Missing a milestone in her daughter’s life was a pivotal lesson that now fuels Torrie Taj’s mission to help working parents avoid similar regrets.

Vince Kozar almost left sports for law school, but an honest lunch with a mentor helped him rediscover his purpose, leading him to a defining new role with the Phoenix Mercury.

Friends of the Children Executive Director Cassie Patris-Browne describes how staying “comfortable” stalled her growth. By intentionally seeking discomfort, she embraced challenges that led her to become an auctioneer and ultimately executive director, igniting personal and professional evolution.

Early in his career, Nathan Smith made a serious compliance mistake. Instead of hiding it, he owned it completely — turning anger into coaching and growth. This moment shaped his career-long commitment to integrity and accountability.

ICAN CEO Shelby Pedersen reflects on a tough first week as a leader and the failure that redefined her career. She shares how grace, growth, and accountability shaped the leader she is today.

After losing her job, fiancé, and home, Amber Cordoba could’ve stayed down. Instead, she took small steps, regained momentum, and now draws strength from her past to lead with courage and purpose.

When a supervisor told Jana Schwartz that she wasn't chosen for a promotion, she was devastated. From this loss, she learned to find opportunity.

After losing a big, important game, Chris Camacho faced what felt like a tragic experience for a college student. He shares how he uses the lessons of this failure to recalibrate after a loss today.

Community advocate and nonprofit leader Stephanie Parra shares how listening, learning, and centering impacted voices are key to leading with purpose—and to driving meaningful, lasting change.

Patrick Fitzhugh reflects on a tough leadership moment that shattered team trust and led to a painful decision. The fallout sparked a total shift from short-term pressure to long-term care, and reshaped how he leads and serves.

Luis Vega highlights the dangers of complacency and the importance of always moving forward. He discusses how turning trauma into triumph can fuel personal growth and transformation.

When Veronica Aguilar was passed over for a promotion, she saw not a setback, but a challenge. She doubled down on her growth, pursued further education, and ultimately rose to an even higher position within the same company.

Self-advocacy is key to workplace success, helping individuals communicate their needs, set boundaries, and advance their careers. Ashley Kelley emphasizes the power of speaking up and taking control of professional growth.

For the CEO of Valley Leadership, law school rejection turned into an unexpected turning point, leading to new opportunities and a different path. What first felt like disappointment became a lesson in resilience, proving that setbacks can open doors to meaningful success.