As an entrepreneur running an online business, I’ve made plenty of bellyflops—those quirky, unexpected mistakes. Just like Belly Flops jelly beans from Jelly Belly, my missteps may not be perfect, but they’ve led to some sweet surprises.

From sending late reminder emails to addressing my entire cohort by the wrong name, I’ve learned that mistakes don’t have to hold you back. In fact, they can unlock unexpected opportunities—if you know how to bounce back.

Want to know how I turned these flops into business wins? Here's a peek behind the curtain.

Over 250 women showed up to sharpen their storytelling skills, make connections, and take in a postcard-perfect view of the city skyline and the Pacific Ocean. Here’s what I learned in the moment speaking on stage that day.

Banishing this “S” word was surprising first step accomplishing what matters most in my life and work. Can you guess what it is?

On paper, no one expected former 7-11 store manager Sheri Salata to become the Executive Producer of the Oprah Show. Not even Sheri herself. But that was exactly the point.