My Favorite Mistake: Careers & Business, Growth & Lessons Learned: Recent Episodes
Mark Graban
Do you make mistakes at work and in business? Of course. We all do. But do we learn from them?
Listen and you'll hear executives, entrepreneurs, and other interesting people discuss their “favorite mistakes” and what they learned, including how to prevent making the same mistakes again. Or, how to turn apparent mistakes into positives.
We discuss how to create a culture where it's safe to talk about mistakes – this leads to continuous improvement, instead of blaming and shaming others or beating ourselves up.
Hosted by Mark Graban (author of "Lean Hospitals" and "Measures of Success"). Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
My guest for Episode #327 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Dr. Maya Ackerman, AI pioneer, researcher, and CEO of WaveAI. She’s also an associate professor of Computer Science and Engineering at Santa Clara University and the author of the new book Creative Machines: AI, Art, and Us.
EPISODE PAGE WITH VIDEO, TRANSCRIPT, AND MORE
In this episode, Maya shares her favorite mistake — one that changed how she builds technology and thinks about creativity. Early in her journey as an entrepreneur, her team at WaveAI created an ambitious product called “Alicia,” designed to assist with every step of music creation. But in trying to help too much, they accidentally took freedom away from users. That experience inspired her concept of “humble AI” — systems that step back, listen, and support human creativity rather than take over.
Maya describes how that lesson led to their breakthrough success with Lyric Studio, an AI songwriting tool that empowers millions of artists by helping them create while staying true to their own voices. She also shares insights from her research on human-centered design, the philosophy behind generative models, and why we should build AI that’s more collaborative than competitive.
Together, we discuss why mistakes — whether made by people or machines — can spark innovation, and how being more forgiving toward imperfection can help both leaders and creators thrive.
“If AI is meant to be human-centric, it must be humble. Its job is to elevate people, not replace them.”
— Maya Ackerman
“Who decided machines have to be perfect? It’s a ridiculous expectation — and a limiting one.”
— Maya Ackerman
Questions and Topics: What was your favorite mistake* — and what did you learn from it? * What went wrong with your second product, “ALYSIA,” and how did that shape your later success? * How did you discover the concept of “humble creative machines”? * What makes Lyric Studio different from general AI tools like ChatGPT? * How do you design AI that supports — rather than replaces — human creativity? * What’s the real difference between AI and a traditional algorithm? * How do you think about ethical concerns, like AI imitating living artists? * What do you mean by human-centered AI — and how can we build it? * Why do AI systems “hallucinate,” and can those mistakes actually be useful? * How can embracing mistakes — human or machine — lead to more creativity and innovation? * What are your thoughts on AI’s future — should we be hopeful or concerned?
My guest for Episode #326 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Dr. William Harvey, a manufacturing executive and university professor whose career is defined by developing people, strengthening systems, and driving organizational excellence. A proud U.S. Marine, William carries forward a deep tradition of service and leadership. He also serves as the chair for the 2026 AME International Conference in Milwaukee, hosted by the Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME).
EPISODE PAGE WITH VIDEO AND MORE
William shares a powerful early-career story about a mistake that taught him lasting lessons about trust, humility, and psychological safety. When he accidentally derailed a customer order by taking home the wrong document, he feared the worst. Instead, his manager’s calm and compassionate response—and a customer’s extraordinary effort to make things right—changed how William thought about leadership forever.
Over time, William applied those lessons to how he leads teams and builds culture. He believes that leaders go first—by admitting mistakes, showing vulnerability, and creating space for others to experiment, fail, and learn. Through daily coaching cycles and methods like Toyota Kata, he helps people develop confidence in problem solving and take ownership of improvement. His goal: to build a workplace culture rooted in trust, respect, and continuous learning, where every person feels safe enough to speak up and strong enough to lead.
Key Lessons & Themes:* Why trusting your team is critical to avoiding unnecessary errors * How supportive leadership responses turn mistakes into growth moments * The connection between psychological safety, continuous improvement, and Toyota Kata * How to “go first” as a leader—admitting your own mistakes to build trust * The link between physical safety and psychological safety in world-class organizations * What leaders can learn from Paul O’Neill and his “zero incidents” mindset at Alcoa
In this bonus re-release, we revisit an important and timely conversation with Sabrina Moon, Founder and CEO of The Problem Solving Institute and a certified Dare to Lead™ facilitator.
Originally aired as Episode #35 of My Favorite Mistake, this conversation remains one of the most powerful and honest reflections on leadership, shame, and transformation.
Episode page with transcript and more
🔍 What You’ll Hear: Sabrina’s “favorite mistake”* — using shame as a leadership tool in high-stress environments * The culture of command-and-control leadership she inherited (and how she broke the cycle) * How Brené Brown’s work on vulnerability and shame helped her lead differently * The personal toll of shame-based leadership — on her team and herself * Why self-awareness is a skill—and how we can build it * The role of grace, compassion, and curiosity in becoming a better leader
“We use shame and the fear of shame to motivate, but I think in an unhealthy way. I would utilize shame because it was the last tool in my toolbox and I was desperate.” — Sabrina Moon
👤 About Sabrina Moon:Sabrina is a leadership coach and consultant who helps organizations move from reactive command-and-control cultures to psychologically safe environments where continuous improvement and innovation can thrive.
Connect with her at ProblemSI.com or on LinkedIn.
✨ Why Re-Release This Episode?As more organizations reflect on how culture impacts performance, engagement, and well-being, this episode offers essential insights for leaders at every level. Whether you're managing a team or transforming a system, Sabrina's story reminds us that who we are as leaders matters just as much as what we do.
My guest for Episode #325 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Phillip Cantrell, EVP of Strategy at United Real Estate, founder of Benchmark Realty, and author of Failing My Way to Success: Lessons from 42 Years of Winning and Losing in Business.
EPISODE PAGE WITH VIDEO, TRANSCRIPT, AND MORE
Phillip reflects on more than four decades of entrepreneurial ups and downs across printing, real estate, and related ventures. He openly shares how devastating mistakes—including putting “all his eggs in one basket”—forced him to reinvent his approach. What looked like a catastrophe in 2007–2008 became the turning point that fueled Benchmark Realty’s rapid growth to nearly 2,000 agents.
“Failure is going to happen. If you don’t make mistakes, you’re not doing anything.”
In this conversation, Phillip and I talk about the difference between scaling vs. scrambling, the dangers of playing “not to lose” instead of “playing to win,” and why documenting processes is essential for growth. He also explains why your only real competitor is “the man in the mirror” and how daily reflection helps him learn from mistakes and avoid repeating them.
This episode is packed with timeless lessons on leadership, resilience, and learning from failure—whether you’re in real estate or any other industry.
“If you play not to lose in business, you’re already losing.”
Questions and Topics:* What’s your “favorite mistake” from your career? * How did putting “all your eggs in one basket” impact Benchmark Realty? * What did you learn from losing agents and clients during the mortgage crisis? * How did you develop the flat-fee brokerage model, and what risks did you see at the time? * Did you ever doubt whether that new model would work? * How did you rebuild Benchmark from five agents to nearly 2,000? * Why is it important to look outside your own industry for best practices? * What do you mean by the difference between scaling and scrambling? * How does documenting processes create better outcomes? * Why do you say your only real competitor is “the man in the mirror”? * What role has reflection and journaling played in your leadership growth? * What advice would you give younger entrepreneurs about learning from mistakes?
In this very special solo episode of My Favorite Mistake, Mark Graban breaks down the gloriously ridiculous — and surprisingly instructive — mistakes made by the characters in his all-time favorite film, This Is Spinal Tap.
With the long-awaited sequel, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, now in theaters, Mark explores why Spinal Tap endures not just as a cult comedy classic, but as a brilliant satire of human behavior, team dysfunction, communication breakdowns, and leadership gone sideways.
And yes — these mistakes still matter, even four decades later.
From the Stonehenge measured in inches…
To the foil-wrapped “courgette” in the pants…
To the pod that wouldn’t open and the drummers who keep dying…
…these moments are funny because they’re true. And they’re great reminders that how we respond to mistakes matters more than pretending they never happened.
🔑 Topics & Highlights: Why This Is Spinal Tap is more than just a comedy * The iconic “Stonehenge” prop mistake and what it teaches us about communication * How real-life rockstars* refused to drum in the sequel (because of the “curse”) * Why remembering the courgette as a cucumber is itself… a mistake * The brilliance of “We don’t have time for that” and the backstage loop in Cleveland * Why doing what you’re told isn’t the same as doing what’s right * Mark’s personal story of seeing the film 100+ times — starting with a VHS in high school
🔗 Mentions & Links: 🎬 This Is Spinal Tap on IMDb * 🎥 Spinal Tap II: The End Continues – Now in Theaters * 📘 The Mistakes That Make Us* by Mark Graban * 💻 SpinalTarp.com – A curated list of character mistakes from the film
🎧 Subscribe & Follow:If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and check out past episodes of My Favorite Mistake — where we talk to leaders, authors, entrepreneurs, and creatives about the mistakes that made them who they are.
🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your shows.
My guest for Episode #324 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Trevor Schade.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
Trevor began his career as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt with a strong background in coding and process improvement. He consulted on business efficiency and outsourcing before shifting into real estate in 2008. After earning his license, he quickly built a top-performing team of 26 agents with zero turnover over five years. By leveraging a virtual admin team in the Philippines and innovative automation, Trevor’s group generated over a million dollars in commissions.
In late 2023, Trevor stepped away from leading that large team to focus on investing, advising, and teaching. Today, he speaks on topics including negotiation, time freedom, and real estate strategy, and he has launched Life Wealth courses to help others pursue similar goals.
In this episode, Trevor shares his favorite mistake: jumping into a multi-level marketing business at age 19. The venture wasn’t financially successful, but it transformed his mindset. For the first time, Trevor developed a daily reading habit that exposed him to classics like Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People and Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad, Poor Dad. Those books gave him a foundation in psychology, leadership, and long-term thinking that continues to influence his work.
We also explore:
- How lessons from Nebraska football and martial arts shaped Trevor’s resilience
- What Lean Six Sigma taught him about efficiency, quality, and leadership
- Why he focused on psychological safety and belonging to keep his team intact
- How he used outsourcing and automation to scale without burnout
- The importance of setting trajectories instead of rigid goals in business and life
Trevor’s story is a reminder that sometimes the most unprofitable ventures provide the richest education — if we’re willing to learn from them.
Questions and Topics: What’s your favorite mistake? * How did joining a multi-level marketing company at 19 shape your growth, even if it wasn’t financially successful? * Did you ever think about leaving earlier, and was staying too long its own mistake? * What lessons did you take from Nebraska football and sports about resilience and bouncing back? * How did you first get into Lean Six Sigma and continuous improvement work? * In what ways did Lean and coding skills help you scale your real estate business? * What did you learn about leadership from running a 26-agent team with zero turnover? * How did you create a culture of psychological safety and belonging for your team? * Why do you emphasize inspiring people instead of “beating them over the head with metrics”? * What role have outsourcing and automation played in your business success? * You’ve said you set trajectories* instead of rigid goals — what does that mean in practice? * Looking back, how do you connect these mistakes and lessons to your current focus on investing, advising, and teaching?
In this special episode of My Favorite Mistake, host Mark Graban celebrates the kickoff of football season with a unique perspective: five legendary kickers who know what it means to perform under pressure. Guests include former NFL kickers Jay Feely, Shane Graham, David Akers, Nick Lowry, and University of South Carolina’s all-time leading scorer Parker White.
These athletes share their most memorable mistakes and high-pressure moments—from Jay Feely’s infamous game-losing kicks and Saturday Night Live parody, to Shane Graham’s insight that failure and success are inseparable, to Nick Lowry’s persistence after 11 rejections before making the NFL. David Akers reflects on striving for improvement over perfection, while Parker White explains how practice and faith helped him overcome nerves and pass lessons on to the next generation.
Across their stories, a common theme emerges: mistakes don’t define you—they prepare you. By reframing failure, focusing on fundamentals, and staying mentally strong, these kickers transformed pressure into performance. Their lessons reach far beyond football, offering wisdom for leaders, teams, and anyone facing high-stakes challenges in business or life.
If you’ve ever struggled with fear of failure, performance anxiety, or the pressure to succeed, this episode offers practical, inspiring insights from athletes who’ve been tested in front of millions.
My guest for Episode #323 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Grace Bourke, Consulting Director of the Performance Excellence Practice at Baker Tilly. With nearly 40 years of experience in healthcare quality improvement and industrial engineering, Grace has worked in clinical care, biotech, global public health, and senior leadership roles at organizations including Kaiser Permanente and Sutter Health.'
Episode page
Grace shares a very personal favorite mistake — the challenges of building a new home that turned into a nightmare of mold, leaks, and structural flaws. What began as a house problem quickly became a more profound lesson in trust, verification, and speaking up — themes that resonate far beyond construction and directly into the world of healthcare.
“Trust and verify becomes trust and vigilant, educated verification.” – Grace Bourke
She reflects on how her tendency to trust inspections and processes, while ignoring her own instincts, parallels what often happens in healthcare systems when leaders or staff don’t feel psychologically safe to raise concerns. Grace connects her experience to the importance of leadership accountability, patient safety, and continuous improvement, noting that healthcare still struggles to admit mistakes and act decisively to prevent harm.
We also talk about the role of psychological safety, second opinions, and lifelong learning, both in our personal lives and in healthcare. Grace shares how hobbies like glass fusing remind her that safe spaces for experimentation and “planned mistakes” can strengthen resilience, creativity, and growth.
“We can’t fix the whole world, but we can fix our small piece — and that makes a difference.” – Grace Bourke
Questions and Topics:* What’s your favorite mistake? * Was the mistake choosing this builder, or not verifying inspections before closing? * Why do you think you didn’t speak up more during the building process? * How does this experience connect to psychological safety in healthcare? * What have you learned about yourself from going through this? * How do you put the house problems into perspective? * Has the builder taken responsibility or apologized? * What parallels do you see between this home-building experience and healthcare improvement? * Why is it so hard for healthcare organizations to admit mistakes? * What role does leadership play in creating safer systems? * How do hobbies like glass fusing help you practice learning from mistakes? * What do you mean by “the mistake you’re planning”? * What gives you hope for improvement in healthcare, despite the challenges?
My guest for Episode #322 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Rob Dorgan, a multi-talented professional whose career path has taken him from paralegal to college professor, retail store owner, manufacturing company president, and now licensed massage therapist, certified yoga educator, meditation teacher, and astrologer. Rob is also the author of Awakening the Mystic: A Novel of Cosmic Love and Healing.
Episode page with video and more
His favorite mistake? Taking what was meant to be a short trip to Europe while working on his PhD — a journey that led him to never return to that academic track. Instead, it opened his eyes to a different pace of life, sparked a reassessment of what success meant to him, and ultimately set him on a more balanced and meaningful career path.
In our conversation, Rob shares how that decision — which family and friends initially questioned — allowed him to escape burnout and embrace a life and career that integrates his passions for teaching, creativity, and well-being. He reflects on lessons learned from his “type A” years in academia and business, the importance of slowing down, and how yoga, meditation, and practical stress relief can improve both personal health and workplace culture. We also discuss his experience bringing these tools into corporate environments, where employees not only benefit individually but also feel more supported by their organizations.
“Stress comes on so slowly that it becomes your normal — and you forget what life without it feels like.”
That realization, Rob says, is what helped him see the deeper value of meditation and mindful living. We also talk about his book’s concepts — from the “five kleshas” in yoga philosophy to the idea of an “inner council” — and how self-awareness can help us navigate life’s choices. Whether you’re navigating a career change, seeking better work-life balance, or simply curious about practical ways to reduce stress, Rob’s story offers valuable insights and inspiration.
Questions and Topics:* What’s your favorite mistake? * How did your trip to Europe during your PhD studies change your career path? * Did you consider moving to Europe to teach in that more relaxed environment? * What countries did you visit on that trip? * How did you go from teaching to starting a retail store and then leading a manufacturing company? * Did yoga and meditation help you become a better leader? * How did your personal stress experiences influence how you led the company? * How have attitudes toward workplace stress changed since the 1990s? * How do you make meditation and stress relief practical for corporate settings? * How do companies usually find and bring you in for corporate sessions? * What types of people attend your retreats, and what do they take away? * How did you personally discover the benefits of a consistent yoga practice? * How can yoga and meditation help with stress-related physical issues? * What are the “five kleshas” in yoga philosophy? * How do those concepts connect to ego, attachment, and fear? * What is the “inner council” in your book, and how does it work? * How did your interest in astrology begin? * How can knowing your “council leader” help you in life and work? * How did you balance the drive to finish your book with avoiding stress? * What’s your advice for building habits like meditation or yoga into daily life?
My guest for Episode #321 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Cynthia Kane, founder and CEO of the Kane Intentional Communication Institute and author of several books, including How to Communicate Like a Buddhist and The Pause: How to Keep Your Cool in Tough Situations.
Cynthia shares a pivotal mistake from early in her life: letting other people’s opinions matter more than her own—especially after a college professor told her she’d never be a good writer. That moment stung, but it also eventually propelled her toward a path of mindfulness, self-trust, and transformational communication.
Cynthia explains how her journey through loss, meditation, and Buddhist principles helped her develop a more intentional way of communicating—not just with others, but with herself. We explore how mistakes, reactivity, and emotional attachment can all be reframed through mindfulness and self-awareness. Cynthia offers practical tools for staying calm during high-stakes conversations, including pausing, resetting the nervous system, and learning to speak from an “empty place”—a state of clarity without judgment or reactivity.
“Every mistake leads us to something better.”
Throughout the conversation, we also unpack the difference between being nice and being kind, how communication impacts stress levels, and why helpful language is honest, kind, and necessary. Cynthia’s insights are especially valuable for leaders, teams, and anyone who wants to communicate more effectively under pressure. As she says, “Every mistake leads us to something better.”
Questions and Topics: What’s your favorite mistake? * When did you realize that listening to others more than yourself had become a pattern? * How did the loss of your first love influence your journey of self-awareness and healing? * What led you to start writing again after being discouraged? * What is creative nonfiction, and how does it differ from other forms of writing? * Did working with an editor bring up old doubts, and how did you manage that feedback process? * How does Buddhism shape your view on mistakes? * Does that mindset help you approach writing mistakes differently? * How do you balance detachment from mistakes with still caring about your work? * What does “communicating like a Buddhist” mean in everyday life? * Can you give examples where helpful vs. hurtful language is more subtle? * What’s the difference between being nice and being kind? * How does changing our communication style help reduce stress? * What inspired your newest book, The Pause*? * What’s an example of a workplace situation where not pausing leads to regret? * What should someone do if they need a pause but the other person won’t allow it? * How can we calm ourselves in the moment to respond more intentionally? * What does it mean to respond from an “empty place”? * What breathing techniques do you recommend in tough conversations?
🎙️ In this bonus episode of My Favorite Mistake, Mark Graban welcomes back Dr. Jen Heemstra, Charles Allen Thomas Professor and Chair of Chemistry at Washington University in St. Louis. Jen joins us to talk about her new book, Lab Work to Leadership: A Concise Guide to Thriving in the Science Job You Weren’t Trained For.
She shares how the book was inspired by her favorite mistake—realizing that a research career in science unexpectedly came with a leadership role she wasn’t trained for. What began as a personal challenge turned into a passion for mentorship and a practical guide to help others in the sciences (and beyond) succeed as “accidental leaders.”
👉 Learn how Jen approached this transition, what others in academia and technical fields can take away, and why leadership training is essential—even if it’s not part of your job description (yet).
🧪 “People are counting on you to get this leadership thing right.” – Jen Heemstra
🔁 Listen to Jen’s original episode (#262) where she shares her favorite mistake:
http://markgraban.com/mistake262
🎧 Listen to all episodes at https://www.markgraban.com/mistake
My guest for Episode #320 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Damon Lembi, CEO of Learnit, a live learning and development platform that has helped upskill over 2 million professionals.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
A former college baseball player and now a two-time bestselling author, Damon shares the story of how youthful ambition and overconfidence led him to push Learnit into a rapid, unsustainable expansion during the dot-com boom. Despite his father’s cautious advice, Damon got his way—and then faced the harsh reality of a collapsing market and near bankruptcy.
In our conversation, Damon reflects on the hard-earned lessons from that pivotal mistake, including the dangers of comparing yourself to others, the importance of thinking through worst-case scenarios (what he now calls “purposeful awfulizing”), and the humility required to be a “Learn It All” leader. His resilience and willingness to grow through adversity helped him guide Learnit not only through the early 2000s tech crash, but also through the 2008 recession and beyond.
“If you’re always right, you’re not listening hard enough.”
Damon shares how his background as a competitive athlete shaped his mindset around failure, feedback, and agility—traits that now inform how he builds his team and company culture. We also talk about his podcast, The Learn It All Podcast, where he continues learning from top authors, leaders, and changemakers. Damon’s story is a powerful reminder that mistakes can be an expensive—but invaluable—education.
“Make new mistakes, learn from them, and move forward.”
Questions and Topics:* What’s your favorite mistake? * How did you go from playing baseball to becoming CEO of Learnit? * What lessons did you take from your baseball career into business? * Did you ever regret turning down the chance to play minor league baseball? * Was anyone cautioning you against overexpanding Learnit? * What did you learn from that experience as a young CEO? * How did you apply those lessons during the 2008 recession? * How has your leadership style evolved since then? * What does “being a Learn It All” mean to you? * What kind of people do you look to hire and why? * How do you balance vulnerability and confidence as a leader? * What did you learn about receiving feedback from your time in sports? * How do you avoid letting one failure affect your next decision or meeting? * What’s the difference between failure and a mistake? * Can you share more about your Learn It All podcast and what you’ve gained from it?
My guest for Episode #319 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Sapna Pieroux, award-winning author of Let’s Get Visible!, a branding consultant, and the founder of Inner Visions ID.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
With a background spanning 20 years in media and experience working with major brands like Toyota, Sony, and L’Oréal, Sapna shares the defining mistake that led her to a new level of impact: believing that her great work alone would speak for itself. Early in her entrepreneurial journey, she hid behind a company logo and resisted putting herself out there—fearing criticism, judgment, and even considering a pseudonym for her book.
In this honest and inspiring conversation, Sapna shares how she overcame those fears and the societal pressures—especially those that affect women and people of color—to stay small or silent. Through her own evolution, she discovered the power of personal branding and visibility, not just for business growth but for personal confidence. She now helps leaders and teams align their business and personal brands so they can show up with clarity, confidence, and credibility in a noisy world.
We also explore common branding mistakes—like trying to DIY logos without strategy—and how Sapna’s signature “Do-Say-See” model helps entrepreneurs and professionals build trust and influence. Whether you're just starting out or trying to get unstuck, Sapna’s insights on visibility, imposter syndrome, and brand alignment will give you practical tools and thoughtful encouragement.
Questions and Topics:* Is branding more about how others see you—like a nickname—than what you say about yourself? * What was your favorite mistake? * How was hiding behind your logo hurting your business? * How close were you to publishing your book under a pseudonym? * Was your publisher encouraging you to publish under your real name? * What do you now teach others about personal branding as a result of that mistake? * Why do you think many women hesitate to talk about their accomplishments? * How did red become such a key part of your brand? * What are some early steps someone can take to build their personal brand if they’re nervous about putting themselves out there? * What gave you more confidence to show up consistently? * How did entering awards help you boost your visibility and credibility?
My guest for Episode #318 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Matthew Neal Davis, an attorney, entrepreneur, and author of the provocative book The Art of Preventing Stupid.
Episode page with video and more
Matthew is the founder and managing partner of Davis Business Law, which has grown more than 1,000% in six years, earning a spot on the Inc. 5000 list. In addition to running a multi-office law firm across several states, he’s also the frontman of a heavy metal band called Geriatric Steel.
In this episode, Matthew shares how not fully recognizing the leadership lessons from his Eagle Scout experience early in his legal career became a favorite mistake—and how it shaped the way he leads his firm today.
Matthew reflects on the hiring and leadership missteps that stemmed from overlooking those early lessons—particularly how applying Ken Blanchard’s Situational Leadership framework helped him better support team members through growth phases. He explains how understanding where someone is on the spectrum from “excited beginner” to “self-reliant high achiever” has transformed how he mentors attorneys and minimizes costly turnover. These insights, combined with structured systems and data dashboards, now fuel a high-performance culture rooted in learning and ownership.
...we have rituals around this. Every Wednesday is WINSday—we celebrate successes. Every Friday, we have a firm huddle where we talk about what kicked our butts that week. We put it all on the table. That’s how we learn. That’s how we build trust and improvement into the culture.
We also talk about the core idea behind Matthew’s book: that most business problems come from one of three vulnerabilities—catastrophes, ignorance, or ill-discipline—and how leaders can build a "business immune system" to prevent them.
From mismanaged Google Ads campaigns to ill-advised partnerships, Matthew brings humor and clarity to how we can all learn faster, prepare better, and focus on growth. His story is a compelling reminder that being proactive beats being reactive—and that embracing mistakes is the best way to strengthen your systems and your culture.
Questions and Topics:* What’s your favorite mistake? * What did you overlook from your Eagle Scout experience that later became valuable in business? * What specific mistakes did you make in those early years of running the firm? * How do you apply situational leadership in your law firm? * Can you share an example of helping someone move through that “frustrated learner” phase? * What lessons from Scouting translate to business leadership? * Did you ever think growing the firm beyond a solo practice was a mistake? * What do you mean by “preventing stupid”? * Can you explain your framework for categorizing business vulnerabilities? * How do you distinguish ignorance from stupidity in business? * What are examples of ill-discipline you’ve seen in your firm? * Have you created checklists to avoid repeating mistakes? * What is the Strong Protected Business System? * How does your business immune system tool work? * What do you mean by circular systems in business? * How do you think about culture as your firm grows? * Have you managed to avoid hiring narcissistic or toxic attorneys? * How often do you get to play with your band, Geriatric Steel? * Are your original songs available on Spotify or anywhere online?
My guest for Episode #316 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Davina Frederick, founder of Wealthy Woman Lawyer, host of the Wealthy Woman Lawyer Podcast, and a business coach who has helped women law firm owners scale their practices to seven figures and beyond.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
In our conversation, Davina shares why going to law school—an unconventional move at age 38—turned out to be her favorite mistake. Despite building a successful litigation practice, she realized that the traditional lawyer lifestyle wasn’t aligned with her long-term goals or well-being.
"I realized I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life sitting behind a desk or in a courtroom."
After stepping away from her first firm, Davina leveraged both her marketing background and the painful lessons of burnout to build a second, more sustainable law practice. That experience—and the power of hiring business coaches—ultimately led her to launch her own coaching firm. Today, Davina specializes in helping women lawyers grow their firms with clarity, confidence, and systems that reduce overwhelm and create balance.
We also dive into what it means to create a systems-driven law firm—and how that principle applies across professional services. From breaking the “grading papers” bottleneck to resisting perfectionism, Davina offers practical strategies for founders who are ready to scale without losing themselves in the process. Her journey is a powerful example of learning from mistakes, listening to your inner voice, and having the courage to change course.
Questions and Topics:* What’s your favorite mistake? * Why do you see going to law school as a mistake? * What was your career before law school? * What inspired you to make law your second career? * How did you come to the decision to leave your first law firm? * What happened between your first and second law firms? * Why did you choose to launch a virtual firm in 2011? * How did others react to your decision to work virtually? * What did you do differently the second time to avoid repeating mistakes? * What does it mean to have a systems-driven law firm? * How do you help lawyers stop being the bottleneck in their business? * Can you share examples of systems you recommend, especially for marketing? * How do you coach lawyers through the fear of hiring after a bad experience? * What mindset shifts help women lawyers move past perfectionism and indecision? * What led you to focus exclusively on coaching women law firm owners?
My guest for Episode #316 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Jim Schleckser, founder and CEO of The CEO Project.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
Jim is a seasoned business leader, bestselling author, and trusted advisor to CEOs around the world. With experience spanning 42 countries and multiple industries, Jim has spent decades helping leaders grow their companies and think more strategically. He’s also the author of Great CEOs Are Lazy and Professional Drinking, and he’s a certified sommelier—something we get to at the end of the episode!
In our conversation, Jim shares a formative early-career mistake—being too optimistic as a leader. His enthusiasm led to overpromising revenue, under-delivering on results, and ultimately damaging his credibility to the point where he had to leave the organization. Jim reflects on how he’s since learned to balance positivity with realism, buffer commitments, and truly listen to skeptics on his team. His story is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t just about vision—it’s also about judgment, humility, and learning from painful experiences.
We also dive into what it means to be an effective CEO, including why Jim says great CEOs are lazy. He shares how high-performing executives focus their time on removing bottlenecks, not micromanaging, and why a trusted CEO peer group can be a game-changing support system. Plus, for fellow wine lovers, we cap off the episode with a fun bonus: wine mistakes, how to order like a pro, and Jim’s best tip for getting the most out of a wine list.
Questions and Topics:* What’s your favorite mistake, and what did you learn from it? * Can you share specific examples of how your optimism led to overcommitment or missed expectations? * How did that mistake affect your credibility and position in the company? * How have you learned to balance optimism with realism in leadership? * What’s your approach to setting stretch goals versus achievable targets? * How can unrealistic goals create dysfunction or unethical behavior in organizations? * What’s the best way to avoid data manipulation and maintain integrity in performance reporting? * What is The CEO Project, and how does a CEO peer group provide value to its members? * You say “great CEOs are lazy”—what does that really mean, and how does it work in practice? * How can CEOs identify the biggest constraint or bottleneck in their business? * Why do some CEOs struggle to admit mistakes, and how does that affect their leadership credibility? * How do peer groups foster psychological safety for leaders? * What inspired you to become a certified sommelier? * What are some common mistakes people make when ordering wine? * What’s your best tip for confidently ordering wine at a restaurant? * If someone only drinks Napa Cabernets, what’s a good way to branch out? * Have you observed gender bias in how sommeliers treat guests at the table?
My guest for Episode #315 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Kat Halushka, a business and visibility strategist for coaches, consultants, and speakers. She’s the founder of Profitable Impact Academy, where she helps entrepreneurs grow their audience, automate marketing, and land clients through speaking and streamlined funnels.
EPISODE PAGE
Kat’s favorite mistake? She followed the classic advice to “go to networking events and have coffee meetings” to get clients—so she did, hundreds of times. But after exhausting herself with back-to-back coffee chats every Friday, she realized the ROI just wasn’t there.
Kat had a breakthrough when she nervously gave a short talk at a networking event—and walked away with two new clients that day. That lightbulb moment launched her on a mission to get in front of the room instead of meeting people one-on-one. Over time, she built her credibility by hosting her own events, attracting hundreds of attendees and growing a thriving business community. This shift helped her discover that strategic speaking, not endless small talk, was the true key to visibility and client conversion.
Today, Kat teaches entrepreneurs to stop chasing every opportunity and instead focus on clarity, messaging, and scalable systems. She shares powerful lessons on why most new speakers fail to connect—and how you can avoid those pitfalls by making offers that speak to your audience’s present-day pain points. Whether you’re brand-new to business or looking to scale with less hustle, Kat’s insights on visibility, messaging, and mistake-making will help light the way forward.
Questions and Topics:* What’s your favorite mistake? * How did those endless coffee meetings affect you and your business? * What changed after that first speaking engagement? * How did you start landing more speaking opportunities after that breakthrough? * What was the origin story behind Profitable Impact Academy? * What are some of the most common mistakes entrepreneurs make when trying to grow through speaking? * How can business owners get clearer on what their audience really needs? * Why is it a mistake to create too many offers or talks? * How do you help clients identify and refine the one talk that drives results? * What are the differences between speaking as a business vs. speaking to grow a business? * When offered a speaking fee, how do you decide whether to accept or negotiate for something else? * Can you explain what you mean by making an “offer from the stage”? * How do you structure a win-win-win when working with event organizers? * What’s one way speakers can make a compelling call-to-action without sounding salesy? * Can you give an example of a “gift” that actually gets audience engagement? * What’s your final advice for new entrepreneurs or aspiring speakers?
In this special bonus episode of My Favorite Mistake, host Mark Graban welcomes back Josh Cunningham, founder and CEO of Rokrbox and guest from Episode 244. Josh returns to share insights from his brand-new book, Culture Is the Key: How to Unlock Massive Profits and Freedom.
We dive into:
- How Josh built a culture-first company that’s thriving—even in a tough real estate market
- Why cutting costs doesn’t have to mean cutting people or quality
- The inspiration and process behind writing his book
- What it means to create a Five-Star Company Culture
Josh also reflects on what he’s learned since his last visit, including the power of simplification, scaling with intention, and how purpose has driven Rockerbox's explosive growth.
“Culture isn’t just a vibe—it’s the engine behind every result.”
“We asked: What’s the least amount of work a person has to do to move the needle—and how can we reward them more for it?”
📕 Grab the book: Culture Is the Key is available now on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
🎧 Listen to Josh’s first episode: My Favorite Mistake #244
Subscribe for more stories about leadership, culture, learning from mistakes, and growth.
🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and share if this resonated with you!
CompanyCulture #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessGrowth #JoshCunningham #Rockerbox #CultureIsTheKey #BusinessBooks #MarkGraban #MyFavoriteMistake #StartUpLife #FiveStarCulture #WorkplaceCulture #BusinessLeadership
My guest for Episode #314 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Mark Struczewski, also known as “Mister Productivity.” Mark is a Houston-based productivity coach, speaker, and host of The Mister Productivity Podcast, with over 1,300 episodes to his name. He helps overwhelmed professionals cut through distractions and focus on what truly matters.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
But before becoming a go-to expert on focus and effectiveness, Mark made a classic entrepreneurial mistake: thinking that launching a website would instantly attract a stream of clients. Spoiler alert—it didn’t.
Mark’s favorite mistake was stepping into solopreneurship with unrealistic expectations. After being fired from his corporate job in 2005 and officially launching his business in 2011, he quickly found himself burning money on coaches, conferences, and tools he didn’t need—without any real plan or payoff. The financial pressure eventually forced a mindset shift: instead of trying to do everything, he began focusing on the right things at the right time. That turning point not only saved his business—it became the foundation for his productivity philosophy.
In our conversation, Mark shares hard-earned lessons about clarity, focus, and sustainable productivity. We explore how he helps clients move past the illusion of “busyness,” why joy is an essential ingredient for productivity, and why it’s okay to slow down or even stop when your body and brain need a break. Mark also offers insight into how he uses tools like ChatGPT to streamline content creation and why being intentional with time is more powerful than packing your schedule. Whether you're a solopreneur or leading a team, this episode will challenge how you define and pursue productivity.
Questions and Topics:* What’s your favorite mistake from your career so far? * Where do you think your unrealistic expectations as a solopreneur came from? * How did you decide to stick with entrepreneurship instead of returning to corporate life? * What specific changes did you make to turn things around in your business? * How did you learn to focus instead of trying to be everywhere online? * What’s the difference between productivity and effectiveness in your view? * How do you help clients decide what’s truly worth their time? * Can you share your definition of productivity? * How do you tailor your coaching to each client’s unique situation? * Why is clarity such a central part of your productivity approach? * What’s your advice for getting clarity when feeling overwhelmed? * How do you define success without falling into the “always working” trap? * What are your thoughts on rest, recovery, and avoiding burnout? * Do you believe productivity levels naturally fluctuate day to day? * How do you personally manage high- and low-energy days? * How do you use LinkedIn and DMs to build real relationships? * What’s your take on scheduling content in advance vs. staying spontaneous? * Can you tell us about your new ebook and how you used AI to create it?
My guest for Episode #313 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Amber Gaige, a marketing strategist, international bestselling author, and founder of Far Beyond Marketing. With over 20 years of experience, Amber helps entrepreneurs simplify their marketing and drive real results. She’s also the author of The Far Beyond Marketing Guidebook: Stop Being Duped by Bad Marketing, and the creator of the Four Cs of Effective Marketing Framework.
In this episode, Amber shares her favorite mistake—spending more than a decade working in a large, multi-division family business. While the experience taught her resilience, leadership, and business fundamentals, she reflects on how staying too long delayed her ability to find her own voice and build something truly independent. She opens up about the emotional complexity of leaving, the pressure of navigating work and family, and how that leap led her to grow—and eventually sell—a marketing business that launched her next chapter.
We also discuss common mistakes businesses make when it comes to marketing, especially when selecting agencies or falling for one-size-fits-all tactics. Amber highlights the importance of clear messaging, knowing your ideal customer, and embracing AI wisely—without letting it replace human insight. Her story is one of tenacity, self-discovery, and servant leadership—a valuable listen for any entrepreneur or leader navigating growth, branding, or family dynamics.
Questions and Topics:* What’s your favorite mistake from your career? * What kind of family business were you involved in? * Did you choose to join the business, or was it more of an expectation? * Was your initial role in the family business something you wanted? * Did it feel like a mistake right away, or did that come later? * Were you involved in marketing within the family business, or did you have to leave to pursue that? * Were your parents both in leadership roles? And were you held to a higher standard? * What was the process like for deciding to leave the family business? * How did the opportunity to build and spin off your own marketing company come about? * Was selling the business to private equity your exit strategy from the family business? * How did you apply lessons from the family business to your new venture? * What challenges come with hiring or firing family members in a business? * How did you transition from operating under the family umbrella to running your own company? * What does "Far Beyond Marketing" mean to you and your clients? * What does servant leadership mean in the context of your work? * Do you have any stories of helping clients recover from marketing mistakes? * What are some common mistakes businesses make when hiring a marketing agency? * What are some newer marketing mistakes you're seeing, especially related to technology? * What’s a smart way to use AI in marketing—and what’s a mistake to avoid? * Can businesses be penalized for publishing AI-generated content? * How can business owners use a book as a strategic tool beyond just sales? * What are your Four Cs of effective marketing? * How do you define “brand” beyond just a logo? * Is it possible for marketing firms to unintentionally mislead clients?
OOPS! Due to an editing mistake, I had to reupload the file. Again. My guest for Episode #312 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Jared Redick, a third-generation ballet dancer, choreographer, and award-winning educator.
Episode page with links and more
Jared is a full professor and Assistant Dean of Dance at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. He has performed with renowned companies including the Boston Ballet and Miami City Ballet, and now shapes the next generation of dancers through his leadership, coaching, and innovation in arts education.
In our conversation, Jared shares his favorite mistake—one that unfolded during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic while producing a filmed version of The Nutcracker. A critical planning misstep nearly derailed the production when sets weren’t ready for a pivotal weekend of shooting. Facing immense time pressure and logistical complexity, Jared and his team were able to regroup, adapt the schedule, and ultimately find a better way forward. The experience became a lesson in flexibility, communication, and leading with calm under pressure.
Jared also reflects on his transition from performer to educator, how he defines effective leadership, and what it means to embrace vulnerability in pursuit of growth. We explore how his equity-focused curriculum changes are reshaping the world of ballet and how earning an MBA is helping him integrate business thinking into the arts. Throughout the episode, Jared’s humility, clarity, and passion for mentorship shine through.
Questions and Topics: What’s your favorite mistake, and what happened during the COVID-era Nutcracker production? * How did you lead your team through the anxiety of that situation and find a solution? * Was the missed set deadline more of a communication issue or a planning breakdown? * Were there lasting lessons from that project that apply to future productions? * Was anyone blamed or punished for the mistake—or was it handled differently? * What role does leadership play in preventing or responding to these types of issues? * What stage of the pandemic were you in when filming The Nutcracker*? Were dancers masked? * Can you tell us more about your personal path into dance and your early training? * How does the transition from high school conservatory to professional ballet typically work? * How did you navigate your own transition from performing to teaching and leadership? * As a performer, how did you deal with the possibility—or reality—of making mistakes on stage? * How do performers balance self-assessment with celebrating what went well? * Did you regularly receive feedback or review recordings of your performances? * How has your leadership style evolved as an assistant dean and teacher? * What are “equity-focused curriculum updates,” and how are they changing ballet education? * What are some challenges in making ballet more inclusive and accessible? * How does bias in dance differ from other performing arts like music? * What has been most eye-opening in your MBA program coming from an arts background? * How do business tools like project management software support the arts? * What does “embracing vulnerability” mean to you, and how does it relate to learning from mistakes?
My guest for Episode #311 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Karin Hurt, CEO of Let’s Grow Leaders, a global leadership development firm. Karin is a former Verizon Wireless executive and the award-winning author of five books, including her latest, Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Workplace Conflict.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
In this episode, she shares a deeply personal and professionally pivotal story from her corporate days—an impassioned confrontation over a discriminatory hiring decision that, while well-intentioned, caused serious damage to her career.
Karin unpacks how her emotional reaction—rooted in a strong sense of justice—ultimately undermined her goal. Despite advocating successfully for her team member, her public and heated delivery hurt her leadership reputation. She reflects on the importance of staying calm under pressure, choosing the right time and place to speak up, and communicating with both courage and strategy. These lessons became the foundation for the work she does today, helping leaders navigate difficult conversations with confidence and compassion.
Throughout the episode, we also discuss her transition from corporate executive to keynote speaker, author, and entrepreneur. Karin explains how she and her co-author (and husband), David Dye, help teams build cultures of “productive conflict,” where differences lead to innovation rather than division. From real-world mistakes to powerful communication tools, this episode is full of insight for leaders who want to lead with heart—and get results.
Questions and Topics:* What’s your favorite mistake, and what did you learn from it? * Do you think the hiring manager eventually saw the light, or was the outcome driven by HR? * Did that incident influence your decision to leave the corporate world and start your own company? * How did your background in HR and operations shape your leadership approach? * When did you realize you had something valuable to share publicly through your blog? * How did your speaking career take off, and what was the turning point? * How do you stay calm in conflict now, compared to earlier in your career? * What are the four dimensions of productive conflict? * How often do leaders get in trouble for what they say versus staying silent? * How do you advise someone to say “no” to their boss without hurting their reputation? * What are the dynamics of working with your husband as a business partner? * How can teams embrace conflict as a source of innovation, not dysfunction? * What’s the danger of trying to fix systemic conflict at the interpersonal level? * How do you handle conflict on hybrid or global teams where trust is harder to build? * Is it easier to de-escalate conflict in person versus virtual or text-based communication? * How do you balance encouraging courage with creating psychological safety?
My guest for Episode #310 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Andrew Laws, Founder of the SEO agency Yeseo IO and host of The Business Amplifier Podcast. Andrew has been working in digital marketing for over 25 years and has seen just about every shift in the SEO landscape. But one of the biggest lessons of his career came not from Google’s algorithm, but from a catastrophic business event involving hackers, a two-year police investigation, and a decision that changed everything.
Episode page
Andrew shares the harrowing story of building a successful web hosting company—only to have it destroyed by cybercriminals just as he was preparing to sell it. The hackers didn’t just crash servers—they triggered legal threats, emotional exhaustion, and a complete shutdown of Andrew’s businesses at the time. But through that painful chapter, Andrew found clarity. He realized he had been doing too much alone and needed to build smarter, more resilient systems—and a team he could trust.
In our conversation, Andrew talks candidly about burnout, delegation, and how the right mistake can become a turning point. He also shares practical insights into what SEO really is (and isn’t) in 2025, why many people misunderstand Google’s algorithms, and why "doing good stuff" consistently still beats gimmicks and shortcuts. Whether you're a business owner, marketer, or just someone who's ever felt overwhelmed, Andrew’s story offers a timely reminder: the hardest setbacks can lead to the most meaningful resets.
Questions and Topics: What’s your favorite mistake? * How did the hackers get in, and what did the police uncover? * Why did you shut down not just the hosting business but also your SEO company? * Did the hackers have a clear motive—was it ransom, malice, or something else? * What lessons did you learn about web hosting and digital security? * How did that experience affect your approach to business and leadership? * What did you do differently when launching Yeseo? * How do you now decide what to delegate versus do yourself? * What tools or systems help you delegate effectively? * How did you get into SEO in the first place? * What's the biggest mistake companies make when it comes to SEO? * How has SEO evolved, especially with the rise of AI? * Does Google penalize AI-generated content, or is quality still the priority? * Why does “snake oil” SEO still persist? * Tell us about your podcast, The Business Amplifier*. Who is it for? * Who do you think is the greatest band of all time—and why?
In this special bonus episode of My Favorite Mistake, Mark Graban talks again with Andrea Jones, Principal at AJC and CEO of The Executagility Company.
Andrea was previously featured in Episode 105, and she returns to discuss the release of her new book:
The Executagility Field Guide: How Busy Teams Can Execute Growth Plans.
Andrea shares a new “favorite mistake” involving lost data from a Typeform survey—an honest example of learning the hard way how software design can trip up even experienced business leaders. The good news? She caught the mistake, learned from it, and adjusted her systems to avoid similar issues in the future.
We also dive into the four pillars of the Executagility model:
- Alignment – Are we clear on the goals and priorities?
- Available Time – Do our people realistically have capacity to execute?
- Competence – Do we have the right skills in-house or need help?
- Structure – Do we have a repeatable process to keep projects on track?
Andrea explains how she applied her own framework to the writing and launch of her book—and how it’s helping mid-sized businesses get growth initiatives done without burning out their teams.
"You can’t execute growth if your team is already stretched thin trying to handle today’s work."
"Just because someone’s capable in their current role doesn’t mean they can drive transformation alone. That’s why the glue person—the project leader—is essential."
My guest for Episode #309 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is La Tonya Roberts, the founder and CEO of Harmony Consulting Group. La Tonya is a fractional COO, HR consultant, and executive coach who helps women entrepreneurs scale their service-based businesses from six to seven figures through systems, strategic planning, and operational excellence. Before launching her firm, she built her career at top consulting organizations like Deloitte and Booz Allen, where she developed deep expertise in organizational change and operational leadership.
EPISODE PAGE WITH VIDEO, TRANSCRIPT, AND MORE
In this episode, La Tonya shares her favorite mistake—staying too long in roles she had outgrown, taking on too much responsibility, and ultimately burning out. After experiencing both physical and emotional fatigue, including a dramatic moment that sent her to the hospital, she realized that her tendency to overfunction in high-demand environments was unsustainable. Those hard lessons eventually led her to rediscover joy in her work by launching her own business focused on operational harmony and intentional growth.
La Tonya explains how she now helps founders—especially women—build scalable, process-driven businesses without sacrificing their well-being. She also shares how she uses tools like ChatGPT to automate repetitive tasks and increase efficiency, both in her business and her clients'. We also talk about the importance of aligning systems, people, and strategy, and how La Tonya’s clients benefit from her experience in both large enterprises and nimble startups.
Listeners will hear practical advice on avoiding burnout, building systems that run without you, and why "work-life harmony" may be a better goal than elusive "balance."
My guest for Episode #308 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is C.J. Stewart, co-founder and Chief Visionary Officer at the LEAD Center for Youth, an Atlanta-based nonprofit focused on empowering Black youth through sports-based development. Before dedicating his life to mentorship and advocacy, C.J. was drafted twice by the Chicago Cubs and built a successful career as a professional hitting instructor and co-owner of Diamond Directors. He’s also the author of Living to Lead: A Story of Passion, Purpose, and Grit.
Episode page with video and more
C.J.’s “favorite mistake”? Becoming an avid runner. What started as a tribute to the life of Ahmaud Arbery turned into a transformational habit—one that reshaped his health, mindset, and mission. In this powerful conversation, C.J. unpacks the difference between mistakes and stupidity, explores the struggles that shape significance, and reflects on the emotional toll and systemic barriers faced by Black athletes. He also shares how running has helped him connect across generations, communities, and cultures.
Throughout the episode, C.J. offers a candid and thought-provoking look at racism, leadership, and the need for real advocacy—not just good coaching. He shares insights from his own life as a player, coach, and nonprofit leader, challenging listeners to consider how we name and respond to problems, and why protecting others is at the heart of leadership. This is a conversation about growth, conviction, and using our platforms to make a difference.
Questions and Topics:* What’s your favorite mistake, and what did you learn from it? * In what way was becoming a runner a mistake? * How do you define the difference between a mistake and stupidity? * How has running changed you—physically, emotionally, and socially? * Did pursuing a career in professional baseball feel like a mistake in hindsight? * What does LEAD stand for, and what is its mission? * Why is advocacy more important than just good coaching? * Why do you think there are so few Black players in certain positions, like catcher or pitcher? * What needs to change in baseball to address racism and systemic barriers? * What do you mean when you say you became “openly Black” in 2015? * How does racism take an emotional toll on Black athletes, even those who succeed? * Are MLB diversity programs effective, or are they falling short? * What else needs to happen to create real change and equity in baseball?
In this bonus episode of My Favorite Mistake, host Mark Graban welcomes back Dr. Thom Mayer, the longtime Medical Director for the NFL Players Association. Thom previously joined us in catch up on his original episode here
🌐 Learn more about Dr. Mayer and his work with the NFLPA
💡 Subscribe at MarkGraban.com/mistake
My guest for Episode #307 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Terry Whalin, an accomplished editor and author of more than 60 books, several of which have sold over 100,000 copies. Terry is the owner of Whalin and Associates, a communications firm, and he serves as an acquisitions editor for Morgan James Publishing. Drawing from decades of experience in both writing and publishing, Terry shares a favorite mistake that changed the course of his career—offering valuable insights for first-time authors and seasoned professionals alike.
Episode page with video and more
His most recent book is 10 Publishing Myths: Insights Every Author Needs to Succeed.
Terry’s favorite mistake took place in 2007, when a high-profile publishing event jolted him into realizing just how little he was doing to promote his own books. Despite having secured multiple six-figure advances and a long list of published titles, Terry was receiving negative royalty statements—his books weren’t earning out. That wake-up call led him to take what he calls 100% responsibility for his own success, adopting a daily commitment to book promotion, content creation, and building an online presence. From that turning point, he launched a blog (now with over 1,700 posts), grew a substantial social media following, and became a consistent voice in the author education space.
In the conversation, Terry and Mark explore the myths and realities of book publishing—especially the misconception that a publisher will handle marketing. Terry outlines how today’s authors must become active promoters, the importance of building an email list you control, and why giving away ebooks can actually drive print book sales. He also shares hard-earned lessons about evaluating publishers, avoiding scams, and understanding how traditional and independent publishing models differ. Whether you’re writing your first book or navigating your next launch, Terry’s insights are a masterclass in professional ownership and long-term thinking.
Questions and Topics:* What’s your favorite mistake? * Was it just a bad assumption to think publishers would promote your book, or do they sometimes mislead authors? * Is the idea that a publisher will handle marketing one of the common myths in publishing? * What specific actions did you start taking after realizing you needed to take full responsibility for your book’s success? * Are you actively guesting on podcasts and using social media today to promote your work? * Do social media efforts actually help sell books—or is it more about visibility and exposure? * What’s your take on claims like “#1 Amazon bestseller”—do those really help authors sell books? * Can you explain how the Morgan James model differs from traditional publishing? * Why do you ask authors to commit to buying 2,000 copies of their own book? * What role does giving away ebooks play in driving print sales? * What should authors consider when deciding between traditional, hybrid, or independent publishing? * How can aspiring authors avoid getting scammed by predatory publishing companies? * What’s the role of an acquisitions editor, and how do you evaluate submissions? * Do pre-orders really matter for bookstore placement? * Why should authors consider writing for magazines or newspapers to build their platform? * Do you think authors give up too early on marketing their books? * Is building an email list still essential for authors, even in the age of social media? * Should authors be cautious about relying too much on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn?
My guest for Episode #306 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Betsy Pepine, a serial entrepreneur in real estate and the founder of Pepine Realty. Betsy leads a top-producing real estate team consistently recognized by The Wall Street Journal and has built a family of companies that includes a property management firm, title company, real estate school, and a nonprofit.
EPISODE PAGE WITH VIDEO, TRANSCRIPT, AND MORE
She’s also the author of the 2024 book Breaking Boxes: Dismantling the Metaphorical Boxes That Bind Us, which explores the limiting labels and roles we assign ourselves—and how to break free from them.
Betsy’s favorite mistake was starting her brokerage with no clear plan. What began as a solo effort out of her home unexpectedly turned into a team, and eventually a company—but without intentional structure or culture. That all came to a head when her trusted assistant resigned right before a long-overdue family vacation. Her assistant’s honest feedback—about the lack of family, growth, and purpose—was a painful but pivotal wake-up call. Betsy responded not by retreating, but by reading leadership books on her cruise, hiring a coach, and reinventing her company with clear values and a defined mission.
In our conversation, Betsy shares how she rebuilt Pepine Realty around core values like family, impact, and growth. She talks about initiatives like creating a nonprofit to address housing affordability and designing career paths that include a rare salaried-agent model in real estate. We also discuss the power of learning from mistakes—including how her team shares “learnings” each week in a psychologically safe environment that accelerates growth and prevents repeated errors.
Betsy’s story is about far more than real estate—it’s about leadership, self-awareness, and responding to failure with action. Her perspective will resonate with anyone building a team or culture where people feel seen, supported, and inspired to improve.
Questions and Topics: What’s your favorite mistake? * What did your assistant say when she resigned—and how did that become a turning point for you? * How did you respond to that feedback, and what changes did you make in your business? * What were the first steps you took to start shaping your company culture? * Did you create your mission and core values on your own at first? * How did you define and build a “sense of family” inside your business? * What inspired you to create a nonprofit—and how does it fit into your overall mission? * What’s the purpose behind your unique salaried agent role? * How do you help team members shift roles if they’re not in the right seat? * What’s the weekly “learnings” segment in your team meeting—and how does it support growth? * How do you balance encouraging learning from mistakes without being careless? * Do you use checklists or systems to help prevent mistakes? * What prompted you to write Breaking Boxes*, and what’s the core message of the book? * How do we recognize when we’re stuck in a metaphorical box—and how do we step out of it? * What are the main fears that keep people in those boxes? * Can you share how fear of failure has influenced your thinking over time? * What does it take to build resilience to change? * What’s your approach to managing fear of loss—especially status or social connections? * How did your connection with Barbara Corcoran come about? * What lessons have you learned from Barbara as a mentor? * What advice would you give someone thinking of starting a business without a clear plan? * What do you think are the best reasons for someone to get into real estate? * How do you view the role of a real estate agent during high-stress life transitions? * How do you create consistency in values across your family of companies? * How do you support women reentering society after incarceration—and what’s the deeper “why” behind that work?
My guest for Episode #305 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is John Willson, Executive Director of SOAR, the world’s premier outdoor adventure program serving youth with ADHD and learning disabilities.
Episode page with video and more
With over 30 years of experience, John is a passionate advocate for experiential education and life skills development through structured, strengths-based environments. SOAR, which stands for Success Oriented Achievements Realized, supports young people ages 8 to 25 through summer camps, boarding schools, and gap year programs focused on building confidence and resilience.
John’s favorite mistake took place on Mount Katahdin, the northern end of the Appalachian Trail, where he unknowingly summited a false peak in poor weather conditions. Faced with a difficult decision—turn back through a dangerous route he already knew or forge ahead into unknown terrain—he pressed on despite worsening conditions. Although it was arguably the “wrong” decision in the moment, it led to a powerful sense of accomplishment and a safer descent than expected. John describes this as a “happy mistake” that taught him about risk, perseverance, and the sometimes unexpected rewards of pressing forward.
In our conversation, John shares how this philosophy of “failing forward” underpins SOAR’s mission. He explains how their structured programs help kids with ADHD and learning differences build critical life skills, develop self-awareness, and form friendships—often for the first time. We also explore the importance of creating environments where neurodiverse individuals are supported, understood, and encouraged to take safe risks, with a strong network behind them.
John and I also discuss the evolving understanding of ADHD, the challenges of diagnosis, and how labels matter less than building strategies that work. He shares practical advice for parents and adults alike, emphasizing the role of support systems, coaching, and compassion. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or someone navigating your own neurodiversity, this episode offers insights into how mistakes—when supported by reflection and community—can lead to breakthroughs.
Questions and Topics:* What’s your favorite mistake? * Is it true that one of your most common mistakes is people misspelling your last name? * Did you go back and climb Mount Katahdin again on a clearer day? * What do you mean by “summit fever”? * If that decision had led to a bad outcome, would it change how you reflect on it? * What lessons did you take away from that pattern of decision-making? * What are some ways the SOAR summer camp is tailored for kids with ADHD or learning disabilities? * How much of the benefit comes from being with other kids who share similar strengths and challenges? * How does being in that kind of environment help kids feel more accepted? * How does SOAR help kids who struggle to make friends build relationships? * When were you diagnosed with ADHD? * How did that diagnosis shape your connection to SOAR and the work you do? * How many SOAR staff members also have ADHD, versus being trained to support it? * What kind of person tends to thrive on your staff? * What’s your take on people wondering if they have ADHD or if it’s anxiety or something else? * What matters more—getting a diagnosis or developing the right coping strategies? * What advice would you give someone recently diagnosed with ADHD—or who suspects they might have it? * Can you talk about the role of support systems in success for neurodiverse individuals? * What’s your view on younger people being more open about neurodiversity in the workplace? * Can you share some practical first steps after receiving an ADHD diagnosis? * Why is identifying your support network such a crucial part of success?
My guest for Episode #304 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Dr. Tia Warrick, a clinical research leader, epidemiologist, author, and entrepreneur who has spent nearly a decade working in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
She’s the founder of Lesous Consulting, a firm dedicated to supporting clinical research professionals and organizations through education, business analytics, and strategic consulting. With a strong academic background—including a doctorate in health science and clinical health education—Dr. Warrick is committed to empowering the next generation of researchers and bringing more awareness to the vast career opportunities within clinical research.
In this episode, Dr. Warrick shares her "favorite mistake"—not speaking up for herself early in her career. She candidly reflects on a time when she took on significantly more responsibilities than her job description called for but hesitated to advocate for a promotion or raise. Her story highlights how staying silent led to missed opportunities and feelings of frustration. But more importantly, she explains how learning to take accountability and find her voice ultimately fueled her confidence, career progression, and entrepreneurial path.
We also explore the broader challenges and opportunities within the clinical research industry, especially for early-career professionals who may not realize the variety of roles available. Dr. Warrick discusses the importance of mentorship, the need for greater visibility into clinical research career paths, and her motivation for writing Burst the Bubble, a book designed to inform and inspire future talent in the pharmaceutical world. She also touches on how she now teaches others to confidently advocate for themselves—whether during salary negotiations or while shaping their career direction.
Questions and Topics:* What’s your favorite mistake, and what did you learn from it? * Was your early role as a clinical research coordinator before or after your advanced degrees? * When did you realize you should have spoken up for yourself sooner? * Was there a mentor or moment that helped you come to that realization? * After receiving a small raise, did you try to advocate for more or take another path? * Do you share this lesson with students or early-career professionals you mentor? * How do you coach others on negotiating compensation and advocating for themselves? * Why is it especially important to speak up early in your career? * What are some misconceptions people have about roles in clinical research? * How do you raise awareness about the breadth of opportunities in the field? * How strong is the job outlook in clinical research, and how might AI impact it? * What was the inspiration behind founding Lesous Consulting? * What leadership lessons have you learned so far as a new entrepreneur? * How do you create a culture where people feel safe to speak up and share feedback? * What does psychological safety look like in your company and classroom? * Can you tell us about the AI platform you’re developing and how it supports clinical research?
My guest for Episode #303 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Kason Morris, a corporate executive, speaker, coach, and self-described life-work revolutionary. With a career that spans consulting, financial services, and global learning and development leadership, Kason has spent years helping organizations and individuals prepare for the rapidly evolving world of work. He’s also the author of LifeWork Revolution: How to Unplug from the System, Find Your Purpose, and Thrive Beyond the 9 to 5.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
Kason’s “favorite mistake” was what he calls the relentless climb—his belief that success was defined by job titles, constant hustle, and chasing the next promotion. While his resume showed success, his health, relationships, and sense of fulfillment told a different story. A powerful turning point came when his young daughter mimicked his busy, distracted behavior at home—forcing him to ask: Is this the version of myself I want to model? From that moment, Kason began a process of reflection and reinvention, applying design thinking to life and work.
Mark and Kason explore topics like life-work synergy vs. work-life balance, how AI is reshaping the future of work, and why psychological safety and transparency are foundational for sustainable innovation. Whether you're a burned-out professional, a leader trying to engage your team, or someone curious about navigating change, this conversation offers inspiring lessons about slowing down, designing better systems, and living more intentionally.
Questions and Topics:* What is your “favorite mistake,” and why does it stand out to you? * When did you first realize that your definition of success might be off track? * What roles or promotions were part of that “relentless climb” in your career? * Did you receive feedback from your family, or was your shift more self-reflective? * What was the moment with your daughter that became a wake-up call? * How did you start making changes after that realization? * What does the phrase “designing a better life” mean to you in practice? * How did your professional experiences in product and organizational design influence your life design approach? * What is “life-work synergy,” and how is it different from work-life balance or integration? * How did your new perspective influence your transition into your current role? * How do you define the “future of work,” and what are the key capabilities people need to thrive in it? * What are your thoughts on AI—especially how individuals can partner with it effectively? * What are some common mistakes people or companies make when approaching AI and new technologies? * What’s your take on the return-to-office debate and how it fits into the future of work? * Why is employee experience becoming such a critical focus for organizations? * What advice do you have for individuals trying to future-proof their careers? * What do organizations need to do culturally to foster innovation and engagement? * In your coaching practice, who typically reaches out to you—and how can they learn more?
My guest for Episode #302 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Tash Doherty, a British-Irish-American author, blogger, and podcaster currently based in Mexico City. A graduate of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, Tash previously worked in analytics for Postmates and Vox Media.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
Today, she is the creator of Miss Educated—a popular blog and podcast covering business, pleasure, and women's health. Tash is also the author of the coming-of-age young adult novel These Perfectly Careless Things, self-published in 2023. She gained viral attention on TikTok by openly sharing her experiences with birth control.
Fresh out of Wharton at age 23, Tash joined Postmates in San Francisco, working in analytics. When offered a team change, Tash ignored her gut instinct and reluctantly joined a team run by a manager whose working style clashed sharply with her own. Within months, their professional relationship deteriorated, leading to Tash's unexpected firing just two weeks before the company conducted widespread layoffs.
Initially painful, this mistake forced Tash to reassess her career direction, ultimately opening the door to writing, entrepreneurship, and creative independence—turning a devastating setback into her favorite mistake.
In this episode, we also discuss Tash’s insightful critique of technology companies and their unintended contributions to economic inequality, her process of transforming a teenage passion project into a published novel, and practical advice on balancing creativity with financial sustainability.
Questions and Topics: What’s your favorite mistake? * Were there early signs of trouble with your boss, Sumit, or did problems develop later? * How did you choose Postmates as your first job after graduating from Wharton? * Did your poor relationship with Sumit impact your job performance? * Was it hard to trust another company or manager after that experience? * Did you ever consider starting your own company again after leaving Postmates? * Do entrepreneurs have a responsibility to reduce economic inequality, or is that up to policymakers? * What specific mistakes do you see tech companies making right now? * What led you to write your article, "How Tech Is Ruining the World"? * Can you elaborate on how tech companies like Postmates worsen inequality? * What did you mean when you described tech workers as being "incurious about the machine"? * Is the tech industry truly improving society or causing greater harm? * How should entrepreneurs or policymakers handle technologies that cause harm when scaled? * Tell us about writing your book, These Perfectly Careless Things*—how did it evolve over time? * How do you decide when your writing is finished and ready to publish?
My guest for Episode #301 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Jonathan Small, an award-winning journalist, editor, podcast host, and producer based in Los Angeles.
Episode page with video and more
As president of Strike Fire Productions, he has built a diverse career that spans magazine editing at top publications—from Child Magazine to Maxim—and pioneering roles in digital media and podcasting. Known for his candid storytelling and willingness to embrace risk, Jon has transformed professional setbacks into defining career moments, including leaving a cushy executive role to reinvent himself in a rapidly changing media landscape.
He's also the podcast of a podcast called "Write About Now." Jon's also the author of a book with the same title.
In this episode, Jon recounts his bold decision to leave a high-flying magazine career in New York for a risky, low-paying production role in Los Angeles—a move that, despite its initial challenges (like parting with his beloved cat and facing financial uncertainty), ultimately redefined his career. He shares insights into the evolution of the publishing industry, the shift from print to digital media, and how even seemingly disastrous mistakes can pave the way for reinvention, new opportunities, and personal growth.
Jon also delves into his extensive experience as a writer and interviewer, offering practical advice on common pitfalls in writing and the art of “show, don’t tell.” He emphasizes the importance of embracing imperfect first drafts, the necessity of reading widely to hone one’s craft, and the value of authentic conversation in podcasting—whether as a host or a guest.
Throughout the episode, listeners are treated to vivid anecdotes from his career, tips for leveraging AI in writing, and reflections on how vulnerability and genuine curiosity fuel both compelling storytelling and effective interviews.
Questions and Topics:* What is your favorite mistake? * What prompted you to leave magazine editing for a role in film production? * Did you consider returning to New York after the move? * What was your role at the movie production company? * What are the most common mistakes rookie writers make? * Can you provide an example that illustrates the difference between showing and telling in writing? * What tips do you have for becoming a more effective interviewer? * Based on your experience, what advice would you offer to guests on a podcast?
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #300 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Sheila Butler, a Chief Marketing Officer with over 25 years of experience shaping integrated marketing strategies, building global loyalty programs, and driving customer engagement across both B2C and B2B sectors.
She's the founder of Butler Marketing Group. Her track record includes leadership roles at Disney, JPMorgan Chase, Choice Hotels, and Axiom Bank.
She has a Bachelor of Science in Music and Business/Arts Administration from Indiana University and an MBA from UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School.
Today, Sheila shares her unique journey from a childhood passion for music and a stint at Disney, where she learned valuable lessons about the trade-offs between passion and pay. Despite a career start marked by lower-than-expected salaries and tough financial realities, she found that the relationships and experiences she built were invaluable. Her candid storytelling reveals how her early experiences taught her the importance of seizing opportunities—even when they seem like mistakes in the short term—to build a network that ultimately became a cornerstone for her current success.
Now, as the founder of Butler Marketing Group and host of her new podcast, "Marketing Over Bourbon," Sheila focuses on leveraging data-driven strategies to guide marketing decisions. She emphasizes creating safe spaces for experimentation, the power of testing and learning, and the need to balance strategic objectives with creative expression. Interwoven with her passion for bourbon, Sheila’s insights on marketing resonate with listeners who appreciate both practical advice and a genuine, relatable approach to career growth.
Questions and Topics:* What's your favorite mistake? * What are you drinking? * Do you prefer a bourbon Manhattan or a rye Manhattan? * Have you worked with any small distillers or distilling companies? * What drove you to launch your company? * How do you handle it when data contradicts expectations? * What trends are you seeing with companies becoming more data-driven in marketing? * Is half of your ad spend wasted, or is that changing with improved data insights?
My guest for Episode #299 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Luis Velasquez, an executive coach in Silicon Valley and a Stanford Graduate School of Business facilitator. He's also the founder of Velas Consulting.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
Once a university professor and research scientist, Luis helps mid-level managers to C-suite executives around the world learn, adapt, grow, and thrive by helping them how to reframe their challenges and take the most beneficial next step.
His new book, available now, is Ordinary Resilience: Rethinking How Effective Leaders Adapt And Thrive.
Luis is a contributor to Harvard Business Review and Fast Company, and was featured in best-selling author Dorie Clark’s book, The Long Game. An avid endurance athlete, he runs marathons, ultra marathons, and ironman triathlons.
In today's episode, Luis shares his journey from being a university professor and research scientist to becoming a trusted leadership coach in Silicon Valley and a facilitator for the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Luis discusses his new book, Ordinary Resilience: Rethinking How Effective Leaders Adapt and Thrive, and outlines his unique resilience formula—commitment plus persistence multiplied by optimism. He explains that resilience isn't about bouncing back but about unlocking the inherent ability to adapt and thrive by continuously reframing challenges and learning from experiences.
Luis also opens up about a significant mistake in his coaching career. He recounts a time when he delivered 360-degree feedback in a way that was too direct and decontextualized, which led a client to become defensive and ultimately resulted in his contract being terminated. This experience taught him the importance of providing feedback within the context of an individual’s aspirations and personal growth, rather than simply relaying raw perceptions.
The conversation further explores his approach to transforming challenging personalities—like the so-called “brilliant jerks”—into effective leaders, and how embracing and learning from mistakes is key to unlocking resilience and driving both personal and professional growth.
