Paper Napkin Wisdom

Paper Napkin Wisdom: Ideas small enough to fit on a paper napkin, but big enough to change your world. Sometimes the most profound insights come in the smallest packages. Welcome to Paper Napkin Wisdom, the podcast that proves you don't need lengthy seminars or thick business books to revolutionize your approach to success. "I share pearls of wisdom small enough to fit on a napkin and big enough to change your life and business." Hosted by Govindh Jayaraman, a seasoned entrepreneur and modern-day Napoleon Hill, Paper Napkin Wisdom distills the collective knowledge of accomplished leaders into actionable, napkin-sized nuggets that pack a powerful punch. Why Paper Napkin Wisdom Resonates with Seasoned Professionals: Concentrated Wisdom: Each episode delivers high-impact insights without the fluff. Perfect for busy professionals who value their time but never stop learning. Real-World Relevance: Our guests aren't just thought leaders; they're battle-tested entrepreneurs and executives who've navigated the complexities of modern business. Cross-Pollination of Ideas: Discover how strategies from diverse industries can spark innovation in your field. Midcareer Momentum: Whether you're scaling your business or seeking a new challenge, find inspiration to reignite your passion and push boundaries. Life-Work Integration: Explore holistic approaches to success that balance professional growth with personal fulfillment. What You'll Gain: Actionable Strategies: Walk away from each episode with concrete steps to implement immediately. Mindset Shifts: Challenge your assumptions and expand your thinking with fresh perspectives. Network Expansion: Join a community of like-minded professionals at similar stages in their journeys. Time-Efficient Learning: Absorb game-changing concepts in the time it takes to enjoy your morning coffee. Who Should Listen: Entrepreneurs looking to scale C-suite executives seeking fresh approaches to leadership Mid-career professionals aiming to make a significant impact Thought leaders wanting to stay ahead of industry trends Anyone who believes in the power of continuous growth Featured Topics: Disruptive Innovation Strategies Emotional Intelligence in Leadership Sustainable Scaling Techniques Work-Life Synergy (Not Just Balance) Future-Proofing Your Business Legacy Building and Succession Planning Join us on Paper Napkin Wisdom, where small ideas lead to big breakthroughs. Subscribe now and transform your approach to business and life, one napkin at a time. Remember: The most powerful ideas often start with a simple scribble. What will you write on your napkin today?

EP 252 - The Customer Isn’t Always Right – Your Team Comes First: Wisdom from Christine McDannell 06/05/2025

EP 252 - The Customer Isn’t Always Right – Your Team Comes First: Wisdom from Christine McDannell 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 scrawled on a paper napkin—but its implications for leadership, culture, and long-term success are massive. “If you take care of your team, they will take care of your customers,” Christine said during our conversation. “But if you prioritize the customer at the expense of your team, eventually you’ll lose both.” Christine’s leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in legacy thinking. She believes that what you build should matter long after you're gone, and to do that, you must create environments where your team feels empowered, protected, and prioritized. Culture Is the Compound Interest of Leadership Christine reminded us that a thriving team culture doesn’t emerge by accident—it’s built, brick by brick, with intentionality. “In one of my early companies, we tried to please everyone—clients, customers, even when they were toxic. That created burnout. When we flipped it and prioritized our people, everything changed.” This is legacy-based leadership in action. Instead of seeing team support as a cost, Christine views it as an investment—with returns in loyalty, performance, innovation, and yes, customer satisfaction. The Hidden Cost of Prioritizing the Wrong #1 Too many entrepreneurs fall into the trap of trying to be everything to every customer. Christine’s experience shows how dangerous that mindset can be. “We had a client who was verbally abusive to our team. I let it slide once, twice… by the third time, I realized I was failing as a leader. So I fired the client. That move saved my team, our morale, and ultimately the business.” It takes courage to make decisions like that, especially when revenue is on the line. But as Christine emphasized, long-term success comes from alignment with your values, not short-term compromises. Your Team Is Watching—Always Leadership isn’t just about what you say; it’s about what you tolerate. Christine believes that the fastest way to lose a great team is to stay silent when they’re being mistreated. “Every time you choose the customer over your team in a moment of conflict, you’re making a withdrawal from your culture. Eventually, you’ll be bankrupt.” Instead, she encourages founders and leaders to create psychological safety: “Let your team know you have their back. Even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.” Building with Exit in Mind… and Heart Christine is a rare kind of entrepreneur—someone who has exited companies and still cares deeply about what happens next. That means building businesses with a heart, not just a valuation. “When I sold one of my companies, the thing I was most proud of wasn’t the money—it was that my team was taken care of, and the culture lived on.” Legacy, to her, is about making sure people thrive even after you’re gone. And that starts with valuing your people from day one. 5 Key Takeaways from Christine McDannell – Episode 252 1. Your Team Comes First, Always “The customer is not always #1. Your team is #1.” Take Action: Audit your values. Do your current practices reflect this belief? If not, what needs to change? 2. Culture Is Built Through Boundaries “We draw a line in the sand about what behavior is acceptable. That protects our people.” Take Action: Identify one customer, policy, or situation where you're compromising your culture—and correct it. 3. Fire Clients Who Harm Your Team “Firing that one client saved my entire business.” Take Action: Empower your team to report client issues without fear. Set a zero-tolerance policy for abuse. 4. Psychological Safety Drives Performance “People perform their best when they know you’ve got their back.” Take Action: Ask your team: “What can I do to better support you?”—and act on the answers. 5. Build Your Business Like You’ll Leave Tomorrow “Legacy isn’t just about exits. It’s about what stays after you’re gone.” Take Action: Start documenting processes, transferring leadership, and preparing your team for independence. Christine’s message is a wake-up call for entrepreneurs: You can’t build a legacy on a foundation that disrespects the people holding it up. Want loyal customers? Start with loyal team members. Want a sustainable business? Start with a sustainable culture. So here’s your challenge: write YOUR version of Christine’s napkin wisdom. What would it say? Then share it with your team—and share it with us using the hashtag #PaperNapkinWisdom. Let’s prioritize what really matters. Connect with Christine: /episode/index/show/wisenapkin/id/36820865

EP 251 - Freedom by Design Series (Part 4) | The Four Driving Influences of Human Behavior – Michael Walsh on What Really Moves Us 06/01/2025

EP 251 - Freedom by Design Series (Part 4) | The Four Driving Influences of Human Behavior – Michael Walsh on What Really Moves Us 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 what actually drives behavior — especially when stakes are high and the fog of uncertainty is thick. “If you want to lead people, you have to understand what drives them. Every single decision we make is being influenced by one or more of these four things.” Let’s unpack each of the four influences. 1. Survive At our most fundamental level, we’re hardwired to protect ourselves — physically, emotionally, and financially. Michael says survival thinking isn’t just about fear or reactivity. It’s the foundation of risk assessment and security seeking. “In business, when someone’s resisting a bold move, check if they’re in survival mode — it doesn’t mean they’re wrong, it means they’re trying to be safe.” Entrepreneurial Action: Ask your team, “What part of this plan feels risky or threatening to you?” You’ll uncover hidden fears before they derail progress. 2. Thrive While survival is about protection, thriving is about aspiration. This drive shows up in how we pursue growth, status, legacy, or mastery. Thriving propels leaders to innovate, compete, and elevate standards. “Thriving isn’t just about being better — it’s about feeling fulfilled while doing it.” Entrepreneurial Action: Reflect on where your business might be surviving instead of thriving. Are you playing not to lose — or playing to win? 3. Connect Humans are social creatures — and connection is a powerful motivator. Whether it's belonging, validation, or support, this influence is deeply tied to trust and collaboration. Michael points out that leaders often overlook this in data-driven cultures. “When people don’t feel seen, they disengage. And that disconnection can cost companies more than almost anything else.” Entrepreneurial Action: Leaders, reconnect with your team one-on-one this week. Ask them: “What’s one thing you wish I understood better about your experience here?” 4. Adapt The final influence is about resilience and responsiveness. Adaptation is how we process change, deal with uncertainty, and find our footing in new environments. Michael notes that high performers often struggle here — not from lack of ability, but from attachment to control. “When leaders are stuck, it's usually not because they don't have options. It's because they’re resisting change.” Entrepreneurial Action: Normalize experimentation. Celebrate what you learn from what didn’t work — not just what succeeded. Why These Four? Michael’s napkin is more than a framework — it’s a diagnostic tool. When a team member is stuck, when a customer is hesitant, or when a strategy stalls, Michael challenges us to ask: Which of these four influences is in play? The simplicity of Survive, Thrive, Connect, Adapt makes the model sticky — but the depth of application makes it transformative. “Every decision, every behavior, every moment of hesitation or courage — it’s all coming back to one or more of these.” 5 Key Takeaways from Michael Walsh on the 4 Driving Influences of Human Behavior 1. Every behavior stems from one of four core motivations. Whether we're leading a team or making a personal decision, we’re constantly navigating needs to survive, thrive, connect, or adapt. 👉 Action: Use these lenses to decode stalled projects or interpersonal conflicts. 2. Survival mode isn’t weakness — it’s caution. Recognizing someone is in survival mode helps us lead with empathy, not frustration. 👉 Action: Shift conversations from “What’s wrong?” to “What feels unsafe or unclear?” 3. Growth isn't just ambition — it's a core human need. Thriving drives innovation and fulfillment. Leaders should intentionally nurture this drive. 👉 Action: Create stretch opportunities that challenge and celebrate growth. 4. Connection fuels culture and performance. People disengage when they feel invisible. Connection isn't optional — it's the glue. 👉 Action: Hold weekly 10-minute check-ins that prioritize empathy, not just updates. 5. Adaptation is how we future-proof. Organizations that adapt quickly win in uncertain times. But that starts with adaptable leaders. 👉 Action: Host a monthly "fail and learn" session to reward adaptive behavior. Final Thought Michael Walsh once again challenges us to think deeper and lead better — not with complex models, but with the kind of wisdom you can jot on a napkin. His four driving influences don’t just apply to business. They speak to how we live, love, and lead every day. 💡 What’s driving your decisions right now — survival, growth, connection, or change? Write your insight on a napkin. Snap a photo. Post it with the hashtag #PaperNapkinWisdom. Connect with Michael: https://walshbusinessgrowth.com/ /episode/index/show/wisenapkin/id/36802415

EP 250 - John Sleeman Series (Part 3 of 3) | “I Need a New Challenge.” — John Sleeman’s Legacy, Reinvented 05/30/2025

EP 250 - John Sleeman Series (Part 3 of 3) | “I Need a New Challenge.” — John Sleeman’s Legacy, Reinvented 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 it is confusing — and quintessentially Sleeman. What emerges in this conversation is a full-circle moment. Not just a hand-off from one generation to the next, but a creative expansion of a legacy that refuses to sit still. The napkin this time reads, “I need a new challenge.” And it couldn’t be more fitting. From Gift to Growth to Grit In episode one, John walked us through his early entrepreneurial roots. In part two, he unpacked what it meant to steward a gift — the legacy and lessons handed to him. Here, in part three, he doesn’t rest on success. He leans into discomfort. The idea that legacy is not a destination, but a launchpad. “You can't just do the same thing over and over again and expect to grow,” John reflects. “I need to be constantly learning, constantly challenged.” This series finale is a masterclass in intergenerational entrepreneurship, resilience, and the lifelong hunger for reinvention. We learn how John has stepped back from the daily grind, but not from the mission. Instead, he’s pushed himself to dream bigger — and trust others more deeply. Trusting the Next Generation Govindh notes that while most leaders struggle to let go, John models a powerful example of healthy succession. He’s not clinging to control. He’s casting vision. “I have great confidence in these guys,” John says, gesturing to his sons. “I told them, ‘I’m here if you need me… but go build your own version of this.’” That trust isn’t passive. It’s been built through years of intentional mentorship, shared values, and honest conversations — including debates about tradition, innovation, and how to tell a story that matters. What Comes After Success? The final moments of this episode are particularly poignant. John talks about what's next — not as a retirement plan, but as a personal renaissance. Whether it’s learning new skills, exploring new markets, or rethinking old assumptions, he reminds us that growth doesn’t stop with a title change. “I never want to be the guy who says, ‘I used to be something,’” John says. “I want to keep becoming.” And that’s what makes this napkin so powerful. “I need a new challenge” isn’t a cry of boredom. It’s a call to adventure. 🔑 5 Key Takeaways from Episode 250 with John Sleeman 1. Legacy Is an Invitation, Not a Limitation John’s journey shows us that inheriting something great isn’t the end — it’s the beginning. Leaders must choose to evolve what they’ve been given. Take Action: Reflect on what you’ve inherited — from mentors, parents, or culture. How can you build on it, not just maintain it? 2. Letting Go Can Be Leadership By stepping back and letting his sons lead, John shows that true leadership is about empowering others — not holding onto control. Take Action: Identify one area where you're holding on too tightly. Can you delegate and support instead? 3. Curiosity Keeps You Young John’s desire for a new challenge stems from a place of deep curiosity and a refusal to be complacent. Take Action: Ask yourself: “What’s something I don’t know but want to learn?” Then take the first step toward that pursuit. 4. Trust Is Built Through Time and Transparency The Sleemans built their family business through regular communication, shared values, and earned trust — not entitlement. Take Action: Start a values conversation with your team or family. Are you aligned on what matters most? 5. A Napkin Can Be a Compass This episode reinforces that even a simple statement like “I need a new challenge” can guide powerful transformation. Take Action: Write down your current challenge on a napkin. Post it somewhere visible. Let it steer your next 90 days. This episode is more than the end of a trilogy. It’s a passing of the torch, a lesson in renewal, and a reminder that the entrepreneurial spirit doesn’t retire — it reinvents. 👉 What’s your new challenge? Write it down, snap a pic, and post it with the hashtag #PaperNapkinWisdom. Let’s grow — together. /episode/index/show/wisenapkin/id/36802515

EP 249 – John Sleeman Series (Part 2 of 3) | You’ve Been Given a Gift — Now Do Something With It 05/29/2025

