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My guest for Episode #276 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Tabatha Thorell, a multi-faceted entrepreneur with a background in fitness coaching, real estate investing, life coaching, and more. Tabatha, a native of rural Nebraska and mother of five, shares her inspiring journey of resilience and success across various industries. With nearly two decades of real estate experience alongside her husband, Tabatha has continually pushed herself to grow, all while helping others achieve their dreams through coaching and her podcast, What Went Wrong?
Episode page with video and more
We discuss Tabatha’s "favorite mistake," which involved investing in an expensive coaching program that didn’t align with her needs. Despite her initial frustration and the lack of a refund, she turned the experience into a valuable learning opportunity. In the episode, she explains how this mistake helped her develop a stronger sense of self-reliance and taught her the importance of finding value, even in failure.
Tabatha also opens up about the challenges of balancing risk-taking with caution, how she approaches business coaching, and the lessons she's learned across her diverse career path. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a coach, or simply interested in stories of persistence, Tabatha’s insights are sure to inspire. Tune in for a candid conversation about learning from mistakes and turning setbacks into opportunities.
Questions and Topics:What's your favorite mistake from your career journey? After your bad coaching experience, was it hard to trust another program? Do you ever consider disputing the charge with your credit card company in that situation? How do you find the balance between taking risks and not being overly cautious? What’s the best thing you've learned from transitioning across different careers? When do most people seek business coaching — before or during a crisis? How do you respond when people say they can’t afford coaching because of cash flow issues? Tell us about the origin and theme of your podcast, What Went Wrong? -
My guest for Episode #275 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Brian Gottlieb, an inspiring entrepreneur and founder who transformed a modest $3,000 startup into a thriving group of multistate companies valued at nearly $200 million.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
Brian’s companies have earned spots on the Inc. 5000 list for four consecutive years and have been recognized as one of Wisconsin's best workplaces. In addition to being a successful CEO, Brian is a Harvard Business School alum, angel investor, keynote speaker, and author of the new book Beyond the Hammer: A Fresh Approach to Leadership, Culture, and Building High-Performance Teams.
In this episode, we discuss Brian’s journey from working odd jobs to founding his first home improvement company and scaling it to a multi-million dollar business. Brian shares his "favorite mistake"—not pursuing formal education after high school—and how that perceived mistake shaped his entrepreneurial path. We also dive into his approach to leadership, the importance of building a strong culture, and how empowering people can drive success.
Brian also opens up about his time at Harvard Business School and how it helped him evolve as a leader. We discuss the challenges of balancing performance and culture, why hiring for culture fit matters, and how his philosophy of "building people before building a business" has been key to his success. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, business leader, or simply interested in learning from others' mistakes, Brian’s story offers valuable lessons on growth, leadership, and resilience.
Tune in to hear Brian's insights on leadership, the value of mistakes, and the strategies that helped him build a $200M business from scratch.
Questions and Topics:What would you say is your favorite mistake? How did your decision not to attend college shape your entrepreneurial path? Can you tell us more about your experience at Harvard Business School and how it impacted your leadership approach? What was your first business, and how did it evolve into a multi-state company? How did you manage learning on the job while growing a business from scratch? How did you approach building the culture and developing people within your organization? What do you think about companies that focus on culture in addition to performance? How do you balance hiring for performance versus culture fit, and how do you handle it when someone performs well but doesn’t fit the culture? Can you explain the concept of “beyond the hammer” and how it applies to leadership and business growth? How do you handle mistakes or performance issues in a way that supports growth and learning? What are your thoughts on the “stay interview” concept, and how does it help improve organizational culture? How did you empower your team to make decisions and learn from their mistakes? What is your perspective on micromanaging versus empowering employees? How do you maintain alignment within your company and prevent cultural clashes when bringing in experienced hires? How important is long-term thinking in leadership, especially when growing a business? What leadership lessons have you learned from Toyota, and how do you apply them in your business? -
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My guest for Episode #274 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Dr. Thom Mayer, the Medical Director for the NFL Players Association, Executive Vice President of Leadership for LogixHealth, Founder of BestPractices, Inc., and Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine at George Washington University and Senior Lecturing Fellow at Duke University.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more.
He was recently nominated to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. USA Today named him one of the “100 Most Important People in the NFL.” Tom Peters, the internationally acclaimed leadership guru, referred to his work as “gaspworthy.” Thom's new book is Leadership Is Worthless...But Leading Is Priceless: What I Learned from 9/11, the NFL, and Ukraine.
On September 11, 2001 Dr. Mayer served as the Command Physician at the Pentagon Rescue Operation and has served on 3 Defense Science Board Task Forces, advising the Secretary of Defense. Most recently, in 2022, Dr. Mayer helped lead a mobile team to Ukraine, treating almost 350 patients and training over 1,700 Ukrainian medical staffers.
In this episode, we dive deep into the world of NFL player safety and the proactive strategies that have been implemented to protect athletes on and off the field. Dr. Thom Mayer shares his insights on the science behind the latest innovations in helmet technology, including the Guardian Cap, and the critical importance of having emergency physicians on the sidelines—a decision that has already saved lives.
We also explore the profound difference between leadership as a concept and leading as a daily practice. Dr. Mayer discusses how finding and following your "deep joy" is essential for both personal fulfillment and professional success. He emphasizes the power of learning from mistakes and how failure is not just a part of success, but an integral component of it. Drawing from his experiences during 9/11 and his recent mission to Ukraine, Dr. Mayer offers powerful lessons on resilience, proactive leadership, and the value of engaging with the people who do the work. This episode is filled with wisdom on how to lead effectively in times of crisis and beyond.
Questions and Topics:What are your thoughts on the new NFL kickoff procedures and their impact on player safety? Of all the things you’ve done in your career, what would you say is your favorite mistake? Can you give an example of a time when you deviated from your deep joy, and how do you find deep joy in your professional endeavors? Can you share an example of when you coached someone through a situation where they had deviated from their deep joy? Can you talk about your experience with Damar Hamlin and the importance of being proactive in NFL player safety? Can you share your experiences on 9/11 and the leadership lessons you learned from that day? How did you end up going to Ukraine in 2022, and what motivated you to take on that mission? What would you say to NFL fans who resist changes like the new kickoff rules or the use of the Guardian Cap? -
In this episode of My Favorite Mistake, host Mark Graban reconnects with previous guest, author and speaker Matthew Korban. Since his first appearance in Episode 118, Matthew has been on an exciting journey, culminating in the release of his new book, Footprints in the Sands of Time: A Journey of Self-Rediscovery.
Matthew shares the emotional and challenging process of writing his novel, which began nearly a decade ago as a personal memoir and evolved into a powerful work of fiction. The story follows the hero Shan on his path of self-discovery, with themes that resonate deeply with readers who have experienced life's ups and downs. Matthew also talks about his future projects, including a second book, 33 Years of Random, and his work on The Forgotten Hero, a novel being pitched for a movie adaptation.
Key Topics Discussed:
The evolution of Footprints in the Sands of Time from memoir to novelThe challenges and rewards of writing over many yearsDrawing from personal experiences to create fictional storiesInsights into his upcoming books and potential film adaptationBooks Mentioned:Footprints in the Sands of Time: A Journey of Self-Rediscovery – Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Don't miss this insightful conversation about the creative process, perseverance, and the power of storytelling.
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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.
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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? -
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.
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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? -
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? -
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.
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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? -
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 GrabanConnect with Dr. Susan Landers:
WebsiteSubscribe 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.
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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? -
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.
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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? -
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.orgTwitter: @MarkGrabanLinkedIn: Mark Graban📱 Connect with Terry Iverson:
Website: ChampionNow.orgEmail: [email protected] LinkedIn: Terry Iverson#MyFavoriteMistake #AdvancedManufacturing #InspiringChampions #TerryIverson #MarkGraban #Podcast
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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? -
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? -
My guest for Episode #265 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is a conversation with Doug C. Brown, CEO of CEO Sales Strategies, about his journey from coaching people for free to becoming a renowned sales growth expert. Doug shares the story of his favorite mistake—coaching people for free—and how it taught him the importance of charging for his services to ensure clients take action and achieve results.
Episode page with transcript, video, and more
Doug delves into his impressive career, highlighting key moments like increasing division sales by 684% and boosting close rates by 62% for Tony Robbins' team. He discusses the critical aspects of demonstrating value, understanding the right fit buyer, and why discounting is detrimental to business. Doug also explains the importance of human-to-human connections in sales and how empathy plays a vital role in building lasting relationships.
Listeners will gain insights into Doug's systematic approach to doubling sales, the significance of segmentation, and his new software tool designed to track and optimize sales processes. Whether you're a sales professional, coach, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories that can help you elevate your sales game.
Doug's “favorite mistake” of coaching for free led to the realization that people value and act on advice more when they have skin in the game. This lesson not only transformed Doug's approach to coaching but also laid the foundation for his successful career in sales strategy and consulting.
