My Favorite Mistake: Navigating Business and Career Pitfalls for Leadership Growth and Innovation-logo

My Favorite Mistake: Navigating Business and Career Pitfalls for Leadership Growth and Innovation

Business & Economics Podcasts

Are you a leader searching for a path to greater effectiveness, insight, and innovation? ”My Favorite Mistake,” hosted by Mark Graban, turns the spotlight on how today’s foremost business thinkers, C-suite executives, and industry disruptors navigate through the labyrinthine world of errors and missteps to come out on the other side with powerful insights and innovative solutions. The Concept: We deconstruct the idea that mistakes are something to be brushed under the carpet; rather, we argue for the transformative power of embracing them. What if each blunder could become a masterclass in leadership growth and creative problem-solving? The Stories: Our riveting interviews reveal the often-hidden episodes in the lives of our guests, highlighting the pivotal mistakes that have become defining moments in their careers. From international entrepreneurs to tech industry pioneers, healthcare leaders to award-winning authors, the stories you’ll hear are as diverse as they are enlightening. The Breadth: The podcast spans an eclectic mix of topics: from leadership psychology and organizational culture to process innovation and sustainability. We tie them together in an intricate mosaic that gives you an edge in navigating the ever-changing business terrain. The Approach: Mark Graban, an author and seasoned consultant, guides the conversation with a unique blend of expertise and curiosity, mining each dialogue for kernels of wisdom and transformative strategies. Why Subscribe? Engage with thought-provoking dialogues that challenge conventional wisdom. Access tools and frameworks that offer a competitive edge in your industry. Discover your own potential for turning errors into innovative opportunities. Develop a nuanced understanding of emotional intelligence, resilience, and agile thinking. Transform the way you approach leadership, innovation, and success. Subscribe to ”My Favorite Mistake” today and embark on a journey of relentless improvement fueled by the transformative power of mistakes.

Location:

United States

Description:

Are you a leader searching for a path to greater effectiveness, insight, and innovation? ”My Favorite Mistake,” hosted by Mark Graban, turns the spotlight on how today’s foremost business thinkers, C-suite executives, and industry disruptors navigate through the labyrinthine world of errors and missteps to come out on the other side with powerful insights and innovative solutions. The Concept: We deconstruct the idea that mistakes are something to be brushed under the carpet; rather, we argue for the transformative power of embracing them. What if each blunder could become a masterclass in leadership growth and creative problem-solving? The Stories: Our riveting interviews reveal the often-hidden episodes in the lives of our guests, highlighting the pivotal mistakes that have become defining moments in their careers. From international entrepreneurs to tech industry pioneers, healthcare leaders to award-winning authors, the stories you’ll hear are as diverse as they are enlightening. The Breadth: The podcast spans an eclectic mix of topics: from leadership psychology and organizational culture to process innovation and sustainability. We tie them together in an intricate mosaic that gives you an edge in navigating the ever-changing business terrain. The Approach: Mark Graban, an author and seasoned consultant, guides the conversation with a unique blend of expertise and curiosity, mining each dialogue for kernels of wisdom and transformative strategies. Why Subscribe? Engage with thought-provoking dialogues that challenge conventional wisdom. Access tools and frameworks that offer a competitive edge in your industry. Discover your own potential for turning errors into innovative opportunities. Develop a nuanced understanding of emotional intelligence, resilience, and agile thinking. Transform the way you approach leadership, innovation, and success. Subscribe to ”My Favorite Mistake” today and embark on a journey of relentless improvement fueled by the transformative power of mistakes.

