Podcast
Beyond the Fail
Hosted by Jez Wood · EN
Beyond the Fail, hosted by Jez Wood, aims to challenge the beliefs of entrepreneurs, business owners, and leaders who think that setbacks are anything but okay. We share stories of successful leaders and entrepreneurs who have overcome failure and offer practical tips and advice on how to bounce back from challenges. Because failure is not only acceptable, it's also an integral part of the journey to success.
16episodes
Episodes
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Too much trust: the PAIN of losing £50K with Mr Biz
Dec 11, 202401:16:53Tap to summarizeIn this conversation, Jez and Ken Wentworth explore the themes of business failure, personal growth, and the journey of entrepreneurship. Ken shares his experiences from his early entrepreneurial ventures as a child to his transition from a corporate career at JP Morgan to becoming a fractional CFO. The discussion emphasizes the importance of learning from failures, the impact of customer feedback, and the mindset shift necessary for success in business. Ken's story illustrates how challenges can lead to greater fulfillment and the significance of networking in building a successful business. In this conversation, Ken Wentworth shares his experiences with corporate politics, leadership failures, and the challenges of entrepreneurship. He emphasizes the importance of learning from failures, maintaining trust and accountability in business relationships, and the necessity of having the right mindset to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape. Ken reflects on his past mistakes, the lessons learned, and how these experiences have shaped his approach to business and leadership. Takeaways Business failure can be a valuable learning experience. The UK has a taboo around discussing failure. Ken's early entrepreneurial spirit was evident at a young age. Customer feedback is crucial for business growth. Transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship is challenging but rewarding. Mindset shifts from 'have to' to 'get to' can change perspectives. Networking is essential for building a client base. Ken's father encouraged him to pursue education beyond the steel mill. The importance of being proactive in seeking opportunities. Ken's journey reflects the power of resilience and adaptability. Navigating corporate politics is crucial for career advancement. Leadership failures can provide valuable lessons for personal growth. Trust and accountability are essential in business relationships. Reflection on past failures can lead to better decision-making in the future. Embracing failure is a key aspect of the entrepreneurial mindset. Learning from failures is often more valuable than learning from successes. Having a strong emotional quotient (EQ) helps in understanding workplace dynamics. Setting clear expectations with partners can prevent misunderstandings. Continuous improvement is necessary for both personal and professional success. A positive mindset is essential for overcoming challenges in entrepreneurship Sound Bites "I learned much more from failure than success." "Failure is learning." "Details matter." Chapters 03:14 Ken's Background and Athletic Failure 05:58 Learning from Failure: A Personal Philosophy 09:10 The Origin of 'Mr. Biz' and Its Impact 12:00 Early Entrepreneurial Experiences 14:46 Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship 18:11 Finding Fulfillment in Business 21:08 The Importance of Customer Feedback 24:03 Childhood Influences and Family Background 26:46 Navigating the Challenges of Entrepreneurship 29:46 Building a Network and Client Base 33:05 Mindset Shift: From 'Have to' to 'Get to' 40:28 Navigating Corporate Politics and Leadership Failures 45:45 Lessons from Entrepreneurial Setbacks 54:34 The Importance of Trust and Accountability in Business Relationships 01:08:15 The Value of Reflection and Learning from Failures 01:12:16 Mindset: Embracing Failure as Part of the Entrepreneurial Journey About Ken Wenworth Ken Wentworth, aka “Mr. Biz”, is a strategic business partner who helps business owners run their companies more profitably & more efficiently. After ascending to the top 3% at a Fortune 15 company and breaking six World Records, Mr. Biz now uses his experience & expertise to help others develop their skills to become more successful owners. He is the author of two bestselling books, his most recent, “Pathway to Profits”, provides an actionable blueprint to excelling in any economy. Ken is the longtime host of “Mr. Biz Radio”, which airs 55+ hours each week across six different networks. For his expertise, he has been featured on Forbes, Yahoo Finance, Fast Company, The New York Finance, and American Express. Connect with Ken Wenworth https://www.mrbizsolutions.com/ Stay connected with Beyond the Fail: Join our mailing list here InstagramTik-tok See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Closing FOUR companies via burnout & self-sabotage
