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Право на помилку. 25 успішних жінок розповідають про те, чого їх навчили власні помилки
Ми оточені неймовірними історіями успіху. Друзі та подружки розповідають про «Вона так багато працювала � і у неї вийшло» або «Йому пощастило � і він став мільйонером». Чи справді люди, які досягли вершин і так багато говорять про «цінності навчання на помилках», могли коли-небудь помилятися? Що ж стоїть за цими історіями?
Джессіка Бекол провела 25 інтерв’� для книжки «Право на помилку». Видатні й успішні жінки зізнаються, що саме їхні власні помилки та правильні висновки дозволили їм стати тими, ким вони є зараз. Розповіді про складні рішення, серйозні життєві ситуації, кумедні епізоди, а також безліч практичних порад � усе це допоможе молодим кар’єристкам не боятися робити помилки і йти вперед, а досвідченим � проаналізувати власний шлях і по-новому подивитися на всі свої перемоги та поразки.
Джессіка Бекол провела 25 інтерв’� для книжки «Право на помилку». Видатні й успішні жінки зізнаються, що саме їхні власні помилки та правильні висновки дозволили їм стати тими, ким вони є зараз. Розповіді про складні рішення, серйозні життєві ситуації, кумедні епізоди, а також безліч практичних порад � усе це допоможе молодим кар’єристкам не боятися робити помилки і йти вперед, а досвідченим � проаналізувати власний шлях і по-новому подивитися на всі свої перемоги та поразки.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published April 29, 2014
258 people are currently reading
4,993 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Bacal
3books20followersJessica Bacal directs the Wurtele Center for Work & Life at Smith College, an independent women’s college in Massachusetts with students from every state and from 60 countries around the world. The center’s programs teach leadership skills, life skills, stress reduction and reflection, asking students to think about questions like: What is your story? Where have you been and where are you going? What matters to you? What skills will help you to pursue what matters? What do you do if you don’t know the answers?
Mistakes I Made at Work: 25 Influential Women Reflect on What They Got Out of Getting It Wrong emerged from her experiences with students, and from her own steep learning curve as she transitioned into higher education. You'll find articles about Bacal's work on Inside Higher Ed, HuffPost Women and The New York Times blog "The Choice."
Before coming to Smith, Bacal was an elementary school teacher in New York City, and then worked as a curriculum developer and consultant. She received a bachelor's degree from Carleton College, an MS.Ed. from Bank Street College of Education and an MFA in writing from Hunter College, part of the City University of New York. She lives in Northampton, MA with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews
May 12, 2014
A promising concept, but disappointingly flimsy on the ground. I was drawn to the theme and to what I could see of the interviewee list (Ruth Ozeki! Kim Gordon!), but, with rare exceptions, found a lot of the accounts disappointingly insubstantial -- more of a primer/introductory volume for young women just starting out in the workforce than for seasoned professionals. This may be because Bacal is the Director of Smith College's Center for Work and Life, so college-aged women are her usual audience. Unfortunately, for the same reason, the complete list of interviewees was also a little disappointing. Likely because of Bacal's professional affiliation, most of them were Smith alumnae. While this makes for a fairly distinguished group, it also makes for one that tends to be white, affluent, and Northeastern (and reads like a publication disseminated by the Office of Alumnae Relations). I would've liked to have seen more women of color on this list, and certainly more people from a less-than-middle-class background, because both of these factors dramatically affect one's professional experience.
Overall, while there were some gems in here (Ozeki's account being my favorite), t left me feeling a little swindled.
Overall, while there were some gems in here (Ozeki's account being my favorite), t left me feeling a little swindled.
August 13, 2019
No surprise, even successful people make mistakes. Yes surprise, here they reveal some -- so that we can gain inspiration for our own success! Getting 'there' lies in the desire to grow, rather than merely impress. Entertaining, well written as well as audiobook well performed.
September 24, 2019
хороша книжка, надихає.
Сподобалась думка у книжці Джессіки Бекол про право на помилку, що в успішних дієвих жінок не буває life-work балансу. Натомість у них контрольований дисбаланс: десь перекосилося в бік кар‘єри, десь у бік сім‘�, потім у творчості. Дисбаланс це ок, головне хоч трохи цим керувати
Сподобалась думка у книжці Джессіки Бекол про право на помилку, що в успішних дієвих жінок не буває life-work балансу. Натомість у них контрольований дисбаланс: десь перекосилося в бік кар‘єри, десь у бік сім‘�, потім у творчості. Дисбаланс це ок, головне хоч трохи цим керувати
March 9, 2021
The idea of this book absolutely rocks. Bacal explains early on that she intended this book to tell stories of failure because so often people talk about the importance of failure without getting vulnerable enough to discuss specific examples. What does it mean to learn from your mistakes?
Unfortunately, this is not a book where you will find out.
These are stories about getting out of unhealthy work situations, about crappy jobs leading to better opportunities, about racism and sexism, about internal motivation, in short about just about everything but individual mess-ups. Well, maybe one or two actually talk about messing up.
But overall this book made me very uncomfortable with what it treated as "mistakes." Because those aren't mistakes. Those are life circumstances that, yes, people deal with and can learn from.
"I had a crappy boss who treated me disrespectfully" is a story of pain that can teach a young woman about standing up for herself. But it is not a mistake to have a crappy boss.
Now, one of the stories in here is from a doctor who talks about how her arrogance caused her to nearly lose a patient during her residency. That story I liked. It showed vulnerability. It wasn't because of circumstances generally outside of her control. In telling her story she owned up to what she did wrong, and she opened a pathway for others to experience grace when similar mistakes get made. Or maybe avoid them altogether.
Hearing the mistakes of others can be powerful. At the law firm where I work now, one of the senior attorneys came into my office during my first week of work and told me about his most embarrassing mistake. I don't know what motivated him to do it, but it gave me confidence because I knew that even if I made mistakes, he would understand. I might still get chewed out for it, but no one demanded perfection. That story gave me breathing room as I stumbled through the sharp learning curve of my job.
Now, it wasn't like this book was terrible. It tries. But at the end of the day, while the thesis reached for something great, the lack of clear definition kept it basically forgettable.
Unfortunately, this is not a book where you will find out.
These are stories about getting out of unhealthy work situations, about crappy jobs leading to better opportunities, about racism and sexism, about internal motivation, in short about just about everything but individual mess-ups. Well, maybe one or two actually talk about messing up.
But overall this book made me very uncomfortable with what it treated as "mistakes." Because those aren't mistakes. Those are life circumstances that, yes, people deal with and can learn from.