Questions and Topics:* How long is an ultramarathon compared to a standard 26.1-mile marathon? * Given your diverse career, what is your favorite mistake—and what did you learn from it? * Should we express our degree of certainty when stating facts? * How do you define resilience in leadership? * How do you identify and connect with high-value, challenging employees—is it via referrals or direct outreach? * How often do you coach not only the “brilliant jerk” but also intervene with their teams? * What role does fear play as a catalyst for growth—is it simply about reframing it? * Have you observed leaders effectively fostering optimism among their teams? * What does “embrace the suck” mean to you, and why is it a pivotal concept in your book?
My guest for Episode #298 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Andy Paige. She's a soap opera actress, podcast host, QVC guest host, and national beauty/image/lifestyle expert. As Pearl on ABC's General Hospital, she brings real-life QVC flair to captivating audiences with innovative advertising.
Episode page with transcript, video, and more
She hosts “The Dating Lab with the Hillbilly Yenta,” where she explores modern dating challenges with humor and diverse guests. Her international bestseller, Style on a Shoestring, earned her the title “Budget Bombshell” and inspired frugal style makeovers on TV worldwide.
With standout appearances on NBC’s Celebrity Apprentice, Starting Over, and TLC’s Ten Years Younger, Andy is the go-to expert for red-carpet style and practical image advice. She also delights radio audiences nationwide with playful style tips and has launched successful product lines including her patented GirlyGoGarter® and related accessories.
In this episode, Andy shares the dramatic story of how a miscalculated cliff jump not only resulted in a severe injury but also sparked a journey of innovation that led her to create the revolutionary Girly Go Garter. She reflects on the lessons learned from this life-altering mistake and discusses how it transformed her approach to both her career and personal growth.
She offers insights into the creative process behind her products, the challenges and triumphs of working in fast-paced television environments, and how embracing mistakes can lead to unexpected opportunities. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on resilience, reinvention, and the art of turning errors into stepping stones for success.
Questions and Topics:* What’s your favorite mistake? * Did you hit the edge of the rock when you jumped? * Was your foot catastrophically injured during the fall? * Did you expect a long rehab period and time away from the camera? * How many design iterations did the Girly Go Garter require—and is it still evolving based on feedback? * Did you try pitching your product on Shark Tank? * Did the Girly Go Garter play a role in landing your QVC gigs? * Is QVC always broadcast live? * How far in advance are soap opera episodes completed? * How did your role on General Hospital come about? * As a mother, how do you help your kids learn from mistakes? * Do you allow your natural accent to shine through on set?
In this special bonus episode of "My Favorite Mistake," host Mark Graban welcomes back Arnold Barnett, a renowned expert in aviation safety, to discuss public perception of air travel safety in light of recent air incidents. They explore common misconceptions about aviation risks, temporal fluctuations in safety data, and the factors contributing to the continuing improvement in aviation safety. Professor Barnett reassures listeners with data-driven insights and addresses the psychological biases influencing our perception of risk.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
Key Discussion Points:
Public Perceptions vs. Reality: Arnie Barnett sheds light on why recent air travel incidents have caused public apprehension but insists that aviation remains incredibly safe.
Understanding Spasms of Events: Discussion on how statistical anomalies can lead to clusters of negative events but don't necessarily indicate a trend.
The Role of Probability: Barnett explains probability through coin toss analogies, emphasizing that rare clusters of events are expected even when the underlying system is safe.
Historic Comparisons and Data Trends: Insights into how aviation safety has followed a trajectory similar to Moore's Law, with risks decreasing significantly over decades.
Risks in Aviation: Highlighting the contrasts between accidental risks and potential threats from deliberate actions, such as terrorism.
Psychological Aspects of Risk: Exploration of how psychological biases, like availability bias, affect public perception of aviation risk.
Guest Bio:
Arnie Barnett
Arnie Barnett is the George Eastman Professor of Management Science at MIT Sloan School of Management and a pre-eminent expert in aviation safety. He has been recognized with the 2002 President Citation from the Flight Safety Foundation for outstanding contributions to safety and has received multiple teaching honors from MIT Sloan students. Barnett holds a BA in mathematics from Columbia University and a PhD in mathematics from MIT.
Previous Appearance: Arnie Barnett's favorite mistake story in Episode 169: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ffe6bNtxlg
MIT Article: Explore the article on the MIT website detailing aviation safety trends and Moore's Law analogy, as discussed in the episode: https://news.mit.edu/2024/study-flying-keeps-getting-safer-0807
Memorable Quotes:
"If you see a little kid at an American airport, then that kid...is five times as likely to grow up to be president as to perish in the forthcoming flight." — Arnie Barnett
"Fears are deep, and when I respect them, I know many people who are afraid to fly, but I believe this is something we shouldn't be afraid of." — Arnie Barnett
Actionable Takeaways from the Podcast Episode
Stay Informed, Not Anxious:
Guidance: Understand that aviation safety is statistically very high, even amidst rare bursts of incidents. Arnie Barnett explained that the risk levels are closer to zero than perceived, as discussed with the "availability bias" and the statistical explanation regarding recent safety events.
Implementation: Arm yourself with reliable safety data and trends when feeling anxious about flying. Remind yourself that the perception of risk is often inflated by isolated incidents, which are outweighed by the overwhelming safety record of aviation.
Leverage Sound Arguments:
Guidance: Use metaphorical insights, such as Barnett's coin analogy, to effectively communicate the nature of rare events. This helps in understanding that a sudden occurrence of incidents does not necessarily indicate a systematic issue.
Implementation: When discussing risks, employ similar analogies to articulate to others that rare sequences of events do happen without indicating a broader change in safety. This approach can not only assure others but also help you internalize and remain calm about flying.
Focus on Broader Safety Trends:
Guidance: Be aware that deliberate attacks are an area of potential concern, but reassurances on trends are clear from Barnett, who discussed continuous improvements and the extraordinary safety levels in countries like the US, UK, and Canada.
Implementation: When planning air travel, focus on the historical safety record of airlines and recognize that current safety measures are stringent and continuously improving. For example, choosing airlines with exemplary safety records can further mitigate rare and unanticipated risks, providing peace of mind during air travel.
My guest for Episode #297 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Norman Wolfe, the Founder and CEO of Quantum Leaders.
EPISODE PAGE with video, transcript, and more
Norman's journey as both a successful executive and a trusted coach to countless leaders has been driven by one central question: How can we improve our ability to achieve the results we want? His pursuit of this answer led him to master a wide range of business disciplines—from leadership and strategy to operations and finance—while also deeply exploring human potential, personal growth, and even spirituality.
Norman's mission now is to help others transform their thinking and approach to more effectively achieve their deepest desires.
In this episode, I chat with Norman about how mistakes can spark profound growth and innovation in leadership. Norman shares his favorite mistake story—from his early days as a first-time manager, where a harsh performance review challenged him, to the lessons that fueled his journey toward becoming a top leader at Hewlett-Packard. He explains Wolfe's Law, his formula that highlights the exponential impact of relationships and context on achieving outcomes.
We also dive into the principles of quantum leadership, discussing how a holistic, people-centered approach—blending practical leadership with a touch of spirituality and systems thinking—can transform organizations into dynamic learning ecosystems.
Questions and Topics:* What is your favorite mistake? * Did the negative review or your mentors provide specific, actionable feedback for improvement? * Is the formula you mentioned what you call “Wolfe’s Law”? * Could you state Wolfe’s Law for us? * Does your formula imply that relationships are exponentially more important than activity and context? * How does spirituality fit into your framework—does it fall under context or serve another role? * How do you assess whether individuals (or teams) are mature enough for increased responsibility? * What should be eliminated versus managed when dealing with ambiguity and risk? * From your experience, why is it essential to reframe mistakes as positive learning opportunities? * Do you believe that making mistakes fosters adaptation and growth?
Episode page with video and more
My guest for Episode #296 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Sherianna Boyle, a renowned psychic healer, speaker, and founder of Emotional Detox Coaching® and The Cleanse Method®. She has written over ten books, including the best-selling Energy in Action: The Power of Emotions & Intuition to Cultivate Peace & Freedom.
Her latest book is Just Ask Spirit: Free Your Emotions to Energize Intuition and Discover Purpose.
With over 25 years of experience in mental health and wellness, Sherianna integrates psychology, energy healing, and spirituality in her work. Her "Just Ask Spirit" podcast is in the top 5% globally, and she has been featured in major media outlets like Psychology Today, Yoga Journal, and Prevention.
In today's episode, we explored the idea that mistakes, particularly those born of brutal honesty, are vital opportunities for growth. Sherianna shared that her favorite mistake was being so candid—delivering feedback that wasn’t always received well—that she later recognized as a catalyst for learning and deeper self-awareness. She explained how that raw honesty, while sometimes painful in the moment, ultimately taught her the importance of embracing and processing emotions rather than suppressing them. By owning her truth and inviting forgiveness—from herself and others—she discovered that these so-called mistakes could pave the way for more authentic, supportive relationships and a greater alignment with her inner guidance.
Questions and Topics:* What is your favorite mistake, and why does it stand out? * Can you share a specific story that illustrates this pattern of brutal honesty? * Reflecting on those experiences, would you do anything differently in similar situations? * Can someone be prepared—or "braced"—for the impact of brutal honesty? * What advice do you have for those struggling with the aftermath of a mistake? * How can someone uncover the root of their emotional triggers, and what resources would you recommend? * In your work, how do you define "spirit" and its role in emotional healing? * Who is the ideal audience for your book, and in what situations would it be most helpful?
My guest for Episode #295 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Josh Chernikoff, a seasoned expert in the education sector with nearly 20 years of experience in EdTech, sales, and entrepreneurship.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
Josh is the founder of the EdSales Elevation Experience, a 12-week program designed to help education companies build lead-generation engines that consistently book 12-20 high-quality sales calls per month.
He has worked with hundreds of thousands of students and educational leaders, helping businesses scale with innovative, repeatable sales processes. Josh is also a Milken-Penn GSE Competition Judge, StartEd Mentor, and host of the podcast "Breaking the Grade."
In this episode, Josh Chernikoff shares the hard lessons he learned from choosing the wrong business partners and how that misalignment impacted his second company. He reflects on how personality fit and communication styles can make or break a business relationship, emphasizing the importance of testing collaborations on smaller projects before fully committing. Josh also opens up about a pricing strategy misstep that led to significant financial losses and the unexpected impact of the pandemic on his after-school enrichment business.
Beyond mistakes, we dive into what makes a repeatable, scalable sales process—why businesses struggle with lead generation, how to refine messaging, and the importance of credibility in attracting the right clients. Josh explains his Raise Your Hand campaign as a way to identify high-quality leads and tailor sales efforts to what potential customers actually need. We also discuss the power of having one clear offer, the role of objections in refining sales strategies, and why he stays laser-focused on education sales despite his methodology’s broader applicability. Toward the end, Josh shares stories from his early career as a TV sports broadcaster, including lessons learned at Northwestern’s Medill School and the intensity of live television.
Questions and Topics: What’s your favorite mistake? * Did you realize it was a mistake right away, or did that realization develop over time? * What lessons did you take from that experience? * How can someone evaluate whether a business partnership is the right fit before committing? * Can you share more about the pricing change that didn’t go as planned? * How do you differentiate between handling objections in sales and truly learning from objections? * Why limit your business to education sales when your methodology could apply more broadly? * What are the most common sales mistakes you see, either in education or in general? * How important is it to focus on finding the right leads versus just generating more* leads? * How do you identify high-quality leads and refine your targeting strategy over time? * What role does messaging play in sales success, and how do you help clients improve it? * How did your career start in TV sports broadcasting, and what led you to leave? * What lessons from broadcasting have helped you in your current work? * Was there a broadcast journalism equivalent to the Medill F? * How should professionals use LinkedIn to position themselves effectively? * What advice do you have for people struggling with lead generation? * How do you know when it’s time to pivot your business strategy based on market feedback?
My guest for Episode #294 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Mandolen Mull.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
She has worked with global clients in various industries, helping organizations with change implementation and leader development training. The daughter of a master stone mason entrepreneur, Mandolen has a great appreciation for the responsibility of leaders in building trades and manufacturing realms.
Mandolen has written a leadership handbook and is currently publishing her multi-series memoir titled Mullings, Mullivation, and MullMentum.
She was born in Fort Worth, TX, and inspired by her family's history in politics, she obtained a bachelor's degree in Political Science & Psychology and an MBA in International Business at McLane College of Business from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.
Amassing over a decade of corporate leadership experience, she obtained her Ph.D. from the Soules College of Business at the University of Texas at Tyler in Organizational Development & Change.
In this episode, we explore powerful leadership lessons drawn from personal experiences, including the importance of authenticity and earning credibility in challenging environments. Mandolen shares a defining moment early in her career when she stepped into a male-dominated workplace and made an impulsive decision that led to a valuable lesson about humility and resilience. She reflects on how listening, observing, and building trust with her team helped her become an effective leader, emphasizing that leadership is not about asserting authority but about connecting with people and addressing their needs.
We also delve into the impact of adversity on her leadership journey, including her experience with dystonia and how it shaped her perspective on resilience and empathy. Mandolen discusses the inspiration behind her memoir series, including themes of grit, transformation, and navigating complex relationships. Through candid stories about her personal and professional life, she offers insights into building trust, overcoming challenges, and fostering a leadership style that prioritizes connection, transparency, and growth.
Questions and Topics: Can you share an update on your memoir series? What themes are you exploring in these books? * What’s the story behind your favorite mistake, and what leadership lessons did you take from it? * Was your initial approach to listening and observing natural for you, or did someone advise you to take that approach? * How did your father’s lessons and perspective shape your leadership style? * What advice did your father give you to help overcome challenges in leadership? * How did your team’s feedback inspire your transition to becoming a professor? * What is it like coaching ironworkers to become effective leaders and instructors? * How has your experience with dystonia and other health challenges influenced your leadership journey? * What inspired the title and concept of your first book, Grit for the Pearl*? * What are the key themes of your upcoming books, and how do they connect to your life and work?
My guest for Episode #293 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Spencer Jones, a rookie forward with the Denver Nuggets and a Stanford University graduate, where he earned a degree in Management Science and Engineering.
Episode page with links and more
He averaged 11 points per game over five standout years at Stanford, leading the Pac-12 in three-point shooting as a freshman and graduating as Stanford's all-time leader in three-pointers. Before college, Spencer also secured three high school state championships in Kansas.
While his professional basketball career with the Denver Nuggets keeps him on the court, Spencer's ambitions stretch far beyond the game. Passionate about the intersections of sports, health, and technology, he is actively building his brand in the health tech space, leveraging his platform as an athlete to explore innovation and make an impact off the court.
In this episode, Spencer shares his journey from high school state championships to becoming Stanford's all-time leader in three-pointers and his transition to the pros. Spencer opens up about his favorite mistake: hesitating to embrace the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities during his college years due to concerns about balancing individual branding with team dynamics. Reflecting on how this hesitation caused him to miss out on valuable opportunities early in his college career, Spencer explains how he learned to navigate those challenges and is now focused on capitalizing on his NBA platform while staying grounded in his basketball priorities.
Throughout the episode, we discuss Spencer's experiences balancing academics, athletics, and building a brand, including how his Management Science and Engineering degree from Stanford shaped his interest in the intersections of health, technology, and business. Spencer also offers insights into the evolving dynamics of NIL, the challenges of team equity, and the impact of the transfer portal. We explore his presence on LinkedIn as a platform for connecting with alumni and businesses, his passion for investments and startups, and how watching NBA superstar Steph Curry train influenced his own work ethic. Spencer's reflections provide valuable lessons on resilience, legacy building, and preparing for life after sports.
Questions and Topics:* What’s your favorite mistake? * Can you explain NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) and the opportunities it offers athletes? * How did NIL impact team dynamics, and what was it like balancing individual and team priorities? * Did you consider transferring to another school, especially with the new transfer rules? * What lessons did you learn about balancing academics and athletics at Stanford? * Why did you choose Management Science and Engineering as your major? * What impact did being in Silicon Valley have on your development, connections, and career opportunities? * How much interest is there among players in investing, startups, and business ventures beyond basketball? * What kind of resources does the NBA or players' associations provide to help players prepare for their futures? * How does the G League (formerly D League) fit into player development for someone in your position? * What factors went into your decision to sign with the Denver Nuggets, especially as a two-way player? * How do you approach balancing short-term versus long-term decisions in your basketball and business career? * What led you to build a presence on LinkedIn, and how has that platform benefited you? * What advice do you have for other athletes about building their brand and preparing for life after sports? * How do you manage the pressure of potential mistakes in high-visibility situations like an NBA game?
My guest for Episode #292 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Dr. Jessica Kriegel, Chief Strategy Officer of Workforce and Labor at Culture Partners and an internationally recognized speaker.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
Known for her transformative 'Culture Equation,' Jessica has been featured on CNBC, MSNBC, CNN, and more. At Culture Partners, she leads pioneering research and strategy with Stanford University, working to reshape the DNA of Fortune 10 and 500 companies for long-term success.
Jessica holds a doctorate in Human Resources Development and Educational Leadership from Drexel University and is the author of Unfairly Labeled, a book that challenges generational stereotypes in the workplace. She also hosts the podcast "Culture Leaders," where she dives into the essence of true transformation.
In this episode, Jessica shares insights on leadership, culture transformation, and her unique journey through pivotal career experiences. Jessica discussed her favorite mistake—a whirlwind promotion at Oracle to Head of Strategy for the Head of Cloud, a role she describes as "seven promotions" above her current position at the time.
Although the experience quickly led to burnout due to overwhelming demands and a relentless work pace, it also became one of her most transformative learning experiences. Jessica credits those six intense weeks as the foundation for her "Culture Equation" framework, which she has since applied to drive organizational change and foster alignment between purpose, strategy, and culture.
The conversation also explored the critical role of leadership in shaping workplace culture and addressing challenges like burnout, disengagement, and generational stereotypes. Jessica emphasized that culture is fundamentally about how people think and act to achieve results, and leaders must align beliefs and behaviors to operationalize strategy. She shared her perspectives on overcoming employee disengagement, fostering innovation through psychological safety, and breaking free from generational labeling in the workplace.
Jessica also discussed her TED Talk, "How to Help People Give a Shit," highlighting how employees' perceived apathy often stems from overwhelm and a lack of agency rather than genuine disinterest.
Questions and Topics: What’s your favorite mistake? * Would you say six weeks is an unusually fast burnout cycle? * Was the 3 a.m. call part of a broader pattern of disrespect or just a one-off incident? * Are these patterns common across organizations, or are they specific to individual leaders? * How do you define culture? * Did you face challenges getting your TED Talk title approved? * What advice do you have for leaders to address this challenge of employee disengagement? * How do you see leaders' perceptions of mistakes influencing workplace culture? * What led you to write your book Unfairly Labeled*? * How do you think generational stereotypes impact workplace dynamics? * Do you believe evolving workplace expectations are driven more by technology than generational differences?
My guest for Episode #291 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Trent Clark, CEO of Leadershipity and Founder of Courage Coach LLC. Having spent his adult livelihood among the top 1% producers in sports and business, Trent is dedicated to empowering people to reach their goals, peak performance, and attain their dreams.
Episode page with transcript, video, and more.
An entrepreneur of 12 companies and longtime Entrepreneur Organization Member, he is best known for being a two-sport Division I Collegiate Athlete and Coaching 12 years in Professional Baseball with three organizations - including three (3) trips to the World Series - working with the Detroit Tigers, two-time American League Champion Cleveland Indians and the 2002 World Champion Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
He’s the author of a new book, Leading Winning Teams: How Teamwork, Motivation, and Strategy Achieve Big League Success, and he’s also the host of his podcast, "Winners Find a Way."
Trent has worked on staff with famed personalities, coaches, and executives, including Nick Saban, Joe Maddon, Tom Izzo, Mike Scioscia, and my favorite from that list… Sparky Anderson.
This episode covers the importance of learning from mistakes, resilience, and the parallels between sports and business leadership. Trent shares impactful lessons from his career, including a pivotal mistake involving contract negotiations that shaped his approach to accountability and preparation.
The conversation explores themes such as embracing failure as a stepping stone to growth, the necessity of adaptability in high-pressure environments, and the role of coaching in fostering continuous improvement. Insights on balancing personal and professional commitments, the evolution of strength training in baseball, and cultivating high-performing teams round out a compelling discussion on achieving sustained success through intentional learning and reflection.
Questions and Topics:* What’s your favorite mistake? * Are you willing to share what the main promises were that the Angels made verbally but never included in the written contract? * Do coaches typically have an agent or a lawyer, or is that something you just handle on your own? * How has the thinking evolved about bulking up in baseball? Is it still considered risky, or is it more about how players approach strength training? * As a strength and conditioning coach, were you traveling constantly with both the Major League and minor league teams? What was that like for your family life? * What can we learn from athletes about bouncing back from mistakes that might apply to entrepreneurship or our own work? * You told me you get excited about mistakes—why is that, and how do people respond when you show that enthusiasm?
My guest for Episode #290 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Michelle Rankine, Ph.D., a trailblazing entrepreneur in the health space who built a multimillion-dollar home care franchise business to address disparities in Black and Brown communities.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
A former sports executive with roles at major organizations like the U.S. Olympic Committee, Michelle found her calling in senior home care after her brother’s tragic car accident left him paralyzed. Driven by a strong sense of purpose and community, she now owns three Right at Home franchises in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, prioritizing quality care and bridging critical gaps for aging adults.
In this episode, Michelle and host Mark Graban explore her biggest lessons learned: why trust is essential when building a business, how data-driven KPIs can spark growth, and where home care fits into the spectrum of healthcare services.
Michelle shares her personal story of shifting from the security of collegiate sports administration to the uncertainty of entrepreneurship, revealing how she discovered resilience, the importance of coaching, and the power of focusing on the right goals.
Key themes include fostering health equity, measuring what matters, and creating supportive networks—whether for Olympic athletes or for families needing respite care.
Questions and Topics:* Could you share your “favorite mistake,” and how did you learn from it? * Was your realization about needing to trust others gradual, or was there a clear wake-up call? * Which key KPIs helped you decide to step away from handling sales yourself? * How did your team respond when you began delegating more, and did you get any feedback about micromanaging? * What led you from a career in sports management to launching a home care business? * How do the resilience and focus you gained in athletics translate to entrepreneurship? * What are the biggest health disparities you aim to address, and how do your franchises help bridge those gaps? * Could you clarify the difference between ‘home care’ and ‘home health,’ and why does that distinction matter? * Why do some families wait too long to seek help, and how can people avoid that mistake? * What advice would you offer to adult children who find themselves caring for aging parents, especially when roles reverse?
I’m taking the next two weeks off, but I’ll be back with new episodes on January 6th.
Please check out the back catalog of episodes!
If you’re looking for something to read over the holidays, my book The Mistakes That Make Us: Cultivating a Culture of Learning and Innovation (that contains many stories and lessons learned from my guests… and my own career) is available for a special price — the Kindle format is just $2.99 (and equivalent prices around the world).
Visit Amazon in your country, or go to mistakesbook.com to learn more and to get a free preview.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
My guest for Episode #289 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Jonathan Bailey, founder of PlagiarismToday.com. He’s also a Copyright and Plagiarism Consultant at CopyByte, with background and education in Journalism.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
He’s spoken at conferences worldwide, including four of the International Plagiarism Conferences, three SXSWi Conferences, and much more. He’s also been featured in countless publications, including The Boston Globe, The Guardian, PBS MediaShift, The New York Times, and the BBC, to name a few.
In today's episode, Jonathan discusses his journey as a leading voice in copyright and plagiarism consulting. He shares insights into the challenges of protecting intellectual property in the digital age, offering practical advice on addressing online plagiarism, copyright infringement, and related issues.
Jonathan reflects on a career-defining mistake where he made a fear-driven decision to take an exclusive job, which ultimately led him to realize the importance of betting on himself.
The conversation also spans topics such as effective ways to handle plagiarism, the role of proper attribution, and the differences between copyright and plagiarism, offering valuable lessons for content creators and businesses navigating intellectual property challenges.
Questions and Topics:* What is your favorite mistake? * What is your best definition of plagiarism in both academic and business contexts? * How do you handle gray areas in plagiarism, such as overly close paraphrasing or using someone’s ideas without credit? * What inspired you to start Plagiarism Today? * What advice would you give to content creators dealing with websites that copy their work without permission? * How does the DMCA process work for addressing online copyright infringement? * What mistakes do people make in assuming online content (like photos or videos) is free to use? * Can you explain the difference between “free” and “royalty-free” content? * How can podcasters or creators avoid legal pitfalls when using music or other media? * Are there connections between your haunted house work and intellectual property issues, such as using copyrighted characters? * Why is copying and pasting content on platforms like LinkedIn or Threads a problem, even when attribution is provided? * What steps can platforms like LinkedIn take to address copyright infringement? * How should creators respond to claims that unauthorized use of their work is "helping give it exposure"?
My guest for this bonus episode of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is ESPN anchor Randy Scott. He shares a hilarious yet humbling story from his early days on live television. Reflecting on an on-air blunder during Highlight Express, Randy reveals how the moment taught him resilience, the power of adaptability, and the importance of laughing at yourself.
Join us as Randy takes us behind the scenes at ESPN and shares valuable lessons learned from his favorite mistake!
See video, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #288 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Rupal Patel - she’s a former CIA analyst turned serial entrepreneur, who has embarked on an unconventional journey from military briefing rooms in jungles to corporate boardrooms and international stages.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
Her newly released book, From CIA to CEO: Unconventional Life Lessons for Thinking Bigger, Leading Better, and Being Bolder, is not just a memoir but a comprehensive ops manual and tradecraft toolkit for leaders and entrepreneurs.
Serving primarily under President George W. Bush after 9/11, she became an intelligence expert on Afghanistan. She advised Four-Star Generals, earned War Zone Service Medals, and was recognized by the CIA Director for “superior support to the President of the United States.”
After leaving the CIA, she earned her MBA and started her first award-winning business over ten years ago. Rupal is a sought-after international speaker and corporate advisor who has spoken in front of thousands and delivered leadership and talent development programs for Fortune 500 companies around the globe and the White House.
In this episode, Rupal shares her journey from briefing four-star generals in war zones to advising Fortune 500 companies in boardrooms. She reflects on a defining moment at the CIA, where a false accusation taught her the importance of standing up for herself and overcoming self-blame. Rupal discusses lessons in leadership, the value of emotional intelligence, and the power of “tactical ignorance” in decision-making and problem-solving. She also explores how owning one’s uniqueness—what she calls “owning your weird”—can unlock potential and authenticity in leadership and life.
Questions and Topics: What’s your favorite mistake, and what did you learn from it? * How did the accusation from your supervisor affect your working relationship? * Did that experience lead to your decision to leave the CIA? * What motivated you to join the CIA, and how did that opportunity come about? * How did your CIA experience shape your transition into business and leadership? * What CIA methods or mindsets do you think are most applicable to business strategy? * How do you balance strategic planning with the unpredictability of real-world situations? * Can you explain the concept of “tactical ignorance” and its role in decision-making? * What advice do you have for leaders or entrepreneurs facing setbacks or mistakes? * What inspired you to write From CIA to CEO*, and what was the writing process like? * Did you need CIA approval to share details in your book? * What does “owning your weird” mean to you, and why is it important for leadership?
My guest for Episode #287 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Steven L. Blue, the CEO of Miller Ingenuity, a global manufacturer and supplier of railroad parts and high-technology rail safety systems and services.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
He’s a recognized expert in business transformation. With 50 years of experience leading companies across diverse industries like manufacturing and publishing, Steve has a proven track record of turning businesses around and driving massive profit increases.
A best-selling author and regular media personality, Steve is also a sought-after keynote speaker who has spoken at prestigious venues like Harvard Business School, The United Nations, and Carnegie Hall. His leadership insights have been featured in major outlets like The Wall Street Journal, Fox Business, Forbes, and CNBC.
In this episode, we dive into the pivotal lessons learned from mistakes, exploring how past successes can plant the seeds for future missteps. Steve shares his story of a bold but ultimately flawed business venture in Cuba, unpacking how ego and faulty assumptions led to failure—and valuable insights.
We discuss the importance of testing assumptions, inviting challenges from peers and boards, and fostering a culture that learns from, rather than fears, mistakes. Steve also highlights the transformation of Miller Ingenuity, offering wisdom on leadership, rebranding, and building a culture of continuous improvement that empowers employees to innovate and adapt.
This conversation is rich with reflections on the intersection of humility, risk-taking, and the resilience required to navigate today’s business landscape.
Questions and Topics:* What is your favorite mistake, and what did you learn from it? * What was the event at Carnegie Hall where you spoke? * How did you approach navigating the challenges of broadcasting from Cuba? * Why do you think there was low interest in the U.S. for the Cuba broadcast? * What lessons did you take away about making assumptions in business? * How do you accurately forecast interest in new ventures? * What role does ego play in decision-making, and how can it lead to mistakes? * Why is failure an important part of learning and eventual success? * How do you test assumptions before making significant investments? * What’s the role of a board of directors in challenging and validating assumptions? * How do you navigate resistance to new ideas within your team or board? * What was the process behind rebranding Miller Ingenuity? * How did you ensure the rebrand was successful and aligned with your business goals? * What role does culture play in Lean manufacturing at Miller Ingenuity? * How do you foster an environment where employees feel safe admitting mistakes? * What’s your approach to hiring and ensuring cultural fit within your teams? * How do you balance empowering teams with stepping in during a crisis? * What leadership attitudes are most likely to lead to business disasters? * What steps do you take to prevent and respond to unforeseen disasters? * What advice would you give to other leaders about sustaining a culture of continuous improvement?
My guest for Episode #286 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Nancy Ho, a distinguished Life Strategist, Clarity Messenger, and State of Mind Specialist with over 26 years of experience guiding individuals toward holistic success.
Oops! The original audio file was not playing properly due to an editing error. My mistake!
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
Throughout her illustrious career, Nancy has empowered over 10,000 clients, including C-Suite executives, mid-level managers, and business owners, to navigate the intricate balance between professional achievement and personal fulfillment.
She’s co-author of the book Success Redefined with Jack Canfield.
In today's episode, Nancy shares the story of her favorite mistake—losing $300,000 in just five months pursuing a lifelong dream of opening a wine bar. She reflects on the critical lessons she learned about the importance of due diligence, trusting gut instincts, and recognizing misaligned partnerships. Nancy discusses how this experience shaped her approach to coaching, helping clients uncover their life purpose, navigate the paradox of professional success, and integrate work and personal fulfillment. She offers practical strategies for managing stress, addressing incomplete tasks, and shifting from fear-based thinking to resilience and clarity. Nancy’s insights provide inspiration and actionable advice for anyone striving to align their career, values, and sense of purpose.
Questions and Topics:* What is your favorite mistake? * What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during this venture, and how did you handle them? * What lessons did you learn from this experience, and how do you apply them in your work today? * Do you have any regrets about walking away from the business? * What is your life purpose, and how do you help others articulate theirs? * What do you mean by the “professional paradox,” and how do you help clients facing career and life challenges? * How do you approach unraveling the root causes of professional struggles for your clients? * What strategies do you recommend for managing stress caused by incomplete tasks? * How do you help clients shift from fear of failure to a mindset of resilience and growth? * How has this mistake influenced your approach to life and business coaching?
Welcome back to My Favorite Mistake! In this bonus episode, host Mark Graban reconnects with returning guest Dr. Janet Polach, a retired U.S. Marine Corps lieutenant colonel and PhD in organizational development.
Janet, who previously appeared on Episode 175, shares insights from her new book, "The Strategic Leader's Mindset: Unlocking the Keys to Success." This book offers actionable strategies for executives making the challenging shift to strategic leadership roles. Janet's website: https://janetpolach.com/
In this conversation, Janet explores key concepts such as embracing ambiguity, strengthening internal and external relationships, and the importance of setting aside dedicated time to develop strategic thinking. She dives into the practical tools and exercises included in each chapter to help leaders take action on what they learn.
Tune in to hear how Janet's approach to writing has evolved, her lessons on strategic leadership, and why it’s essential to engage with peers across industries to drive innovation and insight.
Plus, get a glimpse into Janet’s favorite leadership lessons, from “leaning into ambiguity” to harnessing outside perspectives for organizational success. If you’re an aspiring or seasoned leader, this episode is packed with valuable advice.
And if you missed her original episode, catch Janet's "favorite mistake" story in Episode 175 at https://www.markgraban.com/mistake175
My guest for Episode #285 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Jure Koscak, a former professional table tennis player who competed for 15 years at the highest levels.
EPISODE PAGE WITH VIDEO, TRANSCRIPT, AND MORE
Alongside his athletic career, Jure pursued a deep interest in sports psychology, which eventually led him to earn a Ph.D. in physical education. For the past 15 years, he has specialized as a high-performance mental coach, working with over 50 professional athletes across various sports, as well as more than 1,000 private clients.
Jure is a polyglot, fluent in six languages, including Slovenian, English, Spanish, German, Serbo-Croatian, and French. His diverse background and experience allow him to connect with a wide range of clients, helping them not just to survive but to thrive in both their sports careers and personal lives.
In this insightful conversation, Jure shares his favorite mistake—his hip injury, which he attributes to a combination of arrogance and overtraining. Despite his professional success, Jure reflects on how he neglected the early warning signs from his body, overworked himself, and disregarded the balance necessary to sustain long-term performance. This mistake, which eventually led to a debilitating hip injury, forced him to confront the importance of listening to his body and respecting its limits.
Jure also discusses his transformation from athlete to coach, explaining how he now uses his experiences to help others avoid the same pitfalls. The episode explores the mind-body connection, overtraining, chronic pain, and how unresolved emotional issues can manifest physically. Jure introduces the AEQ Method, a somatic approach that helps individuals reconnect with their bodies, reduce chronic pain, and elevate emotional maturity. His goal is to empower athletes and individuals to become more self-aware, both mentally and physically, so they can perform at their best without sacrificing long-term health.
Questions and Topics:* What would you say is your favorite mistake? * How would you say injuring your hip was a mistake? * Did your hip injury occur during your peak in table tennis? * Did that injury end your career? * Was there a moment when you realized you weren’t listening to your body, or had you been aware of the mistake earlier? * Can you explain the AEQ Method and how it helps people? * How did you transition into coaching non-athletes? * How do people find you—are they seeking balance, dealing with pain, or something else? * Why do people self-sabotage, and is it tied to trauma or fear? * Why do people continue with behaviors they know are harmful? * How did helping 1 million people with chronic pain become your mission? * How much of positivity is personality versus something we can develop and learn?
My guest for Episode #284 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Minette Norman, an author, speaker, and leadership consultant who previously spent decades leading global technical teams in the software industry.
EPISODE PAGE WITH VIDEO, TRANSCRIPT, AND MORE
Minette has extensive experience leading internationally distributed teams and believes that when groups embrace diversity in all its forms, breakthroughs emerge, and innovation accelerates.
Her most recent position before starting her consultancy was as Vice President of Engineering Practice at Autodesk.
Minette is a keynote speaker on inclusive leadership, psychological safety, collaborative teams, and empathy. She was named in 2017 as one of the “Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business” by the?San Francisco Business Times and as “Business Role Model of the Year” in the 2018 Women in IT/Silicon Valley Awards.
In this episode, the conversation covers the critical importance of psychological safety and inclusive leadership in the workplace. Minette shares stories from her tech career, highlighting the challenges of navigating power dynamics, cultural differences, and the role of empathy in leadership. She emphasizes the need for leaders to create environments where individuals feel safe to speak up, make mistakes, and share diverse perspectives without fear of retribution.
Minette is the author of The Boldly Inclusive Leader and co-author of The Psychological Safety Playbook.
The discussion also touches on the common misunderstandings about psychological safety, such as confusing it with comfort, and explores practical ways leaders can foster a culture of openness and accountability while maintaining high performance and innovation.
Questions and Topics:* What is your favorite mistake, and what did you learn from it? * How did your mentee’s situation change your perspective on leadership? * Did you consider legal action when you faced bullying and had to leave tech? * How do you define psychological safety, and why is it so important? * Can you have too much psychological safety? * How can leaders assess and improve psychological safety within their teams? * What role do leaders play in fostering a culture where it’s safe to admit mistakes? * How do demographic differences impact experiences of psychological safety? * How universal are the concepts of psychological safety and inclusion across cultures? * What advice do you have for leaders hesitant to admit their own mistakes?
In this bonus episode, Mark Graban sits down with author and speaker Jacob Stoller to discuss one of Jacob’s most memorable mistakes—a live performance mishap involving a botched page turn during a classical music concert.
As Jacob recounts, his decision to skip having a page-turner led to a "train wreck" moment in front of an audience, forcing the musicians to restart the piece. But this unexpected blunder turned out to be a surprising gift, making the experience more relatable and memorable for the audience.
Listen as Jacob reflects on how this mistake shifted his view on performance and connected him with listeners in a new way. Mark also shares his own story of a music slip-up, proving that even the most prepared musicians and performers can find themselves at a loss. This episode is a perfect blend of music, humility, and the valuable lessons we take from our mistakes.
🔗 Want to learn more about Jacob’s insights into performance and productivity? Check out his latest book, Productivity Reimagined: Shattering Performance Myths to Achieve Sustainable Growth, and listen to his full episode on the Lean Blog Interviews podcast.
⏩ Topics Covered:
The importance of learning from mistakes in any field
How to handle slip-ups and turn them into positive moments
Classical music, page-turning mishaps, and human connection through errors
Mark and Jacob's personal stories of musical mistakes and the lessons learned
My guest for Episode #283 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Jean Jacques “JJ” Brun… also known as Operative 431.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
As a seasoned veteran of the Intelligence Branch of the Canadian Armed Forces, he served with distinction as a contact handler on the ground in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Years in the discrete world of human intelligence and counter human intelligence have driven my desire to understand human behavior’s intricacies and pass on the complex notion of interpersonal communication.
Although retired from active duty, JJ realized much of what he learned could be utilized in the civilian world. Based on the Four Temperament (DISC) Model of Human Behaviour to better understand and maximize human dynamics, his exclusive training programs provide a comprehensive analysis of communication techniques, empowering individuals to enhance authentic relationships that promote trust, innovation, and productivity.
In this episode, the conversation explores JJ Brun's transition from his role as an intelligence operative in the Canadian Armed Forces to applying his expertise in the civilian world. JJ shares stories from his time in Bosnia and the challenges of adapting to intelligence work without formal military training. He discusses key lessons learned, including the importance of self-awareness, situational awareness, and using behavioral models like DISC to understand and build relationships. The episode highlights how these skills, initially developed for high-stakes intelligence work, have proven valuable in helping leaders and organizations understand human dynamics more effectively.
Questions and Topics:* What does it mean to be a contact handler in intelligence? * What would you say is your favorite mistake? * Did anyone know you didn’t finish the last mile of the marchathon? * Was the training in the UK meant to prepare you for being on the other side of an interrogation? * How did you handle the potential for mistakes being deadly in intelligence work? * What was the Oka crisis? * What is involved in being a contact handler? * Was the debrief after your training focused on learning from mistakes, or did you get reprimanded? * How did you adapt to working in a war zone like Bosnia? * What’s the value of using the DISC model in your work today? * Can people learn more about your work and the DISC model through your website?
In this special bonus episode of My Favorite Mistake, our guest (via Cameo) is Gene Steratore, a former NFL and NCAA basketball official known for his calm demeanor, fairness, and expertise on the field and court.
Episode page with video and transcript.
With over 15 years as an NFL referee and a longstanding career in NCAA basketball officiating, Steratore became a trusted figure in sports, celebrated for managing high-stakes games, including playoff and Super Bowl matchups. After retiring from officiating, he transitioned to broadcasting as a rules analyst for CBS Sports, where he brings insights on officiating decisions and the human element in sports.
Gene graciously shares his perspective on the importance of learning from mistakes both on and off the field. Gene reflects on the challenges of officiating, where striving for perfection meets the reality of human fallibility. He discusses the humility required to accept imperfection in the moment and the invaluable lessons mistakes provide for honing one's craft.
Beyond sports, Gene explores how these lessons translate to everyday life, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection, resilience, and growth. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to embrace the learning journey that comes with making – and learning from – mistakes.
My guest for Episode #282 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Christine “Chris” King, who defied the odds as a single mother in the 1970s, rising to become the world's first female CEO in the semiconductor industry. Armed with degrees in electrical engineering, Chris climbed the ranks at IBM before leading billion-dollar companies like AMI Semiconductor, Standard Microsystems, and QLogic Corporation.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
Her leadership extended across engineering, sales, and business management, and she even founded Expedition Electronics. Beyond technology, Chris is also a champion equestrian and dairy farmer. Her incredible journey is captured in Breaking Through the Silicon Ceiling.
In today's episode, Chris reveals how an initial mistake—pursuing electrical engineering to impress someone—unexpectedly launched her into a successful engineering and leadership career. Chris and Mark discuss the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field, the importance of persistence, and her approach to leading successful business turnarounds.
We also touch on her experiences as a champion equestrian and a dairy farmer, drawing parallels between problem-solving in agriculture and business. Throughout the conversation, Chris emphasizes the value of learning from mistakes, building confidence, and leveraging opportunities for growth, offering listeners practical leadership insights and inspiration.
Questions and Topics: What would you say is your favorite mistake? * Did the relationship with the guy who inspired you to study engineering work out? * As you went through your engineering education, did you have doubts? Did it feel like a mistake at first? * Why would a caseworker be resistant to letting you attend college? * Did you have to pitch your plan for going to college? How did you make it work financially? * What was it like being the first or only woman on teams early in your career? * When did you start transitioning from technical roles to leadership roles, and did you aspire to become a CEO? * How did the team you managed react to having a female boss? * What challenges did you face with your superiors as you advanced? * How did you feel about becoming a CEO for the first time, especially on 9/11? * Did the events of 9/11 affect your business? * What lessons did you learn from leading turnarounds, and how did you diagnose the issues? * Did you encounter similar challenges during other turnarounds, like the one during the 2008 financial crisis? * How did media attention around being the first female CEO in semiconductors affect you? * Who were some CEOs that you admired or learned from? * What are the three things any successful businessperson needs? * What three things do people not need to succeed in business? * How many women have followed your path in the semiconductor industry? * What lessons did you learn from dairy farming? * What lessons did you learn from equestrian competitions? * How do you see the parallels between leading a team and managing livestock or horses? * How do you approach creating a culture of learning from mistakes in leadership? * What inspired you to write your book, Breaking Through the Silicon Ceiling*? * How do you reach the audience you want with your book, and what creative efforts have you made for that? * Who is the audience you’re hoping to inspire with your story? * What advice would you give for fostering interest in STEM among young women?
In this special bonus episode of My Favorite Mistake, Mark Graban sits down with Senator Stephanie Pitcher, a criminal defense attorney (at Parker & McConkie in Utah) and Utah state senator, to discuss a modern campaign tactic that’s frustrating voters nationwide: political text messages. Senator Pitcher provides an insider’s view on why candidates rely on these texts to build name recognition, the rules governing them, and how campaigns respond (or sometimes don’t) to requests to “STOP.”
Mark and Stephanie dive into questions many of us have wondered: Is anyone really reading our responses to campaign texts? Are these messages effective, or do they risk driving away potential voters? Senator Pitcher shares her personal experiences with both sending and receiving political texts, the realities of balancing voter outreach with respect for privacy, and the challenge of navigating the fine line between visibility and annoyance.
For those curious about how campaign data is shared and why unsubscribing doesn’t always work as intended, Stephanie explains the often complex web of candidate PACs, third-party vendors, and data-sharing that keeps these messages coming. She also discusses her plans to explore more sophisticated social media advertising, leaving listeners with a thought-provoking view on the future of campaign outreach.
Tune in to hear a behind-the-scenes look at campaign messaging from a seasoned state senator’s perspective!
My guest for Episode #281 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Dr. Edward Feinberg, a distinguished expert in restorative dentistry who has dedicated over 40 years to advancing dental care. Dr. Feinberg graduated from Tufts University, was trained by his father, Dr. Elliot Feinberg, a pioneer in full coverage restorative dentistry, and practiced in Scarsdale, New York, before moving to Arizona, where he now practices.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
He is the Director of ONWARD, an online teaching organization for full coverage restorative dentistry, where he has created over 30 courses and provides a wealth of educational resources.
A nationally recognized lecturer and author, Dr. Feinberg has contributed significantly to dental literature, including his essay collection, "Open Wide: Essays on Challenges in Dentistry to Achieve Excellence." He also serves on editorial boards and councils for various dental associations and has been honored with numerous awards for his contributions to the field.
In this episode, Ed shares insights from over 40 years in the field and discusses his unique approach to saving teeth, which contrasts with the widespread practice of extracting teeth and opting for implants. Dr. Feinberg’s "favorite mistake" involved a crown falling off a colleague’s tooth—a rare but impactful error. Through this experience, he reinforced his belief in trial-based dentistry and using precise techniques to ensure long-lasting dental solutions.
Dr. Feinberg advocates for saving teeth first, using crowns and bridges when appropriate, and stresses that implants should only be used when absolutely necessary. The conversation also touches on the overuse of implants in modern dentistry, the importance of prevention, and learning from mistakes to improve patient care.
Questions and Topics:* What would you say is your favorite mistake? * Was that the first time a crown had fallen off, or was it just a rare occurrence? * Were you able to implement any checks or mistake-proofing to prevent this from happening again? * Can you explain the difference between focusing on the tooth structure above the gum versus below the gum? * How do you use temporary crowns, and why do some fall out while others don’t? * Do you believe dental education is keeping up with advancements in restorative techniques? * What are your thoughts on the current trends in implant dentistry? * Do you think a lot of dentists are making mistakes with implants, and why? * Are there preventive or mistake-proofing methods you apply in your practice to avoid common dental issues? * Why do you think patients typically don’t seek second opinions in dentistry, unlike in medicine? * Does the overuse of implants lead to malpractice cases or trouble with insurance? * Why are patients quick to judge dentists based on superficial factors rather than their actual dental work? * What are your thoughts on veneers—are they purely cosmetic, and when are they appropriate? * How can dentists better manage biomechanical stress when performing implant procedures? * Are there concerns about the future reputation of dentistry due to inappropriate practices? * What advice would you give to patients about prevention and the importance of regular dental hygiene visits?
Key Topics Discussed:* Dr. Feinberg’s favorite mistake: A crown falling off a colleague’s tooth and the lessons he learned about precision and correcting errors. * Restorative dentistry techniques: Focusing on the root structure below the gum for crown and bridgework to ensure long-lasting results. * The overuse of implants: Dr. Feinberg discusses the inappropriate use of implants and his preference for saving teeth when possible. * Dental education: Concerns that dental schools are not teaching the best restorative methods and the influence of economic pressures on young dentists. * Precision attachments: A less common, effective alternative to implants that can save teeth, especially for complex cases. * Patient care and trust: How patients often judge dentists on superficial factors and the importance of second opinions in dental treatment. * Preventive care: The importance of regular hygiene visits to prevent periodontal bone loss, which is crucial for long-term dental health.
My guest for Episode #280 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Steve Pereira. He has spent over two decades improving the flow of work across organizations. He’s worked through tech support, IT management, platform and infrastructure engineering, product management, and as a founding CTO for enterprise SaaS.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
He serves as CEO of Visible Consulting, as COO to the Value Stream Management Consortium, Chair of the OASIS VSM Interoperability technical committee, and co-founder of the Flow Collective to bring flow-focused professionals together. Since 2017, he has been developing and facilitating Flow Engineering.
He is the co-author of Flow Engineering: From Value Stream Mapping to Effective Action - his co-author, Andrew Davis, was a guest here recently. Steve and Andrew also joined me for an episode of "Lean Blog Interviews."
In this episode, Steve shares his journey in improving workflows and the lessons learned from his favorite mistake. Steve recounts how, in a previous role as a developer, he assumed that his own needs mirrored those of other developers, leading him to spend significant time creating a solution without gathering proper feedback. This isolated approach resulted in wasted time and an ineffective outcome. Through this mistake, Steve realized the importance of customer validation and iterative development, key principles he now applies in his work.
We also explored the concept of "failure debt," the role of psychological safety in fostering learning from mistakes, and how flow engineering can transform collaborative workflows.
Questions and Topics: What would you say is your favorite mistake? * How did things play out with that mistake in your career? * How many other developers were you working with on this task? * When did you realize the project wasn't working, and how did you adjust? * How did you eventually start to learn from these mistakes? * When did these lessons become more clear to you in your career? * Can you elaborate on how sharing mistakes publicly helped lessen the sting over time? * How would you define 'flow engineering' for someone outside of software development? * How do you think mistakes, bugs, or defects affect flow? Do speed and quality go hand in hand? * What are your thoughts on how leaders can foster psychological safety and a learning culture where mistakes are embraced? * What is 'failure debt' and how can organizations address it? * Did the writing process for Flow Engineering* reflect some of these lessons on customer feedback and iteration?
Key Topics: Steve's favorite mistake of assuming his own needs were the same as other developers, leading to wasted time. * Importance of customer feedback and validation in technical projects. * The Abilene Paradox and how it relates to satisfying multiple stakeholders poorly. * Learning from mistakes over time, especially in leadership roles like CTO. * The impact of public accountability in lessening the sting of failure. * Definition and application of flow engineering to improve collaborative workflows. * The relationship between mistakes and flow, and how speed and quality work together. * The role of psychological safety in creating a learning organization. * Concept of failure debt and how unaddressed failures can accumulate, leading to bigger issues. * How Flow Engineering* was written iteratively, applying lessons learned from Steve’s career.
My guest for Episode #279 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Cynthia Kay, author of Small Business Big Success: Proven Strategies to Beat the Odds and Grow a Great Business.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
As a business owner for over 35 years, Cynthia Kay has attracted well-known and respected customers from the global Fortune 100 to smaller forward-thinking businesses. Along the way, she has developed practical, actionable strategies for businesses from starting up to stepping out.
As a former board chair of the National Small Business Association, she had advocated for small businesses and spoken to diverse audiences across the country. She has also mentored business owners as a member of the American Academy of Entrepreneurs.
In this episode, Cynthia shares her journey as a business owner and the lessons she's learned along the way. Cynthia discusses her favorite mistake—starting her business with a partner who wasn’t a good fit. Despite planning out the financial and operational aspects, she overlooked the importance of aligning on working styles, values, and approaches to growth. Over time, their differing perspectives, particularly around scaling the business and relinquishing control, created tension. This led to the eventual dissolution of the partnership.
Through this experience, Cynthia developed the idea of a "business prenup," emphasizing the importance of thorough communication and alignment before entering into partnerships. She also offers advice on leadership, hiring, and building a resilient organization.
Questions and Topics:* What would you say is your favorite mistake? * Why do you think the partnership didn’t work? * How did things end up playing out with the partnership? * How quickly did those differences show up, or did they creep in over time? * How did you try to address those differences? * What advice do you have for others considering partnerships? * When you say the company had grown, how many employees did you have, or what was the scale of growth? * Can you tell us about the moment when you realized the partnership wasn’t working? * Can you talk about some of the common mistakes small business owners make? * What advice would you give about building a resilient organization after setbacks or mistakes? * How do you handle disagreements in your company, especially with different generations in the workplace? * What are the key traits that lead to success in your company? * How do you foster a culture where people feel comfortable admitting mistakes? * What are your thoughts on creating a learning organization? * What traits or behaviors do you look for in people who are successful at CK and Company? * Where can people find more information about you and your book?
My guest for Episode #278 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Joe Davis, Managing Director and Senior Partner at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and author of The Generous Leader: 7 Ways to Give of Yourself for Everyone's Gain.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
He’s had 40+ years of experience managing and leading teams. Joe has also served as chair of BCG’s Center for Inclusion and Equity and is a founding steering committee member of CEO Action for Racial Equity and the Southern Communities Initiative.
In this episode, Joe shares his "favorite mistake" from early in his career at Procter & Gamble, where he learned the importance of giving timely feedback to his team. The conversation explores leadership generosity, vulnerability, and the value of creating trust within teams.
Joe also discusses his work with BCG’s Center for Inclusion and Equity and addresses how leaders can navigate challenges in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Throughout, he offers insights on leadership growth, balancing results with empathy, and leading with authenticity.
Questions and Topics:* What is your favorite mistake? * Should anyone be surprised by what they hear in an annual review? * How do you handle dynamics of giving feedback to people older than you? * How do you define generosity in leadership? * Is leadership generosity the opposite of a transactional, quid pro quo approach? * What’s your perspective on using terms like "problem" vs. "opportunity" when giving feedback? * How do you define vulnerability as a leader, and do you think vulnerability is often mistaken for weakness? * How can early-career consultants effectively advise older executives? * What’s the role of the BCG Center for Inclusion and Equity, and why that specific terminology? * How do you navigate pushback against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within organizations? * How do you address employees or leaders who criticize DEI efforts as promoting 'equal outcomes' over 'equal opportunities'? * Is it possible to convince long-tenured leaders to move away from top-down, command-and-control leadership styles? * How do you strike a balance between being vulnerable and still delivering results as a leader?
My guest for Episode #277 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Derek Leiner, MD, FACP.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
Dr. Leiner trained in internal medicine at VCUHealth and the Richmond VA Medical Center. In 2018, he completed a year as Chief Resident for Quality and Safety, a national VA QI and safety training program then began as a staff physician at the Richmond VA Medical Center.
His career has included teaching, education leadership as an Associate Program Director for a medicine training program, and safety culture leadership. Derek currently works as an academic hospitalist and is the physician champion for high reliability at the Richmond VA Medical Center. He has a passion for humanism, collaborative care, and just culture.
In this episode, we discuss a medical error involving a lumbar puncture procedure and the subsequent emotional impact on the healthcare professional involved. We explore the distinction between near misses and patient harm, highlighting the importance of learning from both. The concept of Just Culture is introduced, emphasizing a fair and supportive approach to addressing errors. We delve into High Reliability Organizations and their focus on creating a culture of safety. The significance of open communication with patients and the potential for positive outcomes is also addressed.
Additionally, we examine the "second victim" phenomenon, where healthcare professionals experience emotional distress following errors. The episode concludes with practical strategies for recovering from mistakes and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement in healthcare.
Questions and Topics:* What is your favorite mistake? * Is this a near miss or patient harm? * Did I understand your definition of a near miss correctly? * What was the reaction and response to the incident? * Can you explain the concept of high reliability organizations and its relevance to healthcare? * What was the patient's reaction to the disclosure? * What is your reaction to Doctor Mayer's story? * What are your thoughts on Just Culture? * How do you coach others to recover from mistakes and combat negative self-talk?
Key topics discussed:
- Lumbar puncture incident & its emotional impact
- Near miss vs. patient harm
- Just Culture & its implementation
- High reliability organizations (HROs)
- Patient disclosure and reactions
- Second victim phenomenon & support
- Recovering from mistakes & learning
- Systemic factors, human error & normalization of deviance
- Importance of continuous learning & improvement
My guest for Episode #276 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Tabatha Thorell, a multi-faceted entrepreneur with a background in fitness coaching, real estate investing, life coaching, and more. Tabatha, a native of rural Nebraska and mother of five, shares her inspiring journey of resilience and success across various industries. With nearly two decades of real estate experience alongside her husband, Tabatha has continually pushed herself to grow, all while helping others achieve their dreams through coaching and her podcast, What Went Wrong?
Episode page with video and more
We discuss Tabatha’s "favorite mistake," which involved investing in an expensive coaching program that didn’t align with her needs. Despite her initial frustration and the lack of a refund, she turned the experience into a valuable learning opportunity. In the episode, she explains how this mistake helped her develop a stronger sense of self-reliance and taught her the importance of finding value, even in failure.
Tabatha also opens up about the challenges of balancing risk-taking with caution, how she approaches business coaching, and the lessons she's learned across her diverse career path. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a coach, or simply interested in stories of persistence, Tabatha’s insights are sure to inspire. Tune in for a candid conversation about learning from mistakes and turning setbacks into opportunities.
Questions and Topics: What's your favorite mistake from your career journey? * After your bad coaching experience, was it hard to trust another program? * Do you ever consider disputing the charge with your credit card company in that situation? * How do you find the balance between taking risks and not being overly cautious? * What’s the best thing you've learned from transitioning across different careers? * When do most people seek business coaching — before or during a crisis? * How do you respond when people say they can’t afford coaching because of cash flow issues? * Tell us about the origin and theme of your podcast, What Went Wrong?*
My guest for Episode #275 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Brian Gottlieb, an inspiring entrepreneur and founder who transformed a modest $3,000 startup into a thriving group of multistate companies valued at nearly $200 million.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
Brian’s companies have earned spots on the Inc. 5000 list for four consecutive years and have been recognized as one of Wisconsin's best workplaces. In addition to being a successful CEO, Brian is a Harvard Business School alum, angel investor, keynote speaker, and author of the new book Beyond the Hammer: A Fresh Approach to Leadership, Culture, and Building High-Performance Teams.
In this episode, we discuss Brian’s journey from working odd jobs to founding his first home improvement company and scaling it to a multi-million dollar business. Brian shares his "favorite mistake"—not pursuing formal education after high school—and how that perceived mistake shaped his entrepreneurial path. We also dive into his approach to leadership, the importance of building a strong culture, and how empowering people can drive success.
Brian also opens up about his time at Harvard Business School and how it helped him evolve as a leader. We discuss the challenges of balancing performance and culture, why hiring for culture fit matters, and how his philosophy of "building people before building a business" has been key to his success. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, business leader, or simply interested in learning from others' mistakes, Brian’s story offers valuable lessons on growth, leadership, and resilience.
Tune in to hear Brian's insights on leadership, the value of mistakes, and the strategies that helped him build a $200M business from scratch.
Questions and Topics:* What would you say is your favorite mistake? * How did your decision not to attend college shape your entrepreneurial path? * Can you tell us more about your experience at Harvard Business School and how it impacted your leadership approach? * What was your first business, and how did it evolve into a multi-state company? * How did you manage learning on the job while growing a business from scratch? * How did you approach building the culture and developing people within your organization? * What do you think about companies that focus on culture in addition to performance? * How do you balance hiring for performance versus culture fit, and how do you handle it when someone performs well but doesn’t fit the culture? * Can you explain the concept of “beyond the hammer” and how it applies to leadership and business growth? * How do you handle mistakes or performance issues in a way that supports growth and learning? * What are your thoughts on the “stay interview” concept, and how does it help improve organizational culture? * How did you empower your team to make decisions and learn from their mistakes? * What is your perspective on micromanaging versus empowering employees? * How do you maintain alignment within your company and prevent cultural clashes when bringing in experienced hires? * How important is long-term thinking in leadership, especially when growing a business? * What leadership lessons have you learned from Toyota, and how do you apply them in your business?
My guest for Episode #274 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Dr. Thom Mayer, the Medical Director for the NFL Players Association, Executive Vice President of Leadership for LogixHealth, Founder of BestPractices, Inc., and Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine at George Washington University and Senior Lecturing Fellow at Duke University.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more.
He was recently nominated to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. USA Today named him one of the “100 Most Important People in the NFL.” Tom Peters, the internationally acclaimed leadership guru, referred to his work as “gaspworthy.” Thom's new book is Leadership Is Worthless...But Leading Is Priceless: What I Learned from 9/11, the NFL, and Ukraine.
On September 11, 2001 Dr. Mayer served as the Command Physician at the Pentagon Rescue Operation and has served on 3 Defense Science Board Task Forces, advising the Secretary of Defense. Most recently, in 2022, Dr. Mayer helped lead a mobile team to Ukraine, treating almost 350 patients and training over 1,700 Ukrainian medical staffers.
In this episode, we dive deep into the world of NFL player safety and the proactive strategies that have been implemented to protect athletes on and off the field. Dr. Thom Mayer shares his insights on the science behind the latest innovations in helmet technology, including the Guardian Cap, and the critical importance of having emergency physicians on the sidelines—a decision that has already saved lives.
We also explore the profound difference between leadership as a concept and leading as a daily practice. Dr. Mayer discusses how finding and following your "deep joy" is essential for both personal fulfillment and professional success. He emphasizes the power of learning from mistakes and how failure is not just a part of success, but an integral component of it. Drawing from his experiences during 9/11 and his recent mission to Ukraine, Dr. Mayer offers powerful lessons on resilience, proactive leadership, and the value of engaging with the people who do the work. This episode is filled with wisdom on how to lead effectively in times of crisis and beyond.
Questions and Topics:* What are your thoughts on the new NFL kickoff procedures and their impact on player safety? * Of all the things you’ve done in your career, what would you say is your favorite mistake? * Can you give an example of a time when you deviated from your deep joy, and how do you find deep joy in your professional endeavors? * Can you share an example of when you coached someone through a situation where they had deviated from their deep joy? * Can you talk about your experience with Damar Hamlin and the importance of being proactive in NFL player safety? * Can you share your experiences on 9/11 and the leadership lessons you learned from that day? * How did you end up going to Ukraine in 2022, and what motivated you to take on that mission? * What would you say to NFL fans who resist changes like the new kickoff rules or the use of the Guardian Cap?
In this episode of My Favorite Mistake, host Mark Graban reconnects with previous guest, author and speaker Matthew Korban. Since his first appearance in Episode 118, Matthew has been on an exciting journey, culminating in the release of his new book, Footprints in the Sands of Time: A Journey of Self-Rediscovery.
Matthew shares the emotional and challenging process of writing his novel, which began nearly a decade ago as a personal memoir and evolved into a powerful work of fiction. The story follows the hero Shan on his path of self-discovery, with themes that resonate deeply with readers who have experienced life's ups and downs. Matthew also talks about his future projects, including a second book, 33 Years of Random, and his work on The Forgotten Hero, a novel being pitched for a movie adaptation.
Key Topics Discussed:
- The evolution of Footprints in the Sands of Time from memoir to novel
- The challenges and rewards of writing over many years
- Drawing from personal experiences to create fictional stories
- Insights into his upcoming books and potential film adaptation
Books Mentioned:
Footprints in the Sands of Time: A Journey of Self-Rediscovery – Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Don't miss this insightful conversation about the creative process, perseverance, and the power of storytelling.
My guest for Episode #273 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Kerry Siggins, the dynamic CEO and Executive Chair of StoneAge Holdings, a leading manufacturing and technology company based in Colorado.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
Under her visionary leadership, StoneAge has achieved consistent double-digit growth, transforming into an industry powerhouse. In 2015, Kerry pioneered the company’s transition to an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), ensuring that every employee shares in the company’s success and has a true stake in its future.
Recognized for her expertise in scaling companies and cultivating high-performance cultures, Kerry serves as a trusted board member and business advisor. Her insights have made a profound impact across industries. A sought-after speaker, Kerry regularly captivates audiences worldwide—from corporate leaders to university students—with her engaging presentations on leadership, culture, and ownership.
In addition to her executive roles, Kerry is the host of Reflect Forward, a widely acclaimed podcast where she explores leadership, personal growth, and overcoming challenges. She is also the author of The Ownership Mindset, a book that offers actionable strategies for building empowered teams and thriving companies.
In this episode, Kerry shares the pivotal moment that led her to turn her life around, her journey from the rock bottom of addiction to becoming a CEO, and how she built a culture of ownership and accountability at StoneAge. We discuss the lessons she learned from her favorite mistakes, the power of employee ownership, and how leaders can foster resilience and growth within their teams. Kerry’s story is both inspiring and full of actionable insights for anyone looking to lead with purpose and drive lasting success.
Questions and Topics: Kerry, with everything you’ve done in your career, what would you say is your favorite mistake? * How were you able to bounce back and make that overdose a step toward recovery? * What were you doing for work at that point in your life? * How did you end up at StoneAge Holdings, and did you start in a specific role or as CEO? * That’s young to be a CEO of a company you didn’t found—how did that feel? * Can you tell us more about what StoneAge Holdings does and how you became CEO? * Many companies say they want employees to think like owners, but they don’t always give them the incentive. How does the ESOP at StoneAge create an ownership mindset? * How does your profit-sharing plan work alongside the ESOP? * As a leader, how do you approach mistakes, especially when employees make them? * How did going back home help you transition and get on track? * Can you tell us more about Reflect Forward, your podcast, and your book, The Ownership Mindset*? * Do you have a favorite podcasting mistake as a host or guest?
My guest for Episode #272 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Kimberley Milani, the Director of the Ian O. Ihnatowycz Institute for Leadership and Co-Founder of its Women’s Leadership and Mentoring Program at Ivey Business School in London, Ontario.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
She is the co-author of the book Character: What Contemporary Leaders Can Teach Us about Building a More Just, Prosperous, and Sustainable Future.
She is passionate about elevating people’s strength of character to not only enhance their leadership skills, but to generate systemic social and organizational change. She is the co-host of Sip & Speak, a webinar series that explores social justice issues from a gendered and intersectional perspective.
Prior to joining Ivey, Kimberley spent 10 years as the Director of The Circle Women’s Centre, a community-facing feminist centre at Western’s Brescia University College.
The Circle operated in collaboration with London’s women’s, Indigenous, and social justice organizations to facilitate respectful, inclusive, multicultural, and inter-faith relationships, dialogue, events, and initiatives.
She was also a founding member of the Institute for Women in Leadership (IWIL) at Brescia and was its Director for seven years. Kimberley is a graduate of the University of Toronto.
In today's episode, Kimberley shares her journey from studying science with plans to pursue medicine to finding her true passion in Celtic Studies—a "mistake" that led her to a fulfilling career in leadership and academia. We discuss the importance of character in leadership, how it’s developed over time, and the impact of legacy. Kimberley also offers insights on how we can all cultivate strong character and the role it plays in achieving meaningful success.
Questions and Topics:* What would you say is your favorite mistake in your career? * How did studying Celtic mythology shape your views on leadership? * Did you ever imagine your career path leading to academia or university-related centers? * How do you define character, and what is character-based leadership? * Can people with strong character still make mistakes, and how do they respond? * How do you evaluate someone’s character when considering a job or a new leader? * How much of character is innate versus developed over time? * What can contemporary leaders teach us about character-based leadership? * How important is it for leaders to consider the legacy they want to leave behind?
My guest for Episode #271 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Andrew Davis, Chief Product Officer at AutoRABIT and the author of Mastering Salesforce DevOps. He's also co-author of the new book Flow Engineering: From Value Stream Mapping to Effective Action - with Steve Pereira.
Episode page with transcript, video, and more
He’s a Salesforce architect, developer, and product leader who focuses on the human side of software development. He’s been the leading figure in introducing DevOps concepts to the Salesforce world.
Trained as an engineer, he spent fifteen years as a Buddhist monk, teaching meditation and personal transformation and helping develop communities of practice. These days he studies the intersection of business, technology, and psychology through systems thinking.
In this episode, Andrew shares his fascinating journey from being a Buddhist monk to becoming a leader in the tech world. He discusses his favorite mistake of experiencing burnout as a monk, the lessons learned, and how these experiences have shaped his approach to work and life. Andrew discusses the concepts of flow engineering, psychological safety, and the importance of creating an environment where people feel safe to speak up and innovate. Join us for an insightful conversation that bridges the worlds of spirituality and technology, offering valuable lessons for anyone striving to balance passion with well-being.
Questions and Topics:* How do you guard against repeating a similar path to burnout in your current work? * How did you choose to become a Buddhist and then a monk? * How did you transition from being a monk to getting into the software and technology world? * Companies can be crazy; how do we help avoid that? * What are your thoughts on value stream mapping and breaking down silos? * Why did you emphasize psychological safety in your book, and what have you learned about it? * How do you offer free classes on personal transformation, and can you tell us about that?
My guest for Episode #270 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Megan Gluth-Bohan, a remarkable leader in the chemical industry. Megan is the CEO and owner of Catalynt Solutions, Inc., a prominent U.S.-based chemical distributor, and Chemblend of America, a renowned chemical blending and tolling facility.
EPISODE PAGE WITH VIDEO, TRANSCRIPT, AND MORE
Her companies stand out as some of the largest certified women-owned suppliers in North America. Under her leadership, they have achieved significant recognition, including a spot on the 2023 Puget Sound Business Journal's Middle Market Fast 50 list. Megan herself was honored as one of the Business Journal's Middle Market Fast 50 Leaders of 2023 and was awarded the prestigious Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2023.
In this episode, Megan shares her journey through the highs and lows of her career, focusing on the lessons learned from her favorite mistake. She candidly discusses the challenges she faced during the pandemic, where rapid decision-making led to deals with untrustworthy customers. Megan emphasizes the crucial importance of taking a moment to pause and trust one's instincts, even in high-pressure situations. This conversation delves into how these experiences have shaped her approach to leadership and decision-making.
