Mindset Leadership Weekly Digest: Edition 8
John Bailey
Transformative Leader & Trigger Man: Catalyzing Change in Growth Marketing, Product Development, and Innovation | EQ Leadership Coach | AI & ML Adoption Specialist | Let's Trigger Your Transformation!
Part Two: The Business Clichés Series | Holding You Back—And What You Can Do About It
Opening Thought: Why Clinging to Clichés Is Your Biggest Risk
This is a hefty read, a worth it to the end!
As I round out my “Breaking Business Clichés” 8-article series, I'm exposing the deeper truths behind these worn-out concepts, which seem to linger unchallenged in boardrooms and business schools. This past week, I tackled four major business clichés that silently erode companies from within: “Fail Fast, Fail Often,” the false bottom-line approach to finance, misguided innovation, and surface-level leadership training. Each article has been a call to arms against the clichés keeping many of us in reactive or outdated mindsets.
And where I could've linked all eight articles here, I thought you know what, I think you have been following and caught it in part one last week in Edition 7 of the Mindset Leadership Weekly Newsletter. ??
I am not here to reinforce business platitudes or make the status quo comfortable at Mindset Genesis. I am here to confront it—because genuine growth isn’t a product of easy answers. It’s time for a shift in thinking, and if you've been with us through this series, you're already pushing toward it. Let’s make sure this knowledge isn’t just information but transformation.
This Week's Articles: Breaking Business Clichés, One Uncomfortable Truth at a Time
“Why ‘Fail Fast, Fail Often’ Is a Lie That’s Costing You Millions” The startup world loves to push the idea of failing fast, but in reality, unchecked failure often leads to reckless spending and resources wasted on ideas that weren’t well-planned. This article dives into how the “fail fast” mantra fails to differentiate between strategic risks and careless mistakes.
“Strategic Finance: Moving Beyond the Bottom Line” Finance shouldn’t be just about cutting costs. I expose the value of a strategic finance team—one that serves as an essential growth partner instead of a limiting force. Great companies are built by investing wisely, not by trimming to the bone.
“Playing Safe Kills Creativity: The Dark Side of Innovation” The business world glorifies innovation, yet teams repeatedly fail because they stick to safe, familiar formulas. I get into why genuine innovation requires discomfort, risk, and breaking free from cookie-cutter solutions. If creativity is suffering, this article points out why.
“Why Most Leadership Programs Don’t Work (And What Actually Does)” Leaders need more than generic training on buzzwords and empty concepts. This article argues for the core skills missing in most corporate leadership programs—like emotional intelligence, resilience, and genuine conflict resolution skills—and how they can transform real-world results.
"As I close out our Business Clichés series, prepare for even more in-depth explorations on leadership strategies, psychological resilience in business, and case studies that shatter conventional wisdom. I am not stopping here—this is just the foundation." - John Bailey
Bonus Articles this Week:
A Thoughtful Post:
领英推荐
Stretch Challenge
Think about one business cliché that has influenced your decision-making—whether it’s “fail fast,” “innovate or die,” or even “cut costs to grow.” Write it down and then ask yourself: Is this approach genuinely driving you forward, or has it led to missed opportunities and stalled growth? Now, identify one actionable step to break free from it.
Exclusive Update: A Personal Milestone and Newfound Resilience
This week marks a personal milestone for me: 300 days free of alcohol. When I first made the decision, it was for more than just health reasons; it was a personal challenge to face adversity and redefine my boundaries. In many ways, it became a test of mental and physical resilience and an eye-opening social experiment. People get… let’s say, “unsettled” when you set a boundary that doesn’t fit their expectations or status quo. The reactions have ranged from support to outright discomfort, proving how tied our social experiences are to these norms. Hitting the one-year mark is my next goal, and I’ll share the whole story once I reach that milestone, unpacking everything I’ve learned.
In other news, yesterday, I made a road trip from Las Vegas to Glendale, CA, and back in a single day to attend a wedding. Eight hours on the road forced me into serious reflection, resilience, and mind decompression. There's also something to be said about seeing two people come together in marriage, dancing, connecting with family, and soaking in the energy that gave me the reset I didn’t know I needed.
So here’s a question for you—what’s your “reset”? How do you recharge and realign? The importance of these moments can’t be understated, and I’d love to hear how you reset your mind and goals.
Also, the Live X Spaces continue every Thursday at 10 AM PDT! This week was a little wonky, and we are playing it a bit sporadic, as we will be this weekend, but most often, you can count on Curt Robbins and sticking to the usual time and day! Follow me on X and be sure to turn on notifications so that you see when we shift the schedule.
Join the discussion as we explore AI and tech innovations and how these concepts can transform business. Your voice matters, and I invite you to raise your hand, jump in, and share your insights. Stay tuned for the upcoming release of our long-form YouTube content, which will launch next week with video sessions dedicated to mindset, business, and leadership mastery.
Recommended Read of the Week: Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
For anyone in a leadership role or looking to influence company culture, Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead is an essential reading. Brown makes a strong case for the importance of courage and emotional intelligence in leadership—traits usually left out of traditional leadership programs. Her approach is a refreshing contrast to leadership clichés, focusing on trust, vulnerability, and authenticity as the fundamental building blocks of influence and lasting impact.
Final Thought
To lead and innovate in today's business world, I need more than quick fixes and old playbooks. I must question what I’ve accepted as truth, reframe my strategies, and embrace the uncomfortable truths that drive real progress. Leadership isn't about fitting in—it's about standing out, challenging the norm, and making change.
If you’re ready to advance your leadership or team, I invite you to work directly with me through Mindset Genesis. Let’s dissect the programs, challenge the conventions, and ensure you’re set up for real impact.
Stay bold, keep questioning, and let’s create a stronger, more intelligent business environment.
About John Bailey
I am an entrepreneur, executive, father, coach, and innovator with over 15 years of experience in product development, marketing, business growth, and leadership. My journey hasn’t followed the traditional path, and neither does my coaching. Through The Mindset Genesis , I break all the rules by helping clients face challenges head-on—not by going around or over them, but by breaking through them.
Writing and sharing these insights is a passion, and I’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback or see you like, share, and follow for more.
Disclaimer: The link to the book Dare To Lead in this article is an affiliate link. If you add any of the books I mention to your library using a link, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost. I truly appreciate your support and hope this book provides as much value to you as it has for me. It is a great read, and I found it highly useful in my entrepreneurial journey.