Tune in to hear Doug's fascinating journey, his strategies for sales success, and learn how his favorite mistake led to incredible opportunities and growth. Don't miss out on this engaging and insightful conversation!
Questions and Topics:What would you say is your favorite mistake?Why was it a mistake to coach for free?How do you decide what to charge for your services?How do you make sure you don't sell yourself short?How did you transition from your other businesses into CEO Sales Strategies?What was the impact of increasing division sales by 684% and boosting close rates by 62% for Tony Robbins' team?How do you demonstrate value to potential clients?How important are human-to-human connections in sales?How did your experience in the US Army influence your career?What was your instrument or focus at the Berklee College of Music?How did you end up in nuclear medicine?Can you tell us about your new program on how to double sales and what that entails?How can people learn more about your new program and software tool? -
Welcome to another special bonus episode of "My Favorite Mistake" with your host, Mark Graban! In this episode, we're delighted to welcome back Phebe Trotman, who has just released her second book, "Never Quit on a Bad Day: Inspiring Stories of Resilience."
Phebe previously joined us in Episode 233, and today she's here to share more about her new book. We discuss the incredible stories from decorated athletes, the lessons of resilience, and how these insights can be applied to everyone's life, not just athletes.
Tune in to hear about:
The journey of creating "Never Quit on a Bad Day" and how it fits into the series.How athletes from diverse backgrounds overcame their challenges and what readers can learn from them.The feedback and positive reviews the book has received so far.Phebe's personal experiences and challenges while writing the book and caring for her mother.The future plans for the "Never Quit on a Bad Day" series and what to expect next.Don't miss this inspiring conversation! Check out Phebe's new book and find motivation to overcome your own challenges.
📘 Get the book: https://amzn.to/4c2nYDO
🔗 Previous Episode with Phebe Trotman (Episode 233): https://markgraban.com/mistake233
🔔 Subscribe to My Favorite Mistake Podcast: http://myfavoritemistakepodcast.com/
📱 Connect with Mark Graban:
Website: LeanBlog.orgTwitter: @MarkGrabanLinkedIn: Mark Graban📱 Connect with Phebe Trotman:
Website: NeverQuitOnABadDay.comInstagram: @PhebeTrotmanTwitter: @PhebeTrotman -
My guest for Episode #264 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Joyce Nethery, the master distiller and CEO of Jeptha Creed Distillery.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
With a rich background in chemical engineering and a unique journey through teaching and distillation, Joyce brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the world of Bourbon.
In this episode, Joyce shares the inspiring story of how a family dream, combined with her expertise and a fortunate mistake, led to the creation of Jeptha Creed's unique and beloved spirits. Join us as we explore the challenges and triumphs of running a woman-owned distillery in Kentucky and the innovative spirit that drives their success.
Joyce also discusses the critical mistake that led to the development of Jeptha Creed's signature mash bills, the unique challenges of being a woman-owned and operated distillery, and the importance of family and tradition in their business. Tune in to hear how Joyce’s expertise and a serendipitous error turned into a flavorful success story in the world of Bourbon.
Questions and Topics:Can you tell us about your daughter's role? How rare is it to be a woman-owned and woman-run distillery in Kentucky or elsewhere? Why did you end up in Wisconsin instead of working with a Kentucky distillery? Can you explain the malting process and its impact on flavor? How has your chemical engineering background and industrial experience helped with distillation and process methods? How long did you have to wait to see the impact of different barrels on your bourbon? As the master distiller, how do you predict what's going to age best? How do you approach blending different barrels to achieve a consistent product? How unusual is it to use malted wheat in bourbon? Can you describe your experimental batches and how you finalized your products? What is a mash bill? Can you tell us more about bloody butcher corn and why you chose it? How do you manage the ground-to-glass process at Jeptha Creed? What does the name Jeptha Creed mean and how does it reflect your values? How can people learn more about Jeptha Creed and visit your distillery? -
My guest for Episode #263 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is John St.Pierre, an entrepreneurial strategist, business growth advisor, and co-host of the “Entrepreneurs United Podcast” — with Rich Hoffman. They recently had me as a guest.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
John has over 25 years of experience co-founding and growing successful businesses across various industries including co-founding and growing two companies to over 50 million dollars in revenues each.
John is currently the majority owner and chairperson of Rhombus Group, a private holding company formed in 2003 comprising several small businesses. His mission is to help entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, and their companies achieve their goals and dreams.
