What are some examples of successful people who failed and bounced back?

1 Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey is one of the most influential media moguls and philanthropists in the world, but she didn't have an easy start. She was fired from her first TV job as a co-anchor in Baltimore, and was told she was "unfit for television". Instead of giving up, she moved to Chicago and launched her own talk show, which became a global phenomenon. Oprah's story shows that you can overcome rejection and criticism by finding your passion and pursuing it with confidence and resilience.

2 Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs is widely regarded as a visionary and innovator who revolutionized the tech industry, but he also faced failure and humiliation. He was ousted from Apple, the company he co-founded, in 1985, after a power struggle with the board. He then founded NeXT, a computer company that struggled to compete in the market. However, he didn't lose his creative spark and ambition. He also acquired Pixar, the animation studio that produced hit movies like Toy Story and Finding Nemo. In 1997, he returned to Apple and led its comeback with products like the iMac, iPod, iPhone, and iPad. Steve Jobs' story shows that you can bounce back from failure by learning from your mistakes, adapting to change, and following your vision.

3 J.K. Rowling

J.K. Rowling is one of the most successful and beloved authors of all time, but she also faced hardship and rejection before she published her first Harry Potter book. She was a single mother living on welfare, struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts. She wrote her manuscript in cafes and on trains, and sent it to dozens of publishers, only to be turned down. Finally, she got a deal with Bloomsbury, a small publisher that gave her a modest advance. The rest is history, as her books became a global sensation and spawned a multi-billion dollar franchise. J.K. Rowling's story shows that you can bounce back from failure by persevering, believing in yourself, and finding your voice.

4 Walt Disney

Walt Disney is one of the most iconic and influential figures in entertainment, but he also faced many challenges and failures in his career. He was fired from his first job as a newspaper cartoonist, and was told he lacked imagination and creativity. He then started his own animation studio, but lost the rights to his first successful character, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, to his distributor. He also faced bankruptcy, lawsuits, strikes, and criticism from critics and peers. However, he didn't give up on his dreams and vision. He created Mickey Mouse, Snow White, Disneyland, and many other classics that changed the industry and culture. Walt Disney's story shows that you can bounce back from failure by being innovative, optimistic, and persistent.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?