In the corner of my office sits a collection that might seem peculiar to an outsider: coffee mugs emblazoned with logos of failed products. These aren’t signs of defeat; they’re my trophies, each one representing a story of lessons learned and resilience built.

Collecting these mugs is my way of honouring the journey more than the destination. Each sip I take is a reminder that failure is not the opposite of success but a part of it. In the life of a brand manager, these ceramic memorials serve as poignant reminders that every failed product is a stepping stone to future triumphs.

So here’s to the mugs that never made it to the mainstream shelves but found a place of honour on my desk.

How do you commemorate the less successful ventures in your career? Do you have a physical token that keeps you motivated? Share your stories in the comments, or raise a mug to failure and email me at [email protected]. Let’s toast to the failures that pave the way to our successes.