When Success Isn’t Crossing the Finish Line
On this episode of the Ms. Biz, hosts Brooke Boltz and Rachel Boltz explore a bold and rarely celebrated topic: failure. With raw honesty and faith-driven insight, we unpack how some of life’s greatest lessons come not from our victories, but our lowest moments.
Whether you’re a Christian entrepreneur, a mompreneur, or a woman navigating the messy middle of purpose and profit, this conversation will inspire, challenge, and remind you that your story isn’t over—no matter what season you’re in.
A Lesson from Alcatraz: When Justice Fails
Brooke opens with a deeply moving story from her visit to Alcatraz Island, the infamous federal penitentiary in San Francisco Bay. One story stood out: that of Henri Young, whose life inspired the 1995 film Murder in the First.
But the truth behind the Hollywood script is much darker. Henry Young wasn’t just a criminal—he was a product of a broken system. Rachel draws the powerful parallel between Henry’s emotional confinement and the way entrepreneurs often feel trapped by failure, fear, or a lack of support.
“He wasn’t a failure. He was failed.”
— Rachel Boltz
The lesson? Sometimes failure doesn’t reflect our effort or intention—it reflects an environment that wasn’t built to support us.
Failure Isn’t Final: What Nikola Tesla Teaches Us About Vision
We also share the story of Nikola Tesla, the brilliant inventor whose ideas were so ahead of their time, they were dismissed as eccentric. Today, he’s revered as one of the greatest minds in science and engineering.
But in his lifetime? Tesla died broke and alone.
“The world didn’t see it yet. That doesn’t mean it wasn’t real.”
It’s a sobering truth for any faith-based business owner: Sometimes your God-given vision won’t be recognized by the world right away. But that doesn’t mean you stop showing up.
Moses and the Promised Land: What the Bible Says About Success
Brooke shifts the conversation to Deuteronomy 34, the final chapter in the life of Moses. After leading the Israelites for 40 years, Moses glimpses the Promised Land—but doesn’t enter it.
Was that failure?
Not at all. It was obedience. It was legacy. Moses fulfilled his role—just not in the way he may have expected.
This story offers a divine perspective for Christian leaders and purpose-driven women: You might not see the full reward of your work in your lifetime, but your obedience still has eternal value.
3 Powerful Truths About Failure for Christian Entrepreneurs
This episode isn’t just a conversation. It’s a call to reframe failure as part of your journey to purpose. Here are three key truths Rachel and Brooke highlight:
- Failure is not your identity.
You are not what didn’t work. You are who keeps going. - Obedience is the real success.
If God called you to it, results are His responsibility. Yours is to follow through. - You don’t need a perfect plan—just the next step.
Vision grows in obedience. Momentum comes from movement.
Ready to hear it all?👉 Listen to the full episode here
If You’re Struggling in This Season…
You’re not alone. Brooke shares how even now, as a successful business owner and lawyer, she still experiences moments of self-doubt, disappointment, and feeling unseen. But she also shares the power of continuing in faith, choosing obedience over applause, and trusting that your story isn’t finished.
“You can’t quit. Because the person you’re going to become on the other side is waiting for you.”
— Brooke Boltz
Final Takeaway: Your Legacy is Bigger Than Your Launch
If you’re in a tough season—don’t stop. Whether you’re building a faith-based business, launching a new coaching program, or trying to balance motherhood and entrepreneurship, remember this: You are sowing seeds that will grow into something far greater than what you see right now.
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