My Favorite Mistake: Business Lessons from Failures and Success

Ebonie Allard Invited 3 Friends to Join Her Business, Went Insolvent in 3 Months

Award-Winning International Coach
Episode page: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake140
My guest for Episode #140 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Ebonie Allard. She describes herself as a “Priestess of Alchemy”® — she’s an award-winning International Coach. She’s a (her words) “Misfit turned Maven,” an author, an artist, and an advocate.
She’s been host of the podcast “Adulting with Ebonie”… and her new podcast “Ebonie Unfiltered.”
She is the author of books including Misfit to Maven: The Story of Argh to Ahhh (Build a Life as Extraordinary as You Are).
In today's episode, Ebonie shares her "favorite mistake" story about inviting her closest three friends to be directors in her company, and how they were insolvent three months later. Why was this a favorite mistake? Because it opened up opportunities for things she really wanted to do.
We also talk about questions and topics including:
Why had you “suffered from burnout at the end of every job” earlier in your career?
Why do you describe yourself as a “Misfit turned Maven”?
What's the difference between a Misfit and a Rebel?
Why do you also describe yourself as a “Priestess of Alchemy”??
Are you a spiritual misfit?
Selling art / your first NFT?
Mistakes people make in trying to get you (and others) to speak?
Her groundrules for working with her
---
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/favorite-mistake/support

Technology & Business Leader Jinny Uppal on the Mistake of Going Too Fast — ”In/Action”

Author of IN/ACTION: Rethinking the Path to Results.
Episode page: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake139
My guest for Episode #139 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Jinny Uppal, the author of the new book IN/ACTION: Rethinking the Path to Results.
Jinny is no stranger to driving contrary and innovative thinking. Uppal’s 20+ years of experience driving transformational growth by challenging existing norms in business is key to her success working with Fortune 500 telecom, eCommerce, and retail companies.
She is a technology and business leader with over 20 years’ experience driving transformative growth at Fortune 500 North American companies.
Most recently, she was Vice President of Strategy at a $12B North American retailer, driving transformative growth through new category launches and innovative store experiences
Jinny grew up in Mumbai and is a graduate of Florida International University and Harvard Business School. She has been a practitioner of Vedic and Buddhist meditation and breathwork since 2008.
In her new book, IN/ACTION: Rethinking the Path to Results, published by New Degree Press, Jinny Uppal explores the downside of the prevalent cultural bias for action even when it’s unnecessary or counter-productive. Capturing insights into the benefits of reflective thinking and strategic inaction, author Jinny Uppal presents a less stressful and more efficient way of achieving more by “doing” less.
You can enter to win a signed copy of Jinny's book!
In today's episode, Jinny shares her "favorite mistake" story about taking action too quickly, when she decided to re-use some technology from another part of her company... but she had to give up after it didn't work out. That inspired her study of what happens when we rush to action.
We also talk about questions and topics including:
What is “breathwork”?
What are some mistakes that are made when we’re driven to action?
Example - Ron Johnson as CEO of JC Penney (read my blog post about this)
Advice: “let it simmer for a few days…”
Understanding cause and effect is very important… what types of errors do humans make in understanding (or misunderstanding) cause and effect relationships… does that drive the wrong actions?
Causes of bias to action problems?? Overconfidence
Overconfident — so convinced that you dismiss input
Is “bias for action” mainly a Western phenomenon?
Toyota expression — “go slow to go fast” — your reaction to that?
Did you do a prototype for your book?
Tell us the story behind the book… what inspired you?
---
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/favorite-mistake/support