EP 249 – John Sleeman Series (Part 2 of 3) | You’ve Been Given a Gift — Now Do Something With It 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 gift she had been holding onto for 51 years: a handwritten recipe book from John’s grandfather—the original Sleeman brewer—and a vintage Sleeman beer bottle from the late 1800s. “I’ve been waiting 51 years to give this to someone in the family who’s got an aptitude or an interest in the beer business... You’re the only one.” That book didn’t just contain recipes—it held stories, history, and a call to action. And that moment became John’s second paper napkin: “You’ve been given a gift. Better do something with it.” Until then, John had been in the beer business, yes—but as an importer and distributor, not a brewer. He didn’t know how to make beer. Yet suddenly, he had a responsibility—not just to his business, but to his ancestry. What followed is the stuff of entrepreneurial legend. Aunt Florian encouraged John to dig deeper into the family’s brewing legacy by visiting the archives at the University of Guelph. There, he uncovered astonishing records: cartel agreements between historic breweries to divide Ontario by territory; financial statements showing eight-figure balances—in 1913; and the names of all the power players at the time: John Molson, John Labatt, John Carling… and John Sleeman. This wasn’t just history. It was a reminder of the scale and significance of the Sleeman name in Canadian brewing. And it brought John to a crossroads. He was tempted—driven even—to bring it all back. But he also had doubts. “I remember lying in bed thinking, are you out of your mind? You’re going to take on Molson? Labatt? Heineken? Why do you think you're going to compete and be successful?” And yet, he didn’t walk away. That paper napkin moment carried too much weight. This episode is a powerful reminder that gifts—especially those tied to legacy—come with responsibility. You don’t need to have all the answers before you begin. You just need to decide it’s worth doing. 5 Key Takeaways from John Sleeman – Part 2 1. Legacy Can Arrive Unexpectedly—Be Ready to Receive It John wasn’t seeking history. History showed up with a handwritten recipe book and a bottle from the 1800s. 🎯 Take Action: Look around—what are you holding onto that might be calling you forward? 2. Greatness Often Lives in Your Roots John’s discovery in the archives revealed the scale of his family’s former brewing empire. 🎯 Take Action: Trace your origin story. It might just hold the blueprint for your next chapter. 3. Big Dreams Bring Big Doubts—Push Anyway John’s self-talk questioned how he could compete with giants like Molson and Labatt. But he didn’t stop. 🎯 Take Action: Write down your doubts. Then act anyway. Confidence is often on the other side of motion. 4. Opportunity Demands Action, Not Just Appreciation Receiving the gift wasn’t enough. The power came in what John did with it. 🎯 Take Action: What gift, resource, or insight have you been sitting on? Use it this week. 5. You Don’t Have to Know Everything—You Just Have to Begin John didn’t know how to brew beer when he received that recipe book. But he started. 🎯 Take Action: Start where you are. Learn what you need. You grow by moving, not by waiting. This story is a modern parable of courage, legacy, and action. John Sleeman reminds us that we are all holding something powerful. The question is: Will we do something with it? If this message speaks to you, take your own napkin and write your takeaway. Post it with the hashtag #PaperNapkinWisdom and inspire others to act on the gifts they’ve been given. /episode/index/show/wisenapkin/id/36762090

EP 248 - John Sleeman Series (Part 1 of 3) | Start a Pub: The Deal-Driven Origins of John Sleeman's Entrepreneurial Rise 05/27/2025

EP 248 - John Sleeman Series (Part 1 of 3) | Start a Pub: The Deal-Driven Origins of John Sleeman's Entrepreneurial Rise 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 brewery. Not yet. Because before John knew anything about his family’s brewing legacy… he had a napkin idea: “Start a Pub.” “I realized in my late teens that I was almost unemployable,” he said. “I kept getting fired because I was always telling my bosses how to do things better.” So he stopped trying to fit in — and started building his own future. The Pub Was the Trojan Horse John didn’t set out to become a beer mogul. In fact, in the beginning, he wasn’t even thinking about beer as a product. He wanted to open a pub — not just to pour pints, but to create an experience no one else in Canada was offering: imported draft beer served the proper way. There was just one problem. The logistics didn’t exist. “You couldn’t get most foreign beers in kegs back then — only in bottles,” John explained. “No one had the infrastructure. And if you wanted to bring it in, you had to go province by province.” So he did. One liquor board at a time, John started pitching the idea that he could be the one to bring kegs in. Not bottles. Not cases. Kegs. Exclusive, premium, fresh-draft kegs that elevated what it meant to go out for a beer. “I said, ‘Look, I know someone at this brewery. Let me bring in the kegs.’ They said, ‘We don’t usually do that.’ But I kept going.” Eventually, they said yes. Then another one did. Then another. John had cracked the code — and in doing so, quietly became the exclusive draft importer of some of the world’s best beer brands in Canada. This was before he knew anything about his family’s brewing past. Long before he would restart Sleeman Breweries. Long before legacy became part of the equation. At this point, John was just solving problems in real time, stacking deals, and building leverage through persistence and relationships. Why It Worked John’s pub wasn’t successful because it was trendy. It was successful because it was different. He wasn’t competing on price or location. He was the only game in town pouring certain beers — and that exclusivity gave him a unique edge. “People would drive from across town just to have a proper pint of something they couldn’t get anywhere else.” What started as a workaround for sourcing product became a business advantage. And eventually, a platform. That pub, those provincial approvals, those import contracts — they all laid the groundwork for something he didn’t even know he was building yet. 5 Key Takeaways from Episode 247 with John Sleeman 1. Start with the Problem You Can Solve John didn’t know his family legacy. He wasn’t dreaming of a brewery. He just wanted great beer on tap — and couldn’t get it. Take Action: What challenge in your business or life are you uniquely positioned to solve today? 2. Be Willing to Knock on Doors (Literally) John went province to province pitching the liquor boards. He didn’t wait for permission — he created the opportunity. Take Action: Make one phone call or send one email this week that feels like a long shot. You might be surprised who says yes. 3. Different Is Better Than Better John’s pub wasn’t the biggest or fanciest — it was exclusive. That was enough. Take Action: What do you offer that no one else does? Focus on it. Lead with it. 4. Ignore the Legacy Until It’s Earned John didn’t build off a family name — he earned his way forward through deals and grit. Take Action: Stop waiting for a story to define you. Create the value first. The legacy can come later. 5. Big Impact Starts with Small Logistics Importing kegs may sound minor. But those logistics fueled an empire. John understood the power of detail. Take Action: Look at your systems. What “small” piece of your model might actually be the engine? It started with a scribble: “Start a Pub.” It became an import empire, a business blueprint, and eventually, a brewery. But in this episode, we see the version of John Sleeman most don’t talk about — the deal-maker, the fixer, the relentless problem solver. The guy who didn’t need a legacy to start building something legendary. What would happen if you acted on your napkin idea today? Share it with us using #PaperNapkinWisdom. /episode/index/show/wisenapkin/id/36703080

EP 247 - Freedom by Design Series (Part 3) | The Exponential Power of Connection: A Napkin That Changes Everything - Michael Walsh 05/26/2025

EP 247 - Freedom by Design Series (Part 3) | The Exponential Power of Connection: A Napkin That Changes Everything - Michael Walsh 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 final part of our three-episode series, Michael draws our attention to a deceptively simple truth: relationships are the real force multipliers in any organization. And when you understand how one-to-one connections scale, you start designing differently. “This napkin isn’t about how many people you can reach,” Michael says. “It’s about how many relationships you can build—and the ripple effects of each connection.” On the napkin, Michael illustrates the growth of potential 1:1 relationships within a team using the classic network formula: # of 1:1 relationships = n(n–1)/2 Starting with just four people, the napkin shows how you quickly get to six relationships. Add five more people, and it jumps to thirty-six. By the time you hit 100 people, you’re looking at 4,950 unique one-to-one relationships. This is more than math. It’s strategy. “The biggest limiting factor to scale isn’t the size of your team,” Michael explains, “it’s the number of intentional relationships that exist inside it.” When you don’t design for connection, you design for chaos. Silos. Miscommunication. Duplication. Frustration. But if you lead intentionally—with structure, rituals, and systems that foster communication—those same relationships become a lattice of trust, clarity, and momentum. It’s the kind of shift that turns organizations from friction-heavy to friction-free. Michael also reminds us of something subtle but powerful: you are one of those dots. The way you show up as a leader sets the tone for how relationships are built within the culture you design. And here’s where Freedom by Design ties it all together: clarity, rhythm, and intentional design are what allow freedom to flourish. Not structure for the sake of bureaucracy, but structure for the sake of people. “The freedom you crave isn’t the absence of responsibility,” Michael notes. “It’s the presence of intentional design.” This napkin—100 circles, one smiley face, and some exponential math—is a simple but profound reminder that freedom and scale aren’t found by stepping away from the business… they’re found by stepping in more intentionally. 5 Key Takeaways from Michael Walsh – Episode 244 1. Relationships Scale Faster Than People “It’s not about adding headcount—it’s about increasing intentional connections.” Take Action: Map out the number of direct relationships in your leadership team. Ask: are these strong or just functional? Strengthen one this week. 2. Design Systems That Support Human Connection “Structure doesn’t stifle—it liberates.” Take Action: Introduce a consistent 1:1 rhythm (weekly, biweekly, or monthly) between team members to build trust and resolve friction before it festers. 3. Visual Thinking Sparks Strategic Insight “Sometimes a napkin is better than a spreadsheet.” Take Action: Sketch a challenge you’re facing instead of typing it out. What patterns emerge when you look at it visually? 4. Freedom Comes From Design, Not Absence “Freedom isn’t doing less—it’s doing what matters most.” Take Action: Identify one system that could reduce friction and increase joy. Start designing it this week. 5. Your Leadership Is the First Dot “You’re part of the grid—how you show up defines how others connect.” Take Action: Show up with intention in one key conversation today. Be present. Be clear. Be human. This final installment in the Freedom by Design series leaves us with a simple truth: freedom, impact, and joy aren’t byproducts of luck—they’re the results of clarity and intentional design. 🟠 What’s your biggest takeaway? Draw it on a napkin and post it with the hashtag #PaperNapkinWisdom to join the conversation. Let’s turn simple ideas into big impact—together. /episode/index/show/wisenapkin/id/36702600

EP 246 - The One Call Sale with Ari Galper: Transforming Sales Through Trust 05/22/2025

EP 246 - The One Call Sale with Ari Galper: Transforming Sales Through Trust 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 remove the friction of multiple meetings and speed up decision-making—without sacrificing relationship or integrity. And he sketches it all out on a paper napkin with just four words and a powerful philosophy. “The sale is lost not because you didn’t ‘close’ well… but because trust wasn’t built fast enough.” The Four-Step Framework on Ari’s Napkin At first glance, Ari’s napkin looks simple: Dr.-Patient Mindset Go Down the Iceberg Show Your Road Map Onboard New Client But each of these is a deep shift from traditional selling. Step 1: The Dr.-Patient Mindset Ari starts with what he calls the “Dr.-Patient Mindset.” Instead of showing up as a seller, you show up like a doctor—with calm authority and the right questions. “When you go to the doctor, they don’t say, ‘Let me tell you about my credentials.’ They ask you, ‘Where does it hurt?’” In this approach, the salesperson isn’t trying to impress; they’re trying to understand. This subtle shift immediately positions the conversation as diagnostic rather than transactional. Step 2: Go Down the Iceberg Next, Ari encourages us to “Go Down the Iceberg.” Most sales conversations skim the surface—features, price, service. But real trust (and real urgency) lives beneath. “Your prospect will describe their surface-level problems. But if you stay curious and gently go deeper, you find the emotional drivers—the real reason they’ll act.” This process builds connection and earns permission to continue the conversation more meaningfully. Step 3: Show Your Road Map Only after understanding the problem deeply should you “Show Your Road Map.” This isn't a pitch—it’s a tailored vision for solving their specific issues. “Don’t sell the plane. Sell the destination.” The key is transparency. Walk them through the journey—what happens first, what happens next—and build clarity, not hype. Step 4: Onboard New Client Finally, Ari brings it all together by making the close a natural outcome of trust. “Onboarding” replaces “closing,” because the sale isn’t a conquest—it’s a beginning. “You’re not chasing. You’re inviting.” The conversation becomes a mutual decision to move forward. The result? No pressure. No objections. Just commitment. 5 Key Takeaways from Episode 246 with Ari Galper 1. Trust is the new currency in sales. “Sales isn’t about persuasion. It’s about clarity and trust.” 🎯 Take action: Evaluate where in your current process trust may be eroding. Where are you “convincing” instead of connecting? 2. Be the doctor, not the hero. “The moment you show up to fix instead of understand, you lose the sale.” 🎯 Take action: Shift your discovery call to focus on diagnosing rather than explaining. Ask better questions, listen longer. 3. The biggest decisions are driven by emotions, not logic. “Go beneath the surface. That’s where the buying energy lives.” 🎯 Take action: In your next call, pause and ask: “Can you tell me more about how this impacts you personally?” 4. Transparency beats technique. “Show your roadmap early. People don’t fear buying—they fear the unknown.” 🎯 Take action: Build a simple visual roadmap of your process and start using it in your sales conversations. 5. Closing isn’t an event—it’s a conclusion. “When trust is built, the close takes care of itself.” 🎯 Take action: Stop chasing. Start onboarding. Use language that reinforces a partnership, not a pitch. Ari Galper's wisdom challenges decades of sales dogma. His “One Call Sale” method reminds us that real results come from real conversations—and those conversations are built on trust, not tactics. If you’re ready to change how you sell—and build deeper, faster trust with your clients—this episode is a must-listen. 🎧 Connect with Ari Galper: 📝 What’s your takeaway from Ari’s Paper Napkin Wisdom? Write it on a napkin. Snap a pic. Post it with the hashtag #PaperNapkinWisdom. Let’s make trust the most powerful tool in your sales kit. /episode/index/show/wisenapkin/id/36628715

EP 245 - Summit Your Current Mountain: Dustin Wells on Focus, Fulfillment, and the Climb of Leadership 05/20/2025

