Failing our way to success

About Failing our way to success

Welcome to Failing Our Way to Success, the podcast where we uncover the invaluable lessons hidden within failure. Join us as we interview inspiring business leaders who share their journeys, focusing on three pivotal failures that shaped their paths to success. In each episode, we explore how these setbacks became stepping stones, proving that failure doesn't define our business journey—it's merely a stop along the way. Tune in to discover the resilience, insights, and strategies that can transform your own challenges into opportunities for growth. Let's embrace failure and redefine success together!

Publisher

Helena Baker

Category

business · business · education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

29 Oct 2024

Latest episode

25 Jun 2025

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   25 Jun 2025

   Interview with Bridie Castiel: Bold Decisions and Big Changes

   Bridie Castiel recounts her surprising decision to leave her agency and join monday.com, revealing the importance of transparency and marketing insights gained from observing social media's evolution in this interview.

2. 

   25 Mar 2025

   Rachelle Tchiprout: On Running a Successful Business as a Creative in Israel

   An honest chat with a normal and realistic business owner, Rachelle runs the successful and (more importantly) sustainable Rachelleinwater, which offers Ketuba and Judaica art. A creative, Rachelle dispels the myth that you can't succeed in Israel following your passions. Having given up her stable job in PR to go full-time freelance, she first made sure she had savings before diving headfirst into the world of entrepreneurship. Whilst appreciating that she was in the right place at the right time, there is no doubt that Rachelle has an incredible savvy and worth ethic and gives over some incredible useful tips in this episode, where we discuss: Taking practical risk Vanity metrics and why they are meaningless Taking payments upfront and not being a debt collector The discussion to have a child and how that can impact your business Not needing to reinvent the wheel Being pregnant and then mat leave as a business owner Working hard not smart And so much more! A must listen, let me know your feedback!

3. 

   18 Mar 2025

   Finding the Joy in your Business: Esther Taub on Loving the Life you Lead

   In this episode, I sit down with Esther Taub - founder of Esther Taub Fitness; the largest English speaking online fitness community in Israel and of course you know as an Instagram superstar with over 15K followers who love her enthusiasm and realistic approach to health and wellness. In this episode we talked about it all: Some of the horror stories of meeting Instagram influencers in real life The time we were - almost - both sued How she has grown a sustainable and profitable business via Instagram Staying authentic in your brand Why being a people pleaser needs a refresh: sometimes it's not a bad thing We spoke like old friends, which handily we are. Trust me: this is one not to miss!

4. 

   4 Mar 2025

   Finding Yourself Whilst Scaling the Corporate Ladder: Secrets from Deborah Tastiel, Senior Associate at Asserson

   In this interview with Deborah Tastiel - a senior associate at Asserson law firm we delve deep into what success really means, and how career progression should not be at the expense of finding yourself. Hailing from Belgium, before studying in London, working in Barcelona and finally finding herself in Israel. Deborah has achieved incredible professional success even at a young age, and we speak about what it means to be the - on occasional - the only 'young' woman in the room and how to handle yourself without being too 'fiery' or blunt. We also discuss embracing femininity in your career, and how being traditional women traits can actually be a real boost in client and team relationships. How we offer so much as women and we shouldn't be afraid to 'lean in.' There is so much to learn from this episode, a refreshingly honest account into what it means to scale the corporate ladder in your 20s, I think this is incredibly relatable to all women seeking to advance their careers without losing themselves. A must listen!

5. 

   25 Feb 2025

   Let's Get Real: A Raw, Open and Honest Interview with Zoe Bermant and Aliza Hughes of Zoecial Media

   An incredibly open and frank conversation, together Zoe and Aliza take us on a journey of the false starts that can lead to success. Constantly learning, Zoe speaks honestly about the rollercoaster that is entrepreneurship. Beginning with a start-up that had a quarter of a million of pounds investment that didn't quite work, led her to requesting work on a Facebook group, that eventually (amazingly) birthed Zoecial media. In this episode Zoe speaks to the secret of her success: her investment in infrastructure, insurance and processes that means her company works like a well oiled machine. As well as her more recent challenges of balancing her hasabrah work with being CEO of a company that employs, an astounding 15 people. And the difficult choices she had to make. Aliza speaks about her professional journey, what it means to be fired after maternity leave when you work for a company for nine years! And reinventing yourself from your home in a small city with few networking opportunities. An inspiring, and at times surprising, interview - this is simply not to be missed.

