My Favorite Mistake: Business Lessons from Failures and Success

Mark Graban Podcasts
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My Favorite Mistake: Business Lessons from Failures and Success

Are you a leader searching for a path to greater effectiveness, insight, and innovation? ”My Favorite Mistake,” hosted by Mark Graban, turns the spotlight on how today’s foremost business thinkers, C-suite executives, and industry disruptors navigate through the labyrinthine world of errors and missteps to come out on the other side with powerful insights and innovative solutions. The Concept: We deconstruct the idea that mistakes are something to be brushed under the carpet; rather, we argue for the transformative power of embracing them. What if each blunder could become a masterclass in leadership growth and creative problem-solving? The Stories: Our riveting interviews reveal the often-hidden episodes in the lives of our guests, highlighting the pivotal mistakes that have become defining moments in their careers. From international entrepreneurs to tech industry pioneers, healthcare leaders to award-winning authors, the stories you’ll hear are as diverse as they are enlightening. The Breadth: The podcast spans an eclectic mix of topics: from leadership psychology and organizational culture to process innovation and sustainability. We tie them together in an intricate mosaic that gives you an edge in navigating the ever-changing business terrain. The Approach: Mark Graban, an author and seasoned consultant, guides the conversation with a unique blend of expertise and curiosity, mining each dialogue for kernels of wisdom and transformative strategies. Why Subscribe? Engage with thought-provoking dialogues that challenge conventional wisdom. Access tools and frameworks that offer a competitive edge in your industry. Discover your own potential for turning errors into innovative opportunities. Develop a nuanced understanding of emotional intelligence, resilience, and agile thinking. Transform the way you approach leadership, innovation, and success. Subscribe to ”My Favorite Mistake” today and embark on a journey of relentless improvement fueled by the transformative power of mistakes.

  1. How a Brutally Honest Communication Mistake Sparked Growth: Sherianna Boyle

    4 DAYS AGO

    How a Brutally Honest Communication Mistake Sparked Growth: Sherianna Boyle

    Episode page with video and more My guest for Episode #296 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Sherianna Boyle, a renowned psychic healer, speaker, and founder of Emotional Detox Coaching® and The Cleanse Method®. She has written over ten books, including the best-selling Energy in Action: The Power of Emotions & Intuition to Cultivate Peace & Freedom. Her latest book is Just Ask Spirit: Free Your Emotions to Energize Intuition and Discover Purpose. With over 25 years of experience in mental health and wellness, Sherianna integrates psychology, energy healing, and spirituality in her work. Her "Just Ask Spirit" podcast is in the top 5% globally, and she has been featured in major media outlets like Psychology Today, Yoga Journal, and Prevention. In today's episode, we explored the idea that mistakes, particularly those born of brutal honesty, are vital opportunities for growth. Sherianna shared that her favorite mistake was being so candid—delivering feedback that wasn’t always received well—that she later recognized as a catalyst for learning and deeper self-awareness. She explained how that raw honesty, while sometimes painful in the moment, ultimately taught her the importance of embracing and processing emotions rather than suppressing them. By owning her truth and inviting forgiveness—from herself and others—she discovered that these so-called mistakes could pave the way for more authentic, supportive relationships and a greater alignment with her inner guidance. Questions and Topics: What is your favorite mistake, and why does it stand out? Can you share a specific story that illustrates this pattern of brutal honesty? Reflecting on those experiences, would you do anything differently in similar situations? Can someone be prepared—or "braced"—for the impact of brutal honesty? What advice do you have for those struggling with the aftermath of a mistake? How can someone uncover the root of their emotional triggers, and what resources would you recommend? In your work, how do you define "spirit" and its role in emotional healing? Who is the ideal audience for your book, and in what situations would it be most helpful?