J.A. Adande (ESPN & Northwestern University) on Career & Journalism Mistakes

Episode page: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake138
My guest for Episode #138 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is J.A. Adande. He is the director of sports journalism at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications. He is also the graduate journalism Sports Media Specialization leader.
J.A. earned his undergraduate degree in journalism from Medill in 1992. During his time in school at Northwestern, he was sports editor of The Daily Northwestern, the student newspaper.
J.A. has worked in sports media for over two and a half decades, including multiple roles at ESPN. He continues to appear on ESPN’s “Around The Horn,” where he has been a panelist since the show’s beginning in 2002.
He also previously worked for 10 years as a sports columnist at the Los Angeles Times, in addition to jobs at The Washington Post and Chicago Sun-Times.
In today's episode, J.A. shares his “favorite mistake” story about applying for a job, to be a sports columnist in Philadelphia, which probably would have been a failure. Why was it a mistake to want that job, then? How would the newspaper have determined if he was a success or a failure? How would that be determined today in the internet age?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
Angry letters to the editor might not be a bad thing if that means people are reading?
Coaching students about handling or bracing for hate mail or flat out hate?
Tell us about getting into TV – did that ever feel like a mistake? When that was new to you?
Learning to give “hot takes”?
Mistakes in reporting — pressure to be first vs. being correct?
The “Medill F”? A punishment for mistakes like spelling a name wrong… is this a very real practice? A mistake you only make once?
Greg Cote’s story in a bonus episode about being lied to by an interview subject
Another mistake story from J.A. — getting a soccer coach's first name wrong in a profile
---
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/favorite-mistake/support

Author Dan Pink on the Mistake of Not Having a Mentor and The Power of Regret

Author of the new book, The Power of Regret.
Enter to win a copy of the book
Episode page: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake137
My guest for Episode #137 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Daniel H. Pink. He is the author of seven books and his most recent was released on February 1, The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward – that seems like a perfect topic to explore on this podcast.
I had a chance to interview Dan back in 2010, for another podcast series, about his book Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us.
Dan’s books have won multiple awards, have been translated into 42 languages, and have sold millions of copies around the world. He received a BA from Northwestern University, where he was a Truman Scholar and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and a JD from Yale Law School.
In today's episode, Dan shares his “favorite mistake” story about never finding a mentor — he didn't ask, didn't think it was needed. How did he learn that this was a mistake and a regret?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
What's the difference or connection between mistakes and regrets?
Mistake is an action, regret is an emotion
Why having regrets is normal and healthy — and “why the ‘No Regrets' philosophy is dunderheaded and dangerous”
You uncovered the four most common regrets, what’s one example?
Is “regret” our most misunderstood emotion?
Why do we regret what we DON’T DO more than regretting what we DO do?
I regret times when I didn’t speak up in the moment…
Tell us about the research that went into this book…
“Talking about the regret is helpful” – lifts the burden, words out loud help or writing (disclosure)
Self-compassion. Kristen Neff (Texas)
How can we turn regrets into a positive force?
How can we avoid dwelling in regret?
Do you think the pandemic has, in some way, caused people to think differently about regret?
World Regret Survey
---
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/favorite-mistake/support

Dr. Nicole Roberts on Bad Assumptions in Global Philanthropy; How to Talk to People about Vaccinations and Football Head Injuries

Executive Director of Feed A Billion
Episode Page: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake136
My guest for Episode #136 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Dr. Nicole Roberts. She is the Executive Director of Feed A Billion, an international nonprofit that feeds girls around the world to prevent exploitation and she's the founder of Health & Human Rights Strategies, a health care and human rights-focused advising firm in Washington, D.C.
Nicole is also the host of “The Global Good Podcast.”
Nicole contributes to Forbes, contextualizing health, and highlighting ideas, companies, and people that are changing the health landscape. Her writing has appeared in numerous journals and publications, and her talks can be found on the United Nations website and various news and sports outlets.
She has a doctorate in public health from the University of North Carolina, a masters in public policy from the University of Chicago, and completed undergraduate work in psychology and biology at the University of Missouri.
In today's episode, Nicole shares her “favorite mistake” story about making bad assumptions about starting a meals program for girls in India — assuming that a model that worked elsewhere would work there. How did she learn about the bad assumption and how did they correct this to be more effective?
We also talk about questions and topics including:
Given your brain science background – then going into public health… thoughts on the best way to get more people to say “yes” to vaccination?
You’re also hosting what has become an annual event at the Super Bowl – Brain Health Summit – in its 9th year — tell us about the event?
Was agent Leigh Steinberg too powerful to get ostracized after that paper & event?
Jen Welter Episode #60
Dave Scatchard Episode #59
Tell us about the nonprofit “Feed A Billion”
Tell us a little bit about your firm Health & Human Rights Strategies…
Tell us about the Podcast — The Global Good Podcast
“If you aren't making mistakes then it means you aren't paying enough attention or you aren't listening to the people around you.” Tell us what that means to you.
---
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/favorite-mistake/support

