Paper Napkin Wisdom - Podcast And Blog For Entrepreneurs, Leaders And Difference-makers

In this powerful return to Paper Napkin Wisdom, the bestselling author of Networking Is Not Working and the new book Let’s Retire Retirement dives into a game-changing mindset shift: what if retirement was never the goal?  Derek is a financial advisor, entrepreneur, community builder, and father. With decades of experience advising high-performing individuals and leading powerful networking communities like Cadre, he’s seen firsthand how many people are grinding through their best years waiting for a someday that may never come. That’s why his napkin—“Let’s Retire Retirement”—is both a provocation and a plan.  “The subtitle of the book is: How to enjoy life to the fullest now and later,” Derek explains. “Because what’s the point of waiting?”  This episode is not about abandoning discipline or long-term planning—it’s about shifting your paradigm. Derek offers a compelling argument that if we keep chasing a future reward at the expense of the present, we may never get the life we actually want.  From Deferred L

In Episode 268 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, we continue the Freedom by Design series with leadership expert and business growth strategist Michael Walsh. Michael has helped countless organizations align leadership and team development with sustainable growth—and in this tenth installment, he delivers a crucial message for anyone leading people: Develop a career development growth plan that’s not about your business, but about your people.  The napkin reads: “Develop a Career Development Growth Plan” with four key ideas underneath:  It’s all about them  Longer-range goals (10 yrs)  Superpower & Kryptonite  Learning over the next 3 years  This deceptively simple napkin is actually a career growth compass—one that aligns with the values of true leadership: unlocking potential, not prescribing performance. It’s about cultivating human flourishing as a growth strategy. And in today’s market, it’s more than thoughtful—it’s necessary.  It’s Not About You—It’s About Them  Michael kicks things off with a s

Marc Dann is no stranger to high-stakes leadership. As a former Ohio Attorney General and now a tireless advocate for consumer rights, Marc brings a seasoned perspective on accountability, resilience, and purpose. In Episode 267 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, he shares a deceptively simple, yet profoundly powerful mantra that has anchored his professional and personal comeback: “Get up. Get dressed. Go to work. People are counting on you.”  These aren’t just words Marc scribbled for effect—they are a lived commitment forged in adversity. After resigning from public office in 2008, Marc found himself in a moment of deep uncertainty. But instead of retreating, he focused on rebuilding.  “When I read the pitch to submit for this, I immediately thought of a situation that happened right after I resigned office,” Marc explains in the episode. “I had clients who still needed me. I had to show up.”  And show up he did. Marc didn’t just reenter the legal profession—he doubled down on his mission to protect and serve. Today,

Darren Hickman has spent decades navigating the complex terrain of branding, marketing, and emotional engagement. A former Disney executive and seasoned marketing strategist, Darren brings an uncanny ability to see how the unseen emotional levers drive business outcomes. In this episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Darren shares a deceptively simple truth scrawled on his napkin: “Nearly all decisions are driven by emotions… How you can leverage that in business.”  What follows in our conversation is an emotional masterclass in leadership, branding, and influence.  “Logic justifies decisions — but emotions make them,” Darren says early in the episode. “If you’re not speaking to the heart, you’re not speaking to the decision-maker.”  This episode cuts deep into the myth that B2B means “cold and rational.” Darren asserts, and supports, that emotional storytelling is just as critical in a boardroom as it is in a living room. And he doesn’t leave the concept floating in theory — he brings tools and stories that lead

Michael Walsh returns for Part 9 in the Freedom by Design series to continue building out a powerful framework for leaders seeking lasting impact — not just in their businesses, but through them. In this edition, we dive deep into the core of high-performance organizations: people development as the engine of profit and customer value.  Michael Walsh, founder of Walsh Business Growth, has spent decades helping businesses scale by designing leadership and operational systems that put people first — and deliver exponential results. This napkin brings that philosophy home by answering one of the most challenging leadership questions: How do you find time to train and grow your people when there’s already so much to do?  As Govindh says early in the episode, “We have to deliver for our clients. We’ve got to deliver profit. We’ve got to manage everything... and now we’re also supposed to grow our people professionally and personally?”  Michael’s answer isn’t just tactical — it’s transformational.  “When you start

In his return to Paper Napkin Wisdom, Todd Palmer—renowned executive coach, keynote speaker, and founder of Extraordinary Advisors—brings with him a powerful reframe that resonates deeply with anyone navigating tough leadership terrain: "Everything happens 4 me, NOT 2 me."  Todd isn’t new to turning adversity into opportunity. As a CEO who once faced near-bankruptcy before rebuilding a multi-million-dollar business, he understands what it means to transform challenges into lessons. Now, as a coach to executives across North America, he teaches others to lead with intention, presence, and a bold sense of ownership.  In this episode, Todd shares how this subtle but significant shift in language—"for me" vs. "to me"—completely reframes how we experience setbacks, overwhelm, and uncertainty. “Today was gonna be a good day,” he says, recalling a long 14-hour stretch he’d scheduled. “I had started my day wearing black, which isn’t exactly a positive color. So I thought, why not wear something that feels like Spring