We also explore Megan's initiatives to support women in STEM and her efforts to create opportunities for previously incarcerated women. She talks about fostering a culture of open discussion about failures, without blame, within her companies. Join us as we dive into Megan's insightful perspectives on leadership, resilience, and the power of learning from mistakes.
Questions and Topics:* How did you discover these deals were mistakes? * How did the dynamic of group evaluation or group effort play into these deals? * How do you handle team contributions when you're the one with the view of the entire chessboard? * Have you faced similar situations with other deals since those mistakes? * What specific factors led to the failures, and what did you learn from them? * How do you apply the lessons learned from failures to future endeavors? * Can you describe your company’s culture around failure and how you model it as a leader? * Do you have a support network or board for advice and coaching? * Can you talk about fostering a safe space for failure in your company? * How do you categorize different types of failures and encourage the right type of risk-taking? * How do you ensure organizational memory of mistakes to prevent recurrence? * How do you balance treating people right with running a profitable business? * What initiatives are you involved in to support women in STEM? * Can you share about your efforts to create opportunities for previously incarcerated women? * Is there a book in your future?
Guest: Dr. Susan Landers
Original Episode: Episode 213 - June 2023
Guest Bio: Dr. Susan Landers is an experienced neonatologist, author, and speaker who focuses on balancing a demanding medical career with motherhood. In her previous episode, we discussed her book "So Many Babies: My Life Balancing a Busy Medical Career and Motherhood."
Summary: In this update episode, Mark Graban welcomes back Dr. Susan Landers to discuss her latest work, an eBook titled Defeating Burnout: A Guide for Working Mothers. Dr. Landers shares insights on how her new book builds upon her previous memoir, focusing specifically on the issue of burnout among working mothers.
Key Points:
- Introduction to New Book: Dr. Landers introduces her new eBook, explaining its focus on the prevalence of burnout among working mothers and her personal experiences with burnout at different stages of her career.
- Content and Structure: The eBook includes practical advice, checklists to identify burnout, descriptions of signs and symptoms, and effective recovery processes. It also provides strategies for preventing burnout from recurring.
- Practical Examples: Dr. Landers shares personal anecdotes and examples throughout the book to make it more relatable and practical for readers.
- Availability: The eBook, Defeating Burnout: A Guide for Working Mothers, is exclusively available on her website, along with additional resources like checklists and wellness journals.
Discussion Highlights:
- Balancing Career and Motherhood: Dr. Landers discusses the challenges of balancing a demanding career with motherhood and how her experiences have shaped her approach to dealing with burnout.
- Addressing Burnout: The conversation delves into the importance of recognizing burnout early, recovery strategies, and long-term prevention techniques.
- Preventing Recurrence: The book also addresses how to make better choices to prevent burnout from happening again, both professionally and personally.
Additional Resources:
- Dr. Susan Landers' Website - Find the eBook, Defeating Burnout: A Guide for Working Mothers, along with other resources.
Quotes:
- "It's not just about recovery; it's about preventing the same problem from occurring again." - Dr. Susan Landers
- "We learn a lot from our best mistakes at work." - Mark Graban
Connect with Dr. Susan Landers:
- Website
Subscribe and Follow: Stay updated with the latest episodes by subscribing to "My Favorite Mistake" podcast on your favorite podcast platform.
Contact: For more information, visit Mark Graban's website or reach out via social media.
We want to inform our listeners that today's discussion includes adult themes that may not be suitable for younger audiences. Listener discretion is advised.
My guest for Episode #269 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is s J.K Emezi. He’s a pornography addiction recovery coach and Founder of the Porn Reboot System, a system of pornography addiction treatment that helps high-performing business owners, executives, entrepreneurs, and professionals who are dealing with porn addiction problems.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
He struggled with out-of-control behavior with pornography for over 11 years. Unable to quit using therapy, 12 Steps, and other methodologies, he created a unique system that allowed him to control his sexual behavior within a few short weeks.
In this episode, J.K shares his personal struggles with pornography addiction, the turning points that led him to seek help, and how he developed his unique recovery method. We explore the impact of addiction on his personal and professional life, the challenges of breaking free from compulsive behaviors, and the importance of mindfulness and self-image in recovery. J.K also provides insights into the support systems available for those dealing with similar issues and emphasizes the importance of addressing shame and stigma in addiction recovery.
Again, this episode contains discussions of adult themes, so listener discretion is advised.
Questions and Topics:* When did you discover that you had waited too long to seek help, and were there earlier opportunities to do so? * Can you talk about the wake-up call and its consequences on your life and career? * How did you realize pornography was a coping mechanism for strong emotions? * Can you describe the impact of early exposure to pornography on your life? * How did your family background and expectations affect your behavior and recovery? * What methods did you try to overcome your addiction, and why did they fail? * How did you develop the Porn Reboot system, and what makes it effective? * What are the three pillars of ending compulsive behavior? * What led you to pivot from a successful sales career to running a porn addiction recovery company? * What challenges do you face in marketing your business, given the subject matter? * How do you address the shame component in your program? * How did the pandemic and work-from-home era affect people’s struggles with addiction? * How do compulsive behaviors impact business leaders and their companies? * What are the unique challenges faced by high-achieving individuals with compulsive behaviors? * Do women also face pornography addiction, and how does your approach differ for them? * Can your system be applied to other compulsive behaviors or addictions? * How does the relationship with technology contribute to out-of-control behaviors? * What impact does addiction have on a company when it involves founders or CEOs? * What advice do you have for those struggling with compulsive behaviors?
My guest for Episode #268 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Theresa Rose, a Brand and Business Crystallizer, Strategic Co-Creator, and Certified Speaking Professional who works with experts and their businesses to create one-of-a-kind visual brands they can draw on a cocktail napkin.
EPISODE PAGE WITH VIDEO, TRANSCRIPT, AND MORE
Using her Crystallization Process, Theresa helps thought leaders Clarify, Amplify, and Monetize their Brilliance as efficiently — and lucratively — as possible.
She has 20+ Years of consulting, marketing, and business management experience drives Theresa's strategic thinking, creativity, and sound foundational frameworks. Her career has included senior management roles in marketing and product development for a Fortune 100 company and high-growth startups.
Theresa is the award-winning author of several books, including Mindful Performance: How to Powerfully Impact Profitability, Productivity, and Purpose and Your Daily Dose of Mojo: 365 Days of Mindful Living and Working.
She has a degree in Business Management from Eckerd College, loves binge-watching The Great British Baking Show, and still has her Most Enthusiastic Award from Mr. Moseman’s second-grade class.
In this episode, Mark and Theresa discuss the journey of embracing mistakes and how they can lead to clarity and success. Theresa shares her experience as a brand and business crystallizer, emphasizing the importance of enthusiasm and authenticity in sales and marketing. They explore her favorite mistake of trying to follow in her mother's footsteps in direct sales, the lessons learned from it, and how it shaped her path. Theresa also delves into common marketing mistakes, the concept of triangulated sales, and her approach to stand-up comedy. Finally, they discuss the benefits of her ten-part video course on achieving cocktail napkin clarity for businesses.
Questions and Topics:* What are the three aspects of sales or persuasion that you feel strongly about? * What would you say is your favorite mistake? * How did trying to follow in your mother’s footsteps shape your journey? * Was direct sales your main focus right out of college, or was it a side hustle? * Looking back, what factors do you think led to the difference in outcomes between you and your mother in direct sales? * What are the most common marketing mistakes you see or help people recover from or even help avoid? * How did the failures or mistakes you encountered tee you up for something better? * When you say “unsupported,” do you mean marketing claims that aren't supported by the delivery of that service or product, or is it about not authentically representing the person? * What do you mean by “triangulated sales”? * How do you view a joke that bombs or a set that bombs in the context of performing comedy? * Tell us a little bit more about your experience with stand-up and improv. * Could you give a quick pitch or summary of why people should check out your ten-part video course and the benefits they will gain from it?
Welcome to a special bonus episode of "My Favorite Mistake" with your host, Mark Graban! In this episode, we're thrilled to reconnect with Terry Iverson, who has just released his second book, "Inspiring Champions in Advanced Manufacturing."
Terry joined us previously in Episode 74, and today he's back to share insights from his new book and his ongoing efforts to inspire the next generation in manufacturing. We delve into the details of his innovative two-sided book and his exciting initiatives for middle schoolers.
Tune in to hear about:
- Terry's new book, "Inspiring Champions in Advanced Manufacturing," and its unique two-sided format for parents and students.
- The concept of advanced manufacturing and the evolving technologies shaping the industry.
- The critical importance of skilled labor in modern manufacturing and the benefits of pursuing these careers without incurring college debt.
- Terry's Manufacturing Inspiration Camp for middle school students and how it's designed to spark interest in manufacturing careers.
- The necessity of tailored education paths to fit individual learning styles and career goals.
Don't miss this enlightening conversation! Check out Terry's new book and discover the promising opportunities in advanced manufacturing.
📘 Get the book: https://amzn.to/4bTQO9i
🔗 Previous Episode with Terry Iverson (Episode 74): https://markgraban.com/mistake74
🔔 Subscribe to My Favorite Mistake Podcast: http://myfavoritemistakepodcast.com/
📱 Connect with Mark Graban:
- Website: LeanBlog.org
- Twitter: @MarkGraban
- LinkedIn: Mark Graban
📱 Connect with Terry Iverson:
- Website: ChampionNow.org
- Email: Terry@ChampionNow.org
- LinkedIn: Terry Iverson
MyFavoriteMistake #AdvancedManufacturing #InspiringChampions #TerryIverson #MarkGraban #Podcast
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #267 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Brian Biro, author of the new book Lessons from the Legends: New Applications from the Timeless Wisdom of John Wooden and Pat Summitt.
After graduating from Stanford, Brian’s first career was as a swimming coach. He received the prestigious United States Swimming National Coaching Excellence Award, in recognition of his team’s Top 10 National Performance. After gaining his MBA from UCLA, he subsequently rose rapidly to become the VP of Performance Planning for a major transportation company, helping to turn the business around, and quadrupling revenues in record time. He has written 16 books, including bestsellers like Beyond Success! and It’s Time for Joy!
In today's episode, Brian shares his personal story of learning to be fully present with his family, a lesson that profoundly impacted his professional life and leadership approach. We explore the leadership principles of legendary coaches John Wooden and Pat Summitt, emphasizing humility, presence, and the avoidance of blame. Brian also reflects on modern leaders who embody these values, the importance of storytelling in leadership, and the influence of characters like Ted Lasso in promoting these timeless principles.
Questions and Topics:* You mentioned your daughters asking if you loved your phone more than them. How did that moment transform your approach to being present? * Can you explain how being fully present affects both personal and professional life? * Could you share a story about how presence impacted your professional relationships, like with your director of operations? * What can we learn from the leadership styles of John Wooden and Pat Summitt? * How did you first get connected with John Wooden? * Can humility and confidence coexist in leadership? * Are there current coaches or leaders you admire who exemplify the principles of Wooden and Summitt? * What are your thoughts on Ted Lasso as a character and how he connects to Wooden and Summitt’s coaching styles? * How can leaders teach humility without relying on humbling experiences? * Why do you think blame is so destructive in teams, and how can leaders avoid it? * How does your book ‘Lessons from the Legends’ apply to non-sports contexts like business or parenting?
My guest for Episode #266 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is D. Lynn Kelley, the author of Change Questions: A Playbook for Effective and Lasting Organizational Change (with John Shook).
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
Lynn currently serves as a senior advisor to BBH Capital Partners. Following a career highlighted by leadership roles in engineering, supply chain, and continuous improvement in various industries, Kelley retired from Union Pacific Railroad in 2018.
At Union Pacific, she was senior vice president of supply chain and continuous improvement. She was also the executive co-owner of the company’s innovation program.
Before joining Union Pacific, Kelley was vice president of operational excellence, an officer and a member of the executive leadership team at Textron.
Kelley holds a PhD in evaluation and research and taught undergraduate and graduate statistics courses. Before becoming a professor, she held the positions of executive vice president and chief operating officer of Doctors Hospital in Detroit.
In this episode, Lynn discusses her journey of learning from mistakes, the importance of change management, and how fostering a culture of psychological safety can drive innovation and continuous improvement. Lynn also reflects on her experiences in healthcare and manufacturing, highlighting the critical role of effective leadership and communication in successful organizational change.
Questions and Topics:* When you mentioned it was before it was referred to as lean, were people calling it the Toyota Production System or just Japanese management practices? * As Textron integrated these companies, did they standardize or adjust the metrics for the French plants to include quality and safety? * What were your other key takeaways from your experience in France, especially regarding metrics and relationship building with plant managers? * Could you share your experiences as a leader in healthcare and how they compare to your roles in other industries, particularly in terms of change management? * What prompted you to write "Change Questions," and what was the inspiration behind it? * How would the methodologies in your book have helped you during your time at Textron or Union Pacific? * How do you cultivate psychological safety to encourage people to ask questions, push back, or bring new ideas during change initiatives? * How did you change your approach to giving feedback to make it more effective, and were you ever coached on this? * How do you compare continuous improvement and innovation? Are there different ways to manage change for larger-scale innovations? * What are some of your thoughts or experiences on cultivating an environment where people feel safe to suggest changes or improvements? * What lessons did you learn about balancing the need to fit into an environment versus realizing it might not be a good fit for you? * How do you intentionally manage change when it comes to bigger innovations?
My guest for Episode #265 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is a conversation with Doug C. Brown, CEO of CEO Sales Strategies, about his journey from coaching people for free to becoming a renowned sales growth expert. Doug shares the story of his favorite mistake—coaching people for free—and how it taught him the importance of charging for his services to ensure clients take action and achieve results.
Episode page with transcript, video, and more
Doug delves into his impressive career, highlighting key moments like increasing division sales by 684% and boosting close rates by 62% for Tony Robbins' team. He discusses the critical aspects of demonstrating value, understanding the right fit buyer, and why discounting is detrimental to business. Doug also explains the importance of human-to-human connections in sales and how empathy plays a vital role in building lasting relationships.
Listeners will gain insights into Doug's systematic approach to doubling sales, the significance of segmentation, and his new software tool designed to track and optimize sales processes. Whether you're a sales professional, coach, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories that can help you elevate your sales game.
Doug's “favorite mistake” of coaching for free led to the realization that people value and act on advice more when they have skin in the game. This lesson not only transformed Doug's approach to coaching but also laid the foundation for his successful career in sales strategy and consulting.
Tune in to hear Doug's fascinating journey, his strategies for sales success, and learn how his favorite mistake led to incredible opportunities and growth. Don't miss out on this engaging and insightful conversation!
Questions and Topics:* What would you say is your favorite mistake? * Why was it a mistake to coach for free? * How do you decide what to charge for your services? * How do you make sure you don't sell yourself short? * How did you transition from your other businesses into CEO Sales Strategies? * What was the impact of increasing division sales by 684% and boosting close rates by 62% for Tony Robbins' team? * How do you demonstrate value to potential clients? * How important are human-to-human connections in sales? * How did your experience in the US Army influence your career? * What was your instrument or focus at the Berklee College of Music? * How did you end up in nuclear medicine? * Can you tell us about your new program on how to double sales and what that entails? * How can people learn more about your new program and software tool?
Welcome to another special bonus episode of "My Favorite Mistake" with your host, Mark Graban! In this episode, we're delighted to welcome back Phebe Trotman, who has just released her second book, "Never Quit on a Bad Day: Inspiring Stories of Resilience."
Phebe previously joined us in Episode 233, and today she's here to share more about her new book. We discuss the incredible stories from decorated athletes, the lessons of resilience, and how these insights can be applied to everyone's life, not just athletes.
Tune in to hear about:
- The journey of creating "Never Quit on a Bad Day" and how it fits into the series.
- How athletes from diverse backgrounds overcame their challenges and what readers can learn from them.
- The feedback and positive reviews the book has received so far.
- Phebe's personal experiences and challenges while writing the book and caring for her mother.
- The future plans for the "Never Quit on a Bad Day" series and what to expect next.
Don't miss this inspiring conversation! Check out Phebe's new book and find motivation to overcome your own challenges.
📘 Get the book: https://amzn.to/4c2nYDO
🔗 Previous Episode with Phebe Trotman (Episode 233): https://markgraban.com/mistake233
🔔 Subscribe to My Favorite Mistake Podcast: http://myfavoritemistakepodcast.com/
📱 Connect with Mark Graban:
- Website: LeanBlog.org
- Twitter: @MarkGraban
- LinkedIn: Mark Graban
📱 Connect with Phebe Trotman:
- Website: NeverQuitOnABadDay.com
- Instagram: @PhebeTrotman
- Twitter: @PhebeTrotman
My guest for Episode #264 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Joyce Nethery, the master distiller and CEO of Jeptha Creed Distillery.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
With a rich background in chemical engineering and a unique journey through teaching and distillation, Joyce brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the world of Bourbon.
In this episode, Joyce shares the inspiring story of how a family dream, combined with her expertise and a fortunate mistake, led to the creation of Jeptha Creed's unique and beloved spirits. Join us as we explore the challenges and triumphs of running a woman-owned distillery in Kentucky and the innovative spirit that drives their success.
Joyce also discusses the critical mistake that led to the development of Jeptha Creed's signature mash bills, the unique challenges of being a woman-owned and operated distillery, and the importance of family and tradition in their business. Tune in to hear how Joyce’s expertise and a serendipitous error turned into a flavorful success story in the world of Bourbon.
Questions and Topics:* Can you tell us about your daughter's role? * How rare is it to be a woman-owned and woman-run distillery in Kentucky or elsewhere? * Why did you end up in Wisconsin instead of working with a Kentucky distillery? * Can you explain the malting process and its impact on flavor? * How has your chemical engineering background and industrial experience helped with distillation and process methods? * How long did you have to wait to see the impact of different barrels on your bourbon? * As the master distiller, how do you predict what's going to age best? * How do you approach blending different barrels to achieve a consistent product? * How unusual is it to use malted wheat in bourbon? * Can you describe your experimental batches and how you finalized your products? * What is a mash bill? * Can you tell us more about bloody butcher corn and why you chose it? * How do you manage the ground-to-glass process at Jeptha Creed? * What does the name Jeptha Creed mean and how does it reflect your values? * How can people learn more about Jeptha Creed and visit your distillery?
My guest for Episode #263 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is John St.Pierre, an entrepreneurial strategist, business growth advisor, and co-host of the “Entrepreneurs United Podcast” — with Rich Hoffman. They recently had me as a guest.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
John has over 25 years of experience co-founding and growing successful businesses across various industries including co-founding and growing two companies to over 50 million dollars in revenues each.
John is currently the majority owner and chairperson of Rhombus Group, a private holding company formed in 2003 comprising several small businesses. His mission is to help entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, and their companies achieve their goals and dreams.
He’s also the author of The $100M Journey: Your Guide To Growing The Business Of Your Dreams Without Going Off The Cliff!, a book that shares my proven strategies and insights on how to scale your business while avoiding costly pitfalls.
In this episode, John shares his profound insights on the pitfalls of trying to grow a business too fast. John recounts his journey of co-founding and expanding a company to over $50 million in revenue, only to face the harsh consequences of rapid, unsustainable growth. He shares his mistakes, such as
- taking on excessive bank debt,
- making poor hiring decisions, and
- losing equity control,
which ultimately led to him being fired from the very company he built. Through this candid reflection, John emphasizes the importance of patient ambition, protecting equity, and aligning business strategies with personal life goals, offering invaluable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Questions and Topics:* What's your favorite mistake? * Did you take time off to reflect, recover, and reset? * Did previous opportunities lack alignment in purpose, best-in-world potential, and economic value? * Did board members or executives push back on your growth decisions, or was everyone all in? * What advice do you have for founders on when to take money, how much to take, and who to choose as investors? * How was the news of your firing delivered? * Are there specific growth points that are particularly risky, like 10 million or 50 million? * How can founders ensure they don't have blinders on and miss potential pitfalls? * What's the common theme for the businesses within Rhombus Group? * Tell us about the Entrepreneurs United podcast and how you and Rich Hoffman decided to start it. * The book's website
John was a guest in Episode 242 in January 2024. That episode: https://markgraban.com/mistake242
Welcome to a pecial bonus episode of "My Favorite Mistake" with your host, Mark Graban! In this episode, we're catching up with John Rossman, who has just released his latest book, "Big Bet Leadership: Your Playbook for Winning in the Hyper-Digital Era."
John joined us previously in Episode 242, and today he's back to share insights from his new book. We discuss the critical lessons learned from industry giants like Jeff Bezos, John Legere, Elon Musk, and Satya Nadella. John breaks down the essential habits for successful transformations: creating clarity, maintaining velocity, and accelerating risk and value.
Tune in to hear about:
The foreboding prediction of the hyper-digital era.
Key strategies for transforming organizations.
Feedback from readers and insights into the book's reception.
The unique "three futures memo" tool for better alignment.
The importance of focusing on valuable problems and customer needs in the AI era.
The challenges of upfront decision-making processes and governance.
John also shares a candid moment about the audiobook production and thoughts on potential additions for future editions.
Don't miss out on this insightful conversation! Check out the book, "Big Bet Leadership," and enhance your playbook for thriving in the hyper-digital era.
📘 Get the book: https://amzn.to/3xgoBdz
🔔 Subscribe to My Favorite Mistake Podcast: http://myfavoritemistakepodcast.com/
📱 Connect with Mark Graban:
- Website: LeanBlog.org
- Twitter: @MarkGraban
- LinkedIn: Mark Graban
My guest for Episode #262 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Jennifer Heemstra. She is Chair and Professor of Chemistry, the Charles Allen Thomas Professor of Chemistry at Washington University in St. Louis.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
Her research makes use of the ability of nucleic acids to self-assemble and recognize other molecules. Alongside her research, Heemstra is a science communicator and writes a regular column for Chemical & Engineering News. She earned her Ph.D. at the University of illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
In this episode, Jen discusses the iterative process of failure and success in her lab, emphasizing the importance of creating a psychologically safe space for her team to experiment and learn. Jen also highlights the critical role of leadership in academic settings and how her unexpected transition into a leadership role has become one of the most rewarding aspects of her career — an “accidental leader” (the theme of a book she's writing).
Jennifer's “favorite mistake” concerns a significant misunderstanding of her career path. Initially believing that her role as a professor would be purely research-focused, she quickly realized that it encompassed much more, including leadership and mentorship. This revelation, although initially seen as a mistake, turned out to be the best possible outcome. It fueled her passion for leadership and inspired her to focus on developing a positive and empowering lab culture. Her story underscores the importance of embracing unexpected turns in one's career and finding value in professional growth.
Questions and Topics:* The failures and mistakes we make in research * Advising students about their career paths, and if they want to really focus on research? * Is it rare for a professor to love all aspects of their job? Research, teaching, getting funding, publishing, leading? * As chair – have an employer but not a boss – but autonomy? * “The Only People Who Never Make Mistakes and Never Experience Failure Are Those Who Never Try” * What types of failures are made by students and researchers in your field – and your lab? * Amy Edmondson’s three types of failures? * A hypothesis that’s disproven vs a technical mistake? * Making sure you learn from mistakes? * Helping people not beat themselves up? * Why and How do you share YOUR failures? And Why is it more important for those with more POWER to share their mistakes?
My guest for Episode #261 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Dr. Andrew Wilner, a board-certified internist, neurologist, and epilepsy specialist. In 1982, he discovered that locum tenens was the perfect solution for achieving work/life balance as a physician and writer. Dr. Wilner has practiced locum tenens in a variety of inpatient, outpatient, academic, and community settings.
He is a prolific medical journalist and author of several books, including Bullets and Brains. Currently, Dr. Wilner is an Associate Professor of Neurology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, where he cares for patients, teaches, writes, and lives with his wife and baby boy. He's also host of the podcast “The Art of Medicine.” His latest book is The Locum Life: A Physician's Guide to Locum Tenens.
In this episode, we discuss the concept of "locum tenens", a staffing solution that is steadily taking root in the world of healthcare. Locum tenens, which means "holding a place," provides medical professionals the flexibility of temporary placements in clinics or hospitals due to extended leaves or transitions between hires. Our guest for this episode, Dr. Andrew Wilner, a seasoned neurologist and epilepsy specialist, has thrived using the locum tenens approach. He gives insightful revelations about the career growth and personal satisfaction that come with adopting this method of staffing.
In addition, Dr. Wilner gives an account of the human errors that can occur in healthcare settings. Using a personal tale about a mistake made during his training years, he emphasizes the necessity for checks and balances to prevent such occurrences. The discussion encourages healthcare professionals and administrations to approach healthcare provision not as invincible entities, but as humans who are prone to making mistakes. It is through such humility and acknowledgment of weaknesses that better healthcare systems can be fostered where errors are minimized and learning is continuous.
Questions and Topics: How could that medication error happen? Sleep deprived * Did the nurse challenge the order? * More of an expectation to speak up now? * A team effort to help you and help the patient? * EHR risk of errors - wrong chart? New risks * Human factors — 36 or even 24 hour shifts now? * Tell us about your Podcast: “The Art of Medicine” * The Locum Life: A Physician's Guide to Locum Tenens* * Your experiences with writing and self publishing?
My guest for Episode #260 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Rachel Burch. She’s a lawyer turned transformational coach and stand-up comedian.
EPISODE PAGE with video, transcript, and more
As host of the chart-topping podcast Love Before 100, Rachel chronicles her journey to find love while making her way down a dating scavenger hunt/bucket list.
Rachel lives with her two boys in Orange County, CA, where she enjoys long walks on the beach and short commutes on PCH. She’s obsessed with personal growth, all things woo and healthy living.
In this captivating episode of "My Favorite Mistake," Mark Graban and Rachel Burch take listeners through a riveting journey from rigid law corridors to vibrant stand-up stages and intimate podcasting spaces. They unravel the interesting dynamics of creativity, touching upon the iterative nature of comedy and podcasting as platforms for exploration and growth.
They explore how bravery, resilience, and unwavering dedication play instrumental roles in one's creative journey. With an exceptional knack for intertwining insights on personal growth with humor, Rachel uses her experiences as platforms to connect on a human level, showcasing the powerful impact of storytelling. This episode serves to inspire individuals to embrace every facet of their journey, including their passions and dreams, and the importance of learning from mistakes.
Questions and Topics:* How did the law degree help you with what you’re doing now? * Did you want to be a comedian growing up?? * From lawyer to business owner to comedian - how to make big life changes? * Developing stand up as an iterative process and testing ideas? * Beginning as a podcaster?? * Tell us about Podcasting — “Love Before 100” * “Launching your podcast isn’t the hard part. Making it worth listening to is.” * Lessons about Growing a podcast - services for podcasters “Bingeable” * What is your best piece of advice for people who want to start on their dream but are scared? * What’s the worst advice someone could give?
We're joined again by Ellen Patnaude, who was a guest back in Episode 141 in February 2022.
Oops! I uploaded the wrong file the first time!!!
What's new for Ellen? She's the author of TWO books that have been released since then.
I Thought You Knew...: Confessions of a Chronic Assumer (and How You Can Stop Guessing Your Way Through Important Interactions)
AND
"You're Not Doing It Right": Loving My Mother Through An Unpredictable Caregiving Journey
She's also changed the name of her company to Patnaude Coaching.
Thanks to Ellen for coming back to share with us in this quick conversation.
My guest for Episode #259 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Michele DeFilippo, the Founder of 1106 Design, LLC, started in 2001 to work with authors to help them take advantage of opportunities in the changing industry of book publishing – providing one-stop publishing services from manuscript to market.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
I’ve worked with Michele on my last two books, Measures of Success and The Mistakes That Make Us.
In this episode, Michele shares her “favorite mistake” story. We also take a deeper look into a significant industry change, – the rise of independent publishing. They trace this journey to the late 90s and early 2000s when independent publishing emerged as a robust alternative to traditional publishing houses. Uncover the misunderstood beginnings of independent publishing and how it has been pivotal in empowering authors.
From its initially misconceived do-it-yourself approach, independent publishing has evolved into a strategic model that allows authors to bring industry professionals together to create high-quality books. In this episode, dive deep with us to explore how this professional, comprehensive approach has shifted the industry's narrative from – “self-published” towards “independent publishers.” Unearth the numerous ways professionalism and strategic collaboration can create a book product that competes favorably at the market level and meets readers’ demands.
Questions and Topics:* Starting 1106 Design?? Did you look more before you leaped? * “Independent publishing” vs “self publishing”? * People DO judge a book by the cover?? * Changes publishers have to make for cover design for online purchasing?? * Compare traditional publishing vs. hybrid vs. indy? * What does an author need to ask?? * What happens if that company goes out of business and disappeared?? * Manuscript is done… but now what? * What does it cost to produce a book to traditional publisher standards? * Mistake to assume your book is going to be sold in physical bookstores? * Print book vs. eBook?
My guest for Episode #258 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Michael Bloom, Chief Executive Officer & Founder of Praktio, an online learning company whose mission is “to create space for learning through mistakes.”
Episode page with transcript, video, and more
Before leaving to run Praktio full time, Michael was the founding director of the Transactional Lab & Clinic, an experiential program at the University of Michigan Law School.
Michael is the co-author of two books on contracts from a transactional perspective: Contracts and Commercial Transactions and Contracts: A Transactional Approach.
Michael earned his J.D. from Yale Law School and earned his B.A. with highest distinction from the University of Michigan, where he studied American history.
This episode focuses on Michael's journey from being a clinical professor to founding Praktio. By creating an environment that promotes learning through mistakes, Michael has challenged traditional paradigms and aligned his unique educational model with the evolving needs of learners in a fast-paced, information-rich world. His entrepreneurial venture, peppered with a fair share of mistakes, has yielded invaluable insights that have guided the development of a highly effective educational model that thrives on constructive feedback and the power of mistakes.
Questions and Topics:* Is it a mistake to listen to ALL feedback equally? * Did you fear it might be a mistake to leave the law school and go full time into Praktio? * How do law firms react to mistakes? * Framed as learning opportunities or something shameful? * Tell us more about the Praktio story and product… * Make mistakes in a safe environment to avoid the real one? * Learning from the mistakes made by others now? * What are some common or bad mistakes that could be made with contracts? * Preventing mistakes vs. more senior inspecting the work? * LinkedIn Profile: “Make mistakes and learn from them” * As CEO, how do you think about mistakes INTERNAL to Praktio? * Cultivating a culture of learning from mistakes? * Learning from the mistakes of other entrepreneurs?
My guest for Episode #257 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Chris Lewicki, an Astrofuturist, Engineer, and Entrepreneur who is interested in developing strong, thoughtful foundations for the near-future space economy.
Episode page with transcript and more
He’s a multi-time co-founder. He first co-founded and was CEO of Planetary Resources Inc. (PRI), which focused on the prospecting, development, and use of resources found on near-Earth asteroids. (Skip) He helped acquire over $60M in investment and revenue, built a team of 80 extremely talented engineers, scientists, and business and policy leaders, and launched 3 experimental spacecraft to advance the adoption of space resources as a crucial part of humanity’s activities in space.
Prior to entering the private sector, Chris was a key member of NASA’s Mars Exploration Rovers and the Phoenix Mars Lander, serving as Flight Director for the Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity, and as the Surface Mission Manager for Phoenix.
Chris received both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in aerospace engineering from the University of Arizona. He’s the recipient of two NASA Exceptional Achievement Medals and has an asteroid named in his honor: 13609 Lewicki.
Chris imparts lessons learned from his early days in NASA's Mars exploration projects, where a potential disaster during a rover test thrust him into the limelight as an emerging leader in the field. His poignant recount of the incident underscores the nuanced details that contribute to the success or failure of any mission and the critical concept of design for test( DFT).
Drawing parallels to the broader engineering community, this episode's riveting discussion reveals essential strategies used in this high-stakes industry. The implementation of mistake-proofing tactics, robust system performance to ensure resilience, or ‘poka-yoke', and the introduction of redundancy in spacecraft design all contribute to an airtight spacecraft system. Learn from Chris's profound insights as he unravels the multifaceted considerations that go into ensuring functionality, designing for testability, and anticipating service requirements and testing needs during the initial design phases.
Questions and Topics:* Was it a connector being reversed?? * New and innovative work… – was it a design mistake to not be “designed for test”? * Could that have been mistake proofed in some way? It was not * Would they have fired you? Did you ask??? Ernie or others?? * Took time to be able to tell the story? How long? * What response did you get to sharing that story online? * Bringing these lessons into the private sector as CEO? * How many people have taken you up on your offer to share their failure stories?? * MY $500M MARS ROVER MISTAKE: A FAILURE STORY * Netflix documentary on the James Webb telescope
My guest for Episode #256 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Ann Swanson, the author of the internationally bestselling book SCIENCE OF YOGA, which has been translated into over 15 languages.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
Her new book, Meditation for the Real World, illuminates the fascinating science behind meditation with step-by-step practices. She worked alongside Harvard neuroscientist Dr. Sara Lazar and an illustrator for the New York Times to create this science-backed visual guide. It’s important to note that Ann wasn’t a naturally “chill person,” and meditation didn’t come easy to her.
Overcoming her own chronic pain and anxiety led her to India to study yoga and meditation, to China to explore tai chi, and to earn a Master of Science graduate degree in Yoga Therapy. Now, Ann blends cutting-edge research with ancient wisdom, resulting in realistic techniques you won’t just learn – you’ll love to live by!
This episode sheds light on the journey of turning mistakes into unexpected triumphs — and how Ann's favorite mistake was thankfully a “near mistake.” We discuss how the resilience to push through tribulations is often the stepping stone to success in personal well-being and spiritual practice.
We also touch upon the art of manifestation, breaking stereotypes and illustrating how envisioning one's life trajectory and being open to various possibilities can lead to astonishing opportunities. We delve into real-life case studies of individuals going from rejection to becoming acclaimed authors, demonstrating the importance of sharing one's knowledge and skills, maintaining a positive digital presence, and the role of persistence and self-belief.
Questions and Topics:* What’s your favorite mistake? * Getting so many job rejections… over 100 * Wouldn’t have known it was a mistake?? * How did meditation help you during those tough times?? * Tell us the story of this latest book, “Meditation for the Real World,” * Meditation mistakes? Is that possible? * What if you feel like you are “bad” at meditating, or your mind wanders too much? * Mind / body connection between yoga and meditation? * How long do you need to meditate for it to work? Can one-minute meditations really make a difference? * The science of meditation?? * Why do most people fail at developing a consistent meditation practice? How can we apply the science to finally build a sustainable practice? * Any mistakes in the writing the book?
Bonus Episode Update with Sarah Lohse: Unearthing the Power of Storytelling
Her episode of "My Favorite Mistake"
Today's episode of "My Favorite Mistake" features Sarah Lohse, founder of Favorite Daughter Media and author of "Open This Book: The Art of Storytelling for Aspiring Thought Leaders."
Sarah illuminates storytelling's potential as a powerful leadership and communication tool, extending it beyond the realm of novelists and filmmakers to thought leaders and influencers. With her knack for drawing relevant insights from personal experiences, she demonstrates how a well-told story can engage, inspire, and teach valuable lessons.
https://favoritedaughtermedia.com/open-this-book/
Check out all episodes on the My Favorite Mistake main page.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #255 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Terry Bartley. He is a high school journalism, literature, and English teacher and writer of the new collection of short stories, Tyranny of the Fey.
Terry is the host of the podcast “Most Writers are Fans,” about the intersection between writing and fandom. Terry has professionally written for the Coal Valley News and Screenrant. He has won awards for writing and broadcasting from the West Virginia Associated Press, the National Broadcasting Society, and MarCom. He has a B.A. in English from the University of Phoenix and an M.A. in English Education from Western Governor’s University.
With a candid discussion on his life's journey through countless experiences straddling education and literature, Terry charts an inspiring narrative about turning apparent career missteps into stepping stones of growth. We navigate through his career in teaching while pursuing his passion for writing amidst an uncertain freelance career.
Immerse yourself in an absorbing conversation as Terry discusses his life with ADHD, stressing its impact beyond professional barriers permeating quotidian existence. In our challenging exploration of the realm of ADHD, Bartley underscores the importance of acceptance, diagnosis, and therapy as his allies combating the condition. He promotes a holistic, individualized approach to managing ADHD, dispelling the clouds of misconception about mental health. Listen along for the fascinating exposition of how ADHD molded his unique creative expression, setting light on his inspiring journey.
Questions and Topics:* What's your favorite mistake? * Feeling out of sync – shaming? * When did you get diagnosed with ADHD? * What prompted or led to that diagnosis? * The impact of treatment? * Tell us about your book * Is it a mistake to publish the short stories before the novel? Only time will tell? * Learning from mistakes and steps from the first release?? * Was it a struggle to finish a book then? Or are short stories easier? * Tell us more about the podcast — not just book authors… * What's done is done
My guest for Episode #254 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Gina Mundy, author of the book A Parent's Guide to a Safer Childbirth: Expecting the Best: Using the Power of Knowledge to Help You Deliver a Healthy Baby.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
Gina is an attorney who specializes in childbirth cases. Throughout her career, Gina has traveled nationwide, engaging with healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, and midwives to explore all aspects of labor and delivery. Meeting with experts from various states, she has explored and analyzed the myriad of issues that can arise during labor and delivery, impacting both mother and baby. v
Gina lives in Clarkston, Michigan, with her family (husband, kids, and dogs)… and she enjoys visiting wineries. Me too (the wineries part)!
Join us as we embark on Gina Mundy's transformative journey from a legal expert in childbirth cases to a successful author. We explore how challenging circumstances, often derived from personal experiences, inspire noble feats like authorship, turning potential mistakes into powerful preventive guidance. Gina's book serves as an incredible testament to her efforts to help expecting parents bypass potential risks and navigate childbirth with ease.
Dive into a discussion touching upon critical topics such as recognizing the signs of distress or complications early, understanding the impact of medications like Pitocin in childbirth, and the implications of labor after water breaks. Our guests underline the importance of being forewarned and forearmed, thereby uplifting childbirth experiences with informed decisions.
And we'll hear about Gina's favorite mistake from her legal career, and decisions she made as a working mother -- how much does she regret those decisions today?
Questions and Topics:* Now 10 years later… was that a mistake?? * What were the adjustments? * What led to writing the book — and first learning about problems and mistakes that occur during childbirth?? * What's the difference between naturally occurring bad outcomes vs. mistakes? Is that always clear? * What are the most common problems that occur during childbirth? * Does time of day matter? 5 pm Friday??? July? * And how can people help prevent mistakes? * Who gets sued, the resident or the attending?? * How often does info from the legal case help drive improvement and prevention?
My guest for Episode #253 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Julian Reeve, former Musical Director for the musical Hamilton and CEO of Perfect Equilibrium, Inc., a firm that provides consulting services related to employee burnout and retention.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
Julian graduated with honors from Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, England, before embarking on a highly successful career as a musician, educator, and entrepreneur.
He performed for millions across six continents around the world as a Music Director, winning The Los Angeles Drama Critic Circle Award for Best Music Direction on the Broadway musical Hamilton before leading it’s first presentations at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (DC) and at the Centro de Bellas Artes Luis A. Ferrè in Puerto Rico (with Lin Manuel Miranda).
Julian has built four thriving companies in the creative sector, including the London-based boutique talent agency Boland & Reeve Ltd (now Collective Agents) and Perfect Equilibrium Inc. in Los Angeles.
In this episode, Julian talks about his “favorite mistake,” a turning point that occurred early on in his career that challenged his understanding of leadership. This not only shaped his communication skills but also transformed his perspective on perfectionism. With fascinating real-life experiences, he explains the crucial role of self-awareness, the power of accepting and utilizing feedback, and the impact of approach and attitude on leadership and personal development.
Questions and Topics:* What's your favorite mistake? * Was that authority-based approach modeled to you by teachers? * Did you learn to ask for feedback? * Should we cut you some slack since you were young?? Learning from those mistakes — and getting other chances? * How do perfectionists tend to respond to feedback? * What led you to leave your work in the music industry?? * The ways perfectionism is helpful? * Does it help to reframe standards of excellence and expectations? * Was there ever a mistake-free performance of Hamilton? * Why does Perfectionism lead to not just burnout and depression? * Self-compassion — Kristen Neff Episode 183 * Tell us about your company – and how you help individuals and organizations * Julian's TEDx talk
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #252 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Russell K. Jack. He’s a retired US Senior Federal Air Marshal, working in that role from 2002 to 2022. Russell previously served five years as a Federal Police Officer. And previously served five years in the Colorado Army National Guard and was deployed in Saudi Arabia (Desert Storm).
He is also a first-time author — his book is titled, Is MAGA a Terrorist Movement?— available now. He hopes this book will promote critical thinking about protecting our democracy and just how precariously close we are to losing it forever. He writes this book out of a sense of duty to the American people.
In today's episode, Russell shares his favorite mistake story from his time working as a security officer for a major health system. Why did a Black man think he was being racially profiled by Russell? And what did Russell learn about that interaction?
We also dive into important topics from his book — the lessons learned and the implications for 2024 and beyond.
Questions and Topics:* Did you get to share that lesson with others in law enforcement? * How often do you think racial profiling does occur? * What’s the definition of “terrorist”? * Death threats are an example of terrorism? * Fascist? What does that mean and what’s the implication if MAGA wins in 2024? * It’s a mistake that we don’t have a clear definition of “Insurrectionist”? * Who is the audience for the book? The already convinced, or the convincible?? Your hope for the book? * You write you’ve never convinced anybody to stop being MAGA. Do you expect this book to help? * Do you run across people who now think it was a mistake to previously support or vote for Trump? * Does MAGA think they made mistakes in early 2021 that they wouldn’t make again in early 2029?? * If Trump were to die tomorrow, what happens to MAGA movement?
My guest for Episode #251 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Elaine Hart, the Chief Banana Officer at Power Fitness Events. She’s a resilient fitness enthusiast and former luxury event manager at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
Overcoming challenges including anorexia, she discovered strength in fitness and community. Elaine transitioned her career to empower others through spinning, founding Power Fitness.
Her resilience was further highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, adapting her business to offer virtual classes. With a mantra of “Keep Pedaling,” Elaine's story inspires physical and mental strength, shared passionately from her spinning bike.
In today's episode, Elaine talks about mistakes including:
- Quitting her job to start a business in 2020
- Feeling shame about her anorexia
Through innovation and determination, Elaine transformed the unforeseen challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic into an opportunity for growth and deepened engagement. Her unique initiative, “Bring Your Own Banana” (BYOB), nurtures an environment of playfulness, motivation, and connectivity within her community. As the ‘Chief Banana Officer,' her story encapsulates the spirit of Power Fitness Events—a testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and community connection.
Questions and Topics:* Why are you the “Chief Banana Officer?” * Would it have been a mistake to stay in the career? * What drove you to make that big decision? * It says Self-Care on the banana – tell us about that * A mistake to think one-size-fits-all when it comes to advice? * Why do you say we should make the stumble part of the dance? * What does it mean to distance yourself from the action, the mistake? * Shame around mistakes — had a lot of shame around her anorexia? * Mental health first aid?? * The importance of being playful? How did you learn this or discover it in you?
In this episode, host Mark Graban reflects on 250 episodes, sharing a few clips, admitting a few mistakes, and telling a few stories.
Kevin Harrington episode
Mark Teich episode
Rep. Will Hurd episode
Rep. Adam Smith episode
Sofie Roux episode
Tom Peters episode
Video of Karyn Ross and her suitcase
My guest for Episode #250 (!!!) of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Stephen Shedletzky or “Shed” to his friends. He is a sought-after speaker, coach, and advisor, — As a thought leader on psychological safety in the workplace, Shed has led hundreds of keynote presentations, workshops, and leadership development programs around the world.
Episode page
Author of the book Speak-Up Culture: When Leaders Truly Listen, People Step Up.
After years on a corporate track, Shed was introduced to and inspired by the work of best-selling author Simon Sinek and, became the fourth person to join his team. For more than a decade, Shed contributed at Simon Sinek, where he led a global team of speakers and facilitators.
Shed graduated from the Richard Ivey School of Business with a focus on leadership, communication, and strategy. He received his coaching certification from The Co-Active Training Institute. He lives in Toronto with his wife and two young children.
Shed's route from his first job post-business school to establishing himself as a speaker, coach, and thought leader reflects the transformative power of self-awareness and the pursuit of work that aligns with personal passions. He transitioned from a potentially constrained corporate environment to one where he could significantly impact organizational cultures on a global scale.
While navigating shifts in career paths can be intimidating, especially during disruptions like layoffs, such moments can provide much-needed clarity and drive individuals to seek opportunities that resonate more with their personal values and dreams. Shed's experiences prove that embracing change and following your passion can lead to a fulfilling career, inspiring others to contemplate and pursue their professional aspirations in a more authentic, dedicated, and inspired manner.
Adopting psychological safety, authentic leadership, and the courage to speak up is critical to nurturing a positive and productive workplace culture. Steven Shedletzky's life and insights stand as an inspiration for all personnel, helping them create environments that prioritize the well-being of their teams and promote purposeful and fulfilling work.
Questions and Topics:* Should we quit or stick it out?? * What is a speak-up culture? Why a speak-up culture? * Lessons about HOW to speak up most effectively? * Maybe we should call it ‘listen up culture’? * How often are leaders in denial about this culture problem? Or how often do they put the onus on employees that they SHOULD speak up? * Elon Musk seems not to engender a speak-up culture… * Boeing has declared now they want employees to speak up * What must leaders do to cultivate a “speak up” culture?
My guest for Episode #249 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Sandy Joy Weston M.Ed. She is a keynote speaker, international podcaster, three times published author, and entrepreneur, who has owned and operated health and wellness companies over the past 30 years.
Episode page
Early in her career, she became the first female trainer for the Philadelphia Flyers and spent many years as a media personality and as Philadelphia NBC10's Fitness Expert. She created the nationally recognized Philly Street Line Dance to help combat Philly’s “fattest city” label.
For the past five years, Sandy has been focusing on SJW Productions, an international company whose main mission is to highlight all the positive in the world. She does this through her international podcasts, her books, Train Your Head & Your Body Will Follow, My 30-Day Reset Journal and her programs and workshops. Sandy’s mission is to spread pure joy and inspire others to see their true power.
She’s also the host of her podcast, “Let’s Keep it Real,” and I'll be a guest there soon.
Sandy took her passion for fitness to a whole new level in 1993 by launching her club, Weston Fitness. Her fitness club was not just another establishment; it was designed to be cutting-edge and cater to fitness trends with unique classes like spin. Weston's focus was on the transformative power of fitness, where she aimed to offer not just exercise but entertainment and community building within her club’s walls.
In her approach to wellness, Sandy Weston didn’t shy away from ground-breaking methods to create a sense of community. Her innovation in this area can be seen in the introduction of the controversial but beloved “porno spin.” It was these kinds of decisions that marked Weston Fitness as more than a gym. Weston’s Club was, and still is, a space where camaraderie and joy are intertwined with health and physical fitness – a testament to Weston’s vision and innovation in the wellness industry.
And we'll hear Sandy's “favorite mistake” stories!
Questions and Topics:* What was it like being the FIRST female trainer for the Flyers? * Was there any controversy about starting with the Flyers? * What was it like working on TV — fear of mistakes in that work? How did you get into that? * You rarely say “mistake” or “failure” — why? * We’re all busy and have goals… making time can be tough. * Move for a minute – baby steps * Mark's podcasts with Robert Maurer * “What keeps you up at night?” * Language matters —“Dumb mistake”??
My guest for Episode #248 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Bruno Pešec, A Croatian living in Norway.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
Bruno Pešec helps business leaders innovate profitably. He is the rare innovator who can claim he's worked on a regulation-defying freight train and an award-winning board game. In addition to his corporate experience with brands like DNV, DNB, and Kongsberg Group, Bruno runs a community of entrepreneurs of several thousand members. He is currently undertaking a doctorate in organizational change, with a specific focus on the issues with innovation in large enterprises. Bruno has co-authored the Augmented Strategy book, a practical guide to decision-making based on data and human intuition.
His academic credentials include a master's degree with distinction in industrial engineering and management, specialization in production and quality engineering, and an advanced management diploma specializing in strategy and innovation.
He has also been trained by Toyota in corporate value creation and innovation. Bruno is currently undertaking a doctorate in organizational change, with a peculiar focus on the issues with innovation in large enterprises.
In today's episode, Bruno shares his favorite mistake story about a revolutionary freight train design that seemed to deliver against impossible customer requirements — but it seemed too good to be true! We also discuss how Bruno moved past his initial skepticism about the “Lean Startup” methodology to be a big advocate for the approach. We also discuss his educational board game, “Playing Lean” and mistakes he learned from during that journey.
Questions and Topics:* Was it a mistake to ignore Lean Startup initially 2008 before starting to pay attention in 2012? * Like me, you’re an Industrial Engineer – with Toyota Production System origins… what did you experience and learn through Toyota? * “Playing Lean” and “Playing Lean 2” * Were you able to talk with any non-buyers to get feedback?? * Not just experimenting on the product, but also on the business model?
My guest for Episode #247 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is April Shprintz, owner of her firm, Driven Outcomes. She’s is a leading sales expert and business accelerator, having generated over $1.2 billion in direct revenue in different roles.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
She is also the creator of The Generosity Culture® and the host of the top-rated podcast, “Winning Mindset Mastery.” April's book, Magic Blue Rocks: The Secret to Doing Anything, is available as an audiobook, Kindle, and paperback.
Named one of the Top 22 Entrepreneurs of 2023 by New York Weekly, April is a U.S. Air Force veteran and has been described as a force of nature.
Shprintz's journey is a masterclass in defying norms and embracing opportunities. Her transition from military to civilian life, her progression from broadcasting to sales, her courage to challenge hiring status quos—each of these phases in her career path are instructive and inspiring. In this episode, she shares her insights on leadership, her revolutionary ideas about workplace culture, and the lessons she's learned from her favorite mistakes.
Questions and Topics:* What if you hadn’t sent the email? * Did you adjust after being hired? * Your company — “Driven Outcomes” — why that name? * Why do you share your series of FAIL Friday posts on LinkedIn? * Sounded authoritative — good trait for a newscaster? A consultant? Executive? Is there training for that? * Building rapport by sharing mistakes? What have you learned? * Transferrable Leadership lessons from your time in the Air Force?
My guest for Episode #246 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is JM Ryerson, co-founder and CEO of Let's Go Win. He's an author, leadership & performance coach, international speaker, and host of the Let’s Go Win podcast.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
JM Ryerson founded and sold three businesses and is now helping leadership teams do the same. He’s the Best Selling Author of the books “Let's Go Win,” “Champion's Daily Playbook,” and his latest, “Upgrade.” JM has been building companies and leading sales teams for over 20 years. He is the co-founder and CEO of Let's Go Win whose mission is to increase leadership, enhance culture, and help teams achieve peak performance.
In this episode, Ryerson recounts his initial ventures in the financial world, not as a numbers guru, but as a skilled salesman with the innate ability to motivate teams. He discusses his mindset switch from traditional roles to leading and expanding businesses, driven by a passion for nurturing growth and creating value for all involved.
He delves into how he navigated setbacks, transforming them into life-changing growth opportunities, and the importance of maintaining a positive mindset amidst adversity. Highlighting his journey, Ryerson guides us through how he discovered his true calling of motivating teams, which ultimately brought unparalleled fulfillment and success.
Questions and Topics: First to get to know you a little better — what were those three businesses? * What’s your favorite mistake? * Did you have a coach or did you coach yourself out of it? * Mistake to be in financial businesses? To stay there? * How to help others bounce back — remembering your WHY, connecting it back to your why * Giannis Antetokounmpo: “It's not a failure. It's steps to success.” * Coaching leaders — when to let the setback go… and to look forward * Talk about your leadership coaching – helping people process and work through mistakes * What are the fastest changes facing the leaders you coach? * 3 focus areas: Performance, leadership, and mindset — Which mindsets most often need upgrading? * How to upgrade mindsets? To not get stuck in a mindset * Carol Dweck – Mindset* * Mark was a guest on the “Let's Go Win” podcast
My guest for Episode #245 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Lauren Petrullo. She is an award-winning marketing expert, digital marketing and eCommerce consultant, and successful multi-founder. Lauren has overcome great adversity from a young age, as well as living by the F.A.I.L. method with her Mongoose Media “pack mates” as she calls them.
Episode page with transcript, video, and more
Lauren is the CEO and Founder of Award Winning Marketing Agency, Mongoose Media, Founder of boutique eCommerce store Asian Beauty Essentials, Chief Marketing Officer of eco-conscious baby swimwear Beau & Belle Littles, and co-founder of chatbot service Bot Blondes. As a former Innovation Producer at The Walt Disney Company, Lauren incorporates her background in innovation and design to infuse creativity and play into all of her marketing strategies.
Today, we're talking about turning failures into stepping stones. In this episode, Lauren will dig into her “fail method,” the importance of integrating creativity into marketing strategies, and her unique approach to fostering a culture of transparency and learning at Mongoose Media.
Further, she will delve into the value of diversity in honing effective marketing strategies and the proactive approach toward addressing and learning from mistakes. Also, discover how Lauren and her team are leveraging innovative remote collaboration tools and setting an example of how to emulate a robust and dynamic work culture.
Questions and Topics:* Why the name Mongoose Media? * Why “pack mates”? * Why is it important to tell your team about your mistake? * Having a F.A.I.L. channel on Slack * Celebrating failure? “First Attempt in Learning”? * Celebrating the Biggest failure of the week? * Hiring selection vs. bringing them along in the culture? Which is more important? * Using small mistakes to prevent big ones? * “Why do I want to celebrate failures??” — good catches * What is “The ONLY Advertising Hospital™?”? * Why do you embrace the title of “destruction queen”? * In your bio it says — “Dare to be vulgar, refuse to be boring.”??? * Get a 20% discount code at AsianBeautyEssentials.com when you enter MISTAKES at checkout!
My guest for Episode #244 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Josh Cunningham, the CEO and Founder of rokrbox – an inside sales assistant company based in College Station, Texas.
Episode page with transcript and more
After starting rokrbox in 2013, Josh’s real estate company has worked over 3,000,000 internet leads for teams all across the country including Lars Hedenborg, Jeff Cohn, & Spring Bengtzen. Having hired and trained over 400 ISAs, Josh is a sought-after speaker for his invaluable knowledge on
He’s focused on developing a company culture that attracts the best millennial talent and drives success.
Josh has learned how to scale and optimize business portfolios through building amazing teams with his take on company culture. His expertise was showcased through rokrbox's award winning culture, which inspired him to become the founder & CEO of Five Star Company Culture.
Host of a podcast by that name — thanks for having me as a guest and thanks for being my guest here today!
Josh's mission is to help businesses maximize their potential and learn how to implement a winning culture that retains employees, increase team productivity, and allows business owners to regain their personal freedom.
Stepping back, Josh explains the wakeup call they faced during an organic period of growth, as their student workforce started to shrink with the onset of school schedules. Instead of panicking, they pivoted, embracing the lesson as an opportunity to refine communication and clarify their mission. Transforming this hitch into a turning point, they instated a daily huddle, which not only served to align team focus, but also sparked a cultural shift by nurturing an environment of support, connectivity, and collective growth.
Questions and Topics:* When did you realize it was YOU that “failed”? * What did they do to fix it? * Tell us more about the huddles – how long? Standard agenda? * What was the effect in fall 2016? * Appealing to millennials vs. Gen Z? Have you had to adjust? * Where did you learn these mindsets and management styles from? * Defining core values and types of people to work with? * What do you do as a CEO that helps make it safe for others to do the same? * Tell us about the “Five Star Company Culture” podcast * My episode with our mutual connection, Kevin Harrington
The Power of a Champion Mindset in Business CultureEmbracing a Culture of Learning from MistakesIn the competitive landscape of business, a culture that fosters growth and development through learning from missteps is crucial. Rokrbox, an inside sales assistant company, has epitomized this philosophy by embedding the mindset of a champion into their core values. This doesn't imply a streak of unblemished victories; rather, it means recognizing that both wins and lessons emerge from each outcome. A true champion is defined not by a flawless record, but by resilience and the willingness to stand back up after falling down, transforming setbacks into stepping stones for growth.
Overcoming Challenges: Reflecting and Implementing ChangeRokrbox faced a notable challenge during a period of rapid growth. In the summer of 2015, as the company soared to new heights, a significant portion of their part-time workforce, primarily made up of students, dissipated with the start of the fall semester. This unexpected shift presented a stark realization that the meaning and importance of their work weren't being effectively communicated by leadership. It was a crucial moment that shifted the company's focus inward, igniting a reflection on the mechanisms essential for transparent communication and employee retention.
The Magic of Daily Huddles: A Key to Cultural SuccessThe transformative solution that Rokrbox discovered was the implementation of a daily huddle. A practice that now anchors their workday, these huddles serve as a time for team members to connect, recognize each other's achievements, set collective goals, and align on the mission for the day ahead. This ritual not only eradicated previous communication inefficiencies but also played a pivotal role in shaping the company's award-winning culture. It created an environment where each employee could see the bigger picture, comprehend how their contributions mattered, and envision a path for professional growth within the company. This daily routine of recognition, education, connection, and motivation ensures that all team members feel valued and part of a larger goal.
Creating a Vision and Communicating It EffectivelyThe lesson here extends far beyond the boundaries of a single company's experience. The leader's role is not only to create a vision but to effectively communicate it throughout the organization. Rokrbox exemplifies that having a clear and vivid vision isn't sufficient unless it is shared and understood by the entire team. Issues in business often stem from communication breakdowns, and a leader's capacity to articulate goals and expectations to their team members is paramount. Through the huddle process, Rokrbox was able to transform communication within the workplace, demonstrating that intentionality and structure in daily interactions could forge more profound employee engagement and drive stronger business outcomes.
The Importance of Core Values in Recognition and GrowthHighlighting the successes and efforts related to core values within the huddle reinforces their importance in the company culture. Rokrbox has shown that core values are not just platitudes; they are the standards by which team achievements are measured and celebrated. Acknowledging team members who live by these values each day keeps them active and exemplifies the behaviors that lead to success.
Concluding Insights: The Role of Leadership in Navigating MistakesUltimately, the story of Rokrbox provides an insightful examination of the role of leadership when navigating through mistakes. Instead of assigning blame externally, it takes a leader to look inward and take responsibility for the team's direction. Identifying gaps in communication and rectifying them through strategic actions, like daily huddles, not only salvages a challenging situation but also propels the business forward with renewed strength and cohesiveness. This approach is a testament to the statement that victories in business are not only about winning but also about learning to rise after setbacks and emerge stronger.
Cultivating Skill Development and Proactive Communication StrategiesRokrbox's adaptations to their business in response to generational shifts and student workforce dynamics underscore the importance of flexibility and foresight in personnel management. By examining resumes with greater scrutiny and asking more probing questions during interviews, they ensure that employment expectations align with both the company's needs and the students' academic schedules. This targeted approach not only aids in the selection of dedicated team members but also fortifies the retention of valuable talent.
Furthermore, maintaining a proactive dialogue with employees about their outside commitments allows for preemptive scheduling adjustments. This adaptability preserves the employment relationship, preventing abrupt departures and promoting employee well-being.
Implementing Regular One-on-Ones for Holistic Employee EngagementOne significant practice adopted by Rokrbox is the holding of regular one-on-one meetings that follow a strategic cadence of evaluation and engagement. These meetings are structured to review work-related skills and pinpoint areas needing improvement. Importantly, they conclude with inquiries into the personal lives of employees, thus embodying a holistic approach to employee engagement. Recognizing that personal circumstances can heavily impact work performance, this approach fosters an environment of support and understanding within the company.
Leveraging Masterminds to Foster Collective GrowthTaking inspiration from traditional masterminds made popular by thought leaders like Napoleon Hill, Rokrbox has instituted monthly mastermind sessions to cultivate collaborative problem-solving and empower their employees. These sessions, promoted with incentives like free food, encourage voluntary participation from team members eager to discuss strategies for improvement. By facilitating this shared environment, Rokrbox reinforces its commitment to collective growth and allows for the integration of diverse perspectives into the company's operational framework.
Adapting to Generational Differences without StereotypingThe evolution of Rokrbox workforce from millennials to Generation Z has entailed an understanding of each generation's idiosyncrasies while avoiding overgeneralizations that hinder relationship building. Recognizing that individuals bring unique values and behaviors to the table facilitates a more nuanced approach to team building. Josh Cunningham of Rokrbox also emphasizes the necessity of adapting management techniques, such as content and competition structuring, to match evolving attention spans and engagement styles without succumbing to the pitfalls of confirmation bias.
Implementing Strong Values Across GenerationsUltimately, Rokrbox's approach emphasizes the timeless nature of certain management principles, regardless of generational divides. Strong company values that resonate on a fundamental human level will consistently attract employees who align with the company's mission. The implementation of practices such as huddles and masterminds transcends age brackets, connecting employees to a shared vision of success and growth within the organization.
Learning from External Experiences and InsightsThe trajectory of Rokrbox's culture is not merely an introspective journey; it has been informed by various external sources of insight. Josh Cunningham's exposure to .com era influences and his father's career provided the early inspiration for entrepreneurship and adapting to technological paradigms. As the business world continues to evolve, learning from both internal experiences and external wisdom remains a critical component in cultivating a resilient and impactful company culture.
Harnessing the Power of Teamwork in System and Process DesignReflecting on Rokrbox's adoption of standard operating procedures (SOPs), similar to those which propelled Best Buy's consistent in-store experiences, underscores the critical role of systems and processes in achieving a harmonious business environment. When each team member comprehends their responsibilities and the expected outcomes, efficiency and productivity thrive within the organization. Therefore, it is imperative to recognize the vitality of establishing and continuously refining SOPs to adapt to the inevitable changes within any dynamic market.
Inculcating Ownership and Agility in Small Business EnvironmentsWorking with small business owners, as Josh Cunningham did, offers the unique advantage of seeing real-time impacts of one's contributions on company performance. This immediacy catalyzes a sense of ownership and responsibility among employees, encouraging them to step up as key contributors to the organization’s success. To incorporate this level of agility into any business model, companies must imbue their culture with an openness to employee feedback, quick implementation of viable suggestions, and an empowering environment, where actions directly correlate to tangible outcomes.
Learning from the Spectrum of Job ExperiencesEvery job, from the most menial to the most prestigious, imparts valuable lessons that can transform business practices. Acknowledging even the “crappy jobs” fosters an appreciation for what not to replicate, while simultaneously refining the vision for one’s own business environment. The takeaway for any business is profound: understanding the breadth of employee experiences can inform and inspire better workplace design, improving morale and productivity in kind.
The Significance of Defining Company Values Early OnDefining Rokrbox's core values long before the hiring process began served as a testament to the foresightfulness of its leadership. Clear and resonant values not only attract like-minded individuals to the team but also serve as a constant beacon, guiding decisions and behaviors. As a business grows and evolves, these values remain its pillars, ensuring a consistent and supportive culture that can withstand and adapt to market fluctuations and internal challenges.
Building a Strong Cultural Foundation for Sustainable GrowthDrawing an analogy from construction, every great skyscraper begins with a robust foundation. Rokrbox's philosophy that culture is akin to this foundation illustrates the belief that a company's resilience is deeply anchored in its core values and collective ethos. Amidst marketplace shakeups and economic turns, a steadfast cultural base allows a business to pivot effectively and maintain its core identity, even as services and problem-solving approaches may evolve.
Creating a Coachable Atmosphere and Celebrating VulnerabilityJosh Cunningham’s approach to leadership takes root in serving rather than dictating, encouraging personal empowerment, and fostering a culture wherein mistakes are viewed as opportunities for growth rather than failures. By promoting a coachable atmosphere and leading by example in vulnerability, employees are permitted to navigate their responsibilities with confidence and ownership, contributing to the overall resiliency and strength of the business.
The Five Star Company Culture InitiativeAs a leader with a vision to serve beyond his own company, Cunningham’s Five Star Company Culture initiative extends his philosophy to a wider audience, seeking to assist other business owners and C-suite executives in crafting environments where values are lived out loud. By sharing insights and practical strategies, this platform aims to assist businesses in laying down robust foundations for their culture, ensuring their operations are primed for success and sustainability in a relentless and ever-changing market landscape.
Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity in LeadershipThe candid sharing of personal stories and mistakes by influential figures such as Kevin Harrington sets the stage for a new paradigm in leadership. When leaders like Harrington demonstrate vulnerability, they signal to their teams that it's acceptable to make and admit to mistakes. This behavior, in turn, fosters a culture of authenticity and trust within the workplace. When employees see their higher-ups own up to their errors, they are more likely to feel secure in expressing their own challenges and learning from them.
The Impact of Authentic Stories in Building Trust* Fosters Relatability: Sharing personal mistakes makes leaders appear more relatable and human, bridging the gap between management and staff. * Encourages Openness: When leaders are open about their failures, it cultivates an environment where employees are also comfortable sharing their experiences and ideas. * Builds Resilience: Recognizing and learning from errors paves the way for a resilient mindset, where challenges are seen as opportunities for growth.
The Role of Cross-Promotion in Amplifying InfluenceJosh Cunningham's Five Star Company Culture initiative heavily relies on the sharing of experiences and resources to enrich other businesses. By engaging in cross-promotion through podcasts and other media outlets, leaders can extend their reach, sharing valuable lessons and knowledge. Engaging with host Mark Graban illustrates how forming strategic connections can enhance visibility and impact across different platforms, benefiting an ever-wider audience.
Strategies for Effective Cross-Promotion* Leverage Platforms: Utilize various channels, including podcasts and social media, to share insights and expand your influence. * Collaborative Ventures: Forge partnerships with industry peers to share resources and co-create content that provides mutual value. * Community Engagement: Actively participate in community discussions and events to bolster your presence and credibility within your field.
The Significance of Accessible Brand IdentityJosh Cunningham's mention of Rokrbox's distinctive spelling highlights the importance of a memorable and searchable brand identity. In a digital age where web presence is crucial, creating a unique brand that stands out in search engine results is vital to attracting and retaining customers. A brand’s accessibility online directly influences its market performance and the ease with which potential clients can find and engage with a company's services.
Key Elements of Crafting an Accessible Brand Identity* Consistency: Establish a consistent look and feel across all platforms to make your brand easily recognizable. * SEO Strategies: Focus on search engine optimization to ensure your brand ranks well in relevant search results. * Distinct Brand Elements: Develop unique aspects of your brand, such as a logo or tagline, that set you apart and make you easily identifiable.
Nurturing Leadership and Cultivating SuccessLeaders like Cunningham, who are ready to share their wisdom and experiences openly, play a pivotal role in shaping the future of business culture. By embodying the principles of vulnerability, authenticity, and accessible branding, they pave the way for a new generation of businesses defined by connection, learning, and genuine engagement with both employees and customers. This holistic approach to leadership, culture, and branding stands as a formidable blueprint for success in the ever-evolving business landscape.
My guest for Episode #243 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Jenn Drummond.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
She is a Mom of seven, a successful business owner, and a World Record holder. As the first woman to climb the second highest summits on each of the seven continents, she now spends her time inspiring others to create a thriving business and lasting legacy of their own.
She shares her story and strategies for success through her upcoming book, Break Proof: 7 Strategies to Build Resilience and Achieve Your Life Goals, and her “Seek Your Summit” podcast, programs, and signature talks.
Great successes are often built on the foundations of past mistakes and lessons learned from them. Jenn Drummond walks us through her transformative journey, a beautiful tapestry of perseverance and the wisdom gained from failed attempts. Drummond's story is one of relentless pursuit and thoughtful adaptation, as she has made waves as a mountaineering record-holder, a mother to seven, and a successful businesswoman.
What's her favorite mistake? In the early steps of her business journey, Drummond confesses to falling into the typical trap of prioritizing aesthetics over function—a common mistake in the entrepreneurial world. She sheds light on how this misstep shaped her understanding of business essentials and offers a case study on the importance of prioritizing core business aspects over superficial elements. Expounding on the essence of flexibility in business, Drummond narrates how recognizing her initial plan's inefficiency and implementing drastic changes became a turning point for her financial services company. Her story is a testament to the power of adaptability in the face of challenges, and an inspiration to hopeful entrepreneurs.
Questions and Topics:* When you go independent — allowed to bring your clients? * How did that business work out? * A pattern of being willing to listen to advice or new ideas * Later, putting life on hold until kids got into college… * 2018, a horrific car crash * Setting a world record… climbing — tell us more about what inspired that… * Is Antarctica the hardest to get to? * Climbing mistakes? Bigger risk of physical mistakes or mental mistakes? Keep going or turn back? * Balancing advice vs. your own gut?? * How was the process compared to what you expected? Did you have a “book sherpa”?? * Tell us about your podcast, “Seek Your Summit.” * How do you elevate entrepreneurs to go beyond a life of success to a life of significance?