Twitter:

@markgraban

Language:

English

Contact:

817-372-5682


Episodes
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Redefining Professional Learning: An Emphasis on Mistakes with Michael Bloom

5/13/2024
My guest for Episode #258 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Michael Bloom, Chief Executive Officer & Founder of Praktio, an online learning company whose mission is “to create space for learning through mistakes.” Episode page with transcript, video, and more Before leaving to run Praktio full time, Michael was the founding director of the Transactional Lab & Clinic, an experiential program at the University of Michigan Law School. Michael is the co-author of two books on contracts from a transactional perspective: Contracts and Commercial Transactions and Contracts: A Transactional Approach. Michael earned his J.D. from Yale Law School and earned his B.A. with highest distinction from the University of Michigan, where he studied American history. This episode focuses on Michael's journey from being a clinical professor to founding Praktio. By creating an environment that promotes learning through mistakes, Michael has challenged traditional paradigms and aligned his unique educational model with the evolving needs of learners in a fast-paced, information-rich world. His entrepreneurial venture, peppered with a fair share of mistakes, has yielded invaluable insights that have guided the development of a highly effective educational model that thrives on constructive feedback and the power of mistakes. Questions and Topics:

Duration:00:40:03

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Almost Killed a $500 Million Mars Rover: Chris Lewicki's Lessons Learned

5/6/2024
My guest for Episode #257 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Chris Lewicki, an Astrofuturist, Engineer, and Entrepreneur who is interested in developing strong, thoughtful foundations for the near-future space economy. Episode page with transcript and more He’s a multi-time co-founder. He first co-founded and was CEO of Planetary Resources Inc. (PRI), which focused on the prospecting, development, and use of resources found on near-Earth asteroids. (Skip) He helped acquire over $60M in investment and revenue, built a team of 80 extremely talented engineers, scientists, and business and policy leaders, and launched 3 experimental spacecraft to advance the adoption of space resources as a crucial part of humanity’s activities in space. Prior to entering the private sector, Chris was a key member of NASA’s Mars Exploration Rovers and the Phoenix Mars Lander, serving as Flight Director for the Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity, and as the Surface Mission Manager for Phoenix. Chris received both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in aerospace engineering from the University of Arizona. He’s the recipient of two NASA Exceptional Achievement Medals and has an asteroid named in his honor: 13609 Lewicki. Chris imparts lessons learned from his early days in NASA's Mars exploration projects, where a potential disaster during a rover test thrust him into the limelight as an emerging leader in the field. His poignant recount of the incident underscores the nuanced details that contribute to the success or failure of any mission and the critical concept of design for test( DFT). Drawing parallels to the broader engineering community, this episode's riveting discussion reveals essential strategies used in this high-stakes industry. The implementation of mistake-proofing tactics, robust system performance to ensure resilience, or ‘poka-yoke', and the introduction of redundancy in spacecraft design all contribute to an airtight spacecraft system. Learn from Chris's profound insights as he unravels the multifaceted considerations that go into ensuring functionality, designing for testability, and anticipating service requirements and testing needs during the initial design phases. Questions and Topics: MY $500M MARS ROVER MISTAKE: A FAILURE STORYNetflix documentary on the James Webb telescope

Duration:00:50:24

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Embracing Life's Twists: A Journey of Yoga, Meditation, and Unexpected Opportunities with Ann Swanson

4/29/2024
My guest for Episode #256 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Ann Swanson, the author of the internationally bestselling book SCIENCE OF YOGA, which has been translated into over 15 languages. Episode page with video, transcript, and more Her new book, Meditation for the Real World, illuminates the fascinating science behind meditation with step-by-step practices. She worked alongside Harvard neuroscientist Dr. Sara Lazar and an illustrator for the New York Times to create this science-backed visual guide. It’s important to note that Ann wasn’t a naturally “chill person,” and meditation didn’t come easy to her. Overcoming her own chronic pain and anxiety led her to India to study yoga and meditation, to China to explore tai chi, and to earn a Master of Science graduate degree in Yoga Therapy. Now, Ann blends cutting-edge research with ancient wisdom, resulting in realistic techniques you won’t just learn – you’ll love to live by! This episode sheds light on the journey of turning mistakes into unexpected triumphs — and how Ann's favorite mistake was thankfully a “near mistake.” We discuss how the resilience to push through tribulations is often the stepping stone to success in personal well-being and spiritual practice. We also touch upon the art of manifestation, breaking stereotypes and illustrating how envisioning one's life trajectory and being open to various possibilities can lead to astonishing opportunities. We delve into real-life case studies of individuals going from rejection to becoming acclaimed authors, demonstrating the importance of sharing one's knowledge and skills, maintaining a positive digital presence, and the role of persistence and self-belief. Questions and Topics:

