My Favorite Mistake: Business Lessons from Failures and Success

Joe Davis of BCG: Leadership Lessons on Generosity, Feedback, and Inclusion

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.
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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?

Can Honesty Be the Best Medicine? A Doctor Discloses a Mistake - Derek Leiner

My guest for Episode #277 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Derek Leiner, MD, FACP.
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Dr. Leiner trained in internal medicine at VCUHealth and the Richmond VA Medical Center. In 2018, he completed a year as Chief Resident for Quality and Safety, a national VA QI and safety training program then began as a staff physician at the Richmond VA Medical Center.  
His career has included teaching, education leadership as an Associate Program Director for a medicine training program, and safety culture leadership.  Derek currently works as an academic hospitalist and is the physician champion for high reliability at the Richmond VA Medical Center.  He has a passion for humanism, collaborative care, and just culture.
In this episode, we discuss a medical error involving a lumbar puncture procedure and the subsequent emotional impact on the healthcare professional involved. We explore the distinction between near misses and patient harm, highlighting the importance of learning from both. The concept of Just Culture is introduced, emphasizing a fair and supportive approach to addressing errors. We delve into High Reliability Organizations and their focus on creating a culture of safety. The significance of open communication with patients and the potential for positive outcomes is also addressed.
Additionally, we examine the "second victim" phenomenon, where healthcare professionals experience emotional distress following errors. The episode concludes with practical strategies for recovering from mistakes and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement in healthcare.

Questions and Topics:
What is your favorite mistake?
Is this a near miss or patient harm?
Did I understand your definition of a near miss correctly?
What was the reaction and response to the incident?
Can you explain the concept of high reliability organizations and its relevance to healthcare?
What was the patient's reaction to the disclosure?
What is your reaction to Doctor Mayer's story?
What are your thoughts on Just Culture?
How do you coach others to recover from mistakes and combat negative self-talk?
Key topics discussed:
Lumbar puncture incident & its emotional impact
Near miss vs. patient harm
Just Culture & its implementation
High reliability organizations (HROs)
Patient disclosure and reactions
Second victim phenomenon & support
Recovering from mistakes & learning
Systemic factors, human error & normalization of deviance
Importance of continuous learning & improvement

Life, Business, and Mistakes: Lessons from Tabatha Thorell’s Coaching Career

My guest for Episode #276 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Tabatha Thorell, a multi-faceted entrepreneur with a background in fitness coaching, real estate investing, life coaching, and more. Tabatha, a native of rural Nebraska and mother of five, shares her inspiring journey of resilience and success across various industries. With nearly two decades of real estate experience alongside her husband, Tabatha has continually pushed herself to grow, all while helping others achieve their dreams through coaching and her podcast, What Went Wrong?
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We discuss Tabatha’s "favorite mistake," which involved investing in an expensive coaching program that didn’t align with her needs. Despite her initial frustration and the lack of a refund, she turned the experience into a valuable learning opportunity. In the episode, she explains how this mistake helped her develop a stronger sense of self-reliance and taught her the importance of finding value, even in failure.
Tabatha also opens up about the challenges of balancing risk-taking with caution, how she approaches business coaching, and the lessons she's learned across her diverse career path. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a coach, or simply interested in stories of persistence, Tabatha’s insights are sure to inspire. Tune in for a candid conversation about learning from mistakes and turning setbacks into opportunities.

Questions and Topics:
What's your favorite mistake from your career journey?
After your bad coaching experience, was it hard to trust another program?
Do you ever consider disputing the charge with your credit card company in that situation?
How do you find the balance between taking risks and not being overly cautious?
What’s the best thing you've learned from transitioning across different careers?
When do most people seek business coaching — before or during a crisis?
How do you respond when people say they can’t afford coaching because of cash flow issues?
Tell us about the origin and theme of your podcast, What Went Wrong?

