In a recent LinkedIn post, Ankur Warikoo challenges a widely accepted motivational quote, arguing that failure itself is not the direct path to success. Warikoo contends that the common adage, ‘Failure is the stepping stone to success,’ oversimplifies the journey to achievement. He points out that while failure is universal, success is not, suggesting a crucial element is missing in the popular narrative.
Rethinking the Role of Failure
Warikoo’s core argument is that simply experiencing failure is insufficient for attaining success. He highlights a critical distinction often overlooked: the active process of learning and introspection following setbacks. According to Warikoo, the true catalyst for success lies not just in failing, but in what one does with that failure.
“It is NOT!”
This emphatic statement directly refutes the popular motivational saying. Warikoo elaborates on this by stating:
“The truth is: EVERYONE in the world fails. But not everyone succeeds. So there must be something between success and failure that makes success happen.”
In Warikoo’s view, this ‘something’ is the process of reflection and learning. He observes that highly successful individuals consistently engage in deep introspection about their past failures.
Introducing ‘The Failure Resume’ Podcast
To delve deeper into this subject, Ankur Warikoo announced the launch of his new podcast, ‘The Failure Resume.’ This platform is dedicated to exploring the lessons learned from the failures of prominent figures. Warikoo intends to interview successful individuals to understand how their experiences with failure have shaped their journeys and contributed to their achievements.
Exploring Lessons from Setbacks
The podcast aims to uncover the nuanced relationship between failure and success by examining the experiences of world-renowned leaders. As Warikoo puts it:
“I have observed this in the most successful people in the world; that they reflect on their failures.”
Through these conversations, Warikoo seeks to offer listeners a more realistic and actionable perspective on navigating setbacks. The initiative underscores his belief that understanding and learning from failure is a more potent driver of success than mere exposure to it.
Warikoo also extended an invitation to his audience, encouraging them to recommend guests or even participate as guests on the show by filling out a provided form. This interactive approach suggests a commitment to building a community dialogue around the complexities of success and failure.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Ankur Warikoo on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on December 1, 2025 | View original post on LinkedIn →