Duration:00:44:06

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Sarah Lohse’s Key to Effective Communication: Storytelling (Her New Book: "Open This Book")

4/25/2024
Bonus Episode Update with Sarah Lohse: Unearthing the Power of Storytelling Her episode of "My Favorite Mistake" Today's episode of "My Favorite Mistake" features Sarah Lohse, founder of Favorite Daughter Media and author of "Open This Book: The Art of Storytelling for Aspiring Thought Leaders." Sarah illuminates storytelling's potential as a powerful leadership and communication tool, extending it beyond the realm of novelists and filmmakers to thought leaders and influencers. With her knack for drawing relevant insights from personal experiences, she demonstrates how a well-told story can engage, inspire, and teach valuable lessons. https://favoritedaughtermedia.com/open-this-book/ Check out all episodes on the My Favorite Mistake main page.

Duration:00:09:21

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The Trials and Triumphs of Terry Bartley: An Author with ADHD

4/22/2024
Episode page with video, transcript, and more My guest for Episode #255 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Terry Bartley. He is a high school journalism, literature, and English teacher and writer of the new collection of short stories, Tyranny of the Fey. Terry is the host of the podcast “Most Writers are Fans,” about the intersection between writing and fandom. Terry has professionally written for the Coal Valley News and Screenrant. He has won awards for writing and broadcasting from the West Virginia Associated Press, the National Broadcasting Society, and MarCom. He has a B.A. in English from the University of Phoenix and an M.A. in English Education from Western Governor’s University. With a candid discussion on his life's journey through countless experiences straddling education and literature, Terry charts an inspiring narrative about turning apparent career missteps into stepping stones of growth. We navigate through his career in teaching while pursuing his passion for writing amidst an uncertain freelance career. Immerse yourself in an absorbing conversation as Terry discusses his life with ADHD, stressing its impact beyond professional barriers permeating quotidian existence. In our challenging exploration of the realm of ADHD, Bartley underscores the importance of acceptance, diagnosis, and therapy as his allies combating the condition. He promotes a holistic, individualized approach to managing ADHD, dispelling the clouds of misconception about mental health. Listen along for the fascinating exposition of how ADHD molded his unique creative expression, setting light on his inspiring journey. Questions and Topics:

Duration:00:44:31

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Attorney Gina Mundy's Motherhood Career Mistake; Preventing Labor & Delivery Errors

4/15/2024
My guest for Episode #254 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Gina Mundy, author of the book A Parent's Guide to a Safer Childbirth: Expecting the Best: Using the Power of Knowledge to Help You Deliver a Healthy Baby. Episode page with video, transcript, and more Gina is an attorney who specializes in childbirth cases. Throughout her career, Gina has traveled nationwide, engaging with healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, and midwives to explore all aspects of labor and delivery. Meeting with experts from various states, she has explored and analyzed the myriad of issues that can arise during labor and delivery, impacting both mother and baby. v Gina lives in Clarkston, Michigan, with her family (husband, kids, and dogs)… and she enjoys visiting wineries. Me too (the wineries part)! Join us as we embark on Gina Mundy's transformative journey from a legal expert in childbirth cases to a successful author. We explore how challenging circumstances, often derived from personal experiences, inspire noble feats like authorship, turning potential mistakes into powerful preventive guidance. Gina's book serves as an incredible testament to her efforts to help expecting parents bypass potential risks and navigate childbirth with ease. Dive into a discussion touching upon critical topics such as recognizing the signs of distress or complications early, understanding the impact of medications like Pitocin in childbirth, and the implications of labor after water breaks. Our guests underline the importance of being forewarned and forearmed, thereby uplifting childbirth experiences with informed decisions. And we'll hear about Gina's favorite mistake from her legal career, and decisions she made as a working mother -- how much does she regret those decisions today? Questions and Topics:

Duration:00:47:43

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Overcoming Burnout with Julian Reeve, Former Hamilton Music Director