EP 245 - Summit Your Current Mountain: Dustin Wells on Focus, Fulfillment, and the Climb of Leadership 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 the climb you’re on. In a culture obsessed with constant reinvention and the next big thing, Dustin’s wisdom is a powerful reminder that what’s in front of you right now deserves your full attention, effort, and heart. “I almost didn’t sell. I had no plans to sell,” Dustin says, recalling the unexpected opportunity to exit the company he founded. “But when I did, it was the first time in years I could hear myself think.” That moment of clarity didn’t come easily. Like many founders, Dustin had tied his identity to his company. Stepping away forced him to confront the truth: even success can become a trap if you’re not fully present in the journey. Throughout the episode, Dustin opens up about the transition from founder to free agent — a phase marked not by absence, but by deeper exploration. “What was fascinating,” he shares, “was how much of my day was about responding to others. After I exited, I had to rediscover what I wanted to do.” That rediscovery is at the heart of his message. "Summit your current mountain" isn’t about escapism. It’s about going all the way with what you’ve started. “Don’t quit halfway. Don’t build a bridge and walk away before it connects. Get to the top, see the view, learn the lesson — then decide what’s next.” His story isn’t just about tech or exits. It’s about agency. About being deliberate. About noticing when you're climbing someone else’s mountain — or worse, running in circles at the base of your own. “What I learned is that there's joy in the hard things — if you're doing the right hard thing.” In a world that glorifies hustle and pivots, Dustin invites us into a different rhythm: one that values completion, reflection, and intentional transition. 5 Key Takeaways from Dustin Wells 1. Finish What You Start — Fully “If you’re halfway up a mountain and decide to stop, you don’t get the view. You don’t get the lesson.” 🧭 Take Action: Identify one major initiative or relationship in your life that you’ve left incomplete. Recommit to seeing it through — or consciously close the loop. 2. Let Silence Speak “I didn’t realize how noisy my life was until I had a moment to just… listen.” 🧘 Take Action: Block 30 minutes this week for uninterrupted reflection — no agenda, no distractions. Listen to what your inner voice is telling you. 3. Don’t Outsource Your Identity to Your Work “Who are you when you're not the founder, the CEO, the operator?” 🪞 Take Action: Journal about your identity beyond your job title. What values, joys, or passions define you outside of work? 4. Embrace the Power of Choice “You can choose to stay, to go, to rest, to climb — but make it a choice, not a reaction.” 🎯 Take Action: Review your current obligations. Are you choosing them or just reacting to momentum? Make at least one intentional change. 5. The Next Mountain Can Wait “Climb this one first. Feel the summit. Then you’ll know what’s next.” ⛰️ Take Action: Pause the chase for “what’s next” until you’ve fully processed where you are. Celebrate completion before setting new goals. Dustin Wells is an executive advisor, founder, and former CEO with two successful exits. He now supports leaders in finding clarity, calm, and capacity in their businesses and lives. You can connect with him on . If Dustin’s message struck a chord with you, here’s your challenge: write your own mountain on a napkin — then commit to summiting it. Post it with #PaperNapkinWisdom and inspire someone else to climb with intention. 🗻 What’s your current mountain? Let us know. /episode/index/show/wisenapkin/id/36615885

EP 244 - Freedom by Design Series (Part 2) | The 4 Danger Zones Every Business Must Navigate - Michael Walsh 05/18/2025

EP 244 - Freedom by Design Series (Part 2) | The 4 Danger Zones Every Business Must Navigate - Michael Walsh 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, and decision-making, and many businesses stall — or crash — when they hit these invisible ceilings. “The danger zones don’t show up in your financials right away. They show up in your energy, your confidence, your ability to lead.” — Michael Walsh Let’s break down why these zones matter — and how leaders can spot them before they become business breakers. Stage 1: The $1M Hurdle — The Founder's Grind Most businesses that cross the $1M revenue line do so by sheer force of will. It’s messy, exhausting, and often unsustainable. Michael points out that this is where founders wear every hat, juggling delivery, sales, operations, and leadership — all while trying to scale. “You’ve built something amazing — but it was built on you. And that’s the trap.” What to watch: Burnout. Hero syndrome. Lack of process. Stage 2: The $2M Plateau — The Chaos Curve At $2M, the business has grown — but often without a cohesive operating system. Team size increases. Communication breaks down. Decision-making slows. The business starts to feel heavier than it should. Michael calls this the chaos curve. “You need systems before you need scale. But most owners hit this point and think they need more people — not more process.” Danger here: Scaling dysfunction. Throwing bodies at broken systems. Stage 3: The $5M Ceiling — The Leadership Bottleneck At $5M, the founder can’t be in every room. But if they haven’t developed strong leaders or a scalable culture, growth stalls. You’re running faster — but not going farther. Michael says this is often where businesses “spin the flywheel... but the gears don’t catch.” “It’s not about doing more. It’s about trusting more — and building the trust systems to do it.” Symptoms of struggle: Firefighting, people issues, and leaders not owning results. Stage 4: The $10M Shock — The Identity Crisis If you’ve made it this far, congratulations — but don’t relax yet. At $10M, businesses often face an identity crisis. Are we a founder-led company, or a real organization? Are we clear on who we serve and what we stand for? Michael notes that this phase is less tactical and more existential. “This is the zone where freedom either becomes real — or remains a myth.” Key friction: Founders must evolve — or they become the ceiling. The Big Idea: Anticipate the Danger Before It Finds You Each of these zones can feel like a crisis. But Michael reframes them as strategic invitations — moments to install systems, develop people, and evolve leadership. Growth isn’t linear. It’s punctuated equilibrium — long stretches of calm followed by intense change. And those changes? They can be liberating — if you’re ready for them. “Freedom isn’t just time off. It’s impact with ease. It’s the ability to choose how you lead, who you serve, and why you do it.” 5 Key Takeaways from Episode 244 with Michael Walsh 1. Every Stage of Growth Has a Built-in Breaking Point Revenue milestones ($1M, $2M, $5M, $10M, $20M) are predictable — and so are the dysfunctions that come with them. Start expecting the breakdown before you get there. Take Action: Map your current revenue to one of the danger zones and ask: “What’s breaking or feels harder than it should?” 2. Systems Are Your Growth Multiplier Adding people without process just creates chaos faster. Build operating systems that scale beyond you. Take Action: Document your top 3 business processes this quarter and delegate with clarity. 3. Leadership Development is Not Optional At the $5M mark, founder-led leadership must transition to leader-led execution. Otherwise, everything bottlenecks at the top. Take Action: Invest in your leaders. Start with ownership, not just task management. 4. Your Business Identity Evolves — and That’s Okay Growth forces clarity. If your $10M company still talks and operates like a $2M shop, it’s time for reinvention. Take Action: Revisit your mission, vision, and values with your leadership team. 5. Freedom is Designed — Not Discovered You don’t stumble into a business that serves your life. You architect it. The Freedom Framework gives you the blueprint. Take Action: Define what freedom looks like for you — and score your business (1–10) on how close you are to that ideal. Ready to navigate the next stage of your growth? Don’t go it alone. Grab a napkin. Draw the danger zones. Then ask yourself: Where am I stuck? And what am I willing to change? 👉 Share your biggest insight on a napkin and tag us with #PaperNapkinWisdom. Let’s turn small insights into big impact — together. 🔗 Connect with Michael Walsh: Website: LinkedIn: /episode/index/show/wisenapkin/id/36612045

EP 243 - Freedom by Design Series (Part 1): How Michael Walsh Redefines the Entrepreneur's Journey 05/15/2025

EP 243 - Freedom by Design Series (Part 1): How Michael Walsh Redefines the Entrepreneur's Journey 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, exhausted, or unsure of what’s next. His new book, Freedom by Design, is a guide for those who want to reconnect with purpose and build a life (and business) that serves them—not the other way around. In our conversation, Michael explains that many business owners start out seeking autonomy—not wealth. “A lot of people think that entrepreneurs are about the money,” he says. “What I find typically is they’re not. They’re about the autonomy they can gain by running their own show.” But somewhere along the way, the business starts running them. They become trapped by what they built, unsure how to reclaim the very freedom that led them down this path. This is where the design comes in. Michael lays out a clear, actionable philosophy in Freedom by Design—a structure that empowers leaders to stop being reactive and start building intentionally. He notes, “Freedom is not a selfish act. In fact, when you create space for your own freedom, you also create space for others—your team, your family, your community—to grow too.” This episode is the kickoff to a powerful new series that explores the core elements of Michael’s book and philosophy. With Govindh Jayaraman guiding the conversation, the discussion goes deep into what it takes to build not just a business, but a life, by choice. If you’ve ever felt like you’re succeeding on paper but suffocating in reality, this is the episode—and the book—for you. 5 Key Takeaways from Michael Walsh’s Freedom by Design: 1. Freedom Starts With Clarity “Most entrepreneurs don’t have a freedom problem—they have a clarity problem.” Michael reminds us that freedom only exists when we’re clear on what it looks like. Take Action: Schedule a 30-minute solo session this week to write down what freedom truly means to you—personally and professionally. 2. Autonomy Isn’t the Same as Absence Stepping back from the business doesn’t mean checking out. “Designing for freedom means designing systems and leaders—not disappearing.” Take Action: Identify one decision this week you can delegate or create a system for. Start small, but stay consistent. 3. Impact Is Multiplicative When You’re Free “When you’re stuck, your impact shrinks to the size of your stress. But when you’re free, you can expand your influence far beyond yourself.” Take Action: Reflect on one person or team in your life who could thrive more if you reclaimed your own freedom. Reach out and start a conversation. 4. Designing a Business You Love Isn’t a Luxury—It’s a Responsibility “When you lead with intention, everyone benefits. Freedom is fuel for leadership.” Take Action: Ask your team one simple question this week: “What’s one thing I could stop doing that would make space for you to grow?” 5. Joy Is a Metric That Matters Too many entrepreneurs build something profitable but joyless. “It’s not just about scale—it’s about soul.” Take Action: Keep a daily log of what brings you energy (and what drains it). Use it to redesign your time around what fuels joy. This episode is more than a conversation—it’s a call to design your life on purpose. If you've built a business and lost yourself along the way, Freedom by Design is the compass you didn’t know you needed. 🔗 Learn more about Michael Walsh and his work at 🔗 Connect with Michael on What does freedom look like for you? Post your takeaway from this episode on a napkin, snap a photo, and share it with the hashtag #PaperNapkinWisdom. Your design could help someone else rediscover their own freedom. /episode/index/show/wisenapkin/id/36530320

Ep 242 - Self-Care Isn’t Selfish — It’s Essential: Karen Kossow on Redefining Responsibility 05/13/2025

Ep 242 - Self-Care Isn’t Selfish — It’s Essential: Karen Kossow on Redefining Responsibility “Self-care isn’t selfish… it’s essential.” That’s the simple but deeply powerful message that Karen Kossow chose to write on her napkin for this episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom. And it’s a message that comes from lived experience. Karen is a devoted parent of two autistic children and a tireless advocate for those navigating complex family dynamics. As a life coach and speaker, she specializes in helping caregivers, especially mothers, shift their mindset from burnout and guilt to empowerment and sustainability. In our conversation, Karen shares how self-care transformed her parenting, her marriage, and her impact as a coach. “I see firsthand in my own life, and with the clients that I work with, what happens when people in stressful situations that they can’t get out of don’t take care of themselves,” she says. It’s not just about spa days or bubble baths—it’s about survival, and more importantly, about thriving. She challenges the narrative that taking time for yourself is a luxury or an indulgence. Instead, she reframes it as a leadership act—one that sets the tone for families, teams, and communities. “We’ve somehow linked value to self-sacrifice, and that’s broken us,” Karen says. “Self-care isn’t the thing you do when everything else is done—it’s the thing you do so you can do everything else.” Throughout the episode, Karen brings clarity and compassion to what self-care actually means. She’s not asking us to abandon responsibility—but rather to redefine it. If your fuel tank is empty, you can’t drive anyone anywhere. Her wisdom is especially vital for entrepreneurs, caregivers, and change-makers who often put themselves last. As Karen reminds us, “If you go down, the whole system collapses. You matter.” This episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and reframe how you show up for yourself—because that’s the key to showing up fully for others. 5 Key Takeaways from Karen Kossow Self-care is leadership, not luxury Taking care of yourself isn’t optional—it’s the foundation for being able to care for others and lead effectively. Take Action: Block out 15 non-negotiable minutes each day just for yourself—recharge, journal, breathe, walk. Guilt is the enemy of growth Many caregivers and high performers struggle with guilt when they prioritize their needs. Karen calls this out as a harmful mindset. Take Action: Replace guilt-driven thinking with a daily affirmation: “Taking care of myself benefits everyone I love.” Burnout starts with self-neglect Burnout isn’t a badge of honor. It’s a warning sign. Karen emphasizes the long-term costs of pushing through. Take Action: Start tracking your energy like a budget—notice what drains you and what fills your tank. Caregiving requires sustainability Whether you’re parenting, leading a team, or supporting a partner, your care has to be sustainable to be effective. Take Action: Identify one responsibility you can delegate or delay this week to protect your energy. It’s a cultural mindset shift Karen believes we must unlearn the idea that martyrdom equals value. Thriving leaders model balance and boundaries. Take Action: Share this episode with someone who needs permission to take a breath—and be that permission for yourself. Karen’s work is rooted in empathy, experience, and a fierce belief that no one should have to burn out to prove their worth. Her message is clear: self-care is not only essential—it’s revolutionary. 💬 What does self-care look like in your life? Write it down on a napkin and share it with us using #PaperNapkinWisdom. 🔗 Connect with Karen Kossow: Website: /episode/index/show/wisenapkin/id/36521615

EP 241 - Stand Out. Speak Up. Be Radically Authentic – Marina Byezhanova on Owning Your Identity 05/08/2025