6. 

   10 Feb 2025

   Special Valentine's Episode: Michael Rumanov (my husband) interviews me

   In this very special episode specifically for Valentine's Day, my husband Michael Rumanov asks the hard hitting questions for my three failures in business. Having been there from day one, and an integral part of the business that has been instrumental to the success, he is the perfect person to delve deep into how ESN has grown over the past five years. Join us as we discuss the many failures that have punctuated the growth of ESN, including: The failure to sell even one ticket for the Jewish Women's Global Network -an ill-advised product of ESN My obsession with focusing on the negatives, particularly the, most recent, mega networking event where I allowed one negative comment (out of 190) to dictate my entire feelings about the entire event Growing new groups at the extent of current groups, including a group in Australia that saw me wake up at 2am every other week.

7. 

   24 Dec 2024

   Creating an open work enviorment with Baruch Swinkin

   Have you ever wondered how failures can pave the way to business success? Helena Baker explores the intricate journey of building a thriving business through the lens of setbacks and resilience. Key Questions Explored in the Episode: How did Route 38 navigate its early challenges and grow over 11 years? What role does relationship building play in long-term business success? How can business owners balance professional growth with personal well-being? What strategies are effective for empowering a team and fostering a trustworthy workplace? How can recognizing and responding to red flags prevent potential business pitfalls? In this episode, Helena Baker interviews Baruch Swinkin from Route 38, delving into the company's 11-year journey. They discuss the foundational challenges Route 38 faced, emphasizing the importance of building strong relationships over mere transactional successes. The conversation highlights key strategies such as maintaining open communication with employees, identifying and addressing red flags early, and achieving a healthy work-life balance. Baruch shares practical advice for business owners on embracing failures, learning from mistakes, and fostering resilient growth, making this episode a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of business success. About The Guest: Baruch is a seasoned entrepreneur and the driving force behind Route 38, a company that has successfully operated for 11 years with a dedicated team of 12 staff members. With a strong emphasis on relationship building and resilient growth, Baruch brings a wealth of experience in navigating business challenges and fostering a supportive work environment. Key Takeaways: Open Communication is Crucial: Maintaining transparent dialogue with employees builds trust and facilitates problem-solving. Recognize and Respond to Red Flags: Early identification of potential issues can prevent larger setbacks. Balance is Key: Striking a healthy balance between work and personal life enhances overall well-being and productivity. Empower Your Team: Trusting and empowering your employees leads to a more motivated and efficient workforce. Effective Networking Over Transactions: Building genuine relationships is more beneficial than focusing solely on transactional networking. Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction to Fading Our Way to Success 00:48 Meet Baruch: A Strong Partnership 02:22 The Early Days of Route 38 05:19 Challenges and Growth 11:46 Balancing Business and Personal Life 17:16 The Importance of Networking 27:37 Mastering the 30-Second Business Pitch 27:51 The Importance of Targeted Networking 28:43 Letting Go of Client Minutia 30:04 Empowering Your Team 31:05 Balancing Business and Personal Life 34:37 Hiring and Building a Trustworthy Team 39:39 Navigating Cultural and Religious Dynamics in Business 44:36 Recognizing and Avoiding Red Flags 55:57 Concluding Thoughts and Contact Information Links for the Guest: Connect with Baruch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/baruch-swinkin-7b7a747/ Visit Route 38's website: https://www.route38.co.il/ Call to Action: Ready to transform your approach to business

8. 

