The Power of Admitting Failure with Gena Killion

Director of Organizational Design is the ninth title Gena has held in her eight years at Simantel. And while that may sound a little like we just don’t know what to do with her, it is really a testament to not only her versatility, but the people-first culture Simantel has embraced. It was this culture that allowed Gena to pave her way through the agency and create a brand-new role for herself. It was also the reason Gena felt supported in admitting failure to her client when a campaign recommendation she made did not have the desired outcome.

Read Full Transcript

Gena prides herself on being knowledgeable, being curious and being able to process (and retain) a lot of information about a lot of topics. It’s why she has been Simantel’s go-to resource for so many things. And it’s also why one of her most profound moments at Simantel was when she guided a client the wrong way, and then had to fess up.

In her story, Gena details the lessons she learned that helped her become the amazing leader she is today – including those that came out of difficult conversations. You’ll hear her talk about a moment that had a lasting impact on her career, and how it taught her to fail the right way. By leaning on the values and supportive culture that Simantel has come to be so well-known for, Gena was able to confidently (yet humbly) admit she was wrong, all the while maintaining a positive client relationship that only improved moving forward. Gena talks about how confessing to her error actually led to even more opportunities and encouraged her on her own leadership journey.

To hear more, head over to MarketingSweats.com and check out our very special Season 6 where you can hear a full interview with Gena and other Simantelites as they share their Point of Pride in celebration of our 40ish anniversary. Learn more about Gena.