# 126: Joshua McMillion - Defining Failure

We Want To Hear From You 🫡Failure can either harden you or sharpen you, and the difference usually comes down to what you believe failure means. I’m Josh McMillian, an active duty Army officer, and I’m kicking off a new leadership series called Defining Failure to help you stop treating setbacks like a verdict. If you’ve ever wondered, “Could I have avoided this?” or felt crushed by a label someone else put on your work, your career, or your character, this conversation gives you a steadier way to lead through it.We build a foundation using the FAILING acronym and seven myths about what failure is not. I share how my view changed through self-reflection and systems engineering, where iteration and incremental improvement are the point. We talk growth mindset research, why repetition beats retreat, and how setbacks rarely happen in a vacuum. We also dig into the stories and quotes that reshape perspective, from John Maxwell’s Failing Forward to Winston Churchill, plus examples like MacArthur’s comeback and the lesson behind changing your language from “I failed” to “I learned.”Tales of Leadership is a leadership platform dedicated to developing Purposeful Accountable Leaders (PALs) through real stories, shared experiences, and practical insight. Each episode breaks down the decisions, failures, and defining moments that shape leaders in the arena—offering honest, experience-driven lessons you can apply immediately. It’s built for those who want to grow with intention, elevate how they lead, and make a lasting impact—because leadership isn’t about rank, it’s about responsibility, and the greatest leaders live by one principle: deeds, not words. 👉🏽 Leadership Armory: https://www.talesofleaderships.com/🏔️ Looking for an incredible bourbon or spirit? 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits is a craft distillery that keeps the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division alive—bold, smooth, and built with purpose. 🎖️ Get 10% off with code: pandocommando👉🏽 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits: https://10thwhiskey.comEvery day is a gift. Don’t waste yours. — Joshua K. McMillion✅ SHARE & SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST✅ LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW✅ APPLY ONE LESSON FROM THIS EPISODE THIS WEEKVisit Tale of Leadership Support 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits Visit Tale of Leadership Support the show