He’s also the author of The $100M Journey: Your Guide To Growing The Business Of Your Dreams Without Going Off The Cliff!, a book that shares my proven strategies and insights on how to scale your business while avoiding costly pitfalls.
In this episode, John shares his profound insights on the pitfalls of trying to grow a business too fast. John recounts his journey of co-founding and expanding a company to over $50 million in revenue, only to face the harsh consequences of rapid, unsustainable growth. He shares his mistakes, such as
taking on excessive bank debt, making poor hiring decisions, and losing equity control,which ultimately led to him being fired from the very company he built. Through this candid reflection, John emphasizes the importance of patient ambition, protecting equity, and aligning business strategies with personal life goals, offering invaluable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Questions and Topics:What's your favorite mistake? Did you take time off to reflect, recover, and reset? Did previous opportunities lack alignment in purpose, best-in-world potential, and economic value? Did board members or executives push back on your growth decisions, or was everyone all in? What advice do you have for founders on when to take money, how much to take, and who to choose as investors? How was the news of your firing delivered? Are there specific growth points that are particularly risky, like 10 million or 50 million? How can founders ensure they don't have blinders on and miss potential pitfalls? What's the common theme for the businesses within Rhombus Group? Tell us about the Entrepreneurs United podcast and how you and Rich Hoffman decided to start it. The book's website -
John was a guest in Episode 242 in January 2024. That episode: https://markgraban.com/mistake242
Welcome to a pecial bonus episode of "My Favorite Mistake" with your host, Mark Graban! In this episode, we're catching up with John Rossman, who has just released his latest book, "Big Bet Leadership: Your Playbook for Winning in the Hyper-Digital Era."
John joined us previously in Episode 242, and today he's back to share insights from his new book. We discuss the critical lessons learned from industry giants like Jeff Bezos, John Legere, Elon Musk, and Satya Nadella. John breaks down the essential habits for successful transformations: creating clarity, maintaining velocity, and accelerating risk and value.
Tune in to hear about:
The foreboding prediction of the hyper-digital era.
Key strategies for transforming organizations.
Feedback from readers and insights into the book's reception.
The unique "three futures memo" tool for better alignment.
The importance of focusing on valuable problems and customer needs in the AI era.
The challenges of upfront decision-making processes and governance.
John also shares a candid moment about the audiobook production and thoughts on potential additions for future editions.
Don't miss out on this insightful conversation! Check out the book, "Big Bet Leadership," and enhance your playbook for thriving in the hyper-digital era.
📘 Get the book: https://amzn.to/3xgoBdz
🔔 Subscribe to My Favorite Mistake Podcast: http://myfavoritemistakepodcast.com/
📱 Connect with Mark Graban:
Website: LeanBlog.orgTwitter: @MarkGrabanLinkedIn: Mark Graban -
My guest for Episode #262 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Jennifer Heemstra. She is Chair and Professor of Chemistry, the Charles Allen Thomas Professor of Chemistry at Washington University in St. Louis.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
Her research makes use of the ability of nucleic acids to self-assemble and recognize other molecules. Alongside her research, Heemstra is a science communicator and writes a regular column for Chemical & Engineering News. She earned her Ph.D. at the University of illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
In this episode, Jen discusses the iterative process of failure and success in her lab, emphasizing the importance of creating a psychologically safe space for her team to experiment and learn. Jen also highlights the critical role of leadership in academic settings and how her unexpected transition into a leadership role has become one of the most rewarding aspects of her career — an “accidental leader” (the theme of a book she's writing).
Jennifer's “favorite mistake” concerns a significant misunderstanding of her career path. Initially believing that her role as a professor would be purely research-focused, she quickly realized that it encompassed much more, including leadership and mentorship. This revelation, although initially seen as a mistake, turned out to be the best possible outcome. It fueled her passion for leadership and inspired her to focus on developing a positive and empowering lab culture. Her story underscores the importance of embracing unexpected turns in one's career and finding value in professional growth.
Questions and Topics:The failures and mistakes we make in research Advising students about their career paths, and if they want to really focus on research? Is it rare for a professor to love all aspects of their job? Research, teaching, getting funding, publishing, leading?As chair – have an employer but not a boss – but autonomy?“The Only People Who Never Make Mistakes and Never Experience Failure Are Those Who Never Try”What types of failures are made by students and researchers in your field – and your lab?Amy Edmondson’s three types of failures?A hypothesis that’s disproven vs a technical mistake?Making sure you learn from mistakes?Helping people not beat themselves up?Why and How do you share YOUR failures? And Why is it more important for those with more POWER to share their mistakes? - もっと表示する