    36 min
  2. The Mistake That Cost Hundreds of Thousands: Josh Chernikoff on Business Growth and Sales

    FEB 10

    The Mistake That Cost Hundreds of Thousands: Josh Chernikoff on Business Growth and Sales

    My guest for Episode #295 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Josh Chernikoff, a seasoned expert in the education sector with nearly 20 years of experience in EdTech, sales, and entrepreneurship. Episode page with video, transcript, and more Josh is the founder of the EdSales Elevation Experience, a 12-week program designed to help education companies build lead-generation engines that consistently book 12-20 high-quality sales calls per month. He has worked with hundreds of thousands of students and educational leaders, helping businesses scale with innovative, repeatable sales processes. Josh is also a Milken-Penn GSE Competition Judge, StartEd Mentor, and host of the podcast "Breaking the Grade." In this episode, Josh Chernikoff shares the hard lessons he learned from choosing the wrong business partners and how that misalignment impacted his second company. He reflects on how personality fit and communication styles can make or break a business relationship, emphasizing the importance of testing collaborations on smaller projects before fully committing. Josh also opens up about a pricing strategy misstep that led to significant financial losses and the unexpected impact of the pandemic on his after-school enrichment business. Beyond mistakes, we dive into what makes a repeatable, scalable sales process—why businesses struggle with lead generation, how to refine messaging, and the importance of credibility in attracting the right clients. Josh explains his Raise Your Hand campaign as a way to identify high-quality leads and tailor sales efforts to what potential customers actually need. We also discuss the power of having one clear offer, the role of objections in refining sales strategies, and why he stays laser-focused on education sales despite his methodology’s broader applicability. Toward the end, Josh shares stories from his early career as a TV sports broadcaster, including lessons learned at Northwestern’s Medill School and the intensity of live television. Questions and Topics: What’s your favorite mistake? Did you realize it was a mistake right away, or did that realization develop over time? What lessons did you take from that experience? How can someone evaluate whether a business partnership is the right fit before committing? Can you share more about the pricing change that didn’t go as planned? How do you differentiate between handling objections in sales and truly learning from objections? Why limit your business to education sales when your methodology could apply more broadly? What are the most common sales mistakes you see, either in education or in general? How important is it to focus on finding the right leads versus just generating more leads? How do you identify high-quality leads and refine your targeting strategy over time? What role does messaging play in sales success, and how do you help clients improve it? How did your career start in TV sports broadcasting, and what led you to leave? What lessons from broadcasting have helped you in your current work? Was there a broadcast journalism equivalent to the Medill F? How should professionals use LinkedIn to position themselves effectively? What advice do you have for people struggling with lead generation? How do you know when it’s time to pivot your business strategy based on market feedback?

    47 min
  3. How Authenticity and Resilience Shape Leadership Success: Mandolen Mull’s Insights

    FEB 3

    How Authenticity and Resilience Shape Leadership Success: Mandolen Mull’s Insights

    My guest for Episode #294 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Mandolen Mull. Episode page with video, transcript, and more She has worked with global clients in various industries, helping organizations with change implementation and leader development training. The daughter of a master stone mason entrepreneur, Mandolen has a great appreciation for the responsibility of leaders in building trades and manufacturing realms.  Mandolen has written a leadership handbook and is currently publishing her multi-series memoir titled Mullings, Mullivation, and MullMentum. She was born in Fort Worth, TX, and inspired by her family's history in politics, she obtained a bachelor's degree in Political Science & Psychology and an MBA in International Business at McLane College of Business from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.  Amassing over a decade of corporate leadership experience, she obtained her Ph.D. from the Soules College of Business at the University of Texas at Tyler in Organizational Development & Change.  In this episode, we explore powerful leadership lessons drawn from personal experiences, including the importance of authenticity and earning credibility in challenging environments. Mandolen shares a defining moment early in her career when she stepped into a male-dominated workplace and made an impulsive decision that led to a valuable lesson about humility and resilience. She reflects on how listening, observing, and building trust with her team helped her become an effective leader, emphasizing that leadership is not about asserting authority but about connecting with people and addressing their needs. We also delve into the impact of adversity on her leadership journey, including her experience with dystonia and how it shaped her perspective on resilience and empathy. Mandolen discusses the inspiration behind her memoir series, including themes of grit, transformation, and navigating complex relationships. Through candid stories about her personal and professional life, she offers insights into building trust, overcoming challenges, and fostering a leadership style that prioritizes connection, transparency, and growth. Questions and Topics: Can you share an update on your memoir series? What themes are you exploring in these books? What’s the story behind your favorite mistake, and what leadership lessons did you take from it? Was your initial approach to listening and observing natural for you, or did someone advise you to take that approach? How did your father’s lessons and perspective shape your leadership style? What advice did your father give you to help overcome challenges in leadership? How did your team’s feedback inspire your transition to becoming a professor? What is it like coaching ironworkers to become effective leaders and instructors? How has your experience with dystonia and other health challenges influenced your leadership journey? What inspired the title and concept of your first book, Grit for the Pearl? What are the key themes of your upcoming books, and how do they connect to your life and work?

