Living in a world surrounded by products of all shapes and sizes, I used to wonder what went on in the minds of people who built those.

Thankfully, the answer has not been evasive, as my career in business analysis and product management so far has taught me to be one of those people.

Over the past 25 years I have been fortunate to work with many great people at some amazing companies in three countries.  

However, by far my most favourite experiences have come with two small businesses I joined who both had a very specialized focus, supportive ownership and a clear why.  

It is inevitable that we make mistakes in a new environment. But if we allowed ourselves, and if others allowed us, to make mistakes on a small scale in rapid succession, then we can avoid failing big.