Founder Brian Gottlieb on Building a $200M Company and Learning from Mistakes

My guest for Episode #275 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Brian Gottlieb, an inspiring entrepreneur and founder who transformed a modest $3,000 startup into a thriving group of multistate companies valued at nearly $200 million.
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Brian’s companies have earned spots on the Inc. 5000 list for four consecutive years and have been recognized as one of Wisconsin's best workplaces. In addition to being a successful CEO, Brian is a Harvard Business School alum, angel investor, keynote speaker, and author of the new book Beyond the Hammer: A Fresh Approach to Leadership, Culture, and Building High-Performance Teams.
In this episode, we discuss Brian’s journey from working odd jobs to founding his first home improvement company and scaling it to a multi-million dollar business. Brian shares his "favorite mistake"—not pursuing formal education after high school—and how that perceived mistake shaped his entrepreneurial path. We also dive into his approach to leadership, the importance of building a strong culture, and how empowering people can drive success.
Brian also opens up about his time at Harvard Business School and how it helped him evolve as a leader. We discuss the challenges of balancing performance and culture, why hiring for culture fit matters, and how his philosophy of "building people before building a business" has been key to his success. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, business leader, or simply interested in learning from others' mistakes, Brian’s story offers valuable lessons on growth, leadership, and resilience.
Tune in to hear Brian's insights on leadership, the value of mistakes, and the strategies that helped him build a $200M business from scratch.

Questions and Topics:
What would you say is your favorite mistake?
How did your decision not to attend college shape your entrepreneurial path?
Can you tell us more about your experience at Harvard Business School and how it impacted your leadership approach?
What was your first business, and how did it evolve into a multi-state company?
How did you manage learning on the job while growing a business from scratch?
How did you approach building the culture and developing people within your organization?
What do you think about companies that focus on culture in addition to performance?
How do you balance hiring for performance versus culture fit, and how do you handle it when someone performs well but doesn’t fit the culture?
Can you explain the concept of “beyond the hammer” and how it applies to leadership and business growth?
How do you handle mistakes or performance issues in a way that supports growth and learning?
What are your thoughts on the “stay interview” concept, and how does it help improve organizational culture?
How did you empower your team to make decisions and learn from their mistakes?
What is your perspective on micromanaging versus empowering employees?
How do you maintain alignment within your company and prevent cultural clashes when bringing in experienced hires?
How important is long-term thinking in leadership, especially when growing a business?
What leadership lessons have you learned from Toyota, and how do you apply them in your business?

NFLPA Medical Director Dr. Thom Mayer on NFL Player Safety, Leadership, and Learning from Mistakes

My guest for Episode #274 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Dr. Thom Mayer, the Medical Director for the NFL Players Association, Executive Vice President of Leadership for LogixHealth, Founder of BestPractices, Inc., and Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine at George Washington University and Senior Lecturing Fellow at Duke University.
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He was recently nominated to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. USA Today named him one of the “100 Most Important People in the NFL.” Tom Peters, the internationally acclaimed leadership guru, referred to his work as “gaspworthy.” Thom's new book is Leadership Is Worthless...But Leading Is Priceless: What I Learned from 9/11, the NFL, and Ukraine.
On September 11, 2001 Dr. Mayer served as the Command Physician at the Pentagon Rescue Operation and has served on 3 Defense Science Board Task Forces, advising the Secretary of Defense. Most recently, in 2022, Dr. Mayer helped lead a mobile team to Ukraine, treating almost 350 patients and training over 1,700 Ukrainian medical staffers.
In this episode, we dive deep into the world of NFL player safety and the proactive strategies that have been implemented to protect athletes on and off the field. Dr. Thom Mayer shares his insights on the science behind the latest innovations in helmet technology, including the Guardian Cap, and the critical importance of having emergency physicians on the sidelines—a decision that has already saved lives.
We also explore the profound difference between leadership as a concept and leading as a daily practice. Dr. Mayer discusses how finding and following your "deep joy" is essential for both personal fulfillment and professional success. He emphasizes the power of learning from mistakes and how failure is not just a part of success, but an integral component of it. Drawing from his experiences during 9/11 and his recent mission to Ukraine, Dr. Mayer offers powerful lessons on resilience, proactive leadership, and the value of engaging with the people who do the work. This episode is filled with wisdom on how to lead effectively in times of crisis and beyond.

Questions and Topics:
What are your thoughts on the new NFL kickoff procedures and their impact on player safety?
Of all the things you’ve done in your career, what would you say is your favorite mistake?
Can you give an example of a time when you deviated from your deep joy, and how do you find deep joy in your professional endeavors?
Can you share an example of when you coached someone through a situation where they had deviated from their deep joy?
Can you talk about your experience with Damar Hamlin and the importance of being proactive in NFL player safety?
Can you share your experiences on 9/11 and the leadership lessons you learned from that day?
How did you end up going to Ukraine in 2022, and what motivated you to take on that mission?
What would you say to NFL fans who resist changes like the new kickoff rules or the use of the Guardian Cap?