"I had a crappy boss who treated me disrespectfully" is a story of pain that can teach a young woman about standing up for herself. But it is not a mistake to have a crappy boss.
Now, one of the stories in here is from a doctor who talks about how her arrogance caused her to nearly lose a patient during her residency. That story I liked. It showed vulnerability. It wasn't because of circumstances generally outside of her control. In telling her story she owned up to what she did wrong, and she opened a pathway for others to experience grace when similar mistakes get made. Or maybe avoid them altogether.
Hearing the mistakes of others can be powerful. At the law firm where I work now, one of the senior attorneys came into my office during my first week of work and told me about his most embarrassing mistake. I don't know what motivated him to do it, but it gave me confidence because I knew that even if I made mistakes, he would understand. I might still get chewed out for it, but no one demanded perfection. That story gave me breathing room as I stumbled through the sharp learning curve of my job.
Now, it wasn't like this book was terrible. It tries. But at the end of the day, while the thesis reached for something great, the lack of clear definition kept it basically forgettable.
March 4, 2016
Good, but not memorable. Much better books for women in the workplace (Selena Rezvani’s Pushback, for one). It’s refreshing to hear stories about bouncing back from low points, but not all mistakes are created equal. A lot of the women featured equated “mistakes� with “risking potential failure� and they aren’t the same thing. At all.
July 11, 2018
Я мала великі надії, що ця книжка стане моєю «настільною», тією, що допоможе сприймати помилки легше і надихатиме ніколи не опускати рук. Та на практиці історії цих жінок розказані так, що у мене не виходило ототожнювати себе з ними, я не бачила в їхніх ситуаціях себе. Тому з нудьгою перегортала черговий описаний життєвий шлях чергової успішної жінки, після чого зрозуміла, що треба продовжувати і далі шукати свою мотивувальну «настільну» книжку.
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October 10, 2019شیرین و آموزنده از زبان ۲۵ زن موفق درباره اشتباهاتشون در محیط کار و اینکه از اشتباه چی یاد گرفتن، بعدا چطور فهمیدن اون کار اشتباهه و چه تغییری کردن
January 24, 2016
I enjoyed this book but many of the essays were from writers so it wasn't representative of many careers-- it was especially low on examples of women in STEM fields. Additionally, almost all of the essay-writers were connected to Smith College in some way and all were college educated. While the book had some valuable lessons, I felt a lot of these women were allowed to take big risks and learn from failures because they had significant safety nets.
December 2, 2019
Однозначно книга хороша і потрібна в контексті і жіночого руху (адже жінкам важко пробиватись у верхівку успішних, те що ти жінка трішки ускладнює процес), і в контексті психології помилок взагалі. Те як наше суспільство до них відноситься, як нас оточує лише одне правильне судження - про помилки не варто говорити, лише про успіхи і як легко тобі процес йшов . Але не роблячи помилок, не можливо спізнати себе, здобути досвіду, вирости й змінитись.
Тому я точно за більшу кількість таких розмов, але з даною книгою чомусь конекту так і не сталось, а мені так хотілось. Не всі історії читались однаково, а десь із середини я взагалі зрозуміла, що вже їх не розрізняю і зникає стумул читати далі, та все таки на своїй правильності доїхала до кінця.
Під кінець сподобалась історія письменниці та дзен-буддистки Рут Озекі, щось мене а ній зачепило особливо про перфекціонізм, як форм захисту та страху втратити контроль (дуже схоже на мене). Надіюсь що все таки якісь речі відклались у підкірці, і помилки тепер не здаватимуться мені глобальним програшем і кінцем життя :)
Тому я точно за більшу кількість таких розмов, але з даною книгою чомусь конекту так і не сталось, а мені так хотілось. Не всі історії читались однаково, а десь із середини я взагалі зрозуміла, що вже їх не розрізняю і зникає стумул читати далі, та все таки на своїй правильності доїхала до кінця.
Під кінець сподобалась історія письменниці та дзен-буддистки Рут Озекі, щось мене а ній зачепило особливо про перфекціонізм, як форм захисту та страху втратити контроль (дуже схоже на мене). Надіюсь що все таки якісь речі відклались у підкірці, і помилки тепер не здаватимуться мені глобальним програшем і кінцем життя :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2014
A revolutionary idea --- talk about mistakes and what you learned from them! And then ask well-known women to contribute! Great premise executed well. I enjoyed reading about the various experiences, backgrounds and professions and could see the commonality of professional women navigating organizational and relational challenges. The chapters that I found most helpful 25 years into my career are the ones about giving oneself time to really understand what will make one happy at work and life -- and that this can be a trial and error process.
I give this 3.5 stars because I found it to read exactly like a collection of short essays without much narrative thread or overarching theme besides "tell your story," leaving it feeling a little choppy. Nevertheless, a great set of essays, especially for younger women who are starting their careers. Some very good advice and storytelling in a time that this doesn't happen collectively.
Please note that this review is provided as part of the LibraryThing early reviewer program and reflects my honest opinion of the publication.
I give this 3.5 stars because I found it to read exactly like a collection of short essays without much narrative thread or overarching theme besides "tell your story," leaving it feeling a little choppy. Nevertheless, a great set of essays, especially for younger women who are starting their careers. Some very good advice and storytelling in a time that this doesn't happen collectively.
Please note that this review is provided as part of the LibraryThing early reviewer program and reflects my honest opinion of the publication.
November 2, 2018
Жінки, історії яких покладені в основу цієї книги, супер-мега успішні, і тому важко відчути себе на їхньому місці. Але разом з тим відсторонено читати про їх неймовірні успіхи, і помилки, що потім привели їх до вершин, цікаво.
February 23, 2016
My main takeaway from this book was that nobody has it all figured it out. Even people at the very top have had failures.
This book includes lots of interesting stories of women at work. It is a pretty quick read.
It was indeed useful to read stories of failures. That way I think it is easier to embrace your own failures down the road. That’s important, otherwise it might hold you back and you don't end up doing anything, thus failing before starting.
Good piece of advice for passion: "If you don’t have a passion, there’s nothing wrong with you. I think that life is not so much about following your passion, but about realizing that your journey is a long one. Focus on developing hard skills like problem solving, business writing, and presenting, and soft skills like taking initiative, getting along with others, and engaging in meetings. Get curious about what you enjoy doing (and don’t enjoy), and notice what gives you a lot of energy.� - For a long time I didn't know what my passion was either, but slowly discovered it by trying to do as best as I can.
