Failure Isn’t a Buzzword. It’s how to Build Thick Skin.

Beth Torres
Apr 20
3 min read

Updated: May 11

Let’s talk about failure.

Not the polished, “failure is feedback” stuff people slap on LinkedIn. I’m talking about real failure - the kind that makes your stomach drop, your ego bruise, and your brain spiral at 3AM questioning every career choice you’ve ever made.

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: building resilience isn’t about avoiding failure. It’s about walking straight into it, eating the humble pie, and coming out sharper. Leadership perseverance isn’t a cool vibe; it’s a skillset forged in the fire.

graduation cap and diploma — Graduation cap and diploma by Wix

My GMAT Gut Punch

Years ago, while prepping for grad school, I thought I had it all mapped out. I was a full-time professional, a mom, and laser-focused on optimizing my path. My goal: crush the GMAT, skip an intro class, save money, and get to the finish line faster.

I did all the “right” things.

Studied late.
Made flashcards.
Highlighted obsessively.
Juggled it all like a pro.

And then I missed my target score… by TEN soul-crushing points.

I was devastated. The whole ugly crying, self-doubt, full identity crisis mode type of devastated. But here’s the kicker: not a soul has ever asked me about my GMAT score. Not once. Not in any client conference room, investor pitch, or executive strategy session. I earned my MBA. Built an amazing career. And those 10 points? Meh, utterly meaningless.

But the resilience muscle I built in that moment? Priceless.

Oh, the Professional Hits Keep Coming

My “failure resume” didn’t stop at university standardized testing. I’ve had my share of professional flameouts too:

Projects that derailed despite flawless execution.
Promotions that got political.
Sales I knew I’d landed; only to be ghosted harder than a bad dating app swipe.

Each failure? A gut punch.

Each lesson? A masterclass in building resilience in leadership.

Want proof? Harvard Business School previews Professor Amy Edmondson’s book on Right

Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well. So yeah, your flops matter and I certainly don’t advocate going around making mistakes carelessly, but each has a meaningful lesson that can be distilled from it.

Pivot, Don’t Panic (Yes, Even When It Feels Like You Should)

If you need a mental image here, cue Ross yelling “PIVOT!” while dragging a couch up the stairs. Because that’s what it feels like to learn from professional setbacks. It’s awkward, uncomfortable, and often uphill.

But each time you pivot, you build:

Faster decision-making skills
Emotional endurance
Strategic awareness
An uncanny ability to lead through uncertainty

These are qualities that don’t show up on resumes but are truly meaningful for your overall character and success.

Why Failure is Your Best Consulting Credential

I use every lesson I earned and I aim to use them to help you.

Here’s the thing:

Most companies don’t fail because of a bad idea.

They fail because they can’t operationalize a good one.

That’s where we come in. You climb and we keep you alive while you're scaling. Whether it's building resilience into your team culture, optimizing performance after a setback, or learning how to win without burning out, we bring you the tools to achieve.

Are you curious about how we may be able to help? Book a free exploratory consult

Own Your Flaws. They’re Where the Good Stuff Lives.

If you happen to be licking your wounds from a big miss or just feeling like the underdog in your own story, listen up:

You are not broken. You’re just in process.

Building resilience means you own your flops as fiercely as your wins. You turn pain into fuel. And you understand that your biggest L might just be your loudest lesson.

Perseverance through failure is how true leaders are made.