ON SETBACKS, FAILURES AND MAKING MISTAKES

Brita Fernandez Schmidt, executive director of Women For Women: ‘You won’t always succeed – but this should not be how you measure your self-worth. These ‘failures’ are not really failures at all; you learn so much from them and they drive you forward.’ Davina

Mccall: ‘People need to experience difficulty to learn how to be resilient. If you haven’t been through anything difficult, the minute you do it will hit you like a freight train and you won’t know what to do because you’ve never been given the tools to deal with it.’ Carolyn Mccall, chief executive of ITV: ‘Everyone needs resilience. Things don’t always go your way, so staying grounded when facing a setback is important. Remember what you have done well, learn from your experience and move forward.’ Harriet Harman,

politician: ‘Sometimes setbacks are downright unfair. It could be that you’re not being listened to, your work isn’t being recognised or you’re being hassled. It’s sometimes easier to “let it go” and “not make a fuss”, but it’s never good to suffer in silence or put up with injustice and unfairness. Make a plan to put it right and discuss it with colleagues you think will support you. You will make mistakes – everyone does. Don’t beat yourself up.’ Bobbi

Brown, business founder: ‘Be fearless. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes – that’s how you learn. A “no” just means you need to be more creative about getting a “yes”.’