Sana
Haque
Group Product Manager at PayPal
"The Gift of Failing Loudly: How Almost Losing $20 Million Set Me Free"
"The Gift of Failing Loudly: How Almost Losing $20 Million Set Me Free"
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Session: The Gift of Failing Loudly: How Almost Losing $20 Million Set Me Free
A few years ago, I made a decision that almost cost my organization $20 million. It was the kind of failure that makes your heart stop — the kind that whispers, “You’re not cut out for this.” For weeks, I replayed every mistake, convinced I had just confirmed every fear my imposter syndrome had ever whispered. But instead of hiding, I decided to talk about it — openly, honestly, and loudly. What started as an apology became a wake-up call: for me, for my team, and for how we defined success and leadership.In this talk, I’ll share how that failure became one of the most valuable experiences of my career — the gift that helped me shed perfectionism, embrace vulnerability, and lead with courage. We’ll explore what happens when we stop trying to be flawless and start building cultures where failing is part of growing.
Key Takeaways
- Failure isn’t the opposite of success — it’s the training ground for it. When we fail loudly, we turn shame into strength, and fear into leadership.
- Your Worst Moment Can Become Your Strongest Asset - A major setback can be the catalyst that reshapes confidence, resilience, and how you show up as a leader.
Bio
Sana Haque is a seasoned technology leader and Lead Product Manager at PayPal, where she drives Payment Optimization Strategy for value-added services and smart routing. Over the past decade, Sana has built and scaled AI/ML-powered optimization products that empower global brands to boost authorization success—melding deep technical expertise with strategic vision. Before joining PayPal, she worked in product and engineering at American Express and Tata Group, focusing on secure, scalable payment solutions. Passionate about career growth and mentorship, Sana champions inclusive leadership and helps women in tech navigate their paths. She brings a unique blend of customer-centric thinking, business acumen, and hands-on engineering experience to every challenge.