
Mistakes That Made Me
Mistakes That Made Me is the podcast that asks extraordinary business owners to share their biggest business mistake – so you know what NOT to do on your road to success.Join Eman Ismail as she chats to some of the smartest minds in business about how to push through failure and accept it as an important and necessary part of building a business.Because it turns out: your biggest business mistake often leads to your biggest lesson and then your biggest blessing.
Latest episodes

Jun 17, 2025 • 52min
Getting Fired with Claire Pelletreau [OBG]
Getting fired hurts.But getting fired for the thing you’re actually an expert at is another level of pain.My guest is Claire Pelletreau, conversion expert and host of the Get Paid Podcast. (This is an Oldie But Goodie epsiode!)In this episode, Claire shares the painful moment when she was fired for making a huge mistake in her job. She explains how being fired forced her to focus on the most important aspect of her job: the results. And how it's that focus that propelled her to the tremendous success that came afterwards.Find the transcript of this episode on my site, emancopyco.com/podcast.Links from this episode:Claire Pelletreau’s websiteClaire Pelletreau on Instagram: @clairepellsClaire’s podcast: The Get Paid PodcastEman’s Email RulesIf you loved this episode, take a screenshot, post it on Instagram and tell everyone you know that this is the podcast to listen to. Don’t forget to tag me! @emancopyco.And if you’re interested in working with me, visit emancopyco.com/contactLoving the podcast?Support the show and leave a rating or review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/mistakesGet the BTS scoop on how this podcast is made in this bonus episode: https://emancopyco.com/btsWork with Eman Copy Co. to power up your email strategy, your launches, and your revenueFill in the enquiry form on this contact page: https://emancopyco.com/contact/Want to learn with me?Take Eman’s “What’s Your Perfect Newsletter Style?” quiz: https://www.emancopyco.com/quiz Check out my courses and masterclasses: https://emancopyco.com/learn-with-me/Say hi 👋🏽Connect with Eman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emancopyco/Connect with Eman on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eman-i307/Tools for your business: (Affiliate links 👇🏽)Start your 14-day trial with ConvertKit: https://emancopyco.com/kit

Jun 3, 2025 • 35min
When to create a paid product, the 'freelancer' debate & subcontracting with Steve Folland – Extended Interview
Today, Steve's answering questions about –When a podcaster can take the leap and build a paid product/serviceThe calling yourself a 'freelancer' vs 'business owner' debateSteve's process around subcontracting and hiring other freelancers to work on projects with himLinks:Get the transcript hereListen to Steve's Mistakes That Made Me interview: Putting All Your (Client) Eggs in One BasketLoving the podcast?Support the show and leave a rating or review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/mistakesGet the BTS scoop on how this podcast is made in this bonus episode: https://emancopyco.com/btsWork with Eman Copy Co. to power up your email strategy, your launches, and your revenueFill in the enquiry form on this contact page: https://emancopyco.com/contact/Want to learn with me?Take Eman’s “What’s Your Perfect Newsletter Style?” quiz: https://www.emancopyco.com/quiz Check out my courses and masterclasses: https://emancopyco.com/learn-with-me/Say hi 👋🏽Connect with Eman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emancopyco/Connect with Eman on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eman-i307/Tools for your business: (Affiliate links 👇🏽)Start your 14-day trial with ConvertKit: https://emancopyco.com/kit

May 22, 2025 • 1h 46min
Putting all your (client) eggs in one basket with Steve Folland [OBG]
When Steve Folland’s *only* client let him go, he’d just quit his full-time job to go all in on his audio and video editing business. Being jobless and clientless couldn’t have come at a worse time. Steve’s wife had just gone on maternity leave and they had a brand new (4-month-old) baby – plus an older child too!In this Oldie But Goodie convo, Steve – also the host of the ‘Being Freelance' podcast – shares his entrepreneurial journey, how he diversified his skills and services, and what he learned from his biggest business mistake.Find the transcript of this episode on my website emancopyco.com/podcastLinks for this episode:Being Freelance - https://www.beingfreelance.comSteve Folland’s website - https://stevefolland.comSteve Folland on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/beingfreelance/If you loved this episode, take a screenshot, post it on Instagram, and tell everyone you know that this is the podcast to listen to. Don’t forget to tag me! @emancopycoLoving the podcast?Support the show and leave a rating or review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/mistakesGet the BTS scoop on how this podcast is made in this bonus episode: https://emancopyco.com/btsWork with Eman Copy Co. to power up your email strategy, your launches, and your revenueFill in the enquiry form on this contact page: https://emancopyco.com/contact/Want to learn with me?Take Eman’s “What’s Your Perfect Newsletter Style?” quiz: https://www.emancopyco.com/quiz Check out my courses and masterclasses: https://emancopyco.com/learn-with-me/Say hi 👋🏽Connect with Eman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emancopyco/Connect with Eman on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eman-i307/Tools for your business: (Affiliate links 👇🏽)Start your 14-day trial with ConvertKit: https://emancopyco.com/kit

