Like a baby learning to walk, failure is a crucial part of learning.

Many companies have a culture deeply rooted in a fear of failure. That fear leads to risk aversion that can often result in companies staying stagnant and rejecting growth opportunities simply to avoid the difficulties of pushing the needle. Calculated risk is vital in business and with teams, especially when developing software that can make or break a company's bottom line.

Today, I'm exceptionally pleased to be joined by Adrian Williams, a highly experienced senior technology leader and Vice President of Engineering at aboutGOLF. I've had the opportunity to know Adrian for the last five or six years, not only as an individual and colleague but also as a very good friend. With over 30 years of experience in the software development space, Adrian has spent a lifetime as both an engineer and a leader, failing and succeeding, learning and teaching people, teams, and companies how to be wildly successful.

In this conversation, Adrian and I discuss how he naturally developed a high risk profile, how it shapes his approach as a leader, the concept of "failing fast," the impact of work environments on success, the challenges of remote communication, the limitations of technology, and more.
 

Highlights

Adrian’s diverse background, interests, and experiences and how they have shaped his risk profile

Fear of failure and embracing the “fail fast” mentality

Challenges of failing fast and the need for a supportive environment that allows for quick iterations and corrections

Success story - how failing fast and being agile led to a successful solution during the COVID-19 pandemic

Why trust and transparency in leadership is essential in creating a culture of fearlessness and innovation

The art of listening and effective leadership

The role of software in improving efficiency and reducing waste

Challenges of remote work and the need for tools that facilitate human connection and communication

The excessive use of tools in education and the negative impact on kinesthetic learners

The limitations of technology in replicating rich human interactions

Why visual cues are crucial in communication

What people-driven tech means to Adrian

Connect with Adrian Williams

aboutGolf Website https://www.aboutgolf.com/

Adrian Williams on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-williams-austin-tx/

Thanks for Listening!

Make sure to follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Engage with us digitally on:

Website | TailwindSW.com https://tailwindsw.com/

YouTube | Tailwind Business Ventures https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFsK82VPSZA

LinkedIn | Tailwind Business Ventures https://www.linkedin.com/company/tailwind-business-ventures-llc/

Facebook @TailwindSW https://www.facebook.com/tailwindsw

Twitter @Tailwind_sw https://twitter.com/tailwind_sw

Twitter @Tailwind_sw https://twitter.com/tailwind_sw