4/8/2024
My guest for Episode #253 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Julian Reeve, former Musical Director for the musical Hamilton and CEO of Perfect Equilibrium, Inc., a firm that provides consulting services related to employee burnout and retention. Episode page with video, transcript, and more Julian graduated with honors from Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, England, before embarking on a highly successful career as a musician, educator, and entrepreneur. He performed for millions across six continents around the world as a Music Director, winning The Los Angeles Drama Critic Circle Award for Best Music Direction on the Broadway musical Hamilton before leading it’s first presentations at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (DC) and at the Centro de Bellas Artes Luis A. Ferrè in Puerto Rico (with Lin Manuel Miranda). Julian has built four thriving companies in the creative sector, including the London-based boutique talent agency Boland & Reeve Ltd (now Collective Agents) and Perfect Equilibrium Inc. in Los Angeles. In this episode, Julian talks about his “favorite mistake,” a turning point that occurred early on in his career that challenged his understanding of leadership. This not only shaped his communication skills but also transformed his perspective on perfectionism. With fascinating real-life experiences, he explains the crucial role of self-awareness, the power of accepting and utilizing feedback, and the impact of approach and attitude on leadership and personal development. Questions and Topics: Kristen Neff Episode 183Julian's TEDx talk

Duration:00:42:51

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Military Veteran and Retired Federal Air Marshal Russell Jack on the Mistaken MAGA Movement

4/1/2024
Episode page with video, transcript, and more My guest for Episode #252 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Russell K. Jack. He’s a retired US Senior Federal Air Marshal, working in that role from 2002 to 2022. Russell previously served five years as a Federal Police Officer. And previously served five years in the Colorado Army National Guard and was deployed in Saudi Arabia (Desert Storm). He is also a first-time author — his book is titled, Is MAGA a Terrorist Movement?— available now. He hopes this book will promote critical thinking about protecting our democracy and just how precariously close we are to losing it forever. He writes this book out of a sense of duty to the American people. In today's episode, Russell shares his favorite mistake story from his time working as a security officer for a major health system. Why did a Black man think he was being racially profiled by Russell? And what did Russell learn about that interaction? We also dive into important topics from his book — the lessons learned and the implications for 2024 and beyond. Questions and Topics:

Duration:00:43:53

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Turning Stumbles into a Dance: Elaine Hart on Building Resilience at Power Fitness

3/25/2024
My guest for Episode #251 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Elaine Hart, the Chief Banana Officer at Power Fitness Events. She’s a resilient fitness enthusiast and former luxury event manager at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Episode page with video, transcript, and more Overcoming challenges including anorexia, she discovered strength in fitness and community. Elaine transitioned her career to empower others through spinning, founding Power Fitness. Her resilience was further highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, adapting her business to offer virtual classes. With a mantra of “Keep Pedaling,” Elaine's story inspires physical and mental strength, shared passionately from her spinning bike. In today's episode, Elaine talks about mistakes including: Through innovation and determination, Elaine transformed the unforeseen challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic into an opportunity for growth and deepened engagement. Her unique initiative, “Bring Your Own Banana” (BYOB), nurtures an environment of playfulness, motivation, and connectivity within her community. As the ‘Chief Banana Officer,' her story encapsulates the spirit of Power Fitness Events—a testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and community connection. Questions and Topics:

Duration:00:41:28

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250 Episodes! Celebrating and Reflecting on a Podcasting Journey

3/18/2024
In this episode, host Mark Graban reflects on 250 episodes, sharing a few clips, admitting a few mistakes, and telling a few stories. Kevin Harrington episode Mark Teich episode Rep. Will Hurd episode Rep. Adam Smith episode Sofie Roux episode Tom Peters episode Video of Karyn Ross and her suitcase

Duration:00:34:05

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How Speak-Up Culture Builds on Psychological Safety: Stephen Shedletzky

