The Fail Forward Project

Thanks to everyone who attended the #FailForwardEvent last Thursday! We’d like to give a special thanks to our presenting sponsor ethOs and our other sponsors, REWORC, and Bâton Global. Also, to our inspiring speakers: - Dr. Rachelle (Karstens) Keck, who redefined failure through persistence and adaptability. - Ric Jurgens, who showed us that taking ownership of your performance fuels collective success. - Maureen Onyeziri, who reminded us how optimism can reshape tough situations. To our amazing team—Stephen, Ben, Maddie, Nick, Kaylea, Matthew, DJ, and Dustin—your hard work made this event possible. And most importantly, thanks to you all for showing up and embracing vulnerability and #failingforward with one another. Want to reminisce on all the fun last week? Check out pictures of the event: https://flic.kr/ps/45aZdZ. Please share your honest feedback of how we can make the Fail Forward Event even better next time: https://lnkd.in/g7yFkHpu Looking for some inspiration? Check out our Fail Forward Spotify Playlist here to get you through life’s tough moments: https://lnkd.in/ge2d5rpR We’ve got a lot of exciting things in the works, so stay tuned and see you next time!

Today's the day! Doors open at 4:30 for a social hour with food and your first drink on us. At 5:30ish, speakers take the stage to tell their stories. Dress code is casual to business casual, come as you are! We can't wait to see you there soon! #FailForwardEvent

We’re just 2 days away from the #FailForwardEvent on October 10! 🎉 Here’s what to expect: • 4:30ish: Social Hour—Enjoy great food, your first drink on us, and casual conversations on the rooftop. • 5:30ish: Speakers—Hear from Dr. Rachelle (Karstens) Keck, Ric Jurgens, and Maureen Onyeziri on growth through failure. • 6:00ish: Small Table Talks—Reflect and share in small group discussions. • 6:20ish: Panel Discussion—Ask questions, share thoughts, and engage with the speakers and the larger group. • 6:40ish: Social Hour Continues—More time for connection and conversation. Tickets are still available, get yours now! https://lnkd.in/e_b6siai

Excited to listen to this impressive panel and connect with some great people! I would highly encourage you to attend! If you are on the fence about it, reach out to me. #Networking #ProfessionalDevelopment #FailForwardEvent

We’re officially ONE WEEK AWAY from the #FailForwardEvent on October 10! Get ready for real conversations on growth through failure with these powerful speakers: • Dr. Rachelle (Karstens) Keck, President of Grandview University • Ric Jurgens , Former CEO of Hy-Vee • Maureen Onyeziri, Talent Development Lead at Corteva Agriscience While other events focus on success stories, we dive into the real challenges that lead to true development. Get your tickets now at: https://lnkd.in/e_b6siai #FailForwardEvent #GrowthThroughFailure

We’re different. At the #FailForwardEvent, we don’t shy away from the tough stuff. We celebrate the challenges, the setbacks, and the fears that shape true personal and professional development. Ready for something real? Join us on October 10th to experience the power of embracing failure. Get your tickets here: https://lnkd.in/e_b6siai

The future of work is human! As technology and automation continue to advance, it’s the human-centric skills—emotional intelligence, resilience, and adaptability—that will set businesses apart and drive success. In the latest blog from the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Stephen Smith dives into the growing demand for these skills, how the Fail Forward Project is helping cultivate them, and why embracing failure and vulnerability is essential for growth. Discover how events like Fail Forward are shaping the future of work and empowering individuals and communities. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/gh8bY4Rv and don’t miss the #FailForwardEvent on October 10th! Get your tickets now: https://lnkd.in/e_b6siai #FailForward #FutureOfWork #HumanSkills #Resilience

Meet Our Final Speaker at the #FailForwardEvent: Maureen Onyeziri 👏 As a dedicated educator, people developer, scientist, and creative writer, Maureen has spent her life empowering others to thrive. From growing up in Nigeria to leaving her support system and everything she knew and loved behind to migrate to the USA for graduate studies, her own experiences of overcoming adversity against immense and unbelievable odds instilled in her a deep empathy and drive to make a difference. This drive has allowed her successfully to bridge her scientific expertise with her passion for learning and development, talent development, DEI advocacy, and process improvement, leading to the execution of numerous projects in these areas and the creation of opportunities for others, particularly those in STEM fields. With a PhD in Microbiology from Indiana University Bloomington, she began her career as a research scientist at Corteva Agriscience, first supporting herbicide tolerance gene discovery efforts, then leading early-stage crop genome engineering projects. While in the lab, she boldly and courageously pursued her passion for people and organizational development and now leads talent development within Biotechnology R&D at Corteva. Her personal and career journeys are a testament to the power of resilience, determination, embracing uncertainty, and pursuing joy in work. Maureen believes that feeling both brave and terrified does not have to be mutually exclusive. This philosophy has helped her navigate fear and self-doubt during various times of significant change and continues to help her as she transitions and grows in her career. We can’t wait for you to hear her inspiring story at the #FailForwardEvent! Get your tickets now: https://lnkd.in/e_b6siai

We’re thrilled to welcome back REWORC and Bâton Global as repeat partners for the #FailForwardEvent! Reworc provides workforce intelligence to drive growth and productivity in the workplace. Holistic and robust, Reworc is the organizational MRI to help prioritize action. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Bâton Global provides clients comprehensive strategy and leadership services to solve complex challenges and lead transformational change in organizations and communities worldwide. Together, these incredible sponsors are helping us shape the future of work while fostering a culture of growth, resilience, and connection. Thank you, Reworc and Bâton Global, for your continued support! #FailForward #Sponsors #FutureOfWork #Innovation #Resilience

Meet the second speaker in the #FailForwardEvent lineup: Former CEO and Chairman of Hy-Vee, Ric Jurgens! 🎉 A Des Moines native and graduate of both North High School and Iowa State University, Ric Jurgens dedicated 43 years to Hy-Vee, rising from Store Manager to Chairman of the Board and CEO. He retired in 2012, leaving behind a legacy of visionary leadership in the grocery industry. Alongside his career, Ric made an impact through roles like Chairman of the Food Marketing Institute and co-founding the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative. Even in retirement, Ric remains committed to his community, serving on the Iowa State Board of Governors and the On With Life Community Advisory Committee. With numerous accolades, including the Iowa Business Hall of Fame and being named one of the Greatest Retailers of All Time, his story is one of true growth and resilience. Don’t miss out on hearing Ric’s journey of leadership, challenges, and growth. 🎤 Grab your tickets now: https://lnkd.in/e_b6siai #FailForwardEvent #SpeakerSpotlight