Matthew Syed, author, journalist and thought leader in performance psychology, mindset and leadership, kicked off the third year of The Lectures at Dame Allan’s Schools.
A former international table tennis player for Great Britain and regular columnist for The Times, Syed delivered an inspiring talk to a 250-strong audience in the Newsom Hall, emphasising the importance of resilience, patience and continuous learning.
‘Failure is central to progress,’ was Matthew Syed’s bold message to a packed audience of pupils and parents at Dame Allan’s Schools in Newcastle.
Throughout his powerful lecture, Syed, a renowned public speaker, urged the next generation to adopt a growth mindset, emphasising that mistakes are opportunities for learning rather than setbacks.
He encouraged challenging conventional ideas about talent and success.
“In the growth mindset, people tend to say yes, trusting that they can learn by taking on new experiences, rather than seeing them as something to fear” he told Senior pupils. “Talent is a factor – definitely a help – but it isn’t enough. It’s what we do with our talents that really makes a difference in the world.”
Drawing on the work of psychologist Carol Dweck, Syed explained how individuals with a fixed mindset see their abilities as static – something they are born with and cannot change – while those with a growth mindset believe their skills can be developed through dedication, collaboration and the exchange of ideas. This distinction, he argued, profoundly shapes how we approach challenges, setbacks and success itself.
Syed debunked the notion that innate talent is the sole determinant of success, stressing that real growth comes from persistence, learning and adaptability. Central to his message was the importance of resilience and his concept of ‘failing well.’ While many fear failure, Syed encouraged the audience to reframe their thinking.
“Failing and failing well is not a cliché. It is absolutely central to how we improve,” he said, adding that the most successful people are not those who avoid failure but those who learn from it and persevere through it.
He also spoke on leadership, warning against the complacency and a ‘know-it-all’ mentality that can develop in successful organisations. He advocated for a culture of continuous learning, where leaders foster a ‘learn-it-all’ mentality, encouraging teams to constantly seek out new ideas and perspectives.
To illustrate this, Syed pointed to Microsoft’s transformation under CEO Satya Nadella, who encouraged experimentation, openness to feedback and a fearless approach to failure. This shift created an environment of psychological safety, driving innovation and contributing to the company’s remarkable growth.
During the lecture, Syed encouraged pupils to embrace diverse viewpoints and learn from others.
“No matter how much knowledge one has, it’s always possible to learn from other people with a different perspective. No one person has a monopoly of good ideas,” he said.
In an age of instant gratification, he also reminded the audience that true success takes time, patience and a willingness to fail. He cited the example of James Dyson, who went through more than 5,000 prototypes before perfecting his vacuum cleaner.
“Success is not instant,” he said. “What we see is the tip of the iceberg – the success at the top – but beneath that is a foundation of countless failures and attempts.”
Closing his lecture, Syed urged pupils to be bold, take risks and not be afraid of failure.
“Life is a journey,” he said. “And failure is not the end—it’s the beginning of the journey. We need to find joy in the struggle, and fulfilment in progress, not just in the final result.”
The Lectures series is made possible through the generous support of Allanian Mark Dolder, CEO of Northumberland-based Bazaar Group. His backing has allowed the school to bring in a diverse and high-calibre lineup of speakers who inspire and challenge pupils with fresh ideas and perspectives.
Will Scott, Principal at Dame Allan’s Schools, said:
Matthew’s talk was both thought-provoking and inspiring, encouraging our pupils to embrace challenges and view life’s inevitable setbacks as a vital part of personal growth.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have these opportunities, thanks to the support of Mark and the vision behind The Lectures series. It’s a powerful way to prepare our pupils for the opportunities and challenges they will face beyond school.”