EP 241 - Stand Out. Speak Up. Be Radically Authentic – Marina Byezhanova on Owning Your Identity In Episode 241 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, I reconnect with someone whose growth journey I’ve witnessed firsthand—Marina Byezhanova. She’s not just a remarkable entrepreneur and thought leader; she’s also someone I’ve had the privilege to coach during her early years in the Entrepreneurs’ Organization Accelerator program. Today, she’s the co-founder of , a global personal branding agency that helps CEOs and founders show up powerfully and authentically in a noisy world. Marina's journey is one of identity, courage, and clarity. Born in Ukraine, she immigrated to Canada as a teenager, carrying the weight of reinvention on her shoulders. Her story isn't just about entrepreneurship—it's about the transformation that happens when we stop hiding and start standing in our truth. Her Paper Napkin Wisdom is handwritten and bold: "Stand out. Speak up. Be radically authentic." At the top, she’s penned “BOAL”—the acronym for her company, Brand of a Leader—a testament to how deeply this message is woven into her life and work. Marina’s message came from years of personal experience and introspection. “It took me many years to realize that this is my north star,” she shared. “And over time, as I started a personal branding agency for founders and CEOs, it became their north star too.” She talked openly about her early years trying to fit in—years of hoping no one would ask where she was from, years of trying to blend in rather than stand out. “All I wanted was for people not to hear my accent when I said hello,” she told me. But over time, Marina discovered the power in not just showing up—but showing up loudly, proudly, and with purpose. Her transformation wasn’t overnight. It was iterative, painful at times, and vulnerable. But in that vulnerability, she found strength. “There is something really compelling when we are radically authentic,” she said, emphasizing that radical authenticity isn’t just a marketing strategy—it’s a way of being. What stood out in our conversation is Marina’s clarity of purpose: her belief that personal branding isn’t about ego or vanity—it’s about alignment. It’s about letting the outside world see the leader you truly are on the inside. In a digital age where we’re all building brands—intentionally or not—her insight is both a wake-up call and a guiding light. She reminded us that standing out doesn’t require volume—it requires resonance. That speaking up isn’t about dominating—it’s about contributing. And that authenticity isn’t a buzzword—it’s a daily practice of integrity. 5 Key Takeaways from Marina Byezhanova on Paper Napkin Wisdom 1. Authenticity Is Your Brand “Radical authenticity is not a buzzword—it’s your superpower.” Take Action: Audit your public presence (LinkedIn, bios, website) and ask: Is this really me? If not, refine it until it is. 2. You Can’t Lead If You’re Hiding “I spent years blending in, afraid to stand out. But leaders aren’t made in the shadows.” Take Action: Identify one way you’re holding back—and commit to showing up more boldly this week. 3. Your Voice Matters, Even If It Shakes “Speaking up doesn’t mean shouting. It means sharing with purpose.” Take Action: Publish one post or comment today that reflects your real thoughts—especially if it scares you a little. 4. Your Brand Is Built by Design or by Default “If you’re not intentional about your brand, you still have one—just not the one you want.” Take Action: Set three adjectives you want people to associate with your name. Now check if your online footprint reflects them. 5. Full Circle Moments Are Fuel “Growth is beautiful when you can look back and say, ‘I’ve become who I was meant to be.’” Take Action: Write a note or message to someone who helped you in your journey. Share your gratitude—it reinforces growth. Marina’s message is one every entrepreneur, founder, and difference-maker needs to hear: Don’t wait to be invited to the stage. Build your own. Then own it. Want to connect with Marina or learn more about how she helps founders become visible and impactful leaders? Visit or connect with her on . And as always, I challenge you: What’s your Paper Napkin Wisdom? Share it with us using the hashtag #PaperNapkinWisdom. Post it. Share it. Live it. /episode/index/show/wisenapkin/id/36440185

Ep 240 - The Time Will Pass Regardless: Why Every Second Counts with Borzou Azabdaftari 05/06/2025

Ep 240 - The Time Will Pass Regardless: Why Every Second Counts with Borzou Azabdaftari There’s something really honest about a message that stops you cold, makes you sit up straighter, and asks you: What are you really doing with your time? That’s exactly what happened when I sat down (for the second time!) with Borzou Azabdaftari, founder of , a bold and authentic brand identity firm based in Washington, D.C. Our first recording got lost to the digital ether—but honestly, the second take felt even more powerful. And that’s a lesson in itself. Borzou came to Paper Napkin Wisdom with this message scrawled on a napkin: “The time will pass regardless.” At first glance, it might seem simple. But simple doesn’t mean small. In fact, the best wisdom often hides in plain sight. “In two years, you could be further along… or not. But the time’s going to pass either way,” he said. That landed hard for me. And I know it will for you too. As entrepreneurs, leaders, creatives—we obsess over the right time, the right setup, the perfect conditions. But Borzou challenges all of that. He invites us to consider: What if you just started? Even if it’s messy. Even if it’s not perfect. This isn’t just a platitude. It’s a powerful reframe. And it’s one Borzou has lived. His journey into branding wasn’t some cookie-cutter climb. It was forged in moments of uncertainty, reinvention, and hard choices. What makes him remarkable is his ability to cut through the noise and help others find their real voice—their truth. That’s what NickelBronx does, and it’s what he lives every day. “Branding is an act of radical honesty,” he told me. “It’s about helping people discover who they are—and giving them permission to stop pretending.” Boom. That’s it. And we’re not just talking about corporate identity here. This message runs deeper. It’s about personal alignment. Showing up for your health, your family, your values. Because those areas? They don’t pause while you wait. The time passes anyway. We laughed in this episode, too—about how as dads, we sometimes tell ourselves we’re “too busy,” but our kids don’t care. They grow. They evolve. With or without us being present. “It’s going to happen. The question is whether you’re in the room for it.” That hit me. It reminded me of something I say often: action without intention is random, and intention without action is useless. Borzou's napkin wisdom bridges both. So if you’ve been stuck in hesitation, holding off on a launch, waiting to feel ready—this conversation is for you. It's a challenge to trade your “someday” for “starting now.” Because the time will pass regardless. 5 Key Takeaways from Episode 240 with Borzou Azabdaftari 1. The Time Is Going to Pass—Start Anyway “People forget that two years will go by, whether you do something with them or not.” Take Action: Pick one project you’ve delayed. Commit to one micro-step this week. Don’t aim for perfect—aim for progress. 2. Your Calendar Reflects Your Priorities “We say we don’t have time, but we do—it’s just going somewhere else.” Take Action: Review your last 72 hours. Does your schedule match your values? Make one intentional change. 3. Authentic Branding Starts With Self-Honesty “We help people strip away the noise and say: ‘Here’s who I really am.’” Take Action: Ask a trusted client or friend: What do you think I stand for? Reflect on whether that matches your brand story. 4. Consistency Beats Flashy Effort “It’s not about being a genius once. It’s about showing up again and again.” 🟢 Take Action: Choose one way to be consistent this month—posting, reaching out, journaling. Track it. Keep it simple. 5. Waiting for Perfect Is a Trap “We lose time to the illusion of readiness. Most of the time, good enough is more than enough.” Take Action: Identify one decision or launch you’ve overthought. Set a deadline, and ship it—flaws and all. This episode reminded me of why Paper Napkin Wisdom exists. We collect these tiny, potent truths—like seeds—that, when planted with action, grow into transformation. Borzou’s napkin didn’t just deliver a message. It held up a mirror. If you’ve been waiting… stop. Begin. Wherever you are. However messy it feels. Because in two years, you’ll either be in motion—or wondering why you didn’t start. 🎯 Write it down. 📝 Snap a pic. 📲 Share it with the hashtag #PaperNapkinWisdom. And if you want to connect with Borzou or learn more about the incredible work he’s doing with brand identity and bold messaging, check out: 🔗 Website: 🔗 LinkedIn: Let’s make our time count—together. /episode/index/show/wisenapkin/id/36422040

Ep 239 - Don’t Just Build a Business—Build a Foundation: Wisdom from Darcel Dillard-Suite 05/01/2025

Ep 239 - Don’t Just Build a Business—Build a Foundation: Wisdom from Darcel Dillard-Suite In Episode 240 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, we’re joined by Darcel Dillard-Suite, a powerhouse entrepreneur, mental health advocate, and co-founder of Full Circle Health. With nearly three decades of entrepreneurial experience, Darcel has built a thriving business alongside her husband, a psychiatrist, focused on holistic mental wellness and support for underrepresented communities. Her impact has been far-reaching, not just as a business leader, but as a mentor and motivator helping others rise through the challenges of entrepreneurship. Her napkin is a blueprint for success that every entrepreneur should take to heart: “Diversify, Stay Determined, Develop Strong Financial Advisors.” These aren’t just words—they’re lessons hard-won through years of navigating the entrepreneurial grind. And each of them holds a story that could change the way you build your business. Diversify or Die Trying "I learned the hard way that if I didn’t diversify this business and get income coming from other directions...we’re not going to make it," Darcel says. She and her husband took the leap to stop working for others and go all-in on their dream—but that dream needed legs to stand on. Early on, they realized that relying on just one stream of income wasn’t sustainable. So they built multiple revenue pathways, creatively expanding their offerings to weather industry changes and market shifts. In today’s economy, this wisdom is more relevant than ever. Stay Determined (Even When It’s Not Easy) “It gets frustrating. It really does,” Darcel admits. Entrepreneurship can be brutal. But Darcel reminds us that perseverance is what separates those who build legacy businesses from those who burn out. Her message is clear: grit matters. Building something that lasts means pushing through the tough moments, even when your dream feels distant. Don’t DIY Your Finances If there’s one thing Darcel wishes she knew earlier, it’s this: “Develop strong financial advisors.” She reflects on how she and her husband funded their early business ventures—by loaning themselves money from their mortgage. “We did all sorts of creative things,” she says. But what they lacked was financial strategy and structure. She’s transparent about how much smoother their growth could have been if they’d partnered with the right advisors from the start. The lesson? Don’t wait until you’re in a bind to bring in financial guidance. Build your bench early. 5 Key Takeaways from Darcel Dillard-Suite 1. Diversification Is Non-Negotiable “Just doing it this way isn't going to cut it.” Take Action: Audit your revenue streams—can your business survive if one dries up? If not, it's time to expand. 2. Determination Is a Skill, Not a Trait “It gets frustrating...you can easily get discouraged.” Take Action: Schedule a weekly check-in with yourself or your team to reconnect with your “why.” 3. Your Financial Advisors Should Be as Strong as Your Vision “I wish I had a financial advisor earlier on to teach me some things I learned later.” Take Action: Seek out a financial advisor who specializes in small businesses or startups and schedule a strategy session this quarter. 4. Learn from the Hustle, But Don’t Get Stuck There Darcel and her husband bootstrapped creatively, but it came at a cost. Take Action: Reassess your funding strategies. Are they sustainable, or are you just surviving? 5. Turn Experience Into Impact Now that Darcel has learned these lessons, she’s paying it forward. Take Action: Share your biggest business mistake with a mentee. Help someone else avoid your pitfalls. Darcel Dillard-Suite’s episode is a masterclass in real-talk entrepreneurship. It’s not about the highlight reel—it’s about the long-haul journey of building something meaningful, sustainable, and transformative. 📝 What part of Darcel’s wisdom resonated with you the most? Post your takeaway on a napkin and share it with us using #PaperNapkinWisdom. Connect with Darcel Dillard-Suite: 🌐 💼 /episode/index/show/wisenapkin/id/36330650

Ep 238 - Challenges Are Teachers: James Kaveney on Facing Adversity with an Unlimited Heart 04/29/2025

Ep 238 - Challenges Are Teachers: James Kaveney on Facing Adversity with an Unlimited Heart In Episode 238 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, we sit down with James Kaveney, founder of , a transformative platform rooted in helping people lead with courage, connection, and clarity. James is a speaker, coach, and facilitator who draws deeply from personal experience, emotional intelligence, and heart-centered living to guide individuals and leaders toward lives of greater purpose and peace. He’s someone who doesn’t just speak about resilience—he lives it. Through the course of his journey, James has faced down some of life’s hardest challenges and turned them into tools for impact. His Paper Napkin captures this transformational spirit in a handwritten truth that hits with soul-deep simplicity: “Challenges are teachers. Your greatest challenges are your greatest teachers. Transform pain into purpose — seize the day, and embrace the truth of your mortality. An unlimited heart fuels a life well-lived.” In the conversation, James opens up about what it means to truly live with an "unlimited heart." That doesn’t mean ignoring pain or putting on a mask of positivity—it means leaning into the discomfort, extracting the lesson, and choosing purpose over paralysis. When Pain Becomes Purpose At the core of James’ message is the idea that pain isn’t something to run from, it’s something to listen to. “I spent a long time thinking my pain disqualified me,” he shares. “But it turns out it was the portal. Once I stopped trying to numb it and started trying to understand it, that’s when things shifted.” He walks us through a pivotal moment in his life when things fell apart—and how, instead of running from it, he asked a better question: “What is this trying to teach me?” That question reframed his reality and unlocked a new path forward. A Philosophy for Mortality and Meaning James doesn’t shy away from the hard truths. In fact, he suggests that acknowledging our mortality is one of the most powerful steps we can take toward living fully. “When we live like we have forever, we wait. But when we remember we don’t, we act.” His napkin urges us to “seize the day” not in a cliché way, but with reverence. He reminds us that each day is a chance to move with intentionality—toward service, self-acceptance, and soul-aligned action. Courage is a Practice Throughout the episode, James returns to the concept of courageous presence. “Courage isn’t the absence of fear. It’s presence in the face of it.” Whether it’s stepping onto a stage, into a tough conversation, or toward our own buried emotions, James models what it looks like to keep showing up. For leaders and entrepreneurs, this resonates deeply. You can’t outsource inner work. If you want to lead others with clarity, you’ve got to lead yourself with compassion first. Leading With an Unlimited Heart So what does it mean to have an “unlimited heart”? For James, it’s about removing the restrictions we’ve placed on love, worth, and belonging. It’s a shift from transactional leadership to transformational leadership—where empathy becomes strength, not a liability. And it’s not just about leadership in business. James invites us to lead in our families, our communities, and our own lives—by remembering what matters most. “You don’t have to earn your worth,” James says. “You are inherently valuable. Start living like that.” 5 Key Takeaways from Episode 238 with James Kaveney Challenges are your greatest teachers Don’t rush to escape discomfort—sit with it, learn from it, and let it shape you. 👉 Take Action: Journal about a recent challenge and list three things it taught you. Transform pain into purpose Pain has the power to refine your mission—if you listen to it with curiosity instead of resistance. 👉 Take Action: Identify one area where you’ve felt stuck or hurt and ask, “How can I use this to serve others?” Embrace your mortality to activate your life Remembering that your time is limited can sharpen your focus and ignite meaningful action. 👉 Take Action: Write a “legacy letter” to your future self, describing the life you want to be remembered for. Presence is greater than perfection You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to show up—especially for yourself. 👉 Take Action: Practice one moment of mindfulness today during a stressful moment. Breathe. Notice. Be. An unlimited heart fuels a life well-lived Leading from love is the most sustainable and scalable strategy you’ll ever find. 👉 Take Action: Reach out to someone you care about and tell them something you’ve never said but always felt. James Kaveney’s napkin isn’t just a quote—it’s a compass. If you’re navigating challenges, if you’re wondering how to turn breakdown into breakthrough, or if you’re just ready to live more fully—this episode is for you. What’s your takeaway? Grab a napkin, write it down, and share it using #PaperNapkinWisdom. Because a small idea, written with heart, can lead to a life well-lived. Ready for the next episode? Subscribe now on or , and don’t forget to follow us on , , and . Learn more about James at and connect with him on . /episode/index/show/wisenapkin/id/36327640