2/26/2024
My guest for Episode #250 (!!!) of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Stephen Shedletzky or “Shed” to his friends. He is a sought-after speaker, coach, and advisor, — As a thought leader on psychological safety in the workplace, Shed has led hundreds of keynote presentations, workshops, and leadership development programs around the world. Episode page Author of the book Speak-Up Culture: When Leaders Truly Listen, People Step Up. After years on a corporate track, Shed was introduced to and inspired by the work of best-selling author Simon Sinek and, became the fourth person to join his team. For more than a decade, Shed contributed at Simon Sinek, where he led a global team of speakers and facilitators. Shed graduated from the Richard Ivey School of Business with a focus on leadership, communication, and strategy. He received his coaching certification from The Co-Active Training Institute. He lives in Toronto with his wife and two young children. Shed's route from his first job post-business school to establishing himself as a speaker, coach, and thought leader reflects the transformative power of self-awareness and the pursuit of work that aligns with personal passions. He transitioned from a potentially constrained corporate environment to one where he could significantly impact organizational cultures on a global scale. While navigating shifts in career paths can be intimidating, especially during disruptions like layoffs, such moments can provide much-needed clarity and drive individuals to seek opportunities that resonate more with their personal values and dreams. Shed's experiences prove that embracing change and following your passion can lead to a fulfilling career, inspiring others to contemplate and pursue their professional aspirations in a more authentic, dedicated, and inspired manner. Adopting psychological safety, authentic leadership, and the courage to speak up is critical to nurturing a positive and productive workplace culture. Steven Shedletzky's life and insights stand as an inspiration for all personnel, helping them create environments that prioritize the well-being of their teams and promote purposeful and fulfilling work. Questions and Topics:

Duration:00:45:17

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Breaking Barriers in the NHL and Building Fitness Communities: Sandy Weston

2/19/2024
My guest for Episode #249 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Sandy Joy Weston M.Ed. She is a keynote speaker, international podcaster, three times published author, and entrepreneur, who has owned and operated health and wellness companies over the past 30 years. Episode page Early in her career, she became the first female trainer for the Philadelphia Flyers and spent many years as a media personality and as Philadelphia NBC10's Fitness Expert. She created the nationally recognized Philly Street Line Dance to help combat Philly’s “fattest city” label. For the past five years, Sandy has been focusing on SJW Productions, an international company whose main mission is to highlight all the positive in the world. She does this through her international podcasts, her books, Train Your Head & Your Body Will Follow, My 30-Day Reset Journal and her programs and workshops. Sandy’s mission is to spread pure joy and inspire others to see their true power. She’s also the host of her podcast, “Let’s Keep it Real,” and I'll be a guest there soon. Sandy took her passion for fitness to a whole new level in 1993 by launching her club, Weston Fitness. Her fitness club was not just another establishment; it was designed to be cutting-edge and cater to fitness trends with unique classes like spin. Weston's focus was on the transformative power of fitness, where she aimed to offer not just exercise but entertainment and community building within her club’s walls. In her approach to wellness, Sandy Weston didn’t shy away from ground-breaking methods to create a sense of community. Her innovation in this area can be seen in the introduction of the controversial but beloved “porno spin.” It was these kinds of decisions that marked Weston Fitness as more than a gym. Weston’s Club was, and still is, a space where camaraderie and joy are intertwined with health and physical fitness – a testament to Weston’s vision and innovation in the wellness industry. And we'll hear Sandy's “favorite mistake” stories! Questions and Topics: Mark's podcasts with Robert Maurer

Duration:00:44:32

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Building a Prototype the Customer Didn't Believe: Bruno Pešec

2/12/2024
My guest for Episode #248 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Bruno Pešec, A Croatian living in Norway. Episode page with video, transcript, and more Bruno Pešec helps business leaders innovate profitably. He is the rare innovator who can claim he's worked on a regulation-defying freight train and an award-winning board game. In addition to his corporate experience with brands like DNV, DNB, and Kongsberg Group, Bruno runs a community of entrepreneurs of several thousand members. He is currently undertaking a doctorate in organizational change, with a specific focus on the issues with innovation in large enterprises. Bruno has co-authored the Augmented Strategy book, a practical guide to decision-making based on data and human intuition. His academic credentials include a master's degree with distinction in industrial engineering and management, specialization in production and quality engineering, and an advanced management diploma specializing in strategy and innovation. He has also been trained by Toyota in corporate value creation and innovation. Bruno is currently undertaking a doctorate in organizational change, with a peculiar focus on the issues with innovation in large enterprises. In today's episode, Bruno shares his favorite mistake story about a revolutionary freight train design that seemed to deliver against impossible customer requirements — but it seemed too good to be true! We also discuss how Bruno moved past his initial skepticism about the “Lean Startup” methodology to be a big advocate for the approach. We also discuss his educational board game, “Playing Lean” and mistakes he learned from during that journey. Questions and Topics:

