In this episode of Lessons in Failure, Will Hold, MBA, CRM, CISR (CEO & President) and Mitch Dunford (CMO) sit down with Peter Van Aartrijk, CIC founder of Aartrijk, longtime insurance marketing leader, author, speaker, and consultant. Peter Van Aartrijk reflects on a career spanning journalism, public relations, marketing, entrepreneurship, and insurance, sharing how unexpected setbacks helped shape his approach to leadership, business, and personal growth.
Peter recounts one particularly memorable failure: freezing during a CNN interview. What could have remained an embarrassing professional moment instead became a lasting lesson in the importance of preparation. He also discusses navigating imposter syndrome, making difficult personnel decisions, and managing the self-doubt that can follow leaders throughout their careers. Through each experience, he demonstrates how failure can become a powerful learning tool when it is met with curiosity, humility, and a willingness to grow.
Throughout the conversation, Peter challenges the idea that professional success follows a predictable path. He shares practical insights on servant leadership, lifelong learning, work-life balance, career transitions, and the value of asking thoughtful questions. His journey serves as a reminder that resilience is not about avoiding uncertainty or discomfort. It is about embracing those moments, continuing to learn, and recognizing that a fulfilling career is rarely a straight line.
Growth Doesn’t Happen by Accident.
Rather than polished success stories, Lessons in Failure highlights honesty, humility, and shared experience—reminding listeners that progress isn’t perfect and that leadership, like life, is deeply human. Supporting that kind of growth doesn’t happen by accident, especially at scale.
Through customized, business‑aligned insurance education, the Alliance’s Corporate Education Solutions helps organizations create the space for learning, strengthen leadership capability, and build resilience over time—so development keeps pace with both people and business needs.
