

218. The F-ckup Files: Our biggest work (and life!) failures. Summer Sessions, Episode 1
This week we’re diving into our biggest professional disasters — and the personal embarrassments we still think about in the shower. From losing £103k on a failed business to being demoted out of a dream job, these are the moments that shaped us. And the ones we usually keep quiet.
Recorded poolside with a gin in hand, this is the first of our Summer Sessions — stripped-back, slightly tipsy, and very real.
🔥 What We Cover
📌 Leanne’s first big management flop
The dream promotion that turned into a living panic — and what she learned about boundaries, leadership, and starting again after being publicly demoted.
📌 Al’s bankruptcy at 26
The booze delivery startup that collapsed under licensing laws — and the brutal lessons in risk, resilience, and recovering from £103k of debt.
📌 Public fails and poolside humiliation
Leanne’s wedding faceplant in Thailand. Al’s Tesco meat counter catastrophe. We relive the awkward moments that taught us more than any win ever has.
📌 Why failure is worth sharing
We talk honestly about panic attacks, identity crises, and the long tail of shame — and why we still believe in taking big swings.
🎧 Want more from Truth, Lies & Work?
– Website: https://truthliesandwork.com
– LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork
– Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott
– Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne
– Email: hello@truthliesandwork.com
– Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat
🧠 Support with Mental Health and Well-being
– Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/
– Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org