   17 Dec 2024

   Embracing Technology and Compassion in Business with Fran Jakubowicz

   In this episode of Failing Our Way to Success, host Helena Baker interviews Fran Jakubowicz, CEO of Sunhouse Marketing. Fran shares the inspiring story of how she built her marketing agency after both she and her husband lost their jobs on the same day. She opens up about the trials of entrepreneurship, the importance of maintaining boundaries, embracing new technologies, and finding balance between personal and professional life. Listen in for valuable insights on managing challenges, learning from failures, and leading with compassion in business. Key Questions Explored in the Episode: How did Fran start Sunhouse Marketing, and what were the key challenges she faced? What are the biggest struggles when it comes to hiring and managing staff? How does Fran balance work with her personal life, and why is setting boundaries crucial? What role does compassion play in business, and how does Fran integrate it into her leadership style? How has technology impacted Fran’s business, and how can entrepreneurs use it to their advantage? Fran Jakubowicz’s journey to building Sunhouse Marketing wasn’t without its challenges, from losing jobs to navigating the ups and downs of business ownership. Throughout the episode, Fran shares her experiences managing staff, setting healthy boundaries, and learning from failures. She emphasizes the importance of embracing technology and finding a balance between work and family. Fran also highlights her work with her nonprofit, Avnei Chen, demonstrating how passion projects can fuel purpose-driven entrepreneurship. About The Guest: Fran Jakubowicz is the CEO of Sunhouse Marketing, a full-service agency focused on helping businesses grow by creating impactful marketing strategies. Fran’s entrepreneurial journey began after facing significant personal setbacks, but she turned adversity into an opportunity to build a successful business. She is passionate about mental health and dedicates her time to her nonprofit, Avnei Chen. Key Takeaways: The importance of setting boundaries to prevent burnout and maintain personal well-being. Embrace technology to streamline your business operations and reach new opportunities. Compassionate leadership can positively impact your team and the growth of your business. Diversifying your business and networking can provide stability during uncertain times. Passion projects, like Fran’s nonprofit, can offer fulfillment and create a greater sense of purpose in your work. Time Stamps: 00:54 - Meet Fran: A Journey from Failure to Success 03:15 - The Challenges of Hiring and Managing Staff 09:10 - The Importance of Boundaries in Business 23:48 - Balancing Personal Life and Business 33:18 - Struggles of a Workaholic 34:16 - Balancing Family and Business 35:14 - The Financial Ups and Downs 37:15 - Networking and Diversification 45:36 - Embracing Technology in Business 51:47 - Passion Projects and Mental Health Links for the Guest: Connect with Fran Jakubowicz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franjakubowicz/ Visit Fran Jakubowicz’s website: https://www.sunhousemarketing.com/ Ready to learn how to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship? Tune in to the full episode for valuable insights on business leadership, compassion, and the importance of balance.

9. 

   4 Dec 2024

   Trust your partners with Dabru Studios

   Daniella Hellerstein and Michael Toyber share their journey to building thriving businesses that give back, highlighting the importance of complementary skills, adaptability, and prioritizing quality and customer service.

10. 

    19 Nov 2024

    Funding for Agencies With Billy Cina

    What does it take to navigate the ups and downs of building a successful business? In the inaugural episode of Failing Our Way to Success, host Helena Baker celebrates the five-year milestone of her business with a special guest, Billy Cina. As the co-founder and managing partner of Envy, a leading B2B tech marketing and RevOps agency, Billy shares her fascinating journey across Israel, Australia, and London. This episode is packed with invaluable insights about taking risks, learning from failures, and understanding what it truly takes to grow a thriving business. Discussion Points: Billy’s career journey and early experiences in Israel, Australia, and London Starting a business in the tech marketing sector and overcoming challenges The importance of funding and growth strategies for scaling a business Managing cash flow and outsourcing debt collection to ease the process Overcoming stage fright and the benefits of public speaking The decision to change accountants and the lessons learned from supplier relationships The importance of accountability in business, especially for women in the tech sector Summary of the Conversation: In this episode, Billy Cina shares her unique journey of building a successful business in the dynamic tech marketing space. From her early days in Manchester to navigating business challenges across Israel, Australia, and London, Billy provides valuable lessons on entrepreneurship. She discusses critical decisions like taking funding early, outsourcing debt collection, and focusing on consistent marketing. Billy also opens up about overcoming personal fears, like public speaking, and the importance of having the right support system, from accountants to mentors. Her insights are a powerful reminder of the perseverance and growth required to succeed in business. About The Guest: Billy Cina is the co-founder and managing partner of Envy, a leading B2B tech marketing and RevOps agency. With years of experience across global markets including Israel, Australia, and London, Billy has helped scale tech businesses and navigate complex challenges in the marketing and sales space. Her entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of taking risks, learning from setbacks, and continuously striving for growth. Key Takeaways: Taking funding early can set the foundation for business growth, but it’s essential to know when and how to leverage it effectively. Outsourcing debt collection allows business owners to focus on their core operations while maintaining cash flow. Public speaking is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth, helping leaders build confidence and influence. Maintaining consistent marketing efforts is crucial for long-term business success. Women in business need accountability and support to thrive in competitive industries. Time Stamps: 00:00 School Memories and Early Life 02:21 Journey from Manchester to Israel 03:36 Starting a Career in Tech Marketing 04:18 Building a Business and Facing Challenges 08:08 The Importance of Consistent Marketing 08:34 Funding and Growth Strategies 17:44 Dealing with Cash Flow and Debt Collection 26:44 The Decision to Change Accountants 28:11 Challenges with the New Accounting Agency 29:37 Returning to the Original Accountant 30:46 Lessons Learned from Supplier Relationships 35:04 Overcoming Public Speaking Fears 38:51 The Importance of Accountability 44:12 Navigating Business as a Woman 52:07 Advice for Business Owners Connect with Billy Cina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billycina/ Visit Billy Cina’s website:...

