My Biggest Mistake

by Terry O’Reilly

A brilliant series of chapters, each detailing a mistake by people in sports, entertainment, leaders of major corporations eg Rob Lowe, Steve Jobs, Bombardier, Scotty Bowman.

Genres: Nonfiction

Unknown Binding

Reviews

[Frederic · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best advertising writers, like Peter Mayle (author of "A Year in Provence" and "Toujours Provence") and Terry O'Reilly, who wrote this book, are often clever and great storytellers.

I was drawn to "My Biggest Mistake" because Toronto ad man O'Reilly hosts long-running, informative and entertaining shows about advertising and consumer culture on CBC radio ('The Age of Persuasion" and "Under the Influence") that I have enjoyed for years.

This is a collection of funny and sometimes inspiring anecdotes from the worlds of sports and business. We learn about high achieving people who made lemonade out of lemons, because they never gave up and adapted to changing circumstances rather than despairing.

This is a good book for perspective on how the business world really works. Successful businesses are not exploitive, but instead strive to understand customers' needs and forge great relationships with them by solving their problems.

[Samantha Maloney · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've listened to Terry O'Reilly on the CBC, you'll recognize the smooth storytelling. O'Reilly delves into people and the mistakes they made, some consequences, and the success that comes of it. It's simple and the stories range from interesting to fascinating. There are corporate boondoggles, personal whoppsies, sports mix-ups, and musical messes. But in the end, it all works out. I enjoyed listening to each piece, but as someone who now makes frequent mistakes (thanks #concussion), I took to heart what O'Reilly said in the last chapter: A mistake can fuel extraordinary growth and creativity. He recommends we "embrace the obstacle" because while "an epic mistake can feel debilitating... humiliating... life-altering... it might be destiny preparing you for what you were asking for all along." I'm going to rewatch Jaws with a new mindset. You'll understand when you listen to the chapter.

[Raymond Bedard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book which contains 24 true stories of people who made big mistakes that eventually became major victories. Characters range from Steve Jobs to the makes of pink fibreglass. The stories are fascinating, surprising and often funny. A good read when you’re looking for something light that can be read in small “bites”.

[Eyelandgirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read. Interesting stand alone stories. If you ever listen to his shows (the Age of Persuasion or Under the Influence) you will hear his voice narrating!

[Tarah Jakubiak · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read about mistakes and triumphs.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed all the stories of the silver linings behind people’s mistakes. Very enjoyable reading.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

A compilation of 24 different stories, mostly from well known personalities, about how their big mistakes eventually turned out to lead to their biggest successes. Lots of interesting trivia.

[Barbara Gard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting

[Marc-André · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook. Lots of fun.

[Chandler Elmore · Rating 3 out of 5]

A breezey read that is invoked classic Terry writing with timeless stories that capture how mistakes, big and small, can capitulate a person or organization to new levels of success.

[Sharon McGonigle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listen to the author reading this book....he is so entertaining and engaging. You just never know what life has in store....that silver lining awaits us all.