Sommelier and Consulting Firm Partner Michael Juergens on Wine Mistakes and More

Episode page: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake135
My guest for Episode #135 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Michael Juergens. He is a senior partner with a Big Four consulting firm, where he runs the Winery Solutions practice, overseeing the portfolio of services the firm provides to wineries.
He is also a certified specialist of wine, a certified sommelier, and a Stage 2 candidate to become the 59th American to qualify as a Master of Wine, if he can “pass the damn exam” as he says on his website.
Michael is also the author of two books in the “Drinking & Knowing Things” series (under his pen name, Michael Amon).
He is the founder of the Bhutan Wine Company, and is leading the development of the wine industry in this magical Himalayan country.
He owns the award winning SoCal Rum Company, which was recently awarded the highest point score in history for any silver rum (95 points).
Michael also is a professor at the Paul Merage School of Business at the University of California Irvine. He's a punk rock drummer and an adventure race addict
In today's episode, Michael answers the “what is your favorite mistake?” question a little differently. He draws a bit on Buddhism to question whether anything is really a mistake, if whatever happens was meant to be. That said, he thinks that drinking certain wines is a huge mistake. So we talk about that in a wide-ranging and fun conversation.
We talk about questions and topics including:
You failed the tasting portion of the Master of Wine exam four years in a row, would you be upset if you failed again?
You also started the entire wine industry in the Kingdom of Bhutan in the Himalayas — tell us about that…
Failing forward in Bhutan — Buddhist influence?
What is “winedouchery” and why are you so opposed to it?
Snobbery? Average price under $10? People who don’t like wine?
Champagne just for celebrations?
Starting the distillery??
COMMON THEME —> “Self-limiting beliefs”
What sparked that passion about wine?
---
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/favorite-mistake/support

Choosing the Secure Big Company Job Instead of the Better Fit: Dr. Kasey Thompson

Leadership professor, author, entrepreneur
Episode page: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake134
My guest for Episode #134 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Dr. Kasey Lynn Thompson.
She is an Associate Professor of Business Ethics, Business, and Strategy at Ferris State University and former Director of Global Menu Strategy for a Fortune 250 company.
Dr. Kasey Lynn is the author of the book Fall Down, Gritty Up: The Unconventional Mental Map for Becoming Your Own Hero.
She is also the proprietor of Pendulum Publishing, a consulting firm in Michigan. Dr. Kasey Lynn earned a PhD in Values-Driven Leadership from Benedictine University.
In today's episode, Dr. Kasey Lynn shares her “favorite mistake” story about a career decision — staying with McDonald's (the larger parent company) instead of staying with the spun-off RedBox company that she had worked for. What did she learn from these events? How does it inform and affect the way she coaches students about career decisions?
We talk about that story and other topics including:
Choosing a job based on relationships, values… product?
Advising students? – how to decide what “best” is for an opportunity?
How has RedBox done in the age of streaming?
Your PhD… What is values-driven leadership?
Your former employer didn’t know you were working on a PhD?
Theranos – Elizabeth Holmes? Fraud or true believer?
Tell us about teaching Business Ethics…
Most likely business ethics situations a student might face in the business world?
You started a new restaurant… Fatty C's Dog House
Not let yourself get too down, what am I learning from this?
---
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/favorite-mistake/support