My guest for Episode #242 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is John Rossman, a leadership and digital transformation expert. John is the author of three books on leadership and business innovation including the best seller The Amazon Way. He is an early Amazon executive who played a key role in launching the Amazon marketplace business in 2002.
His new book will be released on February 24, 2024: Big Bet Leadership: Your Playbook for Winning in the Hyper-Digital Era. You can pre-order it now.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
Today, he is a leading keynote speaker on leadership for innovation, transformation and artificial intelligence and has given over 200 keynotes to worldwide audiences. John is an operator and builder whose love is diving into business problems and customer needs designing innovative solutions and business models, and creating durable enterprise value.
He served as senior innovation advisor at T-Mobile and senior technology advisor to the Gates Foundation. John was a managing director at Alvarez and Marsal for twelve years leading several business turn-around situations, serving as interim CIO at a restructuring client, and leading the development of several large clients, including Walmart, Nordstrom, and Microsoft.
John is the founder of Rossman Partners, a leadership development, coaching and advisor solutions company. He is often joined by his Frenchie, Bossman.
In this episode, we delve into the birth of Amazon's Marketplace, a venture that pushed limits and disrupted the e-commerce landscape. Rossman's role in pioneering this platform was marked by strategic risk-taking and innovation, lessons that emerging business leaders can take to heart. From edging out competition with unified checkouts to shaking the norm with new product categories, Rossman's story is a testament to the power of creativity and resilience. Understand his approach to the successful expansion of the Marketplace and discover how to nurture “small and tender” ideas into successful ventures.
Questions and Topics:* Amazon Marketplace business - the 3rd iteration of a 3rd party selling platform * Were you confident this was NOT a mistake, this new approach? What was different? * What was the testing process? * Auctions was an eBay competitor? * What was the approach for evaluating the experiment? How long to give it? Not working or not working yet? * Is the mistake thinking that a company like Amazon always gets it right the first time and that others need to do the same? * Amazon is influential... Mistakes people make in trying to copy them too directly? * Differences between Toyota Way & Amazon Way structure? * What does “leaders are right - a lot” mean? Not “always”? 80% level * What’s a hyper-digital era?
Subscribe, Follow, Support, Rate, and Review!
Please follow, rate, and review via Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, or your favorite app -- that helps others find this content, and you'll be sure to get future episodes as they are released weekly. You can also financially support the show through Spotify.
You can now sign up to get new episodes via email, to make sure you don't miss an episode.
This podcast is part of the Lean Communicators network.
My guest for Episode #241 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Jazzy Collins, CSA, a Casting Director who holds the honor of being the first Black two-time Emmy® nominee in the Outstanding Reality Casting category.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
She has worked for hit reality shows including Lizzo's Watch Out For The Big Grrls (Amazon), The Circle (Netflix), The Traitors (Peacock), The Bachelor and The Bachelorette (ABC), Family or Fiancé (OWN) and Love Island (CBS).
She has been at the forefront of the movement calling for diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry, published in Deadline, E! News, ET Canada, Women’s Health, and beyond.
Amid her success, she has been a tireless advocate for diversity and inclusion in the industry, a topic her work frequently brings to the fore. As time went on, however, Jazzy began questioning her career trajectory. Deciding to branch out, she transitioned into digital talent management, believing it akin to her casting work. Jazzy quickly recognized it wasn't her calling. After a challenging stint in talent management, she decided it was time to return to her first love: casting.
In this episode, we discuss her career mistake, how she bounced back, and what she learned. We also discuss mistakes made by the producers of "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette" when it comes to DEI and representation. Read about her open letter that called out the popular franchise.
Questions and Topics:* When did you realize that talent management wasn’t your space?? * Fewer gatekeepers - more diversity shining through in digital platforms? * How does one end up working in casting? * The Bachelor — Jazzy's open letter about Matt James as the first Black bachelor, after Rachel Lindsay as the first Black Bachelorette * How casting can go wrong — Lee and Rachel’s season * Problems caused by lack of diversity behind the scenes (or in a Board) * Tell us about the thought process for deciding to send the open letter… posted it to Instagram and FB — reporters picked it up * Did you ever worry or wonder if the letter was a mistake? Did you hesitate to send it? * How did you gauge the reaction to it? * Before the letter, how did you first try speaking out internally? It sounds like you were punished for it… * What reaction did you get? Had other people come forward… * Ignoring the trolls?? * Good move or cynical move to cast Matt James in the summer after the George Floyd murder? * What are you working on next that’s new and fresh? * How does somebody get cast on a reality show?
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #240 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is George A. Milton, America’s Failure Coach.
George is the CEO of Failure Is Not The Problem, LLC, a consulting company that specializes in leadership development and training, life coaching, and motivational speaking. He is a United States Army Retired Colonel with over 30 years of experience as an internationally known Coach, and Speaker.
George failed kindergarten, failed the first grade, barely graduated from high school dropped out/failed out of six universities. George had some academic failures early in life, yet, he went on to earn multiple degrees, and was inducted into the U.S. Army Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame.
His podcast is “Failure is Not the Problem,” and he’s the author of the books Failure Is Not The Problem: It's the Beginning Of Your Success and Failure Is Not the Problem: It's Your Leadership.
In the military, failure is seen as the starting point for learning rather than a devastating setback. This mindset, which was ingrained in Milton during his three decades of military service, emphasizes resilience and adaptability forged through failure. By providing supportive mentorship rather than punitive consequences, he showcases how the military fosters a culture of learning from mistakes.
We discuss that, his favorite mistake story, and more in today's episode.
Questions and Topics: How did you learn – was it in the Army – about responding to failure differently? * “It’s not the failure… it’s the response” — ARMY mentor * Was that widespread thinking? YES * Equation: Failure + Right Response = Success * How is punishment counterproductive? * Punitive approach didn’t work as well in units where that was the culture * Failure is not the issue, the issue is how you respond? * How does an organization make it “OK to fail”? * Team of Teams* — Gen. McChrystal * In your experience… what was the Army’s views on learning from failure? * Gen. Welton Chase episode * How do we teach leaders how to “fail graciously”? * How can failing be “fun”? Does that help us learn? * The act of failing does not mean you are a failure
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
My guests for Episode #239 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast are Felice B. Ekelman, an employment lawyer, and Julie P. Kantor, a business psychologist and executive coach — they are authors of the new book, THRIVE WITH A HYBRID WORKPLACE: Step-by-Step Guidance from the Experts.
Felice is a principal of Jackson Lewis PC, where she practices employment law. She has been quoted in Bloomberg News, The Wall Street Journal, Lexology, and Law 360. She lives in New York City.
Julie is a business psychologist, executive coach, advisor, and founder of JP Kantor Consulting. She is a regular contributor to Forbes on leadership and employee engagement. She also lives in New York City.
In today's episode, you'll hear their “favorite mistake” stories related to leaving a corporate job to start a firm and not appreciating the need to focus on one's personal brand.
We also discuss how, in recent times, our global work culture has seen a paradigm shift with the incipient emergence of the hybrid workplace model. While this model promises exciting opportunities, there's no denying that it also presents unique challenges.
The crucial role of leadership in these unprecedented times remains a significant focus of our conversation. More than ever, leaders must now find the balance between preserving company culture and enabling flexibility. Simultaneously, understanding the legal concerns, promoting a strong personal brand, and creating an employee-oriented workspace are imperative in the smooth transitioning to a hybrid model. However, there's no one-size-fits-all solution to these complexities, causing leaders to gravitate towards innovative, adaptable strategies. Dive in to gain a better understanding of creating harmonious, productive hybrid workplaces.
Questions and Topics:* Does a personal brand have to align with the firm’s brand? * How did the book come to be? And the collaboration? * Brand is what OTHERS say about you? What differentiates you? * Some mistakes require counseling and some get you sued? * Policies on back to work — make an exception for one person — necessary or setting precedent for others?? * How do you make exceptions? * What are some “old biases” to look out for when designing or managing hybrid work? * Where is hybrid work headed? — moving in a direction or a pendulum??
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #238 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Tom Applegarth, Vice President Human Resources for Preferred CFO, a company that provides Finance, Accounting, HR & Payroll support for small companies. Learn more at PreferredCFO.com.
Tom has over 30 years of experience, including serving at high-profile companies such as Goodyear Tires, Payless ShoeSource, and Amoco, with HR experience across the United States as well as Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
Tom's experience has brought significant, measurable improvements in employee engagement, attrition reduction, recruitment of the best and the brightest employees, and establishment of high-impact HR processes and improvements.
Learning from Career BlundersIn the episode, Tom opens up about a costly slip-up early in his career during a sensitive employee termination process involving a plant manager. Why does Tom think he should have elevated the internal conflict about firing (or not firing) that person to the CEO? What led to the company getting sued, which cost them far more than a fair severance would have cost? What were Tom's lessons learned?
Questions and Topics:* Would it have been risky to go over their heads to the CEO? * Do others learn from that story? Yes * What happened with the new plant manager? * Is HR’s role more about protecting the company from lawsuits than helping the employees? * A mistake to not have an HR expert – even for very small companies? * Firing fast with a paper trail? * If employees need to report a problem — mistakes? What's your advice? * “Nobody wants to work anymore” — a mistake to say that?
Episode SummaryNavigating The Tricky Terrain of HR Management in Small BusinessesIn the complex world of Human Resources (HR), making an error in judgment can have lasting repercussions for companies. For smaller companies, navigating these challenges will require both experience and a nuanced understanding of the HR landscape. Tom Applegarth, a Vice President of Human Resources at Preferred CFO, shares insights from his more than 30 years in HR with some of the most well-known global brands. His journey demonstrates the importance of managing human resources effectively, especially in smaller organizations.
Understanding the HR RoleThe role of HR can sometimes be misunderstood within an organization. While HR ultimately serves the interests of the company, it is also instrumental in creating a healthy and fair working environment for employees. Previous roles in organizations such as Goodyear Tires, Payless Shoe Source, and Amico allowed Tom to develop HR processes that foster higher employee engagement, reduced attrition, and effective recruitment strategies.
Throughout his experience, one crucial lesson was the value of taking a balanced approach to decision making. HR should consider the interests of not just the company and customers, but also employees. Balancing the needs of all three constituencies is what differentiates successful companies.
Learning from Past MistakesTom shares critical lessons from an incident early in his career where he was handling a sensitive termination process. The experience taught him the importance of adhering to corporate policy, reserving a fair chance for employees to improve, and offering decent severance packages, regardless of the pressure from managers focused on immediate PNL impact. This mistake ended up costing the company a million dollars in lawsuit and served as a cautionary tale that has shaped Tom’s HR approach throughout his career.
Smarter HR Management for Small CompaniesUnfortunately, many small companies make mistakes in not giving adequate importance to HR management until issues arise. It is often thought that hiring a full-time HR person is too expensive. Alternatively, companies may assign HR tasks to employees that lack the knowledge and experience to effectively navigate the complexities of HR.
Preferred CFO provides an effective solution for such companies. They offer necessary HR support, allowing small companies to ensure compliance, manage employee grievances, and build a community within the organization without hiring a full-time HR professional. Avoiding HR-related mistakes and potential lawsuits can save a significant amount of money in the long run.
Importance of Whistleblowing ChannelsEnsuring that employees have the ability to raise ethical or procedural issues in a safe and confidential manner is vital for any organization. A robust protocol should be in place for employees to report issues to supervisors or HR. However, if employees do not feel comfortable reporting directly within the organization, having an external reporting avenue accessible will provide an additional layer of security.
A key element in successful human resource management is the continuous improvement of processes, systems, and people. A balanced approach that considers all stakeholders – employees, customers, and investors ¬¬– lays the foundation for successful business operations. Whether it's dealing with a sensitive firing situation or establishing effective whistleblower channels, the role HR plays in small businesses cannot be underestimated. Equipping your small business with the right HR support can prevent costly missteps and promote a healthy corporate culture.
Encouraging Anonymity in Employee GrievancesRecognizing that not all employees feel comfortable directly reporting ethical or procedural issues to superiors within their organizations, secondary reporting avenues become vital. One method is an anonymous 1800 number, acting as a lifeline for employees enabling them to air their grievances without fear of retribution. This external channel can afford employees some level of anonymity and assurance, especially in situations involving bad managers or problematic HR personnel.
Anonymous Reporting Channels: The Intermediary RoleThe utility of an anonymous reporting channel goes beyond offering mere anonymity. Its role can span as an intermediary between the employee and the organization's leadership. It involves relaying detailed accounts of issues raised by the employees to the leadership without revealing the identity of the employee. This level of confidentiality can encourage more employees to be forthcoming with their concerns, which can help preempt potential problems.
Spreading the Word: Promoting the Anonymous ChannelSimply providing an anonymous reporting line is not enough; the organization needs to execute a robust communication strategy ensuring that all employees are aware of this avenue. Regular and constant reminders of its existence could range from including details during team meetings to displaying posters around the workplace. The more visible and accessible it is, the greater its utilization and impact on the organization's health and transparency.
Trustworthiness of Anonymous ChannelsDespite the promise of privacy, there's often a level of skepticism among employees regarding the anonymity of their reports, particularly in low trust environments. This doubt can significantly impact the effectiveness of such systems. To counter this, companies could consider having these services administered by external independent entities. This can add a layer of credibility since the external firm has no explicit interest in protecting the company at the expense of the employee.
Adapting to Evolving Job MarketThe current job market has changed significantly from years past, with technology offering transparency regarding job opportunities and pay scales. Today's employees have access to a wealth of information about potential employers, making it far easier to seek competitive salaries and appealing work cultures. Consequently, companies must be competitive – not only concerning remuneration but also in fostering positive workplace cultures and exceptional management.
Ensuring Competitive Compensation and Career SatisfactionTo attract and retain top talent, businesses must understand current market pay rates and offer ‘in-the-ballpark' compensation packages. Regularly participating in and purchasing salary surveys can allow businesses to stay competitive. But competitive salaries are part of the equation; retention also hugely depends on the work culture and management quality. Regularly evaluating what each employee wants from their career and making an effort to fulfill those needs, particularly for top performers, can significantly enhance employee satisfaction and retention.
Ultimately, companies today need to adapt to the evolving job market, nurturing trust, ensuring adequate compensation, and promoting a healthy work culture. As Tom Applegarth from Preferred CFO suggested, avoiding these measures can leave businesses ignorant of potential issues, vulnerable to public exposure, and ill-prepared to retain their best people.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #234 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Amy C. Edmondson, the Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management at the Harvard Business School, renowned for her research on psychological safety over twenty years.
Named by Thinkers50 in 2021 (And again here in 2023) as the #1 Management Thinker in the world, Edmondson’s Ted Talk “How to Turn a Group of Strangers into a Team” has been viewed over three million times.
She received her PhD, AM, and AB from Harvard University. She lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and is the author of books including The Fearless Organization, Teaming, and her latest, Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well is available now.
Edmondson talks about the duality of mistakes – some that lead to massive successes and some that warrant a more mindful approach to growth and learning. Listen in as she recounts an endearing mistake from her personal life in the spectrum of Growth Mindset, discusses different types of failures and insights into how they can be reframed as opportunities for growth, exploration, and innovation.
Edmondson emphasizes the importance of Psychological Safety and the transformation from a ‘speak up' culture into a ‘listen up' culture within organizations.
Tune in today for an enlightening discussion on the fine line between reflecting and ruminating, along with Edmondson’s personal anecdotes from her writing journey.
Questions and Topics:* How do you see the connection between mistakes and failures? * Sometimes failure is caused by outside factors? * As much as I try to be positive about mistakes and failure, I don’t love the phrase “fail early, fail often” — where do you think that phrase or concept misses the mark? * Psychological safety comes up A LOT in this podcast series when we talk about a culture of learning from mistakes… how do you define it? * Different types of failures — they’re not all created equally? * “Blameworthy” vs. “Praiseworthy” failures? * Why do organizations collectively blame people more than individuals blame others? * When leaders are super negative about mistakes… how is demanding perfection or say they must punish (or saying failure is NOT an option) counterproductive? * Learning from failure is not as easy as it sounds? Reflecting without ruminating? * Mistakes in the book writing process? * Proofreading mistakes that slipped through?
Renowned Leadership Expert Amy E. Edmondson and Her Views on Psychological Safety and FailureThe Duality of MistakesEdmondson separates mistakes into three categories, drawing from her extensive research into the topic of failures and mistakes. These categories include examples from both her research and her personal life. Her favorite mistake to discuss lies within her research fields, and it features in her book “Right Kind of Wrong”.
This mistake recounts the story of a 26-year-old chef from Guangdong, China, named Lee Kum Sheung, who accidentally left his oysters to overcook. The result was a sticky, unexpectedly delicious sauce, which eventually resulted in the creation of the globally renowned oyster sauce. This accidental creation, stemming from a simple mistake, led his family to accumulate a fortune of over 17 billion.
This example serves to underline how seemingly negative mistakes can pave the way for groundbreaking innovations and successes. Edmondson argues this is contingent the individual’s curiosity and openness to turning these mishaps into new possibilities.
Growth Mindset in Mistake ProcessingEdmondson is a firm advocate of Carol Dweck's work on the concept of a growth mindset which she integrates into her own personal parenting approach. She shares a personal mistake in applying the growth mindset that prompted her to be more mindful in her interactions and praise. Based on the recommendation in Dweck's work, one should focus on the process of learning and effort rather than praising the outcome. Edmondson experienced this first-hand when her son sought constructive feedback, revealing his understanding and demand for a growth mindset. This interaction highlighted unchecked mistakes and further enhanced Edmondson's practice of the growth mindset.
Mistake and Failure: Understanding Their ConnectionsRegardless of their causes, many failures can be traced back to some form of mistake. However, not all failures are incidental to mistakes. In many cases, failures are the unfortunate and unexpected results of well-thought-out hypotheses or conscientiously set actions, particularly in new or unfamiliar territories.
Shaping Our Attitudes towards FailureThe view and treatment of failure in organizations often differ greatly from personal reactions. While individually, people recognize failure as a potent teacher, organizations frequently fail to translate this realization into practice. This gap is arguably a remanence of industrial-era mindsets, where expectations for results were rigidly predefined assuming minimal deviations.
Today, this mindset is not compatible with the realities and demands of modern work environments. The culture within organizations regarding failure should be more accepting, even encouraging, as it often leads to crucial learning experiences and innovations.
Edmondson proposes three distinct classifications for different types of failure which are
- basic failure,
- complex failure, and
- intelligent failure.
While basic and complex failures epitomize blunders that can be potentially avoided, intelligent failures represent the unavoidable consequences of ventures into uncharted territories.
To approach failure constructively, Edmondson suggests assessing causes individually and categorizing them across a spectrum of blameworthiness to praiseworthiness. This objective evaluation reframes failures as potential opportunities for growth and discovery rather than undisputable mistakes.
The Importance of Psychological SafetyPsychological safety has been a consistent topic in many discussions around failure. Seen as a belief that one's environment is safe for taking interpersonal risks such as admitting mistakes or sharing constructive feedback, psychological safety plays a vital role in creating a culture that is conducive to lesson-learning from mistakes. It is important to note that promoting a psychologically safe environment does not necessarily make dealing with these situations easier, but instead makes it more expected and acceptable.
Edmondson advocates for psychological safety in organizations, arguing that it is largely influenced by the leadership at various levels in the organization. She asserts that managers should promote open communication about failures and provide necessary reassurances to stimulate learning and improvements from these experiences.
The Emergence of a ‘Listen Up' CultureEdmondson makes a compelling argument for transforming a ‘speak up' culture into a ‘listen up' culture. The concept reframes the responsibility carelessly placed on the employees and champions the idea of creating a learning culture instead. In Edmondson's view, such a culture encourages members of an organization to approach every interaction and experience as an opportunity to learn something new, not just from each other, but also from clients and the world at large.
By fostering a ‘listen up' culture, organizations inspire their staff to engage more proactively, ultimately nourishing an environment where speaking up is not an obligation but a hallmark of positive engagement.
Balancing Between Reflecting and RuminatingEdmondson sheds light on the fine line between productive reflecting and destructive rumination, particularly after a misstep. Reflecting facilitates learning and growth, whereas rumination can deepen feelings of shame and loneliness. This might lead individuals into a vicious cycle of unproductive and recurring thoughts. She suggests adopting an objective cognitive process which starts with a simple inquiry, “What happened?”.
This question encourages the individual to assess the situation without assigning blame. It allows them to consider the events dispassionately and extract valuable lessons, thereby directing focus to future improvement rather than past missteps. Reflecting is hence seen as a necessary mechanism for learning, allowing not just understanding but also creating meaningful change after a failure.
The Art and Errors of WritingAs a prolific author, Edmondson provides insights into the inevitable mistakes involved in the book writing process. She acknowledges how minor errors can slip through even after careful editing and proofreading. These small errors allow for reminders that even skilled authors and editors can make mistakes due to several factors such as fatigue and other biases.
She emphasizes the importance of continuous iteration when writing, pointing out that improvement is always possible. Each day spent on a manuscript can uncover not just grammatical errors, but instances of unclear or convoluted sentences that can be rewritten or simplified. The potential to continually refine is what makes writing both a challenging and rewarding process.
The Unavoidable Nature of MistakesUndoubtedly, slip-ups, both small and large, are a commonplace inevitable aspect of our personal and professional lives. They are subject to a multitude of variables, irrespective of the meticulous preventative measures we employ. A mistake can creep in due to oversight, assumptions, fatigue, or simply because of our inherent fallibility as humans.
Nurturing an Iterative CultureIn line with her teachings on the importance of learning, Edmondson highlights the benefits of fostering an iterative culture. Within this model, organizations are encouraged to continuously learn and adapt their practices based on insights from mistakes and successes alike.
The Decisiveness of Title SelectionBook titles hold an integral role in attracting potential readers, and, as revealed by Edmondson, the process of naming a book can also be prone to errors. She discloses the careful consideration behind her book title, “Right Kind of Wrong” and the decision to exclude the article ‘the' for stylistic reasons. Despite noticing occasional erroneous inclusions, she garners a positive outlook from it, simply indicating that her work is being discussed and appreciated.
Embracing this spirit of learning and adaptation even for individuals in positions of authority can serve as a powerful example for others and help cultivate a culture that wider society can emulate. Essentially, mistakes aren't necessarily a pitfall; they transform into stepping stones when approached with a psychologically safe, learning, and iterative mindset.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #236 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Sofie Roux, the visionary Gen Z Founder & CEO of BloomBox Design Labs, which is transforming education through innovation.
Sofie's journey began long before her studies at Stanford University, where she studies civil engineering and architecture. It all started with "Sparkly and Smart," an art enterprise that remarkably raised $300,000 to support girls' education. Today, through her revolutionary BloomBoxes ingeniously crafted from repurposed shipping containers, she's reshaping education in Malawi by crafting vibrant STEAM learning environments.
Unravel the revolution of the BloomBox, an educational space breaking barriers by merging innovative technology with architecture, designed to host an array of teaching resources for optimum learning. From its humble beginnings, built and shipped from North America, to transitioning operations to South Africa for economic and environmental sustainability, Bloombox has become a beacon of hope. This initiative has not only curtailed costs but has boosted local economies, creating new job opportunities, and reinforced its mission to bring quality education worldwide.
What's Sofie's favorite mistake related to this project? How did she react? And what did she learn in the process?
Questions and Topics:* Tell us about the functionality of the BloomBox? * Starting with the why * What was your spark for this passion for helping girls in Africa? * Tell us more about the tech of the BloomBox and how it’s used? * Was the retractable solar panels part of v 1.0? Design spec or lesson learned? * With the Bloombox – there are apparent iterations and learning — is that continuous improvement or learning from mistakes, or both? * Tell us how you raised the money? “Sparkly and Smart” — website and Etsy * The website shows the overall design and installation process. Talk to me about how the end-to-end process design matters, not just the hardware design… * Tell us about Design Thinking and how that influences your work and the BloomBox? * At Stanford what are the opportunities to learn about Design Thinking and entrepreneurship, formal or informal? * Social benefit corporation vs. not-for-profit?
Bloombox Design Labs: Revolutionizing Education Through Innovative SolutionsSofie Roux, a Gen Z visionary and CEO of BloomBox Design Labs, seeks to transform the educational landscape with innovation at the helm. Her journey, which commenced even before her tenure at Stanford University studying civil engineering and architecture, is evidently embellished with radical innovations and projects.
One such project entails the creation of Bloomboxes from repurposed shipping containers. These blocks have become instrumental in reshaping education in Malawi. Positioned within the learning environment, Bloomboxes are transforming the way students learn and interact with educational materials.
After months of sweat, effort, collaboration, $80,000 on technology and meticulous planning, Sofie and her team encountered a debilitating setback when shipping their first BloomBox. But every dark cloud has a silver lining. This setback unlocked a pivotal lesson for Sofie – accounting for important aspects that one might overlook during the planning process, and rallying the community for support during the implementation phase.
Building an Innovative Learning Environment with the BloomBoxAt its core, the BloomBox strives to provide access to quality education for every child, especially girls, worldwide. Crafted from upcycled shipping containers and fitted with a retractable solar roof system, the Bloombox is more than just a classroom – it represents a merging of innovation and education.
Designed to host about twenty laptop computers connected to an off-grid server, the BloomBox is equipped with premier technology, lights, fans, projectors, mobile furniture, and a teacher's desk. It also boasts an extensive library of educational resources, transforming it into a full-fledged maker space.
Strategic Innovations and Iterations: Fostering Local EconomiesSince its inception, the BloomBox project has seen considerable growth and progression. Initially, the boxes were built and shipped from North America. However, the need to cut costs shifted this operation to the South African development community, including Malawi. This strategic move not only curtailed expenditures, but also boosted local economies, employing locals whilst galvanizing the project.
The transition further aided in building a team in Africa that assists in the ongoing BloomBox installations. Sofie relies heavily on her team's expertise and knowledge – from essential observations to rigorous technicalities – to keep improving the BloomBox design and making it more effective, useful, and sustainable.
Sofie's vision proves that architecture is more than designing spaces; it's about creating environments that positively impact people's lives while fostering technology, innovation, and community empowerment. Her journey continues as she plans to scale the project, potentially connecting to Starlink for satellite internet access and reaching more schools, thus proving that the BloomBox design will never be truly done but constantly evolve with each implementation.
Embracing Social Enterprise: A Creative Approach to Address Global Educational ProblemsSofie Roux, through her BloomBox project, highlights that businesses can champion an aim beyond monetary gain. Her venture is not merely about designing a product to secure returns; instead, it's built around a social cause – to provide quality education access using creative methodologies.
She acknowledges her education at Stanford University, a transformative time spent partaking in the Technology Ventures program and working in maker spaces. These experiences undoubtedly embellished her innovative approach to identifying and solving societal issues.
Delineating the BloomBox: A Sustainable Social Benefit CorporationAs the founder and CEO of a blooming social benefit corporation, Sofie has had to invade some uncharted territories. Often, sustainable development projects need to conjure creative funding methods to continue on their journey, given that government funding might not always be possible.
Sofie's BloomBox, for example, is left with the goal of reaching 67 more schools, and this objective requires secure financing. One creative method Sofie proposes is the commercial sale of BloomBox revolutionary roof design, separating it from its educational purpose and marketing it to any sector requiring off-grid power supply.
The plan also involves running BloomBox as an enterprise, balancing between an arm that installs BloomBoxes for free at educational institutions and another that seeks commercial gain to sustain the project.
Creating Microeconomies Using the BloomBox DesignSofie's vision doesn't stop at providing access to quality education. She has a novel idea of creating a microeconomy around each BloomBox.
Connecting with Starlink to access satellite internet is a significant part of this plan. The idea is simple: while providing free internet access to the students attending the school where the BloomBox is installed, the neighboring community members can get online access for a small monthly fee.
As the surrounding community continues to pay these modest fees over time, they would eventually cover the cost of the BloomBox, creating a sustainable, mutually beneficial system. The prospect of limitless possibilities that can arise from someone having a connection to the internet is exciting, and Sofie wants to facilitate those possibilities through the BloomBox initiative.
Nurturing Courage and Trust in a Social EnterpriseSocial enterprises, such as BloomBox, often have to navigate a landscape filled with uncertainties. It takes courage to call out potential issues that might arise, requiring team members to speak up despite fears of offending or erring. It involves trusting others once you've done all within your capacity.
Sofie shares her experience of trusting others when lifting a BloomBox with a rusty chain did not go as planned. Despite the mishap, she chooses to focus on the positive takeaways and lessons learned from the incident, offering valuable insights for entrepreneurs at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey.
Encouraging Support for Entrepreneurs and Continued GrowthAs Sofie's story unfolds, it becomes clear that supporting other entrepreneurs is vital in inspiring novel solutions and innovations. Entities like the Stanford Technology Ventures program, and other community supporters, by providing access to resources and encouraging innovative action, actively contribute to the success of ventures like BloomBox.
Sofie's journey, along with her fellow entrepreneurs, is still in progress, with new lessons learned, challenges negotiated, and opportunities created every day. The continuous growth and evolution of BloomBox and similar ventures promise an inspirational future for aspiring entrepreneurs. Discover more about her journey and BloomBox Design Labs here.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #235 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Cliff Hazell, a leadership coach and startup advisor, formerly of Spotify.
Cliff has made a career out of breaking down the obstacles that stand in the way of great work. He is often challenging the status quo in his quest to develop the right culture and systems for creation of excellent Companies and Products.
After a tour of addresses across South Africa, Cliff moved to Stockholm where he led a team of Coaches at Spotify for 4 years. Now he helps Scale-ups remove their Growth pains, enabling to Create Focus, Find Leverage, and Build Habits.
He was my guest on the Lean Whiskey podcast, episode #19, back in August, 2020.
In this episode, Cliff shares his favorite mistake story about a time when he got some “fairly brutal feedback” about his normally direct style of communication. Why did that knock his confidence back for a few months? What did he learn and how did he adjust?
Questions and Topics: Decision to work on yourself vs. finding a better fit? * What did you learn about this? Moderate it? Finding more of your self confidence again? * 2 insights that really helped him * I’ve interviewed two former Spotify people (Ward Vuillemot and Kevin Goldsmith). How would you characterize the culture of learning from mistakes there? * Reflections on your time at Spotify? * Balancing autonomy and alignment? * Avoiding a mistake at one extreme or another? * Habits – James Clear — Atomic Habits* * Flight Levels Academy — founder and still a little involved
Navigating Mistakes in Professional Career: Learning from Cliff HazellAmong the most accomplished careerists, few can match Cliff Hazell, renowned for his relentless pursuit of great work and his ability to overcome challenges frequently faced within professional environments. With a knack for challenging conventional wisdom, he is known to erect and nurture suitable cultural environments and systems necessary for excellent company and product development. In his quest to bring out the best in organizations, his journey has seen him rise from the beautiful landscapes of South Africa to bustling Stockholm.
While in Stockholm, Cliff led a team of coaches for Spotify for a noteworthy four-year period. His current pursuit includes aiding ‘scale-ups’, organizations seeking to expand their operations smoothly. His role often involves assisting these companies in addressing growth pains, enabling them to focus, identify leverage, and establish professional habits.
However, success was not always a given. Cliff, like every other person, has had to grapple with various mistakes in his professional journey. Among these, one stands out as his ‘favorite'. It offers a profound learning experience.
Cliff Hazell's Favorite MistakeCliff's favorite mistake occurred in the course of his usual work, which is often characterized by a very direct approach. Notably, this happened while working with a team at Spotify. This well-established team occasionally found itself entangled in circular debates which hampered progress and productivity. At one point, during an in-depth discussion about recruitment, Cliff lost his cool. His outburst, rather than causing the needed improvement, left an uncomfortable rift within the team. This mistake provided a valuable lesson about considering the potential impact of one's reactions in such contexts.
Insights from the MistakeIn the aftermath of this episode, Cliff felt his confidence knocked considerably. He receded from being actively involved in various projects. This experience made him realize that overconfidence can easily lead one to make rash decisions that may not yield the intended result. However, under-confidence can also be problematic as it can prevent one from taking important initiatives.
To become more effective at handling such situations, Cliff engaged the help of a coach. Over time, he learned to assess the situations accurately, prepare himself accordingly, and deliver an appropriate response. All these actions have since become key aspects of his professional approach.
Another learning point for Cliff was the need to understand and take into account what other people are looking for in a particular situation. This realization made him shift his focus towards meeting people where they are, asking pertinent questions that would guide them towards the right direction.
Reflecting on the Spotify CultureSpotify is known to have a culture that fosters learning from mistakes. Despite facing challenges from time to time, Cliff affirms that Spotify generally excels at continuous learning. The company's culture embraces agile implementations at a frequency and cadence rarely seen in other organizations.
However, Cliff cautions about the common desire to visit or join companies for their perceived ‘perfection'. He insists that no company is perfect but rather, each has its unique set of challenges and opportunities. Instead of seeking perfection, he suggests people think about the types of problems they enjoy working on and find a company that provides such challenges.
From Overcoming Mistakes to Developing Professional HabitsOver the course of his impressive career, Cliff Hazell has found that overcoming mistakes and embracing growth opportunities often leads to the development and strengthening of professional habits. The experiences gained from these lessons, particularly the insights from his favorite mistake at Spotify, have informed Cliff's coaching approach and ultimately paved the way for his work in aiding ‘scale-ups'.
Considering Occupational Preferences and Company Culture DynamicsOne important lesson that Hazell shares involves scrutinizing one's preferences in selecting an appropriate work environment. He encourages an in-depth consideration of the challenges one enjoys working on and advises positioning oneself in an environment that offers similar scenarios. For instance, if one prefers a structured system with defined roles and responsibilities, a more corporate, scaled company may be appropriate. Alternatively, if an individual dislikes that structure, a startup setting may be more fitting. In any case, reflection and self-assessment play vital roles in identifying one's preferred working environment.
Moreover, the balance between autonomy and alignment in a company's culture is a key dynamic to consider. Drawing from his experiences at Spotify, Hazell elaborates on the unique challenges a rapidly scaling company faces. For instance, he observed that while excessive autonomy could lead to a lack of alignment, stifling rules could also inhibit innovation and growth. In essence, an appropriate balance is essential to foster a productive professional environment.
The Pursuit of Balancing Autonomy and AlignmentFinding the perfect balance between autonomy and alignment is not a straightforward task. It tends to involve much trial and error, as a move to the extreme of either end could be problematic. However, according to Hazell, the key lies in the ability of the company to adapt and correct its course.
One interesting point that Cliff raises relates to the challenges associated with an overabundance of autonomy. This can create a situation akin to herding cats, causing the company to spread its resources too thin and dissolving its cohesion. On the flip side, rigorous alignment can lead to a lack of space for innovation and creativity.
Many organizations toggle between these two extremes, leading to expensive restructuring and transformational shifts. The question of autonomy and alignment is best addressed by a careful evaluation of both aspects and a thorough discussion regarding the computations of moving too far in either direction.
Recognizing High Leverage PointsIn the course of his work, Hazell pays keen attention to high leverage points. These are areas that, once addressed, can lead to significant changes within the organization. He argues that the process of finding these points can be simplified by thinking of alignment and autonomy as conflicting points on a spectrum. By focusing on the positive and negative outcomes of both, a company can have a healthier conversation regarding the balance and prevent any abrupt changes that could disrupt the organization's stability.
Promoting Habit CreationIn recent years, Hazell has cultivated a keen interest in the concept of habits. He stresses that behaviors within a system largely depend on the system itself and recommends introducing appropriate types of frictions to guide behaviors in a desired direction. This could involve removing barriers to innovation or introducing elements that keep the company on its desired path.
Focusing on catalyzing habits rather than procedures can accelerate the process of growth. Additionally, it allows the company to learn from its mistakes in a more systemic way that encourages constructive growth. This, in conjunction with the ability to recognize high leverage points, plays a pivotal role in steering a company towards its goal.
Navigating Various Organizational StagesThe organizational stage that a company is in profoundly affects the dynamics at play. As Hazell explains, the guiding principles used by a new startup with an intentional culture will differ greatly from those employed by a scale-up that has an established, though possibly unintentional, culture.
Understanding these distinctions helps in developing a tailored approach to addressing issues specific to each stage. For instance, a scale-up would focus more on meeting demand effectively, while a new startup would spend more time figuring out what works. As such, the stage an organization is at becomes a determining factor for the nature of the problems to be solved and the solutions to be implemented.
ConclusionCliff Hazell's insights underline the importance of learning from mistakes in professional environments and how these lessons shape professional habits. By considering occupational preferences, examining company culture dynamics, striving for a balance between autonomy and alignment, promoting the creation of habits, and understanding various organizational stages, companies can facilitate growth and continuously develop towards their goals.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #234 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Jason Cercone, the host of “Solo Podcasting Simplified.”
With nearly a decade of experience in the podcast world, Jason has built his brand around the consumptive power of storytelling and simplifying podcast initiatives. He helps results-driven business leaders and professionals create engaging, impactful solo podcasts – hosting, producing, or guesting on more than 1000 episodes.
Jason shares his favorite mistake story about engaging too much with a Twitter troll when he had launched a craft beer blog… and why it was a mistake to start a podcast just to compete with this troll.
In this episode, Jason also shares his unique journey – from an infatuation with radio broadcasting to his emergence as a podcast consultant, intent on helping business professionals capitalize on the power of solo podcasting. The episode uncovers Jason's first steps into the world of podcasting, characterized by critical learning experiences and a zeal that spiraled into a flourishing podcasting venture. Despite initial struggles and self-doubt, Jason's approach to convert every misstep into a solid stepping stone is remarkably inspiring.
Venturing into the second half of our podcast, we gain a deep understanding of the holistic elements of creating a successful podcast. With lessons learned from a journey that began at the barstool of a noisy tavern, Jason emphasizes building podcasts with a purpose, concentrating on the value it delivers to listeners rather than chasing high download numbers. His unparalleled journey will certainly inspire you to consider looking beyond the vanity metrics and developing a value-driven content delivery approach in the dynamic world of podcasting.
Listeners can join Jason on his website and set up a free 30-minute Discovery Session to learn more about how he can help them create and grow an engaging, impactful solo podcast. Please visit jasoncercone.com/workwithme.
Questions and Topics:* Learning the things you’d advise people NOT to do now? * How many people just wing it instead of researching or even getting help? * Or expect overnight success? * Why are download numbers a “skewed vanity metric?” * Podcasting mistakes? Format choice? * Why should new, aspiring podcasters start by launching a solo podcast? * Kristen Carder – I Have ADHD Podcast * Being flexible with your format? Having some guests? * New podcast coming soon? Re-branding a show
Harnessing the Power of Solo Podcasting: Decoding Jason Cercone's JourneyPodcast enthusiast Jason Cercone brings nearly a decade of experience in the burgeoning world of podcasting. Having built his personal brand around the impactful aspect of storytelling and the simplification of podcast marketing strategies, his mission as a podcast consultant is to help business leaders and other professionals harness the power of the solo podcast.
Solo podcasts offer a more personal, exclusive experience to listeners compared to guest or co-hosted formats. The value in these solo podcasts is the direct connection between the host and their audience, creating a space for deeper insights, discussions, and impact.
Cercone's journey into podcasting began during his years as a University of Pittsburgh student in Bradford, Pennsylvania. There, he stumbled upon a love for radio broadcasting, which later became the foundation of his podcasting career. In 2015, Cercone bravely pivoted from his communications journey into the beer industry, supporting the groundswell movement of small breweries through a craft beer advocacy blog.
As an initiative to better connect beer consumers to local events, Cercone launched a mobile app, only to be met with criticism from a troll on Twitter. This adversarial interaction fueled him to step further into the podcast world, vowing to create a beer podcast superior to that of his online detractor. His first podcast attempt was held in a noisy bar during trivia night, with minimal preparation, planning or editing in place. As he admits, this was a misstep and did not immediately fulfill his objective of creating a standout podcast, yet it reignited his passion for audio content creation.
Cercone's introduction to the podcast world was a steep learning curve, and he decided to take a break after a few episodes in order to develop his skills. With a focused goal to improve his podcasting skills, he spent a year and a half studying radio and television personalities, learning how to engage and connect with an audience effectively.
Building a Podcast with Purpose: Moving Beyond the Vanity MetricsUpon his return to the podcasting world, Cercone was better prepared to create impactful content and help others navigate the realm of podcasting. A major factor he highlights when starting a podcast is understanding the why behind it. Rather than being lured by the allure of a high download count or focusing on swift monetization, the primary objective should be based on the value the podcast provides to its listeners.
For business owners and professionals, podcasting facilitates direct communication with their audience. The power of the podcast is not necessarily in the number of downloads but in its ability to attract potential and support existing clients. A successful podcast is one that caters to its specific audience, maintaining a consistent delivery of valuable content. This nurtures a loyal listenership and can lead to broader customer attraction and brand advocacy.
According to Cercone, there's no specific rule set or rigid format to podcasting. A podcast can feature guests if they bring value to the audience, even in a solo podcast format. He advises thinking outside the box when devising a podcast strategy, understanding that time constraints and download numbers should not be the ultimate measure of a podcast’s success. The ultimate goal, he shares, is to focus on delivering value to the listeners and ensuring they walk away satisfied from each episode.
The Mantra of Consistency: The Key Component of Successful PodcastingExpounding on Jason Cercone's insights into successful podcasting, one of the most critical aspects he highlighted was the importance of consistency. A podcast, irrespective of its format, should maintain regularity in the release of its episodes; a critical expectation from its audience. Listeners tend to form a routine around their favorite shows, usually fitting in the episodes into their day-to-day activities. Consuming podcast content becomes a ritual, whether during the morning workout, the drive to work, or even on daily walks.
Cercone argues that consistency in episode release is everything, yet, it shouldn't stress out the podcaster. Determining a release frequency that aligns with available time and resources is crucial. Weekly, biweekly, or, in some cases, monthly releases can all work to create regularity for the audience. Going beyond a monthly release cycle could risk losing audience engagement, due to lack of enough content to keep them invested.
The podcaster, according to Cercone, carries a responsibility to the audience. If they need a break, whether to revamp the content, refresh their creativity, or deal with other priorities, they should communicate this to their listeners candidly. Informing the audience about the hiatus and when they should expect new episodes helps ensure listeners continue anticipating new content. In the meantime, podcasters can encourage their listeners to explore previous unlistened episodes in the catalog.
Speaking Directly to the Listener: Building Intimacy and GrowthThe power of podcasting lies in its personal and intimate approach to communication. When a podcast is streamed, it often finds its way directly to the listener's ear, establishing an intimate connection between the content creator and the listener. This level of engagement is significant in a world marked by fleeting attention spans, with listeners dedicating a portion of their time exclusively to the content of the podcast.
Consequently, podcasters ought to understand that they communicate directly to one person- the listener. The primary focus should always be on enhancing the listener's experience. When the content resonates with individual listeners, the chances are that the podcast will begin to attract listeners with similar interests or challenges, thereby fostering growth.
In his journey, Cercone also experienced a phase of rebranding his podcast to better align with his mission and the audience he intended to serve. This shift illustrates the need for flexibility and evolution to ensure the podcast remains valuable and relevant to a changing audience demographic or evolving mission themes.
In the end, the primary determinants of a podcast's success go beyond download numbers or financial gains. The unique value it delivers to its audience, the intimate relationships it maintains with its listeners, and the consistency in delivering insightful content determine its ultimate success.
Episode page with video and moreMy guest for Episode #233 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Phebe Trotman, a successful and heart-centered entrepreneur based in Vancouver, Canada, who is passionate about helping others discover their joy. Her book, released in July, is Never Quit on a Bad Day: Inspiring Stories of Resilience – Thriving Entrepreneurs.In both her athletic and professional careers, Phebe’s personal success has been a testament that anything is possible with hard work, dedication, and a team-centered approach. As an athlete, she has achieved many accolades as a soccer player, including being inducted into several sports halls of fame, winning championship titles, and being recognized as an exceptional athlete. Phebe has also excelled in her career as a network marketer, earning top awards and recognition within her companyIn today's episode, Phebe shares her favorite mistake getting a red card, which meant being ejected from a semifinal soccer championship match and sitting out the final. What were the life lessons and business lessons from this incident, where she retaliated against an opponent for their rough play? The retaliation gets punished?? Business lesson? We have a choice to how we respond?? Learning to not react — controlling our reactions Reacting to negative feedback, even before the book was released? Facing challenges? “ we should be more open about our struggles.” — why is that? When is it a mistake to quit too soon? Was it a tough decision to retire from professional soccer? Did you watch Ted Lasso?? What resonated with you? Helping others be resilient in the aftermath of mistakes? Lessons from the writing and publishing of the book??Questions and Topics:--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #232 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Annie Krall, an adjunct faculty member at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications. She is also a radio news anchor for WLS-Radio (890AM) in Chicago and comes home to the Windy City after being an on-air TV reporter for ABC in Green Bay, WI (WBAY-TV).
After earning her bachelor's and master’s degrees from Northwestern, Annie covered breaking news in Green Bay, the Ryder Cup international golf tournament, as well as the Green Bay Packers. Host of her own weekly medical investigative series “Your Health Matters” Annie was accepted to medical school before pursuing journalism. Prior to WBAY-TV, Annie wrote and produced for ABC NEWS in New York City on the medical and business units for shows like Good Morning America, World News Tonight with David Muir, and 20/20.
Sharpening her golf skills as a competitive golfer starting at the age of six, Annie is now the entertainment golf correspondent for the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA). She helps spotlight celebrity women who either play or have had their lives changed by the sport.
In today's episode, Annie shares her favorite mistake about a time when she didn't hit “send” when needing to send video back to the newsroom. What perspective did she gain from this mistake?
While unpacking her story, Annie shares her unique perspective on journalism education, especially regarding the famous ‘Medill F.' This single grading policy has sparked debates amongst students and educators alike, highlighting the ever-present tension between tradition and change in academia. Tune in to this fascinating episode for an in-depth look at one woman’s journey through the fast-paced world of journalism.
Questions and Topics:
- Northwestern people don't want to admit mistakes?
- Did it ever feel like a mistake not to pursue med school? Did you worry that it would be?
- What are your thoughts about dealing with mistakes live on air? Or the risk of that?
- Why do the Chicago traffic reports insist on using the names, not the freeway numbers?
- The Medill F — the debate about whether that’s helpful or not??
- So giving a Medill F is a choice not a requirement from the Dean
- J.A. Adande – Episode 138
- Does it really work?? Do Medill graduates make fewer mistakes than Mizzou and Syracuse grads?
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #231 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Sara Lohse, the founder and president of Favorite Daughter Media, a creative agency dedicated to helping mission-driven businesses and entrepreneurs use their outside voices.
Join us today as we venture into the captivating world of podcasting, storytelling, and personal growth through the lens of renowned businesswoman Sara Lohse. Sara, the president of Favorite Daughter Media, highlights the influential power of podcasting as an effective platform for entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of using one's “outside voice”. With an amusing tale about a questionable tattoo during a solo trip to Ireland, Sara beautifully illustrates how mistakes, no matter how embarrassing, can act as catalysts for transformative learning experiences and career advancements.
Sara also discusses the key role podcasts play in sharing compelling narratives and valuable knowledge, rather than using them as a sales pitch. As the industry expands, Sara provides helpful input on common mistakes to avoid, and the importance of an authentic approach when reaching out to potential hosts. Moreover, she explains how every mistake or wrong decision can bring about invaluable life lessons, shedding light on how this unique tattoo incident played a pivotal role in shaping her professional journey.
Questions and Topics:
- Origin of your company name?
- How did you get into podcasting?
- How can hosting (or guesting) on podcasts help your business?
- Common mistakes guests make?
- Mistakes when pitching themselves (or others) to be a guest?
- Working on a book — “Open This Book…”
- Finding and extracting the most value from the story? Telling the story well?
- Free eBook — Build Your Brand: 8 Components of a Brand that Sticks
Please follow, rate, and review via Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, or your favorite app — that helps others find this content, and you'll be sure to get future episodes as they are released weekly. You can also financially support the show through Spotify.
You can now sign up to get new episodes via email, to make sure you don't miss an episode.
This podcast is part of the Lean Communicators network.
Listen:Questions and Topics:Video:Quotes:Subscribe, Follow, Support, Rate, and Review!
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #230 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Ken Snyder, Executive Director of the Shingo Institute and Senior Lecturer at Utah State University.
Ken has been the executive director of the Shingo Institute since 2015. He developed an interest in Japanese business practices while living in Japan during the time he was a student. His interest led him to major in Japanese history from the University of Utah and then to pursue an MBA from Harvard Graduate School of Business for the purpose of working with a Japanese business expanding to the United States.
He joined the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business in 2008.
Before joining the Huntsman School, Ken was president of Marketing Communication Inc., an operating division of Taylor Corporation, where he directed a group of six companies while growing revenues from $25 million to over $80 million.
In this episode, Ken shares his favorite mistake story about his time at Taylor Corporation, when he thought he had made an improvement in their process for collecting data from 6,000 dealers — but everybody went back to the old way. Why did the change fail to stick? What did Ken learn from this? How does this influence his teaching today? We discuss that and more!
- Questions and Topics:
- General question: When is it a matter of backsliding or the change was never adopted?
- Tell us about the Shingo Institute and its namesake Shigeo Shingo…
- Lean Blog Interviews podcast with Ritsuo Shingo
- Is it hard for companies to sustain performance after being awarded the Shingo Prize?
- Not just tools, but Principles
- The Shingo Model
- Learning and improving — not just you but the Institute
Episode page with transcript, video, and moreMy guest for Episode #229 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Laura Terrell, an executive coach with over 25 years of professional experience as a legal and business leader. In coaching, she focuses on the issues that are most important to professionals working to address issues in their careers and work lives.Prior to launching her coaching practice, Laura was a Special Assistant to the President at the White House (George W. Bush admin), a senior level appointee at the US Department of Justice, an equity partner in two large global law firms, and in-house counsel at a major global consulting and business advisory firm.Laura has led and managed teams of hundreds of people across multiple countries, and has been a top advisor for many Fortune 500 and FTSE 100 companies. Her clients come from a wide variety of industries, including law, education, financial services, pharmaceutical, oil & gas, non-profit, health care, and technology. Some of them are senior corporate executives like CEOs and general counsels; others are lawyers and consultants, entrepreneurs and small business owners, as well as professionals who may be returning to the workforce, making a pivot to a new career, or switching roles mid-career.In this episode, Laura shares her favorite mistake story about not questioning the compensation that was offered to her when she was excited to take a White House role. How did she learn about the gap between her pay and the salaries received by others? How did Laura almost make, but manage to avoid repeating, the same mistake in her second government job? What can we learn from her about the importance of asking questions and advocating for ourselves?Questions and Topics: How did you learn about that pay gap? People are generally afraid to ask questions (which can lead to mistakes) Afraid of being pushy, afraid of a bad answer? How to get better at delivering bad information? Making assumptions about how bad things would be? Having to give bad news to a legal client? Key still for an attorney? How and why do very successful executives still need coaching? How would you describe ideal client?--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/favorite-mistake/support
Episode Page with video, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #228 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Marc Lesser.
He is the CEO of ZBA Associates, an executive development and leadership consulting company – and he’s a Zen teacher and coach. He founded and was CEO of three highly successful companies and has an MBA from New York University. Prior to his business and coaching career, he was a resident of the San Francisco Zen Center for ten years, and director of Tassajara (Tassa-hara), Zen Mountain Center, the first Zen monastery in the Western world.
Marc helped develop the world-renowned Search Inside Yourself program within Google – a mindfulness-based emotional intelligence training for leaders which teaches the art of integrating mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and business savvy for creating great corporate cultures and a better world.
Marc’s most recent book is Finding Clarity: How Compassionate Accountability Builds Vibrant Relationships. His podcast is called “Zen Bones: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Times.”
Having spent a decade steeped in the teachings of Zen, Mark highlights his experiences, from living the life of a monk to taking over as the director for Tassahara Zen Mountain Center. But, the shift from Zen life to the corporate world was not seamless. Despite successfully launching a publishing company, Mark shares his ‘favorite mistake' of avoiding difficult conversations that led to his departure from the company he built from scratch. Is it a mistake to refer to him as a “former monk”?
Questions and Topics:
- Using a better relationship to small mistakes as a way to prevent big catastrophes?
- What causes the fear of conflict?? What exactly are we afraid of?
- What advice would you give your younger self about that? Courage? Safety?
- Avoiding a repeat of that mistake at the next company?
- How do you choose which difficult conversations to address?
- The risk or danger of deciding to avoid a difficult conversation or not?
- R.D. Lang – “The Politics of Experience” book
- Buddhism and the view on mistakes?
- “Buddhists don’t sweat mistakes”??
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page
In this captivating episode, #227 of the 'My Favorite Mistake' podcast, host Mark Graban is joined by the transformational speaker and coach, Bobbi Kahler.
From a flourishing career in personal development spanning over two decades to catalyzing growth in more than 3000 individuals, Bobbi stands as a beacon of self-improvement and human thriving. Through her popular podcast, The Unyielded Show: Thriving No Matter What, Bobbi explores the core elements that breed a winner's mindset and a rewarding life. In this insightful conversation, she reveals the profundity of her learnings gathered from a mishap during the initial phase of her speaking career.
She is the author of Travels of the Heart: Developing Your Inner Leader, and she was a contributing author to the Amazon and NY Times best-selling book, Masters of Success.
Delving deeper into the episode, we unfold a valuable lesson, a testament to the idea that our ways of confronting errors can greatly shape our path to success. On a day of staff training at a credit union, Bobbi was given the opportunity to conduct two 90-minute sessions. The two experiences stood in stark contrast. The first was well received with audience engagement validating Bobbi's skills as a facilitator. However, it was the second one, with less participation and ending early, that became a tipping point in redefining Bobbi's approach to public speaking.
Why did she label this as her mistake instead of blaming the audience or the circumstances? And how did she adjust when facing similar situations in the future?
Questions and Topics:
- Didn’t have a backup plan?
- Did you run into the same situation again?
- What are some of the common roadblocks that keep people from moving forward – how do we get unstuck?
- How to get past the fear of mistakes?
- PQ – “Positive Intelligence”
- What’s the worst that could happen? An exaggerated sense of that?
- Why do we need to “help shine a light on the value of mistakes?” And how can we do that?
- Why do you believe that there is always a way forward?
- Pfeffer / Sutton – “knowing-doing gap” book
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page with transcript, video, and more
My guest for Episode #226 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Dr. Eli Joseph. He is an author, educator, and 3-time TEDx speaker who currently serves as a faculty member at Columbia University, New York University, and UCLA.
Using rejection to fuel his professional achievements, Dr. Joseph earned his bachelor’s degree at the age of 20, a master’s degree at the age of 21, and earned a doctorate degree at Felician University while teaching at Columbia University at the age of 24, and became a Quest Diagnostics business partner at the age of 25.
He’s the author of the book, The Perfect Rejection Resume: A Reader’s Guide to Building a Career Through Failure (February 22, 2022).
In this episode, Eli shares his favorite mistake story about being rejected for an internship with JP Morgan Chase in 2015. How did this inspire him to write a book on rejection resumes? Why share rejections publicly? We discuss all of that and more.
Questions and Topics:
- So that “favorite mistake” rejection is on your rejection resume??
- What inspired you to write the book on rejection resumes?
- Why share failures or rejections publicly?
- What does it mean to get vaccinated by failure?
- Failures, rejections, mistakes — get back on direction or a new direction??
- Gianis Antetokounmpo — failure question — link to the video
- Book: “addressing the lessons learned from our failures”?
- How to make sure we really learn?
- Why do we love to blame others?
- Time management — future book, mistakes around that?
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page with transcript, video, and more
My guest for Episode #225 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Suzy Siegle. She is the author of, most recently, the book, Chief Energy Officer. Suzy currently serves as the ninth President, CEO & Chief Champion of Walsh College in Troy, Michigan.
Suzy’s academic and professional background blends her passions for business, law, and higher education, focusing on the value and importance of business and technology education in today’s rapidly changing world.
A licensed attorney and member of the State Bar of Michigan, she holds a bachelor’s degree, a master of business administration, a juris doctor, and a doctorate in higher education leadership and management..
She is also the author of: The THRIVE Journal: A Step-by-step guide to help you create and accomplish your goals (2021), and Locus: Take control and change the direction of your life (2022).
In this episode, Suzy shares her favorite mistake story about an email she sent when in a leadership role with a previous college. Why was the feedback about the email a “gut punch”? What did she learn and how did she adjust her communication style after that? What is “styleflexing” and why is that an important strategy?
We also discuss her book, Chief Energy Officer, and why “leadership energy” is so important. How does a “chief energy officer” help others? Does that have to be the CEO’s role?
Questions and Topics:
- How do we make sure we’re learning from mistakes?
- Without feedback, we can’t learn?
- Ask permission to share more?
- There’s a time and a place for giving feedback? Sandwich it?
- What is “leadership energy” and why is that so important?
- HeartMath.org
- Energy in terms of positivity (we can do it) vs. skepticism or cynicism?
- How a “chief energy officer” helps others? Does that have to be the CEO’s role?
- Staying immune to perks and praise
- Tell us a little more about Walsh College… who’s a great fit?
Subscribe, Follow, Support, Rate, and Review!
Please follow, rate, and review via Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, or your favorite app — that helps others find this content, and you'll be sure to get future episodes as they are released weekly. You can also financially support the show through Spotify.
You can now sign up to get new episodes via email, to make sure you don't miss an episode.
This podcast is part of the Lean Communicators network.
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page with transcript, video, and more
My guest for Episode #224 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Mark Myers. Mark is the founder of Peak Profit Solutions and a Tax Savings Architect. He brings over 20 years of successful business operation and high-level consulting experience to the clients and financial professionals he services.
Mark employs the same discipline and tenacity in finding tax savings as he did serving his country as a former Marine Corps Sergeant in Bravo Company 4th Marine Division.
In this episode, Mark shares his favorite mistake story from a previous business, where he was “overconfident” — not getting mentors or help when working in the high-end health club industry. Why did he vow to never repeat this mistake? What does he do differently now?
We also discuss leadership lessons from the Marine Corps. We dive deeply into the world of tax strategies, including what are “red flags” of “unscrupulous” approaches? What mistakes are made when trying to understand or apply United States tax laws to a business?
Mark Myers Was Overconfident & Didn’t Have a Mentor; Vowed Not to Repeat That Mistake
posted on AUGUST 19, 2023FILED UNDER: MY FAVORITE MISTAKETAGGED WITH: CEO, COACH, ENTREPRENEUR, MENTORING, MISTAKES
Check out all episodes on the My Favorite Mistake main page.
My guest for Episode #224 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Mark Myers. Mark is the founder of Peak Profit Solutions and a Tax Savings Architect. He brings over 20 years of successful business operation and high-level consulting experience to the clients and financial professionals he services.
Mark employs the same discipline and tenacity in finding tax savings as he did serving his country as a former Marine Corps Sergeant in Bravo Company 4th Marine Division.
In this episode, Mark shares his favorite mistake story from a previous business, where he was “overconfident” — not getting mentors or help when working in the high-end health club industry. Why did he vow to never repeat this mistake? What does he do differently now?
We also discuss leadership lessons from the Marine Corps. We dive deeply into the world of tax strategies, including what are “red flags” of “unscrupulous” approaches? What mistakes are made when trying to understand or apply United States tax laws to a business?
Questions and Topics:
- What mentor or help did you look for or bring in?
- Thought he was indestructible
- Guarding against overconfidence now?
- Tell us more about Peak Profit Solutions – why start advising business owners this way? Why this focus and this interest?
- You are not a CPA but working with them and financial advisors?
- Compliance questions for advisors vs. tax law?
- Tax efficiency or minimizing taxes without anything that’s illegal?
- What’s a red flag of “unscrupulous”?
- Black and white — IRS interpretation of that law?
- What questions should we ask an accountant to see if they are a good fit?
- Book a free consultation
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page with links, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #223 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Alisa Applewhite. She is the CEO of Top of the Line Healthcare Staffing, TOTLHS Heart of Gold Inc., and The Real Alisa Applewhite Consulting. Alisa describes herself as a Nurse, CEO, Wife, Mom, Child of God, Friend, Daughter, and Sister.
In this episode, Alisa shares her favorite mistake story about hiring 18 family members based on emotion, paying them too much. How did she discover performance issues and her mistake? Did she have to let some of them go?
We also discuss a number of issues in healthcare, including proper staffing levels, “travel” nurse staffing, and the mistake of not listening to the patient's family about how they're doing.
Questions and Topics:
- Working at the bed when Covid started? What was it like?
- The story of starting the staffing company?
- How Covid affected her mentally
- The business need for a staffing agency like hers?
- Staffing level mistakes in healthcare? What’s standard vs. what’s sufficient??
- Determining the “true” ratios for staffing?? What’s standard vs. what’s practical?
- The dynamics where nurses are increasingly wanting to be a “traveler” nurse? More to it than just higher pay?
- “Stigma” of travel nurses can be unfair?
- Videos — 5 nursing mistakes
- Mistake to NOT listen to patient’s family about how the patient is doing?
- A time your listening saved a patient’s life?
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page with transcript, video, and more
My guest for Episode #222 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Indus Khaitan, the CEO & Founder of Quolum, a company funded by Sequoia and Nexus.
Mark's new book - The Mistakes That Make Us: Cultivating a Culture of Learning and Innovation
Indus has 20 years of business growth, product management, and SaaS experience. He has analyzed SaaS buying for 20+ companies with over $500,000 in SaaS spend and has been the leader of growth for a unicorn.
Indus grew up in a mining town where 2-3 homicides daily were a norm, and eventually escaped what he calls the “India Coal Mafia” that plagued his life and left for America. He made the most out of this move and became a founder, a father, and a pilot. He now aims to help others make the same growth in their business and life.
In this episode, Indus shares his favorite mistake story about selling a previous company “prematurely.” Why does he now think they should have persisted? What was the thought process at the time? What was the risk of not selling? We discuss all of that and more.
Questions and Topics:
- What's a unicorn?
- What do you mean by the “Indian Coal Mafia”?
- If everyone is telling you it’s a mistake… are you wrong or being a visionary?
- What positive comes out of a mistake?
- Lessons learned for next time? Trusting your gut? Putting your foot down as you said? Risk of overadjustment?
- Learning vs. agonizing over it
- This isn’t your profession, but I have questions for you as a Pilot – preventing mistakes?
- Difference between preventing mistakes in a repeatable process (like taking off and landing) vs. doing innovative things?
- Doesn’t mean anybody can fly a plane?
- Get there-itis may have killed Kobe Bryant
- Tell us about your current company, Quolum…
- Mistakes companies make with their portfolio of SaaS applications and spending?
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page with transcript and more
My guest for Episode #221 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Beate Chelette. Beate is the Growth Architect and Founder of “The Women’s Code” – she provides visionaries and leaders with proven strategies, blueprints and growth maps that provide clear steps to improve business systems, strengthen leadership skills and teams so that their clients and audiences can maximize profits and scale their impact.
A first-generation immigrant who found herself $135,000 in debt as a single parent, Beate bootstrapped her passion for photography into a global business that licensed content into 79 countries. She exited in a multimillion-dollar deal when she sold the company to Bill Gates.
She is the host of a podcast, the Business Growth Architect Show. Her book is Happy Woman Happy World: The Foolproof Fix That Takes You From Overwhelmed To Awesome.
In this episode, Beate shares her favorite mistake story about losing a year of her life by engaging in a lawsuit where she was “right” but it “wasn't worth the time.” Why did it just lead to mental anguish? What did Beate learn from this and what can we learn from her? We discuss that and more.
Questions and Topics:
- You sold your business to Bill Gates, what was it that you sold?
- “If you think something’s off… you’re right”
- Did you consider dropping the case at different points?
- How did you get everything back on track with your career and businesses?
- How often are you helping business owners who are in a similar rock bottom situation?
- What are the most common blockers to business growth?
- Find out what your #1 Business Growth Blocker is
- How to clarify strategy and “what do you do?”
- Doing a bunch of random things vs. having a strategy?
Please follow, rate, and review via Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, or your favorite app — that helps others find this content, and you'll be sure to get future episodes as they are released weekly. You can also financially support the show through Spotify.
You can now sign up to get new episodes via email, to make sure you don't miss an episode.
This podcast is part of the Lean Communicators network.
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page with transcript, video, and more
My guest for Episode #220 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Rich Sheridan, the co-founder, CEO, and “Chief Storyteller” of Menlo Innovations, a software and IT consulting firm that has earned numerous awards and press coverage for its innovative and positive workplace culture.
He’s the author of two books — first, Joy, Inc.: How We Built a Workplace People Love, and then his latest, published in 2019, Chief Joy Officer: How Great Leaders Elevate Human Energy and Eliminate Fear.
I’ve interviewed Rich twice in my “Lean Blog Interviews” podcast, we’ve crossed paths at conferences, and I’ve been able to visit the Menlo Innovations office in Ann Arbor (2014).
In this episode, Rich shares two favorite mistake stories from his time as a senior leader at a previous company. Why did one mistake change his life? How did the second mistake help him put himself in the CEO's shoes?
Rich also kindly endorsed my new book:
“At Menlo Innovations, one of our favorite phrases is ‘Make Mistakes Faster!’ It’s not that we like making mistakes, we just prefer making small mistakes quickly rather than BIG mistakes slowly. The difference comes from creating a culture where we are safe to share our mistakes. In The Mistakes That Make Us, author Mark Graban teaches all of us how to do this and shares story after real story of the benefits. It would be a BIG mistake to ignore this wisdom!”
Questions and Topics:
- Why the title “chief storyteller?”
- How do you define “joy” in the workplace?
- What’s your role as CEO in helping others find joy or be joyful?
- Joy vs. happiness?
- Deming connections: pride, fear
- Why is eliminating fear so important to you and Menlo?
- You say, “one of your favorite phrases at Menlo Innovations is ‘Make Mistakes Faster!” — tell us more about that…
- “Fear makes bad news go into hiding…”
- “Let’s run the experiment” — tell us more, “try stuff and see if it works”
- Being open to small mistakes as a way to avoid big ones? An experiment in working with you?
- “Without the stories, Menlo doesn’t make sense”
- Paired work
Please follow, rate, and review via Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, or your favorite app — that helps others find this content, and you'll be sure to get future episodes as they are released weekly. You can also financially support the show through Spotify.
You can now sign up to get new episodes via email, to make sure you don't miss an episode.
This podcast is part of the Lean Communicators network.
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #219 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Hank Levine, the President and CEO of iPlace USA, a global Recruitment Process Outsourcing company.
He has 39 years' experience in sales, business development, marketing, and general management. He created the marketing and business strategies for six companies – four of which were acquired for a total of $92 million. Hank has twice “reinvented” his career. Before heading offshore recruiting firms, he held senior management positions in venture capital-backed technology companies. The first phase of his career was with cutting-edge home automation and telecom firms.
Hank holds a bachelor’s in engineering from the University of Pennsylvania and his master’s in management from the Sloan School at MIT.
In this episode, Hank shares two favorite mistake stories from earlier in his career at two different companies — one related to sales and one related to technology development. Why did the first story profoundly change how he views leadership? Why did the second story teach him to avoid the “curse of the expert?”
We also discuss his efforts to cultivate a culture of learning from mistakes at iPlace USA.
I also want to mention that Hank is mentioned and quoted in my book The Mistakes That Make Us: Cultivating a Culture of Learning and Innovation, based on a previous interaction we had.
Questions and Topics:
- Putting the right person in the right role — good fit
- Examples of putting that lesson into practice?
- Giving up on a person vs. finding a different role?
- Dealing with politics in an organization when you think they're wrong and you're right
- Turning around and mentoring younger employees based on his lessons?
- Tell us about iPlace – the business and the environment
- Core values of respect, integrity
- Try to make it safe to admit mistakes
- Methods or approaches to help learn and avoid repeating mistakes? Learning from mistakes? Spreading that learning?
Subscribe, Follow, Support, Rate, and Review!
Please follow, rate, and review via Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, or your favorite app — that helps others find this content, and you'll be sure to get future episodes as they are released weekly. You can also financially support the show through Spotify.
You can now sign up to get new episodes via email, to make sure you don't miss an episode.
This podcast is part of the Lean Communicators network.
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page with transcript, videos, and more
My guest for Episode #218 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Colonel Kim “KC” Campbell, who served in the Air Force for 24 years as a fighter pilot and senior military leader.