Bonus: "Footprints in the Sands of Time": Behind the Scenes with Matt Korban

In this episode of My Favorite Mistake, host Mark Graban reconnects with previous guest, author and speaker Matthew Korban. Since his first appearance in Episode 118, Matthew has been on an exciting journey, culminating in the release of his new book, Footprints in the Sands of Time: A Journey of Self-Rediscovery.
Matthew shares the emotional and challenging process of writing his novel, which began nearly a decade ago as a personal memoir and evolved into a powerful work of fiction. The story follows the hero Shan on his path of self-discovery, with themes that resonate deeply with readers who have experienced life's ups and downs. Matthew also talks about his future projects, including a second book, 33 Years of Random, and his work on The Forgotten Hero, a novel being pitched for a movie adaptation.
Key Topics Discussed:
The evolution of Footprints in the Sands of Time from memoir to novel
The challenges and rewards of writing over many years
Drawing from personal experiences to create fictional stories
Insights into his upcoming books and potential film adaptation
Books Mentioned:Footprints in the Sands of Time: A Journey of Self-Rediscovery – Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Don't miss this insightful conversation about the creative process, perseverance, and the power of storytelling.

CEO Kerry Siggins on Leadership, Building an Ownership Mindset and Learning from Mistakes

My guest for Episode #273 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Kerry Siggins, the dynamic CEO and Executive Chair of StoneAge Holdings, a leading manufacturing and technology company based in Colorado.
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Under her visionary leadership, StoneAge has achieved consistent double-digit growth, transforming into an industry powerhouse. In 2015, Kerry pioneered the company’s transition to an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), ensuring that every employee shares in the company’s success and has a true stake in its future.
Recognized for her expertise in scaling companies and cultivating high-performance cultures, Kerry serves as a trusted board member and business advisor. Her insights have made a profound impact across industries. A sought-after speaker, Kerry regularly captivates audiences worldwide—from corporate leaders to university students—with her engaging presentations on leadership, culture, and ownership.
In addition to her executive roles, Kerry is the host of Reflect Forward, a widely acclaimed podcast where she explores leadership, personal growth, and overcoming challenges. She is also the author of The Ownership Mindset, a book that offers actionable strategies for building empowered teams and thriving companies.
In this episode, Kerry shares the pivotal moment that led her to turn her life around, her journey from the rock bottom of addiction to becoming a CEO, and how she built a culture of ownership and accountability at StoneAge. We discuss the lessons she learned from her favorite mistakes, the power of employee ownership, and how leaders can foster resilience and growth within their teams. Kerry’s story is both inspiring and full of actionable insights for anyone looking to lead with purpose and drive lasting success.

Questions and Topics:
Kerry, with everything you’ve done in your career, what would you say is your favorite mistake?
How were you able to bounce back and make that overdose a step toward recovery?
What were you doing for work at that point in your life?
How did you end up at StoneAge Holdings, and did you start in a specific role or as CEO?
That’s young to be a CEO of a company you didn’t found—how did that feel?
Can you tell us more about what StoneAge Holdings does and how you became CEO?
Many companies say they want employees to think like owners, but they don’t always give them the incentive. How does the ESOP at StoneAge create an ownership mindset?
How does your profit-sharing plan work alongside the ESOP?
As a leader, how do you approach mistakes, especially when employees make them?
How did going back home help you transition and get on track?
Can you tell us more about Reflect Forward, your podcast, and your book, The Ownership Mindset?
Do you have a favorite podcasting mistake as a host or guest?

Exploring Character-Driven Leadership and Learning from Mistakes with Kimberley Milani

My guest for Episode #272 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Kimberley Milani, the Director of the Ian O. Ihnatowycz Institute for Leadership and Co-Founder of its Women’s Leadership and Mentoring Program at Ivey Business School in London, Ontario.
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She is the co-author of the book Character: What Contemporary Leaders Can Teach Us about Building a More Just, Prosperous, and Sustainable Future.
She is passionate about elevating people’s strength of character to not only enhance their leadership skills, but to generate systemic social and organizational change.  She is the co-host of Sip & Speak, a webinar series that explores social justice issues from a gendered and intersectional perspective. 
Prior to joining Ivey, Kimberley spent 10 years as the Director of The Circle Women’s Centre, a community-facing feminist centre at Western’s Brescia University College. 
The Circle operated in collaboration with London’s women’s, Indigenous, and social justice organizations to facilitate respectful, inclusive, multicultural, and inter-faith relationships, dialogue, events, and initiatives.
She was also a founding member of the Institute for Women in Leadership (IWIL) at Brescia and was its Director for seven years. Kimberley is a graduate of the University of Toronto.
In today's episode, Kimberley shares her journey from studying science with plans to pursue medicine to finding her true passion in Celtic Studies—a "mistake" that led her to a fulfilling career in leadership and academia. We discuss the importance of character in leadership, how it’s developed over time, and the impact of legacy. Kimberley also offers insights on how we can all cultivate strong character and the role it plays in achieving meaningful success.

Questions and Topics:
What would you say is your favorite mistake in your career?
How did studying Celtic mythology shape your views on leadership?
Did you ever imagine your career path leading to academia or university-related centers?
How do you define character, and what is character-based leadership?
Can people with strong character still make mistakes, and how do they respond?
How do you evaluate someone’s character when considering a job or a new leader?
How much of character is innate versus developed over time?
What can contemporary leaders teach us about character-based leadership?
How important is it for leaders to consider the legacy they want to leave behind?

How Andrew Davis Burned Out as a Buddhist Monk and Found Balance in Tech

My guest for Episode #271 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Andrew Davis, Chief Product Officer at AutoRABIT and the author of Mastering Salesforce DevOps. He's also co-author of the new book Flow Engineering: From Value Stream Mapping to Effective Action - with Steve Pereira.
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He’s a Salesforce architect, developer, and product leader who focuses on the human side of software development. He’s been the leading figure in introducing DevOps concepts to the Salesforce world. 
Trained as an engineer, he spent fifteen years as a Buddhist monk, teaching meditation and personal transformation and helping develop communities of practice. These days he studies the intersection of business, technology, and psychology through systems thinking.
In this episode, Andrew shares his fascinating journey from being a Buddhist monk to becoming a leader in the tech world. He discusses his favorite mistake of experiencing burnout as a monk, the lessons learned, and how these experiences have shaped his approach to work and life. Andrew discusses the concepts of flow engineering, psychological safety, and the importance of creating an environment where people feel safe to speak up and innovate. Join us for an insightful conversation that bridges the worlds of spirituality and technology, offering valuable lessons for anyone striving to balance passion with well-being.

Questions and Topics:
How do you guard against repeating a similar path to burnout in your current work?
How did you choose to become a Buddhist and then a monk?
How did you transition from being a monk to getting into the software and technology world?
Companies can be crazy; how do we help avoid that?
What are your thoughts on value stream mapping and breaking down silos?
Why did you emphasize psychological safety in your book, and what have you learned about it?
How do you offer free classes on personal transformation, and can you tell us about that?

Gut-Checking Business Decisions: CEO Megan Gluth-Bohan on Learning from Pandemic Mistakes

My guest for Episode #270 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Megan Gluth-Bohan, a remarkable leader in the chemical industry. Megan is the CEO and owner of Catalynt Solutions, Inc., a prominent U.S.-based chemical distributor, and Chemblend of America, a renowned chemical blending and tolling facility.
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Her companies stand out as some of the largest certified women-owned suppliers in North America. Under her leadership, they have achieved significant recognition, including a spot on the 2023 Puget Sound Business Journal's Middle Market Fast 50 list. Megan herself was honored as one of the Business Journal's Middle Market Fast 50 Leaders of 2023 and was awarded the prestigious Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2023.
In this episode, Megan shares her journey through the highs and lows of her career, focusing on the lessons learned from her favorite mistake. She candidly discusses the challenges she faced during the pandemic, where rapid decision-making led to deals with untrustworthy customers. Megan emphasizes the crucial importance of taking a moment to pause and trust one's instincts, even in high-pressure situations. This conversation delves into how these experiences have shaped her approach to leadership and decision-making.
We also explore Megan's initiatives to support women in STEM and her efforts to create opportunities for previously incarcerated women. She talks about fostering a culture of open discussion about failures, without blame, within her companies. Join us as we dive into Megan's insightful perspectives on leadership, resilience, and the power of learning from mistakes.

Questions and Topics:
How did you discover these deals were mistakes?
How did the dynamic of group evaluation or group effort play into these deals?
How do you handle team contributions when you're the one with the view of the entire chessboard?
Have you faced similar situations with other deals since those mistakes?
What specific factors led to the failures, and what did you learn from them?
How do you apply the lessons learned from failures to future endeavors?
Can you describe your company’s culture around failure and how you model it as a leader?
Do you have a support network or board for advice and coaching?
Can you talk about fostering a safe space for failure in your company?
How do you categorize different types of failures and encourage the right type of risk-taking?
How do you ensure organizational memory of mistakes to prevent recurrence?
How do you balance treating people right with running a profitable business?
What initiatives are you involved in to support women in STEM?
Can you share about your efforts to create opportunities for previously incarcerated women?
Is there a book in your future?