What Lions Can Teach Us About Failure, Healing, and Moving Forward
There are moments when the world feels fractured—when the gap between us seems too wide to cross. But often, beneath the tension, we’re not so different.
Most of us want the same things:
To live with purpose
Care for the people we love
Achieve meaningful goals
And maybe have some fun in-between
We start with good intentions. But fear, doubt, and stress have a way of creeping in—turning collaboration into competition, uncertainty into isolation.
And then… something breaks.
A project falls apart.
A partnership dissolves.
An outcome doesn’t match the effort.
We fail.
Now what?
Lick Your Wounds, Then Rise
If you’ve ever watched an animal after a fight, they pause. They lick their wounds. They rest. But they don’t stay that way forever—because they can’t. Survival requires forward motion.
Lions, in particular, teach us a lot:
They don’t fight to destroy; they fight to reestablish roles, then move on.
When defeated, they roam—seeking new allies, new ground.
Injured lions rely on support and instinct to heal.
Lionesses, the hunters and nurturers, teach their cubs through hands-on experience and community care.
They regroup.
They realign.
They rebuild.
We Can Too.
What if we gave ourselves – and each other – that same grace?
What if failure wasn’t the end of a partnership or idea, but the opening to a deeper understanding?
The Power of Partnership: Lions Don’t Lead Alone
Even in the wild, no one thrives in isolation. Lionesses hunt in groups. They raise cubs together. They defend their territory in unison.
It’s a reminder that in work, just like in life, resilience is stronger in community.
In partnerships:
We won’t always agree.
Sometimes we misstep, disappoint, or fall short.
But strong alliances aren’t built on perfection—they’re built on trust, repair, and shared purpose.
When we treat partnerships like a pride—where each role matters, where everyone contributes, and where there’s room to regroup—we create ecosystems that can withstand pressure and still move forward.
Last Word
In my last newsletter, Women Who Have Made a Difference, I celebrated the strength, wisdom, and resilience of everyday women who lead with purpose and create impact in quiet, powerful ways.
This month, I invite you to reflect on what happens when things don’t go as planned—when even our best efforts fall short. Failure doesn’t have to define us—it can refine us. Like the lioness, we can regroup, rise, and return stronger—especially when we lean on the power of community and partnership.
I'm an author and speaker who helps mission-driven companies build strategic alliances and create sustainable impact. If you’re looking to bolster your partnership ecosystem, let’s connect.
May Events: Advocating, Inspiring, and Building Bold Partnerships
In May, I'm showing up across the country to amplify conversations around women’s health, strategic partnerships, and inclusive innovation. Whether you’re interested in start-ups, menopause, research, or brand collaboration—there’s a moment for connection.
May 1-2: Startup & Investing Events – Omaha, NE
May 17: ACOG Panel: Dishing on Menopause: An Invitation to Listen – Minneapolis, MN
May 20: Women’s Health Matters: Research, Advocacy & Support for a Thriving Future – Chicago, IL
May 28: The Power of Strategic Partnerships – Presentation to Brand Insiders
May 30-31: ASCO: American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting - Chicago, IL