It was great to see that few of the featured women in the book were fellow Smithies (also graduated from my alma mater Smith College).
Few of my favorite quotes:
"When you have major setbacks, you ironically begin to feel like you can do anything because the worst has already happened and you’re no longer paralyzed by the fear of something not working out."
"But each of these risks, whether small or more substantial, built my confidence."
"Doing work that you love can inspire others to do the same."
This book includes lots of interesting stories of women at work. It is a pretty quick read.
It was indeed useful to read stories of failures. That way I think it is easier to embrace your own failures down the road. That’s important, otherwise it might hold you back and you don't end up doing anything, thus failing before starting.
Good piece of advice for passion: "If you don’t have a passion, there’s nothing wrong with you. I think that life is not so much about following your passion, but about realizing that your journey is a long one. Focus on developing hard skills like problem solving, business writing, and presenting, and soft skills like taking initiative, getting along with others, and engaging in meetings. Get curious about what you enjoy doing (and don’t enjoy), and notice what gives you a lot of energy.� - For a long time I didn't know what my passion was either, but slowly discovered it by trying to do as best as I can.
It was great to see that few of the featured women in the book were fellow Smithies (also graduated from my alma mater Smith College).
Few of my favorite quotes:
"When you have major setbacks, you ironically begin to feel like you can do anything because the worst has already happened and you’re no longer paralyzed by the fear of something not working out."
"But each of these risks, whether small or more substantial, built my confidence."
"Doing work that you love can inspire others to do the same."
May 27, 2014
Mistakes I made at Work is a must-read. Not only is the author's voice (in the preview sections of each of the four parts) really accessible and down-to-earth, the essays themselves are priceless. They are easy to digest and end with "tips" which are great take-away messages. I book-marked and highlighted at least a third of the book to return to (for myself or my students whom I mentor).
The book itself is a collection of essays by 25 really successful women. Part 1 is about telling your own story, Part 2 is about asking, Part 3 is about saying no, and Part 4 is about resilience. I loved part 3 and 4 the best. Part 1 was less relevant to me, but I see its value for those who are beginning their careers. Even so, every section of the book had some real gems by luminously amazing women like Cheryl Strayed, Danielle Ofri, Luma Mufleh, and my three personal absolute favorites (people I want to meet and have a long drink with and pick their brains forever): Carla Harris, Rinku Sen, and Shirley Malcom.
If you've ever stepped on someone's toes, brokered a terrible deal, beleagueredly said yes when you really meant no, doubted yourself or career/educational choices, or did something that makes you want to hide under a rock for the rest of your career- then this is a book for you.
The book itself is a collection of essays by 25 really successful women. Part 1 is about telling your own story, Part 2 is about asking, Part 3 is about saying no, and Part 4 is about resilience. I loved part 3 and 4 the best. Part 1 was less relevant to me, but I see its value for those who are beginning their careers. Even so, every section of the book had some real gems by luminously amazing women like Cheryl Strayed, Danielle Ofri, Luma Mufleh, and my three personal absolute favorites (people I want to meet and have a long drink with and pick their brains forever): Carla Harris, Rinku Sen, and Shirley Malcom.
If you've ever stepped on someone's toes, brokered a terrible deal, beleagueredly said yes when you really meant no, doubted yourself or career/educational choices, or did something that makes you want to hide under a rock for the rest of your career- then this is a book for you.
January 4, 2021
As a Career Counselor, I am often talking to my students about the value of mistakes. Each time this conversation comes up, they have a hard time seeing that sometimes getting it wrong is the best thing that can happen. For example, an internship you hate can show you which path NOT to go down and solve so many future problems. The point of this book was pointing out that everyone, even influential women, make mistakes and can learn from them, which I appreciated. I enjoyed the “bite sized pieces� as each chapter was a different story and person. I read this as I was applying for a promotion and it inspired me. I picked this book up at the DOLLAR TREE and was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it.
July 7, 2015
This was such an excellent book. I actually found myself taking notes! I would recommend this book to every person I know...regardless of gender...seriously. A quick, entertaining read with a wealth of knowledge to boot! I'd like to own this book.
June 19, 2014
This book hit me at the right time. I really enjoyed reading of other women's experiences in the working world and how they choose to navigate issues as they arose.
May 26, 2019
This was the right book at the right time and I found it extremely useful 10 years into my career.
Highly recommend
Highly recommend
March 13, 2025
f**k this book was a person attack on type a though daughter perfectionist gifted girls
“Don’t expect too much of yourself when you’re young. It’s better to be a late bloomer than an early one; so many young successes flame out and spend the rest of their lives lamenting what they used to have.�
the quiet truth no one mentions: stability can start to feel like stagnation
notes:
- meaningful impact rarely follows rigid scripts
- prioritise curiosity over convention
- we need to trust our capacity in order to reach new ones
- Schools, galleries, and similar spaces often prioritize fitting into predefined roles over honoring individual values. What happens when your core beliefs collide with what’s expected? How do you stay true to yourself when everything around you resists that truth?
- staying true to yourself often means reshaping systems rather than accepting their limits
- transparency about limitations can drive systemic improvements
- seeking support isn’t weakness. Progress often hinges on collaborative effort and admitting uncertainties.
- theme of refusal as preservation
- The act of refusal often forces a confrontation with identity. Who are we when we stop accommodating others� expectations? What survives when we shed roles that no longer fit?
- Recovery often starts with small, deliberate steps � reengaging with community, examining past choices, reframing challenges as skill-building opportunities
quotes:
- “The lesson is: resistance is just resistance. If you make a conscious decision not to pursue your idea, that’s one thing. But unless somebody says, “No, don’t do that,� it’s not a no. And if you allow yourself to be dissuaded without actually hearing that no, then you may end up feeling like a victim and feeling resentful at work.�
- you almost need to see yourself as a freelancer, building skills and capabilities to take with you to the next job and the next job and the next job. That’s your toolkit, and you should be adding to it all the time, because you can’t rely on a company to take care of you and nurture you and bring
- “When you have a “growth mindset,� you understand that mistakes and setbacks are an inevitable part of learning.�
- I think problems arise in particular for someone like me: because school had always come easily, the first twenty-two years of my life had been a string of successes, and I didn’t really know how to handle setbacks.�
- “Many, I think, never figure out how to handle the emptiness that comes when the rush of achievement fades away, or the loneliness—the sense of invisibility—when no one is there to hand out yet another ‘A.�
- “I found a description of my dream job at a firm called the Great Place to Work Institute, which consulted to companies trying to create better workplaces for their employees.�
- Don’t just ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.