    40 min
  4. Nuggets of Advice from NBA Rookie Spencer Jones on Navigating NIL, Personal Branding, and Building a Legacy

    JAN 27

    Nuggets of Advice from NBA Rookie Spencer Jones on Navigating NIL, Personal Branding, and Building a Legacy

    My guest for Episode #293 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Spencer Jones, a rookie forward with the Denver Nuggets and a Stanford University graduate, where he earned a degree in Management Science and Engineering. Episode page with links and more He averaged 11 points per game over five standout years at Stanford, leading the Pac-12 in three-point shooting as a freshman and graduating as Stanford's all-time leader in three-pointers. Before college, Spencer also secured three high school state championships in Kansas. While his professional basketball career with the Denver Nuggets keeps him on the court, Spencer's ambitions stretch far beyond the game. Passionate about the intersections of sports, health, and technology, he is actively building his brand in the health tech space, leveraging his platform as an athlete to explore innovation and make an impact off the court. In this episode, Spencer shares his journey from high school state championships to becoming Stanford's all-time leader in three-pointers and his transition to the pros. Spencer opens up about his favorite mistake: hesitating to embrace the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities during his college years due to concerns about balancing individual branding with team dynamics. Reflecting on how this hesitation caused him to miss out on valuable opportunities early in his college career, Spencer explains how he learned to navigate those challenges and is now focused on capitalizing on his NBA platform while staying grounded in his basketball priorities. Throughout the episode, we discuss Spencer's experiences balancing academics, athletics, and building a brand, including how his Management Science and Engineering degree from Stanford shaped his interest in the intersections of health, technology, and business. Spencer also offers insights into the evolving dynamics of NIL, the challenges of team equity, and the impact of the transfer portal. We explore his presence on LinkedIn as a platform for connecting with alumni and businesses, his passion for investments and startups, and how watching NBA superstar Steph Curry train influenced his own work ethic. Spencer's reflections provide valuable lessons on resilience, legacy building, and preparing for life after sports. Questions and Topics: What’s your favorite mistake? Can you explain NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) and the opportunities it offers athletes? How did NIL impact team dynamics, and what was it like balancing individual and team priorities? Did you consider transferring to another school, especially with the new transfer rules? What lessons did you learn about balancing academics and athletics at Stanford? Why did you choose Management Science and Engineering as your major? What impact did being in Silicon Valley have on your development, connections, and career opportunities? How much interest is there among players in investing, startups, and business ventures beyond basketball? What kind of resources does the NBA or players' associations provide to help players prepare for their futures? How does the G League (formerly D League) fit into player development for someone in your position? What factors went into your decision to sign with the Denver Nuggets, especially as a two-way player? How do you approach balancing short-term versus long-term decisions in your basketball and business career? What led you to build a presence on LinkedIn, and how has that platform benefited you? What advice do you have for other athletes about building their brand and preparing for life after sports? How do you manage the pressure of potential mistakes in high-visibility situations like an NBA game?

