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.
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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

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, host Julie Williamson, PhD, engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Carice Anderson, author of "Intelligence Isn't Enough." They explore the importance of understanding oneself, building relationships, and navigating high-performing environments. Carice shares her journey from her education at Harvard Business School to her career at McKinsey, Deloitte, and beyond, emphasizing the value of aligning work with personal values and the power of connectedness.

Episode Takeaways

• Understanding oneself is crucial for success
• Building relationships is key in high-performing environments
• Aligning work with personal values enhances impact
• Connectedness is essential in both personal and professional life
• Education is a tool to transcend barriers
• Excellence is achieved through collaboration
• Navigating different cultures requires adaptability
• Personal branding is important for introverts
• Psychological safety fosters team success
• Deadlines and accountability drive completion

If you would like to connect with Carice Anderson outside of this episode, connect with her on LinkedIn, learn more about her on her website here, or snag your own copy of the book, "Intelligence Isn't Enough."
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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

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, host Julie engages with Nick Anderson, CEO of OneAccord, discussing the challenges leaders face in bridging the gap between agreement and alignment. They explore the importance of commitment over mere agreement, the role of personal transformation driven by need, and the balance between short-term and long-term goals. Nick shares his personal journey of weight loss as a metaphor for organizational change, emphasizing the need for consistency and shared meaning in achieving goals. The conversation concludes with a focus on mentorship as a vital component of leadership and the importance of clear communication in fostering alignment within teams.

Episode Takeaways

• The integrity of agreements is often questionable
• Apathy can be a silent killer in organizations
• Personal transformation often stems from a sharp need
• Long-term goals require incremental steps to achieve
• Successes are collective, while failures are individual
• Mentorship can change the trajectory of future leaders
• Clear communication is essential for alignment
• Identifying needs can drive engagement and commitment
• Consistency in small actions leads to significant change
• Creating shared meaning fosters alignment in team

If you would like to connect with Nick Anderson outside of this episode, connect with him on LinkedIn or learn more about OneAccord 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

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 Takeaways

• Jersey's journey began as a professional dancer before transitioning to hospitality
• Urban Cowboy started as an Airbnb-style venture before evolving into a boutique hotel brand
• The importance of listening to feedback from guests and adapting the business accordingly
• Building a company culture is crucial for employee engagement and brand consistency
• Expansion requires a shift in mindset and understanding of leadership roles
• Failure is a part of the learning process in entrepreneurship
• Instagram can create an illusion of ease in the hospitality industry
• Trusting team members to take ownership is essential for growth
• Creating a reciprocal culture between employees and guests enhances loyalty
• Entrepreneurs should embrace the journey as a work in progress

If 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 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

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, Lisa Adams, an AI advisor and strategist, discusses the transformative potential of AI in organizations, emphasizing the importance of viewing AI as a teammate rather than just a tool. She shares insights on how to leverage AI effectively, the necessary mindset shifts for successful integration, and the importance of AI literacy. The discussion also addresses security concerns and practical steps for getting started with AI tools, emphasizing the importance of community learning and sharing experiences.

Episode Takeaways

• AI can be a thought partner for strategy
• We need to give AI a job to help us
• AI literacy is crucial for effective use
• Using AI as a teammate enhances collaboration
• Different functions adopt AI at varying rates
• Security concerns can be navigated with common sense
• Hands-on experience is essential for learning AI
• Community sharing of AI experiences is valuable
• AI can help overcome human weaknesses
• Mindset shifts are necessary for leveraging AI

If you would like to connect with Liza Adams outside of this episode: Connect with her on LinkedIn and learn more about GrowthPath Partners.
-------------------------
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

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 Takeaways

• Mandy 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.
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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