The Wisdom of Failure: Growing from our Personal and Professional Setbacks

Today’s episode is all about failure – I know that doesn’t sound like a particularly sunny way to begin your Thursday morning, but my guest today argues that failure is not just an inevitability in business and leadership — it is often *the* primary source of meaningful growth and long-term success. Importantly, he argues that this is true at both a personal and organizational level. In our conversation today we discuss: - How those who are achievement-oriented often have a hard time digesting this reality - How bosses and Boards of directors can create environments where failure is tolerated but not necessarily actively encouraged - The role that egos tend to play in organizational failures - What a good post-mortem and pre-mortem ought to sound like - What “learning” from a failure actually looks like at a highly tactical level - Why success can breed over-confidence and blind spots (including how to spot common warning signs in advance); and - How to balance the importance of persistence with the wisdom of knowing when it’s time to make a change I was thrilled to be joined this week be Dr. Larry Weinzimmer, a professor of strategic management at Bradley University and best-selling author of "The Wisdom of Failure", among many other best-selling books. In addition to being a best selling author, Larry is also an internationally recognized thought leader in organizational strategy and leadership, and is a sought-after business advisor to numerous Fortune 100 companies, including General Motors, Goodyear Tire, 3M, Caterpillar, Pennzoil, and Coors Brewing Company, to name just a few. Episode Link: https://mineolasearchpartners.com/2026/05/28/the-wisdom-of-failure-growing-from-our-personal-and-professional-setbacks/