    46 min
  5. Why Culture Is Your Secret Weapon for Success – A Conversation with Jessica Kriegel

    JAN 20

    Why Culture Is Your Secret Weapon for Success – A Conversation with Jessica Kriegel

    My guest for Episode #292 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Dr. Jessica Kriegel, Chief Strategy Officer of Workforce and Labor at Culture Partners and an internationally recognized speaker.  Episode page with video, transcript, and more Known for her transformative 'Culture Equation,' Jessica has been featured on CNBC, MSNBC, CNN, and more. At Culture Partners, she leads pioneering research and strategy with Stanford University, working to reshape the DNA of Fortune 10 and 500 companies for long-term success. Jessica holds a doctorate in Human Resources Development and Educational Leadership from Drexel University and is the author of Unfairly Labeled, a book that challenges generational stereotypes in the workplace. She also hosts the podcast "Culture Leaders," where she dives into the essence of true transformation. In this episode, Jessica shares insights on leadership, culture transformation, and her unique journey through pivotal career experiences. Jessica discussed her favorite mistake—a whirlwind promotion at Oracle to Head of Strategy for the Head of Cloud, a role she describes as "seven promotions" above her current position at the time. Although the experience quickly led to burnout due to overwhelming demands and a relentless work pace, it also became one of her most transformative learning experiences. Jessica credits those six intense weeks as the foundation for her "Culture Equation" framework, which she has since applied to drive organizational change and foster alignment between purpose, strategy, and culture. The conversation also explored the critical role of leadership in shaping workplace culture and addressing challenges like burnout, disengagement, and generational stereotypes. Jessica emphasized that culture is fundamentally about how people think and act to achieve results, and leaders must align beliefs and behaviors to operationalize strategy. She shared her perspectives on overcoming employee disengagement, fostering innovation through psychological safety, and breaking free from generational labeling in the workplace. Jessica also discussed her TED Talk, "How to Help People Give a Shit," highlighting how employees' perceived apathy often stems from overwhelm and a lack of agency rather than genuine disinterest. Questions and Topics: What’s your favorite mistake? Would you say six weeks is an unusually fast burnout cycle? Was the 3 a.m. call part of a broader pattern of disrespect or just a one-off incident? Are these patterns common across organizations, or are they specific to individual leaders? How do you define culture? Did you face challenges getting your TED Talk title approved? What advice do you have for leaders to address this challenge of employee disengagement? How do you see leaders' perceptions of mistakes influencing workplace culture? What led you to write your book Unfairly Labeled? How do you think generational stereotypes impact workplace dynamics? Do you believe evolving workplace expectations are driven more by technology than generational differences?

    39 min
  6. World Series Coach Trent Clark on Mistakes, Leadership, and Building Winning Teams

    JAN 13

    World Series Coach Trent Clark on Mistakes, Leadership, and Building Winning Teams

