Mistakes That Made Me

Eman Ismail
  • 4.9 (18)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Mistakes That Made Me is the podcast that asks extraordinary business owners to share their biggest business mistake – so you know what NOT to do on your road to success.Join Eman Ismail as she chats to some of the smartest minds in business about how to push through failure and accept it as an important and necessary part of building a business.Because it turns out: your biggest business mistake often leads to your biggest lesson and then your biggest blessing.

  1. 11/25/2025

    "Ignoring my cash flow almost cost me my business" with Sandra Booker [OBG]

    Sandra Booker is a fractional COO and right-hand woman to some of the top 7-figure business owners I know.   In this episode (an Oldie But Goodie), she shares her near-catastrophic business mistake of losing track of her cash flow, and she walks us through her strategies for managing finances, the lessons she’s learned, and money management advice for small business owners. We also get into the difference between a virtual assistant and an online business manager, common hiring mistakes, and what to look out for when spending money on tools. Links from the show: https://sidekickcoo.com https://sidekickcoo.com/great-big-list-of-kpis https://emancopyco.com/627 (This is an affiliate link for The 627 Advisory Board) Find the transcript of this episode on my site, emancopyco.com/podcast If you loved this episode, take a screenshot, post it on Instagram, and tell everyone you know that this is the podcast to listen to. Don’t forget to tag me! @emancopyco Loving the podcast? Support the show and leave a rating or review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/mistakesGet the BTS scoop on how this podcast is made in this bonus episode: https://emancopyco.com/bts Work with Eman Copy Co. to power up your email strategy, your launches, and your revenue Fill in the enquiry form on this contact page: https://emancopyco.com/contact/ Want to learn with me? Take Eman’s “What’s Your Perfect Newsletter Style?” quiz: https://www.emancopyco.com/quiz  Check out my courses and masterclasses: https://emancopyco.com/learn-with-me/ Say hi 👋🏽 Connect with Eman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emancopyco/Connect with Eman on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eman-i307/ Tools for your business: (Affiliate links 👇🏽) Start your 14-day trial with ConvertKit: https://emancopyco.com/kit

    1h 35m

  2. 11/11/2025

    “My Business Became My Entire Identity” with Laura Jane Barnes (TikTok & IG viral sensation!) [OBG]

    Laura Jane Barnes is an entrepreneur, creator, musician, and social media savant who also happens to be a TikTok & IG viral sensation. (You’ve probably heard one of her songs!) In this interview, Laura shares her biggest business mistake: the inability to separate her personal identity from her business. (It's an Oldie But Goodie!) I talk about my own personal loss and Laura recounts her journey from viral music creation on social media to redefining her business approach after a critical injury. Together, we examine how tying your identity too closely to business successes can often be disastrous.  Laura’s website: https://www.laurajanebarnes.com/Laura on Instagram: @heyitslaurajaneLaura on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heyitslaurajane/“It Costs That Much” on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/4nu49nwy5BZ2OVGQlWVLea?si=16b40becd4064778“We Don’t Owe You Affordability” on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/4PmbzVBboRLPKzSAxn0RGG?si=3ed4fcdd30234e34 Find the transcript of this episode on my site, emancopyco.com/podcast If you loved this episode, take a screenshot, post it on Instagram, and tell everyone you know that this is the podcast to listen to. Don’t forget to tag me! @emancopyco. Loving the podcast? Support the show and leave a rating or review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/mistakesGet the BTS scoop on how this podcast is made in this bonus episode: https://emancopyco.com/bts Work with Eman Copy Co. to power up your email strategy, your launches, and your revenue Fill in the enquiry form on this contact page: https://emancopyco.com/contact/ Want to learn with me? Take Eman’s “What’s Your Perfect Newsletter Style?” quiz: https://www.emancopyco.com/quiz  Check out my courses and masterclasses: https://emancopyco.com/learn-with-me/ Say hi 👋🏽 Connect with Eman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emancopyco/Connect with Eman on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eman-i307/ Tools for your business: (Affiliate links 👇🏽) Start your 14-day trial with ConvertKit: https://emancopyco.com/kit

    1h 22m

  3. 10/28/2025

    The 4 ingredients that turn a newsletter into a sales tool with Eman Ismail & Anja Lordanić on Freelance Business Unlocked

    On the Freelance Business Unlocked podcast with Anja Lordanić, I share how I use email to build trust, spark action, and keep sales steady – without feeling overly salesy. We talk emails that actually gets replies, simple segmentation that doesn’t take up your entire week, and the tiny edits that make one email feel impossibly personal. We also get into experimenting (even with a small list), writing that sounds like you (not a template), values-led marketing, and staying consistent when life gets busy. If you want marketing emails people open, read and buy from, this episode gives you strategies you can implement today. Check out the Freelance Business Unlocked website & subscribe to the podcast: https://www.freelancebusinessunlocked.com/ Connect with Anja on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjalordanic/ Loving the podcast? Support the show and leave a rating or review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/mistakesGet the BTS scoop on how this podcast is made in this bonus episode: https://emancopyco.com/bts Work with Eman Copy Co. to power up your email strategy, your launches, and your revenue Fill in the enquiry form on this contact page: https://emancopyco.com/contact/ Want to learn with me? Take Eman’s “What’s Your Perfect Newsletter Style?” quiz: https://www.emancopyco.com/quiz  Check out my courses and masterclasses: https://emancopyco.com/learn-with-me/ Say hi 👋🏽 Connect with Eman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emancopyco/Connect with Eman on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eman-i307/ Tools for your business: (Affiliate links 👇🏽) Start your 14-day trial with ConvertKit: https://emancopyco.com/kit

