Social Enterprise Scotland and Community Enterprise

Day

Tuesday 4 February

Time slot

13:30-14:30

This event took place about 2 months ago

Room

Pentland auditorium
Wheelchair accessible

Contact

Chris Martin
0131 243 2650

Topic

Leadership

Overall aim

In the complex journey of social enterprise, setbacks are not just obstacles—they are opportunities for growth, innovation, and transformation. This session, Fail Forward, seeks to redefine the narrative around failure by exploring how embracing and learning from challenges can strengthen organisations and amplify their impact. Attendees will hear insights and data from the 'crisis button,' gaining an understanding of common organisational pitfalls and how some social enterprises successfully navigated issues that threatened their viability. Through practical tools, candid stories of resilience, and a supportive community, participants will leave equipped to turn setbacks into stepping stones for long-term success.

Description

Join us for Fail Forward: Learning from Setbacks in Social Enterprise, a powerful session that reframes failure as a driving force for growth and resilience. This discussion brings together diverse perspectives and real-world insights. Moderated by Helen Denny from The Melting Pot. We will hear from Douglas Westwater from Community Enterprise and Jo Slater from Inspiralba who will share data and lessons learned from over 100 organisations triaged through the "Crisis Button." Michelle Fisher from Starter Packs, Glasgow, will provide an inspiring account of how her organisation successfully navigated financial challenges and Glenn Liddall, CEO and Founder of People Know How, will share his personal journey of navigating the closure of his social enterprise, offering valuable insights into what it means to close a chapter with purpose and integrity. Together, they’ll explore the strategies, tools, and mindset shifts needed to turn setbacks into meaningful progress,, whatever that looks like, leaving attendees with actionable insights and a renewed sense of possibility.

Objectives

• Normalising failure as a stepping stone to success
• This session aims to break down the stigma around failure, highlighting it as essential for social impact. Unlike other sectors, social enterprises operate with heightened expectations. Our speakers will share personal stories of overcoming setbacks—whether operational, financial, or stakeholder-related—showing that failure is part of progress
• Attendees will gain a reframed view of failure as an integral growth process rather than a mark of inadequacy
• Equipping attendees with practical tools
• Beyond shifting mindsets, this session provides actionable tools to help social enterprises navigate setbacks. Speakers will discuss strategies they used to overcome challenges, covering risk management, stakeholder feedback, and resilience-building. Attendees will leave with specific frameworks and methods they can immediately apply to their organisations
• Building a supportive Community of Practice
• Acing challenges can often feel isolating in social enterprise. This session fosters a supportive environment where attendees can connect with peers who understand the complexities of mission-driven work. Breakout discussions will allow participants to share experiences and solutions, creating a lasting network of mentorship and support

Conclusion

Fail Forward goes beyond merely discussing failure; it’s an invitation to view setbacks as a catalyst for transformation in social enterprise. Challenges are not endpoints but pivotal moments that drive growth and innovation. By addressing difficulties openly, organisations can build resilience and enhance their impact. This session has provided valuable insights from the sector, focusing on recognising early warning signs, developing strategies for overcoming adversity, and accessing tools for sustainable progress. Through authentic stories, actionable guidance, and a connected community, attendees are empowered to turn setbacks into opportunities, making failure an essential element of their journey toward meaningful change.

Who was the event aimed at?

Managers

Who spoke at this event?

Jo Slater, Business Support Manager, Inspiralba
Douglas Westwater, CEO, Community Enterprise
Jo Slater, Business Support Manager, Inspiralba
Michelle Fisher, Chair, Starter Packs Glasgow
Glenn Liddall, CEO and Founder of People Know How