    My guest for Episode #291 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Trent Clark, CEO of Leadershipity and Founder of Courage Coach LLC. Having spent his adult livelihood among the top 1% producers in sports and business, Trent is dedicated to empowering people to reach their goals, peak performance, and attain their dreams. Episode page with transcript, video, and more. An entrepreneur of 12 companies and longtime Entrepreneur Organization Member, he is best known for being a two-sport Division I Collegiate Athlete and Coaching 12 years in Professional Baseball with three organizations - including three (3) trips to the World Series - working with the Detroit Tigers, two-time American League Champion Cleveland Indians and the 2002 World Champion Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.  He’s the author of a new book, Leading Winning Teams: How Teamwork, Motivation, and Strategy Achieve Big League Success, and he’s also the host of his podcast, "Winners Find a Way." Trent has worked on staff with famed personalities, coaches, and executives, including Nick Saban, Joe Maddon, Tom Izzo, Mike Scioscia, and my favorite from that list… Sparky Anderson. This episode covers the importance of learning from mistakes, resilience, and the parallels between sports and business leadership. Trent shares impactful lessons from his career, including a pivotal mistake involving contract negotiations that shaped his approach to accountability and preparation. The conversation explores themes such as embracing failure as a stepping stone to growth, the necessity of adaptability in high-pressure environments, and the role of coaching in fostering continuous improvement. Insights on balancing personal and professional commitments, the evolution of strength training in baseball, and cultivating high-performing teams round out a compelling discussion on achieving sustained success through intentional learning and reflection. Questions and Topics: What’s your favorite mistake? Are you willing to share what the main promises were that the Angels made verbally but never included in the written contract? Do coaches typically have an agent or a lawyer, or is that something you just handle on your own? How has the thinking evolved about bulking up in baseball? Is it still considered risky, or is it more about how players approach strength training? As a strength and conditioning coach, were you traveling constantly with both the Major League and minor league teams? What was that like for your family life? What can we learn from athletes about bouncing back from mistakes that might apply to entrepreneurship or our own work? You told me you get excited about mistakes—why is that, and how do people respond when you show that enthusiasm?

    56 min
  7. From Sports Executive to Entrepreneur: How Michelle Rankine Built a Multimillion-Dollar Home Care Franchise

    JAN 6

    From Sports Executive to Entrepreneur: How Michelle Rankine Built a Multimillion-Dollar Home Care Franchise

    My guest for Episode #290 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Michelle Rankine, Ph.D., a trailblazing entrepreneur in the health space who built a multimillion-dollar home care franchise business to address disparities in Black and Brown communities. Episode page with video, transcript, and more A former sports executive with roles at major organizations like the U.S. Olympic Committee, Michelle found her calling in senior home care after her brother’s tragic car accident left him paralyzed. Driven by a strong sense of purpose and community, she now owns three Right at Home franchises in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, prioritizing quality care and bridging critical gaps for aging adults. In this episode, Michelle and host Mark Graban explore her biggest lessons learned: why trust is essential when building a business, how data-driven KPIs can spark growth, and where home care fits into the spectrum of healthcare services. Michelle shares her personal story of shifting from the security of collegiate sports administration to the uncertainty of entrepreneurship, revealing how she discovered resilience, the importance of coaching, and the power of focusing on the right goals. Key themes include fostering health equity, measuring what matters, and creating supportive networks—whether for Olympic athletes or for families needing respite care. Questions and Topics: Could you share your “favorite mistake,” and how did you learn from it? Was your realization about needing to trust others gradual, or was there a clear wake-up call? Which key KPIs helped you decide to step away from handling sales yourself? How did your team respond when you began delegating more, and did you get any feedback about micromanaging? What led you from a career in sports management to launching a home care business? How do the resilience and focus you gained in athletics translate to entrepreneurship? What are the biggest health disparities you aim to address, and how do your franchises help bridge those gaps? Could you clarify the difference between ‘home care’ and ‘home health,’ and why does that distinction matter? Why do some families wait too long to seek help, and how can people avoid that mistake? What advice would you offer to adult children who find themselves caring for aging parents, especially when roles reverse?

    45 min
  8. Off for 2 Weeks; Special Kindle Book Price

    12/23/2024 · BONUS

    Off for 2 Weeks; Special Kindle Book Price

    I’m taking the next two weeks off, but I’ll be back with new episodes on January 6th.   Please check out the back catalog of episodes!   If you’re looking for something to read over the holidays, my book The Mistakes That Make Us: Cultivating a Culture of Learning and Innovation (that contains many stories and lessons learned from my guests… and my own career) is available for a special price — the Kindle format is just $2.99 (and equivalent prices around the world). Visit Amazon in your country, or go to mistakesbook.com to learn more and to get a free preview. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