Ep 237 - Dr. Heidi Hanna on the Rhythms of Resilience, Burnout Recovery, and the Real Science of Stress 04/24/2025

Ep 237 - Dr. Heidi Hanna on the Rhythms of Resilience, Burnout Recovery, and the Real Science of Stress In this episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, I sit down with Dr. Heidi Hanna, a global expert in stress mastery, resilience training, and brain-based performance strategies. She’s a best-selling author, keynote speaker, and leadership coach who has worked with high-impact organizations like Google, Cisco, the PGA Tour, the U.S. Military, and countless executive teams around the world. She’s also someone who walks the walk—bringing vulnerability, wisdom, and science together in a powerful way that hits home. Heidi’s journey into understanding the human brain wasn’t just academic—it was personal. Struggling with anxiety from an early age, she was driven to understand what was really happening under the surface when stress took over. Her discoveries changed not only her life but the lives of thousands who’ve heard her speak, read her books, or engaged with her coaching. She believes—and proves—that resilience isn’t a trait, it’s a trainable rhythm. And in this episode, she invites us all to tune in. Her Paper Napkin Wisdom? It might be one of the most visually and emotionally resonant napkins we’ve featured yet: 📝 “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” On the napkin, she sketched a sun rising over ocean waves—a symbol of hope, movement, and presence. It’s not just poetic—it’s deeply practical. Because let’s face it: life doesn’t stop. Business doesn’t stop. Leadership doesn’t stop. But the way we ride the waves of pressure, uncertainty, and change? That’s where everything shifts. Stress Is a Signal, Not a Symptom Heidi opens with a powerful reframe: stress isn’t the villain we’ve made it out to be. Instead, it’s a form of data—a signal pointing to something deeper. “Stress isn't the enemy. Chronic stress with no recovery is the problem.” The problem in today’s world isn’t that we’re stressed—it’s that we’re stuck in stress without giving ourselves time to reset. Heidi explains how the brain responds to pressure by activating protective responses. But without intentional recovery, those responses become destructive. Stress becomes toxic not because it exists—but because it persists. She reminds us that high performers aren’t defined by how much stress they can tolerate but by how well they manage the rhythm between pressure and pause. Resilience Isn’t Toughness—It’s Timing Heidi breaks down the neuroscience of resilience in a way that feels both hopeful and immediately useful. Surfing, she explains, is the perfect metaphor for how our brains are meant to function. Balance. Awareness. Presence. Timing. Those are the same skills that drive performance under pressure. “Resilience is a rhythm. It’s not a trait you have or don’t have. It’s something you train.” You don’t need to be born with “grit.” You just need to start creating recovery rituals and energy rhythms. Whether it’s mindfulness, breathwork, hydration, or movement—Heidi shows us how to create personal patterns that allow us to ride the waves instead of drowning in them. And that’s good news for entrepreneurs and leaders everywhere who are burning out under the myth that constant output equals success. Burnout Hides in Plain Sight This part of the conversation hit home. Heidi shares that burnout doesn’t always look like breakdown. Sometimes, it looks like achievement. Busyness. Even growth. “I was achieving everything I set out to do, but inside I was unraveling.” Sound familiar? In our hustle culture, exhaustion is often confused with excellence. But Heidi makes it clear: performance without recovery isn’t sustainable—it’s slow self-destruction. The body breaks down. The brain short-circuits. The relationships suffer. And we end up wondering why success feels so empty. What “Learning to Surf” Actually Looks Like One of the most powerful elements of this episode is Heidi’s ability to translate metaphor into action. Learning to surf stress isn’t just a mindset shift—it’s a set of repeatable behaviors. She suggests small, science-backed changes that can create lasting impact: Starting meetings with a moment of mindfulness Tracking your energy, not just your time Identifying “micro-recovery rituals” that help regulate your nervous system Tuning into music, movement, or breath as a way to reset the brain “You don’t need a full reset—just small consistent shifts that create space for recovery.” These aren’t “nice to haves.” For high performers, they’re essential. You can’t serve from an empty tank, and Heidi helps us fill it—one intentional habit at a time. Connection Is the Shortcut to Recovery Heidi also reminds us that resilience is relational. We’re not meant to do this alone. In fact, one of the most powerful ways to regulate stress is to help someone else. “One of the best ways to manage your own stress is to help someone else. Empathy regulates the nervous system.” That’s not just motivational—it’s science. When we support others, our own stress hormones lower, our heart rates balance, and our sense of purpose increases. In a time where burnout and disconnection are rampant, this might be the most important takeaway of all. 5 Key Takeaways from Dr. Heidi Hanna 1. Stress is not the enemy—chronic stress without recovery is. 🛠️ Take Action: Identify one recovery habit you can integrate into your day—even if it's just 60 seconds of deep breathing. 2. Resilience isn’t fixed; it’s trained through rhythm and rituals. 🛠️ Take Action: Build a “resilience circuit” of 2-3 activities that help you reset—stretch, walk, breathe, hydrate. 3. High performance requires high recovery. 🛠️ Take Action: Schedule 5-minute recovery windows between intense tasks or meetings. Protect them like appointments. 4. Burnout often masquerades as success. 🛠️ Take Action: Journal honestly—am I performing or just pushing? What is this pace costing me emotionally? 5. Helping others builds your own resilience. 🛠️ Take Action: Choose one person to support today. Send a message, offer a hand, share this episode with them. Focus. Align. Act. This episode isn’t just about surviving—it’s about learning to move with life instead of against it. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, executive, creative, or changemaker—Heidi’s message lands with clarity: You will always face waves. You get to choose whether you resist them or ride them. So here's your challenge: 🖊️ Grab a napkin, write your biggest insight, and share it using #PaperNapkinWisdom. Let the community learn from your waves. Because the truth is—you already have what it takes to ride them. You just have to start. Connect with Dr Heidi Hanna: /episode/index/show/wisenapkin/id/36236185

Ep 236 - Forget Luck — Mark Rypien Says This Is the Real Secret to Winning Big 04/22/2025

Ep 236 - Forget Luck — Mark Rypien Says This Is the Real Secret to Winning Big If you were watching NFL football in the early ’90s, you know the name Mark Rypien. He’s the Super Bowl MVP who led Washington to victory in Super Bowl XXVI. The first Canadian-born quarterback to start in the NFL. A big-game player with a big arm. But what most people don’t know is the powerful story that came after the confetti. In this special episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, I sit down with Mark Rypien to talk about the journey beyond the game — one that led him through darkness, loss, healing, and ultimately, purpose. And what did he write on his napkin? "Success = Preparation + Opportunity." It might sound like a classic quote, something you’d see on a locker room wall. But when Mark Rypien writes it, it carries weight — not just from the wins he celebrated, but from the battles he’s fought, many of them far from the spotlight. A Life in Two Halves Mark’s football career is the kind most kids dream about: drafted by the NFL, crowned a Super Bowl champion, and remembered as a clutch performer under pressure. His preparation — from hours of film study to relentless repetition — laid the foundation for those big moments. “I didn’t just show up and win,” Mark told me. “I put in the work. Every day. Whether anyone saw it or not.” But behind the scenes, Mark was also dealing with pain — physical and emotional. After his playing days ended, he faced an even bigger challenge: confronting the mental health struggles that had haunted him, including depression and thoughts of suicide. He shared stories in our conversation that were raw, real, and deeply courageous. Stories about what happens when the stadium is empty, the applause fades, and you’re left with the silence of your own mind. A New Kind of Preparation “People think we’re invincible,” he said. “But sometimes the strongest people are the ones who are barely holding on.” Mark’s message is clear: success isn’t just about training your body, it’s about preparing your heart and mind. That includes doing the internal work — therapy, reflection, asking for help, admitting when things aren’t okay. That kind of preparation takes strength. It takes humility. And it takes time. His work with the is a testament to that. Created in memory of his son Andrew — who died by suicide after a battle with mental illness — the foundation now supports children with cancer and their families in the Inland Northwest. It’s Mark’s way of turning pain into purpose. “We’ve all got something we’re carrying,” Mark said. “I just want people to know they’re not alone.” Being Ready When Opportunity Knocks What I love about Mark’s napkin is how it calls out both parts of the equation. Yes, we need opportunity. But that’s not enough. “You can’t just sit around waiting,” he said. “You’ve got to be ready. You’ve got to prepare like it matters.” And sometimes, opportunity looks like a moment to serve. To listen. To show up for someone who’s hurting. Mark is doing that every day now — using his platform, his pain, and his story to lift others. This episode isn’t just about football. It’s about life. About leadership. About legacy. Mark Rypien is showing us what it means to evolve, to heal, and to lead with truth. 5 Key Takeaways from My Conversation with Mark Rypien 1. Success Isn’t a Fluke — It’s Earned “It’s never just luck. You have to be prepared — mentally, emotionally, and physically — to meet the moment.” Take Action: Reflect on an opportunity you missed. Were you really prepared? What would you do differently next time? 2. Mental Fitness Is Just as Important as Physical Fitness “The scars you can’t see are sometimes the deepest.” Take Action: Schedule time this week to care for your mental health — talk to someone, journal, or practice mindfulness. 3. Vulnerability Is a Leadership Strength “People connect with your pain more than your perfection.” Take Action: Share a personal story with your team or network that shows your human side — it might inspire someone who needs it. 4. Real Opportunity Is Born from Service “What we’ve gone through gives us the power to lift others.” Take Action: Support a cause that aligns with your own lived experiences. Start with the . 5. Every Champion Faces Darkness “Winning on the field didn’t stop the battles off it. But I didn’t stop fighting.” Take Action: Identify a battle you’re still fighting. What small step can you take today to begin healing? Mark Rypien’s Paper Napkin Wisdom is more than a formula — it’s a legacy. A reminder that we are more than our wins and losses. That preparation and courage make the difference. And that when we use our story to serve others, we create the kind of opportunity that lasts far beyond the field. What’s the opportunity you’re preparing for? 👉 Write it on a napkin, snap a photo, and share it using #PaperNapkinWisdom. Let’s keep this conversation going — because your wisdom could change someone else’s game. Learn more about Mark & Donate to the Community Cancer Fund in Spokane: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Rypien https://communitycancerfund.org/ /episode/index/show/wisenapkin/id/36233830

EP 235 - It Only Takes ONE Yes: Julie Whitney’s Soaring Pivot from PR to Purposeful Storytelling 04/17/2025

EP 235 - It Only Takes ONE Yes: Julie Whitney’s Soaring Pivot from PR to Purposeful Storytelling Julie Whitney’s career reads like a masterclass in communication—25 years in PR, authoring thousands of news releases, booking stories that captivated viewers across major networks, and crafting messaging that cut through the noise. But in a bold pivot, Julie turned her storytelling superpowers toward something more heartfelt and enduring: children’s books. In this inspiring episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, we sit down with Julie to unpack how she went from running a successful public relations firm to breathing life into a story that’s now soaring through classrooms, libraries, and hearts—Astra the Lonely Airplane. Her napkin says it all: “It only takes ONE yes!” That one yes—when pursued with purpose, persistence, and passion—can change everything. From Crisis Response to Creative Resilience Julie was no stranger to high stakes. As the founder of Phillippi-Whitney Communications, she helped her clients navigate the media landscape, crisis communication, and brand positioning. But as the pandemic grounded so many parts of life—including the aviation world that inspired her husband—Julie found herself drawn to a new kind of storytelling. It started with a spark: “My husband was watching planes get retired, and one in particular caught his heart,” she explains. That emotional thread became the foundation for Astra the Lonely Airplane, a story about resilience, belonging, and hope told through the eyes of a retired aircraft. “I saw an opportunity to make something beautiful and useful—to create something that would live on long after a press release,” she says. A Children’s Author on a Mission What sets Julie’s work apart isn’t just the heartwarming storyline—it’s the mission. Astra the Lonely Airplane is more than a book; it’s an experience designed to inspire kids to see value in what’s different, to understand change, and to connect with aviation in a way that’s engaging and educational. “I want to get Astra into every classroom, every library, every airport bookstore,” Julie shares. “Because it’s not just about Astra—it’s about the kids who feel left out, too.” Her storytelling is already taking off. Astra’s message resonates with children and adults alike, offering comfort, courage, and curiosity at a time when so many feel displaced. Julie is on a mission to scale Astra’s message through school programming, airport events, and expanded book lines—and she’s just getting started. The Courage to Pivot Julie’s journey is a powerful reminder that even a thriving career can give way to a new calling. “You don’t have to stay in one lane forever,” she says. “If your heart is being pulled toward something creative, listen to that. The world needs more of that energy.” It’s clear that Julie’s pivot wasn’t just professional—it was deeply personal. And it’s the kind of reinvention that fuels the spirit of Paper Napkin Wisdom. “It only takes ONE yes,” she says, smiling. “You don’t need 100 people to believe in you. You just need one. And sometimes that one is you.” 5 Key Takeaways from My Conversation with Julie Whitney 1. Don’t wait for perfect—start with passion. Julie didn't have a background in children's publishing when she began. What she did have was heart, a story worth telling, and the courage to try. Take Action: Think of a story you've been sitting on. Outline it today—even if just in bullet points. 2. Your professional skills can fuel your creative pivot. Her PR expertise didn’t go to waste; it amplified her launch as an author. Take Action: List 3 skills from your current career that could serve your next chapter. 3. Impact doesn't need a big platform—just a meaningful one. Julie isn't chasing celebrity. She's chasing connection. “If I can touch a classroom of kids, that’s a win.” Take Action: Ask yourself: “Where could I make a meaningful difference today?” 4. Reinvention starts with listening to your own voice. Julie’s pivot came from being willing to hear her inner creative nudge. Take Action: Set aside 15 minutes this week to journal what your heart is whispering to you. 5. A single yes can change the trajectory of your journey. Julie’s napkin wisdom reminds us: we don’t need mass approval—just belief and a little persistence. Take Action: Reach out to one person today with your idea. Ask for feedback, encouragement, or a small next step. Julie Whitney's journey from PR powerhouse to children’s author is a shining example of how wisdom, when shared with heart and purpose, can uplift generations. Whether you’re thinking about your own pivot or helping others soar, remember her words: It only takes ONE yes. 📌 What’s your ONE yes moment? Share it on a napkin, snap a pic, and post it with the hashtag #PaperNapkinWisdom. Let’s inspire the next wave of creators to take flight. Links: 🔗 🔗 /episode/index/show/wisenapkin/id/36132815