KC has flown 1,800 hours in the A-10 Warthog, including more than 100 combat missions protecting troops on the ground in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
KC is now a keynote speaker and bestselling author. Her new book, Flying in the Face of Fear: A Fighter Pilot's Lessons on Leading with Courage is now available!
KC is a distinguished graduate of the Air Force Academy and has a Master of Arts in International Security Studies and a MBA from the University of London.
In 2003, Colonel Campbell was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism after successfully recovering her battle-damaged airplane after an intense close air support mission in Baghdad. She has served in roles including Squadron Commander, Operations Group Commander and, most recently, KC served as the Director for the Center for Character and Leadership Development at the United States Air Force Academy.
In this episode, KC shares her favorite mistake story about a time her visor fogged up when flying an A-10 Warthog in a training mission. What did she learn from this mistake, including how to let mistakes go — to put them aside and debrief at the right time?
She also discusses almost being shot down over Baghdad — would it have been a mistake to eject? Was it almost a mistake not to?
As she says on her website:
"But how can we improve if we don’t learn from our mistakes?”
Questions and Topics:
- Learning to stay calm under stress? — learned over time??
- Kids and sports —- Lenny Walls – Ep 51
- Learning to stay calm under stress? — learned over time??
- Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism
- Almost being shot down over Baghdad?
- Debriefing, learning, and moving forward?
- Planning for contingencies is a way of preventing mistakes…
- Mistake of ejecting too soon vs. too late?
- Is this critiqued? For learning?
- How many women when you became a fighter pilot?
- Lessons for women navigating male-dominated environments?
- Debriefing from mistakes as fighter pilots and learning — what’s that culture??? Learning and overcoming them…
- Question from your video — “Vulnerability isn’t about weakness… it’s about being open to uncertainty” – help your team be willing to be more innovative… try new things…
Please follow, rate, and review via Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, or your favorite app — that helps others find this content, and you'll be sure to get future episodes as they are released weekly. You can also financially support the show through Spotify.
You can now sign up to get new episodes via email, to make sure you don't miss an episode.
This podcast is part of the Lean Communicators network.
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #217 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Dr. Timothy R. Clark, an organizational anthropologist, and founder/CEO of LeaderFactor, based in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Tim pioneered the field of data-driven cultural transformation and ranks as a global authority in senior executive development. He earned a Ph.D. in Social Science from Oxford University as a British Research Scholar and was a Fulbright Scholar at Seoul National University in Korea.
Tim is the author of five books, including his most recent, The 4 Stages of Psychological Safety. I’ve learned so much from this book, his training class, his podcasts, and more.
In this episode, Tim shares his favorite mistake story about a pattern of being overtaken by emotion when making a decision. What did he do about this pattern and what did he learn about hiring people for his company?
We also discuss the concept of “psychological safety” and what leaders need to do to create conditions where people can feel safe speaking up about mistakes, ideas for improvement, and more.
I feel honored that Tim endorsed my new book:
”Making mistakes is not a choice. Learning from them is. Whether we admit it or not, mistakes are the raw material of potential learning and the means by which we progress and move forward. Mark Graban’s The Mistakes That Make Us is a brilliant treatment of this topic that helps us frame mistakes properly, detach them from fear, and see them as expectations, not exceptions. This book’s ultimate contribution is helping us realize that creating a culture of productive mistake-making accelerates learning, confidence, and success.”
Questions and Topics:
Instead of the question I normally start with… how do you define “psychological safety”? How would you explain “vulnerable acts”? Why is it so much more helpful for leaders to MODEL behaviors?? You can’t just demand that people “should” speak up in the hierarchy (healthcare or otherwise)?? Why is the safety to learn from mistakes required for innovation to thrive?
Please follow, rate, and review via Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, or your favorite app — that helps others find this content, and you'll be sure to get future episodes as they are released weekly. You can also financially support the show through Spotify.
You can now sign up to get new episodes via email, to make sure you don't miss an episode.
This podcast is part of the Lean Communicators network.
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #216 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Cathy Fyock, The Biz Book Strategist.
She leads her own consulting/coaching/speaking practice and has been a member of the National Speakers Association for more than 20 years. Cathy has been a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) since 1993. Since starting her coaching business in 2014, she’s helped more nearly 200 professionals become published authors — including me!
She coached me through the writing and publication of my 2018 book, Measures of Success, and she has been coaching me on the book I’m currently finishing up, The Mistakes That Make Us. The Kindle version is available tomorrow!
Cathy has written books including On Your Mark: From First Word to First Draft in Six Weeks, Blog2Book: Repurposing Content to Discover the Book You’ve Already Written, The Speaker Author: Sell More Books and Book More Speeches, and the WSJ, USA Today, and Amazon best-seller, Authority. Her upcoming book, which I've endorsed, is Writer Crisis Hotline.
In this episode, Cathy shares her favorite mistake story about leaving a business she had started to take a job where she could be “part of a team.” Was it a mistake to take a job with that particular team or to take a regular job anywhere? Did it become easier to move on from jobs over time? What led Cathy to start her latest business based on what she had learned, including what she learned about herself?
We discuss that, along with common mistakes that book authors make when writing and/or publishing their books. We also discuss the choice between traditional publishers, “self” publishing, and “hybrid publishers.”
Questions and Topics:
- Tell us about starting your current business…
- Writing – following a passion?
- Understanding the business model around your book?
- A book is like a startup?
- The learning that happens while writing a book
- Ethical situation when it comes to ghostwriting (by a human) or new AI tools?
- Common book writing mistakes?
- Mistakes related to the publishing phase?
- Mistake titles? Mistake covers?
- The connection between writing and speaking
- Book pricing – finding the sweet spot?“Self publishing” vs. traditional publishing? How to choose?
- Hybrid publishing? – hire a general contractor
Please follow, rate, and review via Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, or your favorite app — that helps others find this content, and you'll be sure to get future episodes as they are released weekly. You can also financially support the show through Spotify.
You can now sign up to get new episodes via email, to make sure you don't miss an episode.
This podcast is part of the Lean Communicators network.
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/favorite-mistake/support
This originally appeared as a LinkedIn Live, hosted by John Saunders.
Book website pre-orders of signed copies | Amazon Kindle version pre-order / order
Description of the event...
Join us for a new segment of “Meet the Author LIVE.”
“Meet the Author LIVE” is an opportunity to learn everything valuable there is to know about the author. Plus, we can answer your questions live in the chat so be sure to drop them in there.
This episode will feature Mark Graban, and we’ll chat about his June 2023 book, "The Mistakes That Make Us: Cultivating a Culture of Learning and Innovation" and talk about how he compiled stories and lessons from over 220 episodes of his podcast, “My Favorite Mistake,” and his own career.
Mark has hosted guests on his podcast, including best-selling author Daniel Pink, Shark Tank’s Kevin Harrington, two sitting members of Congress, and more. He has over 518,000 followers on LinkedIn and has earned a LinkedIn "Top Voices" status.
Mark is an author, speaker, podcaster, and consultant. He serves as a consultant through his company, Constancy, Inc., and is also a Senior Advisor for the technology company KaiNexus. He earned a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Northwestern University, an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, and an M.B.A. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Leaders for Global Operations Program.
Join us on June 23 at 12:00 PM ET to meet Mark Graban and hear a chat with host John Saunders, and learn how leaders can cultivate a culture of learning from mistakes — and how that leads to innovation and greater success.
Plus, hear answers to questions:
- Why they really wrote this book?
- What the author truly hopes readers take away.
- What did they learn from writing their book?
- How did they fit book writing into their life?
- What are their goals for 2023?
- What’s your “favorite mistake”?
-
What are some ways you help organizations learn and practice these concepts?
-
Book: http://mistakesbook.com/
- Linkedin: https://lnkd.in/ejTGHhA5
- Twitter: https://lnkd.in/eTc5dCRv
- Instagram: https://lnkd.in/eb4-BcA2
- Facebook: https://lnkd.in/eAQvn3ZQ
- Website: https://lnkd.in/e9dnw_fP
- Podcast: https://lnkd.in/eq6qT4kT
Check out Mark’s book, The Mistakes That Make Us: Cultivating a Culture of Learning and Innovation.
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #215 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA). I'm very honored to have him here.
Rep. Smith represents the 9th District of the State of Washington. He was reelected to his 14th term in 2022 and has been the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee since 2011. He served as chair of the committee from 2018–2022 when the Democrats controlled the majority in the US House.
The Congressman is also the author of a new book, available now, Lost and Broken: My Journey Back from Chronic Pain and Crippling Anxiety.
In this episode, Rep. Smith shares his favorite mistake story about his first-ever campaign and election, for Washington State Senate. What assumption did he make about what would make a successful campaign strategy? Did he adjust and recover in time?
Mark's New Book - "The Mistakes That Make Us"
We also discuss the journey described in his book, a journey back to physical and mental health. What mistakes did he make and what mistakes does Rep. Smith say are common in healthcare? How did he learn not to beat himself up for mistakes and why is sharing mistakes so important to him? How can the rest of us avoid similar mistakes related to health and healthcare?
Mark's New Book – “The Mistakes That Make Us”
Questions and Topics:
- Asked on June 1st: Is the U.S. avoiding the national mistake of a debt default?
- In the book, you share some mistakes… why is it helpful to do so?
- For readers to realize our elected leaders (like all people) make mistakes?
- How have you learned to not beat yourself up over mistakes?
- Is it a mistake to not want to see a psychotherapist?
- How do people know when they should seek help for mental health concerns??
- Tell us about the perceived need for a politician to keep mental health problems quiet… going back to VP nominee Thomas Eagleton… a year before I was born, getting replaced as the nominee after past bouts of depression were revealed…
- Is the public getting more accepting of admissions of mental health issues?
- Doctors failed to get to the root cause of your problems by just pushing pills?
- You CAN get better — it was a long journey to find the right caregivers?
- Tell us about your book Lost and Broken — how did it come to be?
- Did it help you process that stress?
- From the book: “My own reelection campaign in 1994 presented challenges, as I have described, but I learned from them. I made mistakes.” — what were those?
- Did it get easier to run as the incumbent over time?
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/favorite-mistake/support
Episode Page
My guest for Episode #214 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Zak Waddell. He’s a college success manager at Woolf — the first global, collegiate higher education institution allowing membership for qualified new colleges through their software platform.
A previous guest, Anthony Trucks, (Episode 97) was a contestant on American Ninja Warrior. Zak was a contestant on a show that might be even more grueling (at least mentally): The Bachelorette (Season 9)
In this episode, Zak shares his favorite mistake story about, as an entrepreneur, falling in love with a business idea instead of starting with the “voice of the customer” and their needs. In this startup, why was it so difficult to challenge the traditional commission-based real estate model? What assumptions turned out not to be true? What did Zak learn? How does the experience with that failed startup help him now?
We also discuss his experience as a contestant on The Bachelorette. Did he ever think it was a mistake to start that journey? What mistakes do contestants make? What mistakes might viewers make when watching a “reality” show? We talk about that and more in this most dramatic episode of My Favorite Mistake yet.
Questions and Topics:
- Falling in love with an idea
- Need to take a Iterative approach and listening to customers
- What assumptions did you have to test?
- What did you learn through cycles of learning…
- Pivot or Pull the Plug??
- Not vetting individuals… not stopping to think if it was the RIGHT team…
- How to manage in less hierarchical ways?
- Failed startup — really helped him for what he’s doing now
- Rigorous iteration — failing fast, failing forward
- Applying those lessons to future ventures or Woolf?
- The Bachelorette — Was there any point when you felt like it was a mistake to sign up for this — before or during?
- Do you try to learn from previous seasons or just do your own thing?
- Why does it backfire when a contestant tries to report bad behavior to the Bachelorette?
- A mistake as a viewer to think what you see is naturally occurring vs. stirred up by producers? And editors?
- Is it by design that more couples from the show are getting married now?
- Tried to apply entrepreneurship concepts on the show? Fall fast, fail often?
- If asked to write a book about the lessons from the show for business?
Please follow, rate, and review via Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, or your favorite app — that helps others find this content, and you'll be sure to get future episodes as they are released weekly. You can also financially support the show through Spotify.
You can now sign up to get new episodes via email, to make sure you don't miss an episode.
This podcast is part of the Lean Communicators network.
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #213 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Susan Landers, M.D., a retired neonatologist, author, & speaker. She practiced full-time in the NICU for over thirty years and wrote a book about her experience: So Many Babies: My Life Balancing a Busy Medical Career and Motherhood. Susan is an expert in physician burnout, breastfeeding medicine, & donor human milk banking. During her career, she published over thirty peer-reviewed papers.
In this episode, Susan shares her favorite mistake story about a career decision that she thought was a mistake for years… but things turned out fine. But how did she get disillusioned with working in healthcare and how did that lead to burnout? How can we recognize burnout in ourselves (and others) and how can we help? How can we take better care of ourselves?
Mark's new book, The Mistakes That Make Us: Cultivating a Culture of Learning and Innovation
Questions and Topics:
- What was it like to experience burnout?
- When and how did this happen to you?
- The symptoms of burnout?
- Tired vs. burned out??
- Is it generally true that others notice it before you?
- Speaking up if you see this in a loved one: alienating themselves
- Can you talk about how you recovered from burnout?
- How prevalent is burnout in healthcare?
- How much worse is it due to Covid?
- Systems thinking — how often do leaders make the mistake of blaming people for getting burned out?
- Read about the signs of physician burnout
- Get a checklist for signs of burnout in working mothers
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page with transcript, video, and more.
My guest for Episode #212 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Matt Shoup. In 2005, Matt was laid off and then founded M & E Painting, which grew quickly — and has produced over $30 million dollars in revenue since 2005. Matt and M & E Painting have received dozens of business awards.
He's the author of books including his latest, Painted Baby: Connect with Clients through Brave and Vulnerable Storytelling.
Click this link to receive Matt's free tool kit packed with resources to build your business and advance your leadership
Matt was named one Colorado Biz Magazine's Top Five Most Influential Young Professionals (2010), one of 40 Under 40 Top Business Leaders by the Northern Colorado Business Report (2013), amongst other awards.
Matt has founded 6 successful companies and grown them all from the ground up. All of these companies are being run by extraordinary people! Along the way, Matt received his Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt.
In this episode, Matt shares his favorite mistake story about the time employees of his company accidentally painted a baby due to an equipment mishap. What happened and why did he end up writing a book about it to encourage business owners to own and share their mistakes to connect deeper with clients?
Questions and Topics:
- A potential client asked him — “Tell me about a time you screwed up and what you did about it…”
- How you reacted to the mistake? Had time to think while driving over there? – Reaction vs. response
- Learning from that accident to prevent it?
- Not painting a picture of perfection…
- Tell us about the time you met Kevin Harrington… Episode 1
- Using that story to sell more painting jobs?
- Effective in sharing the story proactively?
- What’s your secret – what’s your painted baby story?
- “I thought selling was telling…”
- Right color on the wrong house – how did that happen?
- Mayor of Colleyville – demo-ed wrong house
- Starting companies and handing them off to be run by others?
- “Can the business run without you?” — “Can it grow without you?”
- Lessons from jiu jitsu – practicing and teaching it? Please follow, rate, and review via Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, or your favorite app — that helps others find this content, and you'll be sure to get future episodes as they are released weekly. You can also financially support the show through Spotify.
You can now sign up to get new episodes via email, to make sure you don't miss an episode.
This podcast is part of the Lean Communicators network.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #211 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Ellen Poole, author of the new book ‘Network’ is Not a Verb.
Ellen teaches people at all levels of their careers effective strategies to build networks and nurture relationships for professional success. After graduating from the George Washington University Law School, she became the fourth woman in U.S. history to be chosen as CEO of a state bankers association and was named by the Phoenix Business Journal as one of its ten most influential people under 40. More recently, Poole spent almost 15 years as a multi-state government relations executive for Fortune 100 company USAA, where she built a professional network spanning the country.
In this episode, Ellen shares her favorite mistake story about the time she blew a job interview by giving a “smart-ass” answer. Was it a blessing in disguise because the organization might not have been a fit. Does the need to be authentic trump all else? What did she learn about being more customer focused, in interviewing and in general?
Questions and Topics:
- Was this mistake a blessing in disguise in terms of fit?
- What did you learn? “Don’t be a smartass in job interviews…”
- Being more customer focused?
- Did anyone ever bring up that interview again?
- What are some common mistakes people make in the name of networking?
- Tell us about the book — ‘Network’ is Not a Verb.
- There’s an implied mistake… to think network is a verb… tell us about that…
- LinkedIn as a networking tool?? Sales platform?
- “How to solve the problems of everyone you come into contact with…”
- Use discount code MARKGRABAN on her website
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page with transcript, video, and more
My guest for Episode #210 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Mike Kaeding, the CEO of Norhart. They design, build, and rent apartments. They are transforming the way this is done by incorporating technologies and techniques that have revolutionized other industries. This has resulted in improved quality and reduced cost of housing. Ultimately, they are committed to solving America’s housing shortage and affordability crisis. And in doing so they hope to improve the way we all live.
In this episode, Mike shares his favorite mistake story about not realizing that paying well to hire the best was well worth the investment. What opened his eyes to this as a new CEO and how did he adjust? We discuss that and the power of intentionally creating a culture that attracts and retains great employees who are aligned with Norhart's mission and goals.
Questions and Topics:
- How old is the company? You took over from your father…
- Tell us about some of the history and culture
- Your company — rare to design, build, AND rent?
- Is it a matter of speed, efficiency and quality?
- You’ve brought techniques from manufacturing? Tell us about that and who is helping you?
- Partnership with Toyota – TSSC
- You talk about building an attractive culture — Why is that? And how?
- The connection to employees and how it resonates with them?
- “Best in the world” is their goal…
- Life is so short — don’t waste it doing work you don’t enjoy, with people you don’t enjoy working with
- Norhart values
- Norhart Invest — interest-bearing accounts
- Podcast – “Becoming a Unicorn, ” launching soon
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page with transcript, video, links, and more
My guest for Episode #209 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Shirley Novack, Owner and Interior Designer at her firm, S. Novack and Assoc.
She originally graduated with a degree in Laboratory Science. After marrying and having three children, she went back to school and has run her successful interior design business for almost 40 years.
As a first generation daughter of Polish/Russian parents, she has recently published her first book, a Historical Fiction novel called The Story Of… — This book is loosely based on the life of her father, a Russian immigrant…
In this episode, Shirley shares her favorite mistake story about being in the wrong place at the wrong time — taking a wrong turn in a van at Boston's Logan Airport and getting surrounded by Secret Service. We also discuss her novel and mistakes made running her interior design company, and more.
Questions and Topics:
- Not the only time she was suspected of being a terrorist?
- Was getting that degree as a medical technologist a mistake?
- Your initial message to me said, “still running my design practice trying to keep from making any more mistakes.”
- Do you have methods for trying to prevent mistakes? Or prevent repeats?
- Also said, “making mistakes is human, as long as I'm not the surgeon operating on the wrong appendage.” It’s good to remember that right?
- David Mayer, MD — Episode 70
- Dealing with mistakes that employees might make?
- Her “most expensive mistake…” in the interior design business
- Firing her officer manager of 20 years — why?
- Interior design mistakes that clients are driving??
- Is the customer always right?
- Tell us about the book… what inspired you?
- What’s a “Hybrid publisher”?
- Next book? – working on the next one…
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page with transcript, video, and more
My guest for Episode #208 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Wendy H. Steele, the founder and CEO of Impact100, a global nonprofit organization dedicated to uniting and empowering over 30,000 women to create a transformational impact in their communities has today collectively granted more than $123 million to worthy nonprofits across more than 65 local chapters and four countries.
Wendy's debut book, Invitation to Impact: Lighting the Path to Community Transformation, was released in April 2023.
Wendy brings the ideal combination of corporate leadership (SVP/Regional Manager in the banking industry), entrepreneurship (Successfully launched and led both non-profit and for-profit enterprises), and civic engagement resulting in keen business acumen and thought leadership.
In this episode, Wendy shares her favorite mistake story about starting up her nonprofit and explaining what it did, but not why it existed. How did she come to see this problem and how did it affect the organization as it grew nationally? And how did Wendy adjust?
We also discuss some of her previous experience as a founder and CEO of a company that manufactured an innovative duct tape dispenser. How do we make sure we're moving the needle on results in a business or a non-profit?
- Assumed the why was obvious…
- What was the what?? To help women get involved in their community on their terms… thought it was designed for women in Cincinnati
- The leadership team understood the why at launch
- How did you realize people didn’t understand the WHY? It took a while
- What got off track? How did you adjust?
- How would you articulate the WHY? Did others make up their own why in the absence of that?
- Entrepreneurship trap of getting popular and growing too quickly before some of those foundations are sorted out, including systems, documents, training
- Your journey from banking to manufacturing CEO to banking to philanthropy? Lessons learned?
- Tell us about the new book Invitation to Impact: Lighting the Path to Community Transformation
- Iteration on the book writing and editing too?
- How to make sure our philanthropic activity has impact?
Mark's New Book – “The Mistakes That Make Us”Questions and Topics:
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #207 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Kim Crowder, the Founder & CEO of Kim Crowder Consulting, one of the country’s leading executive, leadership, inclusive marketing and communications firms.
Kim and her team work across industries serving global organizations. From leaders and executives at Adobe to Smugmug, the American Library Association, HarperCollins Publishers, and more, Kim and her team provide executives and leaders with actionable tools to build healthy, people-centered workplaces long term.
She is a certified DEI and Six Sigma Leadership CEO, strategist, speaker, and consultant featured or quoted by Forbes, The New York Times, CNN, and Business Insider, among countless others — she's a sought after commentator and voice.
In this episode, Kim shares her favorite mistake story about not “honoring red flags” during the process of interviewing for a job. Did she experience “micro-aggressions” or just flat out aggressions? Why does Kim say this was her favorite mistake in terms of the growth it provided for her?
Questions and Topics:
- Unwillingness to talk about money, or negotiate salary – could they have open dialogue on other things?
- Attacking you for reporting the problem instead of addressing… the problem
- That next job – I bet you were really on guard for red flags?
- The need to account for past experiences of employees from marginalized groups?
- Stay away from saying “toxic?”
- Is it easier for white men to admit mistakes? Do we have a certain amount of privilege?
- Low # of Black head coaches in the NFL — equality of the opportunity and also the situation?
- You provide support for “The Onlys” in organizations – tell us about that
- Hiring / Promoting Black men or women is not enough?
- What does it mean to use data-driven approaches to understand team member experiences over time?
- “We call social media the new accountability partner”
- Being authentic at work — you recently wrote about a double standard related to Angela Bassett and her reaction to losing out on the Best Supporting Actress Oscar
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page
My guest for Episode #206 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Ivan “Funkboy” Bodley. He is a bass player and music director for the stars. He has performed with 52 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees and counting (ranging from Elvis Costello, The Temptations, Bo Diddley, and Wynonna Judd. He's the author of the book Am I Famous Yet?: Memoir of a Working-Class Rock Star — and it's also a podcast.
He’s played in 13 Broadway shows, the President Obama Inaugural Ball, many late-night shows (including Late Night with Conan O’Brien), and morning shows, including Today and Live with Regis & Kelly. Funkboy is a magna cum laude graduate of the Berklee College of Music and an inductee into the New York Blues Hall of Fame. He has traveled to 31 countries worldwide and played to audiences of up to 82,000 people.
In this episode, Ivan shares his favorite mistake story about getting fired by a certain “disco diva” because he asked for a raise. But what did Ivan learn from that situation? What could he have done better? Does he second-guess what he should have done before any of his “epic firings”? We discuss what it's like to be a musician who travels the world playing with household names and legends. We also talk about our mutual love of the film “This is Spinal Tap.” But, hey, enough of my yakkin'… Whadaya say? Let's boogie!
Questions and Topics:
- What was the audience of 82,000 you played for?
- Did you have the full range of relationships with the big name performers? “Can’t be overly familiar with the boss…”
- Do you ever get bored playing the same music every night?
- You have a whole section on my resume/website and book called “Gigs I DIDN'T get and why.” Why do that?
- Lessons learned — it’s often not your fault
- Do you try to find out why the last guy was fired?
- Sam Moore – Conan O'Brien video with him playing
- “Am I Famous Yet?: Memoir of a Working-Class Rock Star”
- Did you want to be famous?
- This is Spinal Tap??
- Favorite scenes or mistakes from that?
- Funniest “Tap” type moment that happened to you?
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/favorite-mistake/support
Author of Love Is.
Episode page with video, links, and transcript
My guest for Episode #205 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Kim Sorrelle. Kim is the director of a humanitarian organization, a popular speaker, and the author of two books. Her first, Cry Until You Laugh, is about her and her husband's battle with cancer after being diagnosed just four months apart. Her second, Love Is, chronicles her year-long quest to figure out the true meaning of love, a sometimes funny, sometimes scary, always enlightening journey that led to life-changing discoveries found mostly on the streets of Haiti.
In this episode, Kim shares her favorite mistake story about buying a grocery store in St. Croix (she lives in Michigan) and hiring the wrong manager to run that business. How long did it take her to discover the mistake? Did she try to coach him up? When did she decide to make a change, and how did she avoid repeating the mistake based on what she learned the first time?
Oh, and she slips in a story about the time she “busted in” to meet Hugo Chavez, the president / dictator of Venezuela. How did she build rapport and trust and for what purpose?
Questions and Topics:
- Learned: need to hire slow…
- You were new to this type of business though…
- How did this even come to be?
- Do you fire or try to coach him up??
- Tell us about the 2nd hiring… what you learned, adjustments you made?
- Tell us about your non-profit — Rays of Hope
- Avoiding mistakes about cultural assumptions going into other countries?
- Just busted in to meet with Hugo Chavez
- 45 minutes — had to build rapport and trust
- Tell us about your book “Love Is”.
- What is the meaning of love, what is love?
- “Love keeps no record of wrongs” — does loving ourselves mean being able to put our wrongs (our mistakes) behind us?
- Loving yourself when you make mistakes?
- Stephen Covey episode
- How does understanding love help us in the workplace?
- 14 day love challenge – not a year
- What your next book? – on grief
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/favorite-mistake/support
Episode post with video, links, and more
My guest for Episode #204 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Amanda C. Watts, “The Empowered Introvert.” She is the award-winning founder of Oompf Global. Embracing her ‘hidden’ introvert strengths, she has served over 700 clients in 23 countries, amassed a community of 25,000 followers, and written three best-selling books.
Her mission is to educate other introverted professionals – including accountants, business coaches, and consultants – on how to do marketing and manage their energy so that they can make more money with fewer clients.
In this episode, Amanda shares her favorite mistake story about her "journey of burnout." How did she get burned out, how did she recover, and how can others avoid or prevent burnout? Why did Amanda go through multiple cycles of burnout and what can we all learn from that?
Questions and Topics:
- What’s an introvert doing as a guest on a podcast?
- Burnout – avoiding it, not repeating the mistake?
- Recovering from burnout?
- Again, I’m an introvert… I could use your help, I think!
- A “chatty introvert”
- Maintaining Energy for introverts
- What types of sales & marketing activities feel right to introverts?
- Not charging your worth? — free ebook
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page with links, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #203 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Bret Ridgway. He is a 25 year veteran of the speaking industry and brings a unique perspective handling the back of the room sales table at 150+ conferences, providing fulfillment services for some of the biggest names in the industry and speaking on many stages himself. He's also the host of the Spotlight on Speaking podcast.
He's the author of eight books focused on speakers, authors, information marketers and event promoters, including:
— 50 Biggest Mistakes I See Information Marketers Make
— Mistakes Authors Make
— 50 Biggest Website Mistakes
His latest book is How to Build a Profitable Speaking Business.
In this episode, Bret shares his favorite mistake story about not having the confidence in himself to get out from behind the scenes — helping authors and speakers — to get up on stage to share what he knows in a way that helps others. How did he discover this pattern? How did he take action and what adjustments did he make? We also discuss some of the biggest mistakes that speakers and authors make. And why write books about mistakes? How does that help others?
Questions and Topics:
- Working “the back of the room” to help other speaker / authors
- Writing and speaking fear — having the fear of sharing ideas in both ways?
- Taking baby steps to get started? Forced into it
- Fear – content-related or presence related?
- Not beating yourself up? Gotten better about that?
- Why write books about mistakes?
- Are some of the same mistakes being made now by information marketers?
- Doing a book as digital only – mistake?
- Mistake to not have an audiobook?
- Mistake to not do a paperback / Kindle?
- Book as a marketing tool – lead generator
- Working with publishers vs. “self publishing”?
- Some of the worst speaker mistakes?
You can now sign up to get new episodes via email, to make sure you don't miss an episode.
This podcast is part of the Lean Communicators network: http://leancommunicators.com/
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/favorite-mistake/support
Author of "The Grey Choice" -- Episode page with links, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #202 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Shaun Hayes. He was the cofounder and former CEO of Allegiant Bancorp, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. Shaun started multiple successful businesses, was involved in the casino business, and bought, owned, and sold hundreds of residential and commercial properties. He is an entrepreneur, an author, a speaker… and a felon.
He was a principal at three banks that failed in 2011 and 2012. Five years after selling a company for an enormous profit, Shaun committed a felony. He was incarcerated for his crime eight years later. Now out of prison, he’s the author of The Grey Choice: Lessons on My Journey From Big-Time Banking to the Big House (and Back).
In this episode, Shaun tells two favorite mistake stories. The first was about “going crazy and wanting to fire somebody” when he then realized that the problems were the result of his mistakes as CEO of the bank. The second story is about the mistakes and bad choices that led to his conviction.
Shaun discusses the impact of his experience on his personal and professional life and how he has worked to rebuild his reputation and move forward. The episode offers valuable insights into the challenges of entrepreneurship and the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions.
Shaun provides valuable insights into the challenges of entrepreneurship, discussing how his ambition and drive to succeed led him down a path that ultimately resulted in his downfall. He emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions and not making excuses, acknowledging that he made mistakes and accepting the consequences of his actions. Despite the difficulties he faced, Shaun remains optimistic and determined to use his experience to help others learn from his mistakes.
We also discuss the challenges of being a CEO, the importance of transparency and honesty in business, and the need for forgiveness and second chances.
Questions and Topics:
At an early age – making decisions that are not illegal but grey in the “interpretation of the rules”?
How he justified it…
Why go forward with it even knowing it was illegal?
Did this lead to bank failures?
Why did the legal process take 7.5 years to play out before being indicted?
The dynamics / decision around pleading guilty?
Do you remember something early on that got you 1% off course?
The need to specifically define your moral compass?
What’s it like starting a business once out of prison?
Being a speaker today to help others?
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Co-author of the upcoming book “Change: How to Turn Uncertainty Into Opportunity.” - Available April 18th, 2023.
Show notes with links and more
My guest for Episode #201 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Marché Pleshette. She is a skilled leadership coach who has been a FranklinCovey consultant since 2008. She’s a co-author of the book Change: How to Turn Uncertainty Into Opportunity, available April 18th, 2023.
As a keynote speaker and facilitator, Marché’s work focuses on effective communication, leadership, professional change and transitions, employee engagement and retention, and the organizational value of human capital.
She has been the subject matter expert for The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People® and serves on Franklincovey’s coaching team that ensures the quality of their world-class consultants. Before coming to FranklinCovey, Marché worked for a major health system in Atlanta as a manager of employee retention. She holds a B.A. in mass communications with a journalism focus, and is a certified coach.
In this episode, Marché tells her favorite mistake story about what happened on the first day of what was supposed to be her first job out of college. Was she an early example of “ghosting” an employer? Why did she have conflicted loyalties about wanting this job — but feeling pressure not to take it? We talk about her lessons learned and why having a champion inspired her to be a champion for others.
Questions and Topics:* Do most major change initiatives fail? Is some of the data / numbers overblown? * Why/Where most change initiatives fail? * Minimizing the dip… Giving up in the dip? * “Move, minimize, wait, resist, and quit” * The technical part of change and the people part… * Not just logic and reasoning but emotions and feelings… * Why does change trigger our “fight or flight” instincts?
Please follow, rate, and review via Apple Podcasts or Podchaser or your favorite app — that helps others find this content and you'll be sure to get future episodes as they are released weekly. You can also become a financial supporter of the show through Anchor.fm.
You can now sign up to get new episodes via email, to make sure you don't miss an episode.
This podcast is part of the Lean Communicators network.
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
To celebrate 200 episodes, I'm giving away 3 "My Favorite Mistake" logo coffee mugs with some helpful mantras
Enter to win
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #200 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is… me, Mark Graban. It's hard to believe that the podcast has reached 200 episodes. If you forgive me for the other episode (#16) where I talked about my own mistakes, that's 198 guests who have shared compelling “favorite mistake” stories with me.
Enter to win a My Favorite Mistake coffee mug!
In this episode, I'm joined by my guest host, Tom Ehrenfeld. He's the editor who is working with me on my upcoming book, The Mistakes That Make Us. He's also the host of the WLEI podcast from the Lean Enterprise Institute. Tom asks me about my reflections and lessons learned from hosting this podcast, including some of the mistakes I've made as a host and producer. We also discuss themes from my upcoming book about creating a culture of learning from mistakes.
Links and Topics: Healthcare Kaizen* book
* KaiNexus
* Donnis Todd and Dan Garrison episode
* David Mayer episode
* Mark's podcast mistakes:Didn’t always properly prep guests – especially through a 3rd party PR
An experiment that didn’t pan out — recording via a web-based service
Naming mistake – My Favorite Mistake vs. Our Favorite Mistakes?
Almost lost some recordings (Ep. 16)
Please follow, rate, and review via Apple Podcasts or Podchaser or your favorite app — that helps others find this content and you'll be sure to get future episodes as they are released weekly. You can also become a financial supporter of the show through Anchor.fm.
You can now sign up to get new episodes via email, to make sure you don't miss an episode.
This podcast is part of the Lean Communicators network.
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
This is “just the mistake” — a new experiment, the third time. Today we’ll hear the “favorite mistake” story shared, in episode #11, by Donnis Todd, the master distiller at Garrison Brothers distillery in Texas, makers of award-winning bourbons.In the full episode, you’ll hear more of Donnis’s thoughts on creating a culture of “owning up to mistakes.” That starts with him and it actually starts with founder Dan Garrison. In the episode, you also hear Dan’s favorite mistake story and his thoughts on how he reacted to Donnis’s favorite mistake story that you’ll hear.Donnis and Dan are both featured in my upcoming book, The Mistakes that Make Us – learn more and be notified about updates at mistakesbook.com.To hear the entire episode with Will, go to www.MarkGraban.com/mistake11.--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
CEO at Build a Vibrant Culture™
Episode page with links, transcript, and more
Mark's Upcoming Book: The Mistakes That Make Us* *
My guest for Episode #199 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Nicole Greer. She is a principal coach and CEO of Build a Vibrant Culture™, who specializes in helping individuals, corporations, faith-based organizations, and non-profits fulfill their mission and exemplify VIBRANT Leadership™.
For the last 20+ years Nicole has worked as a coach, marketing director, master of first impressions, and sales trainer in the many facets of business. Her experiences working with all kinds of people led her to found Vibrant Coaching. Nicole is a speaker, trainer, facilitator, life and business coach.
In this episode, Nicole tells her favorite mistake story about giving herself away and not realizing her value when she was in a property management job. Why did she agree to do what seemed like a second full-time job for free? How did Nicole realize this was a mistake? What did she learn and how did she adjust? What was “the big mistake” within the mistake story?
We also talk about change management, showing grace, and keeping employees vibrant through coaching them as leaders (which goes beyond reacting constructively to mistakes).
Questions and Topics: “Master of first impressions”? * How do you decide the value that you bring? What you’re getting paid? * What does “vibrant” in terms of personality? * How do you define “VIBRANT Leadership”? * “Get LIT” Lead from within, Integrity, Transformation * Nicole's LinkedIn article… “The Love Habit” * What does “showing others grace” mean to you? * C3: Circumstances Conduct and Consequences * How have you coached leaders who struggle with how to react to mistakes? * Book: The One Minute Manager * Book: How Full is Your Bucket?*
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
My guest for Episode #198 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Kevin Goldsmith, the chief technology officer at DistroKid, the world’s largest distributor of digital music.
I WANT TO WRITE MY BOOK (ad)
Kevin is an experienced leader of high-profile, high-performing product, research, and shared technology engineering organizations. An often-invited speaker on building strong engineering teams at conferences internationally – often talking about learning from failure. Has extensive experience building products using Lean, Kanban, Scrum, and Extreme Programming methodologies.
In this episode, Kevin tells his favorite mistake story about the launch of “Spotify Now” when he was an engineering leader at Spotify. Why was there pressure to launch? What mistake did Kevin and team make regarding data from a small group of initial users? How did Spotify leverage its culture of “handling failure well”? What did Kevin learn?
Questions and Topics:* How do you balance the cost of lost customers vs. the cost of embarrassment? * Being surprised by the results of experiments * Was Spotify Now a problem of a bad concept or bad execution? Or Bad design? * Losing customers as “the cost of learning” * Organizational learning to not get into this situation again? * Doing retrospectives on EVERYTHING to remove the stigma? * The Forbes article that Kevin was quoted in * People who strongly believe in “accountability” — punishing failures — can you change their minds? * Failure vs. mistake? — how would you compare those words? * Tell us a little bit more about DistroKid – strengthening this culture of learning from mistakes?
Video and Blog Post by Kevin:* Fail Fast, Fail Smart… Succeed! by Kevin Goldsmith * Blog post version of the story at Spotify
Please follow, rate, and review via Apple Podcasts or Podchaser or your favorite app — that helps others find this content and you'll be sure to get future episodes as they are released weekly. You can also become a financial supporter of the show through Anchor.fm.
You can now sign up to get new episodes via email, to make sure you don't miss an episode.
This podcast is part of the Lean Communicators network.
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Former U.S. Representative Will Hurd (R-Texas) Welcome to My Favorite Mistake.
I’m Mark Graban. This is “just the mistake” — a continuing experiment. Today we’ll hear the “favorite mistake” story shared, in episode #2, by then-U.S. Representative, Will Hurd from Texas. Sept 2020 before he left office. Here, he talks about the mistakes he made that led to him losing his first runoff election when he first tried running for Congress. He takes responsibility for that mistake instead of blaming others — setting a great example for all of us. To hear the entire episode with Will Hurd, go to www.MarkGraban.com/mistake2.
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Host of the "I Have ADHD" podcast
Episode page with video, transcript, links and more
My guest for Episode #197 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Kristen Carder. She is a serial entrepreneur and mindset coach for adults with ADHD. She's the host of a podcast: “I Have ADHD.”
In this episode, Kristen tells her favorite mistake story about spending $10,000 on a “mastermind” group that was not at all what she expected. Why was there a gap between her expectations and reality? When did she realize there was a problem? What did she do and how did she learn from this, as a coach-ee and a coach? We also talk about mistakes related to understanding ADHD and living with it — at work and in our personal lives.
As she always says on her podcast, she's “medicated, caffeinated, and ready to roll.”
Questions and Topics: When did you realize it was a mistake? Did you ask for a refund? 3 reasons why not… * When should somebody join a “mastermind” instead of getting 1×1 coaching? * Lesson learned: explicitly lays out WHAT a mastermind is when she sells one * Red flags that you’re getting bad info about ADHD? * Why ADHD is not simply a “gift” or a “superpower”? * How do you define ADHD? * The inability to direct* attention * Trouble regulating impulse – attention and emotion? * You were diagnosed in college… I was diagnosed last year at age 48… what led to you getting diagnosed? * Causes? Differences in the brain? * A mistake to tell people at work that you’re ADHD? * Explanation not an excuse * Her FOCUSED coaching program
Please follow, rate, and review via Apple Podcasts or Podchaser or your favorite app — that helps others find this content and you'll be sure to get future episodes as they are released weekly. You can also become a financial supporter of the show through Anchor.fm.
You can now sign up to get new episodes via email, to make sure you don't miss an episode.
This podcast is part of the Lean Communicators network.
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Kevin Harrington, from "Shark Tank" and creator of the infomercial.
Welcome to My Favorite Mistake. I’m Mark Graban. This is “just the mistake” — a new experiment.
Today we’ll hear the “favorite mistake” story shared, in episode #1, by Kevin Harrington — one of the “sharks” on season 1 of the show “Shark Tank.” He was the creator of the modern 30-minute infomercial and he shared a powerful story from 30 years ago.
To hear the entire episode with Kevin and his co-author Mark Timm, go to www.MarkGraban.com/mistake1
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
CEO of Props -- Episode page with video, transcript and more
I WANT TO WRITE MY BOOK (ad)
My guest for Episode #196 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Joe Perello, president and CEO of Props, a first-of-its-kind, marketing technology platform enabling DTC brands. Joe is also a member of the board of directors of New York Cruise Lines.
Prior to Props, he co-founded and led an NYC-based digital agency and bootstrapped it into an award-winning shop.
In 2003, Mayor Michael Bloomberg appointed Joe as the first Chief Marketing Officer of the City of New York. Joe and his team created the first self-funded marketing and promotional engine in the City's history, generating more than $100 million and paving the way for unprecedented results in tourism.
Joe was the Vice President of Business Development for the New York Yankees during some of their most successful seasons, reporting to the late George M. Steinbrenner.
In this episode, Joe tells his favorite mistake story about a “work divorce” that was “really hard” — was it a mistake to separate himself from a company and certain workplace relationships? How did he learn to take responsibility for those relationships? We also discuss how to create a culture of learning from mistakes and creating an environment where you can be wrong.
Questions and Topics:* Work divorces are hard… it WAS the right thing to do * Felt like it WAS a mistake as it happened – turned out to be best… * Fear — no idea what I was going to do next…. — uncertainty or a mistake * It’s always a judgment call – a mistake or not?? * The founder dynamic made it more difficult – personal pride * Lessons learned to prevent future work divorces?? * Culture of learning from mistakes? “Create an environment where you can be wrong…” * Getting things wrong helps us get it right?? * “I don’t want to be right I just want to win” * Direct marketing – test and learn, test and learn * Fail fast, fail often? * Props – how did the company pivot?? * Mistakes that marketers make? Being inauthentic or failed attempt at authenticity that didn’t ring true? * Mistaken perceptions of the late George Steinbrenner… public perception vs reality?
Find Joe on social media:
Please follow, rate, and review via Apple Podcasts or Podchaser or your favorite app — that helps others find this content and you'll be sure to get future episodes as they are released weekly. You can also become a financial supporter of the show through Anchor.fm.
You can now sign up to get new episodes via email, to make sure you don't miss an episode.
This podcast is part of the Lean Communicators network.
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page with transcript and more
My guest for Episode #195 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Ward Vuillemot. Ward is a seasoned C-suite executive with over six years of experience leading fully remote teams while building technology organizations from the ground up for companies with 150 to 650 employees in size and $50M to $125M in revenue across the Americas and Europe.
He is currently Chief Product Officer and CTO at RealSelf. He is a technical advisor with his own company, where he advises startup founders and CEOs on technical roadmap and technology organization along with lean approaches to finding market signals quickly.
I invited Ward because of this Forbes article about celebrating errors.
In this episode, Ward tells his favorite mistake story about launching “Amazon Tote” and why there was “too little friction” in user experience. What did he learn about understanding the customer experience? In a separate story, what was Ward's epiphany about seeing an ant on a bus?
Questions and Topics:* Innovation is doing something others haven’t done before * Tell us about the Celebration of Error (CoE) concept – and practice… * Chicken and egg between psychological safety and CoE? * How much Psychological Safety is necessary and how does CoE build more PS? * From Correction of Error (Amazon) to Celebration of Error? * Are all errors created equally in terms of what to celebrate? * Discovering mistakes that had been there for years * As a person who is “high-functioning autistic” – is it ever a mistake to disclose something that personal? * From mindset to document? 1. IMPACT of the error on business – send to whole company?… why it matters, not why it happened 2. RESOLUTIONS — short-term and long-term (countermeasures) – fire out, then prevention 3. ROOT CAUSE – “show your work” * When to use a CoE? * People “NEED” to make mistakes to hit ever-greater goals? * Taking an impersonal, non-blaming approach — easier said than done? Fighting the instinct to blame?
Find Ward on social media:
- YouTube
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Author of the book YOU’RE THE LEADER. NOW WHAT? Leadership Lessons from Mayo Clinic.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #194 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Richard Winters, M.D., an emergency physician at the Mayo Clinic. And he’s the author of YOU’RE THE LEADER. NOW WHAT? Leadership Lessons from Mayo Clinic.
As director of Leadership Development for the Mayo Clinic Care Network and as an executive coach, Dr. Winters provides coaching for Mayo Clinic leaders.
Dr. Winters graduated from the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine in 1994 and returned to Mayo Clinic in 2015.
Previously, Winters served as managing partner of a democratic physician group, department chair of an emergency department, and president of an 800-physician medical staff.
In this episode, Dr. Winters tells his favorite mistake story about being a little too transparent with physicians in a meeting at Mayo Clinic. Why did so many physicians get upset about this discussion about data around billing practices? Why did it help for him to admit the mistake? How did he adjust and what did he learn from this mistake?
We also talk about questions and topics, including:
- Was it a mistake to be so transparent?
- Breaking down hierarchy and hearing the perspectives of others
- Burnout in healthcare, not just doctors but nurses and others… bad before COVID, worse now?
- Psychological well-being — 6 dimensions
- What are key signs of burnout? How to recognize it and how to bring it up??
- Is burnout different than depression?
- A mistake to blame the person who is burned out? Resiliency training?
- Fix the person or fix the environment?
- Your book — the “now what?” Implies being thrown into a leadership role… is there enough formal leadership education, development, and mentoring in healthcare?
- How are physicians taught about leading — and being parts of care teams — during medical school and residency? Formal education or seeing the behavior modeled by others?
- Ronald Heifitz – technical vs adaptive challenges
- Key differences in the leadership style at Mayo Clinic?
- Responding to clinical mistakes… medical error, patient harm?
- To you, what are the ideal leader behaviors?
- There’s normally so much hierarchy in HC… what was the “democratic physician group” that you were a part of, what does that mean?
You can now sign up to get new episodes via email, to make sure you don't miss an episode.
This podcast is part of the Lean Communicators network.
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
CEO of HireBetter and managing partner of Bee Cave Capital.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #193 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Kurt Wilkin, a co-founder and CEO of HireBetter and managing partner of Bee Cave Capital. His bio says he's “coach, mentor, entrepreneur… and proud mistake-maker.”
Prior to founding HireBetter, Kurt founded and led The Controller Group (TCG), a professional services firm focused on accounting, technology and recruiting, which was acquired by Tatum in 2006.
He’s the author of a new book, Who's Your Mike?: A No-Bullshit Guide to the People You'll Meet on Your Entrepreneurial Journey. You can learn more at WhosYourMike.com.
His quiz that he mentioned in the episode: WHOSYOURMIKE.COM/QUIZ
In this episode, Kurt tells his favorite mistake story about not having a complementary “execution partner” to help him run a business. How (and why) did he adjust? Why did he step aside from the CEO role and what did he learn from this entire experience that serves him well today?
We also talk about questions and topics, including:
- What does it mean to you to be a “proud mistake maker”??”
- How do you try to create a culture where people can also be proud mistake makers? Leading by example?
- Investing in people who are humble enough to learn…
- Learning from mistakes vs. avoiding company-killing mistakes?
- You’ve said that you saw your dad struggle as an entrepreneur. Were you able to learn from any of his mistakes?
- You joined a failed startup in the dot-com bubble… any lessons learned from that?
- Mistake to try to swing for the fences vs. lifestyle cashflow positive business
- TELL US ABOUT THE BOOK: A business book for people who hate business books?
Find Kurt on social media:
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
President of InQuasive, Inc.,
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #192 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Michael Reddington, an expert forensic interviewer and the President of InQuasive, Inc., which provides businesses and leaders with the tools they need to improve their leadership by activating the truth in all of their business interactions.
In his new book, The Disciplined Listening Method: How a Certified Forensic Interviewer Unlocks Hidden Value in Every Conversation (Per Capita Publishing, March 2022), Michael details his innovative listening approach for anyone looking to improve their communication and relationship-building skills. Using his background in forensics and his understanding of human behavior through interrogation, Michael teaches businesses to use the truth to their advantage.
In this episode, Michael tells his favorite mistake story about making assumptions about a client's readiness to work with him. Did “arrogance” lead to him not having a plan or a strategy? What did Michael learn and what did he start doing differently as a result?
We also talk about questions and topics, including:
- Making assumptions — Ellen Patnaude episode 141
- Started out working in loss prevention — Identifying shoplifters and dishonest employees?
- How you introduce yourself… and how has that changed?
- What is a Certified Forensic Interviewer (CFI)?
- TV and movie investigations — realistic or cliched nonsense? – Hollywood and “24”?
- How do you approach getting people to share information about their mistakes (or crimes?) when it might not be in their interest to be truthful?
- Leadership coaching, sales & negotiation training…
- Tell us about the book – who is this for?
- Consultant asking prospect about problems they need to solve? How to get them to open up?
- What is the “disciplined listening method” and what makes it “disciplined”?
- Tell us about InQuasive and the work you do… who hires you and to do what?
Find Michael and his company on social media:
- LinkedIn (personal)
- YouTube
- LinkedIn (company)
This podcast is part of the Lean Communicators network.
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Founder and CEO of NeuroHealth Partners, LLC.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #191 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Julia DiGangi, the founder and CEO of NeuroHealth Partners, LLC.
Dr. DiGangi holds a Ph.D. in psychology and has worked in the field of neuroscience. She has published extensively in the scientific literature. She is known for her engaging, funny, and relatable communication style, which allows her to help others think about how the brain’s “wiring” affects workplace behaviors such as motivation, performance, and relationships.
She has also worked extensively in U.S. politics, including on presidential campaigns and at The White House Press Office, so she is accustomed to helping people gracefully navigate fast-paced, high-stakes professional environments. She has also given a TEDx talk on the relationship between our brains and stress.
In this episode, Julia tells her favorite mistake story about the very painful mistake of leaving academia. When did it feel like a mistake that “ruined everything” and how did she reach the point of “post-traumatic growth”? We also discuss her expertise in how the brain and the body react to mistakes and how we can go from “avoiding pain” to “choosing the most powerful pain.”
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- Did you OVER in your academia work?
- Was there a time when it DID feel like a mistake?
- “Leaving the pain behind??” – “the brain is a pain detection machine” – the brain will generate pain
- How did you end up in politics? This was before academia
- What happens when you make a mistake — reaction in your nervous system?
- Perfectionism — fear of mistakes
- How do we move forward from those feelings?
- Leadership & emotional intelligence are key themes
- Are we OVERcomplicating E.I.?
- Understanding others vs. understanding ourselves?
- Upcoming book — tell us about that
- “From Pain to Power….”
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Founder of GoPositiv
Show notes, video, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #190 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Don Sandel. He’s a former executive turned leadership coach and is the founder of GoPositiv.
He’s been leading talent development efforts for small and large organizations for the last few decades and has transitioned those skills and experiences into GoPositiv and now to books as well. He’s the author of the book Positive Mindshift: Making Good Things Happen in Life and Work.
He began studying the brain and its effect on learning about a decade ago, and discovered compelling and irrefutable research around positivity.
In this episode, Don tells his favorite mistake story about a time when he was working for a large global company and he listened to self-doubt triggered by a comment from his boss. Why did he give the worst presentation of his life? And what did he learn from this experience in a way that inspired him to start studying positivity??
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- What sorts of positive self talk would you say before giving a speech??
- How to aggressively battle the negative self talk and change that to positive self talk?
- What prompted you to study positivity? How did you study this?
- Not being a “Pollyanna”?
- John Saunders, who introduced us — his episode
- Does positivity lead to better medical outcomes if you have cancer or another serious ailment?
- Weight loss and motivation — talking about positive motivations instead of negative / barriers?
- Losing weight vs. getting healthier??
- Is it too negative to think about mistakes? How can we be positive about mistakes?
- The definition of optimism – thinking things will be better
- “If dream it, you can do it” —- really?
- Is “toxic positivity” really a concern? What does that phrase mean to you?
- How would positivity have helped in your previous corporate jobs? Were better performing organizations more positive? Experience vs research?
- Optimistic salespeople
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Finalist on The Apprentice UK
Show notes, video, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #189 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Sabrina Stocker, a tennis player turned entrepreneur, an international speaker, and a finalist for the BBC One show, The Apprentice.
She’s founded multiple businesses, and she is now a publicist and the Founder of Two Comma PR – a Public Relations firm. She wants to inspire and help others to become the best versions of themselves, specifically through helping start and scale their business.
In this episode, Sabrina tells her favorite mistake story about listening to somebody else's advice when she was running a startup tennis events business. Why was she “fueled by fire” when she returned from a long break and was that a mistake to be driven by frustration and a desire to beat a rival instead of an intrinsic drive to serve customers? Did she make mistakes on The Apprentice?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- As a tennis player, what was your perspective on mistakes? Mistakes in strategy, when to adjust? Mistakes on a particular shot? Coaching players how to think about mistakes?
- “Unforced errors” as a phrase in tennis…
- As a leader — can’t blame… “human error is always going to happen”
- The Apprentice UK — tell us about Lord Alan Sugar
- Mistakes while on The Apprentice? Did you get fired because of a mistake?
- More room to recover from a career mistake at your age?
- You’ve done a lot at a young age… started your first business at 14 — what was that?
- Benefits of learning from mistakes at a young age? Was that anything you were aware of?
- Social media mistakes?
- Mistakes related to P.R.?
- Mistake to send repeated automated follow up emails on a pitch?
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Keynote speaker, author, coach, and more
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #188 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Simon T. Bailey. He’s a keynote speaker, a success coach, an author, a television host, and philanthropist — he has worked with over 2,000 companies in 50 different countries.
SUCCESS magazine calls Simon one of the top 25 people who will help you reach your business and life goals.
He’s the author of books including Release Your Brilliance: The 4 Steps to Transforming Your Life and Revealing Your Genius to the Worldand his most recent book,Ignite the Power of Women in Your Life – A Guide For Men.
Before starting his company, he worked for the Walt Disney Company, including four years as the Sales Director for the Disney Institute. His degrees include a master’s from Faith Christian University and three honorary doctorate degrees.
His main website is SimonTBailey.com and his book’s website is IgniteThePowerofWomen.com.
In this episode, Simon tells his favorite mistake story from his time as a Disney executive. Why did he violate the rule of “never talk to the media unless authorized” — and why did his boss ask “what were you thinking?” Was that “career suicide” or did it “change the trajectory” of his future? What can we learn from his experience?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- Your career transition?
- Tell us about your latest book, Ignite the Power of Women… what was the spark that led to it?
- How much do men need to help vs. getting out of the way?
- Why do you say this is now “the age of the woman”?
- “Coaching is not telling, it’s asking”
- You say gender equality benefits everyone… how does gender equality benefit men?
- Intersectionality — Different support for a woman of color?
- You wrote that it took 3 years to write the book — ten drafts, 3 title changes… tell us more about that journey and bringing it to the finish line?
- Your next book?
- Tell us a little bit about a non-profit that you support, Global Servants and what they do… globalservants.org
Find Simon on social media:
- TikTok
- YouTube
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Founder of Power Up Your Team
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #187 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Martina Kuhlmeyer, the Founder of Power Up Your Team — and she’s the host of a podcast with that same name.
As Leadership Coach and Team Building Strategist, she is guiding CEOs and Founders in high-growth companies to build a resilient team so they can scale and win in the marketplace.
Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, Martina spent 30+ years working for small and several fortune 100 companies, including General Electric, Textron, Fidelity Investments and Liberty Mutual. Martina held a variety of executive roles focused on continuous improvement AND driving large strategic change initiatives. As P&L owner, she managed the successful turnaround of a $1.3 billion asset portfolio management company.
Martina was born and raised in Germany.
In this episode, Martina tells her favorite mistake story about starting to use a management process called “strategy deployment” (a.k.a. "hoshin kanri") and how she overcomplicated it by having too many “high-priority” initiatives. Why did she and others on her team make that mistake? How did they recover? And how did they work to create a culture that adjusts and learns from mistakes?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- We were introduced by Karyn Ross from Episode 3
- Karyn's foundation - the Love and Kindness Project
- “Strategy Deployment” (or “Hoshin Kanri“)
- What was the Impact of this mistake? – over processing
- What did you learn and how did you adjust? — “reflection and insight”
- A mistake to think you’re going to do something new in a perfect way?
- Mistake of having too many “high priority” initiatives?
- How do you create a culture in an organization where learning from mistakes is a reality?
- Mistake to use too much jargon around continuous improvement?
- “Strategy alignment” vs “strategy deployment”
- Mistake to have a large scale initiative (like Lean or Six Sigma) when the CEO isn’t full leading it?
- Tell us about the podcast
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Professor, former business school dean, expert on mistake proofing
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #186 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is John Grout. He is the former dean of the Campbell School of Business at Berry College in Rome, Georgia.
He’s the current Chair of the Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Data Analytics Department and the David C. Garrett Jr. Professor of Business Administration. John has overseen the development, approval and implementation of Berry College’s Creative Technologies program and Berry’s makerspace, HackBerry Lab.
Dr. Grout has researched mistake-proofing extensively and published numerous articles on mistake-proofing. In 2004, John received the Shingo Prize for his paper, “The Human Side of Mistake-Proofing” with Douglas Stewart. John has also consulted with a large variety of firms to mistake-proof their processes. Check out his website, www.MistakeProofing.com.
He’s also published “Mistake-Proofing the Design of Health Care Processes” a book that’s freely available online.
In this episode, John tells his favorite mistake story about using early mistakes to learn and then win a tower-building exercise, defeating a number of “A students” in the process. From John's story, what does that teach us about learning from mistakes — early and often — in a way that propels toward success? Why is this an entrepreneurship lesson (or a human lesson) and not just an engineering lesson?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- Surprisingly, it’s the A students” who think they know how the world works
- Knowing vs. Experimenting?
- “It’s all about the scientific method” — Lean Startup
- PDCA = Plan Do Check Adjust
- Others didn’t observe and learn from your mistake?
- Spaghetti building – kindergartners vs. MBA
- TED talk — the god complex, trial and error
- Small tests of change = mistake mitigation method
- Chick-fil-A, ThedaCare, and rapid prototyping
- ThedaCare stories
- Adam Savage – Every Tool's a Hammer book
- How do you define mistakes? Strict definition vs common definition?
mistakes —
- (strict definition) conscious deliberation that leads to selecting the wrong intention.
-
(common definition) synonym for error. For example, the term mistake-proofing uses the common definition since mistake-proofing is used more to prevent slips than mistakes (using strict definition)
-
Errors – breaks down then into mistakes vs slips
- Mistake – do what you intended to do
- Slips — right intent but not executed well
- How do you define “mistake proofing”?? Or Slip-Proofing
- How do we decide if mistakes or slips are preventable? “Different vocabularies” for each…
- Why are checklists the “weakest form of mistake proofing”?
- Some recent examples you’ve seen of mistake proofing in everyday life?
- Be careful signs…
- “How can I make this process fail? Make it fail in a benign way…”
- The language around “mistake proofing” or “error proofing” vs. — is it a mistake to say things like “fool proofing” or “idiot proofing”??
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Dentist, author, podcaster, speaker, and more
Episode page with video, transcript, links, and more
My guest for Episode #185 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Dr. Monica Anderson, a.ka. Dr. mOe. She is a dentist… she is and does many things… including bestselling author, podcast host, dynamic “mOe-tivational” speaker, cancer survivor, and leader of the non-profit, Drop The Drugs, Inc.
She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including Parade Magazine, Fox News, and ABC’s Good Morning Texas. And now, here!
Dr.mOe couples her business and personal experiences, to share game-changing, powerful life lessons with both humor and passion. And, by the way, I didn't make a mistake in the capitalization of her nickname!
Dr. mOe has published several books, including her 2021 novel, Never Close Your Heart, and her most recent
Dr. mOe has published several books, including her 2021 novel, Never Close Your Heart, and her most recent book Launch Your Self-Publishing Journey: The Busy Author’s Guide to Write, Publish, and Sell Your Book Fast!
Her podcast is“Perpetual mOetion With Dr mOe Anderson.”
In this episode, Dr. mOe tells her favorite mistake story about signing a contract to take a job, without knowing the name of the organization! Why did it seem like a huge mistake to take that job (under those conditions) and how did it turn out to be a great learning opportunity for her through those challenges? What did she learn about the mistakes we can make when changing jobs?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- Not a mistake to leave private practice?
- Mistake to accept a job not knowing WHO the client was, signed a contract…
- The non-profit she leads, Drop The Drugs, Inc.
- As a dentist – what are you taught (school or workplace) about dealing with possible mistakes as a dentist?
- Preventing vs. correcting mistakes in dental work?
- You've written multiple novels and then non-fiction books including that book about self-publishing — what got you started as a writer?
- Tell us about your podcast – “Perpetual mOetion With Dr mOe Anderson”
Find Dr. mOe on social media:
- YouTube
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
CEO of GreenPal
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #184 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Bryan Clayton. He is the Co-Founder and CEO of GreenPal, an online marketplace that connects homeowners with local lawn care professionals. GreenPal has been called the “Uber for lawn care” by Entrepreneur magazine and has over 300,000 active users completing thousands of transactions per day.
Before starting GreenPal, 10 years ago, Bryan Clayton founded Peachtree Inc., one of the largest landscaping companies in the state of Tennessee, growing it to over 150 people and $10 million a year in annual revenue before it was acquired in 2013. Bryan‘s interest and expertise are related to entrepreneurism, small business growth, marketing, and bootstrapping businesses from zero revenue to profitability and exit.
In this episode, Bryan tells his favorite mistake story about outsourcing the development of an app, thinking all he had to do was the marketing. What went wrong and how did he discover the mistake? What did he learn and what did he learn about mistakes, leadership, and culture in an organization more broadly?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- Where did you get the idea to outsource?
- When did you first start discovering that it was a mistake?
- Using “Lean Startup” principles?
- What was your Minimum Viable Product?
- What’s your mindset on mistakes that happen in the company now?
- From a culture standpoint, what did you learn from the first company that you applied to the second?
- “You get the company culture that you deserve as a leader”
- “I made every mistake you could make” – felt victimized
- “Took me a long time to self reflect about the mistakes I made.”
- Do you ask for feedback from employees about the culture?
- Mistakes people make when hiring a lawn care company?
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Professor, author, and researcher on "self-compassion"
My guest for Episode #183 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is psychologist Dr. Kristin Neff.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
She is the author of the books Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself, and the 2021 follow up book — Fierce Self-Compassion: How Women Can Harness Kindness to Speak Up, Claim Their Power and Thrive.
Kristin received her doctorate from the University of California at Berkeley and is currently an Associate Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin. While doing her post-doctoral work she decided to conduct research on self-compassion – a central construct in Buddhist psychology and one that had not yet been examined empirically.
I learned about Kristin's work thanks to a mention of her by Dan Pink, my guest in Episode 137.
In this episode, Kristin tells her favorite mistake story about passionately defending one of her dissertation students who wasn't passed by a new assistant professor. Why was Kristin being a “mama bear” and why was she called on the carpet by her department chair? What did she learn from this experience and how did she apply “self-compassion” to herself in this instance?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- Before talking about self-compassion, people might have mistaken definitions of compassion… how do you describe the true meaning of compassion toward others?
- HBR – self-compassion articles
- “Self-compassion vs. self-esteem”
- Finding the balance in acknowledging, reflecting, and learning vs. dwelling…
- “Having compassion also means that you offer understanding and kindness to others when they fail or make mistakes, rather than judging them harshly.” — can you share an example that illustrates that?
- How can we practice self compassion when we realize we have made a mistake in our work?
- Important to soothe ourselves before reflecting on our mistake? How we might do that?
- Does it help us be self-compassionate when others are compassionate toward us when we make mistakes?
- What Self-Compassion is not — mistaken views?
- Self-Compassion free survey
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Chairman and co-founder of Rice Cohen International
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #182 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Gene Rice, the Chairman and Co-Founder of Rice Cohen International. He's the co-author, with his daughter, of the book Grad to Grown-Up: 68 Tips to Excel in Your Personal and Professional Life. You can learn more at the book's website.
Gene has been in the recruiting industry for nearly 30 years and has been recognized as one of the top Executive Search professionals in the world. He has completed over 1,000 retained searches which have included 211 in the C-suite. Having also filled over 300 Partner, Principal, and Director level searches in the Management Consulting, Performance Improvement, and EdTech verticals, Gene is considered to be the #1 search executive in the space. He has even been recognized by Recruiter.com as one of the “100 Most Influential People in the History of the Executive Recruiting Industry.”
Gene also co-founded Rice Cohen Training & Consulting, the largest training firm focused on improving the skills of executive recruiters. Gene is very passionate about this space and believes in supporting the industry he loves. He has become an Executive Coach to the CEOs of many search firms.
As an active member of the community, Gene finds various ways to give back and contribute. After years of being involved with the Make-a-Wish Foundation and serving on the board, Gene and his wife Michele founded the Plant A Seed, Inspire A Dream Foundation. The 501 c-3 non-profit helps financially challenged youth to pursue their passions. Since being founded in 2008, the foundation has awarded over 700 scholarships and has been featured in People Magazine.
In this episode, Gene tells his favorite mistake story about quitting a job to start a competing live music venue on Long Island and how his “huge ego” led him to be “impulsive” in the decision to do so. Why does he say it “could have destroyed” him, why is it better to make mistakes like this when you're young, and how did he apply the lessons learned in his successful career?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- Coaching young professionals who make mistakes?
- Mistakes in working with an executive retained recruiter as a candidate?
- Selecting C-level executives? — what helps make for a good match (3 things you really need)
- The importance of C-level executives also having personal success and professional fulfillment (not just a job) — get your arms around that as a young professional
- Coaching college interns — helping them the first time they fail… looking at failing differently
- Charity that he started in 2008 with his wife: “Plant A Seed Inspire A Dream Foundation”
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Strategic Leadership Expert
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #181 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Pamela Kellert. She helps female professionals in STEM sectors transition to senior management roles by learning strategic non-technical skills.
Pamela is a seasoned Strategic Leadership Expert with over 16 year’s experience working in Strategy, Business Development and Project Delivery, heading diverse teams at leading organisations across Australia, Asia, Europe and North America.
She has managed complex engineering projects and profit & loss responsibility of over $100 million with a team of over 100 employees. Throughout her career, Pamela has coached professionals in their leadership journey and created a systemised online coaching program to help women accelerate their careers to senior leadership roles. Learn more via her website.
In this episode, Pamela tells her favorite mistake story about how she thought she needed to have all of the answers when she was promoted into her first management position. If she was promoted for being good at problem solving, shouldn't she be solving all of the problems as manager? How did Pamela realize this was a mistake and how does she help other women learn from her mistakes?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- As manager, how should one integrate the ideas and solutions of others?
- When to delegate and when to intervene?
- Being promoted to senior leadership roles – what are the different challenges there?
- Moving into a new function? Challenges there?
- Do some executives never learn the lesson you did?
- Challenges / mistakes with STEM women who want to step up into leadership positions and then into senior management… ‘
- Is it important to have a female mentor? Also a male mentor?
- Getting along by changing behavior vs. trying to change the broader system? How others should react vs. how they do?
- Apologizing before saying something… diminishing language? — societal expectations?
- Making yourself smaller physically? Women vs. men…
- Different advice for women working in very male dominated environments?
- Finnish prime minister backlash — compare to Aussie prime minister or Boris Johnson
- Being aware of biases
- Systemic sexism vs. System racism
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Host of the Business of Tech podcast, and owner of MSP Radio
Episode page with video, transcript and more
My guest for Episode #180 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Dave Sobel. He’s the host of the Business of Tech podcast, and owner of MSP Radio. Dave is regarded as a leading expert in the delivery of technology services, with broad experience in both technology and business. He owned and operated an IT Solution Provider and MSP for over a decade, both acquiring other organizations and eventually being acquired.
“The Business of Tech” is a leading IT services focused news and analysis podcast and YouTube show, with thousands of listeners and subscribers. He also co-hosts of the podcast “Killing IT”, and authored the book Virtualization: Defined.
Dave holds a bachelor's degree in Computer Science from the College of William and Mary. He lives just outside Washington DC with his wife and two cats. His interests include travel and food, cheering the Washington Nationals and Capitals, and smoking barbeque… He was introduced to me by Jason Levin, my guest in Episode 161.
In this episode, Dave tells his favorite mistake story about “screwing up an acquisition really bad.” Why did he not really understand the full situation of the company? Was it too late to make adjustments to the business after buying it? How did he apply the painful lessons learned when he sold his company in 2011
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- Why did he start a company?
