Embracing the Fall
What my South American roadshow failure taught me about resilience.
Previously on Giuseppe’s Glimpse: In the last episode, we discussed how AI shapes not just our tech interactions, but our communication with each other—turning us more transactional and potentially eroding empathy. Missed it? Catch up here! ✨
Buongiorno everyone! 👋
I recently returned from an incredible month-long journey across South America to promote the Spanish edition of my book.
It was an unforgettable experience—one filled with vibrant places, inspiring people, and moments I’ll carry with me for a lifetime. ✨
But not all memories were joyful. On the very first day of the roadshow, something happened that I’ll never forget for very different reasons.
While riding with our driver to our next destination 🚗, another car pulled up beside us. The driver asked for directions, and ours stepped out to help. In that brief window, a silent accomplice opened the trunk and stole my backpack—along with my laptop, iPad, passports, and every tool I needed to keep the trip on track.
What followed was a whirlwind of confusion, logistics, and the sinking realization that everything essential was gone. 😵💫
But here’s the thing: what began as a total disaster became a powerful lesson in resilience. I had two choices—get consumed by frustration or find a way to regain control, learn from the failure, and move forward stronger.
The 6 steps to embracing and learning from failure
What helped me navigate the chaos of that situation—without letting it derail my entire trip—was an approach I’ve learned over the years to turn failure into a stepping stone for growth.
When setbacks strike—whether in business or life—how we respond makes all the difference. 💡
Throughout my journey, both professionally and personally, I’ve encountered my fair share of stumbles. And while every failure has its own flavor, a few key steps have consistently helped me navigate even the messiest situations.
Here’s the framework I’ve come to rely on:
🔹Step 1: Acknowledge and accept the failure
Our first instinct is often to shift blame—on others, on circumstances, even on ourselves. But finger-pointing or denial only delays the healing process. 🫵
The first step is facing the failure head-on. Own it, without excuses. That clarity is the foundation for everything that follows.
🔹Step 2: Analyze what went wrong
Once you’ve accepted the situation, it’s time to unpack it. What exactly happened? Was it a lapse in judgment, a blind spot, or just bad luck? 🔍
Break the moment down step by step. The goal isn’t to obsess—it’s to understand. That insight is what helps you avoid déjà vu next time.
🔹Step 3: Extract key lessons
Not every error points to a deeper issue. Some failures are situational; others reveal persistent patterns. 📈
Be honest with yourself: is this a one-off or a recurring theme? The more precise the lesson, the more valuable it becomes.
🔹Step 4: Address your weaknesses
Growth doesn’t happen by chance—it takes intention. What behaviors, habits, or blind spots made you vulnerable? What needs unlearning, and what new skills could help you face similar challenges better prepared? 💪
This is the turning point between repeating failure and evolving from it.
🔹Step 5: Make a plan to fix the situation
Failure can feel like chaos, but action brings order. In my case, that meant staying calm, reporting the theft, blocking devices, contacting the consulate, and buying a new laptop so I could keep working.
Whatever your situation, don’t freeze. 🥶 Build a plan. Take one step—then another.
🔹Step 6: Return to reality with confidence
The emotional hangover is real. After the incident, I felt exposed, hesitant, even paranoid. But rebuilding trust in yourself—and the world—takes showing up again.
Slowly, deliberately, with renewed awareness. 🧘 You’re not the same person you were before the failure. You’re better equipped, more resilient, and stronger for it.
Turning failures into fuel for growth
Here’s the most important insight I’ve gathered through all this: failure doesn’t need to be the end—it can be the catalyst for the next big thing. 💥
The most successful people aren’t those who avoid failure, but those who face it, learn from it, and keep moving forward with sharper clarity and resilience.
Take Airbnb, for instance. 🏠 Long before becoming a multi-billion dollar brand, they were struggling. Rejected by investors and running out of money, the founders resorted to selling novelty cereal boxes during the 2008 U.S. presidential campaign just to stay afloat.
That scrappy, make-or-break phase pushed them to better understand their users and refine their product. Today, Airbnb is a global brand that redefined how we experience travel worldwide. ✈️
Another good example is LEGO. In the early 2000s, they were losing nearly $1 million a day after years of overexpansion and missteps.
On the verge of collapse, the company made bold changes 🔄: trimming costs, returning to their core products, and re-engaging with their fanbase.
They didn’t just survive—they came back stronger, more focused, and more innovative than ever.
Whether we’re leading a business, launching a project, or just trying to navigate life, setbacks are inevitable. What truly defines us is how we respond.
Are we going to get stuck in the blame game or spiral into frustration? 😤 Or can we choose to step back, take a deep breath, and turn it into a lesson that drives us forward?
This isn’t about suppressing the emotions that come with failure—it’s about channeling them.
Because more often than not, the most powerful ideas, the most creative pivots, and the most meaningful progress begin in the shadow of what felt like disaster. 🌪️🌈
Make mistakes count
Failure, as frustrating and chaotic as it may feel in the moment, always leaves a trail—if we’re willing to follow it. 🧭
It’s not just a personal lesson; it’s a strategy insight, a decision-making clue, a culture check.
What if instead of asking “Why did this happen to me?”, we asked “What system failed—and how can I redesign it?”
What if we treated personal or professional setbacks like data points—inputs for our next iteration? 📊🔁
Thanks to the 6 steps I relied on—and with a little help from my network and sheer determination—I was able to turn the situation around. Just four hours after the theft, I had a new laptop, a new passport, and was back on track with only a few hours of delay.
I’m not saying we should become emotionless robots. Quite the opposite. But pairing emotional awareness with structured reflection is what turns failure into a future advantage.
It’s not just about dusting ourselves off and carrying on—it’s about walking away with sharper instincts, better habits, and a story worth sharing. 💫
Because in the end, the question isn’t just how we recover—it’s what we do differently next time. That’s the real game. That’s how progress happens.
Until then, may your mistakes be interesting, your bounce-backs fast, and your takeaways unforgettable.
Stay curious! 🙌
-gs
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