Episode 18

How Perfectionism Paralyzes Progress

Summary:

Alexa Beavers explores the transformative power of risk-taking in leadership, challenging the notion of perfection and embracing the growth that comes from pushing boundaries. Through compelling anecdotes, she contrasts leaders who stand still due to fear with those who drive impactful change by embracing vulnerability and evolution. Beavers argues for the importance of progress over perfection, valuing honesty, collaboration, and feedback. This episode will inspire you to redefine leadership beyond optics and towards genuine impact, encouraging a mindset shift from fear of failure to a focus on continuous growth.

Chapters:

0:00

Embrace Foolishness to Overcome Fear and Foster Growth

0:24

Risk-Taking Leadership Versus Fear of Failure

0:48

The Power of Embracing Imperfection and Inviting Collaboration

1:42

Leadership Is About Progress Not Perfection


Host Alexa Beavers: linkedin.com/in/alexabeaverspmp

Executive Producer Jim Kanichirayil: linkedin.com/in/drjimk

Music Credit: "Lost in Dreams" by Kulakovka

Transcript
Alexa Beavers: [:

I worked with an incredibly talented leader who had a game changing idea, but kept it to himself. What if it flops? I asked, what if it works? But the fear of looking incompetent for him in front of his peers kept him truly stuck. Meanwhile, there was another leader in the same organization that took a bold risk, launched an experimental initiative, took some hits, but ultimately reshaped how the company operated.

he point. No one starts as a [:

The best leaders openly acknowledge that they're learning in real time. There's power in saying I'm trying something new and I know it won't be perfect, but progress matters much more than perfection. When you invite others into the process, you don't just gain credibility. You actually gain allies. People respect honesty far more than a sense of false confidence.

You'll be surprised at how much support and valuable feedback you receive the key stop thinking about it as risk and start thinking about it as evolution. No one remembers the leaders who played it safe, but they sure as heck remember the ones who had the courage to try something new. So here's the bottom line.

Are you leading for optics? Are you waiting for impact? Because if you're waiting for the perfect moment to take a shot, it's never gonna happen. The leaders who shape the future are the ones willing to look a little foolish in the process. Let people see your learning curve, share your journey.

[:

About the Podcast

Show artwork for Transformation Unfiltered
Transformation Unfiltered
Hitting Fast-Forward On Change

Listen for free

About your hosts

Profile picture for Alexa Beavers

Alexa Beavers

I’m the founder and CEO of The Axela Group, where I work with leaders who are doing hard and important things—whether that’s leading change, shifting culture, or just figuring out how to keep showing up when the pressure’s on.

These days, I spend a lot of my time multiplying my impact through our growing team at The Axela Group. Our incredible team of coaches and consultants is making a difference in work and in life —through coaching executives to tap into their whole human intelligence, consulting on how to navigate rapid change, developing productive teams, and creating spaces where leaders can share their challenges, lessons, and what matters most in these fast-moving times. In essence, I’m building a team that helps others lead with clarity and humanity—especially in messy, high-stakes environments. I am also bringing real leaders stories of growth and transformation to life through amazing conversations with leaders across industries who have been there done that - and are courageous enough to share.

When I’m not in conversation with a leader who is sharing their story or leading my own amazing team, I’m probably up to my eyeballs in paint doing art, walking the dogs by the river, or hanging with my crew of teenagers in Richmond, Virginia.

Ping me if you’re trying to lead through change and want a partner who’s been in the trenches.
Profile picture for Dr. Jim Kanichirayil

Dr. Jim Kanichirayil

I'm the occasional host and full time producer of the Transformation Unfiltered show. At this point I've had over 1500 podcast episodes hosted/produced and it's one of my favorite mediums to work in.

I've previously hosted and produced top 10% globally ranked podcasts (Cascading Leadership, HR Impact, Engaging Leadership) and have a number of other shows I've helped launch and produce as well.

When I'm not in these interwebs streets yappin' away, I'm a fractional Head of GTM (go-to-market) for early stage/accelerating growth stage HRTech, TATech, and executive coaching organizations. I help organizations integrate sales, marketing, and partnership functions into a unified practice.

Ping me if you have questions and/or if you want to be a guest.