Navigating Failure and Identity: Insights from Fail Festival DC 2013

Failure is the unspoken f-word of international development, often whispered about but rarely acknowledged openly. Yet, within the realm of development work, where challenges abound and success isn’t always guaranteed, failure is an inevitable part of the journey. Recognizing this, Fail Festival DC 2013 set out on a mission to destigmatize failure and celebrate the valuable lessons it offers.

Hosted by FHI360 at Academy Hall on December 5th, Fail Festival DC 2013 brought together a diverse lineup of presenters who fearlessly shared their stories of setbacks and missteps. From Dr. Tessie San Martin, CEO of Plan International USA, to Ashley Good, CEO of Fail Forward, each presenter offered candid insights into their experiences with failure and the profound lessons learned along the way.

I was honored to be included among the professionals speaking at this event. As a Black woman navigating the complexities of international development, the failure of identity was a challenge that I personally confronted during my early days of working in Africa.

When I first starting working on projects on the African continent, I was met with the reality that locals in the countries where I was working often labeled me as a “white woman” – not because of my skin color, but due to my status and nationality. As a Black woman, this was a profound and unexpected realization, one that forced me to confront the complexities of identity in a new cultural context.

The failure of identity was not just an external perception but also an internal struggle, as I grappled with the disconnect between how others perceived me and my own sense of self. It was a stark reminder of the deeply ingrained biases and preconceptions that shape our interactions and perceptions of others, even within the realm of development work.

Adapting to this reality was a process fraught with challenges and moments of discomfort. I had to navigate conversations and relationships with a heightened awareness of how my identity was perceived and interpreted by others. It was a journey of self-discovery and introspection, one that forced me to confront my own biases and assumptions while also advocating for a more nuanced understanding of identity within the development community.

Aside from having the opportunity to present, I greatly valued the opportunity to hear presentations by my peers. One standout presenter was Kristen Roggemann, whose topic from “discomfort to catharsis” epitomized the spirit of Fail Festival. Despite initial hesitations, Kristen bravely recounted a traumatic failure she experienced during a live demo and training session. Through the supportive environment of Fail Festival, Kristen found the courage to confront her failure with acceptance, then confidence, and finally, humor. Her journey mirrored the essence of Fail Festival – a platform for healing, growth, and learning from our mistakes.

As attendees reflected on the presentations, it became evident that failure is not something to be feared or avoided, but rather embraced as a catalyst for innovation and growth. Each story shared at Fail Festival DC 2013 served as a reminder that behind every setback lies an opportunity for reflection, improvement, and ultimately, success.

Another memorable highlight of the evening was Wade Channell’s satire of Paternalist Anonymous, injecting humor into the discussion of failure with his witty Contractor Prayer. Through laughter and camaraderie, attendees were reminded of the importance of approaching failure with humility and grace.

Fail Festival DC 2013 was not just a night of laughter and camaraderie; it provided us a platform to share our experiences openly and honestly, fostering a dialogue around the intersection of failure and identity. The festival was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of community in navigating the complexities of international development.

As I reflected on my journey, I realized that failure is not just about the missteps we encounter along the way, but also the moments of vulnerability and self-discovery that shape our growth. As we continue our collective pursuit of positive change, let us remember that failure is not the end, but rather a stepping stone on the path to progress. Here’s to embracing failure, celebrating resilience, and forging ahead with renewed determination.