Duration:00:43:03

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Driving Growth: The Generosity Culture and Sharing Mistakes with April Shprintz

2/5/2024
My guest for Episode #247 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is April Shprintz, owner of her firm, Driven Outcomes. She’s is a leading sales expert and business accelerator, having generated over $1.2 billion in direct revenue in different roles. Episode page with video, transcript, and more She is also the creator of The Generosity Culture® and the host of the top-rated podcast, “Winning Mindset Mastery.” April's book, Magic Blue Rocks: The Secret to Doing Anything, is available as an audiobook, Kindle, and paperback. Named one of the Top 22 Entrepreneurs of 2023 by New York Weekly, April is a U.S. Air Force veteran and has been described as a force of nature. Shprintz's journey is a masterclass in defying norms and embracing opportunities. Her transition from military to civilian life, her progression from broadcasting to sales, her courage to challenge hiring status quos—each of these phases in her career path are instructive and inspiring. In this episode, she shares her insights on leadership, her revolutionary ideas about workplace culture, and the lessons she's learned from her favorite mistakes. Questions and Topics:

Duration:00:41:09

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Embracing Mistakes, Opportunity, and Success: Stories from JM Ryerson, Let's Go Win

1/29/2024
My guest for Episode #246 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is JM Ryerson, co-founder and CEO of Let's Go Win. He's an author, leadership & performance coach, international speaker, and host of the Let’s Go Win podcast. Episode page with video, transcript, and more JM Ryerson founded and sold three businesses and is now helping leadership teams do the same. He’s the Best Selling Author of the books “Let's Go Win,” “Champion's Daily Playbook,” and his latest, “Upgrade.” JM has been building companies and leading sales teams for over 20 years. He is the co-founder and CEO of Let's Go Win whose mission is to increase leadership, enhance culture, and help teams achieve peak performance. In this episode, Ryerson recounts his initial ventures in the financial world, not as a numbers guru, but as a skilled salesman with the innate ability to motivate teams. He discusses his mindset switch from traditional roles to leading and expanding businesses, driven by a passion for nurturing growth and creating value for all involved. He delves into how he navigated setbacks, transforming them into life-changing growth opportunities, and the importance of maintaining a positive mindset amidst adversity. Highlighting his journey, Ryerson guides us through how he discovered his true calling of motivating teams, which ultimately brought unparalleled fulfillment and success. Questions and Topics: MindsetMark was a guest on the “Let's Go Win” podcast

Duration:00:37:00

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Marketing, Mistakes, and Mastery with Lauren Petrullo of Mongoose Media

1/21/2024
My guest for Episode #245 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Lauren Petrullo. She is an award-winning marketing expert, digital marketing and eCommerce consultant, and successful multi-founder. Lauren has overcome great adversity from a young age, as well as living by the F.A.I.L. method with her Mongoose Media “pack mates” as she calls them. Episode page with transcript, video, and more Lauren is the CEO and Founder of Award Winning Marketing Agency, Mongoose Media, Founder of boutique eCommerce store Asian Beauty Essentials, Chief Marketing Officer of eco-conscious baby swimwear Beau & Belle Littles, and co-founder of chatbot service Bot Blondes. As a former Innovation Producer at The Walt Disney Company, Lauren incorporates her background in innovation and design to infuse creativity and play into all of her marketing strategies. Today, we're talking about turning failures into stepping stones. In this episode, Lauren will dig into her “fail method,” the importance of integrating creativity into marketing strategies, and her unique approach to fostering a culture of transparency and learning at Mongoose Media. Further, she will delve into the value of diversity in honing effective marketing strategies and the proactive approach toward addressing and learning from mistakes. Also, discover how Lauren and her team are leveraging innovative remote collaboration tools and setting an example of how to emulate a robust and dynamic work culture. Questions and Topics: AsianBeautyEssentials.com

