In leadership, we often treat failure as something to avoid, manage, or recover from. But in reality, progress is rarely linear and many of the most important leadership shifts happen when things don’t go to plan.

In this episode of Simplicity in the Noise, Michael Everett explores the idea of 'falling forward': how to use setbacks, missteps, and imperfect moments as a source of clarity and momentum rather than critique or self-doubt.

You’ll learn:

• Why progress almost always includes dips, stalls, and unexpected turns

• How leaders reframe mistakes as part of forward movement

• The difference between reflective learning and unhelpful rumination

• Why controlled failure builds stronger teams and stronger systems

• Practical ways to “fall forward” rather than fall back when things don’t land

A short, calm reminder that leadership is less about avoiding failure and more about using each moment, even the difficult ones, to refine your direction and strengthen your practice.

One action for this week:

Identify one recent moment that didn’t go perfectly, and name the single insight you gained from it. Let that insight become your next step forward.

Connect with Michael:

• Regular leadership clarity: Simpang Signals

• More tools and frameworks at simpang.org