May 6, 2025 • 1h 29min
Falling prey to new ideas with Caroline & Jason Zook [OBG]
This might be my favourite episode of Mistakes That Made Me 😍 (An oldie but goodie!)Caroline and Jason Zook are two creatives who are full of ideas. They’re the founders of Wandering Aimfully – the UN-boring coaching program for intentional online business owners – and Teachery: a software platform for creating and hosting online courses.After more than a decade of online entrepreneurship, they found that constantly creating and launching new ideas is exhausting. They figured there had to be another way.In this episode of Mistakes That Made Me, the Zooks describe how putting less energy into new ideas and more energy into refining existing ideas has created two reliable, profitable, and intentional businesses for them.Find the transcript of this episode on my site, emancopyco.com/podcastLinks from this episode:Wandering Aimfully: https://wanderingaimfully.com/Teachery Lifetime Plan for $550: https://www.teachery.co/ (affiliate link)Jason and Caroline’s podcast, 'What is it all for?': https://wanderingaimfully.com/podcast/Caroline’s productivity hacks in Notion: https://wanderingaimfully.com/notion/Caroline's TEDx Talk, 'Find Your Inner Artist'Eman's Email Rules (Free 35-minute email class)If you loved this episode, take a screenshot, post it on Instagram, and tell everyone you know that this is the podcast to listen to. Don’t forget to tag me! @emancopyco.And if you’re interested in working with me, visit emancopyco.com/contactLoving the podcast?Support the show and leave a rating or review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/mistakesGet the BTS scoop on how this podcast is made in this bonus episode: https://emancopyco.com/btsWork with Eman Copy Co. to power up your email strategy, your launches, and your revenueFill in the enquiry form on this contact page: https://emancopyco.com/contact/Want to learn with me?Take Eman’s “What’s Your Perfect Newsletter Style?” quiz: https://www.emancopyco.com/quiz Check out my courses and masterclasses: https://emancopyco.com/learn-with-me/Say hi 👋🏽Connect with Eman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emancopyco/Connect with Eman on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eman-i307/Tools for your business: (Affiliate links 👇🏽)Start your 14-day trial with ConvertKit: https://emancopyco.com/kit

Apr 22, 2025 • 1h 13min
32 of my favourite things (for my 32nd birthday 🥳) [OBG]
It's my (33rd) birthday week! So, I'm re-sharing the super popular birthday episode I published last year for my 32nd birthday. (An oldie but goodie!)Tune in to hear me share 32 of my favourite (business and personal) things... from business hires, podcasts, software/tools to mentors to TV shows and more as I celebrate another trip around the sun 🎉Thanks for listening! Note: this episode was recorded in 2024.Loving the podcast?Support the show and leave a rating or review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/mistakesGet the BTS scoop on how this podcast is made in this bonus episode: https://emancopyco.com/btsWork with Eman Copy Co. to power up your email strategy, your launches, and your revenueFill in the enquiry form on this contact page: https://emancopyco.com/contact/Want to learn with me?Take Eman’s “What’s Your Perfect Newsletter Style?” quiz: https://www.emancopyco.com/quiz Check out my courses and masterclasses: https://emancopyco.com/learn-with-me/Say hi 👋🏽Connect with Eman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emancopyco/Connect with Eman on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eman-i307/Tools for your business: (Affiliate links 👇🏽)Start your 14-day trial with ConvertKit: https://emancopyco.com/kit

Apr 8, 2025 • 27min
The challenge of growing your business slowly with Belinda Weaver (Extended interview)
If you loved my first interview with Belinda Weaver back in 2022 (Going and Growing Too Slow), join us for this unedited extended interview (recorded in 2024) where we continue our conversation about growing your business slowly and intentionally.Links from this episode:Belinda WeaverHot Copy podcastGet The Email Rules: Eman's FREE 35-minute email classGet the transcript hereLoving the podcast?Support the show and leave a rating or review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/mistakesGet the BTS scoop on how this podcast is made in this bonus episode: https://emancopyco.com/btsWork with Eman Copy Co. to power up your email strategy, your launches, and your revenueFill in the enquiry form on this contact page: https://emancopyco.com/contact/Want to learn with me?Take Eman’s “What’s Your Perfect Newsletter Style?” quiz: https://www.emancopyco.com/quiz Check out my courses and masterclasses: https://emancopyco.com/learn-with-me/Say hi 👋🏽Connect with Eman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emancopyco/Connect with Eman on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eman-i307/Tools for your business: (Affiliate links 👇🏽)Start your 14-day trial with ConvertKit: https://emancopyco.com/kit

