Season 8 Episode 1
How to Learn from Your Wins and Innovate in the World of Entrepreneurship (pt. 1)
March 15, 2026
Samantha Howden and Zach Sieloff sit down with Max Effgen, a University of Michigan graduate to discuss the importance of learning from your wins and innovating in the world of entrepreneurship in this first part of their conversation.
Competencies
Episode Resources
Reflection Questions:
- Why do people tend to analyze failure more than success? What might we gain by intentionally reflecting on our wins?
- How can leaders build trust with their team during stressful or high-pressure situations?
- What opportunities might arise from emerging technologies today, similar to those which rose from the internet?
Zach Sieloff
Zach Sieloff is a Junior BBA student at the Ross School of Business. Within the Barger Leadership Institute, he is in his fourth semester as a Leadership Teaching Fellow, a 2026 Japan Peace Leadership Fellow graduating from cohort four of the Leadership Certificate, and is a Social Transformation Fellow where he piloted a personal financial initiative on campus.
Max Effgen
Max Effgen builds and grows technology companies as an entrepreneur and angel investor backing early-stage companies in AI, health and wellness, ultra-low power radio, and enterprise software. Snowboarding, baseball, swimming, running, coaching, photography, backpacking, and skyscraper stair climbs happen off the clock. Also, I am a SABR Contributor, live in Seattle, and am from Chicago.
Samantha Howden
Samantha Howden develops leaders who develop leaders as a lead facilitator for 8 student cohorts across Barger Leadership Institute's three course offerings. A graduate of the Leadership Certificate Cohort 3 and 2025 Japan Peace Leadership Fellow, she pursues opportunities aligned with data, dignity, and decision-making. Economics, quantitative methods, and sales provide the foundation for her interests in game theory, public speaking, coaching, choreography, creative arts, good questions, and mentorship, all of which inform Samantha's collaborative approach to leadership and followership.