- “People are comfortable with others who are open about their flaws, who don’t try to pretend to be more than they are. It’s easier to go through life being honest and owning up to your less-than qualities than faking it.�
- “If procrastination is a symptom of perfectionism, it’s also a protective strategy—you stop yourself before you can make a mistake. It’s not an effective strategy, but it’s a strategy nonetheless.�
- “When you are one of the only people from a particular cultural background—in a classroom, a workplace, or an entire field—any bias that you face is complicated by being female.�
- “Sometimes being comfortable in a place isn’t a good enough reason to stay there. It’s okay to take risks.
- There is no school, no therapy session, no amount of money that will earn you the wisdom and strength conferred by an epic-fail mistake
- I would encourage every young woman to find at least one beautifully mucky place in which you’re not the expert—and then to wade in.
“Don’t expect too much of yourself when you’re young. It’s better to be a late bloomer than an early one; so many young successes flame out and spend the rest of their lives lamenting what they used to have.�
the quiet truth no one mentions: stability can start to feel like stagnation
notes:
- meaningful impact rarely follows rigid scripts
- prioritise curiosity over convention
- we need to trust our capacity in order to reach new ones
- Schools, galleries, and similar spaces often prioritize fitting into predefined roles over honoring individual values. What happens when your core beliefs collide with what’s expected? How do you stay true to yourself when everything around you resists that truth?
- staying true to yourself often means reshaping systems rather than accepting their limits
- transparency about limitations can drive systemic improvements
- seeking support isn’t weakness. Progress often hinges on collaborative effort and admitting uncertainties.
- theme of refusal as preservation
- The act of refusal often forces a confrontation with identity. Who are we when we stop accommodating others� expectations? What survives when we shed roles that no longer fit?
- Recovery often starts with small, deliberate steps � reengaging with community, examining past choices, reframing challenges as skill-building opportunities
quotes:
- “The lesson is: resistance is just resistance. If you make a conscious decision not to pursue your idea, that’s one thing. But unless somebody says, “No, don’t do that,� it’s not a no. And if you allow yourself to be dissuaded without actually hearing that no, then you may end up feeling like a victim and feeling resentful at work.�
- you almost need to see yourself as a freelancer, building skills and capabilities to take with you to the next job and the next job and the next job. That’s your toolkit, and you should be adding to it all the time, because you can’t rely on a company to take care of you and nurture you and bring
- “When you have a “growth mindset,� you understand that mistakes and setbacks are an inevitable part of learning.�
- I think problems arise in particular for someone like me: because school had always come easily, the first twenty-two years of my life had been a string of successes, and I didn’t really know how to handle setbacks.�
- “Many, I think, never figure out how to handle the emptiness that comes when the rush of achievement fades away, or the loneliness—the sense of invisibility—when no one is there to hand out yet another ‘A.�
- “I found a description of my dream job at a firm called the Great Place to Work Institute, which consulted to companies trying to create better workplaces for their employees.�
- Don’t just ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.
- “People are comfortable with others who are open about their flaws, who don’t try to pretend to be more than they are. It’s easier to go through life being honest and owning up to your less-than qualities than faking it.�
- “If procrastination is a symptom of perfectionism, it’s also a protective strategy—you stop yourself before you can make a mistake. It’s not an effective strategy, but it’s a strategy nonetheless.�
- “When you are one of the only people from a particular cultural background—in a classroom, a workplace, or an entire field—any bias that you face is complicated by being female.�
- “Sometimes being comfortable in a place isn’t a good enough reason to stay there. It’s okay to take risks.
- There is no school, no therapy session, no amount of money that will earn you the wisdom and strength conferred by an epic-fail mistake
- I would encourage every young woman to find at least one beautifully mucky place in which you’re not the expert—and then to wade in.
February 28, 2024
While I may have screwed up, it doesn’t mean I am a screwup.
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
A poignant reminder on the need for self-reflection and review when it comes to our careers and our future. The author makes the premise that sometimes we need a reminder that we all make mistakes in our work lives, but this shouldn’t define us. In fact, they help us learn and make ourselves better in the long run. Yet, people shy away from being vulnerable and discussing these mistakes publicly in fear of hurting themselves. The book aims to offer women kinship and to help them give themselves grace in their work and their career paths by reading and seeing themselves in one or more of the stories shared by the 25 women interviewed by the author. I appreciate the intent and sentiment behind the book and did find there was payoff in reading the stories in that I was able to find different nuggets of wisdom that had me reflecting and nodding along. However, I also think that the author missed the mark a bit in her goal. The stories were each so short and cut down that it felt impossible to relate to the women because the reader didn’t have enough time to familiarize with each of them, with more time being dedicated to giving us information on their credentials as if a plea to the reader to consider the stories credible. This is a book that I full-heartedly believe would have been much better off presented in a serial podcast form such that each interview would have been given more depth and it would have been easier to retain the information presented and get much more from each of the women. This was yet another issue I had with the book. By the end I remembered nothing from the beginning, hence the conclusion that it would not be useful in the long-term. Therefore, I appreciate the information but wish it had been presented in a more effective format.
July 29, 2021
3.8 star rating
In general, this is one of those books whose value is inspiring, consolatory, motivating, reflective and a book/workshop etc.like this is a need in our world were women generally aren't heard or share enough.
Now on the downside this felt to me somewhat narrow in subjects and experiences. I mean majority are from the Author's Alma mater for instance, majority are white and likely from middle-class families.... somehow all these factors just didn't bring to mind a picture of the variabilities of their experiences. In addition, I think some described situations really didn't seem to me as personal work mistakes but challenges faced at work.
In general, this is one of those books whose value is inspiring, consolatory, motivating, reflective and a book/workshop etc.like this is a need in our world were women generally aren't heard or share enough.
Now on the downside this felt to me somewhat narrow in subjects and experiences. I mean majority are from the Author's Alma mater for instance, majority are white and likely from middle-class families.... somehow all these factors just didn't bring to mind a picture of the variabilities of their experiences. In addition, I think some described situations really didn't seem to me as personal work mistakes but challenges faced at work.
July 21, 2024
Wished there had been more intersectional commentary about the persons background outside of professional. Which I understand the rationale as to why that wasn’t included. Just would have liked to dive into the personal culture instead of simply saying “culture�.
Loved the different generational representation though! Although business in 1980 is different than 2024. They’re not THAT different..
