EPISODE 42: MISTAKES & LEADERSHIP – HOW TO REBOUND AFTER MAKING THE WRONG CALL

If I’m being honest, my life is hectic right now. There’s so much happening at once, and I’m doing my best to navigate it all. But in the midst of the chaos, I’ve been careful to stick to the strategy that God has given me for this season. I learned the hard way what happens when I don’t.

Early in my tenure as CEO, I made a mistake that cost me dearly. I was just 38 years old, stepping into a role leading a 25-year-old organization that was struggling—deep in deficit and producing poor outcomes. I didn’t know the staff or the board members before taking the job, and I wanted to prove myself. Along the way, I received crucial advice on how to set boundaries and lead well. But I ignored some of those instructions.

Looking back, I can see how that one decision led to unnecessary stress, challenges, and personal hardship. I held onto my position, and ultimately, I turned the organization around. But I paid the price for not listening to wise counsel. That’s why I entitled today’s episode: "Mistakes & Leadership: How to Rebound After Making the Wrong Call." In this episode, I share five essential steps to recover from a leadership mistake so you can bounce back stronger and wiser:

1. Evaluate – Take an honest look at what went wrong.

We can’t fix what we won’t face. Instead of avoiding or downplaying your mistake, take time to assess what happened. What led to the mistake? What was within your control? What was outside of it? This step is all about gaining clarity and learning from the situation.

2. Repent – Own your mistake and shift your approach.

Acknowledging your misstep isn’t enough; you have to make changes. Whether it's a mindset shift, a strategy adjustment, or seeking wise counsel, repentance is about turning away from the mistake and making a different choice moving forward.

3. Forgive Yourself – Let go of guilt so you can lead with confidence.

Too many leaders get stuck in self-condemnation after making a mistake. But guilt doesn’t make you a better leader—growth does. Forgive yourself, accept that mistakes happen, and allow yourself to move forward.

4. Apologize – Make things right where possible.

If your mistake impacted others, don’t hesitate to apologize. A sincere apology shows maturity, builds trust, and models accountability for your team. Leadership isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being responsible.

5. Incorporate the Lesson – Use your mistake as a stepping stone.

The best leaders don’t just move on—they grow. What systems, processes, or boundaries can you implement to ensure you don’t repeat the same mistake? Leadership is about learning, adjusting, and becoming stronger with each experience.

Mistakes in leadership are inevitable. But how you recover determines your growth, resilience, and long-term success. If you’ve ever struggled with bouncing back from a wrong call, this episode is for you.

🎧 Tune in to Episode 42 of Life & Leadership with Kim Williams on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

What’s a leadership lesson you’ve learned from a mistake? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts.