The Science of Failing (BTL #6)

Why Every "No" is a Step Closer to Success

"Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently." — Henry Ford

If you’ve ever put your heart into a project, only to have it rejected, reworked beyond recognition, or outright ignored, you’re not alone.

I’ve been there. More times than I can count.

Early in my career, I spent weeks crafting what I thought was the perfect content strategy. It had storytelling, patient narratives, data-driven insights, everything necessary. I was so sure it would impress the execs.

It didn’t.

Instead, I got vague feedback, a complete revamp of my approach, and the sinking feeling that maybe I wasn’t as good as I thought.

That’s the thing about failure, it doesn’t just hit your work, it hits you. Your confidence, your skills, your sense of belonging.

But here’s what I’ve learned: failure isn’t the end of the road, it’s the blueprint for how to navigate it better next time.

Why Failure Feels So Personal

When your work gets rejected or overlooked, it’s easy to think:

❌ I’m not good enough.

❌ Maybe I’m in the wrong field.

❌ I should have seen this coming.

This is imposter syndrome at its finest. The voice in your head that tells you your success so far was just luck, that sooner or later people will figure out you don’t belong here.

But here’s the truth:

✔️ Failure isn’t proof of incompetence, it’s proof you’re pushing your limits.

✔️ Even the best ideas get rejected if they don’t align with the bigger vision.

✔️ What doesn’t resonate today might be exactly what they need tomorrow.

When “Good Work” Doesn’t Get Approved

Let’s talk about the frustration of creating what you believe is your best work, only for leadership to say: This isn’t what we’re looking for.

It happens. More than you think.

In biotech and healthcare, where messaging has to pass through multiple layers of approval, alignment with executive vision is everything.

🔹 Executives think in business impact, not just great storytelling. Your message might be powerful, but does it align with their strategic goals?

🔹 They prioritize risk management. If an idea feels too bold, too different, or doesn’t fit compliance, it might be shut down before it even gets traction.

🔹 Timing is everything. An idea might be ahead of its time, but that doesn’t mean it’s wrong.

So how do you make sure your work lands?

How to Align Your Vision with Leadership

1️⃣ Understand Their Priorities

Before you pitch an idea, ask: What does leadership care about right now? Frame your work in a way that solves their pain points.

2️⃣ Speak Their Language

Data. Metrics. Business impact. If you can connect your work to ROI, patient outcomes, or competitive advantage, you’re more likely to get buy-in.

3️⃣ Find the Middle Ground

If your vision isn’t aligning, don’t force it—adjust it. Be willing to tweak your idea to fit the broader company goals while still keeping its essence.

4️⃣ Sell It Like a Story

People don’t just buy into ideas—they buy into why those ideas matter. Make leadership see the impact, not just the execution.

How to Bounce Back from Repeated Failure

If you’ve been experiencing one rejection after another, here’s what I want you to remember:

💡 It’s not personal. Even the best professionals have had their ideas rejected at some point. It doesn’t mean you’re not good enough.

💡 Take a step back. Instead of spiraling, analyze what’s not working. Ask for feedback. Was it the execution, the timing, the messaging?

💡 Pivot, don’t quit. If one approach isn’t landing, try a different angle. Sometimes, a simple reframing of an idea makes all the difference.

💡 Seek perspective. Share your work with trusted colleagues or mentors before presenting it to leadership. A fresh set of eyes can help fine-tune your approach.

💡 Keep creating. The more you put yourself out there, the stronger you get. The goal isn’t to avoid failure—it’s to build resilience through it.

You’re Closer Than You Think

The worst thing failure can do is make you doubt your own potential.

If I had given up after my first rejection (or my tenth), I wouldn’t be where I am today. Every “no” shaped me, refined my skills, and ultimately led me to better opportunities.

So if you’re in a season of rejection, keep going. Keep refining. Keep pushing.

And if you don’t have anyone in your corner right now, I’d gladly be there. Just send me a message.

Warmly,

Faridah.