“He failed to even take the most basic action… Instead, the Californian watched, motionless, as Titanic sank into the night.”

In this debrief, Jerome and Julienne reflect on Kelly Skwarcan’s striking account of leadership failure aboard the SS Californian—a ship that might have saved hundreds of lives after Titanic sank but instead stood by, paralyzed by inaction and then mired in cover-up.

This moment of history opens up a conversation about what real leadership requires today: courage, accountability, and the willingness to hear voices from every level of the organization.

You’ll Hear:
- Silence in the Face of Crisis – Why ignoring urgent signals—whether distress rockets or employee concerns—leads to disaster.

- Integrity vs. Cover-Up – How owning mistakes can build trust, while hiding them erodes it.

- Courage Across the Ranks – The role of “lower-level” voices that speak truth to power, and why leaders must empower them.

- Turning Over Stones – How exploring formative experiences—even from childhood—can reveal the roots of our leadership style today.

Narativ’s online course in partnership with New Mexico State University Global Campus:
Lead With Your Story (self-paced, on-demand course)
Podcast listeners get 25% off - Use code NARATIV → Register Here

Learn more about how to leverage Narativ’s storytelling method for your pitch and sales team: Download our free e-book, or you’re welcome to schedule a free 15-minute call with Jerome.

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Buy Julienne’s book here