Beyond Google vs. Epic: Systemic Barriers, Not Individual Weaknesses, Hold Us Back

In a headline-making decision, Google’s appeal in the Epic Games antitrust case has been rejected, requiring the tech giant to open its Android ecosystem to competing app stores and payment options. While most coverage frames this as a clash between corporate titans, a deeper examination—much needed for leaders, professionals, and advocates—reveals a far more powerful lesson: what looks like personal or company shortcomings often points to deeper, systemic barriers subtly shaping outcomes across entire industries.

From the outside, Google’s challenges could be mistaken for individual lapses or the failings of a single organization. They view what are actually symptoms as the problem and seek to blame instead of addressing the systems and processes that actually caused the problem. But the trial exposed a web of secret deals, exclusive arrangements, and policies designed to lock out competitors—tactics that have quietly sculpted the entire mobile world for years.

If a behemoth like Google needs monopolistic practices to stay on top, what chance do entrepreneurs and smaller businesses have if these barriers go unchallenged? More importantly, what advances are we all missing out on because those entrepreneurs and small businesses are unable to innovate, grow, and thrive in less structured, more possibilities-minded environments?

For business owners and leaders guided by the values of Purpose-Filled Solutions & Evolutions (purposefilledsande.com), the call to action is clear: Stop blaming individuals for problems rooted in how the systems and processes are structured. Whether you’re in tech, services, or social enterprise, recognize where your processes, partnerships, or company culture may be quietly reinforcing hidden obstacles that prevent people and ideas from thriving and evolving into transformational products, services, and opportunities.

Instead of focusing only on individual shortcomings, look upstream—examine your organization’s structures, incentives, and gatekeeping mechanisms. Where can you reimagine systems to foster new opportunities, more voices, and authentic collaboration? As the Google-Epic saga makes clear, lasting success in any sector comes from breaking down systemic barriers—not just managing individual behavior.

If you’re ready to uncover what’s holding your business or team back and want practical strategies to rebuild for inclusive, sustainable growth, schedule a complimentary assessment and strategy session: https://calendly.com/barbaraanne-purposefilledsande/pfse-free-coaching-consulting-strategy-referral

To explore how our team can help you map your journey toward extraordinary, discover the expertise and insights at Purpose-Filled Solutions & Evolutions.

Disclaimer: This article was thoughtfully crafted with assistance from ChatGPT to provide insights and spark meaningful reflection. The article largely reflects our beliefs, strategies, or intentions. We encourage you to engage critically with this information and make choices that align with your unique path and purpose. It is at your sole discretion and responsibility if you choose to apply any of the suggested ideas.

Barbara Anne Gardenhire-Mills is a coach/business, economic, and community development expert who has assisted thousands during her career. She founded Purpose-Filled Solutions & Evolutions, a coaching and consulting firm that helps clients feel seen, heard, and valued to “BEcome their vision of extraordinary.”

A Forbes Coaches Council® member, her credentials include: M.S. in Executive Leadership, ICF Professional Certified Coach, Certified Positive Intelligence® Coach, and second-degree blackbelt in traditional Okinawan karate.

She also hosts “What The Why?!?,” a podcast that explores the reasons behind people’s passions, pivots, and purpose. You can check out our legacy episodes from the first three seasons of “What The Why?!? With Barbara Anne” on KnetStream through our website at https://www.purposefilledsande.com/what-the-why-active-portal or visit our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@WhatTheWhy-Podcast.

To learn more about Barbara Anne Gardenhire-Mills, the Purpose-Filled Solutions & Evolutions team, and her podcast, visit https://www.purposefilledsande.com.

And to learn more about how we can support your business growth and employee development needs, schedule a Complimentary assessment and strategy session here: https://calendly.com/barbaraanne-purposefilledsande/pfse-free-coaching-consulting-strategy-referral