My Favorite Mistake

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 #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

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.   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.  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.

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?