Simon Cowell has built an entertainment empire on his ability to say exactly what he thinks and an uncanny ability to judge the public mood.
From launching Pop Idol in 2001, The X Factor in 2004 and the cultural behemoth Britain’s Got Talent in 2007, he has been at the helm of primetime around the world for over a quarter of a century. His TV shows and Syco record label have shaped the careers of everyone from One Direction to Little Mix, Susan Boyle and Leona Lewis.
But his success hasn’t come without its struggles. For the first time, Cowell opens up about his biggest failures and regrets - an extraordinary thing to hear from one of the most successful men on the planet. We chat about fame, bankruptcy, loss, being ‘obnoxious’ and whether he has any regrets. Plus: what breaking his back and a near-death experience taught him and why he thinks we needs another referendum on Brexit.
✨ IN THIS EPISODE:
00:00 Intro
01:46 Early Life and Career
06:52 The Impact of a Life-Altering Accident
18:19 Facing Bankruptcy and Lessons Learned
22:16 The Influence of Simon's Parents
28:29 Reflections on Wealth and Success
29:37 Reflecting on Wealth and Happiness
30:27 The Impact of COVID-19 on Production
31:58 The Birth of Britain's Got Talent
33:29 The Struggles and Success of BGT
38:20 Understanding Fame and Its Challenges
40:35 The Formation of One Direction
47:20 Lessons from Professional Failures
56:10 Final Thoughts and Advice for Success
Britain’s Got Talent is currently airing on ITV, and America’s Got Talent celebrates its 20th year this summer on NBC.
‘The biggest risk is being safe’ - Elizabeth and Simon answer YOUR questions in our subscriber series, Failing with Friends. Join our community of subscribers here: https://howtofail.supportingcast.fm/#content
Have something to share of your own? I'd love to hear from you! Click here to get in touch: howtofailpod.com
🌎 Get an exclusive 15% discount on your first Saily data plans! Use code [howtofail] at checkout. Download Saily app or go to to https://saily.com/howtofail ⛵
Production & Post Production Coordinator: Eric Ryan
Mix Engineer: Josh Gibbs
Producer: Hannah Talbot
Executive Producer: Carly Maile
How to Fail is an Elizabeth Day and Sony Music Entertainment Production.
Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts
To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email [email protected]
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices