My Favorite Mistake: Business Lessons from Failures and Success

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

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

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

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

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.
Episode page with transcript, video, and more
He’s a Salesforce architect, developer, and product leader who focuses on the human side of software development. He’s been the leading figure in introducing DevOps concepts to the Salesforce world. 
Trained as an engineer, he spent fifteen years as a Buddhist monk, teaching meditation and personal transformation and helping develop communities of practice. These days he studies the intersection of business, technology, and psychology through systems thinking.
In this episode, Andrew shares his fascinating journey from being a Buddhist monk to becoming a leader in the tech world. He discusses his favorite mistake of experiencing burnout as a monk, the lessons learned, and how these experiences have shaped his approach to work and life. Andrew discusses the concepts of flow engineering, psychological safety, and the importance of creating an environment where people feel safe to speak up and innovate. Join us for an insightful conversation that bridges the worlds of spirituality and technology, offering valuable lessons for anyone striving to balance passion with well-being.

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

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.
EPISODE PAGE WITH VIDEO, TRANSCRIPT, AND MORE
Her companies stand out as some of the largest certified women-owned suppliers in North America. Under her leadership, they have achieved significant recognition, including a spot on the 2023 Puget Sound Business Journal's Middle Market Fast 50 list. Megan herself was honored as one of the Business Journal's Middle Market Fast 50 Leaders of 2023 and was awarded the prestigious Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2023.
In this episode, Megan shares her journey through the highs and lows of her career, focusing on the lessons learned from her favorite mistake. She candidly discusses the challenges she faced during the pandemic, where rapid decision-making led to deals with untrustworthy customers. Megan emphasizes the crucial importance of taking a moment to pause and trust one's instincts, even in high-pressure situations. This conversation delves into how these experiences have shaped her approach to leadership and decision-making.
We also explore Megan's initiatives to support women in STEM and her efforts to create opportunities for previously incarcerated women. She talks about fostering a culture of open discussion about failures, without blame, within her companies. Join us as we dive into Megan's insightful perspectives on leadership, resilience, and the power of learning from mistakes.

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

Bonus: Update with Dr. Susan Landers — Defeating Burnout for Working Mothers

Guest: Dr. Susan Landers
Original Episode: Episode 213 - June 2023
Guest Bio: Dr. Susan Landers is an experienced neonatologist, author, and speaker who focuses on balancing a demanding medical career with motherhood. In her previous episode, we discussed her book "So Many Babies: My Life Balancing a Busy Medical Career and Motherhood."
Summary: In this update episode, Mark Graban welcomes back Dr. Susan Landers to discuss her latest work, an eBook titled Defeating Burnout: A Guide for Working Mothers. Dr. Landers shares insights on how her new book builds upon her previous memoir, focusing specifically on the issue of burnout among working mothers.
Key Points:
Introduction to New Book: Dr. Landers introduces her new eBook, explaining its focus on the prevalence of burnout among working mothers and her personal experiences with burnout at different stages of her career.
Content and Structure: The eBook includes practical advice, checklists to identify burnout, descriptions of signs and symptoms, and effective recovery processes. It also provides strategies for preventing burnout from recurring.
Practical Examples: Dr. Landers shares personal anecdotes and examples throughout the book to make it more relatable and practical for readers.
Availability: The eBook, Defeating Burnout: A Guide for Working Mothers, is exclusively available on her website, along with additional resources like checklists and wellness journals.
Discussion Highlights:
Balancing Career and Motherhood: Dr. Landers discusses the challenges of balancing a demanding career with motherhood and how her experiences have shaped her approach to dealing with burnout.
Addressing Burnout: The conversation delves into the importance of recognizing burnout early, recovery strategies, and long-term prevention techniques.
Preventing Recurrence: The book also addresses how to make better choices to prevent burnout from happening again, both professionally and personally.
Additional Resources:
Dr. Susan Landers' Website - Find the eBook, Defeating Burnout: A Guide for Working Mothers, along with other resources.
Quotes:
"It's not just about recovery; it's about preventing the same problem from occurring again." - Dr. Susan Landers
"We learn a lot from our best mistakes at work." - Mark Graban
Connect with Dr. Susan Landers:
Website
Subscribe and Follow: Stay updated with the latest episodes by subscribing to "My Favorite Mistake" podcast on your favorite podcast platform.
Contact: For more information, visit Mark Graban's website or reach out via social media.

From Entrepreneur to Recovery Coach: J.K Emezi’s Transformation From Porn Addiction

We want to inform our listeners that today's discussion includes adult themes that may not be suitable for younger audiences. Listener discretion is advised.
My guest for Episode #269 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is s J.K Emezi. He’s a pornography addiction recovery coach and Founder of the Porn Reboot System, a system of pornography addiction treatment that helps high-performing business owners, executives, entrepreneurs, and professionals who are dealing with porn addiction problems.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
He struggled with out-of-control behavior with pornography for over 11 years. Unable to quit using therapy, 12 Steps, and other methodologies, he created a unique system that allowed him to control his sexual behavior within a few short weeks.
In this episode, J.K shares his personal struggles with pornography addiction, the turning points that led him to seek help, and how he developed his unique recovery method. We explore the impact of addiction on his personal and professional life, the challenges of breaking free from compulsive behaviors, and the importance of mindfulness and self-image in recovery. J.K also provides insights into the support systems available for those dealing with similar issues and emphasizes the importance of addressing shame and stigma in addiction recovery.
Again, this episode contains discussions of adult themes, so listener discretion is advised.