Mar 25, 2025 • 54min
The secret to engaging email newsletters with Eman Ismail & Liz Mosley on The Building Your Brand Podcast
This week, I'm on the Building Your Brand Podcast (hosted by Liz Mosley) discussing the ins and outs of email marketing.We explore how to create effective email strategies, why consistency is key, and how to infuse your newsletters with your unique voice.I share my journey from generalist to email expert and offer valuable advice on finding your perfect email style (including how to use my nifty quiz!)We also cover repurposing content, making the most of email blocks, and growing your email list organically.If you’ve been struggling with your email marketing strategy, this is the perfect episode for you.Don't forget to check out Liz's podcast, Building Your Brand, right here or wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Loving the podcast?Support the show and leave a rating or review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/mistakesGet the BTS scoop on how this podcast is made in this bonus episode: https://emancopyco.com/btsWork with Eman Copy Co. to power up your email strategy, your launches, and your revenueFill in the enquiry form on this contact page: https://emancopyco.com/contact/Want to learn with me?Take Eman’s “What’s Your Perfect Newsletter Style?” quiz: https://www.emancopyco.com/quiz Check out my courses and masterclasses: https://emancopyco.com/learn-with-me/Say hi 👋🏽Connect with Eman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emancopyco/Connect with Eman on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eman-i307/Tools for your business: (Affiliate links 👇🏽)Start your 14-day trial with ConvertKit: https://emancopyco.com/kit

Feb 25, 2025 • 17min
My February fail 😔 (And why I officially HATE VIP Days) with Eman
I’m sharing my most recent failure: the challenge of trying to relaunch my signature course before my maternity leave.Want to know more about Design Your VIP Week? Get the details and join here >> http://emancopyco.com/vipweek The pop-up Slack community opens THIS Friday. See you inside? :) (Get the unedited transcript for this episode here)Loving the podcast?Support the show and leave a rating or review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/mistakesGet the BTS scoop on how this podcast is made in this bonus episode: https://emancopyco.com/btsWork with Eman Copy Co. to power up your email strategy, your launches, and your revenueFill in the enquiry form on this contact page: https://emancopyco.com/contact/Want to learn with me?Take Eman’s “What’s Your Perfect Newsletter Style?” quiz: https://www.emancopyco.com/quiz Check out my courses and masterclasses: https://emancopyco.com/learn-with-me/Say hi 👋🏽Connect with Eman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emancopyco/Connect with Eman on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eman-i307/Tools for your business: (Affiliate links 👇🏽)Start your 14-day trial with ConvertKit: https://emancopyco.com/kit

Feb 14, 2025 • 51min
Prepping my business for maternity leave (while my email agency runs without me) with Eman & Zuri
I’m almost 34 weeks pregnant 🤰🏽 So today I’m spilling all the details on how I’m prepping for an extended maternity leave while making sure my email agency keeps running smoothly without me.I’m also taking a trip down memory lane and sharing what I learned from my first maternity leave as a business owner (back in 2021) – what worked, what didn’t, and how those lessons shaped the plan I’m putting into action this time. I break down how I’ve set my finances, outlined my goals, and hired an incredible team to step in while I’m away.Even if maternity leave isn’t on your radar, the tips and strategies I’m sharing will help any business owner plan for an extended break. We all need a little time off now and then, right?To help me dive into it all, I’m joined by my podcast producer, Zuri Berry. Let’s get into it!Links from this episode:Get the transcript for the episode on my website: https://www.emancopyco.com/podcastMy hiring page: emancopyco.com/hiring2022 Being Boss podcast episode: Preparing for Maternity Leave with Eman Ismail – https://beingboss.club/podcast/preparing-for-maternity-leave-with-eman-ismailLoving the podcast?Support the show and leave a rating or review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/mistakesGet the BTS scoop on how this podcast is made in this bonus episode: https://emancopyco.com/btsWork with Eman Copy Co. to power up your email strategy, your launches, and your revenueFill in the enquiry form on this contact page: https://emancopyco.com/contact/Want to learn with me?Take Eman’s “What’s Your Perfect Newsletter Style?” quiz: https://www.emancopyco.com/quiz Check out my courses and masterclasses: https://emancopyco.com/learn-with-me/Say hi 👋🏽Connect with Eman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emancopyco/Connect with Eman on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eman-i307/Tools for your business: (Affiliate links 👇🏽)Start your 14-day trial with ConvertKit: https://emancopyco.com/kit

Jan 31, 2025 • 38min
[BTS] My latest lead generation experiment – building an interactive quiz with Interact
I’m taking you behind the scenes on my latest lead generation experiment: an interactive quiz. I share the process of creating the quiz, the strategy behind it, the outcomes, and the lessons learned. I talk about the benefits of using quizzes for email marketing, the user feedback I received, and future steps for further improving and marketing the quiz.Links from this episode:Take Eman’s “What’s Your Perfect Newsletter Style?” quiz: https://www.emancopyco.com/quiz Start your free trial with Interact so you can build your own quiz: https://emancopyco.com/interact Loving the podcast?Support the show and leave a rating or review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/mistakesGet the BTS scoop on how this podcast is made in this bonus episode: https://emancopyco.com/btsWork with Eman Copy Co. to power up your email strategy, your launches, and your revenueFill in the enquiry form on this contact page: https://emancopyco.com/contact/Want to learn with me?Take Eman’s “What’s Your Perfect Newsletter Style?” quiz: https://www.emancopyco.com/quiz Check out my courses and masterclasses: https://emancopyco.com/learn-with-me/Say hi 👋🏽Connect with Eman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emancopyco/Connect with Eman on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eman-i307/Tools for your business: (Affiliate links 👇🏽)Start your 14-day trial with ConvertKit: https://emancopyco.com/kit