Dec 4, 202401:31:51Tap to summarizePeter Banigo shares his journey from studying engineering to starting multiple businesses, the impact of the financial crisis, and the influence of relationships on his entrepreneurial ventures. He discusses the significance of belief in oneself and the challenges of managing multiple businesses simultaneously. Peter Banigo discusses his decision to take a break from running multiple businesses due to burnout and mental exhaustion. He reflects on the challenges, chaos, and mistakes he made in managing multiple ventures simultaneously. The impact of a difficult relationship, overstretching himself, and the belief in being superhuman are also explored. The lowest point in his life, the loss of a loved one, and the inspiration to refocus on his business are shared. Peter Banigo shares his experiences with partnership failure, self-sabotage, and overcoming setbacks in business. He discusses the lessons learned, the impact of personality types in partnerships, and the importance of due diligence. He also delves into the fear of failure, maintaining a positive mindset, and the journey of personal growth and self-discovery. Key Topics Belief in oneself is a significant catalyst for entrepreneurial success. The impact of personal relationships on business productivity and decision-making. The challenges of managing multiple businesses simultaneously and the importance of mental well-being. The influence of childhood experiences and family support on entrepreneurial mindset and career choices. Managing multiple businesses simultaneously can lead to burnout and mental exhaustion. Overstretching oneself and the belief in being superhuman can contribute to business challenges and chaos. The impact of a difficult relationship and the loss of a loved one can significantly affect an entrepreneur's mental well-being and business decisions. Taking a break and refocusing on a single business, prioritizing mental health, and finding inspiration in personal experiences can lead to a more balanced and successful entrepreneurial journey. The importance of understanding personality types in partnerships The impact of self-sabotage and the fear of failure in business The value of maintaining a positive mindset and gratitude Lessons learned from setbacks and the journey of personal growth Sound Bites "I think her death was what made me snap out of where I was." "Learning to be comfortable in uncomfortable situations" Chapters 00:00 The Journey from Engineering to Entrepreneurship 10:08 The Impact of Personal Relationships on Business 27:12 Belief in Oneself: A Catalyst for Entrepreneurial Success 31:44 Navigating Burnout and Business Chaos 35:21 The Impact of Overstretching and Difficult Relationships 51:43 Reflections on the Lowest Point and Finding Inspiration 01:01:39 Navigating Partnership Failure and Self-Sabotage in Business 01:04:58 Lessons Learned and Personal Growth Journey 01:13:38 Overcoming Setbacks and Embracing Personal Growth About Peter Banigo Engineer turned serial entrepreneur, Peter Banigo has been building and running businesses for over 14 years across diverse industries, including web design, restaurants, e-commerce, and energy. He is the founder of Target ICT Ltd, a company dedicated to empowering businesses to harness the power of technology to solve real problems, increase productivity, and drive results. Peter’s entrepreneurial journey spans a wide range of ventures, from web hosting and food delivery to SMS marketing and procurement. A common thread in his success is his ability to leverage tech-driven solutions to save time, cut costs, and unlock growth opportunities. As the host of the podcasts "Tech Your Business" and "Green Tech Pulse," Peter shares his expertise and passion for innovation, helping listeners stay ahead in the ever-evolving tech landscape. When not advising clients or podcasting, Peter combines work and wanderlust, running his businesses while traveling the world. Connect with Peter Banigo Linkedin Stay connected with Beyond the Fail: Join our mailing list here InstagramTik-tok Linktree See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →High Stakes, HARD Lessons: Losing Big in the Restaurant Game
