Patrick Steel
Chief Executive OfficerPOLITICO
The Mistake: The mistake was enduring certain relationships for too long when your values don’t align. One of the things I wish I knew sooner is that...
If I Knew Then...
Even born leaders have learning curves. In this feature, local insiders share their wisdom and talk about mistakes that shaped their business philosophy.
Al Danto
Managing partnerThe Danto Group
The Mistake: I didn’t seek out the power of wisdom. When I was young, I thought I knew it all. It’s like listening to your parents and not realizing...
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Jay Hamilton
CEO and founder
Presage SolutionsThe Mistake: After years working for other people in the IT industry, I ventured out on my own by starting Presage Solutions in 2000. I was so...
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Sierra Smith
co-founder
ZorpadsThe Mistake: Early on, I had a hard time filtering advice—and knowing that advice is just that, it’s advice. It’s not a command, it’s not a "you must...
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Amanda Brinkman
host
small business revolutionThe Mistake: Growing up, I always knew I wanted to get into the marketing or advertising space. I was very attracted to film and storytelling and...
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Brian Williams
Partner
Carl Marks AdvisorsThe Mistake: Finding myself — through my own fault or no fault of my own — in an organization that wasn’t the best fit for my skill set. After...
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Ted Farnsworth
CEO
Helios and Matheson AnalyticsThe Mistake: Overplaying my hand. Back in the late ‘90s, I had a company in the internet space called Farmbid.com Which was all about agriculture. We...
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Leslie Lerner
Owner
Leslie Lerner PropertiesThe Mistake: Not taking risks on my own ideas. Growing up, I always wanted a successful career and to make something of myself. I taught elementary...
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Maneet Chauhan
President
Morph Hospitality GroupThe Mistake: I make mistakes all the time. I think they are very important because you learn from them, whether they are small or big errors. I don't...
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Lisa Hamilton
EVP and Chief Program Officer
Annie E. Casey FoundationThe Mistake: My mistake was leaving a position that I enjoyed to accept another, less satisfying position that would advance my career. I had worked...