Ep 234 - How Bryce North Learned to Bet on Himself — And Why You Should Too 04/15/2025

Ep 234 - How Bryce North Learned to Bet on Himself — And Why You Should Too Bryce North is not your average entrepreneur. He's a venture capitalist, tech innovator, and the fearless founder of Don’t Be A Little Pitch — a platform aimed at transforming the pitch process for startups and investors alike. But behind the bold branding and quick wit is a deeper lesson — one that was hard-earned through pain, failure, and raw self-discovery. In Episode 234 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Bryce shares a powerful truth on a napkin: “The hardest decisions often lead to the most meaningful outcomes.” And he doesn’t just say it — he lives it. From building startups and walking away from a business that wasn’t serving him, to reclaiming his voice after the kind of betrayal that cuts to the bone, Bryce’s story is proof that making the hard call — even when it feels like a leap into the void — is where real transformation begins. Finding Meaning Through Missteps Bryce opens up about a toxic business partnership that went sideways — not because of a failed product or market miscalculation, but because trust eroded. “It’s not talked about enough in entrepreneurship,” he says. “There’s so much emphasis on winning that we don’t often hear about the loneliness, the betrayal, the heartbreak.” What made Bryce different was how he responded. Instead of letting it define him, he went inward — examining what he truly wanted, and more importantly, what he would no longer tolerate. That inner reckoning became a catalyst. “I realized the hardest part wasn’t letting go of the company,” he shares, “it was letting go of the version of myself I had built around it.” The Reinvention Playbook Bryce used that painful moment as fuel. Not just to start over, but to build something that aligned with his values and energy. Don’t Be A Little Pitch was born from that fire — equal parts irreverent, intelligent, and impactful. His mission is clear: help entrepreneurs tell better stories, build stronger pitches, and get in front of the right people faster. But underneath it all is a deeper purpose: “I want founders to know that they are the value,” he says. “Not just their tech. Not just their idea. Them.” Humor as a Weapon for Healing You’ll notice Bryce’s voice is sharp, unfiltered, and frequently hilarious — but that’s by design. “If you can laugh at it,” he explains, “you take its power away.” Humor, for Bryce, is a bridge between trauma and transformation. It’s not a mask — it’s a tool. One he’s used to reclaim his power, connect with others, and breathe life into his work. As Govindh puts it in the episode: “There’s clarity that comes from confronting the thing that nearly broke you — and then choosing to build anyway.” 5 Key Takeaways from Bryce North – Episode 234 1. Hard decisions lead to meaningful outcomes. “Walking away from something I built was brutal. But I wouldn’t have found myself if I didn’t.” Take Action: Reflect on one decision you’ve been avoiding — and explore what’s on the other side of courage. 2. Your identity is not your company. “I thought I was the startup. Losing it felt like losing me — until I realized I was still here.” Take Action: Define who you are without your business title. What values remain? 3. Use humor to disarm fear and pain. “Laughter is my pressure valve. It lets me process what would otherwise consume me.” Take Action: Journal about a tough experience — then find one piece of it you can laugh at. That’s healing. 4. Storytelling is your superpower. “The pitch isn’t just numbers. It’s you. Your story. Your why. That’s what gets funded.” Take Action: Craft a 2-minute version of your founding story — start with the moment everything changed. 5. Reinvention requires radical self-honesty. “You can’t fake it when you’re trying to rebuild. You have to go deep.” Take Action: Identify one part of your life or business that no longer fits. What would it take to change it? Bryce North’s journey reminds us that entrepreneurship isn’t just about growth charts or exit strategies. It’s about being brave enough to confront the truth — especially when it’s uncomfortable. The napkin says it all: “The hardest decisions often lead to the most meaningful outcomes.” So here’s your challenge: 👉 What hard decision are you avoiding? Write it down on a napkin. Sit with it. Then post it with #PaperNapkinWisdom and tag us. You never know who you’ll inspire — or what meaningful outcome might be waiting on the other side. Connect with Bryce North: 🌐 🔗 /episode/index/show/wisenapkin/id/36114740

Ep 233 - Dare to Go After Your Truth with Love and Humor - Stéphanie Szostak 04/10/2025

Ep 233 - Dare to Go After Your Truth with Love and Humor - Stéphanie Szostak Stéphanie Szostak is the kind of person who doesn’t just light up the screen—she lights up every conversation with depth, grace, and a grounded sense of self that comes from real inner work. You may recognize her from blockbuster films like Iron Man 3 or The Devil Wears Prada, or from her unforgettable role as Delilah in ABC’s A Million Little Things. But in this episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Stéphanie isn't playing a character—she’s showing up as herself: a woman navigating the messy, beautiful work of living from the inside out. And her napkin says it all: “I dare to go after my truth with love & humor.” It’s deceptively simple. But like most profound truths, it’s the kind of statement that sits with you. It asks you to reflect. It challenges you to be bold. And it offers a softer path forward—one paved with compassion and lightness. From French Roots to Hollywood and Back to Self Stéphanie’s journey didn’t follow a script. She grew up in France, came to the U.S. to study marketing, and landed a job at Chanel—seemingly the dream. But something in her stirred. A whisper of something more. That whisper became a call, and that call led her to acting, an industry filled with rejection, competition, and pressure to conform. It wasn’t an easy pivot. “When you start something new—especially something creative—it feels like everyone else has the playbook, and you’re still trying to find your lines.” But over time, she realized the lines she needed weren’t written by others. They were already inside her. And finding them meant daring to speak her truth, out loud, in a world that often rewards masks over honesty. Stéphanie learned to peel back the layers, not just in roles, but in real life. She started showing up as someone more interested in being whole than being liked. Rewriting the Definition of Strength In our conversation, she challenged the idea that strength means having it all together. For Stéphanie, true strength is the courage to feel, to ask for help, and to admit when you're lost. It’s the willingness to stand in your truth even when it’s messy or misunderstood. “There’s bravery in choosing to be seen—fully seen—especially when you don’t have all the answers.” That bravery, for her, comes alive in two tools: love and humor. They’re not just strategies—they’re ways of being. Love, she says, softens the sharp edges of truth. And humor? Humor disarms defensiveness. It invites connection. It’s no surprise then that these elements are core to The 180 SHIFT, the emotional fitness toolkit she created to help people recalibrate their inner world. She describes it as a way to pause, pivot, and choose again—especially in moments of stress or overwhelm. “We don’t always get to choose what happens to us. But we can choose how we respond. That’s emotional fitness.” Owning Your Story (Even When It’s Still Being Written) Stéphanie spoke candidly about the tension between self-doubt and self-belief. There were times she wanted to quit, times she questioned her place in the room. But over the years, she’s learned to anchor herself in purpose instead of perfection. And part of that purpose is sharing her journey so others feel less alone in theirs. “Your story matters—even when it’s unfinished, even when it’s imperfect. That’s when it’s most relatable.” What makes this episode so special is that Stéphanie doesn’t pretend to have it all figured out. She’s in the arena, just like the rest of us. But she’s found a compass: her truth. And she’s following it—with heart, humor, and the kind of grace that gives others permission to do the same. 5 Key Takeaways from Episode 233 with Stéphanie Szostak 1. Dare to Be Truthful, Not Perfect “When I stopped trying to be perfect, I started being real.” Take Action: Identify one area in your life where you're chasing perfection. Replace it with an honest expression of your truth this week. 2. Emotional Fitness Is Foundational “We can’t control everything, but we can build the strength to respond with intention.” Take Action: Begin your day with a 180 SHIFT—pause, take a breath, and choose how you want to feel and act today. 3. Love and Humor Disarm Resistance “Humor isn’t just entertainment—it’s medicine.” Take Action: The next time tension rises, ask yourself: How could I bring humor or kindness into this moment? 4. Your Story Has Power “We all have something in us that can inspire someone else.” Take Action: Share a story—big or small—that shaped who you are. Your vulnerability can be someone else’s breakthrough. 5. Connection Starts With You “Before you can show up for others, you have to be present with yourself.” Take Action: Create a 5-minute daily check-in. Ask: What am I feeling? What do I need? What do I choose? Final Thoughts Stéphanie’s napkin wasn’t just a note—it was a declaration: Live your truth. Do it with love. And don’t forget to laugh along the way. In a world pushing us to perform, her message reminds us to pause, pivot, and lead with heart. 💬 What’s your truth—and how can you pursue it with love and humor? Write it down on a napkin. Post it. Share it with the world using #PaperNapkinWisdom. Learn more about Stéphanie’s work: /episode/index/show/wisenapkin/id/36049810

Ep 232 - Creating Yourself Boldly: A Conversation with Hristo Arakliev 04/08/2025

Ep 232 - Creating Yourself Boldly: A Conversation with Hristo Arakliev 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 results—it’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: /episode/index/show/wisenapkin/id/36033725

Ep 231 - How You Know It’s Worth It – Laura Burke on Paper Napkin Wisdom 04/03/2025

Ep 231 - How You Know It’s Worth It – Laura Burke on Paper Napkin Wisdom Laura Burke is a powerhouse of transformation. A corporate leader turned coach, mentor, and authenticity advocate, Laura brings more than just credentials to the conversation—she brings clarity, conviction, and a contagious energy. With a background that spans executive leadership, people development, and personal growth, she now champions others in stepping fully into their purpose. In Episode 231 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Laura shares the wisdom behind a deceptively simple napkin: "If you are both excited and terrified, that's how you know it's worth it!" It's a phrase that hits home for anyone who's ever stood at the edge of a big leap. Laura's journey is full of those leaps—from climbing the ranks in corporate America to making the decision to leave behind certainty for something bigger, something bolder. What made that terrifying shift worthwhile? "It was the alignment. I could finally see that everything I had done before was leading me to this moment. That’s where the excitement came in." Throughout the episode, Laura breaks down the paradox of fear and excitement as a compass rather than a contradiction. "Fear doesn’t mean stop. It’s data," she says. "When your heart is pounding and you can’t sleep at night because you're both thrilled and anxious—that’s the moment to lean in, not run away." This mindset doesn't just apply to career changes or launching businesses. Laura brings it down to the deeply human moments we all experience: difficult conversations, setting boundaries, trying something new. "We’re conditioned to think fear is a warning sign," she notes. "But sometimes it's just your body recognizing you’re about to grow." One of the most powerful segments of the conversation came when Laura talked about how women, in particular, are often socialized to seek comfort and certainty. "There’s a subtle expectation that we should play small to keep the peace. But when you’re lit up inside—even if it’s scary—you owe it to yourself to follow that spark." She also highlights how mentorship and community helped her navigate her own moments of fear-meets-excitement. "I didn't do it alone. And no one should. Find people who get it, who’ve been there." Laura’s insight is raw, real, and incredibly resonant for anyone chasing something that matters. The episode is a call to action for leaders, creators, and dreamers alike to reframe their relationship with fear. Instead of avoiding it, we can recognize it as part of the equation when we’re heading toward something meaningful. "If you’re not a little bit scared, maybe the dream isn't big enough." This episode will leave you reflecting on where excitement and terror are showing up in your own life—and how leaning into both can lead to real transformation. 5 Key Takeaways from Episode 231 with Laura Burke: Fear + Excitement = Directional Truth When you feel both emotions simultaneously, it’s not a sign to stop—it’s often a sign you’re on the right track. Take Action: Reflect on a moment where you felt this combo. What would it look like to lean in instead of pull back? Growth Often Disguises Itself as Discomfort Fear is not the enemy—it’s an indicator of growth and expansion. Take Action: Next time you're scared, ask: "What am I about to grow into?" Support Systems Matter No one succeeds in isolation. Having mentors, peers, and communities can make the terrifying parts manageable. Take Action: Identify a support circle or mentorship opportunity. Reach out this week. Women Are Conditioned to Play Small Laura calls out how societal norms can stifle women’s boldness—and how reclaiming excitement and fear as valid signals is a powerful act of defiance. Take Action: Challenge a place in your life where you’ve been dimming your light. Alignment is the Real Goal More than success or recognition, alignment with your purpose is what makes the risk worth it. Take Action: Journal on this question: "What in my life feels most aligned right now? What doesn’t?" What part of Laura's wisdom lit you up today? Snap a pic of your own takeaway on a napkin and share it with the hashtag #PaperNapkinWisdom. Let’s spread the message: fear and excitement are signs you’re on the path to something worth doing. Follow Laura Burke: /episode/index/show/wisenapkin/id/35995265

E9 230 - Learn to Win with What You Got: Ted Nolan’s Unwritten Playbook for Life and Leadership 04/01/2025

