Innovation coach Diana Kander: Failure is an option

By Tommy Felts | July 11, 2017

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. [divide] Yes, you could fail, and it would be embarrassing. People would talk about it. People you know. But let’s be honest, they’re only trying to reassure themselves about the risk-averse choices they’ve made. Yes, you could fail, and it could get you fired.…

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Kansas City founders to discuss the ‘Art of Failure’

By Tommy Felts | May 16, 2016

Most startups fail. But that doesn’t mean that lessons from their demise must fade away with them. Zen and the Art of Failure — set for May 19 at Village Square Coworking Studio — will explore the topic of failure via three local founders’ startup experiences and how they grew as a result. Matthew Marcus, executive director…

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O’Neill-Rauber: How my business failure begot confidence

By Tommy Felts | November 19, 2015

I recently closed a business. Walking away, I feel a little lighter, a bit nostalgic, more confident and a lot smarter. My business was an online clothing store called TallChicksRule.com. Great name, right? If you know a female taller than 5’9”, you likely know the plight of tall fashionistas. I’m here to assure you: The struggle is real.…

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Listen: How does Kansas City regard failure?

By Tommy Felts | October 23, 2015

In the entrepreneurial world, the word “failure” takes many definitions. For some entrepreneurs, failure is a badge of honor, while for others it’s taboo. Regardless, failure is a part of reality amongst startups and it’s a topic that’s been examined at length in Kansas City’s entrepreneurial community. KCUR’s Up To Date recently hosted Startland editor-in-chief Bobby Burch, Pipeline Inc.…

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Snafus tangle up Trellie’s future

By Tommy Felts | October 13, 2015

Wearable tech firm Trellie is winding down operations after some engineering and fundraising mishaps wiped out its cash reserves. Founded in 2012 by Claude Aldridge and Jason Reid, Trellie created a wireless charm that attached to the outside of a woman’s handbag to notify her of an incoming call via flashing LED lights. The product took…

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