WHY ENTREPRENEURS FAIL

Why Entrepreneurs Fail Every successful business has a story. But not every story begins with success. Behind the headlines, the revenue numbers, and the big wins are entrepreneurs who have lost everything, made painful mistakes, bet on the wrong idea, trusted the wrong people, ran out of money, or watched a business they spent years building fall apart. Why Entrepreneurs Fail, hosted by Edwin G. Fletcher and co-hosted by Amanda W. Burns, goes behind the success stories to uncover what really happens when entrepreneurship doesn’t go according to plan. Each episode explores the rise, the struggle, the turning point, the failure—and, when possible, the comeback. We look at the decisions that changed businesses, the mistakes that cost entrepreneurs dearly, the lessons learned the hard way, and the moments that forced them to start over. Because failure isn't always the end of the story. Sometimes, it’s where the most important chapter begins. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, an aspiring founder, a small-business owner, or simply fascinated by the human stories behind business, Why Entrepreneurs Fail offers honest conversations and compelling stories about risk, resilience, money, ambition, and starting again. Learn from the losses. Understand the decisions. Discover what happens after success. This is the side of entrepreneurship you don't usually hear about.

Episodes

Latest Episodes

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3 days ago

16 min

Why do successful entrepreneurs know when it's time to change direction? In Episode 17, Edwin G. Fletcher and Amanda W. Burns explore the warning signs that a business strategy isn't working, from weak customer demand and poor retention to unsustainable costs and changing markets. Learn how founders can recognize opportunities, test new strategies, and make smarter decisions without giving up too soon.

3 days ago

16 min

4 days ago

21 min

How can entrepreneurs recover when their business struggles or their original idea fails? In this episode, Edwin G. Fletcher and Amanda W. Burns explore how founders can recognize new opportunities, learn from mistakes, test a different strategy, and manage limited resources. Discover why a successful recovery requires more than persistence—it takes honest evaluation, smart decisions, and the courage to change direction.

4 days ago

21 min

Oct 15, 2026

21 min

What happens when an entrepreneur reaches the point of giving up? In Episode 15, Edwin G. Fletcher and Amanda W. Burns explore the difficult moments when sales are low, money is running out, and the future feels uncertain. Discover how listening to customers, rethinking a business strategy, and taking small steps can reveal new opportunities—and why knowing when to change direction can make all the difference.

Oct 15, 2026

21 min

Oct 15, 2026

21 min

What happens when a business idea fails—but the entrepreneur refuses to give up? In Episode 14, Edwin G. Fletcher and Amanda W. Burns explore how founders can learn from failure, listen to customers, recognize new opportunities, and turn valuable lessons into a stronger business. Discover why success often requires more than persistence—it requires the courage to adapt, rethink, and start again.

Oct 15, 2026

21 min

Oct 7, 2026

18 min

What happens when a startup's original strategy stops working—but a new opportunity appears? In Episode 13, Edwin G. Fletcher and Amanda W. Burns explore how the right pivot can transform a struggling startup. From listening to customer behavior and testing new markets to changing products, pricing, and business models, this episode examines how founders can turn mistakes into valuable information and discover a better path forward.

Oct 7, 2026

18 min

Sep 28, 2026

18 min

When should a startup pivot? In Episode 12, Edwin G. Fletcher and Amanda W. Burns explore the signals that can tell founders when it's time to change direction—from weak customer demand and poor retention to unsustainable economics, changing markets, and repeated customer feedback. This episode examines the difference between persistence and stubbornness, and how evidence can help founders make smarter strategic decisions.

Sep 28, 2026

18 min