E9 230 - Learn to Win with What You Got: Ted Nolan’s Unwritten Playbook for Life and Leadership In episode #230 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, we sit down with Ted Nolan—former NHL head coach, Jack Adams Award winner, and proud member of the Ojibwe Nation. Known not just for his coaching success but for the powerful presence he brings to every room, Ted shares the napkin that has guided him through every chapter of his life: 📝 "Learn to Win with What You Got." Those seven words might be the most honest—and empowering—game plan you’ll ever hear. Born and raised on the Garden River First Nation in Northern Ontario, Ted didn’t have access to elite hockey training, fancy equipment, or professional connections. What he had was heart, hustle, and unshakable cultural pride. And that, it turns out, was more than enough. “I didn't come up through the coaching system the way most people did. I didn’t go to clinics or seminars,” Ted shared. “I got thrown into coaching, and I figured it out with what I had.” This mindset—one of resourceful optimism—isn’t just about hockey. It’s about life. When Ted faced racism in professional sports, when he was overlooked despite success, when others questioned his methods—he went back to the napkin. Not because it told him what to do, but because it reminded him who he was. “Winning doesn’t always mean the scoreboard. It’s about developing people. It’s about finding pride in who you are.” One of the most powerful stories in the episode is about a time Ted was trying to teach systems as a rookie coach. A veteran player sketched a rink on a paper napkin and said: “In their end, we get the puck in the house. In our end, we keep it out. In the middle, we push it wide.” Simple. Effective. No need for buzzwords or whiteboards. That lesson stuck. It wasn’t about what you don’t have—it was about how well you use what you do have. Now, through the Ted Nolan Foundation, Ted helps Indigenous youth across Canada access education, opportunities, and the belief that they can do the same: win with what they’ve got. 5 Key Takeaways from Ted Nolan on Paper Napkin Wisdom 1. Play the Hand You're Dealt—Like a Champion “I learned how to win with what I had. That’s all you can ever do.” You don’t need more to start. You need to start with what you’ve got. 💡 Take Action: Make a list of the strengths you already have. Double down on them this week instead of chasing what you don’t. 2. Don’t Just Coach for the Win—Coach for the Human “I wasn’t coaching hockey players. I was coaching people.” Ted saw his players as whole people, not just athletes. His wins came from building trust, not tactics. 💡 Take Action: Pick one team member to connect with beyond the task. Ask what motivates them—and listen. 3. Cultural Roots Are a Source of Power, Not Limitation “Being from Garden River wasn’t a disadvantage. It was my strength.” Ted’s Indigenous identity isn’t a side note—it’s central to his leadership style and story. 💡 Take Action: Reconnect with one cultural or family value that shaped you. How can you bring that into your leadership? 4. Simplicity Creates Clarity—and Results “A napkin sketch taught me how to teach the game.” Forget the jargon. When you make things simple, people remember and act. 💡 Take Action: Identify one overly complex system in your business or life. Simplify it to its essential goal. 5. Legacy Is What You Lift in Others “I want every Indigenous kid to know they’re enough. That they can win, too.” From scholarships to mentoring, Ted’s life now is about passing the napkin forward. 💡 Take Action: Share a lesson from your life with someone who needs it. Don’t wait to be perfect—just be real. Ted Nolan’s wisdom reminds us that success doesn’t require perfection—it requires presence. It’s not about what’s missing, it’s about seeing clearly what’s already in your hands and making it matter. 📝 What do you already have that you’ve been overlooking? Write your answer on a napkin and post it with the hashtag #PaperNapkinWisdom. Learn more about Ted Nolan’s work: /episode/index/show/wisenapkin/id/35953875

Ep 229 - Tell the Truth Quickly: Sheelagh Whittaker’s Unapologetic Wisdom for Business and Life 03/27/2025

Ep 229 - Tell the Truth Quickly: Sheelagh Whittaker’s Unapologetic Wisdom for Business and Life In Episode 229 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Govindh Jayaraman sits down with the remarkable Sheelagh Whittaker — a trailblazer in Canadian business, a bold thinker, and a woman whose leadership career spans from her time as CEO of EDS Canada to boardroom seats at global giants like Imperial Oil, RBC, and CanWest. Sheelagh is not only known for her business acumen but also for her candid style and fearless authenticity. Her Paper Napkin wisdom? “Tell the truth quickly.” Simple. Sharp. And as Sheelagh explains, it’s a principle that has shaped her entire career. “The longer you wait to tell the truth, the worse it gets,” she says. “And it never gets better. Ever.” What unfolds in this episode is not just the rationale behind that one-liner, but a deeply inspiring conversation about the power of truth in leadership, the role of transparency in building trust, and why clarity — delivered swiftly — can be your greatest asset as a leader. Truth as a Business Strategy For Sheelagh, honesty isn't just a moral stance — it’s a tactical advantage. “When you’re in a tough situation, and you have bad news, people actually appreciate hearing it sooner,” she says. “You can build trust by being the one who doesn’t flinch.” She reflects on high-stakes moments in her career where the instinct to delay was real — but experience taught her that acting fast, with clarity, was always the better move. “Delay makes cowards of us,” she adds, reinforcing that timidity is costly, especially when you're leading teams, steering companies, or driving innovation. Leadership Requires Courage Sheelagh’s wisdom speaks to the core of great leadership: courage. Not just the courage to take bold action, but the courage to speak up, even when the message isn’t easy. “People know when you’re holding back,” she notes. “And they lose respect for you.” In her view, the strongest leaders are the ones who choose truth over comfort. A Champion for Women in Leadership Govindh and Sheelagh also discuss the evolving role of women in leadership. As a female executive who shattered glass ceilings in male-dominated industries, Sheelagh’s perspective is both sobering and empowering. She doesn’t mince words: “We’re not there yet. But we’re getting closer.” Her encouragement to young women? Own your seat at the table — and bring the truth with you. The Wisdom of Simplicity Perhaps what’s most powerful about Sheelagh’s message is its simplicity. She shares how so many complex situations could have been resolved or de-escalated had someone just told the truth — early. This isn’t just about crisis management; it’s about creating a culture of openness and accountability. “The truth has a way of catching up to you,” she says. “So why not be the one to lead with it?” Sheelagh’s conversation with Govindh is a masterclass in leadership integrity. Whether you're a CEO, entrepreneur, or simply someone navigating complexity in your work or life, her napkin wisdom is a mantra worth repeating. 5 Key Takeaways from Episode 229 with Sheelagh Whittaker Tell the Truth Quickly Delaying the truth creates distrust and prolongs problems. Take Action: Identify one difficult conversation you’ve been avoiding — and have it this week. Truth Builds Trust Faster Than Tact People appreciate honesty more than sugarcoating — even when the message is hard to hear. Take Action: Practice radical candor in your next feedback session. Be kind, but be clear. Leadership Demands Courage, Not Comfort Being liked is not the goal — being respected is. Take Action: Ask yourself: “Am I avoiding truth to be liked?” Then act with bravery. Clarity is a Culture-Setter Organizations take cues from their leaders. If you’re transparent, your team will follow. Take Action: Share something with your team this week that provides greater clarity, not less. Women in Leadership Need to Be Unapologetically Honest The world needs bold, authentic women leaders more than ever. Take Action: If you’re mentoring a future woman leader, share Sheelagh’s message with her. This episode isn’t just a lesson in leadership — it’s a call to integrity. A reminder that our strength as leaders lies not in how much we control, but in how clearly we communicate. So, what’s the truth you’ve been holding back? Write it down. Share it. And lead with it. Then take a photo of your napkin and post it with the hashtag #PaperNapkinWisdom — let’s see what your truth looks like. — Explore more from Sheelagh Whittaker: 🔗 📘 /episode/index/show/wisenapkin/id/35848705

Ep 228 - The Power of the Pause: Warren Rustand on Commitment, Character, and Leading with Discipline 03/25/2025

Ep 228 - The Power of the Pause: Warren Rustand on Commitment, Character, and Leading with Discipline Warren Rustand is more than a seasoned entrepreneur and former White House Appointments Secretary — he’s a mentor to leaders across the globe, a passionate advocate for intentional living, and someone who’s spent decades helping others uncover their best selves. In Episode 228 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Warren shares the essence of leadership in one quiet, powerful quote: "When you ask someone a commitment question, don't speak until you are given an answer." It’s a lesson in restraint, respect, and trust. And it perfectly embodies the kind of leader Warren is — someone who believes that real transformation happens not in what we say, but in how we listen and how we wait. The Moment of Commitment Is Sacred Warren’s paper napkin insight reminds us that commitment is a turning point. Whether in business, relationships, or leadership, the moment we ask someone to commit to something is loaded with meaning. And yet, too often we sabotage it by rushing in to clarify, soften, or over-explain. Warren explains, “When you ask someone a commitment question, and you fill the space with more words, you take away their opportunity to reflect and respond.” The pause, he says, is where transformation lives. It’s not silence — it’s space for choice. He challenges us to resist the urge to jump in. When we allow someone to sit with a question, we are respecting their agency. It’s a move that builds accountability and deepens trust. Rhythm, Discipline, and Intentional Living The conversation widens as Warren shares the practices that have shaped his life — none more central than his “Rhythm of Life”. For over four decades, he has started each day by writing down five key intentions: one each for physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and family domains. “If I can do those five things in a day, that’s a great day. And if I can stack enough of those days, I can build a great life.” This rhythm isn’t about perfection. It’s about momentum. It’s a way to live with clarity and intention in a noisy, distracted world. For Warren, discipline is not restrictive — it’s liberating. It creates structure so that spontaneity and presence can thrive. Character-Driven Leadership Warren’s life journey is steeped in high-stakes leadership — from the halls of the White House to the boardrooms of top companies. But what sets him apart is his unwavering focus on character. “Leadership is not a title. It’s not about power. It’s about integrity and consistency.” He believes that before we can lead others, we must lead ourselves. That begins with knowing who we are, what we stand for, and living those values with discipline and heart. “The people closest to you — your family, your team — they know when you’re aligned and when you’re not.” Success vs. Significance One of the most profound parts of the episode is Warren’s reflection on the difference between success and significance. “Success is what we do for ourselves. Significance is what we do for others.” It’s a lens that reframes achievement. It’s not about the titles or accolades — it’s about impact. And that impact often begins in the quietest moments — in the way we ask, in the way we wait, in the way we honor someone else’s decision to commit. This episode is a masterclass in quiet power — in living with rhythm, leading with integrity, and using silence as a tool for connection and transformation. 5 Key Takeaways from My Conversation with Warren Rustand 1. Don’t Interrupt the Weight of a Commitment Question Warren’s napkin wisdom says it all. When you ask a commitment question, hold the space. The silence allows the other person to step into their responsibility. “You rob them of their decision if you speak too soon.” Take Action: Practice asking one commitment question this week—and wait. Count to ten if you have to, but don’t interrupt the answer. 2. Lead Yourself Before You Try to Lead Others True leadership begins with self-discipline. Warren’s daily “rhythm of life” is a five-part intentionality framework that touches every important aspect of his being. “Physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and family—if I do something in each area every day, that’s a win.” Take Action: Create your own daily rhythm. Write down 1 small, specific action for each category. Track it for 7 days. 3. Clarity and Integrity Are Foundational to Influence Warren’s leadership philosophy hinges on alignment between values and actions. You can’t ask for commitment from others if you’re not living it yourself. “People follow consistency and authenticity. That’s what builds trust.” Take Action: Choose one value and ask yourself: “How am I living this out today?” Journal the answer each evening for a week. 4. The Greatest Leaders Know When to Stay Silent Sometimes, it’s not about having the best words—it’s about letting others rise to the moment. “If you fill the space, you fill it with your intent. Silence gives space for theirs.” Take Action: In your next 1:1 or team meeting, resist the urge to answer your own question. Let the silence speak. 5. Significance Comes from Building Others, Not Just Building Businesses For Warren, a life of success isn’t enough—it must lead to significance. That means investing in people, relationships, and legacy. “The question is: Who will be better because you lived?” Take Action: Identify one person in your life you can mentor. Set up a time to connect and offer your support. This episode is a gift — not just in content, but in tone. It’s an invitation to slow down, ask meaningful questions, and let silence do the work. Warren Rustand reminds us that leadership is not about force. It’s about presence, purpose, and the power of the pause. 📝 What was your biggest takeaway from Warren’s napkin wisdom? Write it on a real napkin and share it on social with the hashtag #PaperNapkinWisdom. Connect with Warren here: https://warrenrustand.com/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warren_S._Rustand /episode/index/show/wisenapkin/id/35824625

Ep 227 - The Key to Thriving with Luis Velasquez 03/20/2025

Ep 227 - The Key to Thriving with Luis Velasquez In this episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, I sit down with Luis Velasquez, a leadership coach, resilience expert, and author of Ordinary Resilience. Luis has spent years studying and coaching high-achieving professionals on the power of resilience in leadership. His paper napkin wisdom? Resilience is equal to (Commitment + Persistence) multiplied by Optimism. This simple yet profound equation speaks volumes about what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur and leader. Luis breaks it down: commitment and persistence are essential, but their impact is exponentially amplified when fueled by optimism. The Resilience Equation: Commitment + Persistence x Optimism Resilience is often mistaken for the ability to “tough it out.” But according to Luis, resilience is a process, not an event. It’s about continuously showing up, refining your approach, and maintaining a belief that better days are ahead. "Commitment is knowing why you do what you do. Persistence is showing up when things get tough. But without optimism, you won't see the opportunity in the challenge." Luis shares powerful personal anecdotes, including his journey through challenges that shaped his perspective. He emphasizes that resilience isn't about avoiding hardship; it's about reframing it. "Optimism is what transforms a setback into a setup for something greater." Five Key Takeaways from My Conversation with Luis Velasquez 1. Resilience is a Skill, Not a Trait Many people assume that resilience is something you either have or you don’t. Luis argues that it’s a skill that can be developed over time. Take Action: Identify a past failure and reflect on how you responded. What did you learn? How could you approach a similar challenge differently today? 2. Commitment is Your Foundation Without commitment, persistence is directionless. Luis stresses that clarity of purpose is critical to sustaining resilience. Take Action: Write down your ‘why’—the deeper reason behind your work or business. Keep it visible and revisit it during tough times. 3. Persistence is the Daily Grind Persistence doesn’t mean doing the same thing over and over—it means continuously adapting. Luis encourages leaders to assess, pivot, and keep moving forward. Take Action: The next time you face a setback, ask yourself: What’s one small adjustment I can make to move forward? 4. Optimism is the Multiplier Optimism isn’t blind positivity—it’s a commitment to seeing opportunities even in adversity. Luis explains that optimism amplifies effort, turning small wins into big victories. Take Action: Start a daily gratitude habit. List three things that went well each day, even in difficult times. 5. Your Environment Shapes Your Resilience Surrounding yourself with the right people and influences makes resilience easier. Luis advises leaders to be intentional about who they spend time with. Take Action: Identify someone in your network who embodies resilience. Reach out and learn from their experiences. What’s Your Resilience Equation? Luis Velasquez’s insight reminds us that resilience isn’t just about enduring—it’s about thriving. His equation—(Commitment + Persistence) x Optimism—offers a framework for navigating challenges with purpose and confidence. Now it’s your turn: What does resilience look like in your life? Write it down on a napkin, snap a photo, and share it with the hashtag #PaperNapkinWisdom. Let’s start a conversation on what it takes to keep going, no matter what. Connect: To learn more about Luis Velasquez, visit his . /episode/index/show/wisenapkin/id/35775065

Ep 226 - Ditch the Funnel, Start the Conversation – A Radical Shift in Marketing with Tom Schwab 03/18/2025

