loader from loading.io

Ep 232 - Creating Yourself Boldly: A Conversation with Hristo Arakliev

Paper Napkin Wisdom

Release Date: 04/08/2025

EP 252 - The Customer Isn’t Always Right – Your Team Comes First: Wisdom from Christine McDannell show art EP 252 - The Customer Isn’t Always Right – Your Team Comes First: Wisdom from Christine McDannell

Paper Napkin Wisdom

Christine McDannell is a serial entrepreneur, author of The Resilient Founder, and a passionate advocate for building businesses that align with long-term legacy and personal purpose. She’s launched and sold multiple companies, including a 7-figure exit, and now focuses her energy on guiding purpose-driven founders through her work at Kindred Quarters and .  In Episode 252 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Christine shared a bold but essential truth that many leaders need to hear: “The customer is not always #1… your team is #1!” It's a deceptively simple statement...

info_outline
EP 251 - Freedom by Design Series (Part 4) | The Four Driving Influences of Human Behavior – Michael Walsh on What Really Moves Us show art EP 251 - Freedom by Design Series (Part 4) | The Four Driving Influences of Human Behavior – Michael Walsh on What Really Moves Us

Paper Napkin Wisdom

In Part 4 of the Freedom by Design series, Michael Walsh — growth strategist and founder of Walsh Business Growth — returns to the Paper Napkin Wisdom podcast with another deceptively simple, powerfully transformational idea. This time, Michael outlines what he believes to be the four core driving influences of all human behavior: Survive, Thrive, Connect, and Adapt.  Michael's frameworks aren't about academic theory — they’re forged in the heat of real entrepreneurial fires. Having coached hundreds of founders and growth-minded leaders, Michael brings his deep understanding of...

info_outline
EP 250 - John Sleeman Series (Part 3 of 3) | “I Need a New Challenge.” — John Sleeman’s Legacy, Reinvented show art EP 250 - John Sleeman Series (Part 3 of 3) | “I Need a New Challenge.” — John Sleeman’s Legacy, Reinvented

Paper Napkin Wisdom

Heads up: this is a live recording, and the audio has some echo due to a tech glitch. Still, John’s wisdom shines through—and we think it’s worth it. Hope you agree. In this special final chapter of a three-part series, we return to Paper Napkin Wisdom with legendary entrepreneur John Sleeman, founder of Sleeman Breweries and Spring Mill Distillery. But this time, he’s not alone — John is joined by the next generation: his sons, Quinn, a cooper who crafts whiskey barrels, and Cooper, who leads sales and marketing at the distillery. Yes, the naming symmetry is as poetic as...

info_outline
EP 249 – John Sleeman Series (Part 2 of 3) | You’ve Been Given a Gift — Now Do Something With It show art EP 249 – John Sleeman Series (Part 2 of 3) | You’ve Been Given a Gift — Now Do Something With It

Paper Napkin Wisdom

Heads up: this is a live recording, and the audio has some echo due to a tech glitch. Still, John’s wisdom shines through—and we think it’s worth it. Hope you agree. This episode marks the second chapter in a three-part journey through the life and legacy of John Sleeman, the iconic Canadian entrepreneur behind Sleeman Breweries. And in this moment, we move from the grind of building a business to something deeper—something almost mythic: a legacy rediscovered.  John’s story picks up with a surprise visit from his Aunt Florian. After a decade of no contact, she shows up with a...

info_outline
EP 248 - John Sleeman Series (Part 1 of 3) | Start a Pub: The Deal-Driven Origins of John Sleeman's Entrepreneurial Rise show art EP 248 - John Sleeman Series (Part 1 of 3) | Start a Pub: The Deal-Driven Origins of John Sleeman's Entrepreneurial Rise

Paper Napkin Wisdom

This episode is personal.  Just after college, I started a small business with my friend Matt Fox. We launched a student-focused magazine called Fingertips — hunting down wing nights and drink deals before smartphones made that easy. Money was tight. Hustle was everything. And our first cold call was to Sleeman Brewing in Guelph.  John Sleeman said yes.  That early “yes” stuck with me — and now, decades later, I’m sitting with him in this beautiful building, recording a full-circle episode for Paper Napkin Wisdom. But this story isn’t about the...