    1 min
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  • Started in 2006, the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is a series of conversations with experts and thought leaders in the field of lean manufacturing and management. Hosted by Mark Graban, a Lean practitioner, consultant, and author, the podcast offers insights, experiences, and tips for implementing and improving Lean practices in various industries. The podcast has a conversational format, with Graban engaging with his guests on a wide range of topics related to Lean. The guests come from different backgrounds, including healthcare, manufacturing, and service industries, and share their unique perspectives and experiences on Lean implementation. The podcast explores different aspects of Lean, including its history, principles, and tools, as well as its application in different industries and contexts. Graban and his guests delve into topics such as continuous improvement, value stream mapping, process improvement, and culture change, and Lean Startup, among others. Particular emphasis is given to leadership and management system concepts, including the Toyota Production System and related methods. But, we don‘t talk about ”Lean Six Sigma” much around here, if that interests you... but if you agree that Lean is more than ”just a bunch of tools in the improvement toolbox,” this is the place for you. We focus more on Lean as a culture, a philosophy, and a management system. You’ll learn, and our guests will inspire you. One of the unique aspects of the podcast is its frequent focus on Lean in healthcare. Graban is a well-known advocate for Lean in healthcare, and many of his guests are experts in this field. They discuss topics such as patient safety, quality improvement, and waste reduction in healthcare settings. They also share their experiences and successes in implementing Lean in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare organizations. Another notable feature of the podcast is its emphasis on practical advice and real-world examples. The guests share their experiences and insights into what works and what doesn’t when it comes to implementing Lean practices. They provide tips for overcoming common challenges and share success stories that can inspire others to adopt Lean principles. The podcast is also notable for its inclusivity and diversity. Graban features guests from a range of backgrounds and experiences. This diversity of perspectives enriches the discussions and provides a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities of Lean implementation. Overall, the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is a valuable resource for anyone interested in Lean manufacturing and management. Whether you are new to Lean or a seasoned practitioner, the podcast offers insights, tips, and inspiration for improving your organization’s performance and achieving your Lean goals. With its engaging format, practical advice, and diverse range of guests, the podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in continuous improvement and operational excellence. Visit the blog at www.leanblog.org. For feedback, email mark@leanblog.org. All past episodes, with show notes and more, can be found at www.leancast.org.

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Are you a leader searching for a path to greater effectiveness, insight, and innovation? ”My Favorite Mistake,” hosted by Mark Graban, turns the spotlight on how today’s foremost business thinkers, C-suite executives, and industry disruptors navigate through the labyrinthine world of errors and missteps to come out on the other side with powerful insights and innovative solutions. The Concept: We deconstruct the idea that mistakes are something to be brushed under the carpet; rather, we argue for the transformative power of embracing them. What if each blunder could become a masterclass in leadership growth and creative problem-solving? The Stories: Our riveting interviews reveal the often-hidden episodes in the lives of our guests, highlighting the pivotal mistakes that have become defining moments in their careers. From international entrepreneurs to tech industry pioneers, healthcare leaders to award-winning authors, the stories you’ll hear are as diverse as they are enlightening. The Breadth: The podcast spans an eclectic mix of topics: from leadership psychology and organizational culture to process innovation and sustainability. We tie them together in an intricate mosaic that gives you an edge in navigating the ever-changing business terrain. The Approach: Mark Graban, an author and seasoned consultant, guides the conversation with a unique blend of expertise and curiosity, mining each dialogue for kernels of wisdom and transformative strategies. Why Subscribe? Engage with thought-provoking dialogues that challenge conventional wisdom. Access tools and frameworks that offer a competitive edge in your industry. Discover your own potential for turning errors into innovative opportunities. Develop a nuanced understanding of emotional intelligence, resilience, and agile thinking. Transform the way you approach leadership, innovation, and success. Subscribe to ”My Favorite Mistake” today and embark on a journey of relentless improvement fueled by the transformative power of mistakes.

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