Episode 12

full
Published on:

26th Nov 2024

Embracing Mistakes: The Key to Growth and Development in the Workplace

Hey there, awesome listeners! Welcome back to another episode of Working On It: The Modern Workplace Handbook! Your favourite hosts, Lauren Spearman and Molly Johnson-Jones, are back and ready to dive into one of the most relatable topics around—making mistakes.

Today’s episode, "Making Mistakes," is all about those facepalm moments we’ve all experienced. Lauren kicks things off by sharing how attending an emotional intelligence course totally transformed her career and boosted her soft skills. On the flip side, Molly emphasises how feedback on your soft skills is a sign your boss is genuinely invested in helping you grow.

Feeling a bit nervous about owning up to mistakes at work? Don’t sweat it. Lauren and Molly dig deep into why creating a safe environment to admit those oops moments without fear is so crucial. They both share some hilarious and humbling personal stories—like Lauren blowing an advertising budget and Molly’s epic slip-up during her first live TV appearance on the BBC. Trust us, you’re going to love hearing how they bounced back and what they learnt.

So, why should you tune in? Here’s the scoop:

  1. Safe Spaces: Learn why creating a no-judgement zone at work can seriously boost your growth and productivity.
  2. Learning Opportunities: Get the lowdown on how our brains are wired to learn from mistakes, thanks to neuroplasticity.
  3. Leadership Tips: Discover how admitting mistakes can actually make you a stronger, more trustworthy leader.
  4. Emotional Maturity: Hear real-life examples of how mastering emotional intelligence can help you handle workplace hiccups like a pro.


This episode isn’t just about sharing tips; it’s about embracing your not-so-perfect moments and using them as stepping stones to better yourself. Lauren and Molly will guide you on the fine line between holding yourself accountable and shifting blame, so you’ll leave feeling empowered and ready to tackle anything.

So grab that coffee, get comfy, and let’s jump right in. Whether you’re a newbie in the working world or a seasoned pro, there’s a little something here for everyone. Welcome to a place where mistakes are just lessons waiting to happen!


Key Points:

00:00 How Lauren spent the company ad budget too fast; boss helped us learn.

05:36 Getting better at handling emotions with age.

08:18 Build a chill vibe for handling mistakes.

12:27 Mistakes help you learn and grow fast.

14:28 Embrace mistakes early for career growth.

18:52 Role modeling shapes company culture and accountability.

23:56 Oops, our producer took UK MD's clothes after a football game!

26:48 Intro yourself to dodge name slip-ups.

29:49 Embrace mistakes, learn, and boost growth vibes.


Hosts Bio

Lauren Spearman brings a wealth of experience from her career in advertising, social media, and brand strategy to her current role advocating for salary transparency and flexible working conditions. Her journey, marked by her advocacy on TikTok against unfair hiring practices, has made her a champion for creating better work environments. Lauren’s unique perspective as a freelancer, balancing work with personal commitments, adds a rich, authentic layer to every discussion.

https://www.tiktok.com/@spearmanlauren

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenspearman/


Molly Johnson-Jones, at the helm of Flexa Careers, is transforming how companies and individuals approach flexible working. With a platform that empowers millions to find roles that fit their desired working environments, Molly’s insights on the future of work, DEI, and employer branding are indispensable for anyone looking to navigate or shape the modern workplace. Her frequent speaking engagements on these topics bring cutting-edge perspectives and actionable advice to the podcast.

https://www.tiktok.com/@mollyjohnsonjones

https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-johnson-jones/


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Copyright 2025 Fairey Tale Productions

Mentioned in this episode:

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About the Podcast

Working On It
The Modern Workplace Handbook
Working On It is your essential podcast for navigating today's evolving work environment. Hosted by Lauren Spearman and Molly Johnson-Jones, this show dives into the realities of the modern workplace, offering practical advice and insightful discussions.

Lauren, a Salary Transparency Advocate and Creative Director, shares her journey from advertising and social media to her current freelance life, championing for better work conditions and salary transparency. Molly, CEO and Co-Founder of Flexa Careers, brings her expertise in flexible working and employer branding, helping companies and individuals thrive in the modern work landscape.

Tune in for actionable tips, expert insights, and inspiring stories on topics like crafting standout CVs, managing office dynamics, and understanding workplace rights. Whether you're an employee, manager, or job seeker, this podcast provides valuable guidance to enhance your career and work-life balance.

Join Lauren and Molly on Working On It: The Modern Workplace Handbook and master the future of work, one episode at a time.

Your Hosts
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Lauren Spearman brings a wealth of experience from her career in advertising, social media, and brand strategy, to her current role advocating for salary transparency and flexible working conditions. Her journey, marked by her advocacy on TikTok against unfair hiring practices, has made her a champion for creating better work environments. Lauren’s unique perspective as a freelancer, balancing work with personal commitments, adds a rich, authentic layer to every discussion.
https://www.tiktok.com/@spearmanlauren
https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenspearman/

Molly Johnson-Jones, at the helm of Flexa Careers, is transforming how companies and individuals approach flexible working. With a platform that empowers millions to find roles that fit their desired working environments, Molly’s insights on the future of work, DEI, and employer branding are indispensable for anyone looking to navigate or shape the modern workplace. Her frequent speaking engagements on these topics bring cutting-edge perspectives and actionable advice to the podcast.
https://www.tiktok.com/@mollyjohnsonjones
https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-johnson-jones/