info_outline
EP 247 - Freedom by Design Series (Part 3) | The Exponential Power of Connection: A Napkin That Changes Everything - Michael Walsh show art EP 247 - Freedom by Design Series (Part 3) | The Exponential Power of Connection: A Napkin That Changes Everything - Michael Walsh

Paper Napkin Wisdom

Michael Walsh returns for part three of our special Freedom by Design series on Paper Napkin Wisdom, and this one might be the most visually striking yet. If you’re a fan of simple visuals that unlock big thinking, you’re going to love this napkin. It’s a 10x10 grid—just 100 dots—but what it represents could be the unlock for transformational leadership and next-level scale.  Michael is the founder of Walsh Business Growth and the author of Freedom by Design: The Established Business Owner’s Guide to Grow, Make an Impact and Find Joy Again. In this...

info_outline
EP 246 - The One Call Sale with Ari Galper: Transforming Sales Through Trust show art EP 246 - The One Call Sale with Ari Galper: Transforming Sales Through Trust

Paper Napkin Wisdom

In Episode 246 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Govindh Jayaraman sits down with Ari Galper, the world’s leading authority on trust-based selling and the creator of the revolutionary “One Call Sale” method. With over 25 years of experience, Ari has completely flipped the traditional sales script. His approach isn’t about pressure, persuasion, or playing games—it’s about trust, truth, and transformation.  Ari’s method is especially relevant for high-trust, low-volume, high-margin businesses where chasing leads and long sales cycles create drag. His model is designed to...

info_outline
EP 245 - Summit Your Current Mountain: Dustin Wells on Focus, Fulfillment, and the Climb of Leadership show art EP 245 - Summit Your Current Mountain: Dustin Wells on Focus, Fulfillment, and the Climb of Leadership

Paper Napkin Wisdom

Dustin Wells isn’t just an experienced tech entrepreneur — he’s a guide for leaders looking to rediscover purpose in the peaks and valleys of business and life. With over two decades in tech and a successful exit under his belt, Dustin has learned to measure success not only in valuations but in clarity, impact, and joy. In Episode 245 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Dustin shared a message written in bold blue ink: “Summit your current mountain.”  This deceptively simple statement holds transformative weight. It’s not just about climbing higher — it’s about finishing...

info_outline
EP 244 - Freedom by Design Series (Part 2) | The 4 Danger Zones Every Business Must Navigate - Michael Walsh show art EP 244 - Freedom by Design Series (Part 2) | The 4 Danger Zones Every Business Must Navigate - Michael Walsh

Paper Napkin Wisdom

Michael Walsh is no stranger to growth. As the founder of , he’s spent years helping established business owners scale with intention, clarity, and impact. In this second installment of our Freedom Framework special on Paper Napkin Wisdom, Michael returns to reveal one of his most powerful visual tools for growth: The 4 Danger Zones.  Drawn on a simple napkin (as all great ideas are), Michael lays out the major inflection points — and hidden pitfalls — that business owners face as they scale from $1M to $20M and beyond. Each stage brings a new level of complexity, risk,...

info_outline
EP 243 - Freedom by Design Series (Part 1): How Michael Walsh Redefines the Entrepreneur's Journey show art EP 243 - Freedom by Design Series (Part 1): How Michael Walsh Redefines the Entrepreneur's Journey

Paper Napkin Wisdom

Freedom. It’s a word thrown around a lot in entrepreneurial circles. For some, it’s about time. For others, money. But in Episode 243 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Michael Walsh challenges all of us to look deeper. With his napkin reading, “Freedom is not a selfish act,” he invites established business owners to consider a profound shift in how they view growth and fulfillment.  Michael Walsh isn’t just another business coach. He’s a skilled strategist with decades of experience guiding entrepreneurs who have already built something successful—but feel stuck,...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

In Episode 232 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, we sit down with Hristo Arakliev, co-founder of Hyperzon, Amazon growth strategist, and entrepreneur with a clear edge—one honed through experience, humility, and a relentless commitment to intentionality. 

