John Maxwell: Getting a Return on Your Failures

In this powerful episode of The Ed Myland Show, host Ed Myland welcomes legendary leadership expert John Maxwell to discuss his new book, How to Get a Return on Failure. The conversation centers on reframing failure not as a liability, but as a vital asset for growth, resilience, and success. Maxwell shares personal stories and philosophical insights, emphasizing that failure is not the opposite of success but an inseparable companion. He introduces the concept of the 'good miss' versus the 'bad miss,' stressing that it’s not the failure itself, but the response—learning and adjusting versus making excuses—that determines growth. Maxwell also reveals how his own midlife pivot, realizing he’d neglected team development, transformed his leadership trajectory. The episode dives into the emotional and spiritual dimensions of failure, advocating for vulnerability, humility, and the courage to admit mistakes—especially in leadership. Myland and Maxwell reflect on how embracing failure fosters deeper connections, encourages others, and aligns with a lifelong journey of learning rather than a fixed destination. The conversation culminates in a profound message: true success isn’t about avoiding failure, but about growing through it, and finding joy in others’ success.