Episodes

  • In this riveting episode, we dive into the journeys of Jeff Small, CEO of private equity firm MDH Partners, and Niyi Yusuf, Managing Partner of Verraki and president of NASFAT, a Nigerian Islamic faith society. Jeff, shares his evolution from a young CEO fixated on intellect to a leader enriched by emotional intelligence and faith. He reveals how personal and professional challenges, along with spiritual practices, have deepened his connection with others and strengthened his leadership. Niyi, from Lagos, Nigeria, recounts his rise from humble beginnings to becoming a pivotal figure in African business. His leadership, grounded in compassion, reflects his dedication to uplifting others. Niyi points out the importance of humility and continuous learning, blending his Islamic faith with his professional ethos. Together, Jeff and Niyi explore how faith influences leadership, the significance of vulnerability, and the balance between business success and ethical responsibility. This episode is a masterclass in empathy, resilience, and the transformative power of faith in the workplace.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Hosts Leslie Wingo and Christine Crawford dive into a powerful conversation with Jay Coen Gilbert, co-founder of White Men for Racial Justice, and Ben Conniff, co-founder of Luke’s Lobster. Jay shares his thrilling journey from launching AND1 to creating the B Corp movement and now a space for white men to confront racial biases. Ben recounts his path to addressing racial inequities and starting the Lift All Boats Project, and highlights the impact of this initiative on his own company’s mentorship program.  Tune in for an inspiring and electrifying discussion on making positive, meaningful change and fostering inclusivity!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Missing episodes?

    Click here to refresh the feed.

  • Hosts, Christine Crawford and Leslie Wingo, share an inspiring discussion with guest, Jenny Zhu, founder and chairwoman of Lush Decor Home. Jenny talks about her remarkable path from a small village in Shandong, China, to leading a successful home decor brand in the U.S.


    Her story is one of resilience and determination, overcoming language barriers and personal setbacks. Jenny chats about the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, highlighting her company's inclusive culture. Jenny's commitment to empowering women and girls shines through as she shares her experiences and lessons learned. Her journey underscores the value of perseverance, learning from mistakes, and the power of dreams.


    Jenny's message is clear: with courage and discipline, anything is possible even when you least expect it.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Our special guest on this episode is Sofyan Almoayed, chairman of the YPO Global Board of Directors. Sofyan, whose one-year term began on July 1st, 2024, is the 73rd member to hold this office. Join us as we recap Sofyan’s incredible journey with YPO and his focus on fostering connections and finding common ground for all members. His vision for YPO? Impactful initiatives that bridge nations and promote peace. Tune in and be inspired by Sofyan’s extraordinary journey and leadership insights!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Join your hosts, Leslie Wingo and Christine Crawford, as they dive into the journey of authenticity with their guest, the unstoppable force of nature, Rochelle Pattison.


    Rochelle Pattison, the director of Chimaera Capital and chair of Transgender Victoria, takes us on a wild ride through her journey from the outback of Australia to the bustling streets of Melbourne. Along the way, she shares tales of financial rollercoasters, gender identity epiphanies, and the chaotic dance of business and personal life.


    From her rural roots in Wagga Wagga to battling bankruptcy court, Rochelle shares how navigating mistakes shaped her journey. Whether facing down a collapsing business or confronting her own gender identity, she tackles challenges with grit and grace.


    Rochelle's journey from denial to self-acceptance is a beacon of hope, reminding us all that it's okay to stumble on the path to authenticity.


    Tune in to this episode of "Mistakes Over Failure" for a dose of inspiration, insight and belonging.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • In Mistakes over Failure's Season Two trailer, hosts Leslie Wingo and Christine Crawford reflect on their journey from conception to the evolution of their podcast from Season One. What started as one idea blossomed into a platform for leadership lessons, challenging assumptions, and embracing vulnerability.


    In Season Two, they will celebrate the diversity of guests and topics not just from an American perspective but, highlighting the importance of global perspectives in discussions about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Encouraging listeners to have brave conversations in their communities, Leslie and Christine envision a future where openness and understanding prevail, even in the midst of uncertainty.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • In this episode of Mistakes Over Failure, Leslie and Christine are joined by Thayer Smith, the CEO, and Raymond Watt, the chairman of YPO. Listen in as they chat about their personal journeys within the Young Presidents' Organization. Get your exclusive backstage pass to the exciting world of YPO!


    Raymond kicks things off by sharing his background, growing up in South Africa, and his love for connecting with people. He shares some wisdom about how personal connections shape careers and leadership styles. Thayer jumps in to highlight YPO's holistic approach, covering not just professional development, but also personal and family leadership and in that creating a safe space organization that focuses on belonging.


    Imagine a buzzing community of 35,000 CEOs from around the globe—that's YPO! It's a support system where leaders can grow and thrive. Who wouldn't want to be part of that?


    Leading leaders and implementing change? Not an easy task! Diversity and inclusion take the spotlight as Raymond emphasizes their importance within YPO. Both Raymond and Thayer understand that diversity and inclusion can vary across countries, but the heart of the matter remains the same—everyone deserves respect and value. They continue talking about the importance of creating a safe space for conversations within YPO. 


    This episode is a treasure trove of insights into the world of YPO. Personal stories, diversity and inclusion, and the challenges leaders face—it's all there. Whether you're a budding leader or a seasoned pro, this episode reminds us of the magic of community and collaboration in personal and professional growth.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Get ready for another episode of Mistakes Over Failure! Join hosts Leslie Wingo and Dr. Christine Crawford as they dive into a riveting conversation with two trailblazing entrepreneurs, Matt Blumberg, the ingenious Founder and CEO of Bolster, and Jocelyn Mangan, the visionary Founder and CEO of Him For Her and Lumen. Matt is also an author of the book, Startup Board, which features a forward by Jocelyn.


