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January 14, 2020

LEARNING FROM FAILURE

1 min read

Topic: Growth Agent Insight Video entrepreneurship

I had the opportunity to speak to a very successful entrepreneur recently about an incredibly painful and public experience he had. Things had not gone the way he had hoped, despite incredible commitment and hard work on his part.

What was impressive to me, was that despite his investment of tremendous resources, he was willing to walk away when he realized he couldn’t be successful. I heard the pain and frustration in his voice as he described the experience. And it resonated with me because I’ve had the same thing happen to me many times.

What I’ve learned is that these frustrating experiences of failure have prepared me for bigger opportunities in the future. While success breeds confidence, I believe failure breeds wisdom, understanding, and capability for our next efforts.

As you think about the future, and especially the coming year, what things haven’t worked for you? What can you learn from them that will fuel your progress? Learning from failure is the thing that sets great leaders apart from the rest.

Tony Caldwell is a modern “renaissance man,” who is not only immensely successful in the field of insurance, but is also a writer, children’s advocate, mentor and even a licensed pilot.

Always keen on helping others make their dreams come true, Tony and his team have helped independent agents grow into more than 250 independent agencies. This has made OAA the number one ranked Strategic Master Agency of SIAA for the last 5 years, and one of Oklahoma's 25 Best Companies to Work for.

Tony loves to share his knowledge, insight and wisdom through his bestselling books as well as in free mediums including podcasts and blogs.

Tony and his family are members of Crossings Community Church, and he is very active in community initiatives: he’s chairman of It’s My Community Initiative, Inc., a nonprofit working with disadvantaged people in Oklahoma City; and chairman of the Oklahoma Board of Juvenile Affairs., and he has served through many other organizations including the Salvation Army, Last Frontier Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and the Rotary Club.

In his spare time, Tony enjoys time with his family. He’s also an active outdoorsman and instrument-rated commercial pilot.