- What he learned about being laid off from startups as a tech person
- Spent more time on the “paper” and not enough on the “people”
- Was it too late to make adjustments?
- Did you acquire other companies?
- Sold his business in 2011
- Applied the lessons learned… was a complete open book instead of withholding information like his seller had
- Mistakes that small businesses make in choosing technology?
- Examples of companies choosing software or tech because it’s trendy?
- How often is the mistake about HOW they implement it?
- The delivery of the tech is super important
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Cofounder and owner of The Billions Institute, LLC
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #179 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Becky Margiotta. She is the author of the book, Impact with Integrity: Repairing the World Without Breaking Yourself, a cofounder and owner of The Billions Institute, LLC, and the host of the Unleashing Social Change Podcast.
In this episode, Becky tells her favorite mistake story about thinking she would get an “A” for effort when working toward a bold goal of getting 100,000 homeless people into homes. Why did she “lose track of the outcomes” and how did she adjust and get back on track?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- What was the approach for reducing homelessness?
- Looking at measures more continuously along the way
- 100,00 lives campaign connection through IHI
- “Here’s what you’re doing wrong…” actually better ways to say it?
- Story about how people don’t want the answer…
- Leadership lessons from the Army and Special Operations that are transferrable?
- Outcomes focus? Commander’s intent? (McChrystal book)
- “Mission first, troops always”
- “First woman to command special operations…”
- Tell us about the Unleashing Social Change podcast
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
CEO of Evernote Episode page with video, transcript, and more My guest for Episode #178 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Ian Small, CEO at Evernote, the app that launched a personal productivity movement for knowledge workers around the world. Under Ian’s leadership (since 2018), Evernote found the courage to go back to basics, launching a new era of innovation for the company and building upon a decade of growth. Ian brings more than 25 years of global product, technology, and business leadership experience to his current role. Trained as an engineer, Ian's career has evolved from designing and building user experiences at Apple into product leadership and large-scale business management as CEO of TokBox and global Chief Data Officer for Telefónica SA. In addition to his current role at Evernote, Ian sits on the board of directors for Lumentum and is an advisory board member for Alphabet subsidiary Loon (a graduate of Google’s X Lab). He holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science, a BASc in Engineering Science from the University of Toronto, and has earned more than 10 patents. In this episode, Ian tells his favorite mistake story about being told, early in his career, that he needed to be a better listener. What were the consequences as he became a manager? How did he realize that he needed to change and how did he work to overcome that bad habit to the point that he can now coach younger leaders to avoid or get out of this same trap? And how did Ian learn to listen better to customers and employees alike? We also talk about questions and topics including:
Your favorite patent? Having to change habits… how? “Listen with a beginner’s mind “ Marc Benioff – Salesforce The episode with Emily Learing Overhauling Evernote over 2 years — rebuilt from scratch? Better listening to customers, employees, and the board/investors Everybody internally (and customers) could tell you what the problem — why wasn’t it being addressed? Was Evernote not listening or not taking action? The mistake of inaction vs. action? What do you think of the SV mantra “fail fast, fail often”? How to avoid needing another reboot in 2030? Mistakes in how users use Evernote or is that not possible?
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Mental Health Professional, Children's Book Author, and more
My guest for Episode #177 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Emily Learing, LMFT, RPT-S. She is a mental health professional based in South Dakota, at her practice called Encompass Mental Health.
Episode page with links, video, transcript, and more
Emily has an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy and a BS in Human Development and Family Studies. She’s a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Registered Play Therapist. She has a blog called Disciplined Children.
Emily is the author of a fantastic children’s book: Henry Knows Best!: A Story About Learning From Mistakes and Listening to Others. I read it and found important lessons and reminders for me as an adult.
In this episode, Emily tells her favorite mistake story about setting up a child care center that was intended to attend to mental health needs — but the phone rang off the hook with people wanting and needing typical day care services. Why did she close the door to that program and how did that open the door to other possibilities? How did Emily manage to keep this in the realm of a small mistake that wasn't catastrophically expensive?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- Tell us what inspired you to write the book? Again, the title is Henry Knows Best!: A Story About Learning From Mistakes and Listening to Others
- Oppositional Defiance Disorder vs just liking to say no?
- How many kids are like Henry?
- The consequences of always knowing best – damaged relationships?
- Overconfidence vs. narcissism
- “If you think you need help, you probably need help…”
- Some of my previous guests have admitted that they didn’t listen to experts when they should have — that they knew best… Congressman Will Hurd and Jim McCann founder of 1-800-FLOWERS.
- You say “I’m not a perfect person… I make mistakes… I don’t expect perfection… that’s not reality” — how does admitting that help clients, how does it help you work with clients?
- Does it help others open up to you?
- Having to live the values you’re stating about not being perfect…
- Being a play therapist
- On your blog, you write about games that can be used to help kids with ADHD develop their attention spans. Tell us about that…
- Tell us more about the podcast… “The Informed Parent” (coming soon)
- A BONUS favorite mistake from Emily
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Publisher, book coach, and more.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more.
My guest for Episode #176 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Mike Ulmer. While he specializes in helping business people write their books, he has written 13 books with a total of nearly $1 million in total sales revenue.
His latest book (March 2022) is Show and Tell Writing: A Great Short Business Book About How To Write A Great Short Business Book.
His other recent titles are Drop The Mic Marketing with Jason Hunt (2022), The 50-Year-Old Millennial: The Leadership Gap Exposed By Millennials And How To Close it with Marc Petitpas (2021) and The 40 Ways of The Fox (2021) with Ron Foxcroft.
He worked as the in-house storyteller for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Raptors and TFC as the senior writer at Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment.
He has written for The Toronto Star, National Post, Southam News Bureau as well as news organizations across Canada.
Interesting fact — With 170,000 in sales, his book, M is for Maple is the bestselling alphabet book in Canadian publishing history. His website is www.getcatapulted.com.
In this episode, Mike tells his favorite mistake story about punching a journalist colleague while in flight on a plane. Why did his sense of “grandiosity and recklessness” lead to this moment that changed his life? Why was this a “favorite mistake”? How did this moment make Mike realize that he needed help so he could now lead a better life?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- As a cancer survivor, why is it a mistake to use the phrase “battle with cancer?”
- Why should people write a business book? You say in your book “everyone should” — why is that?
- Even if you’re not a writer?
- Credibility… Mistake to assume you can also speak?
- Mistake to write with the audience in mind?
- “Have to take a contrarian stance”
- Publishing mistakes?
- Predatory people in the publishing system?
- “When I see the term best seller… bullshit”
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page with video, transcript and more
My guest for Episode #175 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Janet L. Polach, Ph.D. She is a global leadership development partner and coach. She has developed leaders in the U.S. and around the world.
As a retired lieutenant colonel having spent 20 years in the Marines, Janet knows a thing or two about what it takes to be a great leader.
After receiving her Ph.D. in organizational development and working with a global consulting firm in China, Janet launched her own consulting practice helping hundreds of companies across the globe including major brands and government contractors.
Her no-nonsense but lighthearted approach is what separates her from the boys and creates transformational results for even the most struggling leaders. She’s also the author of the book The Seven Mistakes New Managers Make.
Her website is: www.inthelead.co.
In this episode, Janet tells her favorite mistake story about losing her patience and losing her temper in front of others. She was working in the private sector and realized that a business partner hadn't held of their end of the bargain. But Janet agrees we need to “live and learn,” so she shared what she learned and how she adjusted from this encounter.
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- Praise publicly, criticize privately?
- What was the culture in the Marines regarding criticism
- Look for red flags during the interviewing process…
- I think of Marines as being very serious, with a serious mission… why do you think it’s important to have a “lighthearted” approach?
- Why write a book about leadership mistakes? Is that more helpful than saying what TO do?
- “We don’t train brand new leaders”
- How to do an effective 1×1??
- Mistakes that ORGANIZATIONS make — promoting the best individual contributor to a management role?
- Telling managers to basically just figure out how to manage?
- $166 billion is spent every year on leadership training but companies are still struggling due to a lack of leadership — WHY?
- How does the Marine Corps teach leadership? Classroom, behaviors modeled by senior leaders? Coaching?
- Mistakes in change management… what mistakes to leaders make and what should they do to full engage if not excite people about change?
- There are many mistakes we might make in giving feedback to somebody… what comes to mind and what do you recommend?
- Congrats again on the publication of your book… I understand there was/were Book(s) you attempted to write but didn’t finish?
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page - video, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #174 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Jonathon Andell. He has been a quality professional since 1987, was one of the world’s first certified Six Sigma Black Belts in 1992, and has been a consultant since 1998, and a Fellow of the American Society for Quality since 2008.
Among Jonathon’s global clients are leading firms in such diverse industries as: aerospace, automotive, construction, design, electronics, food, healthcare, insurance, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, service, software, and telecommunications. He has published and presented extensively.
Jonathon has a BS in Metallurgical Engineering from Purdue and MS in Metallurgy from Penn State. He is an avid amateur musician and a passionate community service volunteer.
In this episode, Jonathon tells his favorite mistake story about “gloating a bit” when his younger self (a “hot shot”) solved a difficult quality problem at work. Why did that damage some relationships and how did he get helpful feedback about that?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- Solving problems – sometimes people don’t want to admit problems
- Data driven… people and emotions and empathy, not just data
- Six Sigma mistakes?? Expert driven – “elitist”
- 30 Rock mocking Six Sigma?
- Mistake to “rank and yank” ala Jack Welch?
- “Huge opponent of rank and yank” — at Amazon?
- Brian Joiner “Fourth Generation Management” book
- Creating a culture where it’s safe to talk about mistakes — what’s necessary for this?
- Training people but then not letting them use Six Sigma afterward
- Working on a book with John Thacker
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Author of "Mass Influence"
Episode page with episode, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #173 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Teresa de Grosbois. She is the Founder of the Evolutionary Business Council, an International Speaker and the #1 International Bestselling author of Mass Influence: The Habits of the Highly Influential, which is now a best seller in seven countries.
You can download a complimentary digital version of the book here.
A 4X International Bestselling Author, Teresa teaches marketing courses around the globe to business leaders and entrepreneurs on how to create massively successful word of mouth campaigns.
As the Chair of the Evolutionary Business Council, Teresa leads an International, Invitation-Only Council of Speakers and Influencers dedicated to teaching the principles of success.
In this episode, Teresa tells her favorite mistake story about creating a non-profit organization in Sudan that failed. Why did she “quickly realize this wasn't right”? What did she learn from this and how did that experience in Africa lead to the unexpected opening of doors to better opportunities?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- How did you create 3 best sellers in 8 months?
- What if you’re reaching out to influencers and not getting a response?
- From the book the book – habits and mistakes people make in trying to influence others
- Do aspiring influencers mistake self promotion and bragging?
- Should spend more time on building relationships with other influencers?
- Never talk about yourself vs. always talking about yourself?
- “Influencer” (like social media) vs true influence?
- A mistake to think you’re trying to reach “everyone”? Or is “all business leaders at all levels” even too broad to be effective?
- What’s the difference between “practicing at business” vs. being “aligned with your passion”?
- How common is the mistake of “focusing on how you make money” instead of “the service that you want to bring to others”?
- Big mistake — not choosing who you want to play with based on fully respecting that person?
- Tell me about the Evolutionary Business Council…
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Founder / Chairman of 1-800-FLOWERS
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #172 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Jim McCann, the founder and chairman of 1-800-FLOWERS, one of the first companies to pioneer and popularize the use of both toll-free telephone numbers and Web sites to sell goods and services directly to consumers.
Jim is a highly successful entrepreneur, public speaker and published author with titles including Talk is (Not!) Cheap: The Art of Conversation Leadership) — his passion is helping people deliver smiles. Jim’s belief in the universal need for social connections and interaction led to his founding of 1-800-FLOWERS, which he has grown into the world’s leading Florist and Gift Shop and Celebrations.com, a leading website for expert party planning content and advice.
In this episode, Jim shares his “favorite mistake” story that involves what was otherwise a very good decision — acquiring the 1-800-FLOWERS telephone number. But what was the mistake involved in buying the company that had the number assigned to it? Why couldn't he just buy the number? What mistake led to Jim taking on millions of dollars of debt from that company? How did Jim learn and apply the lesson that “being cheap” and not relying on experts can cause a lot of problems?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- Learning to not repeat that mistake around due diligence?
- Finding the balance between saying mistakes are OK without just wildly trying things
- What the FedEx founder, Fred Smith, said to Jim that turned out to be very incorrect about shipping flowers
- Is it a mistake to spend too much time reflecting on mistakes?
- Lessons from 10-step programs, remove the shame or embarrassment from mistakes
- You were approached to be one of the first companies or bosses featured “Undercover Boss” — Turned it down 3 times — was that a mistake?
- Learning about the business? Advice for other leaders about doing this without going undercover?
- “A lot of it comes down to culture and leadership”
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Author of Executive Loneliness
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #171 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Nick Jonsson, joining us from Singapore.
CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains a brief mention of a death by suicide. If you are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. If you're having suicidal thoughts, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area at any time (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline).
Nick is the co-founder and Managing Director of one of Asia's premier networking organizations, Executives' Global Network (EGN) Singapore — a caring peer group community providing hundreds of executives a safe haven to share their challenges, receive support, and learn from each other.
His passion for mental health awareness through his very lived life experiences paved the way for Nick to author his first #1 international bestselling book, published in April 2021— Executive Loneliness: The 5 Pathways to Overcoming Isolation, Stress, Anxiety and Depression in the Modern Business World.
In adjunct to his book, Nick has also created a more easily accessible and less formal online community, where executives and business leaders can connect, learn about and reduce the risk of burnout and isolation, with www.Leaders-Anonymous.com.
In this episode, Nick shares his “favorite mistake” story about keeping emotions in — hiding behind a facade of success and waiting too long to ask for help. Why did he struggle with alcoholism and depression, even as he became more successful in his career? What finally prompted him to look for help? What did he learn from these experiences and how has it inspired him to help others?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- “It’s lonely at the top” — How is executive loneliness different to everyday loneliness that any of us may experience?
- Loneliness in that feeling of loneliness? Executives' Global Network (EGN) Singapore — “Confidential peer networks” — available in the US and other places
- Difficult for execs to ask for help before hitting rock bottom?
- “Smiling depression”
- “Insecure overachievers” — inner insecurity
- His LinkedIn post that went viral
- Impact of Covid times? 2019 - 30% 2020 - “had doubled to 59% saying there was executive loneliness”
- Difference - introverts vs. extroverts?
- Introverts — more comfortable in isolation doesn’t mean it’s good for us
- Are there any cultural challenges when it comes to talking about executive loneliness? Are some countries where E.L. is a bigger problem, or countries where it’s not addressed?
- If I was an Executive experiencing loneliness, or I was a friend or family member of someone who I suspect might be experiencing executive loneliness, what’s an easy ‘next step’ for me to take?
- How might we bring this up if somebody seems like they need help?
- How might we recognize signs of E.L. in ourselves or others?
- Tell us about the networks — EGN and Leaders-Anonymous are different
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #169 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Erin Joy.
As the founder and executive consultant behind Erin Joy Business Coaching & Consulting, Erin uses over 25 years of experience in entrepreneurship, roundtable facilitation, business strategy, and executive coaching to help fellow female business owners launch, propel, and grow their companies.
Erin has hosted over 300 roundtables, 200 group coaching calls, 70 live events, and 1000 online events, and the company continues to serve over 60 clients
Erin is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Business Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology to enhance her ability to connect with and support women in business on both a professional and emotional level.
She is also the host of a new radio show and PODCAST: “Erin Joy Talks Business.” She has released an anthology of advice from women business owners titled The Anatomy of Accomplishment: Your Guide to Bigger, Better, Bolder Business Results.
In this episode, Erin shares her “favorite mistake” story about a “huge mistake” that she avoided by making a pivot before it was too late. She was looking to franchise the roundtable side of her business — how did she discover this would have been a “heavy lift” (and an expensive one at that)? How did she pivot and what happened?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- What does it mean to be a “business psychologist?”
- Business is about making predictions… and testing… you have 25-year plan? How specific are the details of that plan? Is there wiggle room?
- What can we do to be more resilient and better adjust to what life and business throws at us?
- “Breakdowns lead to breakthroughs”
- Video you posted in 2021 — “A time to give up control” — when is that necessary for a business leader and how can they do that?
- You work mainly with women leaders and entrepreneurs — are there mistakes you help them avoid in career transitions? Or setting them up to learn from them?
- What do we need to be doing to build the next generation of women as leaders?
- Tell us about the podcast — what topics do you cover? What sort of guests do you have?
Find Erin on social media:
- YouTube
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #169 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Arnold (Arnie) Barnett. He is the George Eastman Professor of Management Science and a Professor of Statistics at the MIT Sloan School of Management.
Barnett holds a BA in mathematics from Columbia College and a PhD in mathematics from MIT. His research specialty is applied mathematical modeling with a focus on problems of health and safety.
Cited as “the nation’s leading expert on aviation safety,” Barnett was recognized with the 2002 President’s Citation from the Flight Safety Foundation for “truly outstanding contributions on behalf of safety.” MIT Sloan students have honored him on 14 occasions for outstanding teaching.
In this episode, Arnie shares his “favorite mistake” story about blurting out something to a New York Times reporter who called to get his comment about a US Airways crash that had occurred earlier in the day. Even though he regrets saying what he did, it gave him a reputation for being “willing to talk straight” which led a torrent of requests to speak and to be interviewed in venues ranging from radio programs to NBC's Today Show.
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- 1994 US Air had a number of crashes – a “temporary spasm of bad luck”?
- The NY Times article he was quoted in — the “mistake”
- The word “amazing”: “causing great surprise or wonder; astonishing”
- Lesson about talking with the press?
- Are we bad at estimating probabilities in general?
- Bad at estimating the risk of driving vs. flying?
- You wrote an opinion piece in late March 2022 titled “Don’t end the mask mandate for US airlines”
- “ending the requirement now would be a serious mistake.” —> why did you say that then and do you still say that now?
- I saw you give a talk about this — is the Electoral College a mistake? Is it a mistake that can be fixed?
- A simple fix for gerrymandering?
- “MIT now has a reputation of being very much woke”
- Tell us about the Leaders for Global Operations program… you are a popular internship and thesis advisor. Why do you like working with LGO students?
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Author of the book Chocolate Drop in Corporate America: From The Pit To The Palace.
Episode page: https://markgraban.com/mistake168
My guest for Episode #168 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Genesis Amaris Kemp. She is a Creative Content Writer, Author, Self-Development Advocate, Visionary, Inclusion and Diversity enthusiast, and (I love this) a “Firecracker, and a force to be reckoned with.”
She is a woman of color, a trailblazer who wants others to live out their dreams, goals, and visions.
She’s the author of the book Chocolate Drop in Corporate America: From The Pit To The Palace.
Genesis has been featured on four dozen-plus podcasts, and magazines, and then decided to finally start her own podcast, GEMS with Genesis Amaris Kemp.
In this episode, Genesis shares her “favorite mistake” stories about being too bold. Why did her now-husband break up with her four times? Why was she told to stop being so bold at work? Was there a double standard for a woman of color? What did she learn and how did she adapt, while remaining true to herself?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man — relationships book, Steve Harvey
- Working in oil and gas – male dominated
- Double standard for women? More so as a woman of color?
- You write about choosing a major (and changing majors) — tell us about that thought process.
- In your book, you talk about having 3 job opportunities… it sounds like you chose what was the best for the long term (not just the highest pay in the now). What led to that decision?
- What led to you writing your book?
- Mistakes related to DEI — that organizations make or that individuals make?
- Tell us about your Podcast:
- Dad – medication error while a cancer patient… paralyzed
- Prompted her to talk about the grief journey… into a microphone
Find Genesis on social media:
- YouTube
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Marketer and author of "The Rule of 26"
Episode page: https://markgraban.com/mistake167
My guest for Episode #167 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Michael “Buzz” Buzinski, the President/CMO of Buzzworthy Integrated Marketing.
Buzz is a lifelong entrepreneur, digital marketing thought leader, and best-selling author of his book The Rule of 26 For Service-Centric Businesses: Three Steps To Doubling Website Revenue. Check out his book's website.
Dubbed a “visionary marketer” by the American Marketing Association, Michael’s sole mission is to reduce the prevalence of entrepreneurial poverty in the US. Michael is a 10 year Air Force Veteran who now mentors other vetrepreneurs through “Warriors Rising”, leads marketing workshops for the Small Business Administration, the Small Business Development Center in multiple states, and has presented marketing workshops for multiple Universities.
In this episode, Buzz shares his “favorite mistake” story about “the little coup” that took place at his previous company when he went on a trip to Italy to serve as a videographer instead because he had nobody else to send. While he was away, the electicity went out at the home office because somebody didn't pay the bill. Young employees “thought the company was going out of business” and that led to a lot of chaos… and his eventual decision to break up the company. Why was the the “best worst thing” that happened to Buzz and how did he move forward in a better way?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- Why do you say you’re a failed musician? What happened?
- Starving artist or musician… What does this phrase mean?
- What is the rule of 26?
- Digital marketing mistakes??
- Newest mistake that you’ve found?
- Tell us about Warriors Rising
- The only three key performance indicators (KPIs) you need to track when marketing your website?
- How to get a free copy of his book:Get a copy of his book, The Rule of 26 on Amazon in eBook or paperback.
He will send a free signed paperback copy to any listener who purchases his eBook from Amazon if they email him at buzz@buzzworthy.biz with a screenshot of their purchase and the address they want the book sent to. *
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page: https://markgraban.com/mistake166
My guest for Episode #166 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Alisha Wielfaert, a leadership, creativity, transitions and resiliency coach for women.
She started her career at an over one-hundred-year-old insurance company. She moved on from that. Along the way, she started studying yoga at the Asheville Yoga Center not just as a physical practice but as a spiritual path. She opened a yoga studio… and then sold it…
Alisha is also the author of a book that’s just been released, titled Little Failures: Learning to Build Resilience Through Everyday Setbacks, Challenges, and Obstacles.
Enter to win a signed copy!!
She is the host of a podcast, The Yoke and Abundance: Wise Women Podcast and her company is called Yoke and Abundance.
In this episode, Alisha shares her “favorite mistake” story about opening a yoga studio that “did nothing but lose money” as it went into bankruptcy. Why was this her “greatest learning experience” but also the “most shameful” that has happened to her? Why did the business fail and what lessons did Alisha learn that she has (and will) apply to other businesses?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- Passion plus seeking for purpose in life
- Bootstrapping was a problem – couldn’t fully commit
- Lessons for when you became a coach?
- Do the failures help you be a better coach?
- The Dropout? Elizabeth Holmes
- Other thoughts or tips on how to analyze or process our failures?
- People who are successful after failures do what things?
- How to not get stuck in the grieving and processing time?
- Fear of mistakes — Atelophobia is an obsessive fear of imperfection
- Do you see a difference between “mistakes” and “failures”? Let’s explore that…
- “Planning for failures” in the writing and release of the book?
- You write about the idea of “Failing out loud” — the implications for women and minorities?
- TEDx talk – founder of Girls Who Code (Reshma Saujani)
- Tell us the story behind the name of your company, Yoke and Abundance?
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Author of The Career Toolkit.
Episode page: https://markgraban.com/mistake165
My guest for Episode #165 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Mark Herschberg, the author of the book The Career Toolkit, Essential Skills for Success That No One Taught You. Learn more at his book's website. This is Mark's 300th appearance as a podcast guest!
From tracking criminals and terrorists on the dark web to creating marketplaces and new authentication systems, Mark has spent his career launching and developing new ventures at startups and Fortune 500s and in academia.
He helped to start the Undergraduate Practice Opportunities Program, dubbed MIT’s “career success accelerator,” where he teaches annually.
At MIT, he received a B.S. in physics, a B.S. in electrical engineering & computer science, and an M.Eng. in electrical engineering & computer science, focusing on cryptography.
At Harvard Business School, Mark helped create a platform used to teach finance at prominent business schools.
He also works with many non-profits, including Techie Youth and Plant A Million Corals. He was one of the top-ranked ballroom dancers in the country and now lives in New York City, where he is known for his social gatherings, including his annual Halloween party, as well as his diverse cufflink collection.
In this episode, Mark shares his “favorite mistake” story about being promised something by board members that was not put in writing. What happened when a new CEO came in? Why was he fired from the product and engineering teams? What adjustments did he make to his approach with later companies?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- Was not spending on tech another short-sighted decision?
- Book — lots of examples of mistakes in the book and the class he teaches
- Tell us about the book?? The Career Toolkit, Essential Skills for Success That No One Taught You. — not just about new graduates?
- Networking mistakes – he met Tim Berners-Lee and blew the opportunity to build a relationship
- What are some of those essential networking skills?
- Is it a mistake to sign confidentiality or non-compete clauses?
- Negotiating mistakes? Don’t name a number first?
- Ethical situations?
- Your top 3 Halloween costumes?
Find Mark on social media:
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Author of The Orgasmic Entrepreneur and more
Episode page and links: https://markgraban.com/mistake164
My guest for Episode #164 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Melissa Drake. As the founder of Uncorped Influence, Melissa helps like-minded businesses and individuals find creative solutions and go further than they thought possible.
Melissa is the author of three books:
- The Orgasmic Entrepreneur: Discover the Sweet Spot of Love, Sex, and Business by Simply Being YOU,
- Sacred Medicine Integration: A Companion Journal Supporting Ceremonial Medicine Experiences
- TranscenDANCE: Lessons From Living, Loving, and Dancing
She's also a TEDx Speaker with 25 years climbing the corporate ranks and a decade of entrepreneurial experience. Her TEDx Talk, “The Dance of Collaboration,” presents fresh insights on the benefits of collectively beneficial collaborations.
In this episode, Melissa shares her “favorite mistake” story about the pattern of “not taking care of who I am as a person, not pursuing the things that bring me joy.” How did she come to see this pattern? Are mistakes like this just “part of the process” or are they to be avoided? How does she make sure she doesn't fall back into that trap?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- Were you sort of going through life in autopilot?
- Finding the fix — looking within or to others?
- How to make sure you don’t fall back into that trap? As easy as avoiding a corporate job?
- When things aren’t going well — double down? – Or rest, take time?
- Did you have any fear that your book title would be a mistake?
- Is it a book for women? No
- New path started in 2015, laid off from insurance industry, “kick in the pants” she needed
- Why was “the ability to truly be me” so important to you?
- Freedom of expression is one of your most significant values
- Correlation or causation? — finding “the link between achieving sexual satisfaction and attaining strong business results.”
Find Melissa on social media:
- YouTube
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page and links: https://markgraban.com/mistake163
My guest for Episode #163 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Jeff Zigman, known as “The Business Engineer,” and the founder and CEO of SkillBuilder.
He’s been a tech entrepreneur 10 years, having led and built 25+ software projects from idea to Live, including multimillion-dollar enterprise software, with an engineering background, ten years as a Business Analyst, and eight years as a Chief Technology Officer.
He’s married with two little kids and, during COVID, he created a software platform that incorporates the learning principles that he’s gained from 20 years of martial arts into a remote learning system that he’s been able to prove to be more effective for virtual training than most in-person training, with higher absorption and better retention.
In this episode, Jeff shares his “favorite mistake” story about trusting somebody he was working to build a software company with — working for 1.5 years on a trust basis, how did Jeff end up saddled with a “lopsided contract”? What problems did that cause and why was it “a real nightmare”? We talk about that and the lessons that Jeff learned through this experience.
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- Were there red flags?
- Should he have gotten a lawyer to review it?
- How has he focused on not preventing this mistake?
- Why is training thousands of employees so difficult?
- Lessons from martial arts?
- 4 things that are required?
- What is Process-Oriented Learning?
- Knowledge (information or theory) vs. Skills (ability)?
- How do we confirm that the learning has sunk in… that the skills can be applied effectively? Closing the loop?
- How can training be gamified?
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page: https://markgraban.com/mistake162
My guests for Episode #162 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast are Dr. Joseph A. Allen and Karin M. Reed.
They are the authors of the book SUDDENLY HYBRID: Managing the Modern Meeting. Their previous book was SUDDENLY VIRTUAL: Making Remote Meetings Work.
KARIN M. REED is CEO of Speaker Dynamics. She is an Emmy award-winning broadcast journalist and now focuses on helping business professionals to be confident communicators on any platform? in person, on camera, or through virtual communication tools.
JOSEPH A. ALLEN, PHD, is a Professor of Industrial and Organizational Psychology at the University of Utah. His research focus is on the study of workplace meetings, organizational community engagement, and occupational safety and health.
Sharing their “favorite mistake” stories, Karin talks about a time early in her television news career, where a technical mishap taught her to always have a “Plan B.” Why was Joe surprised that he wasn't getting honest feedback about his writing, and what did that teach him about not taking expertise for granted?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- Mistakes with virtual meetings?
- Is it a mistake to keep your camera off?
- What is a hybrid meeting or the hybrid workplace?
- Mistakes that people or organizations make with hybrid?
- Tips and tricks to be inclusive to all participants in the room, on video, on the phone etc.?
- Technology to solve the room webcam camera problem?
- When the video is imperative in a virtual or hybrid meeting and when it’s not?
- Non-verbals in a hybrid meeting?
- Strategies to combat video fatigue and multitasking?
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Author of Relationships to Infinity
Episode page: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake161
My guest for Episode #161 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Jason Levin. He's a speaker and trainer. He's an executive career, business development and outplacement coach. He's the co-host of the Parents at Work Podcast. His website is www.readysetlaunch.net.
He’s also the author of the book, Relationships to Infinity: The Art and Science of Keeping in Touch. Scroll down to learn how to enter to win one of five free signed copies of the book!
In serving his enterprise and individual clients, Jason draws on experiences as a District Manager with Vault.com.
At Vault, he held roles both on the operations team and led a remote business development team.
Prior to Vault.com, he worked in brand management for Unilever on the Dove Global team where he developed global innovations in the anti-aging skincare category and he also worked for the consulting firms KPMG and Accenture. He has an MBA from the Georgetown McDonough School of Business.
He’s an assistant coach on his son’s little league baseball team and is a “raving fan” of DC sports.
In today's episode, Jason shares his “favorite mistake” story about failing to follow up with the wealthy benefactor of Rowan College. Why did he get yelled at by the head fundraiser at the college — and for how long? How have those lessons from that episode impact him as a coach?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- What attracted you to working with retired pro athletes in their career transitions? How is it different?
- Previous episodes with retired athletes Lenny Walls and Dave Scatchard
- With limited (non-infinite) time – how do we make time to focus on relationships?
- “Show me your calendar and I’ll show you your priorities”
- What is your “social fortress”?
- Your external network vs. your network inside the company
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Founder of Shattered Pencil Studios
Episode page and links: https://markgraban.com/mistake160
My guest for Episode #160 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Rosie Kosinski. She is what she calls the Brand Queen and Founder of Shattered Pencil Studios, a brand design & development boutique. She straddles the line between creative and strategic, artistic and scientific.
Raised by entrepreneurs and artists in a nomadic environment that took her through Europe, the Middle East, and the United States, Rosie is a global citizen through and through. She taps into this mosaic of perspectives to deeply understand the people she serves and to help them connect with the people they serve.
In today's episode, Rosie shares her “favorite mistake” story about “waiting too long to get a coach.” How did she go from being skeptical about the idea to working with a coach for years?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- Learning to value her work — the Sandler Selling System
- Why she learned to quote a price and “shut the hell up”
- More about what you learned about being a branding design coach?
- Do people confuse a logo with a brand?
- Mistakes that people make when it comes to branding?? Other than being cheap? Micromanaging the process?
- Blog post about Brand Clarity in Seven Questions
- 5 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me Before I Became A Founder
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page and links: https://markgraban.com/mistake159
My guest for Episode #159 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Glenn Poulos, the cofounder, vice president, and general manager of Gap Wireless Inc., a leading distributor for the mobile broadband wireless and test and measurement equipment markets. Gap Wireless Inc. was recently acquired by Network Wireless Solutions.
With over three decades of experience in sales, Glenn has spent thousands of hours in the field or on the phone with customers and working with salespeople to help create several very successful companies.
After entering the sales field in 1985 as a technical sales rep, Glenn founded his first company, mmWave Technologies Inc., in 1991 and simultaneously served as president of Anritsu Electronics Ltd. for nine years.
Using his extensive knowledge and experience in the industry, he lectures groups on sales strategy, consumerism, and what motivates people at a raw emotional level.
His new book is titled NEVER SIT IN THE LOBBY… 57 Winning Sales Factors to Grow a Business and Build a Career Selling.
In today's episode, Glenn shares his “favorite mistake” story about being the last to know that it was difficult (if not impossible) for employees to reach. Why did that unsolicited feedback “sting” and what did Glenn do to adjust going forward?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- Learned to ask people for feedback??
- Mistakes in the selling of the first company?
- Never forget a face
- What is “greed-based learning” when it comes to sales?
- When to Stop Compromising with Your Customer – and What to Do Instead?? – can you give us an example?
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page and links: https://markgraban.com/mistake158
My guest for Episode #158 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Karen Hold. She is the Founder of Experience Labs and her work is grounded in a core belief that design thinking provides an enabling social technology that facilitates adaptation and effective problem-solving in complex social systems.
Karen began her career in business and strategy on the Folgers Coffee brand team in the early 90s (part of Proctor & Gamble) — influenced by the work of Tom Peters, who was my guest in Episode 58.
She is one of the authors of the Book: Experiencing Design: The Innovator's Journeyfrom Columbia Business School Publishing.
In today's episode, Karen shares her “favorite mistake” story about having all of her professional eggs in the telecom industry basket. What did she learn about the need to diversify when all of her customers went bankrupt? What actions did she take to move forward in a better way?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- Being more intentional about diversifying in what to do next?
- Folgers experience? Lessons from learning brand management?
- The influence of Tom Peters? In Search of Excellence
- A family of designers Who were some of your key mentors? Grandfather Leroy Grumman…
Leroy Grumman: “A rough answer to the right question is better than a detailed answer to the wrong question.”
- How does that idea connect to entrepreneurship, innovation?
- “Effective problem solving in complex social systems?”
- What is a complex social system?
- How does Design thinking help with customer understanding and problem solving?
- “From ego centricity to empathy”
- Why is “the discovery process” so important, something to dive deeply into, before we start testing products or services?
- Can you apply the lessons from the book to the writing of the book?
- “Test your way to success” — peer review for an academic book
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
My guest for Episode #157 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Denis Crawford, a historian who is the author of books including his latest, The Life and Teams of Johnny F. Bassett: Maverick Entrepreneur of North American Sports.
Episode page, video, transcript and more: https://markgraban.com/mistake157
Denis M. Crawford holds a PhD in American Studies, teaches at Youngstown State University, and is managing editor for “The Coffin Corner,” the official magazine of the Professional Football Researchers Association. He is an honorary member of the Bucs UK, the largest American football fan club in the United Kingdom, and a 2010 inductee to the Bucs UK Hall of Fame.
Denis is also my uncle — even though he's just a few years older than me.
In today's episode, Denis shares his “favorite mistake” story about not taking advantage of sports journalism internships in college. Why did his young “arrogance” get in the way of his dream of becoming a play-by-play announcer? We talk about what Denis learned and we talk about some of the mistakes made by Johnny Bassett as a professional sports owner.
Part of the conversation looks back at the original USFL — and some of the battles between Bassett and Donald Trump (then-owner of the New Jersey Generals). With the new USFL launching this week, will the league manage to prevent its past mistakes?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- Bassett’s biggest mistakes? And I ask this realizing that he was generally the most successful owner in failed leagues…
- When he owned the Toronto Toros, what was the worst mistake that he could have made?
- Mistakes in overpaying players behind budgets or salary caps…
- Bassett seemed determine to avoid repeating mistakes from the WFL (and WHA) — how did the USFL end up undermining that?
- Trump the businessman… decided to move the league to the fall to compete directly with the NFL
- Did you get to read the letter Bassett sent to Trump?
- You got to interview Wayne Gretzky and some other Hall of Fame athletes — did you have jitters?
- A new version of the USFL (or at least a rebranded Spring League) will launch April 16 2022… If the original USFL didn’t learn from Johnny Bassett’s WFL mistakes, will they avoid repeating the same mistakes this time?
- How have leagues like MLS and the WNBA avoided the fate of Bassett’s leagues and others?
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
My guest for Episode #156 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Rachell Kitchen. She is an Author, Certified Professional Life & Transition Coach; ICF Associate Certified Coach, and Professional Speaker.
Episode page and links (with video and transcript): https://markgraban.com/mistake156
She graduated college with a B.S. degree in Industry & Technology and enjoyed a career as an Industrial Engineer.
Rachell is the author of a Book: Doubt Your Doubts: How to Transform Negative Self-Talk, Take Action and Confidently Create Your Dream Life.
And she has a FREE eCourse called Grow, Expand, Thrive (GET),
In today's episode, Rachell shares her “favorite mistake” story about being a young engineer (the only minority woman in the group) and how she “ended up on the bathroom floor at work” crying as the result of the stress of trying to have a daughter and a career. How did getting a coach help her? Why is it a mistake to not ask for help? We talk about what she's learned along the way and more.
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- What were your adjustments career wise?
- Letting life create her instead of creating her life?
- Tell us about the book — why did you write it?
- What is “negative self talk” and why is it so common in our heads?
- What’s your “gremlin”? Do we all have one?
- How can we recognize doubts and negative self talk?
- At what point are doubts helpful (in terms of being cautious about something – maybe avoiding mistakes) and when do doubts get in the way?
- What is your “dream life” and are you making progress on that, Rachell?
Find Rachell on social media:
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page: https://markgraban.com/mistake155
My guest for Episode #155 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Rebecca Contreras. She is President & CEO of AvantGarde LLC, an SBA certified 8a and Women Owned Small Business firm she co-founded as Majority Partner in May 2011. Her firm offers a “one stop shop” approach to addressing complex organizational, people and technology needs.
Rebecca Contreras is the author of the book Lost Girl – From the Hood to the White House to Millionaire Entrepreneur, which recounts her journey from becoming a welfare-dependent teenage mother to advising a sitting president, to driving a successful 100-person company.
Rebecca is a social and business entrepreneur who started her fifteen-year service in government in a welfare-to-work program for Texas icon Ann Richards.
Rebecca then spent nearly twelve years working with George W. Bush, first in Texas as his Director of HR then in the White House as a Commissioned Officer supporting the Presidential transition, followed by other roles in D.C.
In today's episode, Rebecca shares her “favorite mistake” story about trying to move past some mistakes she made as a young woman. When she was becoming part of the White House staff, she was open and transparent about her past mistakes — was it a “crapshoot” that might not have turned out well? How did Rebecca move past her early mistakes, including dropping out of high school and becoming a teen mom?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- Mentoring and coaching girls today
- When President Bush called you to serve, why did you have imposter syndrome? How did you recognize that and get past it?
- West Wing protocol mistakes?
- Tell us more about the book
- Tell us about your firm… who you serve and how
- What is it like being the CEO of a minority- and woman-owned consulting firm working in a male-dominated industry?
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
CTO of TalentMarketplace.ca
Episode page: https://markgraban.com/mistake154
My guest for Episode #154 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Scott Hirsch, the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer at the HR platform Talent Marketplace. With work experience combining business administration and computer science, Scott's passions lie in enabling business processes through the innovative use of technology.
In today's episode, Scott shares his “favorite mistake” story about setting the beta version of their platform as free. They launched the platform for free and “got almost no response.” Once they put a fee to it, clients started coming in, as Scott tells us. How did they decide their initial pricing was a mistake?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- “Freemium model”??
- Which way would we rather be wrong?
- Hiring challenges right now?
- The search for talent in a tight market?
- Does the data bring particular insights?
- Increase in remote work?
Find Scott or his company on social media:
- YouTube
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
CEO, clinical and organizational psychologist
My guest for Episode #153 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Dr. Nicole Lipkin, an internationally recognized clinical and organizational psychologist, executive coach, and keynote speaker.
Episode page: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake153
Nicole is the author of two popular leadership books: Y In the Workplace: Managing the “Me First” Generation and What Keeps Leaders Up At Night: Recognizing and Resolving Your Most Troubling Management Issues.
She is the CEO of Equilibria Leadership Consulting, a leadership and organizational development firm. In terms of education, she earned a doctoral in clinical psychology (Psy.D.), Master of Business Administration (MBA), and Master of Criminal Justice (MACJ). Nicole is also the founder and CEO of HeyKiddo, a company dedicated to helping adults gain better control over their children’s mental, social and emotional health through technology.
She recently exited her first company, Equilibria Psychological and Consultation Services. Nicole is a regular contributor to Forbes.com and has shared her expertise on NPR, NBC, Entrepreneur.com, NY Times Magazine, CBS and other media outlets. She lives in Philly with her husband, Matt, her toddler, Charlie, and her chunky cat, El Guapo Meatball (who makes an appearance in the episode!).
In today's episode, Nicole shares her “favorite mistake” story about having a “bad feeling” but hiring “Hope” (not her real name) anyway. Why was it a “punch in the gut” when Hope quit three months later? Did Nicole feel like she failed as a coach and as a leader? What lessons did she learn from these experiences?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- Is it a mistake to not follow your gut during interviewing or during the first month??
- What keeps you up at night? How can we AVOID sleep trouble?
- How do we build psychological safety? How much is the leader’s responsibility?
- Psychological safety – talking about it vs doing the behaviors??
- How different is Gen Y?? Different influences and experiences?
- Tell us about Equilibria Leadership Consulting — who is your ideal client and why do they hire you?
- Tell us about HeyKiddo — building emotional wellness using technology
Find Nicole on social media:
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page: https://markgraban.com/mistake152
My guest for Episode #152 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is John Gallagher. He is an executive coach, mentor, and consultant. He is the Founder and CEO of Growing Champions, LLC.
He's also the host of the podcast “The Uncommon Leader” — and I was his guest there! He was also previously my guest on my Lean Blog Interviews podcast series.
Before starting his company, John worked as a consultant for a decade, after being an operations manager and a division president for two different companies.
In today's episode, John shares his “favorite mistake” story about the time he got into the real estate business and thought he could change how a key business partner operated. And that partner was his mother-in-law. Why did he make this mistake? How did he adjust and how did he survive?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- What is “Lean”?
- Why were you excited about bringing this to real estate?
- Focusing on strengths instead of problems?
- Having a process when “every home sale is unique”?
- Tell us about the podcast…
- Common leadership mistakes that you wish were uncommon?
- Are they uncommon because they avoid leadership problems or because they have certain strengths?
- Being able to admit when they’re wrong… that’s uncommon — humility is required
- Creating an environment where it’s safe to talk about mistakes?
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
My guest for Episode #151 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast isLauren Eckhardt, the CEO and Founder of Burning Soul Press.
Episode page: https://markgraban.com/mistake151
An award-winning, and best-selling author and ghostwriter, she is passionate about helping impact-driven souls capture their life story in a book-led movement that changes lives.
Lauren founded Burning Soul Press in 2020, after 12 years in the human resources field, to work with aspiring and career authors in pursuit of sharing a powerful and deeply impactful story or message.
In today's episode, Lauren shares her “favorite mistake” story working with a business partner that didn't share her values. How did she discover the mistake? How did she repeat the mistake with another company before being able to put this behind her?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- Trying too hard to learn from other entrepreneurs, vs. figuring it out yourself?
- “Best seller” — a very loose definition??? Yes
- Helping somebody self-publish… doesn’t literally mean “self”
- “Empowerment Publishing”
- Being a book coach vs full ghostwriter
- What’s the origin of the Burning Soul Press name?
- Being a good storyteller? A better storyteller??
- What is the SoulWriter Society?
- Helping somebody write the book and helping them sell the book? Equally important?
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Confrontation expert and coach
My guest for Episode #150 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Danielle Gibson, a Confrontation Expert and a Certified Performance Coach. Her firm is Danielle Gibson Coaching & Consulting.
Episode page: https://markgraban.com/mistake150
Danielle was previously owner and designer at a jewelry company, Danielle Gibson Designs. She earned a degree in Fine Arts and also studied Italian language and literature in Italy.
In today's episode, Danielle shares her "favorite mistake" story about hiring a general coach when she needed a branding expert. How did she discover that to be a mistake? How and why did she end up repeating the mistake? How did she finally put that mistake behind her, never to be repeated again?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- How do you define “confrontation”?? — compared to assertiveness?
- “I’m an expert in confrontation.”
- Why were you comfortable with confrontation? Family environment?
- Lessons learned from your story when hiring a partner??
- “What to do when you don’t know what to do”
- People are scared about speaking up…
- A mistake to tell people to speak up without working to create the environment that invites it? Like in your family…
- How to be more direct, especially when there’s a power dynamic?
- Mistakes people make when being “confronted” — coaching people to be a better receiver of confrontation?
- One of the best ways to give feedback that’s non threatening?
- How do you start a conversation if you don’t know what to say?
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
From KaiNexus
Episode page and links: https://markgraban.com/mistake149
My guest for Episode #149 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Clint Corley, who spent more than five years as a Senior Account Executive at the software company, KaiNexus.
I want to disclose that I've been involved with KaiNexus for more than ten years as a contractor, advisor, and investor.
Clint has BBA Degree in professional sales from Baylor University.
In today's episode, Clint shares his “favorite mistake” story about a time when he was working in oil and gas, in West Texas, early in his career. Did he get “sloppy or complacent” that one time that led to an oil/gas line being hit during a dig. Why was he “grateful” about the response and what did he learn and take forward with him?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- Sales as a process? Lessons learned from your story?
- Overselling?
- Persistence vs. being a pest?
- Bad sales email of the day — things that make it bad
- Advice for somebody who stumbles into sales?
- Elevator speech about KaiNexus?
- The culture at KaiNexus about learning from mistakes?
Find Clint on social media:
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page and links: https://markgraban.com/mistake148
My guest for Episode #148 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Brigitta Hoeferle, a speaker, master trainer, and certified coach.
She’s the Owner of two educational institutions, founder of one for children and one for adults that she purchased, the Center of NLP.
As she says, she’s “German by birth, American by choice, educator by trade, a speaker & trainer by design, CEO by passion. And Brigitta’s an executive board member of The International Coaching Federation.
Check out her free PDF download on the “laws of success.”
In today's episode, Brigitta shares her “favorite mistake” story about “being cocky in telling people how to do things.” Why was she trying to do things “the German way” in the United States? What did she learn from these mistakes? Why does she view mistakes as learning opportunities?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- What is Montessori education and why is that so important to you?
- Teaching vs. running a school? Was a success in Germany…
- Difficult to get students in TN?
- What were some of the specific mistakes?
- What feedback did you get? Was it constructive feedback?
- Doer (US) vs. planner (German) mindsets
- “There is no failure only feedback” – example of a “re-frame”
- Viewing mistakes as learning opportunities
- What is NLP – Neuro-Linguistic Programming?
- What is “programming”? What does that word really mean?
- Is programming the result of our reaction to other people’s actions?
- Re-framing from victim (as a picked-on overweight teen)
- Why do we need to “Listen to Relate, not to Respond”?
- Re-framing — too many employees quitting, “people don’t want to work anymore” — or a different framing of “you’re not paying well enough, etc.”??
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
CEO of Value Capture
Show notes: https://markgraban.com/mistake147
My guest for Episode #147 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Ken Segel, the CEO and Managing Director of the firm Value Capture. Value Capture is a trusted advisory firm that supports chief executives who seek to transform the performance of their healthcare organization in safety, quality, and profitability.
In terms of disclosures, I have been a subcontractor to Value Capture for four years, serving as a senior advisor to healthcare clients and, during pandemic times, working as the Director of Strategic Marketing for the firm.
Prior to forming Value Capture, he served as the founding director of the Pittsburgh Regional Healthcare Initiative (PRHI) and he served for five years as Senior Program Officer at the Jewish Healthcare Foundation of Pittsburgh.
Earlier in his career, worked in government and politics, with various roles including directing the overnight operations in the 1992 Clinton-Gore presidential campaign “War Room.”
Ken has a B.A., Harvard University in American History and Literature and an M.B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh
In today's episode, Ken shares his “favorite mistake” story about a time when he was a young legislative aide to Rep. Howard Berman. What went wrong when he went “on background” with a USA Today reporter? Why did he get a copy of the clipping with a “SEE ME” note from the Congressman?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- What happened when Ken met with the Congressman?
- Immediate lesson learned about speaking to reporters?
- Another lesson – wasn’t proud of the quote, wasn’t constructive
- Leadership lessons?
- Learning from mistakes
- Berman was “a people developer”
- Psychological safety
- Not carte blanche for making more mistakes
- How does psychological safety lead to better performance?
- You mentioned learning from Toyota… What did you learn from the late Paul O’Neill about improvement and preventing and learning from mistakes?
- Aspirational goals… theoretical limits
- Tell us more about Value Capture – free eBooks
- The podcast “Habitual Excellence“
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake146
My guest for Episode #146 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is John Saunders, the founder of Forward Advisory Solutions.
He is the author of the book The Optimizer: Building and Leading a Team of Serial Innovators, which is now also available as an audiobook.
Click here to enter to win a copy of each.
John spent more than two decades as a Wall Street Senior Vice President, sales team leader, and award-winning sales executive. Followed his passion for helping others grow and founded a coaching and consulting company, Forward Advisory Solutions.
As a lifelong learner, Saunders asserts that change is necessary in today’s business world and believes in empowering those with whom he works. Holds a BS from the University of Wisconsin and an MBA from Georgetown University.
He is also the host of a podcast called “New Degree Press – The Creator Community.”
In today's episode, John shares his “favorite mistake” story about becoming a new leader and trying to “turn everybody into me.” Why did he do that and what did John learn about what you need to give up as a leader, compared to being an individual contributor?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
CEO of Brancu Associates
Episode page and links: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake145
My guest for Episode #145 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Dr. Mira Brancu. She is the Founder & CEO of Brancu Associates and is a Consulting Psychologist, Speaker, and Author.
Dr. Brancu helps leaders expertly navigate complexity in the workplace and help organizations make it easier for leaders to navigate. Dr. Brancu has 20+ years of experience in large, complex organizations, including federal government, academia, and healthcare.
She has a Psychology Today blog focused on women's leadership and is the author of Millennials Guide to Workplace Politics: What No One Ever Told You About Power and Influence. She received the 2020 Early Career Woman Psychologist in Management award and the 2021 Triangle Business Journal's Corporate Philanthropist Award.
Her background includes:
- PhD in clinical psychology
- M.Ed. and advanced certificate in counseling and supervision
- Certificates in: Business; Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Workplace; Lean Six Sigma Green Belt; Coaching
In today's episode, Mira shares her “favorite mistake” story about an early job as a school counselor and how she felt compelled to send a lengthy email about an ethics situation “straight to the top” and how that was “not well received.” What did she learn from that situation?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- Saying things like “I have a concern”? “Help me understand”… (or tell me more)
- Approach took focus off of the core issue?
- They made it about you as a deflection?
- Helping leaders make space for reflection?
- Applications of clinical psychology to organizational settings?
- How do you define Emotional Intelligence?
- Systems thinking and understanding yourself in a system of people?
- Complex workplace systems – no simple root causes of conflict?
- “Organizational trauma”?? — betrayal, lack of trust
- Tell us about the book — Not just for millennials?
- What can one person do?
- When to better navigate the environment and when to move on?
- Don’t want to deal with politics?
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake144
My guest for Episode #144 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Steve Gamlin. He is a Speaker, Author, VisionBoarder and Humor Punch-Up Specialist. His company is Motivational Firewood.
What does Steve do? He teaches individuals and organizations…to SEE THEIR GOALS, understand WHY they want them… and build an Action Plan for achievement.
How? With a blend of back-to-basics positivity, engagement, humor… and Visualization.
He is the author of four books including, Table 7, Your Centerpiece Is on Fire!
In today's episode, Steve shares his “favorite mistake” story about walking away from his radio DJ job without having another one lined up. Why did he get so frustrated? What did he learn from the experience?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- What was the cause of the frustration??
- What’s the story behind the name of your company, Motivational Firewood?
- What are vision boards?? Life tool not just a work tool
- Business mistakes
- Humor mistakes – punch up work
- Less obvious mistakes with trying to use humor
- What happens when you bomb?
- Speaking mistakes
- Vision Board Learning Program
- Free master class is a lead in to that
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Founder and managing director of the Tayne Law Group, P.C.
Episode Page: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake143
My guest for Episode #143 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Leslie Tayne, an award-winning financial attorney and author of the book, Life & Debt. She has over 20 years of experience in consumer and business financial debt solutions.
Leslie’s extensive background spans in negotiations with large international banks and credit agencies for loans, lines of credit, credit cards, and student loans.
She is the founder and managing director of the Tayne Law Group, P.C., a law firm headquartered in New York dedicated to debt solutions and alternatives to bankruptcy for individuals and businesses. Leslie frequently provides her expertise on financial, credit, and debt topics both as a public speaker and in the media.
She is also a board member for the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind and America’s Vet Dogs.
In today's episode, Leslie shares her “favorite mistake” story about thinking she needed a male business partner when she started her first law firm. Why was this a mistake and why was it a mistake to partner with that particular man? What did she learn, including the need to hire for a fit with the vision and values?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- % of firms headed by women?
- Business owner financial mistakes?
- Mistakes with Merchant Cash Advance loans?
- Personal financial mistakes?
- Mistakes with debt relief, tax debt relief, or debt consolidation programs / services?
- Red flags to look for?
- When should somebody reach out to an attorney?
- Bankruptcy is not always the answer
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake142
My guest for Episode #142 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Charles Read, the president and CEO of the company GetPayroll. He is an MBA, CPA, U.S. Tax Court Practitioner (USTCP), Internal Revenue Service Advisory Council (IRSAC), Employment Tax Expert, IRS Watchdog, and Small Business Advocate.
Charles is an accomplished senior executive and entrepreneur with more than 50-years of financial leadership experience in a broad range of industries, as well as a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
Charles is a decorated United States Marine Corps sergeant, a combat veteran of the Vietnam War. While in tye service, he was trained by IBM as a computer programmer and, later, a systems engineer.
He received his BBA cum laude and MBA from the University of North Texas. Charles is the author of books including The Payroll Book: A guide for small businesses & startups.
In today's episode, Charles shares his "favorite mistake" story about his admitted "hubris" that led him to think that he could "do it all" effectively in his company, including marketing. How did he learn this was a mistake? We talk about that and more.
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- Many say the IRS is underfunded? Is that a mistake?
- Where do you think hubris comes from?
- The IRS makes mistakes?? What kinds of mistakes?
- Other taxpayer mistakes?
- Mistakes entrepreneurs and small businesses make related to payroll?
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Owner of the firm LeadQuine
Episode page: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake141
My guest for Episode #141 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Ellen Patnaude.
She’s a Communication Coach. She’s owner of the firm LeadQuine. And her LinkedIn headline describes her as:
“Truth teller. People-ing Guru. Tough Cookie.”
Ellen is also a friend of mine from high school, as we played together in a regional youth orchestra for a few years.
In today's episode, Ellen shares her “favorite mistake” story about her time as a community organizer. She attended a meeting and assumed that her experiences growing up in Detroit would be relative to this group near Chicago. She was trying to prove her credentials, but learned that listening was more important than arguing about her bonafides. How did Ellen learn from this experience? Why is she now grateful that this happened?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- The importance of showing up, listening and asking questions (and not having your own agenda)
- Apologized… it was accepted… tough love
- You help people get better at communicating and interacting with others… common assumptions??
- How can leaders check for understanding without being parental?
- Asking better questions…
- Fired from a job for asking the wrong questions…
- Assumptions are #1 source of conflict
- Test your assumptions?
- Your firm’s tagline is “taking blinders off your team” — what’s the meaning behind that?
- What are some common mistakes people make in the realm of communication?
- Coaching people through those?
- Mistakes coaches make?
- Becoming less censored and less filtered?
- You’re currently writing a business book… Tell us about that
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Award-Winning International Coach
Episode page: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake140
My guest for Episode #140 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Ebonie Allard. She describes herself as a “Priestess of Alchemy”® — she’s an award-winning International Coach. She’s a (her words) “Misfit turned Maven,” an author, an artist, and an advocate.
She’s been host of the podcast “Adulting with Ebonie”… and her new podcast “Ebonie Unfiltered.”
She is the author of books including Misfit to Maven: The Story of Argh to Ahhh (Build a Life as Extraordinary as You Are).
In today's episode, Ebonie shares her "favorite mistake" story about inviting her closest three friends to be directors in her company, and how they were insolvent three months later. Why was this a favorite mistake? Because it opened up opportunities for things she really wanted to do.
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- Why had you “suffered from burnout at the end of every job” earlier in your career?
- Why do you describe yourself as a “Misfit turned Maven”?
- What's the difference between a Misfit and a Rebel?
- Why do you also describe yourself as a “Priestess of Alchemy”??
- Are you a spiritual misfit?
- Selling art / your first NFT?
- Mistakes people make in trying to get you (and others) to speak?
- Her groundrules for working with her
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Author of IN/ACTION: Rethinking the Path to Results.
Episode page: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake139
My guest for Episode #139 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Jinny Uppal, the author of the new book IN/ACTION: Rethinking the Path to Results.
Jinny is no stranger to driving contrary and innovative thinking. Uppal’s 20+ years of experience driving transformational growth by challenging existing norms in business is key to her success working with Fortune 500 telecom, eCommerce, and retail companies.
She is a technology and business leader with over 20 years’ experience driving transformative growth at Fortune 500 North American companies.
Most recently, she was Vice President of Strategy at a $12B North American retailer, driving transformative growth through new category launches and innovative store experiences
Jinny grew up in Mumbai and is a graduate of Florida International University and Harvard Business School. She has been a practitioner of Vedic and Buddhist meditation and breathwork since 2008.
In her new book, IN/ACTION: Rethinking the Path to Results, published by New Degree Press, Jinny Uppal explores the downside of the prevalent cultural bias for action even when it’s unnecessary or counter-productive. Capturing insights into the benefits of reflective thinking and strategic inaction, author Jinny Uppal presents a less stressful and more efficient way of achieving more by “doing” less.
You can enter to win a signed copy of Jinny's book! In today's episode, Jinny shares her "favorite mistake" story about taking action too quickly, when she decided to re-use some technology from another part of her company... but she had to give up after it didn't work out. That inspired her study of what happens when we rush to action.
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- What is “breathwork”?
- What are some mistakes that are made when we’re driven to action?
- Example - Ron Johnson as CEO of JC Penney (read my blog post about this)
- Advice: “let it simmer for a few days…”
- Understanding cause and effect is very important… what types of errors do humans make in understanding (or misunderstanding) cause and effect relationships… does that drive the wrong actions?
- Causes of bias to action problems?? Overconfidence
- Overconfident — so convinced that you dismiss input
- Is “bias for action” mainly a Western phenomenon?
- Toyota expression — “go slow to go fast” — your reaction to that?
- Did you do a prototype for your book?
- Tell us the story behind the book… what inspired you?
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake138
My guest for Episode #138 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is J.A. Adande. He is the director of sports journalism at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications. He is also the graduate journalism Sports Media Specialization leader.
J.A. earned his undergraduate degree in journalism from Medill in 1992. During his time in school at Northwestern, he was sports editor of The Daily Northwestern, the student newspaper.
J.A. has worked in sports media for over two and a half decades, including multiple roles at ESPN. He continues to appear on ESPN’s “Around The Horn,” where he has been a panelist since the show’s beginning in 2002.
He also previously worked for 10 years as a sports columnist at the Los Angeles Times, in addition to jobs at The Washington Post and Chicago Sun-Times.
In today's episode, J.A. shares his “favorite mistake” story about applying for a job, to be a sports columnist in Philadelphia, which probably would have been a failure. Why was it a mistake to want that job, then? How would the newspaper have determined if he was a success or a failure? How would that be determined today in the internet age?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- Angry letters to the editor might not be a bad thing if that means people are reading?
- Coaching students about handling or bracing for hate mail or flat out hate?
- Tell us about getting into TV – did that ever feel like a mistake? When that was new to you?
- Learning to give “hot takes”?
- Mistakes in reporting — pressure to be first vs. being correct?
- The “Medill F”? A punishment for mistakes like spelling a name wrong… is this a very real practice? A mistake you only make once?
- Greg Cote’s story in a bonus episode about being lied to by an interview subject
- Another mistake story from J.A. — getting a soccer coach's first name wrong in a profile
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Author of the new book, The Power of Regret.
Enter to win a copy of the book
Episode page: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake137
My guest for Episode #137 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Daniel H. Pink. He is the author of seven books and his most recent was released on February 1, The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward – that seems like a perfect topic to explore on this podcast.
I had a chance to interview Dan back in 2010, for another podcast series, about his book Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us.
Dan’s books have won multiple awards, have been translated into 42 languages, and have sold millions of copies around the world. He received a BA from Northwestern University, where he was a Truman Scholar and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and a JD from Yale Law School.
In today's episode, Dan shares his “favorite mistake” story about never finding a mentor — he didn't ask, didn't think it was needed. How did he learn that this was a mistake and a regret?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- What's the difference or connection between mistakes and regrets?
- Mistake is an action, regret is an emotion
- Why having regrets is normal and healthy — and “why the ‘No Regrets' philosophy is dunderheaded and dangerous”
- You uncovered the four most common regrets, what’s one example?
- Is “regret” our most misunderstood emotion?
- Why do we regret what we DON’T DO more than regretting what we DO do?
- I regret times when I didn’t speak up in the moment…
- Tell us about the research that went into this book…
- “Talking about the regret is helpful” – lifts the burden, words out loud help or writing (disclosure)
- Self-compassion. Kristen Neff (Texas)
- How can we turn regrets into a positive force?
- How can we avoid dwelling in regret?
- Do you think the pandemic has, in some way, caused people to think differently about regret?
- World Regret Survey
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Executive Director of Feed A Billion
Episode Page: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake136
My guest for Episode #136 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Dr. Nicole Roberts. She is the Executive Director of Feed A Billion, an international nonprofit that feeds girls around the world to prevent exploitation and she's the founder of Health & Human Rights Strategies, a health care and human rights-focused advising firm in Washington, D.C.
Nicole is also the host of “The Global Good Podcast.”
Nicole contributes to Forbes, contextualizing health, and highlighting ideas, companies, and people that are changing the health landscape. Her writing has appeared in numerous journals and publications, and her talks can be found on the United Nations website and various news and sports outlets.
She has a doctorate in public health from the University of North Carolina, a masters in public policy from the University of Chicago, and completed undergraduate work in psychology and biology at the University of Missouri.
In today's episode, Nicole shares her “favorite mistake” story about making bad assumptions about starting a meals program for girls in India — assuming that a model that worked elsewhere would work there. How did she learn about the bad assumption and how did they correct this to be more effective?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
- Given your brain science background – then going into public health… thoughts on the best way to get more people to say “yes” to vaccination?
- You’re also hosting what has become an annual event at the Super Bowl – Brain Health Summit – in its 9th year — tell us about the event?
- Was agent Leigh Steinberg too powerful to get ostracized after that paper & event?
- Jen Welter Episode #60
- Dave Scatchard Episode #59
- Tell us about the nonprofit “Feed A Billion”
- Tell us a little bit about your firm Health & Human Rights Strategies…
- Tell us about the Podcast — The Global Good Podcast
- “If you aren't making mistakes then it means you aren't paying enough attention or you aren't listening to the people around you.” Tell us what that means to you.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake135
My guest for Episode #135 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Michael Juergens. He is a senior partner with a Big Four consulting firm, where he runs the Winery Solutions practice, overseeing the portfolio of services the firm provides to wineries.
He is also a certified specialist of wine, a certified sommelier, and a Stage 2 candidate to become the 59th American to qualify as a Master of Wine, if he can “pass the damn exam” as he says on his website.
Michael is also the author of two books in the “Drinking & Knowing Things” series (under his pen name, Michael Amon).
He is the founder of the Bhutan Wine Company, and is leading the development of the wine industry in this magical Himalayan country.
He owns the award winning SoCal Rum Company, which was recently awarded the highest point score in history for any silver rum (95 points).
Michael also is a professor at the Paul Merage School of Business at the University of California Irvine. He's a punk rock drummer and an adventure race addict
In today's episode, Michael answers the “what is your favorite mistake?” question a little differently. He draws a bit on Buddhism to question whether anything is really a mistake, if whatever happens was meant to be. That said, he thinks that drinking certain wines is a huge mistake. So we talk about that in a wide-ranging and fun conversation.
We talk about questions and topics including:
- You failed the tasting portion of the Master of Wine exam four years in a row, would you be upset if you failed again?
- You also started the entire wine industry in the Kingdom of Bhutan in the Himalayas — tell us about that…
- Failing forward in Bhutan — Buddhist influence?
- What is “winedouchery” and why are you so opposed to it?
- Snobbery? Average price under $10? People who don’t like wine?
- Champagne just for celebrations?
- Starting the distillery??
- COMMON THEME —> “Self-limiting beliefs”
- What sparked that passion about wine?
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Leadership professor, author, entrepreneur
Episode page: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake134
My guest for Episode #134 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Dr. Kasey Lynn Thompson.
She is an Associate Professor of Business Ethics, Business, and Strategy at Ferris State University and former Director of Global Menu Strategy for a Fortune 250 company.
Dr. Kasey Lynn is the author of the book Fall Down, Gritty Up: The Unconventional Mental Map for Becoming Your Own Hero.
She is also the proprietor of Pendulum Publishing, a consulting firm in Michigan. Dr. Kasey Lynn earned a PhD in Values-Driven Leadership from Benedictine University.
In today's episode, Dr. Kasey Lynn shares her “favorite mistake” story about a career decision — staying with McDonald's (the larger parent company) instead of staying with the spun-off RedBox company that she had worked for. What did she learn from these events? How does it inform and affect the way she coaches students about career decisions?
We talk about that story and other topics including:
- Choosing a job based on relationships, values… product?
- Advising students? – how to decide what “best” is for an opportunity?
- How has RedBox done in the age of streaming?
- Your PhD… What is values-driven leadership?
- Your former employer didn’t know you were working on a PhD?
- Theranos – Elizabeth Holmes? Fraud or true believer?
- Tell us about teaching Business Ethics…
- Most likely business ethics situations a student might face in the business world?
- You started a new restaurant… Fatty C's Dog House
- Not let yourself get too down, what am I learning from this?
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Founder of New Braunfels Brewing Company
Episode page: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake133
My guest for Episode #133 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Kelly Meyer, the author of How NOT to start a Damn Brewery: Ten Business Lessons From The Front Lines of The Craft Beer Industry— and a podcast of that same name.
In today's episode, Kelly shares his “favorite mistake” story about starting a brewery (New Braunfels Brewing Company) at the wrong time — and how he sold that brewery ten years later. His book talks about 10 major mistakes that he made… it’s a fun read, even if you’re not interested in starting a damn brewery.
We talk about that story and other topics including:
- Not getting out – 3 moments of insolvency… How close were you to getting out?
- Had sold a chain of fitness centers — what made that successful? Did you think that would be transferrable?
- 2022 – when the EIDL funds run out…
- Why write the book? Cathartic? Warning for others?
- Are you working as an advisor to others?
- Was it a mistake to curse in the book?
- “Most people… don’t want to hear the truth” — Magazines don’t want to print anything negative
- “Mistakes are just weaknesses leaving your business”
- Would you ever start another brewery based on what you learned the first time?
- Tell us more about the podcast — No shortage of guests?
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake132
My guest for Episode #132 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Manisha Thakor, a 25-year veteran of the financial services industry. She has seen firsthand the downfalls of being trapped in what she calls “the cult of money.” She is a Chartered Financial Analyst and a Certified Financial Planner.
From a failed marriage to nearly working herself to death – twice, Manisha has learned the hard way how expensive this pursuit of money really is. Using a unique approach she calls “MoneyZen”, Manisha found her way back to financial and personal wellbeing. Today, she uses this framework to help others do the same.
Manisha is the author of books including On My Own Two Feetand Get Financially Naked: How to Talk Money With Your Honey.
In today's episode, Manisha shares her “favorite mistake” story about realizing she had saved up far more than she needed for retirement — at the cost of her own well-being, health, and satisfaction. Why did she confuse wealth for “well-th”?
We talk about that story and other topics including:
- Retired once she realized she had WAY too much saved
- From donations to direct participation in meaningful non-profits?
- Tell us what you mean by the phrase “a cult of money” and why people get caught up in that?
- Well-th isn’t as easily measured?
- Ten Percent Happier podcast
- What led to you “nearly working yourself to death”?