    Buckle up and prepare for a captivating discussion about the game-changing power of relationships, diversity, and cultural fit in board placements. Matt enlightens us on the critical role of leadership in setting the tone and managing the ever-dynamic social dynamics. Meanwhile, Jocelyn shares her invaluable insights on the significance of unleashing your unique voice and crafting connections to untapped talent.


    They unravel the truth behind distinguishing between being board ready and board experienced, unveiling the secrets to cultivating fruitful peer relationships within an organization for effective leadership. In a world where diversity is key, Matt and Jocelyn emphasize the transformative value of learning from mistakes and rallying a formidable team to conquer any challenge that comes your way.


    Join us on a journey filled with wisdom, inspiration, and a renewed sense of purpose. This episode of Mistakes Over Failure will leave you energized and ready to embrace your mistakes to create a better future.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Brett Hurt, the CEO and co-founder of data.world and author of The Entrepreneur's Essentials: Lessons for Startup & Leadership Excellence, is a strong advocate for creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce in tech. Listen in as he chats with hosts, Leslie Wingo and Dr. Christine Crawford about his personal and professional journey that led his company to have a 59% female or minority-led team.


    After taking his prior company public and achieving a billion-dollar valuation, Brett felt a calling to do more but wasn't sure what. He talks about how he became aware of his privilege and the lack of diversity in his company after participating in a diversity and inclusion program. He realized that it was easy to hire people within his immediate social network and how hiring one diverse employee can lead to further diversity, as they bring their network to the company.


    Brett emphasizes the moral imperative of striving for diversity and equity in tech, particularly as one becomes more successful. He recommends deliberate hiring practices and making changes to job descriptions and company culture to attract diverse candidates. Brett's experience shows that building a diverse team not only benefits the company but also creates a more American, fun, and high-performing workplace.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Get ready for an extraordinary episode of Mistakes Over Failure! Leslie and Christine are about to dive into a captivating conversation with Greg Weaver, the Executive Vice President of Catellus Development. Hold on tight because Weaver is about to share his journey through the Mueller Airport redevelopment project in Austin, Texas.


    Weaver emphasizes the importance of building trust, transparency, and consistent team members when it comes to achieving success. The project's main goal was to revitalize a poor socioeconomic area by bringing in amenities such as grocery stores, parks, employment opportunities, and medical care, all with the aim of promoting diversity, sustainability, affordability, and inclusivity.This isn't just about revitalization; it's a revolution fueled by diversity, sustainability, affordability, and inclusivity.


    But, it wasn't all smooth sailing. As they battled the forces of gentrification and displacement, Weaver and his team's commitment to their core values became their fiercest weapon. He'll reveal the secrets of their unwavering determination, long-term vision, and the art of embracing adversity like true champions.


    Now, here's the cherry on top: it's all about collaboration! Weaver uncovers the hidden magic that turned the Mueller project into a soaring success. Join the conversation and witness the astonishing power of individuals, community institutions, and the committed developer, all working hand in hand to create something truly extraordinary.


    So, what are you waiting for? Tune in to Mistakes Over Failure. This episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and a profound lesson that trust and transparency can change the game and lead you down a road of success.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Step into the captivating world of the Mistakes Over Failure podcast, hosted by the dynamic duo Leslie Wingo and Dr. Christine Crawford. Get ready for an exhilarating journey as they unravel their personal stories and ignite a fiery passion for embracing mistakes as stepping stones to success.


    In the very first episode, you'll discover the driving force behind Leslie and Christine's unwavering dedication to the transformative power of learning from failures. Brace yourself for a thought-provoking discussion on the immense opportunities that arise when companies choose to embrace their missteps, rather than shying away from them.


    As the conversation unfolds, Leslie and Christine delve into the topic of creating a safe haven for sharing experiences and perspectives. And at the same time, fostering a mindset of perpetual growth and improvement, particularly in the vital realm of diversity, equity, and inclusion. They'll chat about the game-changing impact of embracing different viewpoints and the challenges faced along the way.


    Listen in as they recount their personal journeys of unearthing hidden biases and shattering deep-rooted assumptions. Immerse yourself in their compelling narratives of resilience and triumph as they navigate the treacherous waters of self-discovery.


    But that's not all! This season promises engaging conversations with business owners and top-tier executives. Discover how these visionary leaders are revolutionizing the corporate landscape by forging safe spaces where vulnerability and openness are cherished virtues. Witness firsthand how sharing mistakes can ignite monumental growth and pave the way for positive, lasting change.


    So, grab your favorite cup of coffee, find a cozy spot, and embark on this awe-inspiring expedition with Leslie and Christine. Prepare to be enlightened, entertained, and empowered as they unravel the incredible power of transforming mistakes into invaluable lessons. Don't miss out—join us now and immerse yourself in the captivating world of Mistakes Over Failure!


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Welcome to Mistakes Over Failure where we learn directly from CEOs and board members from around the world. We are CEOs. We understand the pressures of leadership and the rules that are often unwritten. I'm Dr. Christine Crawford and I'm Leslie Wingo, together we're here to spark honest and frank conversations that will encourage us to think differently, learn from failures, avoid inaction and encourage each of us to make mistakes. The world needs better leaders, and we can become better together.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.