Mistakes Over Failure

In this insightful episode of "Mistakes Over Failure," Dr. Christine Crawford and Leslie Wingo welcome Nicolette Maury and Crystal Lam for a compelling discussion on leadership, cultural adaptation, and personal growth.Nicolette is the CEO of Avani Solutions, a climate technology company delivering ESG solutions to the real estate industry. Listen in as she shares her journey of finding her authentic voice in male-dominated industries and the continuous process of self-discovery. Crystal, a second-generation leader in her family's wood manufacturing business as the Managing Director at Vinawood Ltd in Vietnam, humorously recounts overcoming "triple whammies" of being an overseas Vietnamese, the boss's daughter, and a woman in a traditionally male field, emphasizing the importance of humility and data-backed assertiveness. It's easy to see how they became members of YPO. Both women offer unique perspectives on navigating cultural differences in business and the valuable lessons learned from perceived "mistakes," transforming them into opportunities for impact and understanding.

In this episode of "Mistakes Over Failure," Adrian Wall, a true global citizen, shares how his upbringing by parents from diverse backgrounds shaped his open-minded approach to business and life and ultimately, his joining YPO. The CEO of Digital Sovereignty Alliance and Partner of Famous Joes's Pizza, discusses his journey from a Harvard economist to a pizza maker, revealing how working alongside immigrants transformed his views on living wages and society. Adrian emphasizes building trust in communities through "GRIT" (Generosity, Respect, Inclusivity, and Trust) and highlights the importance of empathy and showing up consistently. Can you guess what’s his favorite pizza and the worst advice he's ever received?

Join Dr. Christine Crawford and Leslie Wingo on "Mistakes Over Failure" as they welcome Debby Carreau, CEO and founder of Inspired HR, and incoming YPO Global Chairman. Debby shares her journey from Durban, South Africa, to Vancouver, British Columbia, and her passion for leading with curiosity in a global landscape. Discover how YPO became her peer network and how she believes in the power of leading with heart. This episode is packed with powerful thoughts on fostering diverse leadership, embracing change, and the importance of confidence for women in their careers. Don't miss Debby's candid advice on turning challenges into learning opportunities!

Listen in on this heartwarming episode of Mistakes Over Failure, Hannes Chopra takes us on a whirlwind tour through his global life—from growing up as one of three foreigners in a German school to leading businesses across Russia and now mentoring CEOs as an executive coach in Barcelona. Fluent in seven languages (well, five according to his sons!), Hannes shares profound insights on leadership, finding community through YPO, and embracing discomfort as a growth tool. He reminds us that identity begins with our shared humanity and that true leadership starts with self-awareness and humility. With touching stories about parenting, failing forward, and singing at Russian weddings, Hannes blends wisdom, humor, and soulful philosophy into an unforgettable conversation that makes you want to hug your mistakes and high-five your growth.

Be a part of this incredibly inspirational episode of Mistakes Over Failure as Paulo Batista, a passionate education crusader, shares his journey from teacher to establishing an e-commerce company called Dental Kramer—and back to education with a mission! Paulo reveals how witnessing the broken education system in Brazil lit a fire in him to create Aliquest, a company that aims to provide high-quality education to people of all ages, focusing on foundational learning and socio-emotional skills. With the help of YPO and a heart full of purpose, he’s now expanding his mission to the U.S., determined to uplift at least 10 million lives through education. From e-commerce to early childhood centers and vocational training, Paulo’s energy, humility, and love for learning shine through every powerful insight.

In Mistakes over Failure's Season three trailer, hosts Leslie Wingo and Christine Crawford give us a sneak peek at what to expect ahead. This season dives deep into unfiltered conversations with YPO members and global leaders, exploring how they navigate doing business in different cultures, what DEI means in a rapidly shifting world, and how the podcast itself has evolved into a powerful platform for honest leadership lessons. Welcome to a season of bold insights and real growth. First episode drops June 24—stay tuned!

In this riveting episode, we dive into the journeys of Jeff Small, CEO of private equity firm MDH Partners, and Niyi Yusuf, Managing Partner of Verraki and president of NASFAT, a Nigerian Islamic faith society. Jeff, shares his evolution from a young CEO fixated on intellect to a leader enriched by emotional intelligence and faith. He reveals how personal and professional challenges, along with spiritual practices, have deepened his connection with others and strengthened his leadership. Niyi, from Lagos, Nigeria, recounts his rise from humble beginnings to becoming a pivotal figure in African business. His leadership, grounded in compassion, reflects his dedication to uplifting others. Niyi points out the importance of humility and continuous learning, blending his Islamic faith with his professional ethos. Together, Jeff and Niyi explore how faith influences leadership, the significance of vulnerability, and the balance between business success and ethical responsibility. This episode is a masterclass in empathy, resilience, and the transformative power of faith in the workplace.

Hosts, Christine Crawford and Leslie Wingo, share an inspiring discussion with guest, Jenny Zhu, founder and chairwoman of Lush Decor Home. Jenny talks about her remarkable path from a small village in Shandong, China, to leading a successful home decor brand in the U.S.Her story is one of resilience and determination, overcoming language barriers and personal setbacks. Jenny chats about the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, highlighting her company's inclusive culture. Jenny's commitment to empowering women and girls shines through as she shares her experiences and lessons learned. Her journey underscores the value of perseverance, learning from mistakes, and the power of dreams.Jenny's message is clear: with courage and discipline, anything is possible even when you least expect it.