Nov 27, 202400:52:42Tap to summarizeIn this conversation, Shawn Walchef shares his journey as restauranter and entrepreneur and the importance of storytelling in business. He talks about his experience opening two new restaurant delivery sites during the economic recession and the lessons he learned from struggling to keep it profitable. Shawn emphasises the power of telling your own story and leveraging the internet to reach your audience. He discusses the impact his grandfather had on his entrepreneurial mindset and the importance of curiosity, involvement, and asking for help. Shawn also shares his experience with opening ghost kitchens and the challenges he faced in scaling that business model. Shawn Walchef reflects on the failure of his ghost kitchens and the lessons he learned from it. He discusses the importance of focusing on storytelling and building a media company rather than spreading himself too thin. Walchef emphasises the value of failure and the courage to iterate and learn from mistakes. He shares the impact of closing the ghost kitchens and the financial challenges it posed. Walchef's resilience and determination stem from his family history and the perspective it provides. He encourages others to embrace failure, be curious, and tell their stories. Key Topics Telling your own story is crucial in business, and the internet provides a powerful platform to do so. Curiosity, involvement, and asking for help are fundamental to success as an entrepreneur. Importance of being digital first as a hospitality business Every business needs to be digital-first and prioritise hospitality to build a loyal customer base. Failure is a part of the entrepreneurial journey, and it's important to learn from setbacks and pivot when necessary. Focus on telling bigger stories to larger audiences rather than spreading yourself too thin. Failure is an opportunity to learn and iterate. Closing the ghost kitchens had a financial impact but allowed for a stronger focus on the media company. Importance of being curious and a life long learner Resilience comes from seeking support, having perspective, and being relentless in the pursuit of your goals. Embrace failure, be curious, and share your story Books mentioned: Building a Story Brand, Setting the Table, Mamba Mentality (Kobe Bryant) Sound Bites "No one's coming. No one can tell the story better than you." "You have a unique gift. You have a unique voice. And if you don't speak about that, no one's going to know." "You can't be in business if you're not a good storyteller." "The return on investment of my time, my team's time, focusing on telling bigger stories to larger audiences, much more valuable than telling those same stories to sell barbecue." "The formula for content creation, the reason why people don't start making videos is that they want quality. The only way to get to quality is quantity plus speed plus consistency." "Failing that fast and failing that fantastically." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and the Importance of Podcasting 03:13 The Power of Storytelling and the Importance of Beliefs 07:05 Telling the Stories of Restaurants and Hospitality Businesses 11:00 The Influence of Shawn's Grandfather and the Importance of Curiosity 14:00 The Business Advice from Shawn's Grandfather 16:50 The Journey to Becoming an Entrepreneur 21:03 The Bet on Ghost Kitchens and Lessons Learned 31:22 Telling Bigger Stories to Larger Audiences 33:50 The Value of Failure 44:31 Resilience and Family History 46:18 The Power of Perspective 49:04 Embracing Failure and Dreaming Big About Shawn Walchef Shawn Walchef is the founder of Cali BBQ, a successful restaurant chain based in San Diego, and the visionary behind Cali BBQ Media. With a passion for connecting brands with audiences, Shawn empowers leaders to thrive in the new Business Creator Economy through innovative Smartphone Storytelling and Digital Hospitality strategies. Since launching Cali BBQ in 2008, the company has generated over $35 million, growing to multiple locations and establishing a reputation for quality and community engagement. As the host of the popular video series Restaurant Influencers—published by Entrepreneur Media and produced by Cali BBQ Media—Shawn reaches a global audience, with over 25 million views, inspiring restaurateurs and entrepreneurs to embrace digital storytelling and build lasting brand connections. Connect with Shawn Walchef Instagram Linkedin Stay connected with Beyond the Fail: Join our mailing list here InstagramTik-tok Linktree See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Chinese military plane deal DISASTER
Nov 27, 202401:13:24Tap to summarizeIn this conversation Andy Semotiuk presents the realities of business failures, resilience, and personal growth. Andy shares his journey from law to the UN, his experiences with Mother Teresa, and the challenges he faced while attempting to manufacture planes in China. The discussion highlights the importance of learning from setbacks, the emotional toll of delivering bad news, and the lessons learned from hardship. Andy emphasises the need for resilience and adaptability in both personal and professional life, ultimately concluding that failures can lead to significant growth and understanding. Key Topics Experience is often derived from mistakes made in the past. The importance of discussing failures openly to help others. Bureaucracy can hinder personal growth and decision-making. Lessons learned from influential figures can shape one's perspective. Delivering bad news requires sensitivity and personal touch. Disappointment can strengthen character and resilience. Life is about how you react to challenges and setbacks. Opportunities often come disguised as problems. Resilience is built through exposure to uncomfortable situations. Sound Bites "Experience is basically the mistakes you've made." "I realised quickly that bureaucracy was not a place for me." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:56 The Purpose of the Podcast 06:06 Andy Semotiuk's Career Journey 08:57 Experiences at the United Nations 11:57 Lessons from Mother Teresa 15:09 The Airplane Manufacturing Venture 26:48 Challenges and Setbacks in China 36:09 The Aftermath of the Heart Attack 42:46 Delivering Bad News 50:00 Reflections on Failure and Resilience 57:05 Final Thoughts and Quickfire Round About Andy Semotiuk Andy Semotiuk is an lawyer, accomplished author of four books, and a Forbes columnist for 10 Years whose immigration articles have been read by over a million people. With a background in journalism, Andy also served as a United Nations correspondent, focusing on immigration and human rights. A Distinguished Toastmaster and former member of both the U.S. and Canadian professional speakers associations, he has a strong presence in public speaking and education. Currently practising U.S. and Canadian immigration law with Pace Law Firm in Toronto, Andy draws on decades of legal expertise and diverse experiences to offer insights on law, immigration, and human potential development. Connect with Andy Semotiuk Website Forbes Stay connected with Beyond the Fail: Join our mailing list here InstagramTik-tok Linktree See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →When Partnerships Go WRONG: lessons from a painful split
Nov 27, 202400:54:14Tap to summarizeAlan shares his proudest moments in business, which involve seeing his employees take ownership and improve the businesses he owns. He discusses the importance of letting go of control and hiring people who are better than him in certain areas. Alan also talks about his transition from being a lawyer to running his own pest control business, highlighting the risk he took and the importance of living without regret. He shares a failure story involving a former business partner and reflects on the lessons he learned from the experience. Allan reflects on his experiences with failed business partnerships and the lessons he has learned. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the perspective of your partners and being willing to compromise. Allan also discusses the qualities he looks for in potential business partners, including resilience and the ability to bounce back from failure. He encourages listeners to embrace failure as a learning opportunity and to view it as a stepping stone to success. Allan concludes by sharing his contact information for those who want to connect with him. Key Topics Proudest moments in business involve seeing employees take ownership and improve the business Letting go of control and hiring people who are better than you is essential for scaling a business Taking risks and living without regret can lead to personal and professional growth Failure in business partnerships can be emotionally challenging, but it's important to learn from the experience Understanding the perspective of your business partners is crucial for a successful partnership. Compromise and choose your battles wisely in business partnerships. Look for partners who are resilient and can bounce back from failure. Embrace failure as a learning opportunity and a stepping stone to success. Connect with Allan on social media or through his website for business discussions and advice. Books mentioned: Good to Great, The Top Five Regrets of the Dying Sound Bites "My rule of thumb, and I've heard this from author Dan Martell, is that 80% done by somebody else is better than 100% done by you." "Failure is experience." On Elon Musk: "There's a lot of things I don't envy about him. He lives a really tough life, but just a true entrepreneur, true visionary. This guy literally shoots for the stars and doesn't take no for an answer." Chapters 00:00 The Value of Employee Ownership and Improvement 02:10 Letting Go of Control and Hiring for Success 04:30 Taking Risks and Living Without Regret 21:06 Lessons Learned from a Failed Business Partnership 28:52 Understanding Your Business Partners 36:20 Resilience: A Key Quality in Business Partners 44:29 Embracing Failure as a Stepping Stone to Success 52:27 Connect with Allan for Business Discussions and Advice About Allan Draper Allan Draper, qualified as a lawyer before pivoting into entrepreneurship. He has since built several multimillion-dollar companies across industries like home services, digital marketing, real estate, and legal services. He now has stakes in 20 companies, and is the host of the “The Business Growth Pod". Connect with Allan Draper Website 15 min call Stay connected with Beyond the Fail: Join our mailing list here InstagramTik-tok Linktree See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Navigating a $200k Design Fail