Brewer Kelly Meyer Started a Damn Brewery at the Wrong Damn Time

Founder of New Braunfels Brewing Company
Episode page: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake133
My guest for Episode #133 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Kelly Meyer, the author of How NOT to start a Damn Brewery: Ten Business Lessons From The Front Lines of The Craft Beer Industry — and a podcast of that same name.
In today's episode, Kelly shares his “favorite mistake” story about starting a brewery (New Braunfels Brewing Company) at the wrong time — and how he sold that brewery ten years later. His book talks about 10 major mistakes that he made… it’s a fun read, even if you’re not interested in starting a damn brewery.
We talk about that story and other topics including:
Not getting out – 3 moments of insolvency… How close were you to getting out?
Had sold a chain of fitness centers — what made that successful? Did you think that would be transferrable?
2022 – when the EIDL funds run out…
Why write the book? Cathartic? Warning for others?
Are you working as an advisor to others?
Was it a mistake to curse in the book?
“Most people… don’t want to hear the truth” — Magazines don’t want to print anything negative
“Mistakes are just weaknesses leaving your business”
Would you ever start another brewery based on what you learned the first time?
Tell us more about the podcast — No shortage of guests?
---
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/favorite-mistake/support

Certified Financial Planner Manisha Thakor Saved Too Much for Retirement

Episode page: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake132
My guest for Episode #132 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Manisha Thakor, a 25-year veteran of the financial services industry. She has seen firsthand the downfalls of being trapped in what she calls “the cult of money.” She is a Chartered Financial Analyst and a Certified Financial Planner.
From a failed marriage to nearly working herself to death – twice, Manisha has learned the hard way how expensive this pursuit of money really is. Using a unique approach she calls “MoneyZen”, Manisha found her way back to financial and personal wellbeing. Today, she uses this framework to help others do the same.
Manisha is the author of books including On My Own Two Feet and Get Financially Naked: How to Talk Money With Your Honey.
In today's episode, Manisha shares her “favorite mistake” story about realizing she had saved up far more than she needed for retirement — at the cost of her own well-being, health, and satisfaction. Why did she confuse wealth for “well-th”?
We talk about that story and other topics including:
Retired once she realized she had WAY too much saved
From donations to direct participation in meaningful non-profits?
Tell us what you mean by the phrase “a cult of money” and why people get caught up in that?
Well-th isn’t as easily measured?
Ten Percent Happier podcast
What led to you “nearly working yourself to death”?
The cult of “never enough”
The most common money mistakes that couples make?
What is “MoneyZen”?
How do you work with individuals? With organizations (wellness centers, corporations)
The quiz on her website that she mentioned
Find Manisha on Social Media:
Twitter
Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram
YouTube
Please follow, rate, and review via Apple Podcasts or Podchaser or your favorite app — that helps others find this content and you'll be sure to get future episodes as they are released weekly. You can also become a financial supporter of the show through Anchor.fm.
You can now sign up to get new episodes via email, to make sure you don't miss an episode.
This podcast is part of the Lean Communicators network.
---
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/favorite-mistake/support

Workplace Therapist Brandon Smith Stayed in a Comfortable Teaching Job Too Long

Video and more: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake131
My guest for Episode #131 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Brandon Smith, an executive coach, author, speaker, and podcaster. His podcast (and his label for himself) is “The Workplace Therapist” and he's had me as a guest there. As a “therapist,” he has an MS in Clinical Counseling.
Some of his jobs and roles include:
The Worksmiths, Founder and CEO
The Leadership Foundry, Co-Founder
Goizueta Business School, Emory University, Adjunct Faculty
He’s the author of books including his latest, The Hot Sauce Principle: How to Live and Lead in a World Where Everything Is Urgent All of the Time.
In today's episode, Brandon shares his “favorite mistake” story about staying in a “comfortable” executive education teaching job too long — why was that a “bad relationship” and what did he learn from the experience?
We talk about that story and other topics including:
What triggered this realization?
Was it a pattern?
Why did you come to call yourself “the workplace therapist”?
What reasons do people come to you for workplace therapy?
Choosing to come vs. being told they have to?
Resisting expertise?
Tell us about the book… what is the “hot sauce principle”??
Why do we need “focused energy”?
Using “hot sauce” or urgency appropriately
Find Brandon on Social Media:
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube
---
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/favorite-mistake/support