- The cult of “never enough”
- The most common money mistakes that couples make?
- What is “MoneyZen”?
- How do you work with individuals? With organizations (wellness centers, corporations)
- The quiz on her website that she mentioned
Find Manisha on Social Media:
- YouTube
Please follow, rate, and review via Apple Podcasts or Podchaser or your favorite app — that helps others find this content and you'll be sure to get future episodes as they are released weekly. You can also become a financial supporter of the show through Anchor.fm.
You can now sign up to get new episodes via email, to make sure you don't miss an episode.
This podcast is part of the Lean Communicators network.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Video and more: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake131
My guest for Episode #131 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Brandon Smith, an executive coach, author, speaker, and podcaster. His podcast (and his label for himself) is “The Workplace Therapist” and he's had me as a guest there. As a “therapist,” he has an MS in Clinical Counseling.
Some of his jobs and roles include:
- The Worksmiths, Founder and CEO
- The Leadership Foundry, Co-Founder
- Goizueta Business School, Emory University, Adjunct Faculty
He’s the author of books including his latest, The Hot Sauce Principle: How to Live and Lead in a World Where Everything Is Urgent All of the Time.
In today's episode, Brandon shares his “favorite mistake” story about staying in a “comfortable” executive education teaching job too long — why was that a “bad relationship” and what did he learn from the experience?
We talk about that story and other topics including:
- What triggered this realization?
- Was it a pattern?
- Why did you come to call yourself “the workplace therapist”?
- What reasons do people come to you for workplace therapy?
- Choosing to come vs. being told they have to?
- Resisting expertise?
- Tell us about the book… what is the “hot sauce principle”??
- Why do we need “focused energy”?
- Using “hot sauce” or urgency appropriately
Find Brandon on Social Media:
- YouTube
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Show notes, video, and more: https://markgraban.com/mistake130
My guest for Episode #130 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Vicki Moore, joining us from Frankfurt, Germany.
Vicki is an entrepreneur, author, and coach, whose passion is finding ways to help people achieve big goals. She spent most of her career in corporate training and development, working with Fortune 500 clients. She founded a successful training agency in Los Angeles, which she ran for more than 10 years, before pursuing her dream of moving to Europe in 2015. She now lives in Germany and helps both teams and individuals confidently create their own path to success.
She’s the author of the Book: Life Beyond Should: Overcome Expectations & Create the Life You Want. Enter to win a signed copy by using the entry form further down on this page.
Enter to win a signed copy (click here).
In today's episode, Vicki tells her “favorite mistake” story about getting divorced and giving away the business she had spent ten years building. How did this mistake lead to a better situation that she “couldn't have done otherwise”? Why was moving to Europe more difficult than Vicki expected and what did she learn from that?
We talk about that story and other topics including:
- Moving to Europe, hadn’t factored in culture, biz culture, network, language… — a mistake to assume that
- Tell us about the coaching work that you do… who do you work with? And where?
- Do you help coach people through mistakes?
- Overcoming expectations of what others think our life should look like
- Best thing / worst thing about moving there?
- Expectations – can be good or unfair expectations?
Find Vicki on Social Media:
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Show notes, video, transcript, and more:https://www.markgraban.com/mistake129
My guest for Episode #129 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Mark Noon. He is a professional speaker, executive coach, and developer of leaders at his company, LEADERSHIPTEN.
Mark is a retired USAF clinical laboratory manager and was in that role for more than ten years out of a total 20+ years of service. He is the author of the book Set Up: Timeless Leadership Skills for Your Success.
In today's episode, Mark tells his “favorite mistake” story about thinking that career transitions would be easy. Why did Mark go into “panic mode” after six months, and how did he adjust his approach?
We talk about that story and other topics including:
- Positional authority vs being authoritative
- Command and Control leadership?
- New transition – forming his own company
- Looked back for previous lessons learned from past transition?
- Blog post: 10 Reasons Why We Decided on the name LEADERSHIPTEN
- Is it a mistake for healthcare organizations to ask too much for “10 ratings from patients?
- Building upon struggles to be a better
- Coaching to avoid mistakes or focus on learning from them??
- Telling what to do versus helping them see it
Find Leadership10 on Social Media:
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Show page: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake128
My guest for Episode #128 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Katie Anderson, a leadership coach, and the author of the book Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn: Lessons from Toyota Leader Isao Yoshino on a Lifetime of Continuous Learning — along with the companion workbook that she published.
Katie was previously a guest with Mr. Yoshino in Episode 30 back in January 2021.
In today's episode, Katie tells her most recent “favorite mistake” story about recording and producing the audiobook version of her book. What went wrong? How did she discover the problems?
We talk about that story and other topics including:
- Doing your best? Give it your best – Japanese word: ganbarimasu
- Root cause of the sound variation in the audiobook recording?
- Lean Blog Interviews podcast episodes with Katie
- Anxiety about talking about mistakes?
- Reflections on creating a culture where it’s safe to talk freely about mistakes?
- How can people learn with you, work with you?
- “Leading to Learn Accelerator”
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Show notes, video, and more: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake127
My guest for Episode #127 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Evans Kerrigan, Co-Founder & CEO of the firm Integris Performance Advisors.
Evans is the co-author, with Brett Cooper, of the book Solving the People Problem: Essential Skills You Need to Lead and Succeed in Today’s Workplace.
In today's episode, Evans tells his “favorite mistake” story from some client work that took place more than 20 years ago. The client was happy with the work, but he thought they “left a lot on the table” because ideas from staff were being overridden or changed by leadership. When did it click that there was a problem? What adjustments did he make?
We talk about that story and other topics including:
- Happy with the results, but what’s sustainable? What builds a culture? Not blaming the people.
- Common leadership mistakes that you see?
- Tell us about the book
- It’s not a people problem… but we have friction in communication, etc.
- How to address setting the groundwork for listening?
- The book's website
- EQ survey — what’s my DISC EQ? - Use access code "favorite" to get it for free
- Lean podcast episode link
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Founder of the firm Inventium.
Show page: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake126
My guest for Episode #126 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Dr Amantha Imber, she is an organisational psychologist and founder of behavioural science consultancy Inventium.
She and I share a belief… “Work doesn’t have to suck!” As it says on the front page of her website.
Amantha is the author of two best-selling books: The Creativity Formula and The Innovation Formula.
She’s the host of a podcast: “How I Work.”
In today's episode, Amantha tells her “favorite mistake” story about tying her achievements to self worth. How did she discover that pattern? What did she learn and what did she do about it?
We talk about that story and other topics including:
- Positive framing (start doing) of habit change vs. negative (stop doing)?
- I first learned of you because of a piece you wrote on LinkedIn that I really enjoyed… it was titled: Your “Failure Resume”
- Why did you frame that as an experiment?
- Amantha's failure resume
- Experiments — others coming along with you — how many?
- “My Year of Better”
- “My natural inclination was to hide my failures.” Why was that?
- As a child, you said: “But in addition to being competitive, I was also a perfectionist.” Why is that combination of perfectionism and competitiveness a problem?
- Tell us about your firm Inventium
- Like Samantha, Without the S — name of an album you released?
Find Amantha on Social Media:
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
CEO of Business Ethics Advisors, LLC.
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake125
My guest for Episode #125 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Kevin Foster, the CEO of Business Ethics Advisors, LLC. He is a former financial executive with FDIC-Division of Liquidation, Standard Chartered Bank, and Dr Pepper Co., a 30-year veteran in real estate, and a former CPA with Peat, Marwick & Mitchell (now KPMG).
Kevin’s journey took him from corporate real estate executive to a convicted felon (37 months in prison with 28 days in solitary confinement).
Now, Kevin uses his E.T.H.I.C.S. tools to provide ethics awareness and solutions so that others will be prepared to identify the personal characteristics and circumstances leading to unethical behavior.
In today's episode, Kevin tells his “favorite mistake” story about being a finance executive with a real estate company and how he got swept up in criminal conspiracy charges for basically being in the wrong job at the wrong time and for not quitting when he saw red flags.
We talk about that story and other topics including:
- What fraud was being committed by the company you were working for? How did that lead to your personal conviction?
- Kevin quit – but got talked into coming back…
- Was tying to avoid charges… “conspiracy” charges harder to get out of, doing “anything” that advances the conspiracy means you're complicit (even being in one meeting)
- How did “ethical problems” turn into legal problems?
- Why he's “shocked” that no other Theranos employees are facing charges
- What it's like for a white-collar person to go to prison??
- Preparing for incarceration?
- “Everything that happens… must happen… for a reason”
- “Three Felonies a Day” book – white collar professionals – so many laws that can get you thrown in prison
- Too many ethics programs are rules-based, video based
- He teaches values-based ethics
- Why are people unethical?
- Does anybody question if a convicted felon can be teaching them ethics? Learning from mistakes personified…
Find Kevin on Social Media:
- LinkedIn – Individual
- LinkedIn – Company
This podcast is part of the Lean Communicators network.
Please follow, rate, and review via Apple Podcasts or Podchaser or your favorite app — that helps others find this content and you'll be sure to get future episodes as they are released weekly. You can also become a financial supporter of the show through Anchor.fm.
You can now sign up to get new episodes via email, to make sure you don't miss an episode.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake124
My guest for Episode #124 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Brent Cassity, author of the new book Nightmare Success: Loyalty, Betrayal, Life Behind Bars, Adapting, and Finally Breaking Free: A Memoir.
Brent also has a podcast – “Nightmare Success In and Out,” which explores the stories of inmates who were in and now out of prison.
Brent was a CEO of a national company, Forever Enterprises, that was recognized in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, TIME, FORTUNE, to name a few. HBO did a documentary on their company titled “The Young and the Dead” that spawned the dramatic series “Six Feet Under” – a highly acclaimed series that I really enjoyed.
As it says in his bio, Brent “had it all and lost it all…” as what happened led to Brent and his family’s story (and the story of their company National Prearranged Services Inc. (NPS) — being an episode of CNBC’s “American Greed” documentary series.
In today's episode, Brent tells his “favorite mistake” story about how trusting his dad, who had already been convicted for fraud, led to him getting into a lot of hot water with the feds… with many lessons learned in the process that he's kind enough to share with us today.
We talk about that story and other topics including:
- Was your dad forthcoming about that first conviction?
- Was the CNBC story that accurate?
- Crimes and intent vs mistakes??
- What the five rules that helped you survive prison that can be used in everyday life?
- What happens when your worst fear becomes your reality? Nothing is ever as bad as your mind makes it out to be.
- What has your life been like since you got out of prison?
Please follow, rate, and review via Apple Podcasts or Podchaser or your favorite app — that helps others find this content and you'll be sure to get future episodes as they are released weekly. You can also become a financial supporter of the show through Anchor.fm.
You can now sign up to get new episodes via email, to make sure you don't miss an episode.
This podcast is part of the Lean Communicators network.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake123
My guest for Episode #123 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Super Julie Braun, founder and CEO of “Super Purposes” — a career coaching and advisement program built for the 21st century and today's job market. Her company helps people (more than 16,000 people!) get the career and salary they deserve regardless of their challenges. They work with Veterans, stay-at-home parents, immigrants, folks from the LGBTQIA community, and people with addictions or alcoholism, formerly incarcerated, people with disabilities and more.
Earlier in her career, SJ quickly rose in corporate jobs leading creative teams for Victoria’s Secret, MTV, Nike, Estee Lauder, and Carters Childrenswear. She lists her passions as Animals, the environment, living the digital nomad lifestyle, minimalism, Sudoku, sobriety, and cupcakes — in no particular order?
In today's episode, SJ shares his “favorite mistake” story about quitting a job “in a huff' and not having a plan. Why was she burned out? Why did she think she would fail as a marketing consultant?
We talk about that story and other topics including:
- Easier to find a job these days? Finding the right job?
- In an era of employee shortages, why do companies need to expand the pool from which they recruit and hire? Incarcerated people…
- Human Resources or Humane Resources?
- People who are formerly incarcerated… my next two guests both served prison time for fraud and white collar crimes, so there’s a bit of a theme this month…
- Tell us about particular challenges for Trans and Non Gender Conforming applicants and programs you have for them?
- Programs for military spouses who are moving a lot?
- In your coaching, what do you say to people about mistakes in their job search… in interviewing?
- The stages of mistake grief??
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
CEO of Khorus Systems and iGrafx
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake122
My guest for Episode #122 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Joel Trammell. He is CEO and Founder of Khorus Systems, a business management system that empowers CEOs to lead high-performance organizations.
Joel is the author of books including The CEO Tightrope: How to Master the Balancing Act of a Successful CEO and his latest, available in January, titled The Manager’s Playbook: Make Exceptional People Management Your Competitive Advantage.
In today's episode, Joel shares his “favorite mistake” story about having trouble, multiple times, finding the right VP of Marketing for a startup company.
We talk about that story and other topics including:
- Steps to avoid making that mistake?
- What are some Mistakes CEOs make in evaluating the performance of other executives?
- As boss, do you have to more expert than your team?
- “Be an expert generalist”
- Being CEO at 2 companies at the same time?
- As a CEO, what’s your role in creating a culture of learning from mistakes?
- When do you have to bring in an outsider as CEO?
- Keep Austin weird? Is it a Mistake for companies to “hire for fit”??
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Episode page: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake121 My guest for Episode #121 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Jenn Lim, co-founder, CEO and Chief Happiness Officer of Delivering Happiness, a company she co-founded with Tony Hsieh, the late CEO of Zappos.com to create more happiness at work/life. Jenn was a consultant with Zappos from 2003-2011, during the years it grew from a startup into a billion-dollar business. She created the first (of several) Zappos Culture books. She’s the author of the book Beyond Happiness: How Authentic Leaders Prioritize Purpose and People for Growth and Impact — available NOW – and it has been on the WSJ Best Seller list for a few weeks. In today's episode, Jenn shares her “favorite mistake” story about turning down an opportunity to sell movie rights to a novel she had written (and ended up never publishing). How did she learn to “not live with regret,” being “true to yourself”? We talk about that story and other topics including:
The so-called Great Resignation is happening… why? How to embrace the new future of work—hybrid and human — what do you mean by that? – not just technology focus Beyond work… How to infuse values-based decisions in our day-to-day lives? Tell us about the book, Beyond Happiness…
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Show Notes: https://www.MarkGraban.com/mistake120
My guest for Episode #120 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Angelo Ponzi, Founder / President of the Ponzi Group (now called Craft Marketing Architects). Angelo is a fractional CMO, business advisor, marketing architect, keynote speaker, and author.
He's also host of the podcast called Business Growth Cafe.
In today's episode, Angelo shares his “favorite mistake” story about not doing his due diligence when he started a film production company that failed in eight months – and what he learned from this that helped him when he tried again. We also talk about the elephant in the room — his last name and the name of his firm.
We talk about that story and other topics including:
- What does it mean to be a marketing architect?
- Mistakes in understanding customers?
- Marketing mistakes that you see and help people avoid?
- I love wine… can you tell us about the work you did with a wine brand to boost demand and sales?
- The importance of testing ideas and marketing efforts
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Show Notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake119
My guest for Episode #119 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Melanie Pump, an accomplished Chief Financial Officer and business leader from Toronto. She is “a survivor, a business leader and a deep believer in the power of positive, supportive work environments.” She's also the author of the book DETOX: Managing Insecurity in the Workplace.
In today's episode, Melanie shares her "favorite mistake" story about not wanting to share the story of her "rocky childhood" with her colleagues. How did Melanie go from being a high school dropout to a corporate executive?
We talk about that story and other topics including:
- What sort of reaction do you get when you tell the story?
- Vulnerability is helpful? Showing it as a leader... admitting mistakes as a leader...
- What inspired you to write the book?
- Worked in some toxic workplaces?
- Getting past insecurity? Is insecurity the root of many other problems?
- Wasn’t asking “why” that person seems insecure?
- How can we help others?
- Toxic behaviors?Passive aggressiveness
Avoidance / procrastination
Defensiveness * Does insecurity lead to the appearance of arrogance that leads to toxic environments? * Addressing imposter syndrome? * Gender differences?? * What do you do as CFO (and the rest of the C-suite) to guard against toxic work environments? * Why does this matter for business results???
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
https://www.markgraban.com/mistake118 has show notes, links, and more.
My guest for Episode #118 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Matthew Korban, a Certified Health Coach, Executive Life Coach, and Motivational Speaker. Born in Beirut, but based in Ohio now, he is also a 5-time black belt martial artist who practices meditation and Yoga daily.
In today's episode, Matthew shares his “favorite mistake” story, the “first 40 years” of his life, as he put it, and how a surgical procedure was a “wake up call” and his “near-death experience” shifted him into significant weight loss (over 200 pounds) and a new career direction.
We talk about that story and other topics including:
- Why was he working 15-16 hours a day? Status, money, attention
- Is it tough marketing balance and a healthier lifestyle??
- Cannot use some marketing tactics with people
- Have to prioritize — we cannot have it all
- Developing better habits? Make Positive Habit Changes
- Giving away a free 50-minute coaching session
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Show page: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake117
My guest for Episode #117 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Lynn Yap, the Founder of Actv8 Network, whose mission is to increase the participation of women in the fields of technology, and entrepreneurship. She started her career as a corporate attorney, and then followed a traditional business path—graduating from the Wharton School with an MBA and working in investment banking.
Her curiosity led her to research more about using businesses as a force for good. Her book The Altruistic Capitalist: How to Lead for Purpose and Profitrepresents the culmination of conversations with leaders at for-profit corporations, entrepreneurs, and investors, and her personal experience.
In today's episode, Lynn shares her “favorite mistake” story, which led to her to leave investment banking after participating in the Facebook IPO. Why did she learn that she never again “wanted to sacrifice [her] values”?
We talk about that story and other topics including:
- Did you go through a process of forgiving yourself?
- Why did you start the Actv8 Network?
- Interactive programs? For young women?
- Gap — Tom Peters — need more women on boards, CEOs
- The book: Focusing on all stake holders instead of just shareholders?
- Business Roundtable statement — stakeholder capitalism
- 21 core metrics – people, the planet
- What is the “altruistic capitalist mindset”?Mindfulness, curiosity, grit
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
In today's bonus episode, host Mark Graban talks about an error that he was "victim" of this week. He was given the incorrect Moderna booster dose, being given the "full" 0.5 mL dose instead of the "booster" dose of 0.25 mL. This is, thankfully, an error that's not harmful (in fact, it may be to his benefit). But, everyone, from the CDC to the store, pharmacy manager agreed this was a "serious" error that "should not occur." How can we learn from mistakes like this so we prevent giving the wrong dose (or the wrong vaccine)?? Will learning from this help prevent future errors that might be more serious? You can read more in a blog post that Mark about this.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
My guest for Episode #116 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Steve Gerein, a musician and entrepreneur.
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake116
He was previously the lead singer of the country band Aces Wyld and he is now the founder and CEO of SongShop, a platform that connects artists with independent songwriters, so they can turn their catalogs into profit via licensing opportunities.
In today's episode, Steve talks about how he thought it would be “sort of easy” to make it as a band, eight or nine years ago in Canada (where he still lives). We talk about that and how he started a company that utilizes his domain knowledge.
We talk about other topics including:
- A band is like a startup?
- It’s not happening — but why?
- What tweaks can you make to the band?
- Making music vs. the business of music
- What are some of the opportunities to improve the model around buying or selling songs as a musician?
- The average song that’s written earns just $43 — why is that, how does SongShop help?
- Tools you can use when doubt and fear step in, and how to overcome them both in your professional and personal life?
- Other episodes that came up:Dr. Greg Jacobson
Dr. Kelly Henry
Find Steve on Social Media:
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Show notes page: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake115
My guest for Episode #115 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Kelly Cutchin, the Country Manager at Moneycorp, a global currency exchange leader and she has helped many Americans make overseas investments. She has over a decade of experience in the foreign exchange industry. She joined Moneycorp in 2006 as the first American employee.
In today's episode, Kelly shares her “favorite mistake” story from working at a restaurant as a teenager, and how that story came when her CEO asked people around the table about a mistake they made (his was an expensive mistake involving M&Ms production). Kelly learned that we all make mistakes and it's OK to not have the answer to every question. She's also learned about the mistakes people make related to international business or real estate transactions.
We talk about that and other topics including:
- CEO asked “what’s your biggest mistake” around an event table
- Mistakes people make investing overseas?
- Corporate mistakes with transferring money overseas?
- Mistakes people planning to retire overseas?
- Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies?
- Undoing people’s mistakes?
Find Kelly and Moneycorp on Social Media:
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Show Notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake114
My guest for Episode #114 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Carlos Hidalgo, an author, International & TEDx Speaker, marketer, consultant, coach, and advisor.
Carlos is a co-host of The Life Design Podcast (with his wife Susanne) and is the author of the book Book: The UnAmerican Dream: Finding Personal and Professional Happiness Establishing Work-Life Boundaries.
In today's episode, Carlos shares his “favorite mistake” story about getting off track and burned out, professionally and personally, by putting his identity and purpose into his profession.
We talk about that and other topics including:
- My mention of a previous episode #31 Greg Jacobson – cohabitating with your spouse
- What happens when business doesn’t go well?
- 2015: came to a head, was burned out… relationship struggles, then separation
- Hustle culture… can be problematic (“garbage”)
- LinkedIn – “it’s OK to not have a work/life balance”
- What do you mean by “Designing Your Life”? Podcast?
- Allowing life to just happen? Or designing it?
Find Carlos on Social Media:
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Show page: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake113
My guest for Episode #113 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Gena Cox, PhD PCC, an industrial psychologist, executive coach, author, and speaker. She has advised corporate leaders for 20+ years how to build organizational cultures that support innovation, inclusion, and employee engagement.
Gena earned a Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the University of South Florida and is also the Founder/CEO of Feels Human, Inc. She has a book coming out in 2022 called Leading Inclusion.
In today's episode, Gena shares her “favorite mistake” story about leaving a company in a way she thinks was “cavalier” — regretting that she couldn't recreate that same culture elsewhere. Sometimes, yon’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.
We talk about that and other topics including:
- How did recognition of mistake reveal itself?
- Feels Human, Inc. — what is a “human first organization”
- Human first doesn’t mean human only?
- “Inclusive leadership matters” — Beyond being the right thing to do from a human perspective, what are the connections between D&I to business results?
- Inclusion as a component of “effective leadership”
- Behaviors that are more inclusive?
- Diversity easier to measure than inclusion?
- Definition of inclusion?
- Blog post — “Why are you always talking about race?”
- The book — coming 2022, Leading Inclusion
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake112
My guest for Episode #112 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Brian Buck, a “success curator” who helps people have masterful communication & powerful relationships so they achieve amazing results — transformational coach for small- and medium-sized businesses. He's also co-host of the "People, Purpose and Profits Business Coaching" show on YouTube -- and it's also a podcast.
In today's episode, Brian shares his “favorite mistake” story about waiting too long to address being in a good workplace that turned toxic. Why was this his “darkest moment”? Why was this all a “never again moment” for Brian?
We talk about that and other topics including:
- Leaders were undermining everything, passive aggressive
- They were little things… Brian said “I can handle it” — but it kept going
- Can you believe leaders when they say things like:“This is a safe place to talk”
“My door is always open”
“I’m not political” * How to have empathy for managers * Bringing up elephants in the room without being a jerk * Non-violent communication * The book Crucial Conversations
Find Brian on Social Media:
- YouTube
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Oops -- fixed the audio gap that was there early in the episode. My most recent mistake!!
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake111
My guest for Episode #111 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Merit Kahn, a sales expert, Certified Emotional Intelligence Expert, business speaker, and CEO of her training company, SELLect Sales Development. She has coached & trained entrepreneurs and sales teams form more than 20 years and she's also a stand up comedian.
In today's episode, Merit shares her “favorite mistake” story about taking the wrong approach with a sales prospect earlier in her career. Why was Merit focused on a particular sales technique, in a way that had her disconnected from the moment. What happened and what did she learn from the experience?
We talk about that and other topics including:
- Being a stand up comedian – can’t be a low-confidence person, right?
- Reading the room, in sales or comedy?
- Bombing on stage? What does that teach you?
- What is the Open for Business framework?
- Common sales mistakes?
- Your website says “WARNING: Our programs are not a perfect match for everyone.” — why is that important to say?
- The SELLect Sales System — Stop selling and start being selected
- She dated a well-known comedic actor… listen to find out who!
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake110
My guest for Episode #110 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Moses Harris, a software engineer and technical leader at IBM, and the co-founder and Head of Outreach for Tech Can [Do] Better, an organization that helps technology companies create equitable outcomes for underserved populations, starting with the Black community.
Moses graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago with a degree in architecture. Born, raised and schooled in Chicago, he now lives and works in Austin, Texas.
In today's episode, Moses shares his "favorite mistake" stories about being fired two different times as a young professional.
We talk about that and other topics including:
- His mistake: He tried to bow to power instead of having conversation and keeping pride more intact
- Q: Was it a racial component to interactions with the VP?
- “The lessons you learn are the fuel…”
- Is being told "you're not a good fit" a code for other things?
- Should we look for "culture fit" or "culture add"?
- Tell us about Tech Can [Do] Better -- why was it founded?
- Controversy about Black people fired by Google
- Mistakes companies make when trying to close gaps in racial equity?
- "ERGs [Employee Resource Groups] aren't a mistake, but there's a risk they become social clubs"
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Show notes page: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake109
My guest for Episode #109 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Karie Kaufmann, a “business coach who gets results.” Since 2005, Karie has helped over 1000 business owners and executives achieve their goals and take their business to the next level.
Coach Karie lives what she teaches by putting family first, based on her philosophy that:
“being in business should give you more life, not suck the life out of you.”
She uses that phrase in the episode today, and I love it.
In today's episode, Karie shares her “favorite mistake” story about a “mistake of omission,” of having an “illusion of balance” and not having enough time or capacity to help a friend in need.
We talk about that and other topics including:
- What let to that realization, over time, that it was a mistake?
- What was the adjustment?
- The book Slack on needing buffer time
- Is it time to retire the ‘lack of time’ excuse?
- Why don't more people brag about effectiveness instead of busyness?
- “Collect experiences and learn from them”
- “You either win or you learn”
- Has she had to work at work/life balance?
Find Karie on Social Media:
- YouTube
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Chairman of the North American business unit of AKKA Technologies
Notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake108
My guest for Episode #108 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Cash Nickerson. He's the chairman of the North American business unit of AKKA Technologies, a negotiation instructor, and a black belt in karate. He's a visiting professor at Washington University in St. Louis School of Law and has MBA and JD degrees.
Cash is the author of six books including his latest, a WSJ bestseller: Negotiation as a Martial Art: Techniques to Master the Art of Human Exchange.
In today's episode, Cash shares his “favorite mistake” story about advising a company in a deal where they ended up overpaying for a major acquisition. Why did Cash see this mistake and then repeat it, before eventually learning the lesson?
We talk about that and other topics including:
- How and when did you take interest in the martial arts?
- How has that helped you in business and negotiating, more specifically??
- Why observing your opponent closely is so important in negotiating or in martial arts
- Things to look out for if you’re concerned about a rash decision, overcommitted?
Find Cash on Social Media:
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Founder of Moxie Bookkeeping
Show notes and more: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake107
My guest for Episode #107 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Ean Price Murphy, who founded Moxie Bookkeeping & Coaching Inc in 2003 to work with creative businesses and nonprofits.
In today's episode, Ean shares her “favorite mistake” story about believing financial advice without questioning it. She was told, and believed, the idea of “follow your passion and money will come?” Is that always true? It wasn't true for Ean in her first career, but she did, thankfully, find another field to be passionate about, as you'll hear her discuss.
We talk about that and other topics including:
- Why it was a mistake to think she needed to just work harder to earn more
- How did you, personally, get into this line of work?
- What would you have done differently? Do that sooner?
- What are your thoughts on so-called “hustle culture”?
- What makes your firm different than other bookkeepers?
- You have an approach called “Profit First” system? What is this?
- “The 5 Money Myths” — free download
Find Ean and her company on Social Media:
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Coach, author, and speaker
Show notes and links: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake106
My guest for Episode #106 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Scott Ballard, a coach, speaker, and author, based in Portland, Oregon. His company is Confidence Coach LLC.
From his bio, Scott “has used that superpower [of encouragement] to help create insight and breakthroughs for hundreds of people to take their life and their business to the next level. [Scott] can do this because his dyslexia blinded him from seeing his own genius for many years, so he became brilliant at seeing the genius superpower in others.”
In today's episode, Scott shares his “favorite mistake” story about feeling shamed for having dyslexia. How did he learn that it wasn’t shameful? How did he decide to share his dyslexia with people?
We talk about that and other topics including:
- Joking about “being dyslexic” in a meeting — inappropriate?
- Learning from business failures, wife’s encouragement
- “Fail fast”
- New business – learned not everybody is an ideal client
- Coaching dyslexic leaders?
Find Scott and his firm on social media:
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Consultant with two degrees from MIT
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake105
My guest for Episode #105 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Andrea Jones, founder and principal at her firm Andrea Jones Consulting.
Andrea Jones has focused on efficient and effective Project Management and Change Implementation for over 20 years. She also loves process improvements, and has a natural instinct to always seek a better way to execute work.
Andrea began her career at Intel Corporation, as a Process Engineer, and grew to love the use and analysis of data to make actionable recommendations.
Andrea has an MBA from MIT Sloan, an Engineer Masters from MIT, a Masters in Chemistry from the University of Oregon, and a Bachelors in Chemistry and Japanese from the University of Oregon, and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).
In today's episode, Andrea shares her “favorite mistake” story about how she took a buyout from Intel, but then “felt like a failure” because “they didn't find a role” for her. Why did it take years to get over the “emotional baggage” and what did Andrea learn from that experience?
We talk about that and other topics including:
- “The time value of life”
- Part-time consulting work models for moms (and for dads)
- Is it a mistake to not want to manage others?
- So hard to keep working moms in the workplace
- Might not have all the answers when we go into something
- Treat it as an experiment and “fail fast”?
- Admit failure, accept reality
- Simon Sinek's book The Infinite Game
- Do organizations crave certainty?? Do our brains?
Find Andrea and her firm on Social Media:
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Corporate magician, speaker, emcee, and more
Show notes and links: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake104
My guest for Episode #104 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast isFred Moore, who has been a professional speaker and entertainer for the past 25 years, including roles as a corporate magician, event emcee, and more. Fred has done over 6,000 performances and presentations in 30 countries.
In today's episode, Fred shares his “favorite mistake” story about putting himself in a position where he was “replaceable” at work. We'll hear about how he was fired from the beginning of a 9-month performing contract. What did Fred learn from this, for his own benefit and to help others learn from his experience?
We talk about that and other topics including:
- Mistakes that happen as a stage performer?
- Things that REALLY throw you off?
- “How can I use my enemies and failure?”
- Virtual engagements — Pivots, mistakes, lessons?
- Certified Virtual Presenter?
- How did you get into magic?
- Fred's key lessons:
- Be irreplaceable, not a commodity
Nobody cares more about you than you
Wallowing in misery isn't that productive * Haven’t failed if you learned something (videos)
Find Fred on Social Media:
- YouTube
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Author, speaker, professor
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake103
My guest for Episode #103 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Dr. Cheryl Lentz, “The Academic Entrepreneur.” She is a keynote speaker, faculty at five universities, publisher at The Lentz Leadership Institute
She is the author of the book Failure Has No Alibi: Learning From the Lessons Failure Teaches. She had a podcast (still available for listening) called “Fail Faster, Succeed Sooner.” You can also watch her TEDx talk on the subject of failure.
In today's episode, Dr. Cheryl tells her “favorite mistake” story about not being allowed to continue as an organ performance major in college. Why did she “run from that failure” to the point of abandoning music altogether? What would she have done differently and how does she help people “process failure”? What happens when we fail? Is failure an “f word”?
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Chief Revenue Officer and Chief Technology Officer at Tegrita
Notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake102
My guests for Episode #102 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast are two C-level executives from Tegrita, a marketing technology, strategy, and consulting firm based in Toronto. They are Rolly Keenan (Chief Revenue Officer) and Mike Geller (President and Chief Technology Officer) and they're two of the three authors of the book CMO to CRO: The Revenue Takeover by the Next Generation Executive.
In today's episode, Rolly and Mike share their own separate “favorite mistake stories” from the consulting realm — related to Mike giving time away for free and how quitting a job helped Rolly be more authentic. We also chat about their book, their firm, “marketing automation,” and some mistakes that people make in that endeavor.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Positive psychologist and Author
My guest for Episode #101 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Kezia Luckett, a highly respected Positive Psychologist, three times international best-selling author of “The Pay it Forward Series: Notes to My Younger Self” and the creator behind two revolutionary modalities, The Energy Code® and Mind Conditioning Therapy®.
https://www.markgraban.com/mistake101
In today's episode, Kezia shares her favorite mistake, from her time as the founder of a concierge service for busy moms... and how that, ironically, led to burnout -- and how she's learned to prevent repeating that mistake.
Other topics and questions:
- Understanding that when things are going wrong… but we keep plodding through
- Walking away from a business - learned there is a new way
- Your current business - how to not repeat mistakes?
- Designed her business around my life - didn’t design work around her life the first time…
- Is our work or life on autopilot??
- What is positive psychology?
- Decoding & Releasing Your Past?
- Find Kezia on
YouTube
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
FranklinCovey executive, author of books including Marketing Mess to Brand Success
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake100
My guest for Episode #100 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Scott J. Miller, a long-time executive with FranklinCovey.
Scott is the author of books including Everyone Deserves a Great Manager, Management Mess To Leadership Success: 30 Challenges to Become the Leader You Would Follow, and his latest book, Marketing Mess to Brand Success: 30 Challenges to Transform Your Organization's Brand (and Your Own).
He's also the host of the podcast, "On Leadership with Scott Miller," where he has interviewed people including Adam Grant, Elizabeth Smart, John Maxwell, Matthew McConaughey, and Stephen M.R. Covey.
In today's episode, Scott shares his favorite mistake, from his time as a Chief Marketing Officer and how being an "idea fountain" was a mistake, as he learned. We also get a bonus "favorite mistake" story about a marketing promotion gone wrong.
Other topics and questions:
- Multipliers - his favorite leadership book either written - Liz Wiseman (or are we “diminishers”?)
- How did you bring this up and resolve this with your team?
- Questions that aren’t really questions?
- Can you be an expert in everything? Safe to say, “I don’t know”??
- The Speed of Trust - Stephen M.R. Covey
- How important to you is “manager” vs. “leader”??
- How do you define a “great” mangager in a nutshell?
- On Leadership - guest messes?
- McConaughey Greenlights book
- The E.F. Hutton reference - example commercial
- Find Scott on:
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Former kicker and punter for Iowa, various pro teams
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake99
My guest for Episode #99 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Brion Hurley, a friend of mine from Lean Six Sigma professional circles, who I recently learned was an American football kicker and punter in college (Iowa Hawkeyes) and a number of professional teams (the NFL and Arena Football).
Brion is the founder of his company, Business Performance Improvement and he's a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt. He's the author of a free eBook called Lean Six Sigma for Good: How improvement experts can help people in need, and help improve the environment and he's the host of two podcasts: Lean Six Sigma for Good and Lean Six Sigma Bursts.
In today's episode, Brion shares his “Favorite Mistake” story about the practice routines he developed as a kicker at the University of Iowa. Why was it a mistake to focus so much on practicing long field goals and how did that affect his performance in games? What was it like to lose his starting job? What did that teach Brion about mistakes in our careers?
Other topics and questions:
- Lessons from practicing wrong? Not evaluating the misses?
- What was your mindset on the pressure of a kick that might be seen live by 70,000 fans or more on TV?
- Game winning kicks or opportunities?
- Hayden Fry story about Northwestern
- Referee mistakes?
- Social media age – criticism and threats toward kickers
- A blog post I wrote about fans blaming a college kicker
- How has this affected your view on workplace pressure now?
- Can we develop bad habits without a coach?
- Video of Brion's kicking highlights from Iowa
- Read a piece he wrote about his kicking mistakes
- Find Brion onYouTube
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Mumpreneur, Property Investor and Success Coach
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake98
My guest for Episode #98 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Karene Lambert-Gorwyn. She’s a Mumpreneur, Property Investor and Success Coach, Karene Lambert-Gorwyn balances being a full-time mother with running 3 businesses and an ever-expanding property portfolio.
A former management consultant, she brings years of successful corporate experience along with her own unique insights to the health industry, Karene helps practitioners scale from six to seven figures. You can get a free strategy session with her via her firm's website.
Karene is the co-author (with husband and business partner Chris) of Grow Your Heart Centred Business: From Passion to Profit.
In today's episode, Karene shares her "favorite mistake" story about making it "wrong" to be herself and why, for a while, she had only achieved the "facade" of success.
Other topics and questions:
- What does it mean for a business to be “heart centred”?
- What types of businesses or entrepreneurs do you work with?
- Being yourself? What's the application of that idea to your clients?
- Progressionist not a perfectionist
- Being open about mistakes
- Won’t get fired for admitting a mistake
- Will get terminated immediately for lying or hidingmistakes
- You need to almost celebrate them, treat them as learning moments
- Husband and business partner — the bonus of learning from each other
- Get a free strategy session with Karene and Chris
- Find Karene on
- YouTube
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
NFL athlete, American Ninja Warrior, and entrepreneur.
Show notes and more: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake97
My guest for Episode #97 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Anthony Trucks, a foster kid turned NFL athlete. This is the first time I’ve interviewed somebody who was on American Ninja Warrior.
Anthony is the author of the new book, released this week, titled Identity Shift: Upgrade How You Operate to Elevate Your Life. Visit the show notes page for a chance to enter to win a copy of the book!
Anthony's also an international speaker, host of the Aww Shift and Shift Starter podcasts, author and founder of Identity Shift coaching. He’s a serial entrepreneur with one serious super power: Making Shift Happen, no matter what, by accessing the power of identity.
In today's episode, Anthony shares his “favorite mistake” story about the first business he started after the NFL, a personal training business with a huge lease in the economic downturn of 2009. How and why did he seek out help and why was “being forced to figure it out” his favorite mistake?
Other topics and questions:
- “When you drop your ego, past mistakes, flaws, and fear of failure, you can find your internal fire to catapult you into the life that you want and deserve.”EGO – Everybody’s Greatest Obstacle
- Fear of failure? —> How did you view the possibility of making mistakes on the field as a football player?
- 6 levels of failure – above or below the learning line“Version failure” – learns from the mistake
“Predictable failure” – knowing we can’t be perfect * What is identity? — we have different identities at different timesIt’s who we are when we’re not thinking about who we are * What does it mean that your survey says I'm a “slow dreamer”? * How did you find you new identity after your NFL career ended suddenly? Identity shift? * Find Anthony on * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * YouTube * LinkedIn
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Author of Escaping the Build Trap
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake96
My guest for Episode #96 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Melissa Perri.
She is the author of the book Escaping the Build Trap: How Effective Product Management Creates Real Value.
Melissa does many things, including hosting the podcast Product Thinking with Melissa Perri. She is Founder & CEO of Produx Labs. Melissa created the online school Product Institute, where she has shared her scientific approach to Product Management with over 3500 students. She also started a program called the CPO Accelerator.
In 2019, Melissa was appointed to the faculty of Harvard Business School to teach Product Management in the MBA program.
Melissa is a highly sought-after keynote speaker, having addressed audiences in over 35 countries. She has a B.S. in Operations Research and Information Engineering from Cornell University.
In today's episode, Melissa shares her “favorite mistake” story related to working for a software company, where they produced a big requirements document and then built software that, basically, nobody wanted to use. People SAY they’ll use it, but really??
Other topics and questions:
- How do we know if it’s a great startup idea?
- The Highest Paid Person's Opinion?
- Risk of creating smaller batches but not being open to experiments not working out
- *MVP – minimum viable product
- Delegating the things you’re really good at
- Didn’t listen to gut over advice, warring with herself for years
- “Experiment theatre”
- What is “The Build Trap”?
- As a consultant, have to be careful not naming names when presenting on stage or doing podcasts… everyone’s on a journey
- Product management mistakes?
- Is the problem the product managers or the company?
- Find Melissa onTwitter
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Serial Entrepreneur and author of Power Your Profits
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake95
My guest for Episode #95 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Susie Carder. She is a Profit Coach & Founder at SC Consulting. Susie has over 25 years of experience as an entrepreneur, building seven multi-million dollar companies, selling two that she built to $10M.
She is the author of a book, released last year, titled Power Your Profits: How to Take Your Business from $10,000 to $10,000,000. Her book's website is PowerYourProfitsBook.com.
In today's episode, Susie shares her "favorite mistake" story about getting destroyed financially in a three-year period starting in 2007, losing 90% of her wealth and her marriage. Her lesson learned was to "not be so overleveraged."
Other topics and questions:
- Felt she didn’t have the energy to rebuild at age 42
- Her identity was her work -- now what?
- She went back into real estate because she was willing to learn from her mistakes
- 15% of entrepreneurship success is technical — another mistake is not learning finances
- Being careful WHO you sell to
- How she started her first business "on accident" while working as a hairdresser
- Build your company AS IF you’re going to sell it
- Talking about mistakes businesses might make…
- What is the “cash crisis roller coaster”?
- “Wealth is our birthright” -- but it's not easy nor handed to us
- Mistake: Don’t admit to your team you are making it up
- “I’m a really great coach because I’m a really good student”
- Her program: Bullet Train to Big Profits Program
Find Susie onFacebook
YouTube
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Founder and master distiller, Glenn's Creek Distilling
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake94
My guest for Episode #94 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is an old friend of mine from professional circles, David Meier. When I first met him, he had left his career at Toyota, and became a consultant in the Lean methodology around the world. He is co-Author of the books The Toyota Way Fieldbook and Toyota Talent.
In recent years, he founded Glenn's Creek Distillery in Kentucky, which I've been able to visit twice. I've interviewed David previously a few times on my Lean podcast -- about Toyota/Lean and about the distillery.
In today's episode, David shares his "favorite mistake" story from his Toyota days and how they created a "no-fault, no-blame culture."
Other topics and questions:
- More background about what you learned at Toyota
- Hard for people to talk about mistakes, admitting they’re human
- Blame vs. responsibility?
- Toyota teaches that leaders have responsibility
- Blame with punishment = “accountability”?
- Punishment replaced with learning and improvement?
- Hard on the process, not on the people
- Mr. Yoshino’s mix up with the paint area (Episode #30)
- My episode about the nearly lost episodes (Episode #16)
- Mistakes about mistakes?
- Mistakes at the distillery
- Mistakes vs. discoveries?
- Whiskey transported in barrels - mistake or learning??
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Creator of the Good News Guide
Links and show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake93
I've lost my voice due to allergies, so I want to thank my wife for bailing me out, again, by serving as an announcer for this episode.
My guest for Episode #93 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Lisa Winneke. An expert in self-empowerment, Lisa knows all about leadership, growth, and love and she helps people become the most trusted person in their client's, companies, and families lives. She is the founder & host of "The Good News Guide," which can be found on YouTube and as a podcast.
In today's episode, Lisa shares her "favorite mistake" story about a theme of looking outside of herself for answers to life's questions. Why did she say she "didn't even know who I was"?
Other topics and questions:
- Being afraid of making mistakes
- Mark Pett’s book --> His episode
- A mistake to watch too much mainstream TV news?
- Working with individuals now, also CEOs and leadership teams
- Her new membership program, working with individuals now, also CEOs and leadership teams
- Find Lisa onPodcast
YouTube
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Show notes and links: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake92
I've lost my voice due to allergies, so I want to thank my wife for bailing me out by serving as an announcer for this episode.
My guest for Episode #92 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Sunil Godse. He's an engineer who has a company called Intuitionology and he teaches “businesses how to boost their productivity by using intuitive resonance to establish trusted professional relationships.”
Sunil is the author of the books Fail Fast. Succeed Faster and GUT!
In today's episode, Sunil shares his "favorite mistake" story about an unfortunate violent crime committed against a friend and how that helped him better appreciate the role of "gut" and "intuition" in business and in life.
Before recording the episode, Sunil told me, “My obsession with studying why we ignore our intuition was when I made that mistake that led to a good friend of mine being shot and killed, and I created the Intuitionology project to stop people from wasting time in their lives making bad decisions when they could spend that same time making the right decisions that move their lives forward.”
Other topics and questions:
- What is intuition?
- What other signals did Sunil ignore in his career?
- Personal and professional examples
- Looking back at a mistake… “I should have trusted my gut”
- The Brain-Gut Connection | Johns Hopkins Medicine
- What is “intuitive resonance?”
- What are the four types of intuition?
- Sunil's free 7-day challenge
- Find Sunil on
Podcast
YouTube
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Author of the new book "Digital Body Language"
Show notes and links: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake91
My guest for Episode #91 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Erica Dhawan, a globally recognized leadership expert, and keynote speaker. She helps organizations and leaders innovate faster and further, together.
Her new book DIGITAL BODY LANGUAGE: How to Build Trust & Connection No Matter the Distance reached #3 on the Wall Street Journal bestseller list! Scroll down to learn how to enter to win a copy.
She has a BS from The Wharton School, an MPA from Harvard Kennedy School, and an MBA from MIT Sloan.
In today's episode, Erica shares her "favorite mistake" story about how her electronic communication with a newly hired intern gave the wrong impression -- and what she learned from that experience.
Other topics and questions:
- Should we communicate differently with "digital natives?"
- Was your book based on mistakes or research or both?
- What is digital body language?
- Writing vs video meetings?
- When do we really need to be on video??
- Digital body language mistakes?
- Meeting mutitasking — Not paying attention?
- "This meeting could have been an email”
- Dealing with the person who never wants to turn on video??
- Virtual speaking mistakes?
- Find Erica on
YouTube
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Founder of Bob Rush Consulting
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake90
My guest for Episode #90 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Bob Rush, a Lean manufacturing expert, a management consultant (Bob Rush Consulting), and a contributor to the anthology book Practicing Lean.
His bio from his chapter read: "Bob has over 35 years of operations experience and has had over 25 years of Lean practice. His experience is in companies ranging from startups to Fortune 100 companies, and title levels that ranged from shipping clerk to VP of operations. Some of the companies he has worked with, and for, include Hewlett Packard, JDS Uniphase, and Idex Corporation. His journey includes ten years of consulting experience, where he had only himself to blame if things didn’t work out." Bob was also "associate Lean manager" at Tesla Motors from 2015 to 2018 before returning to consulting.
In today's episode, Bob shares his “favorite mistake” story about not realizing, at first, that “Lean” is a system, not a toolbox. Why does he say that “the biggest project I’ll ever work on is myself”?
Other topics and questions:
- What’s your elevator speech about Lean? How do you explain it to a CEO?
- Creating a culture where it’s OK to talk about mistakes?
- What was the teaching style of your mentors? They knew you’d figure it out? Not simple telling…
- “Big fan of making mistakes” – Why did he once give a reward for the biggest mistake?
- Find Bob on
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
My guest for Episode #89 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Christine Handy, a motivational speaker, author, and breast cancer survivor.
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake89
In 2016, Christine released her first book Walk Beside Me, a fictional depiction of her illness and a long road to recovery. After her diagnosis, Christine now aims to serve as a spokesperson, speaker, and Ambassador for cancer-related causes.
An accomplished model, Christine began her career at the age of 11 in her hometown of St. Louis. Throughout her career, she has done campaigns for notable brands like Guess, J. Crew, JC Penney, Bud Light, Pepsi, Petco, and Target.
In today's episode, Christine shares her “favorite mistake” story about “quitting” on herself and being afraid to ask for help while battling cancer. How did she manage to put aside pride and to learn to ask for help?
Other topics and questions:
- What led to not wanting the help anymore?
- What turned you around?
- We believe we’re helping others by not asking for help
- Tell us about the book — Walk Beside Me — Why a fictionalization?
- Who would you want to play you in the movie that's being made? Jamie King
- Why does self-esteem need to be worked on every day?
- Why do you have to question authority?
- Find her on
YouTube
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Author, CEO & Founder of The Creator Mindset, LLC.
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake88
My guest for Episode #88 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Nir Bashan, CEO & Founder of The Creator Mindset, LLC.
Nir is a world-renowned creativity expert. He has taught thousands of leaders and individuals across the globe how to harness the power of creativity to improve profitability, increase sales and ultimately create more meaning in their work. Nir has worked on numerous albums, movies, and advertisements with famous actors and musicians ranging from Rod Stewart to Woody Harrelson. His work on creativity has won a Clio Award and was nominated for an Emmy.
As founder and CEO of The Creator Mindset Consulting, his company produces workshops, consulting, coaching and keynote speaking engagements at conferences and corporate events. His clients include AT&T, Microsoft, Ace Hardware, NFL Network, EA Sports and jetBlue.
His book The Creator Mindset: 92 Tools to Unlock the Secrets to Innovation, Growth, and Sustainability, which has been translated into two languages, was released worldwide by McGraw/Hill business in August of 2020.
In today's episode, Nir shares his "favorite mistake," which involved his film production company that released a documentary film ("The Kitchen") that did well... but then went out of business. Why was it a problem to rest on their initial success? Why did it "work for a while" before "tanking"?
Other topics and questions:
- Applying those lessons from your experience to your current business?
- Takeaway – “I don’t sell anything anymore”
- Why he does more listening now
- Can you have a process for being creative?
- It’s a tool to use, not a gift?
- Prof. Amy Edmondson, in her blurb for your book, makes reference to “using mistakes to learn fast” — tell us more about that…
- Look at the mistake in a positive way
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
CEO and founder of Shufflrr
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake87
My guest for Episode #87 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is AlexAnndra Ontra. As President and co-founder of Shufflrr, AlexAnndra is blazing a trail in the emerging new discipline of presentation management.
The technology she helped create is already powering the presentation strategies of hundreds of Fortune-level companies, helping them save millions of dollars by transforming humble PowerPoint slides into invaluable business assets. Shufflrr visualizes your company's content so you can find, see, read through, that one great slide or file when you need it.
Alex is also the co-author of the book Presentation Management: The New Strategy for Enterprise Content.
In today's episode Alex shares her “favorite mistake,” which was borrowing money from her mother to start a tech company. When the great recession hit, she couldn't make the payments, which weighed on her heavily. She couldn’t just quit and move on — she stuck with it and the company is thriving now.
Other topics and questions:
- What's it like starting a business with a sibling?
- Mistakes speakers make with presentations?
- Mistakes companies make in managing presentation slides?
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Global President and CEO at AposHealth
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake86
My guest for Episode #86 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Cliff Bleustein, MD, MBA, the Global President and CEO at AposHealth. Read his full corporate bio here.
Dr.Bleustein graduated from the Medical College of Wisconsin and completed his internship at the New York Hospital Medical Center of Queens. He later completed his residency in urology at Montefiore Medical Center. He went on to private practice Urology and became a board-certified Urologist. Dr. Bleustein earned a bachelor’s degree in science from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He also received an executive master’s degree in business administration from NYU Stern School of Business where he now teaches Healthcare Economics as an Adjunct Professor.
In today's episode, Cliff tells a “favorite mistake” story about his time at a previous company. What happened when they realized that they were organized around technologies, but the customers wanted solutions. How did the company get to be that way and why did nothing change?
Other topics and questions:
- Tell us about AposHealth — who are the customers?
Did your favorite mistake help you here? * Mistakes in healthcare? Openness about talking about mistakes? * Why does it take 17 years to adopt new technologies? * Creating a blame free culture in medicine? In sales? * As a CEO, what's your view on learning from mistakes? * Insights into growing a global medical organization?
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Author of "Hold Successful Meetings"
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake85
My guest for Episode #85 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Caterina Kostoula. She is an executive coach and founder of The Leaderpath. Prior to The Leaderpath, Caterina was a Global Business Leader at Google where she managed some of the company's largest C-level partnerships. She was also an internal coach, awarded a 5-star-rating distinction from her coachees. Before Google, Caterina worked in advertising. Caterina has coached leaders from Google, Amazon, Vodafone, WPP, Ferrero, ArcelorMittal, Workable, and several entrepreneurs. She collaborates with INSEAD, coaching Executive MBAs and alumni. She is a member of the Forbes Coaches Council.
She is the author of the book, released today, Hold Successful Meetings, published by Penguin Business.
Caterina has lived in more than seven countries across America, Europe, and Asia. She now lives in London. She writes about personal development on Forbes, Fast Company, and Thrive Global. In 2017, she was one of Medium’s top writers on self-improvement, life lessons, and relationships. She holds an INSEAD MBA and an Executive Coaching Accreditation and MSc from Ashridge Business School. She has two young children and enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Topics and questions:
- What is your favorite mistake? Mistake: kept generating and making all of the decisions as a solopreneur Lesson: Cannot make impact without a team – not just outsourcing Mentor asked: What kind of leader do you want to be?
- In theory, leaders want ideas… but there's subtle sabotage Team members though say they’re scared Psychological safety – work on establishing this first
- Why write the book? Out of pain and frustration?
- What does “successful” mean in context of meetings?
- 4 reasons to have a meeting — 4Ds
- Common mistakes related to meetings?
- Mistakes with Virtual meetings? More tiring — make them shorter, take breaks every 45 min Interaction is harder – more interruption Meetings need more structure as a countermeasure Using breakouts
- Quiz – how successful are your meetings? TheLeaderPath.com/meetings
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Business coach from the UK
Show notes and links: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake84
My guest for Episode #84 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is John Paragon, a business coach based in the UK — John is focused on coaching struggling fathers on discovering and launching their ideal business in 30 days. His website is www.paragonhustle.com.
Warning and disclaimer: There is a brief mention of the sensitive subject of suicide. If you are struggling, help is available Speak with someone today by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
Why did he leave a 9-to-5 job to end up in a “pit of despair” before finding more success and fulfillment? Why was he nicknamed “Honest John” when selling cars at a dealer and why was he a bad fit for having that trait of honesty? How has he succeeded in spite of dropping out of school at age 14? Why does he think every person should develop some sort of “side hustle”? Why does he focus specifically on coaching young fathers with starting businesses?
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Manager of Strategy & Organizational Change
My guest for Episode #83 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Sabrina Malter, a Manager of Strategy and Organizational Change at Roche Diagnostics (in Germany).
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake83
Today, Sabrina shares two "favorite mistake" stories. One is about studying too much and not taking care of herself to the point that she lost her hearing for a period and suffered from short-term memory loss. How has she learned to notice the early warning signs of such overwork and stress? Her second story is about "playing it safe too much" and how "courage" was her theme for the year 2020.
We also talk about creating a workplace culture where it's safe to talk openly about mistakes, something we both agree is incredibly important. What happened when, as a fan of this podcast, she asked a new executive what his favorite mistake was?
And, does she know what the word "verschlimmbesserung" means? She does and she'll explain what it means to her.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Entrepreneur and financial services process improvement leader
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake82
My guest for Episode #82 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Kyle Kumpf. He has founded a few businesses, has been a consultant, and is currently working in the financial services industry. Kyle has a bachelor's degree in packaging engineering technology from Indiana State University.
Like me, he's been deeply involved in process improvement work (Lean Six Sigma) and his current mission is "ending human suffering as it relates to process in Financial Services."
In this episode, Kyle talks about his "favorite mistake" involving a time when he "disobeyed one of his personal values" -- the customer wanted someONE to blame, and he wrote up an employee. Why did he regret this action and how did he realize it was a mistake? We talk about that, mistakes related to his passion of playing golf, and more.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Mom, wife, entrepreneur, speaker, and CEO of MGS Global Group
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake81
My guest for Episode #81 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Aya Shlachter, a mom, wife, entrepreneur, speaker, and CEO of MGS Global Group, a built environment, architectural and graphic design consulting firm serving the creative industry. Her team specializes in architectural support, graphics production support, and design consulting services in the retail, residential and hospitality sectors for leading brands, including Coach, Michael Kors, Tory Burch, and many restaurants.
Aya also runs the Architect My Life program, where she helps female creative entrepreneurs and CEOs like architects and designers scale to seven figures in 12 months or less while enjoying more out of life along the way. She will also be launching a podcast of the same name.
Aya earned a Master’s degree in Architecture and Urban Design from Columbia University and a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the New Jersey Institute of Technology.
In this episode, Aya shares her favorite mistake about getting complacent in the early days of a business that was going really well… until it was not. Why was the business on “autopilot” and what problems did that cause? Thankfully, early recognition of the mistake prevented bigger problems.
Other topics and questions:
- Mistakes in setting up her website?
- Systems in place to prevent cashflow blindness?
- Covid challenges — hold out or pivot?
- Creating a system to look for blind spots / need to pivot?
- Mistakes retailers make in store design?
- Mistakes entrepreneurs make?
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Founder of “The Aperio” and author of The Only Leaders Worth Following Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake80 My guest for Episode #80 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Tim Spiker, founder of his company The Aperio and author of the book The Only Leaders Worth* Following: Why Some Leaders Succeed, Others Fail, and How the Quality of Our Lives Hangs in the Balance. Other topics and questions:
What does the word “Aperio” mean with your company name? What is the “who* not what principle”? “3/4 of effectiveness as a leader is who you are, not what you do” What are the four steps of empathy? The book — what does the asterisk next to Worth mean? How do you choose a leader worth following? Mistakes people make in choosing to follow leaders? What are the effects of poor leadership on relationships and health? Implications for hiring or promoting? Rationalizing bad behavior or thinking you HAVE to be a jerk to be successful (Steve Jobs?) Why do leaders want to do new things without changing how they are? Leaders reacting to mistakes? How should they? Humility in leaders is a magnet… trust
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Health insurance advisor, physician, and surgeon
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake79
My guest for Episode #79 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Dr. Noor Ali, a physician from Bangladesh who struggled to find a job here in the U.S. She describes herself as a “passionate and strong-willed mother, wife, doctor, researcher, entrepreneur, and champion of women in science who want it all.”
In this episode, she'll talk about her resume writing mistakes and she'll talk about the role she has embraced as a health insurance advisor here in the U.S. Dr. Ali will talk about mistakes that entrepreneurs and other people make when it comes to health insurance. We'll also discuss opportunities for improvement in the U.S. health system and her views on those who say it's a mistake to "want it all" as a professional woman.
- Find Dr. Ali on Social Media:
YouTube
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Zoologist, and Communicators Director, Zoo Miami Show notes and links: https://www.markgraban.com/magill My guest for this BONUS episode of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Ron Magill, the communications director for the Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens (or Zoo Miami) — he’s a zoologist and his “favorite mistake” story is one that only a zoologist could tell. I recently did another bonus episode with five personalities from the Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz. Ron is a weekly guest each Tuesday on their show. For that original bonus episode, I encouraged people to make donations to the Ron Magill Conservation Endowment, as I did. I hope you'll consider doing the same and it's a great cause. Today, Ron shares a story about how being young and cocky and careless with a crocodile managed was a "favorite mistake" because it happened for a reason... and it made his life better! I was able to get this story via the Cameo app and you can also buy a personalized message from him there, if you like.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Author of books including FOREVER EMPLOYABLE: How to stop looking for work and let your next job find you
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake78
My guest for Episode #78 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Jeff Gothelf, author of books including Sense and Respond, Lean UX, and Lean vs Agile vs Design Thinking. His latest book is FOREVER EMPLOYABLE: How to stop looking for work and let your next job find you.
Recently, he co-founded Sense & Respond Press, a publishing house for modern, transformational business books.
Today, we hear his "favorite mistake" story from his first consulting gig. Why did he end up making the client look terrible in front of their bosses? And what did he learn from that incident to make sure he never does that again?
Questions and topics include:
- Job search mistakes
Reducing the “panic” that comes with company uncertainty
Building a safety net around yourself
Pull opportunities to you - grow your presence * Startup mistakes - wasting time and money on ideas that don't work * Why the magic ingredient is humility * Find Jeff on Social Media:
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
CEO of Momentum, Inc.
Show notes, enter to win her books, and more: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake77
My guest for Episode #77 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Moe Carrick, the CEO of her company, Momentum, Inc. She is a best-selling author, consultant, relentless optimist, and bee keeper. Yes, I'll ask her about that last part. Moe has a new podcast coming soon called Work: Beyond HR.
Moe is the author of two books, and you can enter a contest to win both of them:
- Fit Matters: How to Love Your Job
- Bravespace Workplace: Making Your Company Fit for Human Life
In today's episode, Moe shares her favorite mistake — a story about merging her consulting firm with the consulting company of her second (and current) husband. Why was this a mistake? How did she learn it was a mistake and what did she do about that? We'll talk about her lessons learned and more.
Other topics and questions:
- Why didn't she listen to the coach that she and her husband hired?
- Was it a “merger of equals”?
- How often is “bad employee” a matter of “bad fit”?
- How can straight, white people be an effective and graceful ally to people of color or the LGBTQ+ communities?
- White men as full diversity partners?
- My wife's blog post that I mentioned
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Director of Strategy for The Industrious
https://www.markgraban.com/mistake76
My guest for Episode #76 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Matthew Boos. We were classmates in elementary school back in our hometown of Livonia, Michigan. Now, he is the Director of Strategy for The Industrious and he's the keyboard player for Blizzard of Ozzy, a Black Sabbath Tribute band.
In today's episode, Matt shares his favorite mistake story from a time when he was working for a major telecommunications company. A project was behind schedule ("in the red") and he and his project co-leader weren't forthcoming about that. Matt says he literally thinks about this ordeal every single day -- it's influenced him and he's learned from it. How has this influenced him as a leader? Listen and find out.
This podcast is part of the Lean Communicators network.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
World-renowned jewelry designer and entrepreneur
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake75
My guest for Episode #75 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Victoria Wieck, a world-renowed jewelry designer, entrepreneur, author, and someone who has spent more than two decades on two different cable TV shopping channels.
Victoria's parents immigrated from South Korea when she was very young and, starting with no money, she worked her way up to selling over 10 million pieces of jewelry over her career. Victoria has a BS in Economics from UCLA and an MBA from USC.
From 1998 until 2017, she was on HSN sharing her unique jewelry designs with millions of viewers with her monthly shows. She took some time off to plan her daughter’s wedding and to write a novel… but she came back to TV, sharing her elegant, affordably priced jewelry on ShopHQ through her weekly shows.
Victoria is hosting a free webinar on June 24th called “How to Make More Money and Work Less.” The registration form can be found at the bottom of her website.
Questions and topics include:
- Her podcast, “Million Dollar Hobbies“
- Her upcoming book, Living the American Dream
- Why it was a mistake to give HSN full rights to her social media and online presence
- The problems with the contract that she signed
- “Don’t build your castle on somebody else’s land”
- The film “Our Darkest Hour”
“Success is not final; failure is not fatal.” — Winston Churchill * Her mission – help create a million millionaires * Mistakes entrepreneurs make? * Her novel Shattered Sky * Find Victoria on Social Media:
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
President & CEO at Iverson & Company
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake74
My guest for Episode #74 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Terry Iverson, the President & CEO at Iverson & Company, a third-generation family-owned company that produces machine tooling.
Terry is the author of Finding America's Greatest Champion: Building Prosperity Through Manufacturing, Mentoring and the Awesome Responsibility of Parenting(2018).
He is also founder of the ChampionNow! Foundation, formed in 2012.
Questions and topics include:
- What lesson did Terry learn about responsibility, in the realm of high school academics and sports eligibility?
- Lesson about accountability, when others depend on you
- As a father, can you teach that story or has to be lived?
- Fessing up and telling the truth about a mistake in the business
- You don’t make a decision KNOWING its the wrong decision — but learn something?
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Leader of the Accounting Professionals Program at FreshBooks.
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake73
My guest for Episode #73 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Twyla Verhelst.
She lives and breathes accounting. As a CPA, tech entrepreneur, and now leader of the Accounting Professionals Program at FreshBooks, she’s working to empower accounting professionals with the tools they need to thrive, as well as helping them discover their most valuable tool — their authentic self.
In this episode, Twyla talks about her “favorite mistake” — a past episode of burnout and what she learned that allows her to prevent things from getting as bad when she detects signs of burnout starting to appear.
Questions and topics include:
- What caused her burnout?
- Why was a 7-day silent retreat helpful to her?
- What does it mean to be your “authentic self”?
- As an accountant, an introvert, she had created a representation of herself… speaking up, doing things she decided “weren’t her”
- Being authentic vs. getting out of your comfort zone?? Where is the balance?
- Being a mentor to women in accounting and entrepreneurship arenas…
- Is the name “Twyla” more popular after the show “Schitt's Creek” aired?
- Find Twyla on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
CEO of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake72
Warning: The episode does contain a brief mention of a death by suicide. If you are struggling, help is available Speak with someone today by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
My guest for Episode #72 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Scott O'Neil. He's the CEO of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, a global sports and entertainment company that includes some of the most iconic and innovative teams and brands in the world, including the Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) and the New Jersey Devils (NHL).
With more than 20 years of experience in the NBA, NHL and NFL, Scott has worked in the NBA league office, was formerly the President of Madison Square Garden Sports and he's now the author of Be Where Your Feet Are: Seven Principles to Keep You Present, Grounded and Thriving– which is available TODAY!
Scott was also featured recently in this fantastic Wall St. Journal article: “For Sports Executive Scott O’Neil, Failure Is the Best Teacher.”
Questions and topics include:
- Scott's “favorite mistake” when working for the NBA league office
- Why trying to reach teenage girls through NSYNC, as an attempt to grow the WBNA audience, was a mistake and why it “failed miserably”
- The mistake of not being more hands on
- Why relationships matter and how Scott came to appreciate this
- Have to be able to fail… the Sixers were in first place when we recorded this and they lose one third of the time
- The Sixers are famous for “the process” — were there ever times when you thought the process was a mistake?
- “Trust the process” — no short cuts to the top, short term pain for long-term gain
- How do you know when to stick with “the process” vs. adjusting to a new plan or approach
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Founder and CEO of LUMA Luxury Matchmaking
Show Notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake71
My guest for Episode #71 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is April Davis, founder and CEO of LUMA Luxury Matchmaking, an INC. 5000 high-end nationwide Matchmaking service featured in Bravo’s Real Housewives of Orange County, Forbes, and CBS.
In today's episode, April shares her “favorite mistake” about pushing to get through college too quickly (she got her master's at age 20). You'll hear about how she left corporate America and started a matchmaking service (and why it was a mistake to not start it sooner). April also shares stories and advice about how to avoid mistakes when dating or when trying to find your perfect match for marriage and life.
Questions and topics include:
- How did you come to start a matchmaking service?
- How much of this is technology versus a person making matches?
- Dating mistakes? Especially those by executives, entrepreneurs, and high net worth people?
- How do you measure your matchmaking success rate?
- How does your background in process improvement help you in this business?
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
CEO of the Patient Safety Movement Foundation
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake70
My guest for Episode #70 is Dr. David B. Mayer. He is both the Chief Executive Officer of the Patient Safety Movement Foundation and Executive Director of MedStar Institute for Quality and Safety.
In today's episode, Dave shares a compelling story from his time as an anesthesia resident. What happened after the surgeon cut into the wrong side of the patient? Was the coverup worse than the crime? What did Dave learn from this incident and the pressure to keep quiet? How has this inspired him to be a patient safety leader?
Questions and topics include:
- Lectures now about how to respond to harm… how do the students react?
- The book Wall of Silence about the harm caused by medical errors
- Patients want the truth – parallels to the Garrison Brothers episode
- CANDOR program
- How do mistakes like this happen?
- Culture? Feeling safe to speak up? Can’t just demand candor?
- Just Culture
- His ZERO hat — How many patients are harmed or killed by preventable medical error each year?
- “Moon Shot?” Video
- What would you do if you were made Patient Safety Czar?
1) Committee to talk about the moon shot
2) National patient safety authority like NHTSA or aviation
3) Incentives better aligned around patient safety & quality
4) Transparency
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Founder & CEO of Pavo Navigation Consulting
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake69
My guest for Episode #69 is AmyJo Mattheis, the founder and CEO of her firm Pavo Navigation Consulting.
She has worked in international development, government, higher education, and religion — a professor and a pastor. Works a lot with high-tech startups… she has managed teams, built roadmaps, facilitated groups, navigated boards, set vision, and led thousands of people to bring them into form.
Questions and topics include:
- What were AmyJo's three favorite mistakes?