Loved the different generational representation though! Although business in 1980 is different than 2024. They’re not THAT different..
May 12, 2022
I would recommend this book for all women out there. As a society we need to normalise making mistakes and taking away stigma when talking about them. Mistakes and failures are just a normal part of learning, and I am sick and tired that a lot of people point fingers to make one feel bad, which very probably might discourage a person from pursuing that path or goal.
I loved it, but I have to say that I do believe most women in this book come from somewhat privileged backgrounds, no matter if they have gone through difficult financial or professional times themselves. Maybe I am wrong, but wanted to point this out.
I loved it, but I have to say that I do believe most women in this book come from somewhat privileged backgrounds, no matter if they have gone through difficult financial or professional times themselves. Maybe I am wrong, but wanted to point this out.
January 20, 2020
Idea is very good. But the book missing pictures of the women, and some stories require a little bit more of editing.
July 11, 2014
“Mistakes I Made At Work� is an excellent book, a collection of essays by some truly extraordinary and accomplished women, who do something utterly refreshing and ultimately revolutionary - they speak about what they did wrong and what that meant to them.
“Any bias you face is complicated by being female.� Dr. Shirley Malcom
The essayists are writers and politicians, rockstars and activists, entrepreneurs and scientists, mothers and executives, all dedicated to what one of them calls the “growth mindset� - a psychological concept where you value learning over smarts.
“Failure is part of innovation.� Corinna Lathan
“Fail fast, fail hard, and fail often.� Reshma Saujani
“Failing is sometimes the only way forward.� Selena Rezvani
“Rarely is a mistake fatal.� Carla Harris
MIMAW is organized into 4 sections: Learning to take charge of your own narrative; Learning to ask; Learning to say no; and Learning resilience. Each section and essay is thoughtfully introduced by Jessica Bacal (full disclosure - she’s a friend, and a fabulous writer and thinker herself).
“I would encourage every young woman to find at least one beautifully mucky place in which you’re not the expert - and then to wade in.� Lisa Lutz
It doesn’t matter that some of the ideas get repeated, or that some of the essays are less fluent and compelling than others, because the end game is so important: making mistakes is not the end of the world, and it could in fact mean the beginning. And sometimes you cannot get to the right place without visiting the wrong one, maybe a few times.
“If you make a big public mistake, then own it in a big public way.� Carla Harris
This claim is especially critical for women who are raised to not just be perfect but look the part too. The idea that you could expose yourself as flawed or a seeming fraud runs counter to everything both men and women are taught. This exposing appears to be especially debilitating to women who feel they cannot get ahead if they fall flat or even leave open that possibility.
“You’re almost never alone at the helm of a ship, or anywhere else, for that matter.� Danielle Ofri
But essay after essay, these ambitious thoughtful women they talk about how you have to take risks, you have to be hungry, and most importantly, you have to learn from everything you say and do, most especially the mistakes.
“When you have major setbacks, you ironically begin to feel like you can do anything, because the worst has already happened, and you’re no longer paralyzed by the fear of something not working out.� Reshma Saujani
“You and your bad decision are two separate things.� Danielle Ofri
“When it comes to public speaking, the most important thing to remember is that people don’t come to watch you fail.� Lisa Lutz
I know when I worked at a startup in the late 90s, it took me so long to realise that the times we leapfrogged to another level was when we had failed, sometimes spectacularly, sometimes less so. And that getting it right the first time was not nearly as instructive as getting it wrong. When something works well, you might not even know why, but when something doesn’t work, you usually know exactly why, and you’ll probably remember that lesson longer.
“You should only call mistakes failures if you don’t learn.� Joanna Barsh
None of this is easy, of course, and the anecdotes if revelatory were often painful and frustrating, unfair and ego busting. It remains that we have to be brave and honest and open, and that messing up is part and parcel of changing the world. I highly recommend this book.
“Every novel or painting is like this: perfect in the maker’s mind, but imperfectly realised.� Ruth Ozeki
“Any bias you face is complicated by being female.� Dr. Shirley Malcom
The essayists are writers and politicians, rockstars and activists, entrepreneurs and scientists, mothers and executives, all dedicated to what one of them calls the “growth mindset� - a psychological concept where you value learning over smarts.
“Failure is part of innovation.� Corinna Lathan
“Fail fast, fail hard, and fail often.� Reshma Saujani
“Failing is sometimes the only way forward.� Selena Rezvani
“Rarely is a mistake fatal.� Carla Harris
MIMAW is organized into 4 sections: Learning to take charge of your own narrative; Learning to ask; Learning to say no; and Learning resilience. Each section and essay is thoughtfully introduced by Jessica Bacal (full disclosure - she’s a friend, and a fabulous writer and thinker herself).
“I would encourage every young woman to find at least one beautifully mucky place in which you’re not the expert - and then to wade in.� Lisa Lutz
It doesn’t matter that some of the ideas get repeated, or that some of the essays are less fluent and compelling than others, because the end game is so important: making mistakes is not the end of the world, and it could in fact mean the beginning. And sometimes you cannot get to the right place without visiting the wrong one, maybe a few times.
“If you make a big public mistake, then own it in a big public way.� Carla Harris
This claim is especially critical for women who are raised to not just be perfect but look the part too. The idea that you could expose yourself as flawed or a seeming fraud runs counter to everything both men and women are taught. This exposing appears to be especially debilitating to women who feel they cannot get ahead if they fall flat or even leave open that possibility.
“You’re almost never alone at the helm of a ship, or anywhere else, for that matter.� Danielle Ofri
But essay after essay, these ambitious thoughtful women they talk about how you have to take risks, you have to be hungry, and most importantly, you have to learn from everything you say and do, most especially the mistakes.
“When you have major setbacks, you ironically begin to feel like you can do anything, because the worst has already happened, and you’re no longer paralyzed by the fear of something not working out.� Reshma Saujani
“You and your bad decision are two separate things.� Danielle Ofri
“When it comes to public speaking, the most important thing to remember is that people don’t come to watch you fail.� Lisa Lutz
I know when I worked at a startup in the late 90s, it took me so long to realise that the times we leapfrogged to another level was when we had failed, sometimes spectacularly, sometimes less so. And that getting it right the first time was not nearly as instructive as getting it wrong. When something works well, you might not even know why, but when something doesn’t work, you usually know exactly why, and you’ll probably remember that lesson longer.
