Goof-Proof Your Business: The Talk That Saves Companies From $10K Mistakes
William Holsten is a business mistake prevention speaker and small business keynote speaker.
One Dumb, Preventable Mistake Can Cost $10K — or More
Most organizations don’t realize they’re making these mistakes — until it’s too late. This keynote shows leaders how to spot them early, stop them in their tracks, and build habits that protect growth, profit, and credibility.
New for 2026: A Research-Based Keynote & Workshop
In addition to his signature Goof-Proof Your Business talk, William now offers a new keynote and workshop based on insights from a 2026 national study of small business owners examining the most common conditions that lead to costly, preventable mistakes.
This talk is informed by a recent national study of entrepreneurs and focuses on the everyday conditions and behaviors that raise preventable mistake risk—often before anyone realizes it.
What Makes This Talk Different
- ✅ Based on real-world business experience — from corporate leadership to startup trenches
- ✅ Built on 10 practical mistake-prevention tools from my book uh-oh!
- ✅ Filled with relatable stories from business, entrepreneurship, and mentoring
- ✅ Audience leaves with specific, usable actions — not just inspiration
What uh-oh! Readers Are Saying
The same lessons readers praise in uh-oh! are what make William’s talks engaging, practical, and memorable.
“Entertaining and practical—his stories make you laugh, gasp, and remember the lessons”
— Vegas517
“A disarming blend of wisdom, humor, and actionable advice—delivered with the credibility of both entrepreneur and corporate innovator.”
— Adam Hansen
Signature Talk
Goof-Proof Your Business: 10 Tools to Prevent Dumb, Disastrous Mistakes
Length: 45–60 minutes (plus optional Q&A)
Ideal For: Entrepreneur conferences, small business associations, leadership retreats, team kickoffs
Audience Takeaways:
- (1) Recognize the most common preventable mistakes that derail growth
- (2) Apply 3–5 mistake-prevention tools immediately
- (3) Shift from “mistake repair” to “success assurance”
About William Holsten
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38 years leading brands and innovation teams at Bayer Consumer Health
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Entrepreneur & co-inventor, with firsthand experience navigating successes and mistakes
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SCORE Delaware business mentor helping founders strengthen their companies
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Author of uh-oh! How to avoid unintentional blunders that derail entrepreneurial success, and goof-proof your business