Questions and Topics:
When did you discover that you had waited too long to seek help, and were there earlier opportunities to do so?
Can you talk about the wake-up call and its consequences on your life and career?
How did you realize pornography was a coping mechanism for strong emotions?
Can you describe the impact of early exposure to pornography on your life?
How did your family background and expectations affect your behavior and recovery?
What methods did you try to overcome your addiction, and why did they fail?
How did you develop the Porn Reboot system, and what makes it effective?
What are the three pillars of ending compulsive behavior?
What led you to pivot from a successful sales career to running a porn addiction recovery company?
What challenges do you face in marketing your business, given the subject matter?
How do you address the shame component in your program?
How did the pandemic and work-from-home era affect people’s struggles with addiction?
How do compulsive behaviors impact business leaders and their companies?
What are the unique challenges faced by high-achieving individuals with compulsive behaviors?
Do women also face pornography addiction, and how does your approach differ for them?
Can your system be applied to other compulsive behaviors or addictions?
How does the relationship with technology contribute to out-of-control behaviors?
What impact does addiction have on a company when it involves founders or CEOs?
What advice do you have for those struggling with compulsive behaviors?

Finding Clarity Through Mistakes: How Theresa Rose Transforms Brands with Enthusiasm and Precision

My guest for Episode #268 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Theresa Rose, a Brand and Business Crystallizer, Strategic Co-Creator, and Certified Speaking Professional who works with experts and their businesses to create one-of-a-kind visual brands they can draw on a cocktail napkin. 
EPISODE PAGE WITH VIDEO, TRANSCRIPT, AND MORE
Using her Crystallization Process, Theresa helps thought leaders Clarify, Amplify, and Monetize their Brilliance as efficiently — and lucratively — as possible.
She has 20+ Years of consulting, marketing, and business management experience drives Theresa's strategic thinking, creativity, and sound foundational frameworks. Her career has included senior management roles in marketing and product development for a Fortune 100 company and high-growth startups.
Theresa is the award-winning author of several books, including Mindful Performance: How to Powerfully Impact Profitability, Productivity, and Purpose and Your Daily Dose of Mojo: 365 Days of Mindful Living and Working. 
She has a degree in Business Management from Eckerd College, loves binge-watching The Great British Baking Show, and still has her Most Enthusiastic Award from Mr. Moseman’s second-grade class.
In this episode, Mark and Theresa discuss the journey of embracing mistakes and how they can lead to clarity and success. Theresa shares her experience as a brand and business crystallizer, emphasizing the importance of enthusiasm and authenticity in sales and marketing. They explore her favorite mistake of trying to follow in her mother's footsteps in direct sales, the lessons learned from it, and how it shaped her path. Theresa also delves into common marketing mistakes, the concept of triangulated sales, and her approach to stand-up comedy. Finally, they discuss the benefits of her ten-part video course on achieving cocktail napkin clarity for businesses.
Questions and Topics:
What are the three aspects of sales or persuasion that you feel strongly about?
What would you say is your favorite mistake?
How did trying to follow in your mother’s footsteps shape your journey?
Was direct sales your main focus right out of college, or was it a side hustle?
Looking back, what factors do you think led to the difference in outcomes between you and your mother in direct sales?
What are the most common marketing mistakes you see or help people recover from or even help avoid?
How did the failures or mistakes you encountered tee you up for something better?
When you say “unsupported,” do you mean marketing claims that aren't supported by the delivery of that service or product, or is it about not authentically representing the person?
What do you mean by “triangulated sales”?
How do you view a joke that bombs or a set that bombs in the context of performing comedy?
Tell us a little bit more about your experience with stand-up and improv.
Could you give a quick pitch or summary of why people should check out your ten-part video course and the benefits they will gain from it?

Bonus: Terry Iverson's Update, Author of "Inspiring Champions in Advanced Manufacturing"

