Freakonomics Radio How to Succeed at Failing, Part 1: The Chain of Events (Update)
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May 9, 2025 
In this discussion, Amy Edmondson, a Harvard Business School professor, and David Riedman, founder of the K-12 School Shooting Database, explore the tragic chain of events leading to disasters. They emphasize the need for accountability after wildfires and school shootings, advocating for improved emergency responses. The conversation also touches on embracing failure as a pathway to growth, highlighting its vital role in both personal and organizational development. They argue for a cultural shift that supports open discussions around failure to prevent future tragedies.
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Lahaina Wildfire Tragedy
- The Lahaina wildfire disaster was caused by a series of failures including a high wind flare-up and failed evacuation.
- Over 100 people died and thousands of buildings were destroyed due to these chained mistakes.
Failure as Chain of Events
- Failure is a chain of events involving multiple causes and consequences, not just a single bad moment.
- Recognizing failure as interconnected events offers a more accurate understanding and points to more solutions.
Common Reaction to Failure
- Most people react to failure with anger and blame rather than systematic learning.
- This reaction limits our ability to learn and improve from failures effectively.