Nov 27, 202401:11:19Tap to summarizeLisa Rizzo shares her journey as serial entrepreneur and the factors that influenced her decision to start her own businesses. She discusses the role of her family history, personal experiences, and personality traits in shaping her entrepreneurial mindset. Lisa emphasises the importance of understanding the 'why' behind one's actions and using personal struggles as a source of motivation. She also highlights the significance of joy and purpose in business and the need to align passion with financial goals. Lisa shares her experience of starting a softball training facility and later launching a footwear brand, emphasising the importance of following a clear vision and being open to partnerships. Lisa Rizzo shares her experience of designing and launching a product, including the challenges and setbacks she faced. She emphasises the importance of testing and prototyping before finalising a design and filing patents. Lisa also discusses the emotional toll of setbacks and the need to give oneself grace and stay focused on the vision. She shares her practice of visualisation and the power of law of attraction in achieving success. Lisa encourages entrepreneurs to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and to be open to pivoting when necessary. Key Topics Understanding the 'why' behind your actions gives them more power and allows you to turn struggles into motivation. Passion and purpose are essential in business and can lead to a more fulfilling and successful journey. Having a clear vision and being open to partnerships can help bring innovative ideas to life. Learning different roles and aspects of your business in the early stages is crucial for growth and success. Following a 'hell yes' feeling and doing due diligence can help determine if an idea is worth pursuing. Test and prototype your product extensively before finalizing the design and filing patents. Give yourself grace and stay focused on your vision during setbacks. Use visualization and the law of attraction to manifest success. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and be open to pivoting when necessary. Books mentioned: E-Myth, Hell Yeah or No Sound Bites "Seeing my grandparents' deli, realizing that people could just disappear, and having a gritty attitude are the three things that made me an entrepreneur." "I liked the freedom, no cap on my income, and being as successful as I want with things I love to do." "I always go into something that is fulfilling to me and serves a greater purpose to others." "We got patents before we even had the final product. That's terrible." "You have to know when to persevere and when to pivot." "I felt low because I thought maybe this was just silly. I felt embarrassed." Chapters 00:00 The Influence of Family History and Personal Experiences 06:23 The Power of Passion and Purpose in Business 10:43 From Softball Training Facility to Footwear Brand 22:02 Learning Different Roles and Embracing Partnerships 32:14 The 'Hell Yes' Feeling: Determining Which Ideas to Pursue 40:26 Designing a Unique Product 52:00 Testing and Prototyping 57:11 Overcoming Setbacks and Doubts 01:03:22 Visualization and the Law of Attraction 01:09:18 Embracing Challenges and Failure 01:13:10 Advice for Entrepreneurs About Lisa Rizzo Lisa Rizzo is a trailblazer in the world of softball coaching and athlete development. She founded Challenge U. Softball® in 2011, with the vision of creating the largest softball-only training facility in the U.S. Dedicated to excellence, Lisa ensures that all of her coaches are former high-level players, bringing unparalleled expertise to their athletes. In 2017, she launched the CUDIT® Concentric Hitting Program, a unique approach to hitting that integrates both physical mechanics and mental training. This program is built around her innovative VBS System®—Visualization, Body-Language, and Self-Talk—designed to enhance athletes' mental toughness alongside their technical skills. Lisa’s methods have gained widespread recognition, with certified coaches now operating in over 21 states and throughout Canada, establishing her as a leader in the field of softball training. Beyond coaching, she is also an entrepreneur and innovator, set to release a new affirmation-based product, Limitless Slides, in 2023 and has since appeared on the Today Show and the “Kelly Clarkson” show. Through her commitment to athlete development, mental training, and leadership, Lisa Rizzo continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the sport of softball, inspiring players and coaches alike with her dedication to fostering both physical and mental strength in her athletes. Connect with Lisa Rizzo Website Stay connected with Beyond the Fail: Join our mailing list here InstagramTik-tok Linktree See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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