Failure Quote by Ed Catmull
““DISCUSSING FAILURE AND all its ripple effects is not merely an academic exercise. We face it because by seeking better understanding, we remove barriers to full creative engagement. One of the biggest barriers is fear, and while failure comes with the territory, fear shouldn’t have to. The goal, then, is to uncouple fear and failure—to create an environment in which making mistakes doesn’t strike terror into your employees’ hearts.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Q&A at Pixar Leadership Forum, 2015
Understanding failure reduces fear, enabling creative risk‑taking and deeper engagement.
In simple terms: Knowing why we fail lowers fear and boosts creativity.
Key Takeaway
Separate fear from failure to foster innovation.
Themes
creativity
leadership
psychology
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
leadership
motivational
When to use this quote
- team brainstorming
- product development
- learning from mistakes
Key Concepts
risk management
growth mindset
organizational culture
Questions to Reflect On
- How can leaders model vulnerability?
- What structures reduce fear of error?
A Different Perspective
Fear can still linger despite rational understanding.
