E38 | Thriving in Challenge-tunity: Kim Williams on Leadership, Legacy, and Embracing Uncertainty

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In our latest episode of Trailblazing for Success, we had the pleasure of chatting with Kim Williams, Vice President and General Manager of Canadian Operations at Ovintiv.

Kim's journey from a summer student at Pan-Canadian Petroleum to a top leadership position is nothing short of inspiring.

Her story is filled with invaluable lessons on leadership, legacy, and thriving in uncertainty.

Here, we break down three powerful takeaways from our conversation with Kim - each paired with actionable leader tips and a sprinkle of fun.

1. Don't Waste a Crisis:

Finding Opportunity in Uncertainty (Yes, AND!)

One of the standout points from Kim's interview was her rallying cry: "Don't waste a crisis." Kim emphasized the importance of leveraging challenging situations as catalysts for growth. In her world of energy and oil, where market fluctuations and geopolitical factors often disrupt business as usual, this mindset is critical. Instead of viewing crises as setbacks, Kim reframes them as 'challenge-tunities' - a blend of challenges and opportunities.

Kim shared how Ovintiv's rebranding during the pandemic (arguably the worst timing for a major corporate shift) could have been seen as a purely negative scenario. Instead, she and her team embraced the chaos, using it as an opportunity to reinvent the company's identity and strengthen internal culture. Her approach wasn't just about survival; it was about showing resilience and demonstrating that even in the harshest conditions, you can carve out success by reframing problems as potential wins.

Leader Tip: When a crisis hits, gather your team for a quick 'Opportunity Mapping' session. Pose the question, "What possibilities does this challenge unlock for us?" Write down every idea - no matter how wild - and see where innovation leads.

Make It Fun: Turn your next crisis meeting into a 'Crisis Karaoke.' Start with each team member singing (or dramatically reading) one line of what they think the crisis is saying to the company. Not only will this bring humor to a tense situation, but it may also reveal some unexpected insights!

2. The Power of the 'Network Team':

Letting Go of Control

Kim spoke about the evolution from a command-and-control leadership style to a 'network team' approach. Rather than being the sole decision-maker, Kim empowers her team by allowing informal leaders to run meetings and make decisions. She highlighted how this fosters ownership, innovation, and collaboration within her team.

What makes this approach particularly effective is the psychological safety it creates. When team members know they have the autonomy to make decisions and that their voices matter, they contribute more meaningfully. Kim explained that in moments of high pressure, instead of the room turning to her for the 'final word,' her team is already in motion, problem-solving and driving initiatives forward. This distributed leadership model not only amplifies productivity but also prepares the organization for scalability and agility in unpredictable markets.

Leader Tip: Create a rotating leadership schedule for your regular meetings. Each week, a different team member facilitates the discussion, sets the agenda, and makes key decisions. This builds confidence and trust within the team.

Make It Fun: Introduce a 'Leadership Hat' - a literal hat that the week's leader wears during meetings. Make it something outrageous (think a wizard's hat or a crown) to keep things light and reinforce that leadership can (and should) be fun!

3. Eating the Plate of Spaghetti:

Embracing the Hard Stuff

Kim shared a memorable piece of advice from her CEO, Brendan McCracken, about 'eating the plate of spaghetti'—meaning sometimes you have to handle what’s on your plate, whether it’s messy, difficult, or unappealing. What matters most is how you approach it. This advice shaped her perspective on leadership, reminding her that growth often comes from managing the unglamorous parts of the job with grace.

Kim’s own journey reflected this lesson vividly. She recounted a time when she was passed over for a role she desperately wanted. Instead, she was assigned a less glamorous position, which felt like a setback. However, instead of sulking, she embraced the role, eventually leading innovative projects like collaborating with the Calgary Police Service on drilling projects. This 'spaghetti' role, while not initially appetizing, ended up providing her with unique experiences and growth opportunities that paved the way for her leadership ascent.

Leader Tip: When faced with a tough task, challenge your team to find one positive takeaway. Even if the task itself is challenging, focusing on skill development, relationship building, or problem-solving can shift the narrative from drudgery to development.

Make It Fun: Introduce a 'Spaghetti Challenge' where team members share their messiest work challenges over a spaghetti lunch (real or metaphorical). The catch? Every story must end with a positive twist or lesson learned.

Kim Williams is truly a trailblazer, proving that uncertainty, when paired with strong leadership and a bit of fun, can lead to incredible opportunities. Her insights remind us that leadership is not just about guiding through smooth waters—it's about thriving in the storm, finding joy in the journey, and always looking for that 'challenge-tunity.'

Thank you, Kim - for your honesty and authenticity! Stay tuned for more leadership wisdom on Trailblazing for Success!

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Ovintiv is a US-based energy company that explores and produces oil and natural gas in North America and Canada. The company's mission is to provide safe, affordable, and reliable energy. Driven by innovation and a clear vision, Ovintiv is positioned to thrive and grow in today’s market. By focusing on continuous operational excellence in our top tier assets, and a disciplined capital allocation approach, we are poised to lead in all areas where we operate. 

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