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

In episode 191 of the Paper Napkin Wisdom podcast, host Govindh Jayaraman sits down with Michael Erath, founder of Next Level Growth. Michael’s journey is filled with real-life lessons on leadership, accountability, and the impact of clear expectations. With experience in both managing and growing a successful manufacturing business and now coaching leaders, Michael brings a unique perspective to building a culture of clarity and responsibility in organizations. As an expert in business and leadership coaching, Michael is all too familiar with the challenges that come with team dynamics and performance. His paper napkin wisdom, “Most of your frustrations with people are the result of unclear expectations,” resonates with leaders across industries. In this episode, Michael unpacks why setting expectations is more than just a management tool—it’s the foundation of effective leadership. From Manufacturing to Coaching: A Journey of Transformation Michael’s transition from running his own manufacturing business to

In this episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, we dive into a unique perspective on leadership and decision-making, straight from the captain's chair of a nuclear submarine. Robert Roncska, known to many as Navy Bob, shares wisdom drawn from years spent commanding submarines in the U.S. Navy. This experience is marked by high-stakes decisions, intense training, and an unwavering sense of accountability. Navy Bob brings these lessons into today’s conversation, offering invaluable advice on building trust, staying adaptable, and leading with purpose. Decision-Making Under Pressure One of the defining qualities of submarine leadership is the ability to make swift, informed decisions under pressure. Navy Bob explains that in his line of work, there’s little room for hesitation. “When you're miles under the sea, you have to learn to shut out the noise and focus on the task at hand,” he says. This approach to decision-making, honed through years of experience, has shaped his philosophy on leadership. “It’s not about mak

In episode 189 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, host Govindh Jayaraman sits down with Natalia Matveeva, an accomplished entrepreneur and leadership coach known for her emphasis on creating purpose-driven businesses. Natalia shares her journey and unique insights into the importance of resilience in business, shedding light on a key aspect often overlooked: aligning business goals with personal values. Natalia’s message is clear—resilience isn’t just about persistence; it’s about building a business that resonates with who we truly are. Discovering True Resilience As entrepreneurs, we’re often encouraged to “tough it out” through challenges, to keep going no matter what. While grit is essential, Natalia emphasizes that resilience goes beyond sheer determination. She notes, “True resilience is found in the harmony between our business and our inner selves.” This perspective suggests that when our business goals align with our personal purpose, resilience becomes a natural byproduct, helping us navigate challenges more

In the fast-evolving world of technology, it can be easy to overlook the human element. In this episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Govindh Jayaraman speaks with Annette Levesque, a global expert in e-learning who built one of the first e-high schools in the world. Annette shares her unique perspective on the intersection of innovation and human connection, offering a wealth of wisdom for leaders and entrepreneurs navigating the digital age. Innovation Meets Education Annette’s journey into e-learning began as a passion for leveraging technology to increase access to education. As one of the pioneers in the online education space, she transformed how students could learn, breaking barriers of location and time. "I saw early on that technology could expand the reach of education, but I also knew that it needed to remain student-centered," Annette explains. Her work wasn’t just about building platforms; it was about creating environments where students felt connected, engaged, and supported—despite being physical

In episode 187 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, we’re thrilled to welcome back Cameron Herold, a leader whose insights are reshaping the way we approach growth in business and life. Known for his impactful coaching and leadership strategies, Cameron brings us a fresh perspective on what it takes to climb the proverbial ladder of success. This episode centers around an intriguing metaphor Cameron calls the “Two Ladders”—one representing skills, the other confidence. His vision is a balanced approach to leadership growth, showing us how essential it is to build both skill sets and self-assurance simultaneously. As Cameron says, “If my skills are shaky, then my confidence is going to be starting to shake. If my confidence is shaky, my skills start to shake.” Let’s dive into some of the standout points Cameron made in this episode and explore how his “Two Ladders” concept can help leaders like you build a more resilient foundation. Skills and Confidence: Two Ladders, One Goal Cameron Herold believes that the journey t