David Herle, a political strategist, pollster, and principal at The Gandalf Group, has spent decades helping shape public opinion and advising leaders in the highest circles of Canadian politics. From managing campaigns for Prime Minister Paul Martin to shaping the narrative through his influential podcast The Herle Burly, David knows what it means to engage with power—not as an abstract concept, but as something that drives change, shapes nations, and alters lives.  In this episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, David drops a truth bomb that cuts through the fog of niceties in leadership: “Power is never given away. If you want it, you have to take it.” It’s a reminder that while many of us are waiting for permission, the real leaders—the real changemakers—aren’t asking. They’re stepping up, showing up, and claiming space.  Waiting Is Not a Strategy  Throughout the conversation, David reflects on how much of leadership, whether in politics or business, is about showing the courage to step into uncomfortable role

Michael Walsh is back with another profound insight in episode 262 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, continuing our “Freedom by Design” series. As the founder of Walsh Business Growth, Michael brings decades of experience helping companies build freedom within their businesses by designing scalable, people-first systems. In this episode, he shares a deceptively simple yet deeply strategic napkin: “Train & Grow Your People – It’s All About Results!” This message, like so many of Michael’s, anchors big transformation in an elegant framework.  At the heart of the napkin is a four-dimensional model of performance and growth, a Venn diagram of sorts, breaking down the interconnected drivers of sustainable success: Technical (T), Financial (F), Human (H), and Sustainable (S).  “When we talk about results, the trap is thinking about just the financials. But results are multi-dimensional — and sustainable results require balance,” Michael explains.  People First, Always  The conversation begins with a powerful premise: you

When Ross Albers found himself fired just two weeks before his wedding, most people would have panicked. Instead, Ross did something remarkable: he founded his own law firm. What started as a necessity quickly became a proving ground for building a business with intention—and more importantly, with vision.  In this episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Ross shares a powerful lesson written on a napkin: “You have to work ON your business instead of IN it. From there, you can HIRE, ACQUIRE, and INSPIRE.” This isn’t just a play on words. It’s a strategic mindset shift that changed everything for him—and can change everything for leaders and entrepreneurs ready to grow beyond the grind.    From Fire to Fuel: Starting With Nothing but a Desk  Ross candidly tells the story of being let go just before his wedding and deciding to take control of his future:  “I literally walked into my apartment, took a desk from the guest room, and said, ‘This is my law firm now.’”  No fancy plan. No capital. Just a commitment to taking a

In Episode 260 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, we sit down with Toni Harrison, the powerhouse CEO of Etched Communication, a nationally recognized communications firm. Toni brings not only decades of experience in high-stakes PR and crisis management, but also a deeply personal and refreshingly honest take on what it means to be resilient in business and life. Her napkin reads:  “Toni’s 4 Pillars of RESILIENCE (being R.E.A.L.):  Taking on the (R)igor  (E)mbrace experience  Discovering how to be (A)daptable  Employing (L)evel-setting goals throughout your professional journey”  This episode isn’t just a discussion—it’s a masterclass in sustainable leadership, personal grit, and the kind of grounded wisdom that comes from walking through fire and choosing to learn from it.    R is for Rigor  Toni opens up the conversation by challenging the idea that success comes from ease. "You don’t develop resilience unless you walk through something hard," she says. For her, rigor is not a punishment—it’s preparation.

Michael Walsh is no stranger to the Paper Napkin Wisdom podcast. As a seasoned leadership strategist, business growth expert, and founder of Walsh Business Growth, Michael returns with another powerful idea that challenges how we think about hiring in today’s knowledge-driven economy.  In part 7 of our Freedom by Design series, we dive into the human side of performance—and Michael’s handwritten napkin drives home one essential truth: Hiring right is half the game. But what does hiring right actually mean in a business world increasingly driven by expertise, not just execution?  According to Michael, every business is an expertise-based business, even if it doesn’t realize it yet. “You may think you’re selling a product,” he says, “but you’re selling the depth, nuance, and trust that comes with expertise.” This shift means that hiring can’t just be about skills—it has to be about attributes that fuel long-term contribution.  That’s where Michael’s napkin comes in.    The 6 Key Attributes to Hire For  Michael