“You should only call mistakes failures if you don’t learn.� Joanna Barsh
None of this is easy, of course, and the anecdotes if revelatory were often painful and frustrating, unfair and ego busting. It remains that we have to be brave and honest and open, and that messing up is part and parcel of changing the world. I highly recommend this book.
“Every novel or painting is like this: perfect in the maker’s mind, but imperfectly realised.� Ruth Ozeki
March 14, 2025
Success often comes with a rigid set of expectations, particularly for women who have worked tirelessly to earn their place in competitive fields. While stability can be comforting, it can also become suffocating, leaving little space for the kind of work that feels fulfilling and meaningful. This book gathers stories of women who have faced moments of uncertainty in their careers, turning mistakes, failures, and doubts into opportunities for growth. Their experiences demonstrate that professional setbacks and unexpected detours can often lead to greater clarity and fulfillment. By listening to their instincts and refusing to conform to predefined expectations, they created paths that were more aligned with their values. These stories highlight that success is not always a straight line but rather a journey of risk-taking, resilience, and self-discovery.
Women are often encouraged to prioritize security in their careers, making choices that appear stable rather than pursuing what truly excites them. Many hesitate to leave unsatisfying roles, fearing that change will be seen as instability. However, stepping into the unknown can lead to more fulfilling work. Rachel Simmons, an accomplished author and leadership expert, built an impressive career in politics, earning prestigious opportunities, including a Rhodes scholarship. Yet, despite her achievements, she felt disconnected from her work. The pressure to continue along an expected trajectory made leaving seem daunting, but she chose to walk away in search of something more meaningful. Returning home without a clear plan was difficult, but that space allowed her to rediscover a deep interest in social dynamics among young girls. That curiosity led to her first book and a new career path that felt authentic to her. Similarly, Corinna Lathan, a successful biomedical engineer, recognized that her academic career was limiting her ability to make a tangible impact. Instead of remaining in a traditional faculty position, she took the leap into entrepreneurship. It was a risky move, and early failures tested her resolve. However, she adapted, developing assistive technologies that would go on to help children worldwide. These women’s experiences emphasize the importance of trusting one’s instincts and being willing to let go of conventional success in pursuit of work that feels truly impactful.
Maintaining individuality within structured systems can be one of the greatest challenges in a career. Many industries encourage conformity, and pushing against those norms can be met with resistance. Ileana Jiménez, an educator advocating for more inclusive curricula, faced this issue when she noticed that the books traditionally taught in classrooms left many students feeling unseen. Introducing diverse literature wasn’t just an academic adjustment—it was a statement about representation and whose stories mattered. When she was criticized for her approach, she had to decide whether to conform or stand by her beliefs. By gradually integrating new texts and collaborating with other departments, she found ways to create meaningful change. Likewise, artist and musician Kim Gordon encountered expectations that didn’t align with her creative vision. In the commercial art world, she was encouraged to produce polished, marketable work, but she felt more drawn to raw, experimental expression. Rejecting traditional norms, she found her place in the alternative music scene, where she could embrace imperfection. Even within that space, expectations lingered, particularly for female performers. Rather than adopting exaggerated personas, she remained grounded, letting authenticity shape her presence. Both women illustrate the power of reshaping institutions rather than conforming to them, proving that staying true to oneself can lead to cultural and artistic breakthroughs.
Asking for help can be particularly difficult for women in professional settings. Studies show that they are less likely to negotiate salaries or request opportunities, often due to fears of being perceived negatively. Overcoming this challenge is essential for personal and professional development. Danielle Ofri, a doctor, learned this lesson early in her medical training. When faced with a critical decision about a patient’s treatment, she hesitated to ask for clarification, fearing it would make her appear incompetent. Her decision led to a near-miss that could have had serious consequences. Though the patient recovered, Ofri realized that her reluctance to seek guidance stemmed from societal pressures to appear self-sufficient. This experience changed how she approached medicine and mentorship, ensuring that future doctors felt empowered to ask questions. Joanna Barsh faced a similar lesson in the corporate world. Given a difficult data analysis task early in her consulting career, she lacked confidence in her calculations and altered figures to match expectations. When the discrepancy was discovered, she confessed, expecting reprimand. Instead, she was met with understanding and a realization that acknowledging limitations could lead to systemic improvements. These experiences reinforce the idea that seeking guidance is not a weakness but a strength that fosters collaboration and growth.
Knowing when to say no is another crucial lesson in navigating a successful career. Many women struggle with setting boundaries, whether it’s in refusing excessive demands, rejecting limited roles, or prioritizing personal well-being over professional obligations. Anna Holmes, the founder of Jezebel, built an influential media platform but found herself overwhelmed by the demands of constant content production. The pressure to be available at all times led to burnout, and it took stepping away from the work to realize that her own well-being was just as important as the platform she had created. Social entrepreneur Luma Mufleh faced a different kind of difficult refusal. While running a school for refugee children, she bent the rules for a particular student due to his traumatic past. However, when another student pointed out the unfairness, she recognized that making exceptions undermined the integrity of the institution. Enforcing rules equally, even when it was painful, ultimately strengthened the school’s mission. Ruth Reichl, who transitioned from a corporate banking career to becoming a celebrated food writer, also had to say no to the expectations others had for her. Walking away from a stable career was intimidating, but it allowed her to pursue creative work that resonated with her passions. Each of these women’s choices underscores the idea that refusal is not about rejection, but about preserving one’s values and long-term goals.
Resilience is key to turning setbacks into new beginnings. Many successful women have faced what seemed like career-ending failures, only to emerge with new perspectives and opportunities. Journalist Judith Warner, whose widely read column was suddenly discontinued, initially struggled with feelings of loss. However, by reconnecting with her community and shifting her focus to mental health advocacy, she discovered a new avenue for her work. Novelist Ruth Ozeki also transformed past regrets into creative fuel. After working on a television show funded by industries she later questioned ethically, she channeled those conflicted emotions into her writing, producing fiction that examined difficult choices. Psychologist Carol Dweck, known for her work on growth mindset, found that setbacks played a significant role in shaping her research. Observing how children responded to challenges, she identified the difference between those who viewed failure as a permanent flaw and those who saw it as an opportunity to improve. Her insights helped reshape the understanding of how people develop skills and confidence. These examples show that failure is not the end of the road—it can be the foundation for reinvention.