Ep 226 - Ditch the Funnel, Start the Conversation – A Radical Shift in Marketing with Tom Schwab In this episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, I had the privilege of sitting down with Tom Schwab, a leading voice in podcast interview marketing and the founder of Interview Valet. Tom challenges one of the most widely accepted marketing principles today: the idea that success is “one funnel away.” Instead, he flips the script and declares that the real key to growth isn’t funnels—it’s conversations. The Myth of "One Funnel Away" Marketing today is flooded with automation, funnels, and conversion-driven tactics. Tom argues that this transactional approach is outdated. Instead, he believes that real business growth comes from building trust and relationships through genuine conversations. "The biggest thing I'm yelling right now is that everyone is talking about this ‘one funnel away’ idea, but it's not about funnels—it's about conversations!" – Tom Schwab Rather than focusing on optimizing landing pages and sales sequences, Tom advocates for leveraging podcast interviews and authentic conversations to connect with real people—the ones who are actually interested in what you offer. Conversations vs. Funnels: Why It Matters Funnels may help businesses scale, but they often lack the personal touch that creates lasting impact and builds strong relationships. Tom emphasizes that trust is built through dialogue, not automation. "If you have a conversation with the right person, you don't need to nurture them through a funnel—they already know you, like you, and trust you." – Tom Schwab Think about it: When was the last time you bought something from a company just because of a cold email sequence? Now compare that to how many times you've made a purchase because someone personally recommended it or you heard a compelling story about it. How to Use Podcast Interviews as a Growth Tool Tom’s strategy is simple: Instead of trying to sell through funnels, focus on engaging in meaningful conversations. Podcasts are one of the most powerful tools for this. Here’s why: People buy from those they trust – Hearing someone speak in an authentic, unscripted conversation builds trust far more than a perfectly crafted ad. Podcasts create deep, meaningful connections – Unlike social media posts that are forgotten in seconds, podcast conversations allow listeners to engage deeply with your story. Podcast interviews are evergreen – A great podcast episode can continue to generate leads and brand awareness for months or even years after it airs. 5 Key Takeaways from Tom Schwab’s Episode 1. Focus on Conversations, Not Funnels Funnels are great for automation, but real business growth comes from human-to-human connections. Prioritize authentic interactions over automated sequences. 🔹 Take Action: Identify five podcasts in your industry where your ideal audience hangs out and pitch yourself as a guest. Share your unique story and engage in meaningful discussions. 2. Trust is Built Through Dialogue Instead of bombarding potential customers with sales emails and retargeting ads, start a real conversation. People trust those they feel they know. 🔹 Take Action: Schedule one real conversation each day with a prospective client, collaborator, or audience member. Skip the pitch—just talk. 3. Podcast Interviews are a Shortcut to Influence A single high-value podcast interview can do more for your brand than months of paid advertising. People who listen to a full-length conversation feel like they know you personally. 🔹 Take Action: Record a short personal video introducing yourself and your expertise, then use it to reach out to podcast hosts in your niche. 4. People Remember Stories, Not Sales Pitches A podcast interview isn’t a chance to pitch your product—it’s an opportunity to tell your story, share insights, and create value. 🔹 Take Action: Craft a 2-minute personal story that encapsulates your journey and key lessons. Use this in your next conversation or podcast appearance. 5. Repurpose Conversations for Maximum Impact A single podcast interview can be turned into blog posts, social media clips, email sequences, and even a book. 🔹 Take Action: After your next podcast appearance, pull out 3 key insights and turn them into LinkedIn posts, tweets, or short video clips. Final Thoughts Tom Schwab is leading a marketing revolution—one that prioritizes relationships over transactions, trust over automation, and conversations over funnels. If you want to build a truly engaged audience, stop chasing funnels and start meaningful conversations. Want to take action? Write down one key insight from this episode on a napkin and share it with the hashtag #PaperNapkinWisdom. Let’s start a conversation that matters. 🚀 Connect with Tom here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamtomschwab/ /episode/index/show/wisenapkin/id/35723245

Ep 225 - Find Your Voice and Speak Your Truth: A Conversation with Neila Ramsingh 03/13/2025

Ep 225 - Find Your Voice and Speak Your Truth: A Conversation with Neila Ramsingh In episode 225 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Govindh Jayaraman welcomes Neila Ramsingh, a passionate advocate for personal empowerment and authenticity. Neilah shares a deeply resonant message: Find your voice and speak your truth. Your voice matters. The Power of Speaking Up Neilah highlights a reality many of us face—the world is full of noise, yet so many have lost their voices. Through personal and professional experiences, she has seen how cultural barriers, past traumas, and fear often silence people. But reclaiming one’s voice is not just about personal growth; it’s about making a difference. "Many of us stay silent because of fear—fear of judgment, rejection, or failure. But the moment we start speaking our truth, we unlock a whole new level of authenticity and purpose." – Neila Ramsingh Overcoming Fear and Cultural Conditioning One of the biggest obstacles to speaking one’s truth is fear. Fear of being wrong, fear of offending others, or fear of failure. Neilah shares that much of this fear is deeply ingrained through cultural conditioning and past experiences. However, growth begins when we push past this fear and recognize the value of our own perspective. She encourages listeners to start small—share your thoughts in a safe space, write down what you truly believe in, and slowly build confidence in expressing yourself. Authenticity as a Superpower Neilah emphasizes that authenticity is magnetic. People are drawn to those who stand in their truth because it fosters deeper connections. Whether in leadership, business, or personal relationships, being genuine creates trust and impact. "The more authentic you are, the more you attract the right people and opportunities into your life." – Neila Ramsingh Finding Your Voice in a Noisy World In today’s digital landscape, where opinions are often amplified and distorted, finding and using your voice is more critical than ever. Neilah offers practical strategies for cutting through the noise: Get Clear on Your Values – What do you stand for? Your voice will have more impact when rooted in strong personal values. Practice Speaking Up – Whether in meetings, on social media, or in conversations with friends, start expressing your thoughts openly. Embrace Vulnerability – Speaking your truth doesn’t mean having all the answers; it means being honest about your experiences and beliefs. Create Safe Spaces – Surround yourself with people who encourage and respect open dialogue. Own Your Story – Your experiences and perspectives are unique. When you embrace them, you empower others to do the same. 5 Key Takeaways Your voice matters – Every person has a perspective that can add value to the world. Fear is the biggest barrier – Recognizing and overcoming fear is the first step to speaking your truth. Authenticity builds trust – People resonate with those who are genuine and transparent. Small steps lead to confidence – Start by expressing yourself in safe environments before stepping into larger conversations. Speaking up is an act of leadership – Those who find and use their voices inspire others to do the same. Take Action Reflect on one area of your life where you’ve been holding back your voice. What’s stopping you? Share a personal truth on social media, in a conversation, or in writing. Encourage someone else to share their voice by actively listening and supporting their expression. Neilah’s message is a call to action for all of us—to reclaim our voices, to speak our truth, and to step fully into who we are meant to be. What truth will you speak today? Write it on a napkin, post it, and share it with the world using #PaperNapkinWisdom. Connect with Neila: /episode/index/show/wisenapkin/id/35656740

Ep 224 - Finding Clarity in Leadership: Todd Palmer on Purpose, Success, and Resilience 03/11/2025

Ep 224 - Finding Clarity in Leadership: Todd Palmer on Purpose, Success, and Resilience In this episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Govindh Jayaraman welcomes back Todd Palmer for another insightful conversation. Todd, a business coach, author, and former CEO, is known for his ability to help leaders and entrepreneurs navigate uncertainty, redefine success, and develop authentic leadership styles. His perspective is invaluable for those looking to build a sustainable and fulfilling path in business and life. Todd’s wisdom centers on the importance of defining one’s purpose and aligning it with professional goals. He highlights how self-awareness and emotional intelligence are essential for effective leadership, helping individuals overcome imposter syndrome and embrace authenticity. Through an engaging discussion, he shares how resilience, adaptability, and learning from failure play a crucial role in an entrepreneur’s journey. The Power of Purpose and Defining Success One of the standout moments in the conversation is Todd’s unique approach to visualizing success through a simple yet profound drawing on a napkin. He sketches two overlapping circles—one labeled Why/Purpose and the other Personal Definition of Success. This visual representation serves as a powerful reminder that professional growth should align with personal fulfillment. Todd emphasizes that many leaders struggle because they define success based on external validation rather than internal fulfillment. "If your definition of success isn’t rooted in your purpose," he explains, "you’ll always feel like something is missing, no matter how much you achieve." The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership Todd underscores the significance of emotional intelligence, particularly in leadership and decision-making. Leaders who are self-aware and emotionally intelligent can foster stronger teams, navigate challenges more effectively, and maintain a clear vision for their organizations. "Great leaders don’t just manage people; they connect with them," Todd says. "Emotional intelligence allows you to build trust, inspire action, and create a work environment where people feel valued." Overcoming Imposter Syndrome One of the most relatable topics Todd discusses is imposter syndrome—the internal struggle where individuals doubt their accomplishments and fear being exposed as frauds. He shares his own experiences and how he has worked with leaders to shift their mindsets. "The key to overcoming imposter syndrome is to acknowledge it, reframe it, and take action anyway," he advises. "Your inner critic isn’t always right. Challenge it with evidence of your growth and capabilities." The Importance of Resilience and Adaptability Entrepreneurs and leaders inevitably face setbacks, but Todd stresses that resilience and adaptability separate successful leaders from those who struggle. He shares personal anecdotes and client stories illustrating how embracing challenges as learning opportunities leads to growth. "You’re not failing; you’re learning. The more you embrace failure as part of the process, the faster you grow," Todd reminds us. 5 Key Takeaways from Todd Palmer’s Conversation: Align Purpose with Success – Your definition of success should be deeply connected to your purpose. When you align these two, your career becomes more fulfilling and sustainable. Take Action: Write down your Why and Personal Definition of Success today. Where do they overlap? Develop Emotional Intelligence – Being self-aware and empathetic allows you to lead more effectively and build stronger relationships. Take Action: Start practicing active listening in your conversations. Focus on understanding before responding. Challenge Imposter Syndrome – Recognize that self-doubt is normal but should not dictate your actions. Take Action: List five achievements you’re proud of and revisit them whenever self-doubt creeps in. Embrace Resilience and Adaptability – Setbacks are part of growth. Those who pivot and adapt succeed in the long run. Take Action: Identify a past challenge you overcame and document the lessons learned. Lead Authentically – Authentic leaders inspire teams, build trust, and create impact. Take Action: Ask yourself: Am I showing up as my true self in my leadership? If not, what’s holding you back? Todd Palmer’s insights are a powerful reminder that success is an evolving journey, not a fixed destination. By aligning purpose with leadership, developing emotional intelligence, and embracing resilience, entrepreneurs can create lasting impact while staying true to themselves. What’s your biggest takeaway from Todd’s wisdom? Write it on a napkin, share it on social media, and use the hashtag #PaperNapkinWisdom to join the conversation! Connect with Todd: /episode/index/show/wisenapkin/id/35604860

Ep 223 - Finding Joy in Business: Nicole Donnelly’s Mission to Bring Happiness to a Billion People 03/06/2025

Ep 223 - Finding Joy in Business: Nicole Donnelly’s Mission to Bring Happiness to a Billion People In this episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, we sit down with entrepreneur, marketer, and joy-bringer Nicole Donnelly. Right from the start, her paper napkin set the tone for our conversation—a napkin featuring a dog wearing a hat. Simple? Yes. Powerful? Absolutely. Because for Nicole, this whimsical image represents something much greater: the importance of bringing joy into everything we do. Nicole’s journey is one of innovation, grit, and an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact. From her entrepreneurial ventures to her expertise in AI-driven marketing, she brings a unique perspective on business success—one rooted in joy, purpose, and connection. But how do we integrate joy into our work, our leadership, and our everyday interactions? Nicole has the answers. Joy as a Business Strategy For Nicole, joy is not just a personal mission; it’s a business strategy. Too often, entrepreneurs get caught in the cycle of stress, burnout, and an unrelenting pursuit of success. But what if the key to sustainable success was joy? Nicole believes that businesses can thrive when they prioritize happiness—not just for themselves, but for their teams, their customers, and their broader communities. “When you create joy, it’s contagious,” Nicole shared. “And when your work brings you joy, that passion becomes magnetic. People want to be around it, work with you, and be a part of what you’re building.” Harnessing AI with Heart Nicole’s latest venture, AI Smart Marketing, focuses on leveraging artificial intelligence to create meaningful, personalized experiences for customers. But for her, AI isn’t just about automation—it’s about human connection at scale. “A lot of people think AI is about replacing humans, but I see it as a tool to free us up to do what we do best—connect, create, and innovate,” Nicole explained. “If we use AI the right way, we can amplify our ability to bring joy and serve people better.” Overcoming Challenges with a Joy-First Mindset Of course, business isn’t always easy. Nicole has faced her share of challenges, from financial setbacks to shifting market trends. But through it all, she has maintained a mindset of gratitude and joy. “I remind myself that joy isn’t something that happens when everything is perfect. It’s a choice. Even in the tough moments, I ask myself: How can I bring joy into this situation?” This mindset shift has helped her build resilience, stay creative, and inspire those around her. Building a Joyful Tribe One of the most powerful takeaways from Nicole’s journey is the importance of surrounding yourself with people who uplift and inspire you. Whether in business or life, success is a team effort. “You don’t have to do it alone,” Nicole emphasized. “Find your people. The ones who believe in you, who bring you joy, and who make you better. That’s where the magic happens.” 5 Key Takeaways from Nicole Donnelly’s Episode Make Joy Your Business Strategy – Joy isn’t a distraction; it’s a fuel source. Infusing joy into your work makes you more creative, resilient, and attractive to customers and partners. Use AI to Enhance, Not Replace, Human Connection – AI should free up entrepreneurs to do more of what they love, not take the humanity out of business. Choose Joy, Even in the Hard Moments – Joy is a mindset, not a destination. Find ways to bring positivity into even the toughest situations. Build a Tribe That Brings You Energy – Success isn’t a solo journey. Surround yourself with people who inspire, support, and challenge you. Lead with Authenticity and Purpose – When you operate from a place of joy and authenticity, you naturally attract the right people and opportunities. Take Action Nicole’s story is a powerful reminder that joy is a choice, and it’s one worth making. How are you bringing joy into your work and life? Take a moment to jot down one action you can take today to create more joy—then share it with us on social media using #PaperNapkinWisdom. Connect with Nicole Want to learn more about Nicole’s work? Check out her website at and connect with her on . Let’s build businesses—and lives—rooted in joy! /episode/index/show/wisenapkin/id/35526890

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