quarters, so Jeremy works to get partners, employees, and residents aligned to both the vision and the timeline.
• Know when to walk away: Deals and hires can drift from alignment over time. Letting go, even late in the process, can be an act of integrity rather than failure.
• Leaders are humans, not certainty machines: Jeremy normalizes imposter syndrome, makes hard calls through a values lens, and is willing to say “I got that wrong,” whether with executives or six-year-olds who are very committed to their own positions.
• Translate the speedboat and the wake: His development team moves fast on vision and innovation while community management and utilities keep life calm and reliable for residents, with key leaders playing translator between urgency and stability.

Jeremy leaves us with a clear challenge: look within, reflect honestly on how you are really showing up, and align your daily decisions with your why. Agreement sounds nice in the meeting, but alignment is what shows up in the neighborhood, on the balance sheet, and around your own kitchen table. Connect with him on LinkedIn here.

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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 LinkedIn
• Follow 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

In this episode of The Failure Gap, host Julie engages in a conversation with Tony Goncalves, former CEO of Otter Media and EVP of Warner Media, about his career journey and the transition from the media industry to founding The Evrose Group in Portugal. Tony shares insights on building bridges between the US and Portugal, the importance of trust and timing in leadership, and his personal mission to elevate Portuguese talent on a global stage. The discussion also touches on the challenges of career pivots, the significance of deliberate choices, and the courage to pursue new opportunities.

Episode Takeaways:

• Tony Goncalves emphasizes the importance of trust and timing in leadership
• Building bridges between the US and Portugal is a key mission for Tony
• Career pivots require deliberate choices and courage
• Tony's journey highlights the significance of aligning personal mission with professional goals
• The Evros Group aims to elevate Portuguese talent on a global stage
• Tony shares insights on the challenges of transitioning from a corporate role to entrepreneurship
• The discussion explores the role of trust in successful leadership
• Tony's story illustrates the power of pursuing new opportunities despite fear
• The conversation highlights the importance of expanding one's network during transitions
• Tony's experience underscores the value of aligning personal and professional purposes

If you would like to connect with Tony outside of this episode, connect with him on LinkedIn here.
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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 LinkedIn
• Follow 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

In this episode of The Failure Gap, Julie Williamson speaks with Andy Cowan, president of Particle Measuring Systems, about the significance of aligned leadership. They explore Andy's journey to leadership, the importance of team alignment, and the characteristics that define effective leaders. The conversation delves into building trust within teams, navigating challenges, and celebrating successes. Andy emphasizes the role of visualization in achieving goals and the necessity of clear metrics to ensure alignment. The discussion concludes with insights on overcoming the fear of failure and key takeaways for leaders looking to foster collaboration and alignment within their teams.

Episode Takeaways

• Alignment is crucial in both business and personal contexts
• Listening to stakeholders is a fundamental leadership skill
• Courage and transparency are essential for effective leadership
• Building trust within teams enhances collaboration
• Progress is more important than perfection in leadership
• Visualization helps in achieving strategic goals
• Metrics should align with overall company objectives
• Assuming positive intent fosters a collaborative environment
• Overcoming the fear of failure is vital for growth
• Adaptability is key in a changing business landscape

If you would like to connect with Andy Cowan outside of this episode, connect with him on LinkedIn.
-------------------------
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 LinkedIn
• Follow 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