11. 

    12 Nov 2024

    An Utterly Unbiased Look into Networking with Ahron Wohlgelernter

    Have you ever wondered how failure can be a stepping stone to success in business? In this episode, host Helena Baker dives into the theme of embracing failures as integral to achieving business success. She interviews Ahron Wohlgelernter, an experienced podcast producer who has taken multiple shows from inception to thousands of listeners. Tune in to discover how learning from setbacks can lead to informed decisions and growth. Key Questions Explored in the Episode: What role does networking play in business success? How can entrepreneurs effectively manage their time? What strategies can help overcome the fear of failure? In what ways can business owners learn from their past mistakes? How does social media influence networking opportunities? Discussion Points: Ahron's initial reluctance towards networking The significance of time management for entrepreneurs Personal and professional challenges related to the fear of failure Tips for effective podcasting and common mistakes to avoid The balance between entrepreneurship and stability Summary of the Conversation: In this insightful conversation, Ahron Wohlgelernter shares his journey in podcast production, discussing the initial hesitations he faced with networking and how he overcame them. The episode emphasizes the importance of time management and learning from failures, providing valuable strategies for entrepreneurs. Ahron’s experiences shed light on how personal and professional challenges can shape one's approach to business, encouraging listeners to embrace experimentation and the lessons that come with it. About The Guest: Ahron Wohlgelernter is an accomplished podcast producer with a wealth of experience in helping shows grow from concept to a wide audience. His expertise lies in creating engaging content that resonates with listeners and fostering meaningful connections in the podcasting community. Key Takeaways: Embracing failure is essential for growth and success in business. Effective time management is crucial for balancing entrepreneurial endeavors. Networking can be daunting, but developing strategies can ease the process. Learning from past mistakes can lead to better decision-making in the future. Social media can enhance networking opportunities if used effectively. Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction to Fading Our Way to Success 00:54 Meet Ahron Wohlgelernter 01:58 Ahron's Journey in Podcast Production 03:07 Sponsorship Shoutout 04:00 The Value of Meaningful Conversations 06:44 Podcasting Tips and Mistakes 16:17 Balancing Entrepreneurship and Stability 28:01 The Importance of Networking 28:32 Personal Networking Experiences 30:39 Networking Strategies and Challenges 36:17 The Role of Social Media in Networking 41:18 Embracing Failure and Experimentation 45:41 Balancing Business and Personal Life 47:03 Reflections on Entrepreneurship 51:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Links for the Guest: Connect with Ahron Wohlgelernter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahronwohlgelernter/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahronwohlgelernter/) Call to Action: Ready to embrace failure as part of your journey to success? Tune in to the full episode for valuable insights!

12. 

