180: Ben Currier on Turning Failure into Your Competitive Advantage

What if failure isn’t something to avoid—but your secret weapon for entrepreneurial success? In this episode, Ben Currier, known as the #1 Failure Guy, reveals why saying yes to fear and embracing setbacks can transform your business and mindset. If you’re a Gen X woman solopreneur struggling with perfectionism or afraid to take bold action, this conversation will change how you approach opportunities forever.

Originally aired: August 1, 2023
This post has been updated and republished as part of rebuilding the Gratitude Geek podcast archive.

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I love Ben’s message of “failing it till you nail it”. He’s turned his own job terminations into a superpower—interviewing others about their failures to normalize the struggle we all face. This conversation is a reminder that our setbacks aren’t roadblocks; they’re data points on the path to mastery.

What This Episode Is About

Fear of failure keeps too many talented women solopreneurs stuck in analysis paralysis. In this episode, Ben Currier—the self-proclaimed #1 Failure Guy—shares why embracing failure is the fastest path to entrepreneurial success. From his unique journey of turning job terminations into a thriving podcast to his “fail it till you nail it” philosophy, Ben offers a refreshing antidote to perfectionism. Whether you’re afraid to launch that offer, pivot your business, or simply say “yes” to new opportunities, this conversation will shift your relationship with risk forever.

Key Takeaways

• Embrace failure as feedback: Every setback is data that moves you closer to success
• Say yes first, figure it out later: Opportunities compound when you’re willing to act before you’re “ready”
• Leverage IMDb for podcast SEO: List your episodes on IMDb to boost discoverability and give guests valuable credits
• Replace perfectionism with progress: Done is better than perfect—release your work and iterate based on real feedback

Episode Breakdown

00:00 – Introduction: Meet Ben Currier, the #1 Failure Guy
05:14 – Embracing Failure: The Real Path to Success
05:40 – The Quest to Be the World’s #1 Failure Guy
09:19 – SEO Secrets: How IMDb Boosts Your Podcast
23:20 – Say Yes to New Opportunities & Expand Your Comfort Zone
23:48 – Let Go of Perfectionism in Podcasting
31:37 – Excel Escape Rooms: Making Financial Modeling Fun
34:58 – Personal Branding: Fail It Till You Nail It
43:48 – Ben’s Secret Passion: Acting & Sci-Fi Dreams
55:21 – Gratitude for His 92-Year-Old Grandmother

Meet Ben Currier

Ben Currier is a Microsoft Excel expert, podcast host, and entrepreneur who’s made it his mission to normalize failure. After experiencing multiple job terminations, Ben launched his podcast to interview people about their struggles and setbacks—proving that success isn’t linear. He’s particularly valuable for Gen X women solopreneurs because he tackles the perfectionism and fear that often hold us back from taking action. Ben is also developing an O’Reilly textbook course and creating innovative Excel-based escape rooms, showing that creativity and technical skills can coexist beautifully.

Connect with Ben Currier

Website: https://excelexposure.teachable.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamincurrier

Disclaimer: Some links may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase. No added cost to you.

Your Turn

What resonated with you in this conversation? Share your biggest takeaway on Instagram or LinkedIn. Prefer to keep it on the blog? Drop a comment below.

Final Thoughts

What’s staying with me from this conversation is Ben’s reminder that perfectionism is just fear wearing a productivity mask. His “fail it till you nail it” philosophy is exactly what we Gen X women solopreneurs need to hear—especially those of us who were raised to color inside the lines and never make mistakes. If you’re waiting to feel “ready” before launching that offer, pitching that podcast, or saying yes to that opportunity, consider this your permission slip to act imperfectly. The fastest way to mastery isn’t perfection; it’s progressive failure.

Ready to stop waiting for perfect and start building momentum? Join The Lab—my community for Gen X women solopreneurs who are done playing small. Get access to strategic resources, accountability, and a cohort of women who get it. Let’s fail forward together. Learn more about The Lab.

Stay Groovy!