Failure Is the Game: Igor Vainshtein on Resilience, Redefining Success & Entrepreneurpoly | Ep. 172

Guest: Igor Vainshtein, EO Melbourne since 2021, Keynote Speaker & Inventor of Entrepreneurpoly Host: Linh Podetti, EO Sydney Member since 2022 and Owner of Outsourcing Angel In this deeply honest and thought-provoking episode, Igor Vainshtein shares his extraordinary entrepreneurial journey, one shaped not by overnight success but by repeated failure, resilience, and reinvention. Having started over 20 businesses and failed 18 of them, Igor opens up about losing everything multiple times, hitting rock bottom, and the mindset shifts that ultimately changed how he defines success, in business and in life. From growing up as an immigrant with nothing, to building and exiting companies, to inventing Entrepreneurpoly, a board game that simulates the real emotional and financial rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, this conversation is packed with hard-earned wisdom. Igor shares insights on: - Why failure is a critical ingredient for success - How obsession with money and outcomes nearly cost him everything - The moment he redefined success beyond financial wins - Practical vs. “wishful” manifestation, and what actually works - Building resilience as an entrepreneur and as a human - Why entrepreneurship is a game of inputs, not outcomes - Lessons from scaling, collapsing, rebuilding, and exiting businesses - How Entrepreneurpoly teaches real-world decision-making, risk, and resilience This episode is a must-listen for founders, operators, and leaders who want a more grounded, sustainable, and meaningful definition of success. ABOUT IGOR VAINSHTEIN Igor Vainshtein is a serial entrepreneur, best-selling author, TEDx speaker, and the inventor of Entrepreneurpoly, a groundbreaking board game that captures the realities of entrepreneurship. Starting his first business at 17, Igor has launched ventures across e-commerce, technology, manufacturing, and golf, including 24/7 Golf, which expanded into the US and was successfully acquired by GOLFTEC. He currently leads Golftrak.app, helping golfers improve their game using only an iPhone. Igor is the author of Practical Manifestation and Agile Manifestation, where he blends project management principles with personal growth and goal achievement. Having lived in the USSR, Australia, and the USA, he brings a rare global perspective on resilience, failure, and building businesses that support a fulfilling life. CONNECT WITH IGOR: Website: www.igorvainshtein.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/igorvainshtein/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/igorv -------------------- ABOUT EO Entrepreneur's Organization (EO) is a global business network of 18,000 + influential business owners in over 220 chapters across 76 countries. We offer world-class events that encompass engaging entrepreneur and business stories, skills-specific workshops, and exciting social gatherings. Our mission is to drive both business and personal growth through peer-to-peer learning, providing support for the holistic entrepreneur experience covering business, family, community, and personal aspects. As a not-for-profit organization, all our funds directly contribute to member benefits. If you're a business owner with revenues ranging from US$250k to US$1m, you can join our Accelerator Program. If your revenues exceed US$1m, you can join the main EO Program in your nearest local chapter. To join or find out more about your nearest chapter, visit https://www.eonetwork.org/why-join/apply-for-membership-form. For further information, please contact: Podcast Host Linh Podetti: linh@outsourcingangel.com.au General Inquiries: support@eonetwork.org.au EO Sydney: www.eosydney.com.au EO Global: https://hub.eonetwork.org/ EO Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneursOrganization -------------------- ABOUT THE HOST Linh Podetti is the CEO and Founder of Outsourcing Angel, a Sydney-based company that helps to create jobs for people in the Philippines while creating freedom for business owners around the world. Outsourcing Angel provides Systemise & Scale Up Services as well as Recruitment of Virtual Assistants to help business owners grow a business that doesn't rely on them. Linh has been an active member of EO Sydney since June 2022, and she actively seeks out opportunities to promote and uplift fellow entrepreneurs. Business Website: www.outsourcingangel.com Personal Website: https://www.linhpodetti.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@360degreesuccesslife Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linhpodetti/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linh.podetti/