---
title: "Ep 10. The $10,000 Learning: Coaching Mistakes, Repair, and the Real Art of Integrity"
description: Exploring whether coaches need personal mastery to guide others, Erin and Elana discuss integrity, authenticity, and the power of collaboration in coaching.
---

[The Coaching Mixer ](https://besuperabound.com/coachingmixer)

# [Ep 10. The $10,000 Learning: Coaching Mistakes, Repair, and the Real Art of Integrity](https://besuperabound.com/coachingmixer/ep-10-10000-learning-coaching-mistakes-repair-and-the-real-art-of-integrity)

 Written by [Erin Aquin](https://besuperabound.com/coachingmixer/author/erin-aquin) | Oct 15, 2025 3:57:52 PM

In this episode of *The Coaching Mixer*, Erin Aquin and Elana McKernan open up about the cringe-worthy, humbling, and ultimately transformative mistakes they’ve made in their coaching and businesses. Over cocktails, they dig into what happens when you drop the ball with a client, how to repair trust without spiraling into self-blame, and why true integrity in business is rarely about being perfect.

Together they unpack the myth that “you never apologize” in business, and make a case for honesty, humility, and handling things like a pro without losing your humanity.

**Themes explored:**

- What to do when you mess up with a client
- The difference between genuine repair and self-punishment
- Turning business blunders into “$10,000 learnings”
- Why apologizing can be the most confident move you make
- Balancing integrity, leadership, and grace in your coaching practice

It’s a raw, funny, and surprisingly reassuring conversation for any coach who’s ever thought, *“Did I just ruin everything?”*

**Drinks Featured in This Episode:**

**Elana's Canadian Sake Gimlet**

- 2 oz sake
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- ¾ oz maple syrup (instead of simple syrup)
  
  Shake with ice, strain into a chilled coupe, and garnish with a sprig of rosemary. Smooth, bright, and just a touch Canadian.

**Erin's Steve’s Sake Surprise**

- 2 oz sake
- ½ oz Cointreau
- 1 oz tonic water
- Garnish with an orange peel twist and a maraschino cherry
  
  Light, citrusy, and slightly effervescent—a creative mix inspired by a non-drinker’s experimental genius.

Erin Aquin is a Master Certified Life Coach and co-author of the #1 bestseller ["Superabound: Live the Life the Universe is Dreaming For You](https://besuperabound.com/book)." She provides whole life coaching for business owners, integrating success and personal fulfillment through her unique all-in-one approach.   
Learn more at[ besuperabound.com](https://besuperabound.com/) 

Elana McKernan is a Master Certified Life and Creativity Coach who specializes in helping perfectionists create more by treating themselves better. You can [check out her free content here](https://www.instagram.com/elanamckernan/) and [learn more about coaching with her here](https://www.coachingwithelana.com/book-a-consult).

Watch here:

Listen here:

[Listen on Spotify here](https://open.spotify.com/show/576ORyNExN63D5B6pF0DOU)

 

[View full post](https://besuperabound.com/coachingmixer/ep-10-10000-learning-coaching-mistakes-repair-and-the-real-art-of-integrity)

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