    59 min

  4. 10/14/2025

    Launching without a plan with Amy Posner & Kirsty Fanton [OBG]

    Amy Posner and Kirsty Fanton have been (highly successful) lone wolves in the online business world for years. So when they teamed up to launch a new group coaching programme, they were so excited to be working together they forgot to create a launch strategy. Without a plan, their launch totally flopped. They sold just 2 spots. On this episode of Mistakes That Made Me, Amy and Kirsty join me for a conversation about how us business owners sometimes preach one thing for our clients and but then don't do the same thing for ourselves. As Amy puts it, "It’s difficult to do for yourself what you do naturally for your clients". Listen to this episode to understand how they bounced back from their launch failure. Find the transcript of this episode on my site, emancopyco.com/podcast Links from this episode: Business Badassery podcastMore on Kirsty Fanton: https://kirstyfanton.comMore on Amy Posner: https://amyposner.comAmy Posner on YouTube: @amyposner7096On Instagram: @kirsty.fanton and @amyrposnerLink to Kirsty's Instagram announcementEman’s Email Rules If you loved this episode, take a screenshot, post it on Instagram and tell everyone you know that this is the podcast to listen to. Don’t forget to tag me! @emancopyco And if you’re interested in working with me, visit emancopyco.com/contact Loving the podcast? Support the show and leave a rating or review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/mistakesGet the BTS scoop on how this podcast is made in this bonus episode: https://emancopyco.com/bts Work with Eman Copy Co. to power up your email strategy, your launches, and your revenue Fill in the enquiry form on this contact page: https://emancopyco.com/contact/ Want to learn with me? Take Eman’s “What’s Your Perfect Newsletter Style?” quiz: https://www.emancopyco.com/quiz  Check out my courses and masterclasses: https://emancopyco.com/learn-with-me/ Say hi 👋🏽 Connect with Eman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emancopyco/Connect with Eman on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eman-i307/ Tools for your business: (Affiliate links 👇🏽) Start your 14-day trial with ConvertKit: https://emancopyco.com/kit

    1h 15m

  5. 10/01/2025

    Overhiring (and firing) with Jordan Gill [OBG]

    Self-made millionaire Jordan Gill opens up about her biggest mistake — overhiring for her coaching programme. (This episode is an oldie but goodie!) Jordan tells us how overhiring meant she had to lay off the majority of her employees, how it caused clients to call her reputation into question, and how it led to her shutting down her Done in a Day programme – a programme that brought in 90% of her company’s revenue. Find the transcript of this episode on my site, emancopyco.com/podcast Links from this episode: Jordan Gill on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/systemssavedme/Jordan’s podcast Systems Saved Me: https://pod.link/1132277855Get the BTS scoop on how this podcast is made in this bonus episode: https://emancopyco.com/bts If you loved this episode, take a screenshot, post it on Instagram, and tell everyone you know that this is the podcast to listen to. Don’t forget to tag me! @emancopyco Loving the podcast? Support the show and leave a rating or review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/mistakesGet the BTS scoop on how this podcast is made in this bonus episode: https://emancopyco.com/bts Work with Eman Copy Co. to power up your email strategy, your launches, and your revenue Fill in the enquiry form on this contact page: https://emancopyco.com/contact/ Want to learn with me? Take Eman’s “What’s Your Perfect Newsletter Style?” quiz: https://www.emancopyco.com/quiz  Check out my courses and masterclasses: https://emancopyco.com/learn-with-me/ Say hi 👋🏽 Connect with Eman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emancopyco/Connect with Eman on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eman-i307/ Tools for your business: (Affiliate links 👇🏽) Start your 14-day trial with ConvertKit: https://emancopyco.com/kit

    1h 29m

  6. 07/22/2025

    The micro-agency model: Freedom, flexibility, and family with Eman, Jess & Cindy on the Confessions with Jess and Cindy podcast

