118. Why your flops, failures and stuff ups can be your greatest wins with Clare Dea and Kim Payne

This episode flips the polished success story on its head and celebrates the raw, real, and messy side of business and life.

For a change, I’m the one being interviewed, chatting with the fabulous Clare Elizabeth Dee, host and organiser of Fck Up Nights Melbourne, in the lead up to MC’ing her next event. 

If you haven’t heard of it, it’s an event where entrepreneurs share their biggest blunders and the powerful lessons that came from them.

We unpack why it takes courage to own our mistakes, release the shame, and share the stories that connect us as humans. 

I get vulnerable about my flops, from career changes to life-altering family conversations, while Clare shares how owning her most personal challenges has transformed both her work and her sense of self.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re the only one messing things up, or you’re craving the honesty that’s missing from social media highlight reels, this episode will remind you that the real magic lies in the failures we’re courageous enough to share.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

o   Why failures and flops are just as powerful as success stories and often more inspiring.

o   The hidden strength in vulnerability and how it helps others feel less alone.

o   How community and connection flourish when we normalize imperfection.

o   Why taking the swing (even if you miss) beats standing still every time.

o   A behind-the-scenes look at Fck Up Nights Melbourne - and why it’s more than an event…it’s a movement.

⚠️ Heads up: This episode includes swearing. ⚠️

The F word is used throughout, because it’s part of the Fck Up Nights brand. If that makes you uncomfortable, feel free to skip this one. If not, you’re in for an honest, fun, and deeply human conversation.

Find out more about Fck Up Nights Melbourne or Clare Elizabeth Dea:

Fck Up Nights is the global phenomenon that celebrates authenticity, imperfection, and the power of honest storytelling.

Being held in over 250 cities across 80+ countries, this is not your average event. 

It’s a full-bodied, heart-led, high-vibe experience for creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone bold enough to ditch the highlight reel.

Socials: 

Instagram: 

@fuckupnights_melbourne   

@clareelizabeth_dea  

Facebook: Clare Elizabeth Dea  

LinkedIn: Clare Elizabeth Dea  

Website: Clare Elizabeth Dea   

Grab a ticket for the next event on Wed 3 Sep 2025 or learn more for attend one in the future.

Check out the conversation with Clare as guest here on Courageous Me.  Episode 82. Unmasking the truth will set you free with Clare Dea.  

Where to find me: 

Website: Kim Payne   

LinkedIn: Kim Payne

Instagram: @iamkimpayne  

Facebook: KimPayneBiz

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