Learn from Failure, LLC Managing Partner Robert V. Sicina
by Timesceo
Robert V. Sicina Interview
In today’s complex business environment, decision-making stands at the core of leadership success. Drawing from decades of executive experience and academic insight, this conversation explores how organizations can transform their approach to decision-making by embracing structured processes and learning from failure. It highlights the hidden costs of poor decisions, the power of analyzing setbacks, and the importance of building resilient, learning-driven cultures. Ultimately, it presents a compelling case for why mastering decision-making is not just a leadership skill, but a sustainable competitive advantage.
Why Decision-Making
We started the interview by asking, “Why did you decide to focus your consulting practice on decision making?”
Robert V Sicina replied, “Studies have shown that 80% of executives believe their companies do not excel at decision-making. Further, nearly 40% of their time is spent making decisions, and most admit that much of that time is wasted. Learn from Failure works with clients to close these gaps.”
Client Value
Times CEO Magazine: What value do you bring to your clients?
Robert V Sicina replied, “Based on decades of leadership positions in companies large and small, we understand the cost of weak decision-making processes. We bring proven frameworks, practical tools, and disciplined guidance to help companies build stronger decision-making cultures.”
Learning from Failure
Times CEO Magazine: Your work focuses on “learning from failure.” Why is failure such a powerful teacher in leadership and decision-making?
Robert V Sicina replied, “Failure analysis, done correctly, will expose the hidden biases and process gaps that success often conceals. When leaders systematically analyze setbacks rather than avoid them, they unlock insights that strengthen future decisions. In my experience, organizations that institutionalize learning from failure build resilience, sharpen strategic judgment, and ultimately outperform competitors over the long term.”
Common Mistakes
Times CEO Magazine: After decades in senior executive roles, what is the most common mistake leaders make when facing complex decisions?
Robert V Sicina replied, “Common mistakes include applying overly simplistic decision processes to highly complex situations, and/or decision makers underestimating the level of uncertainty embedded in a decision. Further, decision makers often rely too heavily on intuition without structured analysis. Effective decision-making requires aligning the decision-making process with the level of complexity, ensuring diverse perspectives are heard, and challenging assumptions.”
Turning Setbacks Around
Times CEO Magazine: How does your consulting work help organizations turn setbacks into strategic advantages?
Robert V Sicina replied, “At Learn From Failure, we help leadership teams diagnose decision breakdowns and redesign their approach to future choices. This includes identifying cognitive biases, improving decision-making frameworks, and strengthening decision-making processes. By embedding disciplined decision practices into daily operations, organizations can convert past setbacks into a durable capability that drives long-term strategic success.”
Process Matters
Times CEO Magazine: You led major global operations earlier in your career. What leadership lesson stayed with you the most?
Robert V Sicina replied, “Leaders must make timely decisions while ensuring that the decision-making process is rigorous. A key lesson I learned is that in decision making, process is key.”
Teaching Impact
Times CEO Magazine: As a professor for over two decades, how did teaching influence your perspectives on decision making and leadership?
Robert V Sicina replied, “First, teaching gave me the opportunity to develop my thesis on decision making and to write my book, “Learn From Failure: The Key to Successful Decision Making.” Second, I was able to bring the leadership lessons I had learned in business to the classroom and test/observe future leaders’ reaction to them. Third, that process deepened my understanding of these lessons and made me more articulate in discussing them, thus better prepared to introduce them to clients today.”
Future-Ready Leaders
Times CEO Magazine: In today’s rapidly changing business landscape, what capabilities must leaders develop to make better decisions?
Robert V Sicina replied, “Leaders must cultivate a disciplined decision-making process and the ability to navigate uncertainty. Decision-making today is less about having all the answers and more about asking the right questions. Organizations that foster continuous learning create environments where better decisions naturally emerge.”
Legacy Vision
Lastly we asked, “What legacy do you hope to leave through your work on decision making and leadership advisory?”
“I hope to leave organizations stronger in their ability to decide and learn. If leaders can reduce avoidable decision failures and build cultures that embrace learning and accountability, they will create sustainable value not just for shareholders, but for employees, communities, and society at large.” Robert V Sicina concluded
Connect with Robert V Sicina on LinkedIn
For more information visit Learn From Failure, LLC
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