It’s 6:00pm at Kibo Huts (4,700m) - the last stop before our midnight summit push. The air is thin; the nerves are real. The fear isn’t just about failing to reach the top - it’s about what failure might mean after coming this far, with so many people cheering us on. Before any big climb (career, company, or mountain), the biggest inhibitor often isn’t fear itself, but the anticipation of it and the imagined judgment that follows. This episode explores fear of failure, how external perception magnifies it, and the resilience tools that help us move anyway. From list-making our way back to truth, to reframing exposure as curiosity, to practicing vulnerability as a strategy for trust - we unpack how to try, learn, and keep going.

What to expect in this episode

- Exploring the fear of failure and why we fear judgement

- Techniques to seperate real and imagined external judgement

- Discussion of Brene Brown’s work around critics in the arena - Why vulnerability in brand building is important- Tangible advice for when you are feeling stuck, or are in fear of failing

Voices you’ll hear

Alice Harris: Freelance Social Media specialist

Janey Martino: Co Founder of Smiling Mind, Founder of Kintsugi Way and CEO of KIC

Mark Dombkins: Founder of Forever Projects

Jess Walker: Venture Investment Principal at Wollemi Capital, Founder of UNA diamond and the Neon Lab, and Non Executive Director of Forever Projects

Dr Dan: Expedition & Wilderness Medicine

To try at home

Two-list reset (5 mins): Write True vs Story I’m telling myself. Cross out the stories. Decide one next step.

Arena filter: Whose feedback actually counts for this decision? Write 3 names; mute the rest.

Curiosity script: Begin the next risky share with “Here’s what I’m learning…” and invite input.

Vulnerability rep: Share one honest obstacle with a teammate/friend today and ask for perspective.

Mentions

Elinipa: The incredible Tanzanian artist who has kindly allowed us to use her music across the series

Brené Brown: The power of vulnerability Ted Talk

The Lean Startup: Eric Ries’ book about building efficient businesses

Kintsugi Way: Janey Martino’s coaching platform

If someone in your network would love these conversations, please share along.

Help us create Ripple Effects. This series is brought to you by Forever Projects, hosted by Soph Dicker, from the podcast So Invested - smart and unfiltered chats about money, business and building a life you are So Invested in.

Inspired to join Forever Projects next Tanzania Immersion Trip in July 2026? Find out more and register your interest here.