Welcome to a special bonus episode of "My Favorite Mistake" with your host, Mark Graban! In this episode, we're thrilled to reconnect with Terry Iverson, who has just released his second book, "Inspiring Champions in Advanced Manufacturing."
Terry joined us previously in Episode 74, and today he's back to share insights from his new book and his ongoing efforts to inspire the next generation in manufacturing. We delve into the details of his innovative two-sided book and his exciting initiatives for middle schoolers.
Tune in to hear about:
Terry's new book, "Inspiring Champions in Advanced Manufacturing," and its unique two-sided format for parents and students.
The concept of advanced manufacturing and the evolving technologies shaping the industry.
The critical importance of skilled labor in modern manufacturing and the benefits of pursuing these careers without incurring college debt.
Terry's Manufacturing Inspiration Camp for middle school students and how it's designed to spark interest in manufacturing careers.
The necessity of tailored education paths to fit individual learning styles and career goals.
Don't miss this enlightening conversation! Check out Terry's new book and discover the promising opportunities in advanced manufacturing.
📘 Get the book: https://amzn.to/4bTQO9i 
🔗 Previous Episode with Terry Iverson (Episode 74): https://markgraban.com/mistake74 
🔔 Subscribe to My Favorite Mistake Podcast: http://myfavoritemistakepodcast.com/ 
📱 Connect with Mark Graban:
Website: LeanBlog.org
Twitter: @MarkGraban
LinkedIn: Mark Graban
📱 Connect with Terry Iverson:
Website: ChampionNow.org
Email: Terry@ChampionNow.org 
LinkedIn: Terry Iverson
#MyFavoriteMistake #AdvancedManufacturing #InspiringChampions #TerryIverson #MarkGraban #Podcast

Brian Biro Shares Timeless Wisdom from John Wooden and Pat Summit

Episode page with video, transcript, and more
My guest for Episode #267 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Brian Biro, author of the new book Lessons from the Legends: New Applications from the Timeless Wisdom of John Wooden and Pat Summitt.
After graduating from Stanford, Brian’s first career was as a swimming coach. He received the prestigious United States Swimming National Coaching Excellence Award, in recognition of his team’s Top 10 National Performance. After gaining his MBA from UCLA, he subsequently rose rapidly to become the VP of Performance Planning for a major transportation company, helping to turn the business around, and quadrupling revenues in record time. He has written 16 books, including bestsellers like Beyond Success! and It’s Time for Joy!
In today's episode, Brian shares his personal story of learning to be fully present with his family, a lesson that profoundly impacted his professional life and leadership approach. We explore the leadership principles of legendary coaches John Wooden and Pat Summitt, emphasizing humility, presence, and the avoidance of blame. Brian also reflects on modern leaders who embody these values, the importance of storytelling in leadership, and the influence of characters like Ted Lasso in promoting these timeless principles.

Questions and Topics:
You mentioned your daughters asking if you loved your phone more than them. How did that moment transform your approach to being present?
Can you explain how being fully present affects both personal and professional life?
Could you share a story about how presence impacted your professional relationships, like with your director of operations?
What can we learn from the leadership styles of John Wooden and Pat Summitt?
How did you first get connected with John Wooden?
Can humility and confidence coexist in leadership?
Are there current coaches or leaders you admire who exemplify the principles of Wooden and Summitt?
What are your thoughts on Ted Lasso as a character and how he connects to Wooden and Summitt’s coaching styles?
How can leaders teach humility without relying on humbling experiences?
Why do you think blame is so destructive in teams, and how can leaders avoid it?
How does your book ‘Lessons from the Legends’ apply to non-sports contexts like business or parenting?

Lynn Kelley on Leading Change and Learning from Mistakes in Diverse Industries

My guest for Episode #266 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is D. Lynn Kelley, the author of Change Questions: A Playbook for Effective and Lasting Organizational Change (with John Shook).
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
Lynn currently serves as a senior advisor to BBH Capital Partners. Following a career highlighted by leadership roles in engineering, supply chain, and continuous improvement in various industries, Kelley retired from Union Pacific Railroad in 2018.
At Union Pacific, she was senior vice president of supply chain and continuous improvement. She was also the executive co-owner of the company’s innovation program. 
Before joining Union Pacific, Kelley was vice president of operational excellence, an officer and a member of the executive leadership team at Textron. 
Kelley holds a PhD in evaluation and research and taught undergraduate and graduate statistics courses. Before becoming a professor, she held the positions of executive vice president and chief operating officer of Doctors Hospital in Detroit.
In this episode, Lynn discusses her journey of learning from mistakes, the importance of change management, and how fostering a culture of psychological safety can drive innovation and continuous improvement. Lynn also reflects on her experiences in healthcare and manufacturing, highlighting the critical role of effective leadership and communication in successful organizational change.

Questions and Topics:
When you mentioned it was before it was referred to as lean, were people calling it the Toyota Production System or just Japanese management practices?
As Textron integrated these companies, did they standardize or adjust the metrics for the French plants to include quality and safety?
What were your other key takeaways from your experience in France, especially regarding metrics and relationship building with plant managers?
Could you share your experiences as a leader in healthcare and how they compare to your roles in other industries, particularly in terms of change management?
What prompted you to write "Change Questions," and what was the inspiration behind it?
How would the methodologies in your book have helped you during your time at Textron or Union Pacific?
How do you cultivate psychological safety to encourage people to ask questions, push back, or bring new ideas during change initiatives?
How did you change your approach to giving feedback to make it more effective, and were you ever coached on this?
How do you compare continuous improvement and innovation? Are there different ways to manage change for larger-scale innovations?
What are some of your thoughts or experiences on cultivating an environment where people feel safe to suggest changes or improvements?
What lessons did you learn about balancing the need to fit into an environment versus realizing it might not be a good fit for you?
How do you intentionally manage change when it comes to bigger innovations?