    This is one of the most honest, detailed conversations I’ve had about what it really looked like to evolve from a solo email strategist to building a micro-agency. (Originally published on the Confessions with Jess and Cindy podcast). Jess, Cindy, and I talk about: Why I don’t want employees (at least for now), and how I intentionally built a team of contractorsHow I manage client relationships and quality control with multiple writersThe real numbers behind how I price our services and pay my teamWhat launching the agency actually looked like (spoiler: it wasn’t an overnight success)And the surprising offer that’s quietly become a bestseller If you’ve ever thought about expanding your business beyond just you, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the why, the how, and the very real challenges that come with it. Huge thank you to Jess and Cindy for having me – and for asking the questions that really pulled back the curtain on this next chapter of my business. Listen to my other, email marketing-related interview with Jess & Cindy here >> "A $35,000 from a 400-person email list with Eman Ismail" Loving the podcast? Support the show and leave a rating or review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/mistakesGet the BTS scoop on how this podcast is made in this bonus episode: https://emancopyco.com/bts Work with Eman Copy Co. to power up your email strategy, your launches, and your revenue Fill in the enquiry form on this contact page: https://emancopyco.com/contact/ Want to learn with me? Take Eman’s “What’s Your Perfect Newsletter Style?” quiz: https://www.emancopyco.com/quiz  Check out my courses and masterclasses: https://emancopyco.com/learn-with-me/ Say hi 👋🏽 Connect with Eman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emancopyco/Connect with Eman on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eman-i307/ Tools for your business: (Affiliate links 👇🏽) Start your 14-day trial with ConvertKit: https://emancopyco.com/kit

    51 min

  7. 07/07/2025

    How to plan more inclusive business events with Eman Ismail & Sonia Thompson on the Inclusion and Marketing podcast

    Today’s episode is a little different because the mic’s turned on me. This conversation was originally recorded for Sonia Thompson’s Inclusion and Marketing podcast, and it was such an important one, I wanted to share it with you here too. Sonia and I talk about what it really means to plan inclusive business events – especially for people who identify as being underrepresented or underserved communities. I share my personal experiences as a visibly Muslim woman who doesn’t drink alcohol or engage in physical contact with men, and how that’s often made it difficult to fully participate in professional events. From dodging hugs and skipping networking sessions at bars… to sparking an accidental ice cream social that everyone wanted to join… this episode is full of honest reflections, lightbulb moments, and actionable ideas for making your events (and your business) more inclusive for everyone. If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t quite fit in at a business event – or you’re someone who wants to create safer, more welcoming spaces for all your attendees – this one’s for you. Thank you to Sonia for hosting such a thoughtful conversation, and for letting me share it with you here. Listen and subscribe to the Inclusion and Marketing podcast here >> https://inclusionandmarketing.com/category/podcast/ Loving the podcast? Support the show and leave a rating or review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/mistakesGet the BTS scoop on how this podcast is made in this bonus episode: https://emancopyco.com/bts Work with Eman Copy Co. to power up your email strategy, your launches, and your revenue Fill in the enquiry form on this contact page: https://emancopyco.com/contact/ Want to learn with me? Take Eman’s “What’s Your Perfect Newsletter Style?” quiz: https://www.emancopyco.com/quiz  Check out my courses and masterclasses: https://emancopyco.com/learn-with-me/ Say hi 👋🏽 Connect with Eman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emancopyco/Connect with Eman on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eman-i307/ Tools for your business: (Affiliate links 👇🏽) Start your 14-day trial with ConvertKit: https://emancopyco.com/kit

    44 min

  8. 06/17/2025

    Getting Fired with Claire Pelletreau [OBG]

    Getting fired hurts. But getting fired for the thing you’re actually an expert at is another level of pain. My guest is Claire Pelletreau, conversion expert and host of the Get Paid Podcast. (This is an Oldie But Goodie epsiode!) In this episode, Claire shares the painful moment when she was fired for making a huge mistake in her job. She explains how being fired forced her to focus on the most important aspect of her job: the results. And how it's that focus that propelled her to the tremendous success that came afterwards. Find the transcript of this episode on my site, emancopyco.com/podcast. Links from this episode: Claire Pelletreau’s websiteClaire Pelletreau on Instagram: @clairepellsClaire’s podcast: The Get Paid PodcastEman’s Email Rules If you loved this episode, take a screenshot, post it on Instagram and tell everyone you know that this is the podcast to listen to. Don’t forget to tag me! @emancopyco. And if you’re interested in working with me, visit emancopyco.com/contact Loving the podcast? Support the show and leave a rating or review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/mistakesGet the BTS scoop on how this podcast is made in this bonus episode: https://emancopyco.com/bts Work with Eman Copy Co. to power up your email strategy, your launches, and your revenue Fill in the enquiry form on this contact page: https://emancopyco.com/contact/ Want to learn with me? Take Eman’s “What’s Your Perfect Newsletter Style?” quiz: https://www.emancopyco.com/quiz  Check out my courses and masterclasses: https://emancopyco.com/learn-with-me/ Say hi 👋🏽 Connect with Eman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emancopyco/Connect with Eman on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eman-i307/ Tools for your business: (Affiliate links 👇🏽) Start your 14-day trial with ConvertKit: https://emancopyco.com/kit

    51 min
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4.9
out of 5
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About

Mistakes That Made Me is the podcast that asks extraordinary business owners to share their biggest business mistake – so you know what NOT to do on your road to success.Join Eman Ismail as she chats to some of the smartest minds in business about how to push through failure and accept it as an important and necessary part of building a business.Because it turns out: your biggest business mistake often leads to your biggest lesson and then your biggest blessing.

Information

  • Creator
    Eman Ismail
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    63
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Eman Copy Co All Rights Reserved.
  • Show Website
    Mistakes That Made Me