This book illustrates that success is rarely a direct path. The women featured in these stories did not achieve their breakthroughs by following a perfect formula but by embracing uncertainty and learning from their mistakes. Whether by walking away from prestigious opportunities, challenging systemic norms, asking for help, setting boundaries, or transforming failure into growth, they each found ways to align their careers with their values. Their journeys serve as a reminder that courage does not mean the absence of fear, but the willingness to move forward despite it. There is no singular way to build a meaningful life, but by listening to one’s instincts and being open to change, it is possible to create a career that is both successful and fulfilling.
Women are often encouraged to prioritize security in their careers, making choices that appear stable rather than pursuing what truly excites them. Many hesitate to leave unsatisfying roles, fearing that change will be seen as instability. However, stepping into the unknown can lead to more fulfilling work. Rachel Simmons, an accomplished author and leadership expert, built an impressive career in politics, earning prestigious opportunities, including a Rhodes scholarship. Yet, despite her achievements, she felt disconnected from her work. The pressure to continue along an expected trajectory made leaving seem daunting, but she chose to walk away in search of something more meaningful. Returning home without a clear plan was difficult, but that space allowed her to rediscover a deep interest in social dynamics among young girls. That curiosity led to her first book and a new career path that felt authentic to her. Similarly, Corinna Lathan, a successful biomedical engineer, recognized that her academic career was limiting her ability to make a tangible impact. Instead of remaining in a traditional faculty position, she took the leap into entrepreneurship. It was a risky move, and early failures tested her resolve. However, she adapted, developing assistive technologies that would go on to help children worldwide. These women’s experiences emphasize the importance of trusting one’s instincts and being willing to let go of conventional success in pursuit of work that feels truly impactful.
Maintaining individuality within structured systems can be one of the greatest challenges in a career. Many industries encourage conformity, and pushing against those norms can be met with resistance. Ileana Jiménez, an educator advocating for more inclusive curricula, faced this issue when she noticed that the books traditionally taught in classrooms left many students feeling unseen. Introducing diverse literature wasn’t just an academic adjustment—it was a statement about representation and whose stories mattered. When she was criticized for her approach, she had to decide whether to conform or stand by her beliefs. By gradually integrating new texts and collaborating with other departments, she found ways to create meaningful change. Likewise, artist and musician Kim Gordon encountered expectations that didn’t align with her creative vision. In the commercial art world, she was encouraged to produce polished, marketable work, but she felt more drawn to raw, experimental expression. Rejecting traditional norms, she found her place in the alternative music scene, where she could embrace imperfection. Even within that space, expectations lingered, particularly for female performers. Rather than adopting exaggerated personas, she remained grounded, letting authenticity shape her presence. Both women illustrate the power of reshaping institutions rather than conforming to them, proving that staying true to oneself can lead to cultural and artistic breakthroughs.
Asking for help can be particularly difficult for women in professional settings. Studies show that they are less likely to negotiate salaries or request opportunities, often due to fears of being perceived negatively. Overcoming this challenge is essential for personal and professional development. Danielle Ofri, a doctor, learned this lesson early in her medical training. When faced with a critical decision about a patient’s treatment, she hesitated to ask for clarification, fearing it would make her appear incompetent. Her decision led to a near-miss that could have had serious consequences. Though the patient recovered, Ofri realized that her reluctance to seek guidance stemmed from societal pressures to appear self-sufficient. This experience changed how she approached medicine and mentorship, ensuring that future doctors felt empowered to ask questions. Joanna Barsh faced a similar lesson in the corporate world. Given a difficult data analysis task early in her consulting career, she lacked confidence in her calculations and altered figures to match expectations. When the discrepancy was discovered, she confessed, expecting reprimand. Instead, she was met with understanding and a realization that acknowledging limitations could lead to systemic improvements. These experiences reinforce the idea that seeking guidance is not a weakness but a strength that fosters collaboration and growth.
Knowing when to say no is another crucial lesson in navigating a successful career. Many women struggle with setting boundaries, whether it’s in refusing excessive demands, rejecting limited roles, or prioritizing personal well-being over professional obligations. Anna Holmes, the founder of Jezebel, built an influential media platform but found herself overwhelmed by the demands of constant content production. The pressure to be available at all times led to burnout, and it took stepping away from the work to realize that her own well-being was just as important as the platform she had created. Social entrepreneur Luma Mufleh faced a different kind of difficult refusal. While running a school for refugee children, she bent the rules for a particular student due to his traumatic past. However, when another student pointed out the unfairness, she recognized that making exceptions undermined the integrity of the institution. Enforcing rules equally, even when it was painful, ultimately strengthened the school’s mission. Ruth Reichl, who transitioned from a corporate banking career to becoming a celebrated food writer, also had to say no to the expectations others had for her. Walking away from a stable career was intimidating, but it allowed her to pursue creative work that resonated with her passions. Each of these women’s choices underscores the idea that refusal is not about rejection, but about preserving one’s values and long-term goals.
Resilience is key to turning setbacks into new beginnings. Many successful women have faced what seemed like career-ending failures, only to emerge with new perspectives and opportunities. Journalist Judith Warner, whose widely read column was suddenly discontinued, initially struggled with feelings of loss. However, by reconnecting with her community and shifting her focus to mental health advocacy, she discovered a new avenue for her work. Novelist Ruth Ozeki also transformed past regrets into creative fuel. After working on a television show funded by industries she later questioned ethically, she channeled those conflicted emotions into her writing, producing fiction that examined difficult choices. Psychologist Carol Dweck, known for her work on growth mindset, found that setbacks played a significant role in shaping her research. Observing how children responded to challenges, she identified the difference between those who viewed failure as a permanent flaw and those who saw it as an opportunity to improve. Her insights helped reshape the understanding of how people develop skills and confidence. These examples show that failure is not the end of the road—it can be the foundation for reinvention.
This book illustrates that success is rarely a direct path. The women featured in these stories did not achieve their breakthroughs by following a perfect formula but by embracing uncertainty and learning from their mistakes. Whether by walking away from prestigious opportunities, challenging systemic norms, asking for help, setting boundaries, or transforming failure into growth, they each found ways to align their careers with their values. Their journeys serve as a reminder that courage does not mean the absence of fear, but the willingness to move forward despite it. There is no singular way to build a meaningful life, but by listening to one’s instincts and being open to change, it is possible to create a career that is both successful and fulfilling.
January 20, 2015
I found this book very inspirational and motivational.
"It never occurred to me to try to write a perfect book, or one that was better than another writer's book. I just thought, 'I'm going to write a book,' and I knew it would be one that no one else could write, because no one else is me."