Dinah Chapman is not your average entrepreneur. A fierce advocate for bold living, Dinah’s energy is magnetic, and her insights are ignited by a lifetime of choosing purpose over pretense. She’s a keynote speaker, creative strategist, and self-described “disruptor with intention.” Her Paper Napkin packs a punch — literally:  "If it doesn’t set your f*cking soul on fire, it’s not worth it."  This is more than a quote — it’s a manifesto.  In episode 258 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Dinah invites us to challenge the safe path, to unlearn the behaviors that keep us small, and to say yes to what makes us burn with aliveness. Through unfiltered storytelling and a raw, soul-baring presence, she shares what it really means to show up in life and leadership without compromise.  “We’re not here to exist. We’re here to create impact. And you can’t do that pretending to be someone you’re not.”  From career pivots to deeply personal revelations, Dinah leads us through her journey of alignment. At each turn, her decision-making

In Episode 257 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Adam Olalde, entrepreneur and founder of the Xtreme Xperience, shares a piece of guidance that captures the heart of adaptive leadership in a fast-paced world: “Move fast and (try not to) break things.”  It’s a nuanced remix of the famous Silicon Valley adage, but with a leadership lens honed by experience. Adam’s journey is marked by transformation—both personal and professional. As someone who has led teams through disruptive growth, built multi-million-dollar ventures, and weathered industry shifts, Adam brings more than bravado to the conversation—he brings wisdom.  Throughout our conversation, Adam emphasized that speed is still essential, but not at the cost of stability. He explains that “breaking things” might look like innovation at first, but if you’re constantly rebuilding trust, systems, or culture—you’re not innovating, you’re surviving.  “I’ve learned that just moving fast isn’t enough. You need clarity on what shouldn’t break.”  This clarity, Adam notes,

In the sixth installment of the Freedom by Design series, Michael Walsh distills a transformative idea on a literal paper napkin: The Social Contract. It’s a powerful reframing of the unspoken expectations that define the relationship between companies and their employees. More than a list of responsibilities, it’s a shared agreement—designed not just for performance, but for mutual growth.  Michael, founder of Walsh Business Growth, has long championed the notion that businesses should be engines of human flourishing—not just economic engines. In this episode, he puts that belief into structure, separating the contributions of the owner/company and the individual employee, and then aligning them toward a greater shared purpose.  “You don’t build a business. You build people—and people build the business.” —Michael Walsh, Ep. 256  The left side of the napkin reflects the company’s obligations: generate individual and collective results, build a strong culture, and move meaningfully toward a larger purpose. T

In episode 255 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, we’re joined by the brilliant Seema Dhanoa — a transformational coach, conscious leadership facilitator, and author of the powerful book The Path to Conscious Leadership. Seema’s work is rooted in helping people return to themselves and lead from a place of inner truth. Her napkin might be simple in form, but it holds an entire operating system for alignment, balance, and meaningful presence.  At the center of her napkin is a bright burst of awareness — a foundational concept that Seema explains is the key to unlocking our full capacity as leaders, parents, partners, and humans. What surrounds this awareness is a framework that connects mind, body, heart, and intuition. “When these four domains are in conversation with each other,” she explains, “that’s when true alignment and balance happen — not just in leadership, but in life.”  Her conversation with Govindh Jayaraman explores the dance between the inner state and the outer state. Seema emphasizes that most people att

In Episode 254 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Govindh Jayaraman sits down with Rick Williams — board director, leadership coach, and author of Create the Future: For Your Company and Yourself. A man of strategic clarity and quiet conviction, Rick shares a deceptively simple yet profoundly powerful message: "Give Before Asking."  This phrase, written on a paper napkin, becomes the cornerstone of a conversation rich with wisdom about leadership, generosity, trust, and how real influence is built — not demanded.  Rick’s career spans decades of advising leaders through business transitions, boardroom dynamics, and personal evolution. As a frequent contributor to publications like the Harvard Business Review and CEOWorld, and someone who’s helped countless CEOs navigate defining moments, Rick knows what separates good leaders from great ones. Spoiler: it’s not charisma or vision — it’s how you show up for others first.  Leading with Contribution, Not Control  In the episode, Rick explains the deeper meaning behind “Give

In the final installment of the Freedom by Design series, Michael Walsh brings us back to the heart of sustainable business growth: the core of your organization. His napkin, boldly titled “Rethink the Core,” offers a deceptively simple yet profoundly important shift in how entrepreneurs and leaders define what really drives performance.  On one side of the napkin: a traditional model where teams create results, leading to customer value and company profit. It's efficient. It's direct. But it's incomplete.  On the other side: a redesigned model. Teams don’t just deliver results—they grow. This growth is both the mechanism and measure of lasting success. Professional development is woven into the business engine, not treated as an afterthought. The result? Better outcomes, more resilient teams, and long-term value creation for both customers and the company.  “If your people are only delivering results but not growing, you’re creating fragility. But if they’re growing, you’re building the core strength of you

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 Kndrd.io.  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 g

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 financial

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 i