Needing to know the answer (or thinking I had to be right)
Staying too long in a job
Expecting the organization to “love you back” (even if that's a church) * How do you learn it’s a problem? * Somatic indicators – signals? * Is it fixable? Is it mine to fix? Advice: set a timeline to see if it can be better * Knowledge vs. assumption * Being right vs. testing hypotheses * Coaches people all the time who beat themselves up over mistakes — accepted part of the culture * Believing it was my responsibility to make everything right or successful * Founders in Silicon Valley and Venture Capital firms… fail fast, fail early? Easier said than done
“I am exactly where I am meant to be, doing what I am supposed to do, at the exact time and place it is needed. All of where I have been now culminates into a potent product that brings results of increase for all and a new pathway to profit for you, your company, organization, or institution.”
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
CEO of CorpoCure, host of the "Values & Leadership" Podcast
Notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake68
My guest for Episode #68 is Ahmed Aref, a global leadership coach, speaker, and strategic partner. He is an Egyptian currently living in Saudi Arabia, so he is my first connected with either country. He is CEO of CorpoCure, which produces the "Values & Leadership Podcast" and I was his guest there for Episode 11.
He is also an Associate Coach with Global Coach Group and Ahmed is an Executive and Team Coach with Marshall Goldsmith Stakeholder Centered Coaching. You can learn more through his LinkedIn page and his YouTube channel.
Questions and topics include:
- What was Ahmed's favorite mistake?
- Why was he excluded from a key meeting?
- What happened with Ahmed focused more on the work instead of also focusing on relationships?
- Why is it important to spend time on those relationships?
- How can we give honest feedback with Emotional Intelligence?
- What mistake did Mark make but then NOT edit out from the recording?
Not editing it out was an intentional choice, not an oversight…
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Co-author of the book Money off the Table: Decision Science and the Secret to Smarter Investing.
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake67 (go there to enter to win a free signed copy of her book)
My guest for Episode #67 is Nika Kabiri, who describes herself as a “forward thinking, science-loving entrepreneur, author, public speaker, teacher, and researcher.” She's a decision scientist, who has her firm Kabiri Consulting, is on the faculty at the University of Washington Department of Communication, and is co-author of the book Money off the Table: Decision Science and the Secret to Smarter Investing.
Nika has a PhD in sociology and, while she earned the JD degree, she's not an “attorney” (that was my mistake in the episode — oops!!). She has over twenty years of experience studying how people make decisions in a variety of contexts, from business to politics to relationships, and she's an active writer with a lot of great insights to share. You can also find her at YourNextDecision.com.
Questions and topics include:
- What do mistakes even mean?
- Was law school a mistake?
- What’s your favorite mistake?
- Was it a mistake in thinking that the “Safe space” at work was really safe? But she was TOLD it was!
- How does a decision scientist decide whether she should speak up or not?
- Minimizing regret vs. maximizing possibility of good outcomes
- Helpful to delay a decision when you can?
- Forecasting the probability of outcome.. can’t predict the future… but we're craving certainty
- Broader themes on misinformation… what do you trust? Stories? Data?
As people decide should they wear masks? Should they get vaccinated? * You’ve written about solutions to conspiracy theories… what can individuals do, what must society do?
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Author of "The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes" Show notes and enter to win a signed copy of his book: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake66 My guest for Episode #66 is Mark Pett, an “authorstrator”– he's the author (and illustrator) of children's books including the incredibly delightful and meaningful book “The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes.” Before writing his books, he created the syndicated comic strips “Mr. Lowe” and “Lucky Cow.” In the episode, Mark shares his “favorite mistake” story about his early days as a political cartoonist, trying to find work and mistakenly submitting a cartoon that was too close to another artist's cartoon that was already published. A Pulitzer Prize cartoonist warned him about “borrowing” ideas from his influences — it was an honest inadvertent mistake, but he was “mortified” and he learned from it. Here is a blog post of mine that I mentioned, about “imitate, integrate, and innovate.” We also talk about his book, which was powerful reading for me as an adult. I've dubbed it “the official book of the podcast” and I've been giving away copies to guests and friends of the show. We talk about perfectionism, growth mindset, and more.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Greg Cote, Amin Elhassan, Chris Cote, Roy Bellamy, Billy "Guillermo" Gil
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/LAF
This is a very, very special episode of My Favorite Mistake. Today, I get to share five stories from some of the personalities who are part of the highly popular Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz.
They are:
- Greg Cote (columnist for the Miami Herald and weekly guest)
- Amin Elhassan (former NBA executive and frequent guest)
- Chris Cote (Producer)
- Roy Bellamy (Producer)
- Billy “Guillermo” Gil (Producer)
Each of them share a story (or stories) about their “favorite mistake(s)” from their careers. I was able to get video via the app Cameo, so I paid a nominal fee for each of them and also offered to make donations to a non-profit.
This charity was started by a weekly guest of the show, Ron Magill, a zoologist from Zoo Miami — the Ron Magill Conservation Endowment. If you enjoy this episode and if you “get the show,” please consider donating to Ron's organization and its worthy cause.
I first started listening to the show when they were on ESPN Radio, although I normally listened to them via their wildly popular podcast (it's often the #1 sports podcast in the U.S.). Dan recently left ESPN, walking away in the middle of a contract due to a number of conflicts, including being upset that Chris was laid off by “the mothership.”
Le Batard and friends have been operating as an independent podcast, but recently announced a major sponsorship deal that is reportedly (if you can trust Greg Cote's reporting) bringing in $50 million over three years, as they build a new media company called Meadowlark Media. Congratulations to Dan and “the shipping container” and everybody associated with the show and their related podcasts and projects.
If you're not a listener or you “don't get the show,” some of the stories contain show references that you might not understand. That's OK. Unlike Dan, I won't interrupt the episode to explain the jokes. I hope you'll enjoy it anyway.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Host of the "Better Call Daddy Show," former producer on "The Jerry Springer Show"
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake65
My guest for Episode #65 is Reena Friedman Watts, the host of the podcast “Better Call Daddy.” She's also producing a new podcast called the “SNF Spotlight” (focused on Skilled Nursing Facilities).
She started as an intern, a guest booker, and a producer for The Jerry Springer Show and never looked back. She’s hooked on telling the stories of outsiders. There's a long list of shows she has worked on… including Nanny 911, Judge Alex, and Divorce Court, She helps entrepreneurs get seen! Reena is also a Media Marketing Specialist through her company MegaWatts Productions.
In the episode, Reena shares a few amazing stories about working with guests on “Springer.” Why is her favorite mistake “trying to make people what they're not”? Where did they find these guests? Did she ever feel unsafe with the fighting and the crazy situations? Did guests ever lie or make up stories? Spoiler alert: they did.
We also talk about podcasting mistakes and whether she ever thought it was a mistake to start a podcast with her dad.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Business improvement consultant and podcaster
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake64
My guest for Episode #64 is Lee Houghton, coming to us from England. He's a business improvement coach — his company is called Get Knowledge and he's also the host of a podcast called “Business Problems Solved.”
Here is his episode with Adam Lawrence, who was also my guest here in Episode 41 of My Favorite Mistake. Coincidentally, today Lee is publishing his episode where I am his guest. It's funny how that worked out.
In the episode, Lee shares a few stories about how he was forcing change on others in the workplace (including the use of Lean manufacturing tools and methods). Why was he telling others what to do and what caused him to reflect on that? Is it a mistake to think that knowledge (training, education) is enough to influence people and affect change? What's the difference between “being told” and “discovering knowledge” in a way that includes learning from mistakes?
Lee also has a program that's worth checking out — “Creating Confident Change Leaders.”
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Author of "The Desire Factor"
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake63
My guest for Episode #63 is Christy Whitman, a Transformational Leader, Celebrity Coach and Law of Attraction expert, as well as the two-time New York Times bestselling author of The Art of Having It All and Taming Your Alpha Bitch. She is also the author of the international bestseller Quantum Success. Her new book The Desire Factor: How to Embrace Your Materialistic Nature to Reclaim Your Full Spiritual Power is available now.
Christy has appeared on The Today Show, The Morning Show, and The Hallmark Channel and she has been a TedX speaker.
Today, Christy and Mark talk about topics including:
- How did a new friendship point your career in a new direction?
- “A life of no excuses” — acknowledging mistakes means no excuses? Learning without beating yourself up?
- What is an “hyper-aggressive alpha bitch” and why is that, being that, a mistake for women?
- Why “watch your words“?
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
TPS Manager, The Raymond Corporation
Show notes and links: http://markgraban.com/mistake62
My guest for Episode #62 is Keith Ingels, the “TPS Manager” (Toyota Production System Manager) at The Raymond Corporation, a Toyota Industries Company. Learn more about the “Raymond Lean Management System., which is based on TPS. We had a longer conversation about this on my Lean podcast series, if you want to check that out.
In today's episode, Keith and host Mark Graban talk about one of his “favorite mistakes,” misunderstanding what the common Lean /TPS method called 5S really was really about. How did he make the “mistake of bad assumption” in the course of that work? Why was that mistake repeated, and how could it have been avoided? Why was it a mistake to blame people for being messy?
One key lesson was about how can we help others “discover the need” for an improvement or a method instead of “forcing” them to do it?
Keith also discusses how they work to create a culture where it's OK to talk about mistakes, so we can learn about them — that's the key theme of this entire podcast series!
The Raymond Corporation also offers a free “quick tips” series on improvement, if you want to check that out.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Author of The Business of We: The Proven Three-Step Process for Closing the Gap Between Us and Them in Your Workplace
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake61
My guest for Episode #61 is Laura Kriska. When she was just 22, Laura became the first American woman to work in the Tokyo headquarters of Honda Motor Company.
Her experience working with thousands of middle-aged Japanese men inspired her to write her first book The Accidental Office Lady: An American Woman in Corporate Japan.
Inspired to create a ‘WE building’ revolution, Laura wrote her latest book The Business of We: The Proven Three-Step Process for Closing the Gap Between Us and Them in Your Workplace – a new approach to diversity, cultural difference, and inclusion that will increase employee retention and productivity and prevent misunderstandings that lead to lost revenue, lost time and increased legal risk.
In today's episode, Laura and host Mark Graban talk about her experiences working Japan and what she has learned about working across cultural and organizational divides.
Laura also discusses topics including:
- How her mistake could have been avoided with one sentence
- Failing to see how “cultural data” matters – the ways people are different
- Why did she offend the “most important office lady”?
- A “quality circle” project about getting rid of the women's uniforms
- What do you mean by a “we” culture?
- What's the connection between “we” and the Japanese word “wa” (harmony)
- Is a “we culture”? more prevalent in Japan and other Eastern cultures?
- What does she mean by being on “the home team” in a country or a culture?
- Paul O'Neill as a “we builder”
- Her article: "Covid-19 is not killing us, polarization is"
Laura on her first day of work: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/laura-kriska-she-her-0a93902a_mistakes-firstjob-webuilding-activity-6788436074688516096-rIvq
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Author Play Big: Lessons in Being Limitless from the First Woman to Coach in the NFL.
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake60
My guest for Episode #60 is Dr. Jen Welter. She has a PhD in Psychology and a Masters in Sport Psychology.
Jen played professional and semi-pro football as a linebacker (on women's teams) and as a running back (for a men's team). She's most notably known for being the first woman to be hired as an assistant coach, when the Arizona Cardinals brought her in to be an assistant coaching intern during their 2015 pre-season training camp.
She is author of the book Play Big: Lessons in Being Limitless from the First Woman to Coach in the NFL.
In today's episode, Jen talks about breaking the “glass sideline” of NFL football and what it was like to work amongst men on the field and the sidelines. She openly shares some mistakes she made when she got so much attention in 2015 with the Cardinals, including “maintaining an air of perfection,” “not being open to help,” and getting taken advantage of since she didn't have an agent or others looking out for her.
Jen also discusses topics including:
- Coaching and working with girls and how football is great for their self confidence and developing their bodies for strength, not just appearance
- What would we have seen if they did a reality show about her coaching? Or if they made a movie about her story?
- What are your biggest strengths as a football coach in terms of connecting with players? Knowing you played the game? Or more than that?
- Being a speaker — what sorts of messages for a corporate setting?
Your unique value proposition is special – lean into it… be more special
Authenticity – giving note cards to the players, “that’s what I would have wanted”
Empathy is a leadership trait, period * Has she watched "Ted Lasso"?
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Senior Lecturer at MIT
This is some bonus audio related to an episode of "My Favorite Mistake" that Prof. Byrnes and I recorded last week.
I'm going to release his full episode in mid-May where we talk about his "favorite mistake" and his new book (released 5/11) on CHOOSE YOUR CUSTOMER: How to Compete Against the Digital Giants and Thrive.
I had the chance to ask him about lessons and advice related to the Covid vaccination supply chain and roll out. It's very timely in a fast-changing vaccination landscape, so I wanted to share this now.
You can read more here in an article he wrote: https://www.mdm.com/blog/strategy/how-to-structure-the-covid-19-vaccine-supply-chain/
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Retired NHL player Dave Scatchard
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake59
My guest for Episode #59 is Dave Scatchard, a retired National Hockey League player who now serves others as a coach through his practice, All Star Coaching.
Dave played for 6 different NHL teams, from 1997 to 2011, scoring 128 goals in 659 games. Before making the NHL, the team that drafted him, the Vancouver Canucks, wanted him to shift his playing style from “goal scorer” to “tough guy.” This led to many fights, at least five concussions, and post-retirement injuries had led to a three-year period full of pain, memory loss, and struggle.
Having recovered, Dave now shares a systematic approach for both businesses and individuals to redesign their lives and operating systems and live a healthier, brighter future with all of the abundance that goes along with living what he calls “The Big Life.”
In today's episode, Dave shares his compelling and dramatic story. Beyond his medical recovery, why was it helpful for Tony Robbins to curse at him on stage, demanding to know, “Why are you hurting those people?” by not stepping up to help others. How did helping others accelerate his own personal progress?
Dave talks about his “favorite mistake” of spending three years cursing his former career, asking God why he was punishing him, and looking at himself as a victim. He talks about the importance of his faith, his amazing recovery, and the power of positivity in this special episode.
FOR A FEW MORE DAYS, you can join his free “Reawaken the Champion Within” Challenge.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Author of Excellence Now: Extreme Humanism.
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake58
My guest for Episode #58 is Tom Peters, the legendary management speaker and consultant, author of 19 books including his latest: Excellence Now: Extreme Humanism.
You can also watch or listen to my interview with Tom back in August 2020 in my Lean podcast series.
Today, we talk about Tom's “favorite mistake” of getting fired from the consulting firm McKinsey for reasons that might include the long hair he had at the time. Other questions and topics include:
- Why and how Tom got “caught up in the work” and “forgot the rules” while working at McKinsey
- Why he hates “successful people who think they deserve their success”
- What is humanism? What is “exteme humanism”?
- Innovation means whoever tries the most stuff wins?
- Why we should hire people who are “decent” and “nice”
- Why research shows it's a mistake to not have 50% women in your executive team
- Why it's a mistake to think only “noisy” peopleare the most creative, the best at sales, the best leaders
- Tom Peters' party mistakes
- Books he mentions:
Compassionomics (The Revolutionary Scientific Evidence that Caring Makes a Difference)Warren Buffett Invests Like a Girl: And Why You Should, TooQuiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Creator of Comedy Central, author of the book Constant Comedy
Notes and links: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake57
My guest for Episode #57 is Art Bell, the creator of The Comedy Channel (which later became Comedy Central). He's also the author of the book Constant Comedy: How I Started Comedy Central and Lost My Sense of Humor, and co-host of the podcast “Constant Comedy.”
Today, we talk about Art's “favorite mistake” (it involves the comedian and talk show host Bill Maher) and topics and questions including:
- The ad campaign for “Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher” and how that ended up leading to an award
- Why it's bad to surprise the talent
- Did Al Franken walk out on “State of the Union: Undressed” because he didn’t know it was going to be live??
Was that show a better fit, the next year, for Dennis Miller? * Having to often talk Nancy Grace into going on the air on Court TV * Is it risky to write a memoir like this? Did you need lawyers involved to make sure you weren’t making a mistake? * Jon Stewart – on “Short Attention Span Theater, was it a mistake to fire his co host Patty Rosborough without taking to him? – telling or asking? He was surprised…
Mistake for them to not make him the original host of The Daily Show? * Mistake for Michael Fuchs to say the programming quality was a 2 or 3 out of 10?
You decided quickly it was a mistake to say you were quitting? * New York mag called the channel “the biggest flop in years”
Making adjustments?? PIVOTED and made changes as quickly as we could * Getting fired from Comedy Central and lessons learned
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
I'm joined again by Lori Baker-Schena for a follow-up question related to her appearance in Episode 48:
Two Bosses Who Didn’t Like Each Other: Lori Baker-Schena
Since Lori has a PhD in organizational leadership, I get to ask a question that was suggested by my wife after she listened to the episode. It was a mistake to have not asked that follow up question :-)
So, I ask Lori if organizations should avoid a situation where somebody has two bosses or if it just needs to be managed better.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Owner of LCI Life Coaching Institute.
Show notes and links: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake56
My guest for Episode #56 is Dr. Neecie Moore, owner of LCI Life Coaching Institute.
For over 25 years Dr. Neecie has been inspiring, motivating and transforming audiences to align and connect with their destiny. Her vast experience as a successful business leader and an endless pursuit of advanced education, including a PhD in psychology, has her being heralded and celebrated by industry leaders like Tony Robbins, Dr. Patricia Love, and Dr. Harville Hendrix as a life coaching industry leader.
Dr. Neecie Moore“YOU deserve extraordinary, in your relationships, your finances, your endeavors. You deserve extraordinary peace of mind, peace in the valley, and an extraordinary piece of the action. YOU deserve extraordinary!”
Today, we talk about Dr. Neecie's “favorite mistake” of shutting down a practice she had built to take a job. Why did she immediately think that was a mistake? Why did people tell her it was a mistake to start a practice in the first place? What mistakes did she make with that first practice? What lessons did she learn and apply to later starting her second practice? We talk about that and:
- The mistake of thinking she could help everybody
- The importance of not just training, but also certifying, life coaches
- The neuro psychology of change
- Working with Tony Robbins
- Her workshop: “Uncover your Extraordinary Power of Purpose”
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Director of Sales & Marketing, Garuda Promo and Branding Solutions.
Show notes and links: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake55
My guest for Episode #55 of “the My Favorite Mistake” podcast is Swire Ho, Director of Sales & Marketing, Garuda Promo and Branding Solutions. He is also an Ambassador for the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce.
Born and raised in Hong Kong, Swire immigrated to Los Angeles in 1996. He trained as a sound engineer, working at recording studios and entertainment agencies before starting his own firm, Hellman Production, Inc, 2003 in Los Angeles.
Swire and his team successfully produced attractive, personalized DVD and CD cases and custom merchandise like T-shirts, earning a Score award in 2009, for small business success. His business eventually grew so popular, he sold it in 2013 to focus exclusively on the promotional product industry.
Swire is a proud SFG1 certified kettlebell instructor from #StrongFirst. He finds calmness through yoga, organic gardening, and enjoys being in nature.
Today, we talk about Swire's “favorite mistake” and topics and questions including:
- How did he work to be a better listener and to not get defensive when disagreeing with clients?
- How and why is he “constantly working on this”?
- How did pivot during 2020 and the pandemic to branded masks and other products?
- What are some common marketing and promotions mistakes?
- Why don't you have to spend money to impress somebody?
- Other social profiles:
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Business humorist and the author of the new book Laughs On Wry: An Improviser's Memoir.
Show notes: https://ww.markgraban.com/mistake54
My guest for Episode #54 is Lisa David Olson a business humorist and the author of the new book Laughs On Wry: An Improviser's Memoir. She's an appropriate guest for today, given that it's the first day of National Humor Month.
Later this month (April 12th), my guest will be Art Bell — creator of the Comedy Central channel (which is celebrating its 30th anniversary today). I wish I had an entire month of funny guests… but there's two for you.
Lisa is a speaker, author, podcaster (“Stranger Connections“), and creative partner, who loves coffee and pranks! (the exclamation point is hers).
In today's episode, Lisa shares her “favorite mistake” of not writing her book earlier because she thought nobody would read it. I think my favorite mistake from the conversation was Lisa talking about a prank at her workplace, a police station, that I'm afraid could get her killed if she repeats it. We talk about those mistakes and topics including:
- Why are you afraid of scaring the introverts?
- Humor as her escape from a traumatic childhood
- Helping businesses (and individuals) reignite their ideas… and their projects — how?
- Humor as a connector
- The risk of making mistakes when trying to use humor at work?
- What are you doing for fun?
- Humor as a gift vs something that can be developed?
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
ENTREPRENEUR TO MILLIONAIRE: How to Build a Highly Profitable, Fast-Growth Company and Become Embarrassingly Rich Doing It. Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake53 My guest for Episode #53 is Kent Billingsley, the author of the new book ENTREPRENEUR TO MILLIONAIRE: How to Build a Highly Profitable, Fast-Growth Company and Become Embarrassingly Rich Doing It. His friend Mark Cuban wrote the foreword. Kent is the founder and president of the Revenue Growth® Company, LLC. He has become America’s Revenue Growth® Architect by helping thousands of entrepreneurs and small businesses (representing hundreds of thousands of employees) generate billions in new sales and revenue. He has personally designed, built, transformed, or turbocharged over 1,000 organizations in 36 countries. Billingsley has served in executive and leadership positions in several billion-dollar firms. Over nearly three decades, he has developed thought-leading content and trademarked programs helping thousands of entrepreneurs and their employees become millionaires and multimillionaires from their businesses. In today's episode, Kent shares his “favorite mistake” about not fully understanding the “psychographics” of his customers. He talks about the need to move beyond understanding customer demographics to really understanding his buyer's feelings. We also discuss topics and questions including:
Why is it a mistake to think a company is a democracy? Why is it a mistake to assume we are going back to the old normal instead of creating a new normal? What was it like working for H. Ross Perot at EDS? Why was he “the greatest leader” he's “ever seen”? See his blog post about his passing.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Author of The Man's Guide to Corporate Culture: A Practical Guide to the New Normal and Relating to Female Coworkers in the Modern Workplace
Show notes and enter to win a signed copy of her book: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake52
My guest for Episode #52 is Heather Zumarraga, a work environment advisor, and President of Zuma Global LLC. She is a respected business commentator for channels including CNBC, Fox News, Fox Business News, and Newsmax, and she is now the author of the book The Man's Guide to Corporate Culture: A Practical Guide to the New Normal and Relating to Female Coworkers in the Modern Workplace.
In today's episode, Heather shares some reflections from her time working in the financial sector — why was she driven to be #1 in her role and what was the cost of that? We also talk a lot about workplace mistakes that men make… discussing topics such as:
- Is it a mistake to try to treat everybody equally — being “gender blind” versus recognizing gender?
- What are some mistakes that men make in attempts to be better allies?
- Mistakes that men make when hiring or leading women?
- Mistakes that men make working for women?
Having spent much of her career in testosterone-filled work environments, Heather wants to make sure that any male leader who wants to be part of the solution knows how to succeed and thrive in the inclusive modern workplace, as we go back to the office post-Covid. I think you'll enjoy the conversation.
leadership #business
sexual harrassment
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Former pro football player, Certified Personal Trainer, and more... Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake51 My guest for Episode #51 is Lenny Walls, a retired professional football player who played for four NFL teams and three teams in the Canadian Football League. He is now a San Antonio-based Certified Personal Trainer, entrepreneur, coach, mentor, and community leader. I had the opportunity to meet Lenny when I was living in San Antonio and I did a number of personal training sessions with him, as I wrote about here. His businesses and community ventures include Walls Next Level Fitness, the Breaking Down Walls Foundation, Walls2Walls Coaching, and Walls2Walls Capital. In today's episode, Lenny shares some reflections about his "favorite mistake" -- not the money-losing investments, but his self assessment that he lacked humility "during his most successful time in life." We talk about what Lenny learned from his NFL experience and that time and how he's applied it to his second career. I had the chance to ask Lenny about his mindset on making very public mistakes on the field -- when do you take the time to learn and correct? We talk about his phrase "the hustle is entertainment" and we also chat about workout mistakes that many people (including myself) have made. All that and more...
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Nurse executive, consulting CEO, author of Bringing Shadow Behavior into the Light of Day
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake50
My guest for Episode #50 is Phyllis Quinlan, PhD, RN. She is a nurse executive and she is also the CEO of MFW Consultants to Professionals. Phyllis has a BSN in Nursing and a Ph.D. in Healthcare Administration.
She is the author of many books, including her latest, Bringing Shadow Behavior Into the Light of Day. It's available through Amazon Kindle or as a paperback through her website.
In today's episode, Phyllis shares a story, and deeper lessons and reflections, about her favorite mistake — taking on a colleague's bullying behavior on her own, thinking she could fix that person. She didn't go to HR or the executive team until it was too late. Phyllis talks about two types of bad behavior in the workplace: 1) The chronically clueless and unaware and 2) “Narcissists with a license.” The former group you can help, the latter cannot be helped.
Phyllis shares lessons about what leaders can and should do about bullies in the workplace. What happens with a leader (or even the CEO) is a bully? How can we bring ‘shadow behavior’ into the light of day and prevent a toxic work environment? What are some mistakes that leaders make in dealing with bullies? How can we better train managers to deal with this?
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Author of Big Breaches: Cybersecurity Lessons for Everyone Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake49 My guest for Episode #49 is Neil Daswani, the author of the newly-released book, Big Breaches: Cybersecurity Lessons for Everyone. Enter to win a free signed copy! Neil is, among other things, a Co-Director of the Stanford Advanced Security Program, and he earned a PhD in computer science from Stanford. You can learn more about him on his website and his LinkedIn page. He's previously worked for companies including Google, Twitter, LifeLock, and Symantec. In today's episode, Neil shares a “favorite mistake” story from his time in grad school, when he hacked into a grading system… not to change his grades, but because he could. Hear Neil describe the mistake in what he did AFTER getting into the system. Neil also shares knowledge and lessons about ethical hacking and responsible disclosure, the recent Solar Winds hack (and its impact and lessons learned — or should be learned), and the difference between “white hat” vs. “black hat” hackers? We also get his thoughts on the classic hacking-themed movie from my childhood, “War Games” — should we stream it, or skip it??
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Co-founder of LeadHERship Consortium, LLC
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake48
My guest for Episode #48 is Lori-Baker Schena, a professional speaker and leadership consultant based in Southern California. She has a PhD in organizational leadership and is a co-founder of the LeaderHERship Consortium.
She is currently on her third career. She was a journalist and PR person, then a professor for 25 years, now she's a coach and speaker.
In our episode today, Lori tells a story about her “favorite mistake,” related to staying too long in a role where she had two different bosses who not only didn't work together well — they didn't like each other! Lori regrets that it took too long for her to realize the situation was unworkable, but she learned from it.
We talk about how people react to bad situations, how we can “ask for what we need” and why that can be difficult, especially for women. How can you be in a situation where you love what you're doing at work. I mention Rich Sheridan and Menlo Innovations, the movie “Office Space,” and the Apple TV+ Plus “Ted Lasso.” Also, how can we get past "the shame of failure" and "pivot to positivity"?
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Managing director of Next Coast Ventures
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake47
My guest for Episode #47 is Mike Smerklo. He is an entrepreneur, an investor, he’s the co-founder and managing director of Next Coast Ventures. He was one of the first employees at Loudcloud, recruited there by Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz.
in 2003, he purchased ServiceSource, a 30-person technology services startup in San Francisco. As CEO over the next 12 years, he grew the business into a successful 3,000-person publicly traded company with close to $300M in revenue.
Mike now shares his lessons in his book Mr. Monkey and Me: A Real Survival Guide for Entrepreneurs.
In today's episode, Mike shares favorite mistakes about giving into “fear, uncertainty, and doubt” and how he made the mistake of trying to be a blend of two very different leaders who were both role models to him. We also talk about why he wrote the book and the “SHAPE” formula — Self Awareness, Help, Authenticity, Persistence and Expectations.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Financial advisor and CEO of The Hopman Group
Show notes:https://www.markgraban.com/mistake46
My guest for Episode #46 is Pam Hopman, founder of The Hopman Group, a financial advisory firm based in Tucson. Pam has over 20 years of experience working as a financial advisor, with comprehensive knowledge of strategies for retirement income planning, wealth preservation, and estate planning. She holds the designation of Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor from the College of Financial Planning.
Pam is the host of the Empower U Podcast and she recently launched her financial mastermind group called The Money Thing (formerly called Conversations Over Wine and Chocolate).
In today's episode, Pam talks about how she owned a practice with multiple offices, but got burned out — she was trying to do it all. She sold the practice and took a marketing job. This turned out to be a mistake, as the first year was great, but the second year was a “nightmare.” Learn how Pam wishes she had been coached through the challenges with that first practice and how having a coach has helped her prevent repeating mistakes in her new practice.
We also talk about financial planning mistakes and we learn we have a shared belief in the power of “baby steps” (hear Mark's podcast with psychologist Robert Maurer on that).
Enter to win books and other items produced by other “My Favorite Mistake” guests.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Author, podcast host, Coach, and more Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake45 My guest for Episode #45 is Eric M. Twiggs, the host of the podcast called The 30 Minute Hour. I was his guest in this episode last month, so please take a listen. I've really enjoyed both conversations with him! Eric is a founding partner and president of The What Now Movement. His mission is to build high performing entrepreneurs, authors, and career professionals, who are prepared for life’s unexpected curve balls. Eric is the author of The Discipline of Now: 12 Practical Principles to Overcome Procrastination. Visit the show notes page to enter to win a copy! In today's episode, Eric tells a story about leaving a company to take a new job as a district manager at a video store company. On the very first day of the new job, Eric thought he had made a huge mistake. He didn't quit, because that would have been admitting a mistake… was that a mistake? He stuck with it and ended up learning so much from that challenging role that he calls a “favorite mistake” now. We also talk about situational leadership, finding your purpose, and the patterns that cause us to procrastinate — and what we can do about it. Please subscribe, rate, and review via Apple Podcasts or Podchaser! You can now sign up to get new episodes via email, to make sure you don't miss an episode. This podcast is part of the Lean Communicators network.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Executive coach, author of Winning the Game of Work: Career Happiness and Success on Your Own Terms. Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake44 My guest for Episode #44 is Terry McDougall. She is an executive and career coach, speaker and best-selling author of Winning the Game of Work: Career Happiness and Success on Your Own Terms. After 30 years of corporate business experience, 15 of which were in senior managerial roles, Terry chose to become a coach, in 2017. She also has a new podcast called “Marketing Mambo.” In today's episode, Terry tells a “favorite mistake” story about a time she applied for an internal leadership position, but she “bombed” the interview after being in the interim role. After a hiring misstep, the position was again posted and she again failed to get the job. “It was all on me — I wasn't prepared.” While it was painful, Terry calls it a “favorite” mistake because she learned so much through those experiences. She identified gaps in her interviewing skills and has worked on that — and it helps her now help others more effectively. “Not getting back up is the failure.” We also talk about panel interviews and how those are different in a Zoom area, along with other reflections and lessons on job hunting and career advancement. Terry also tells a story about the benefits of “small tests of change” before doing a big launch of something.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
The original Phillie Phanatic (1978-1993), Author of "The Power of Fun"
Notes & enter to win a signed copy of his book: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake43
My guest for Episode #43 is Dave Raymond, author of the book The Power of Fun. So what does Dave know about fun? He's had an incredibly fun career. For one, he was a somewhat accidental pioneer as a sports mascot — he was the first person to perform as the Phillie Phanatic, doing so for 16 years, in 48 states and five countries.
He started Raymond Entertainment Group 20 years ago, where he has designed and rehabilitated hundreds of character brands for Fortune 500 companies, sports teams, and colleges and universities — Including Victor E. Green, who I’ve seen at Dallas Stars games and Gritty, the new Philadelphia Flyers mascot. In 2005, he founded the Mascot Hall of Fame. Davie is also a motivational speaker (doing a lot of virtual work now).
In the episode today, Dave shares his "favorite mistake" story which involved him and the Phanatic not showing up for an event -- and how the Phillies team leadership helped him learn a valuable lesson. We'll also talk about how he became the Phanatic, as a marketing intern with the team, the reception that he got from the fans, and whether the animosity with the late Dodgers' manager Tommy Lasorda was real or not.
We also talk about his recent work and why people should be having more fun in the workplace. Can you have a process for creating fun?
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Author of the new book Fearlessly Made You: Surviving and Thriving in a Perfectly Imperfect Life.
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake42
My guest for Episode #42 is Kristie Tobias, author of the new book Fearlessly Made You: Surviving and Thriving in a Perfectly Imperfect Life. You can learn more about Kristie and the book via the book's website.
Kristie Tobias is a Consultant with Huron Consulting Group, Coach, National Speaker and she is now, as of this week, a published author with over 15 years of consulting and leadership experience.. She has consulted over 30 organizations on topics focused on change management and leadership, employee engagement, leadership development, business optimization, and financial improvement.
Content warning: Kristie does mention instances of being abused in her past. We do not discuss this in detail, but the subject matter might be alarming to some listeners.
In the episode, Kristie shares a story about her favorite mistake, earlier in her consulting career, when she was removed from her role working with healthcare C-suite executives. Kristie reflects and shares that she" wasn't honest with herself about the internal work that needed to be done to improve the client" and she "took for granted" that she needed to grow, learn, and move relationships deeper than the surface.
She says she can "now look back and laugh" because she has come a long way. We also talk about her book, what a "perfectly imperfect life" means (from the subtitle of her book) and what it means to be a better version of oneself.
Here is an article about Kristie using exercise as a way to overcome PTSD.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Author of The Wheel of Sustainability https://www.markgraban.com/mistake41 My guest for Episode #41 is Adam Lawrence, from his firm Process Improvement Partners. He is the author of the new book The Wheel of Sustainability: Engaging and Empowering Teams to Produce Lasting Results. You can also find a longer interview that I did with Adam about the concepts in the book, from April 2020, before he wrote the book. Adam has over 30 years of experience in process improvement activities, targeted at manufacturing and business processes and he started this company in 2018, based in Lancaster, PA. Today, Adam tells a story about a mistake that he made over 20 years ago, much earlier in his career. He was sent to a factory to do some improvement work and he wasn't getting much engagement or participation from leaders there. Adam made the mistake of questioning the commitment of the business unit leader, let's call him Carl. Adam reflects on this story and shares his lessons learned. “So, over the years, Carl and I developed a pretty good working relationship.”
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
CEO of Hughes Advocacy, Birmingham, Alabama
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake40
My guest for Episode #40 is Krista Hughes, the CEO of her company Hughes Advocacy, a private patient advocacy firm that helps patients and their families navigate the health care system and get the best medical care possible.
She has over 25 years of experience working in the medical industry for Fortune 500 Companies like Cardinal Health. She has also worked for CareFusion, C.R. Bard, and Karl Storz. Prior to founding Hughes Advocacy, Krista worked as a medical device representative in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and the Florida Panhandle.
She has worked for the last five years as a “patient advocate” and we have a chance to talk about that today. Krista's “favorite mistake” is related to a time when she was advocating for a patient. We'll hear what she did (or didn't do) and how she's adjusted her approach as a result — to be a more effective advocate.
We also talk about our shared passion around what's often called “medical mistakes” — many of these mistakes are very preventable. We'll talk about systemic causes of these mistakes and how the system often falls back on a strategy of “delay, deny, and defend” which we all known gets in the way of learning and progress. We'll also explore this in a future episode with Dr. David Mayer, the CEO of the Patient Safety Movement Foundation, so please stay tuned for that.
You can listen to or watch the episode below. A transcript also follows lower on this page. Please subscribe, rate, and review via Apple Podcasts or Podchaser! You can now sign up to get new episodes via email, to make sure you don't miss an episode. This podcast is part of the Lean Communicators network.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Multi-best-selling author, former University of Toyota instructor, chief strategy at Stratechia
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake39
My guest for Episode #39 is my friend Matt May, he's a multi-best-selling author and he's Chief Strategist with his firm Stratechia.
I've known Matt for a long time as a former University of Toyota educator, a Wharton graduate, and an amazing author. I've interviewed him many times before. I didn't know that he was formerly a theatre and television actor (including a stint on a soap opera — I don't have video clips of that).
Today, we talk about a few of his favorite mistakes:
- Not taking the traditional high-paying job after completing his MBA
- Leaving New York City for Los Angeles in the pursuit of his acting career
Matt and I also talk about mistakes more generally — when are they “happy mistakes?” Were there any acting gigs that were mistakes? How should we think about mistakes, as individuals and as organizations?
This podcast is part of the Lean Communicators network -- check it out!
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Founder of Mastertalk, based in Montreal
Show notes and more: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake38
My guest for Episode #38 is Brenden Kumarasamy, and he is the founder of MasterTalk, a YouTube channel that he started to help the world master the art of public speaking.
Today, we talk about his favorite mistake, when he sent 40,000 emails out to “every professor” in Canada… and that did not go well for Brenden.
What does go well for him is public speaking. Brenden shares his expertise about common mistakes that people make in public speaking (hint: it relates to practice) and mistakes that people make on YouTube.
You can also find him on Instagram.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
CEO of "Decide to Move," military veteran, coach, author, and podcaster
https://www.markgraban.com/mistake37
My guest for Episode #37 of "My Favorite Mistake" is Monica M. Bijoux, the founder and CEO of DECIDE TO MOVE. She has been coaching business owners, entrepreneurs, and individuals for almost 20 years.
As a veteran herself, she has been working with veterans as they transition from active duty life to business owners and entrepreneurs for over 10 years. Monica has a Masters of Science Administration with a concentration in Human Resources and a Masters of Social Work.
Monica is host of a podcast, also called “Decide to Move”, and she has co-authored three books: Fiercely Speaking; Teach Your Expertise; and Propel.
In this episode, Monica talks about learning to follow her intuition and learning to value herself. What are some of the challenges that veterans face when transitioning to civilian life? And, we also talk about her coaching work and how not to be victim.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Founder, President, CEO of GrowthForce.
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake36
My guest for Episode #36 of "My Favorite Mistake" is Stephen King... no, not that Stephen King... but the Stephen King who is founder, President, CEO of GrowthForce, one of the nation’s largest outsourced bookkeeping, accounting and controller service for companies and non profits that use QuickBooks. He is also the host of the "Path to Profits" podcast.
Today, Stephen talks about his favorite mistake of not billing what he was worth and thinking he could "sell your way to profitability." What good is more volume if the margin isn't good? He talks about the valuable lessons he has learned -- how a small pricing change can lead to a huge profitability boost, while still making the customer feel good about it.
Stephen also shares how the "most important part of the culture" at GrowthWorks is "learning from mistakes" and being a "learning organization" as a core value. You'll hear how Stephen once had a "best mistake of the month" award and how they now use a Slack channel to share mistakes, even if there's no longer a prize.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Engineer, founder & CEO of the Problem Solving Institute
Show notes and more: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake35
Joining me for Episode #35 is Sabrina Moon, founder & CEO of the Problem Solving Institute. She's an engineer and a certified Dare to Lead™ facilitator.
Today, we talk about her favorite mistake of using shame as a leadership tool, and we discuss what we were exposed to in our early days at General Motors -- the "command and control" leadership style (as Jamie V. Parker brought up in Episode #8). How did Sabrina learn to become more self aware about her leadership style and the impact it had? What was the transformation process that she went through? Sabrina also shares what she has learned from Brené Brown about leading.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Chiropractor, entrepreneur, consultant, and author
https://www.markgraban.com/mistake34
Joining me for Episode #34 is Dr. Kelly Henry, a chiropractor who has owned clinics, but now helps others in his role as "The Customer Experience Doctor." He is also the author of the newly-released book Define and Deliver Exceptional Customer Service: Proven strategies to maximize your profits. The book is currently the #1 new release in the Amazon "customer relations" category
Enter to win a signed paperback copy of his book!
In the episode, Kelly talks about his "favorite mistake," which was an underperforming chiropractic office in Phoenix. The business was "harder than he thought" and he reflects that he should have had coaches to help him. We talk about chiropractic schools don't really teach much about starting or running a practice (a problem that is common across various medical specialties).
Kelly was later very successful when he purchased an existing practice with a built-in patient base. He's learned a lot about improving the customer experience and customer retention over time, which he shares in his book.
We talk about why the employee experience and the customer experience go "hand in hand," how a small bump in customer retention leads to a big bump in profit, and what healthcare organizations can do beyond surveying patients on their experience.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Billy was our guest on Episode #5 and it's our most-listened-to episode by far (by a factor of 5X).
I hosted Billy Taylor on LinkedIn Live today, to do a "watch party" of his episode, followed by some additional conversation and I'm sharing that audio here. See the recording of the watch party and the follow up conversation.
Billy's company: http://linkedxl.com/
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Forrest Tuff, the founder and CEO of One Vision Productions, professional speaker, business coach, author.
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake33
Joining me for Episode #33 is Forrest Tuff, the founder and CEO of One Vision Productions, an award-winning, multimedia production company. He does so many things...
Forrest is a creative person who is also business savvy (he calls himself a “filmpreneur”). He has 180+ movie credits that include documentaries, indie films, and a major motion picture with Twentieth Century Fox. He is the host of the Tuff Talk Show… and he was also a Division I basketball player.
Today, we talk about his "favorite mistake" of leaving a regular job (something others thought was a mistake). We talk about his views on the possibility of mistakes in making movies and taking three-point shots. We talk about his coaching through the SCORE program and how he defines servant leadership.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Consultant, founder and managing partner of Parrish Partners... MIT Leaders for Global Operations alum.
Show Notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake32
Please subscribe, rate, and review via Apple Podcasts or Podchaser!
Click here to enter to win a free “My Favorite Mistake” coffee mug!
Joining me for Episode #32 is Michele Parrish. She is a consultant and she is founder and managing partner of the firm Parrish Partners. Michele was previously an executive at Intel and one thing we share in common is that we're both graduates of the MIT Leaders for Global Operations Program.
In today's episode, Michele tells a story related to advising a CEO who called her in with a very particular problem in mind. Michele learned about the need to push back and to not be shy about disagreeing with the client about what the problem really might be. We'll talk about the importance of “emotional intelligence” (something she teaches about), systems thinking, and the need to slow down to pause and reflect.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Emergency physician and CEO of KaiNexus, a technology company in Austin, TX
Show notes https://www.markgraban.com/mistake31
Click here to enter to win a free "My Favorite Mistake" coffee mug!
Joining me for Episode #31 is Dr. Greg Jacobson, an emergency medicine physician and the CEO/co-founder of KaiNexus, a technology and software company. In the interest of full disclosure, I will mention that I have worked with KaiNexus, in various capacities, since 2011 and I have an ownership stake in the company.
That said, Greg is one of the most interesting people you'll ever meet. Many startup CEOs launch their company at night while working their day job. Greg started KaiNexus during the days while working some nights as an E.R. doc.
In today's episode, Greg (always the overachiever) shares FIVE favorite mistakes from his career:
- Not reading more
- Not figuring out work/life balance
- Struggling with the diffusion of CEO attention as the company grows
- Not being appreciative enough
- Not doing his own due diligence
We'll talk about all of that, the importance of creating a culture of continuous improvement in a company, and much more. I think you'll enjoy the conversation, as I did.
Please subscribe, rate, and review via Apple Podcasts or Podchaser!
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Toyota veteran Yoshino and business consultant Anderson... Japanese and American learning together.
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake30
Enter to win a free "My Favorite Mistake" coffee mug! (through Jan 22)
Joining me for Episode #30 is Katie Anderson, the author of the book Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn: Lessons from Toyota Leader Isao Yoshino on a Lifetime of Continuous Learning. We are also joined by Mr. Yoshino, the subject of the book, who joined us from Japan. You can download a sample chapter via Katie's website.
I get the very unique opportunity to ask each of them about their “favorite mistake.” Mr. Yoshino tells a story from his early days at Toyota, where he learned the importance of not blaming individuals for systemic problems. He later retired from Toyota after nearly 40 years of work in Japan and the United States.
Katie then tells a story, from early in her career, about being a “bull in a china shop” during meetings and getting feedback that caused her to reflect and change.
We then talk about lessons from Toyota and their book, including the importance of creating a culture where it's safe for people to speak up about mistakes — either in a factory or in a hospital. Why is it important for leaders to create the conditions for people to be successful? Why should leaders take responsibility when mistakes happen? Why is intentional reflection the key to learning?
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
"The extraordinary word ninja" - author, publisher, book coach...
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake29
Joining me for Episode #29 is Kim Thompson-Pinder and she calls herself the “the extraordinary word ninja." Kim is Owner/Chief Visionary Officer at RTI Publishing House, and she is the author of five books. Her most recent title, being released soon, is Author to Authority (click for a free preview). Kim is also host of a podcast of the same name.
You'll hear Kim talk about that colorful phrase and why she uses it. You'll learn about her favorite mistake of getting overwhelmed with clients -- how she just "fell into" this sort of work and she didn't clearly define who she would want to work with. Is it a mistake to not have a book? Maybe not, but Kim will talk about the value of having a "signature book" that defines you and your business.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Actor, comedian, writer, director... entertainer Mark Teich
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake28
Joining me for Episode #28 is Mark Teich, an actor, comedian, writer, and director. Mark and I were high school classmates, both graduating from Livonia (MI) Churchill High School in 1991. I played drums in the pit orchestra for at least four musicals that Mark acted, sang, and danced in (he later earned BFA degrees in all three disciplines). We catch up about high school days a bit in the episode, if you'll forgive us.
Mark honed his improv skills in Chicago and New York performing and writing in famed troupes such as The Second City and the Upright Citizens Brigade. He also enjoyed a highly successful comedy career culminating in four certified gold CD's, a certified gold DVD, two Comedy Central Presents specials, five worldwide tours… He performed at a sold-out Carnegie Hall with comedy partner Stephen Lynch. He has starred in four Disney cable shows… has been seen on shows like "Monk" and "New Girl," and the movie "Leatherheads."
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been watching, say, a football game on TV… and there’s Mark Teich in a commercial. He’s been in commercials for more than 80 companies including Bacardi, Dell, Subway, Little Caesars, IHOP, Fidelity Investments, and TempurPedic… channeled MC Hammer in a Hallmark commercial that was named “World’s Best Commercial.”
He is currently starring as “Uncle Vin” in an online series called The Finchers, Presented by Viewsonic.
Today, Mark shares his "favorite mistake" which involves following others instead of charting his own path for his career. We also talk about actors auditioning for jobs and parallels to those of us who are "auditioning" in terms of sales presentations or other competitive settings.
I think you'll enjoy the conversation, as I did. This was a lot of fun and I appreciate Mark making the mistake of joining me for a really fun episode to end the year with.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Australian, coach, "bucket listologist"
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake27
Please subscribe, rate, and review via Apple Podcasts or Podchaser! We also have a new Facebook page for the podcast.
Joining me for Episode #27 is Travis (Trav) Bell, coming to us from Victoria, Australia. He's not our first guest from Australia, but he is our first Aussie accent!
Trav is a self-appointed "Bucket Listologist" a.k.a. "The Bucket List Guy." He is a coach and a Certified Speaking Professional, and is also Founder & CEO of his coaching firm. Trav previously founded & franchised a chain of personal training studios across Australia and that's one of the things we'll talk about today in the context of his "favorite mistake."
"Making business decisions out of ego," is how he describes his favorite mistake.
You can find him online via his websites TheBucketListGuy.com and BucketListCoach.com.
He also has a new book just out called My Bucket List Blueprint, available through Amazon.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Singer, recording artist, podcast host, radio host, and more...
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake26
Please subscribe, rate, and review via Apple Podcasts or Podchaser! We also have a new Facebook page for the podcast.
Joining me for Episode #26 is Yaya Diamond, a professional singer, recording artist, podcast host and (now) radio host. She's very dynamic and I've enjoyed our conversations very much (she's having me on her podcast as a guest shortly, something we've already recorded). You can tell why she is a professional entertainer and I am not :-)
Yaya says that her "favorite mistake" is not trusting her own abilities and talents, which has sometimes held her back, as we'll discuss. Yaya has worked to stop repeating this mistake, using a "5-4-3-2-1" method that she learned that helps her avoid overthinking situations. We talk about making mistakes on stage as a performer (and I share a personal mistake that I made as a member of the Northwestern University Marching Band).
I think you'll enjoy the conversation, as I did.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Val = leadership trainer, executive coach, "management muse"
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake25
Joining me for Episode #25 is Val Ries, a leadership trainer, an executive coach and a "management muse." She's a nurse with an MBA and her firm is called Executive Muse.
Val has a book due out in April 2021 called Chief Inspiration Officer, so I'm looking forward to that. You can get the first chapter now through her website.
Today, Val shares her "favorite mistake" about her first leadership role, as president of her sorority. Why does she reflect and say, "I didn't know what I was doing"? What did Val learn from this experience and how has it helped her in her career and in her work with others? We talk about this and more.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
From England, former tennis coach, entrepreneur, founder of The Business Clubhouse, and more
Show notes ://www.markgraban.com/mistake24
My guest for Episode #24 is Ash Taylor, our first guest from England. He is the Founder of The Business Clubhouse. He is also a speaker and a business coach supporting small business owners. Ash is also the author of the recently-released book titled Hitting the Wall: Winning the game of business by breaking through your own barriers. You can learn more at hittingthewallbook.co.uk.
Today, we talk about Ash's “favorite mistake” of working with clients that he was not well suited for, in the context of a business that he owned that provided services and coaches for tennis clubs. How has Ash worked to avoid making the same mistake in new ventures? How successful has he been at that? How does he coach other entrepreneurs around this issue?
We also talk about coaching business leaders and how we can make it safe, creating a culture of not being afraid to put your hand up and ask for help, as he aims to create a psychologically-safe environment of peers.
Ash and I also chat about planning for what to do WHEN we make a mistake (since we WILL make mistakes).
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
From Dallas, high-performance business coach, actor, and storyteller
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake23
My guest for Episode #23 is Coach Jimmy Nelson, who has been a high-performance business coach for over a decade. Using his 20+ years of experience as a stage and film performer, Coach Jimmy crafted his own personal story to create a 7-figure business and now dedicates his life to helping professionals craft their own stories to attract and impact the lives of their ideal audiences. As he says, "Tell a story, change the world." You can learn more about his work via his website.
He also has a free eBook available now about his morning routine and what you can learn from that. You can also get free story-telling sources via www.storywellcrafted.com.
Today, we talk about Coach Jimmy's "favorite mistake" of letting external reasons become excuses. He says we need to "make stages" instead of waiting to be invited onto someone else's stage. We talk about mistakes that people make in story telling. And we discuss this blog post, "Stop blaming others and start taking action." He says you need to "first let it hurt, then take action." He adds, "Failure will always be part of our life, but that’s where we get our lessons from" and that's basically the theme of this entire podcast series.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Consultant, award-winning author, and more
Show notes https://www.markgraban.com/mistake22
Joining me for Episode #22 is Karen Martin, President of TKMG, and Founder and President of TKMG Academy. She is the author of many books includingThe Outstanding Organization and Clarity First.
Today, we talk about Karen's "favorite mistake" of leaving a corporate job to go solo. Why was it a mistake to want the VP title so badly? Why did it seem like a mistake (to her or to others) for her to leave? We also have a great conversation about how to create a culture in a company where it's safe to talk about (and learn from) mistakes.
I also love this quote and you'll have to listen (or read the transcript) to get the context:
"So I think of certainty as being a form of arrogance because we can't actually ever be certain."
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Game designer, entrepreneur, wordsmith, idea machine, and joy pusher
Show notes https://www.markgraban.com/mistake21
Joining me for Episode #21 is Eran Thomson, our first guest joining us from Australia. The is the creator of the game "Song Saga," which is now available for your holiday gift-giving needs. He's been the founder of many entrepreneurial ventures, and he describes himself as a "Wordsmith, Idea Machine, Joy Pusher" in addition to being a writer, podcaster, marketer, and speaker.
In the episode, Eran talks about his "favorite mistake" of starting businesses for the wrong reasons and/or with the wrong people. He also talks about the mistake of trying to do everything himself and what he's learned from that, as well. We also talk about his game and simulate a round of it between the two of us. Song Saga seems like it would be a lot of with a group and it could be played during a virtual gathering...
You can enter to win the game here.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Author, founder and CEO of Seiler Tucker
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake20
Joining me for Episode #20 is Michelle Seiler Tucker, founder and CEO of the firm Seiler Tucker. Michelle has sold hundreds of businesses to date and currently owns and operates several successful businesses. Michelle is one of three American women to hold the Merger & Acquisition Master Intermediary (M&AMI) certification.
Michelle is the author of the book Sell Your Business For More Than It's Worth and her newest book, due out in January 2021, is Exit Rich: The 6 P Method to Sell Your Business for Huge Profit.
In our episode, Michelle shares one of her "favorite mistakes" involved in selling a business and we chat about some of the mistakes made (and lessons learned) by business owners who want to sell their business.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Former Deloitte partner, coach, speaker, and trainer
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake19
Joining me for Episode #19 is Carrie Sechel, a former Deloitte partner who now works as a coach, speaker, and trainer. As Carrie explains:
"After years of building my career as a partner at Deloitte, I found my family broken by guilt, shame, resentment, and addiction. My husband, Todd, and I committed to creating our own family model that celebrates the best of each of us. Now, we have a relationship and life that I couldn’t even imagine a few years ago."
She has over 20 years of coaching and consulting experience. Carrie is the author of the bestselling book, BASE Jump: Finding Yourself In An Unfulfilling Professional World and she is a co-author of the WarriHER Playbook.
In our conversation, Carrie shares a mistake from her time at Deloitte, where what might have been characterized as a "human error" and a "process error" was really, to her, a "management error" that she was responsible for. This situation and the "gap" she identified between "what I am and what I'm pressured to be" led to her departure and her increased focus on female breadwinners and the particular issues that can create in lives, families, and careers.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Management consultant
Show notes: http://www.markgraban.com/mistake18
My guest for Episode #18 is Audie Penn, an operational performance consultant at Audie Penn Consulting.
In today's episode, Audie tells a story about a job that he got fired from early in his career. Audie got results, but got fired, he thinks, for making people look bad for solving what had been viewed as a long-unsolvable problem. We talk about the importance of relationships and organizational politics and his lessons learned from that episode. He's now become a successful consultant, proof positive that we can build upon mistakes to end up stronger and better off for them. We also talk about what Audie calls "the dignity of work," which I think is a very important concept.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Author, speaker, podcast host, coach, and entrepreneur
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake17
My guest for Episode #17 is Melanie Parish. She is an author, speaker, podcast host, founder of Experimental Leader Academy, and Master Certified Coach. She is the author of The Experimental Leader book and an expert in problem solving, constraints management, operations, strategic hiring, and brand development, Melanie has consulted and coached organizations ranging from a Fortune 50 company to IT start-ups.
In today's episode, Melanie shares her “favorite mistake” about the contracting process with a client. Why was she “naive” about this process? We also discuss what it means to be an “experimental leader” and a “new kind of boss.” How can we cultivate a culture of innovators? What should we do when some experiments seem like “mistakes”?
You can get a free promo copy of her book by going to book.experimentalleader.com and using promo code podcast100.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
The usual host of this podcast being interviewed this time...
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake16
My guest for Episode #16 of "My Favorite Mistake" is Jamie V. Parker... she's the guest host. This gets complicated... she was my guest (as the guest) for Episode #8, where she shared her favorite mistake. Today, she's the guest host and she's interviewing me about a recent mistake that I made, a combination of errors and problems that almost led to me losing four episodes that had been recorded, but not released.
I also talk about something that might be a "favorite mistake" from my days working in manufacturing, a mistake that I wrote about in the book Practicing Lean (and Jamie also contributed a chapter to that book. Another thing Jamie and I have in common is podcasting, so please check out her podcast here.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Retired Air Force pilot and Southwest pilot, book author
Show notes https://www.markgraban.com/mistake15
My guest for Episode #15 of "My Favorite Mistake" is Rico Racosky, a retired 737 pilot for Southwest Airlines, who previously flew jets in the United States Air Force -- fighter jets ( (F-16 and A-7) and transports (C-141).
From his bio:
"Rico grew up in a small coal mining town full of self-doubt and lacked a clear direction in life. Along the way to living his dream of becoming a fighter jet and airline pilot, he developed a strategy for clear and effective decision-making that launched his entrepreneurial path, and he’s now determined to share his strategy and impact as many people as possible."
In today's episode, Rico shares his "favorite mistake" regarding a choice that he had to make during his Air Force career. We also talk about his "Just 2 Choices" framework that was developed through his time in the cockpit -- he's the author of the book Just 2 Choices... It's Your Life. In the episode, we also talk about his choice to not become an artist (and Mark's similar life choice to not become a musician). We also discuss the importance of good decisions as a pilot and how sometimes we need to prevent mistakes instead of just learning from them after the fact.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Consultant, CEO of VisionOne High Performance Group
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake14
Joining me for Episode #14 is Michelle Bonahoom, Founder and CEO of VisionOne High Performance Group and founder of the “We are Unstoppable” movement. She is also the author of the book Unstoppable: 7 Simple Steps to Get Unstuck, Make the Big Change, and Unlock Your Potential.
Today, we talk about some mistakes that Michelle made related to work/life balance, or the lack thereof. After her husband passed away suddenly, what did Michelle do to better practice what she preached when it came to work/life balance and other things that companies need to do in response to risk or bad events? We talk about that, being a "recovering perfectionist" and more in this episode.
Her website: http://visiononeperformance.com/
Her book: https://amzn.to/2HJq823
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Professional speaker, peak performance coach, entrepreneur
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake13
Joining me for Episode #13 is Brian Bogert. He is the President/Ownerof the Brian Bogert Companies, LLC.
Brian is a professional speaker and peak performance coach to executives, entrepreneurs, athletes and others looking to unlock what is inside. As his bio says, he lives his life by the “if and how I can help” principle, which impacts everything he touches. His ability to provide energy and encouragement to those he interacts with inspires them to make their best even better.
In this episode, Brian talks about the mistake of “viewing a relationship as a transaction.” He tells a story about some promotional gifts that he had sent out to some potential clients — and a mistake he made in going from an approach that worked to an approach that actually angered some people. He talks about important behaviors, such as being intentional, pausing before reacting, and embracing pain as a way to reduce suffering. Brian also shares lessons learned from the pain of living with and recovering from a childhood accident that detached his left arm… and how he has overcome this to adjust and thrive.
Click here to get a free workbook that Brian is giving away — “No Limits.“
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Nurse practitioner, entrepreneur, CEO of two companies
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake12
Joining me for Episode #12 is Angel Cellucci, a nurse practitioner and an entrepreneur. She is owner and CEO of two firms related to fighting medical billing fraud and mistakes: Medical Fraud Fighters and Overbrook Consultants, Angel is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She has been a nurse for over 20 years and a Family Nurse Practitioner for almost 10.
In the episode, Angel shares her favorite mistake of "chasing shiny objects" as a new entrepreneur -- what she means by that and what she's learned from that. We also talk about her work and passion around medical billing mistakes and what patients can do to protect themselves from that. Is that problem with your bill (and 93% have an error) a mistake or is it intentional? Human error or blatant fraud?
She has a free eBook available on her website: "The 5 Things You Can Do To Protect Yourself From Medical Fraud & Abuse."
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Owner and Master Distiller from Garrison Brothers Distillery
Show notes: http://www.markgraban.com/mistake11
We have two special guests from Garrison Brothers Distillery joining us for Episode #11. They are Dan Garrison, founder and CEO of the distillery and Donnis Todd, their master distiller.
I've known Dan and Donnis since I first had the chance to visit their distillery in Hye, TX back in 2013 as part of an MIT alumni group visit. I've visited many times and I've volunteered as a bottler, as I've blogged about. I love the people, the place, and the product -- their Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskeys, many of which are award winners.
In the episode, Donnis tells a story about a time when he let some whiskey age one year too long... and what he learned from the mistake (and how Dan handled it). Dan talks about a mistake he made with one of their key national retailer relationships and what he learned from that. They both talk about how they've created a culture of "fessin' up" to mistakes when you make them and why that's so important to their company.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Trainer, health coach, medical technologist
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake10
oining me for Episode #10 is Jane Wenning, a Certified Medical Technologist, Certified Athletic Trainer, and Health Coach who has been helping women improve their mental and physical health for over 20 years.
More from her bio: “During her high school and college years, she was overweight, struggling with eating disorders, had low self-esteem, and experienced brain fog. After having two unhealthy but successful pregnancies, she struggled with postpartum depression and knew she had to make health changes if she wanted to welcome a third child into the world. She spent hundreds of hours studying and researching nutrition, brain health, longevity, sleep, emotional intelligence, interval training, fasting and epigenetics and estrogenics. She now equips business professionals with the tools needed to become leaner, stronger, healthier, and create changes that lasts beyond retirement.”
Today, Jane shares her “favorite mistake” about sleep and how she learned to adjust her lifestyle and schedule to allow for proper restorative sleep. How does somebody know if they don't need as much sleep as others versus being truly sleep deprived (and being in denial about it).
You can learn more about her at her website 4-PillarsHealth.com. These
“four pillars” of wellness are recovery, emotional energy, nutrition, and movement. You can also find her on Instagram.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
CEO and Chief Creative Officer
Show notes: http://www.markgraban.com/mistake9
My guest for Episode #9 is Jonathon Hensley, the CEO and Chief Creative Offer at Emerge Interactive, where he works with clients to transform business strategies, user needs and new technologies into valuable products and experiences. He is also author of the upcoming book, Alignment -- and you can register to get a free digital copy here when it launches.
In this episode, we talk about lessons he's learned in consulting with clients, in particular how w broad goal doesn't always lead to a clear cohesive vision for exactly where you're going and exactly how you're going to get there. How can we turn "great intentions" into meaningful progress?
"[In times like these], you need to be really clear and be diligent and stay the course on your vision. But know that you're going to have to keep adjusting on how you're going to get there and be adaptable and resilient, which everybody is being forced to do right now."
Jonathon Hensley
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Consultant, podcaster, entrepreneur
Show notes and transcript: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake8
My guest for Episode #8 is Jamie V. Parker, the founder of her consulting firm, Process Plus Results, where she is a trainer, speaker, and coach. She is also the host of a podcast called Lean Leadership for Ops Managers.
As many guests have said, Jamie shares her favorite mistake that she's made "so far." She talks about working to change her leadership style away from the "command and control" approach that had been taught to her in the early stages of her leadership career. Jamie shares stories about a mistake she made in working to lead and coach others in a corporate setting. We'll learn the "question that changed everything" for her as a leader and how she eventually figured out how to get through to one manager who was really resistant to her coaching.
This podcast is part of the Lean Communicators network -- check it out!
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Consultant, coach, speaker, CEO
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake7
My guest for Episode #7 is Matt Granados, the cofounder of LifePulse, Inc., a consulting, coaching, and speaking organization. He is also the author of the recently-released book, Motivate The Unmotivated: The Proven System for Sustainable Motivation. He and his wife also have a podcast called REALationship.
Today, Matt shares some examples of similar mistakes from his professional life and his personal life — being the last to know about something major or not paying attention to the things that matter. We also talk about common mistakes that are made when leaders try to motivate others in the workplace.
Visit his website for a special offer for podcast listeners.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Consultant, entrepreneur, engineer, attorney, Black Belt
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake6
Joining me for Episode #6 is Brenda Batista, the president of her firm Inspiring Company Culture. She's an engineer and an attorney — she's a management consultant and an entrepreneur. And, today, she's sharing her “favorite mistake” from her time as a consultant.
Brenda shares a story about giving a factual piece of information to a client… and why the way she delivered the message was a mistake that created many learning opportunities on many levels. We'll also talk about how she helps leaders create inspiring company cultures and high performing teams.
Brenda is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt, Project Management Professional, and 5 Voices System certified trainer. Over the past 25 years, she has been at the helm of many high performing teams dedicated to performance improvement. Brenda has managed complex multi-million dollar client accounts, created computer simulations to predict business performance, and established a scalable consulting methodology for start-ups and established businesses.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Retired Goodyear executive, consultant, speaker entrepreneur, and CEO
Show notes: http://www.markgraban.com/mistake5
My guest for Episode #5 is Billy Ray Taylor, a retired Goodyear executive and now the founder and CEO of his firm, LinkedXL.
In today's episode, Billy talks about his “favorite mistake” in which he was “compromising on the standard” early in his career as a leader. “What were the standards for leadership?” he asks. How did mentors and his leaders help him learn the importance of maintaining standards? He then transitioned from being the student to being the teacher.
Billy Taylor: “What you accept, you cannot change. What you tolerate, you can never change.”
This podcast is part of the Lean Communicators network -- check it out!
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Consultant, author, "Personal Kanban" expert
Notes: http://www.markgraban.com/mistake4
My guest for Episode #4 is Jim Benson, the creator of the "Personal Kanban" method and an expert making work flow and decisions easy. He is the CEO of Modus Cooperandi and is a Founding Partner in Modus Institute. And, he's co-creator of the "Lean Coffee" meeting format.
Today, Jim shares a story about working his mistakes and assumptions that he made when working with a large telecom / communications clients that had thrown out the new cross-functional way of working that Jim had helped them put in place. It's a mistake that was humbling to Jim and a mistake that he cheerfully learned from.
Jim is co-author of the book Personal Kanban: Mapping Work | Navigating Life. You can find him on Twitter as @ourfounder.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Author and consultant, entrepreneur, kindness enthusiast
Show notes: http://www.markgraban.com/mistake3
Joining me for Episode #3 is Karyn Ross, an author and consultant who also works in my field of the “Lean” management system. Today, Karyn will talk about her favorite travel-related mistake and what she learned from that. We'll also talk about how we can be kind in our coaching of others (and how we can be kind toward ourselves when we make mistakes).
Her books:
The Toyota Way to Service Excellence: Lean Transformation in Service Organizations
How to Coach for Creativity and Service Excellence: A Lean Coaching Workbook.
Think Kindly – Speak Kindly – Act Kindly: 366 Easy and Free Ideas You Can Use to Create a Kinder World…Starting Today!
Big Karma and Little Kosmo Help Each Other
Karyn signed a deal with a publisher for a new book, The Kind Leader.
Please also check out Karyn's non-profit, The Love and Kindness Project Foundation.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Republican Representative from Texas
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake2
My guest for Episode #2 is not currently a business leader, but he is going back into the private sector in January 2021. He is Congressman Will Hurd, a Republican representing Texas’s 23rd Congressional District.
Hurd was student body president at Texas A&M University, he served as a CIA undercover operations officer including stints in the field in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. After working for a cybersecurity company, he was elected to the House in 2014.
Today, the Congressman talks about his “favorite mistake,” which includes his lessons learned from running and losing his first election in a runoff. We'll also hear about his experiences in the CIA and how they focus on training — and executing the mundane tasks perfectly — as a way to prevent bigger, catastrophic mistakes.
Update March 2022: Hurd is now the author of the book American Reboot: An Idealist's Guide to Getting Big Things Done.
Thanks for listening -- please subscribe, rate, and review. You can support the podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
Kevin Harrington from "Shark Tank," Mark Timm from many entrepreneurial ventures, co-authors
Episode web page: http://www.markgraban.com/mistake1
I'm really excited that my guests for the inaugural episode of the “My Favorite Mistake” podcast are Kevin Harrington and Mark Timm, co-authors of the new book Mentor to Millions: Secrets of Success in Business, Relationships, and Beyond.
You probably know Kevin as one of the original “sharks” on the hit TV program “Shark Tank.” He's the creator of the infomercial, pioneer of the “As Seen on TV industry,” and co-founding board member of the Entrepreneur’s Organization (EO), founded in 1987.
Mark Timm has been a serial entrepreneur and exponential-thinking practitioner for almost three decades. He has started more than a dozen companies, several of which have multiplied and been sold. He has spoken professionally for more than 25 years, giving thousands of speeches to over a million people around the globe.
In today's episode, they both open up about their “favorite mistake” and what they learned from that. They'll also share stories about Kevin mentoring Mark and others and some common mistakes that can be made in a mentoring relationship.
If you're interested in the book, be sure to check out their website. I am also running a giveaway contest, via my blog, where you can enter to win one of two copies of the book.
At the end of the episode, Mark and Kevin share a special offer related to some extra materials that you can get, for free, when you buy the book.
Please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast -- that helps others find this content and you'll be sure to get future episodes as they are released weekly. Support the podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support
http://myfavoritemistakepodcast.com/
I hope you'll enjoy listening to My Favorite Mistake, published twice a week -- Sunday nights and Wednesday nights. Please subscribe, rate, and review!
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/favorite-mistake/support