Duration:00:46:12

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Rokrbox’s Journey Towards Five-Star Company Culture: Lessons in Resilience & Growth Josh Cunningham

1/15/2024
My guest for Episode #244 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Josh Cunningham, the CEO and Founder of rokrbox – an inside sales assistant company based in College Station, Texas. Episode page with transcript and more After starting rokrbox in 2013, Josh’s real estate company has worked over 3,000,000 internet leads for teams all across the country including Lars Hedenborg, Jeff Cohn, & Spring Bengtzen. Having hired and trained over 400 ISAs, Josh is a sought-after speaker for his invaluable knowledge on He’s focused on developing a company culture that attracts the best millennial talent and drives success. Josh has learned how to scale and optimize business portfolios through building amazing teams with his take on company culture. His expertise was showcased through rokrbox's award winning culture, which inspired him to become the founder & CEO of Five Star Company Culture. Host of a podcast by that name — thanks for having me as a guest and thanks for being my guest here today! Josh's mission is to help businesses maximize their potential and learn how to implement a winning culture that retains employees, increase team productivity, and allows business owners to regain their personal freedom. Stepping back, Josh explains the wakeup call they faced during an organic period of growth, as their student workforce started to shrink with the onset of school schedules. Instead of panicking, they pivoted, embracing the lesson as an opportunity to refine communication and clarify their mission. Transforming this hitch into a turning point, they instated a daily huddle, which not only served to align team focus, but also sparked a cultural shift by nurturing an environment of support, connectivity, and collective growth. Questions and Topics: My episode with our mutual connection, Kevin Harrington The Power of a Champion Mindset in Business Culture Embracing a Culture of Learning from Mistakes In the competitive landscape of business, a culture that fosters growth and development through learning from missteps is crucial. Rokrbox, an inside sales assistant company, has epitomized this philosophy by embedding the mindset of a champion into their core values. This doesn't imply a streak of unblemished victories; rather, it means recognizing that both wins and lessons emerge from each outcome. A true champion is defined not by a flawless record, but by resilience and the willingness to stand back up after falling down, transforming setbacks into stepping stones for growth. Overcoming Challenges: Reflecting and Implementing Change Rokrbox faced a notable challenge during a period of rapid growth. In the summer of 2015, as the company soared to new heights, a significant portion of their part-time workforce, primarily made up of students, dissipated with the start of the fall semester. This unexpected shift presented a stark realization that the meaning and importance of their work weren't being effectively communicated by leadership. It was a crucial moment that shifted the company's focus inward, igniting a reflection on the mechanisms essential for transparent communication and employee retention. The Magic of Daily Huddles: A Key to Cultural Success The transformative solution that Rokrbox discovered was the implementation of a daily huddle. A practice that now anchors their workday, these huddles serve as a time for team members to connect, recognize each other's achievements, set collective goals, and align on the mission for the day ahead. This ritual not only eradicated previous communication inefficiencies but also played a pivotal role in shaping the company's award-winning culture. It created an environment where each employee could see the bigger picture, comprehend how their contributions mattered, and envision a path for professional growth within the company. This daily routine of recognition, education, connection, and motivation ensures that all team members feel valued and part of a larger goal. Creating a...

Duration:00:42:44

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Moving Mountains: How Jenn Drummond Conquered Entrepreneurship and World Peaks

1/8/2024
My guest for Episode #243 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Jenn Drummond. Episode page with video, transcript, and more She is a Mom of seven, a successful business owner, and a World Record holder. As the first woman to climb the second highest summits on each of the seven continents, she now spends her time inspiring others to create a thriving business and lasting legacy of their own. She shares her story and strategies for success through her upcoming book, Break Proof: 7 Strategies to Build Resilience and Achieve Your Life Goals, and her “Seek Your Summit” podcast, programs, and signature talks. Great successes are often built on the foundations of past mistakes and lessons learned from them. Jenn Drummond walks us through her transformative journey, a beautiful tapestry of perseverance and the wisdom gained from failed attempts. Drummond's story is one of relentless pursuit and thoughtful adaptation, as she has made waves as a mountaineering record-holder, a mother to seven, and a successful businesswoman. What's her favorite mistake? In the early steps of her business journey, Drummond confesses to falling into the typical trap of prioritizing aesthetics over function—a common mistake in the entrepreneurial world. She sheds light on how this misstep shaped her understanding of business essentials and offers a case study on the importance of prioritizing core business aspects over superficial elements. Expounding on the essence of flexibility in business, Drummond narrates how recognizing her initial plan's inefficiency and implementing drastic changes became a turning point for her financial services company. Her story is a testament to the power of adaptability in the face of challenges, and an inspiration to hopeful entrepreneurs. Questions and Topics: Seek Your Summit

Duration:00:37:27

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Amazon’s Culture of Experimentation and Learning; Big Bet Leadership with John Rossman

1/2/2024
My guest for Episode #242 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is John Rossman, a leadership and digital transformation expert. John is the author of three books on leadership and business innovation including the best seller The Amazon Way. He is an early Amazon executive who played a key role in launching the Amazon marketplace business in 2002. His new book will be released on February 24, 2024: Big Bet Leadership: Your Playbook for Winning in the Hyper-Digital Era. You can pre-order it now. Episode page with video, transcript, and more Today, he is a leading keynote speaker on leadership for innovation, transformation and artificial intelligence and has given over 200 keynotes to worldwide audiences. John is an operator and builder whose love is diving into business problems and customer needs designing innovative solutions and business models, and creating durable enterprise value. He served as senior innovation advisor at T-Mobile and senior technology advisor to the Gates Foundation. John was a managing director at Alvarez and Marsal for twelve years leading several business turn-around situations, serving as interim CIO at a restructuring client, and leading the development of several large clients, including Walmart, Nordstrom, and Microsoft. John is the founder of Rossman Partners, a leadership development, coaching and advisor solutions company. He is often joined by his Frenchie, Bossman. In this episode, we delve into the birth of Amazon's Marketplace, a venture that pushed limits and disrupted the e-commerce landscape. Rossman's role in pioneering this platform was marked by strategic risk-taking and innovation, lessons that emerging business leaders can take to heart. From edging out competition with unified checkouts to shaking the norm with new product categories, Rossman's story is a testament to the power of creativity and resilience. Understand his approach to the successful expansion of the Marketplace and discover how to nurture “small and tender” ideas into successful ventures. Questions and Topics: Subscribe, Follow, Support, Rate, and Review! Please follow, rate, and review via Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, or your favorite app -- that helps others find this content, and you'll be sure to get future episodes as they are released weekly. You can also financially support the show through Spotify. You can now sign up to get new episodes via email, to make sure you don't miss an episode. This podcast is part of the Lean Communicators network.

Duration:00:38:00

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Bouncing Back from Mistakes and the Importance of Diversity in Casting: Jazzy Collins, CSA

12/18/2023
My guest for Episode #241 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Jazzy Collins, CSA, a Casting Director who holds the honor of being the first Black two-time Emmy® nominee in the Outstanding Reality Casting category. Episode page with video, transcript, and more She has worked for hit reality shows including Lizzo's Watch Out For The Big Grrls (Amazon), The Circle (Netflix), The Traitors (Peacock), The Bachelor and The Bachelorette (ABC), Family or Fiancé (OWN) and Love Island (CBS). She has been at the forefront of the movement calling for diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry, published in Deadline, E! News, ET Canada, Women’s Health, and beyond. Amid her success, she has been a tireless advocate for diversity and inclusion in the industry, a topic her work frequently brings to the fore. As time went on, however, Jazzy began questioning her career trajectory. Deciding to branch out, she transitioned into digital talent management, believing it akin to her casting work. Jazzy quickly recognized it wasn't her calling. After a challenging stint in talent management, she decided it was time to return to her first love: casting. In this episode, we discuss her career mistake, how she bounced back, and what she learned. We also discuss mistakes made by the producers of "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette" when it comes to DEI and representation. Read about her open letter that called out the popular franchise. Questions and Topics: Jazzy's open letter

Duration:00:41:18