- Lisa Lutz
"I've since learned that taking a 'screw that' attitude doesn't allow for growth. These days, if a criticism upsets me, I'll ask for a break. For example, I might say, "I'm really feeling what you've just put in front of me, and I would like to take a minute to process it. Could we talk again in a half hour?" We often think everything has to happen right now, especially when we're unsettled emotionally, but it doesn't."
- Rinku Sen
"Procrastination is not a great strategy for coping with your perfectionism. Procrastination will prevent you from fully living your life; instead learn to appreciate your mistakes."
- Ruth Ozeki
"The act of bringing anything into the world, of taking an idea and making it real, means bringing it from the state of absolute perfection in your mind into a state of relative imperfection in reality. Every novel or painting is like this: perfect in the maker's mind, but imperfectly realized. you can look at this as a mistake or simply as an opportunity to engage - because it's through the making of mistakes that we are able to live creative lives."
- Ruth Ozeki
"It never occurred to me to try to write a perfect book, or one that was better than another writer's book. I just thought, 'I'm going to write a book,' and I knew it would be one that no one else could write, because no one else is me."
- Lisa Lutz
"I've since learned that taking a 'screw that' attitude doesn't allow for growth. These days, if a criticism upsets me, I'll ask for a break. For example, I might say, "I'm really feeling what you've just put in front of me, and I would like to take a minute to process it. Could we talk again in a half hour?" We often think everything has to happen right now, especially when we're unsettled emotionally, but it doesn't."
- Rinku Sen
"Procrastination is not a great strategy for coping with your perfectionism. Procrastination will prevent you from fully living your life; instead learn to appreciate your mistakes."
- Ruth Ozeki
"The act of bringing anything into the world, of taking an idea and making it real, means bringing it from the state of absolute perfection in your mind into a state of relative imperfection in reality. Every novel or painting is like this: perfect in the maker's mind, but imperfectly realized. you can look at this as a mistake or simply as an opportunity to engage - because it's through the making of mistakes that we are able to live creative lives."
- Ruth Ozeki
April 20, 2018
I wanted so badly to love this book, but I just didn't. The idea behind it was really strong but the execution wasn't.
For one, there was a lack of narrative throughout. This is non-fiction, of course, but instead of building on each other, the essays just sat side by side loosely gathered by each part title. Even within each woman's story, there was a certain lack of depth and detail. I wish each woman's voice came out alongside Bacal's. Instead, they all sounded the same. It was hard to keep reading or to be truly inspired. Maybe if the number of women was cut down and those given bigger sections to develop their lesson.
Another thing I noticed was that some of the essays fell into the very trap Bacal criticized in the introduction. "Mistake" seems to be a very subjective term for a few of these women. That is, some of the mistakes don't seem like mistakes. They were also dealt with from a place of distance—not many of the women acknowledged how scary or disruptive their mistakes were to them—which made it seem like because these women were so successful means they can handle slip-ups with ease and grace. This undermines the whole goal this book set out to accomplish. I didn't feel inspired, I felt detached. Their tips didn't hit the mark for me even though in general these were sound advice.
This isn't the best book on the subject. Can't say I recommend it.
For one, there was a lack of narrative throughout. This is non-fiction, of course, but instead of building on each other, the essays just sat side by side loosely gathered by each part title. Even within each woman's story, there was a certain lack of depth and detail. I wish each woman's voice came out alongside Bacal's. Instead, they all sounded the same. It was hard to keep reading or to be truly inspired. Maybe if the number of women was cut down and those given bigger sections to develop their lesson.
Another thing I noticed was that some of the essays fell into the very trap Bacal criticized in the introduction. "Mistake" seems to be a very subjective term for a few of these women. That is, some of the mistakes don't seem like mistakes. They were also dealt with from a place of distance—not many of the women acknowledged how scary or disruptive their mistakes were to them—which made it seem like because these women were so successful means they can handle slip-ups with ease and grace. This undermines the whole goal this book set out to accomplish. I didn't feel inspired, I felt detached. Their tips didn't hit the mark for me even though in general these were sound advice.
This isn't the best book on the subject. Can't say I recommend it.
July 11, 2014
I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised by this one. I'm in a reading group in law school where we read about and discuss gender equality in the legal professional and business world, so I've been reading a lot of these types of books lately and this one didn't initially stand out to me. By the end though, I found myself really enjoying the essays and finding all kinds of life tips for the future. I read a digital galley, but I'll be buying a hard copy to keep on my shelf as soon as it comes out. The women in Mistakes I Made at Work come from a variety of walks of life and have amazing careers in all kinds of fields, and each chapter has a short summary of some of their accomplishments followed by a first-person narrative of some of the mistakes they've made and lessons they've learned from making them. I found their stories to be relatable, full of insights and moments that made me go "hey, that sounds like me!"
I received an advance digital galley of this book through Penguin's First to Read program.
I received an advance digital galley of this book through Penguin's First to Read program.
August 11, 2017
I have a problem with internalizing my mistakes and telling myself that I am horrible at being a college English teacher. Despite the fact that I have had several people observe me in the last three years and tell me that I "am meant to be in the classroom," I am a perfectionist only in regards to teaching because I care so much about it. However, by internalizing a single class period gone wrong I do not learn from these class periods or see how I could have approached them differently. I originally found this book by listening to a How Stuff Mom Never Told You podcast about perfectionism, and I immediately ordered it online and read it within a few days. It is okay to make mistakes, and these women and their stories showed me this in several different ways. I wish our society was more comfortable with discussing our mistakes vs. only our successes. This book is a welcome step in the direction to starting this discussion.
June 27, 2014
This is a wonderful book. It even has a chapter in it for public speakers everywhere. The book showcases twenty-five successful women, giving them a forum to talk about the mistakes they’ve made, especially early on in their careers. I guess these are smart, successful women so they made fewer mistakes as they went on. I’m envious; I seem to keep making mistakes.
What’s great about the book is that the women telling stories in it actually do talk about their mistakes, instead of the usual, oh isn’t wonderful how that apparent mistake of mine turned out to be a genius move in disguise! There’s a lot to learn here, including the important idea that if you’re nervous giving a speech, “the most important thing to remember is that people don’t come to watch you fail. Care more about the subject than your ego.� Brilliant!
What’s great about the book is that the women telling stories in it actually do talk about their mistakes, instead of the usual, oh isn’t wonderful how that apparent mistake of mine turned out to be a genius move in disguise! There’s a lot to learn here, including the important idea that if you’re nervous giving a speech, “the most important thing to remember is that people don’t come to watch you fail. Care more about the subject than your ego.� Brilliant!
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