    5 Nov 2024

    Building a 'Bayit' by accident with Yaron Sivan

    What does it take to build a thriving business from scratch, especially when the journey starts somewhere entirely unexpected? In this episode of Failing Our Way to Success, Helena Baker sits down with Yaron Sivan, a former Hebrew teacher turned accidental entrepreneur, who founded Ulpan Bayit. The children of Olim, he had little experience and no support as he slowly, but surely started to redefine himself amidst financial setbacks and daring personal growth experiences, Yaron’s story is a testament to resilience and reinvention. Discussion Points: Yaron's background and journey into entrepreneurship The cultural influences of being a child of Iranian and Norwegian immigrants Challenges faced growing up in immigrant families The birth of Café Bayot and its significance The importance of delegation in business growth Yaron’s experiences with financial struggles and managing cash flow The stress of having employees and the lessons learned from firing them The impact of psychedelic use on personal and professional growth Summary: Yaron Sivan shares his multifaceted journey from a Hebrew teacher to the founder of Ulpan Bayit, reflecting on the cultural and personal challenges he faced along the way. He discusses the contrast between the idealized image of Israel's entrepreneurial scene and the reality, offering practical insights into financial management, delegation, and pricing strategies. Additionally, Yaron delves into how personal experiences, including the use of psychedelics, have shaped his leadership style and mental health, providing valuable lessons on resilience and cultural understanding. About The Guest: Yaron Sivan is the founder of Ulpan Bayit, a language school in Tel Aviv, and has a rich background as a Hebrew teacher. His journey as an accidental entrepreneur is marked by cultural influences, personal growth experiences, and a commitment to overcoming challenges in the business landscape. Time Stamps: 00:00 Cultural Influences and Family Dynamics 03:34 Challenges of Being a Child of Olim 09:03 The Birth of Café Bayit 12:33 Delegating and Business Growth 15:10 Realizations and Reflections 18:55 The Accidental Entrepreneur 24:53 Starting Ulpan Bayit 35:18 Starting from Scratch: The Kitchen Job 36:15 Building the First Website 37:04 The Big Break: Paris Center for Peace Project 41:41 Financial Struggles and Learning Cashflow 47:28 Raising Prices and Managing Demand 51:08 The Stress of Having Employees 55:11 A Psychedelic Perspective Shift 01:02:30 Managing People and Personal Growth 01:07:39 Firing Employees: A Hard Lesson Links for the Guest: Connect with Yaron Sivan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yaron-sivan-8949b32a/ Visit Yaron Sivan's website: https://ulpan.co.il/ Call to Action: Ready to gain insights into the world of accidental entrepreneurship? Tune in to the full episode for valuable lessons and inspiring stories!

13. 

    29 Oct 2024

    Resilience, Growth, and a lot of Coffee with Xoli Ormut Durbin

    Have you ever wondered the price business owners pay when they don't delegate? Or why you must spend money to make money? In this episode of Failing Our Way to Success, we dive into the fascinating journey of Xoli Ormut Durbin, the founder of Cafe Xoho in Tel Aviv. From navigating language barriers and celebrity encounters to facing the emotional challenges of business, Xoli’s story is one of resilience and learning from setbacks. Discussion Points: Xoli's unique background from Hong Kong, Australia, and Israel Founding Cafe Xoho and the challenges of creating a community space Memorable moments, including celebrity interactions Lessons learned from a failed cold brew venture The importance of balancing personal well-being with business demands Summary of the Conversation: In this episode, Xoli Ormut Durbin shares the inspiring story of establishing Cafe Xoho in Tel Aviv. We explore her diverse background, the motivation behind creating a community-centered café, and the various challenges she faced, from language barriers and staff management to handling memorable customer interactions. Xoli reflects on the emotional journey of running a business, her struggle with delegation following motherhood, and her lessons from a cold brew side venture that didn't pan out. Through her story, we see the impact of resilience and cultural integration, as well as the importance of balancing personal well-being with business growth. The episode concludes with Xoli’s gratitude for the community and her aspirations for Cafe Xoho's future. About The Guest: Xoli Ormut Durbin is the founder of Cafe Xoho, a beloved café and community space in Tel Aviv, Israel, established in 2010. With roots in Hong Kong and Australia, Xoli brings a wealth of cultural diversity and an inspiring entrepreneurial spirit to her work. Her dedication to building a welcoming hub for people from all backgrounds has earned Cafe Xoho a cherished place in Tel Aviv’s community. Key Takeaways: Building a business in a foreign country requires adaptability and resilience. Embracing failure as part of the growth process can lead to invaluable lessons. Balancing personal well-being with business demands is essential for long-term success. Community support can be a significant pillar in overcoming business challenges. Reflecting on past mistakes can fuel future growth and personal development. Time Stamps: 00:00 - Xoli’s Background and Journey to Israel 03:56 – Challenges and Triumphs of Cafe Xoho 09:30 – The Importance of Language and Community 11:29 – Celebrity Encounters and Memorable Moments 14:59 – Failures and Lessons Learned 27:24 – Joining Wolt: A Game Changer 28:30 – Navigating Challenges and Mistakes 31:45 – The Renovation Nightmare 36:22 – Opening a Side Business 46:17 – Lessons Learned and Future Growth Links for the Guest: Connect with Xoli Ormut Durbin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cafexoho/?hl=en (https://www.instagram.com/cafexoho/?hl=en) Visit Cafe Xoho's website: cafexoho.com Call to Action: Ready to dive deeper into Xoli's journey and learn about the resilience required to build a successful community café? Tune in to learn how to fail your way to success.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 5 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

9

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0