With over a decade of experience navigating the complex world of Amazon growth, Hristo has helped brands crack the code to sustainable success in one of the world’s most competitive ecosystems. But in this conversation, he opened up about something far deeper than logistics, optimization, or algorithms. He shared a personal, human truth that transcends any platform or market: 

“Every action you take should reflect the person you believe you are! 
Life isn't about finding yourself – it's about creating yourself, one bold step at a time.” 

This message, scribbled on a bright orange napkin, speaks volumes. It’s a challenge, a mantra, and a compass rolled into one. And it perfectly captures Hristo’s philosophy—both in business and in life. 

Identity First, Strategy Second 

Too often, we get stuck in tactics. We chase growth, try to “hack” performance, and bury ourselves in tools. But Hristo reminds us: all strategy flows from identity. Who you believe you are shapes what you do, what you build, and what legacy you leave behind. 

“When you start from a place of trying to prove yourself,” Hristo said during the episode, “you’re always chasing. But when you believe in who you are becoming, your decisions start to reflect that power.” 

In other words, your belief system is your business plan. It’s not just mindset—it’s the foundation. 

Boldness Is a Practice 

The phrase "one bold step at a time" may sound simple, but in the conversation, Hristo emphasized how hard it is to live. Being bold isn't about making reckless moves or overreaching. It’s about taking intentional action that stretches you beyond comfort—and doing it consistently. 

He described moments in his own journey when he had to step into the unknown: launching Hyperzon, rethinking how he led his team, and evolving his role from doer to strategist to culture-builder. In each transition, the key wasn't having all the answers. It was trusting in the identity he was building. 

“You create yourself through decisions,” he said. “Every time you act in alignment with your future self, you reinforce that person. That’s how identity becomes real.” 

Let Go of the Myth of Arrival 

Another powerful insight from Hristo was about letting go of the myth of “arrival”—that someday, after a certain number of successes, we’ll feel complete. But the truth is, identity isn’t something you find and hold onto forever. It’s something you continually shape. 

“You’re always evolving,” Hristo shared. “That’s what makes this work exciting. If you’re not changing, you’re not growing.” 

This kind of mindset is liberating for leaders and entrepreneurs. It means we don’t need to wait for permission. We don’t need to “find” ourselves before we start. We simply need to decide who we want to be—and take the next bold step toward becoming that person. 

Living the Napkin 

Hristo’s napkin isn’t just a quote—it’s a framework. A daily check-in. A mirror. It challenges us to ask: 

  • Am I acting like the person I believe I am becoming? 

  • Are my decisions reflecting clarity, or fear? 

  • Am I building my future self—or trying to recycle my past? 

The power of Hristo’s message is in its clarity. It strips away the noise and demands ownership. It reminds us that success isn’t just about resultsit’s about integrity to self. That’s where the boldness lives. 

5 Key Takeaways from Hristo Arakliev – Episode 232 

1. Create Yourself, Don’t Find Yourself 

“Life isn’t about finding yourself—it’s about creating yourself.” 

Take Action: Write down a vision of who you believe you are becoming, then audit your current habits. Are they aligned? 

2. Align Every Action to Your Identity 

“Every action you take should reflect the person you believe you are.” 

Take Action: Before every big decision, ask: “Does this reflect the person I want to be?” If not, course correct. 

3. Clarity Comes from Bold Steps 

“One bold step at a time.” 

Take Action: Choose one bold move today—something uncomfortable but aligned—and execute without hesitation. 

4. Your Business Growth Mirrors Your Personal Growth 

“You can’t scale if your identity doesn’t scale first.” 

Take Action: Revisit your goals and reframe them as a reflection of your values and long-term identity. 

5. Consistency > Hustle 

“It’s not about doing more—it’s about doing what matters with consistency.” 

Take Action: Eliminate one “busy” task this week and replace it with one action that moves the needle in your life or business. 

This episode is a powerful reminder that the boldest thing we can do is become the person we believe we’re meant to be—and that happens not in one giant leap, but through consistent, aligned action. 

What’s your bold step today? 

Write it on a napkin. Share it with the world. Post it with #PaperNapkinWisdom and tag someone else who needs this message. 

Connect with Hristo: