Leaders Fail Forward

Failure isn’t fatal. In fact, it’s one of God’s greatest tools for forming leaders. My past is a vivid reminder that grace meets us in the middle of the mess. Not all my business ventures succeeded, and neither did my first marriage. But through those failures, I learned to lead with humility, vulnerability, and authenticity.

One of the hardest failures I experienced in my career was when my first business failed. I was young, inexperienced, and thought hustle was all I needed. When it fell apart, I felt embarrassed and disappointed in myself. I could have walked away and decided I wasn’t cut out for leadership. But God wasn’t finished with me. In that very place of failure, I experienced his strength like never before. I got through the difficult season and learned from my mistakes. Failing forward means I learn, adjust, and keep moving.

Paul says in 2 Corinthians that God’s power is made perfect in our weakness. I’ve stopped pretending I have to be strong all the time. God’s grace is sufficient for me—especially when I fail.

Reflect: What failure is God inviting you to learn from instead of hide from?

Prayer: Jesus, use my failures. Let them become the foundation of wisdom, not the source of shame.