In episode 186 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Govindh Jayaraman has a compelling conversation with Todd Palmer, a CEO coach, entrepreneur, and author who believes that “The problem is never what you think it is.” This simple yet powerful insight drives his approach to leadership and coaching. Todd has spent years guiding leaders to uncover the deeper issues that lie beneath the surface of everyday business challenges. He believes that by getting to the root of problems, leaders can build more resilient organizations and foster meaningful growth. Throughout this episode, Todd shares lessons from his own entrepreneurial journey and reveals how his Paper Napkin Wisdom has shaped his career. Todd's story isn’t just about overcoming surface-level challenges. It’s about exploring the underlying issues that often go unnoticed and addressing them head-on. Recognizing Hidden Challenges in Leadership Todd’s philosophy centers on the idea that the real problem is rarely the one that’s immediately visible. “So often, we get cau

In Episode 185 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, we’re joined by Noah Rosenfarb, founder of Freedom Family Office. Noah’s career spans over two decades as a CPA and wealth advisor, where he’s helped affluent families achieve not only financial success but also lives rich with purpose and intentionality. He believes that wealth is not an end goal but a means to an end, a tool that, when used wisely, can bring true freedom and fulfillment. Noah’s approach to wealth management is refreshing and innovative, focusing on what it means to live a life of financial freedom aligned with personal values. Noah’s philosophy extends beyond traditional financial planning. Rather than fixating on numerical targets or wealth accumulation, he advocates for a more holistic view of wealth that includes personal growth, family legacy, and a commitment to living a meaningful life. In this episode, Noah explains why a life of freedom requires intention and planning, and he shares practical steps to align your financial life with your deepes

In episode 184 of the Paper Napkin Wisdom podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Eronica Dew, the dynamic leader behind BES Solutions Inc. Eronica’s journey is as colorful as the napkin she shared her wisdom on, spanning from military service to a thriving entrepreneurial career in government contracting. Throughout the conversation, Eronica highlighted the importance of honesty and transparency as keys to success, not just in business but in life. A Path More Meaningful Eronica’s story is one of resilience and authenticity. From her early days in the military, where she served with distinction in the U.S. Air Force, to her current role as a successful entrepreneur in a highly competitive field, her path has been marked by a commitment to being true to herself and those around her. Her experiences in the military taught her the value of discipline and integrity, qualities that she has carried forward into her business career. After her military service, Eronica transitioned into government roles, where sh

In episode 183 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, we had the pleasure of speaking with Vernon Oakes, the host of Everything Cooperative, and a passionate advocate for the cooperative business model. With years of experience in real estate, business education, and cooperative development, Vernon’s mission is to empower communities and transform economies through the power of cooperatives. The Beginning of a Cooperative Journey Vernon’s journey into the world of cooperatives began with a simple yet profound observation: “Watching everyday people make powerful business decisions started my journey to love cooperatives.” This was the wisdom he shared on his paper napkin during our conversation. He realized that when people come together to pool resources, make decisions, and share profits, something truly transformative happens. What is a Cooperative? A cooperative, as Vernon explains, is a business model that is owned and operated by the people who use its services. Unlike traditional businesses where decisions are mad

In episode 182 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, we continue our insightful conversation with Diego Osorio, CEO of Lobos 1707 Tequila. This episode builds upon part one (episode 181), where Diego shared how he’s defied expectations to bring his passion for innovation and authenticity to the spirits industry. In part two, Diego deepens the discussion on legacy, leadership, and the importance of staying true to one's values while continuously pushing boundaries. Diego’s journey is not one of straightforward success. As he describes it, his path from actor to CEO of a groundbreaking tequila brand is one marked by challenges, creative risks, and a fierce commitment to his vision. “An actor from Spain is not supposed to put Sherry in Tequila,” Diego remarks, highlighting the unconventional nature of his brand’s origin. Yet, it is this defiance of traditional norms that has become the cornerstone of Lobos 1707’s identity. One of the most remarkable aspects of Diego’s leadership is his respect for tradition, combined with a

In the latest episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Govindh Jayaraman sits down with Diego Osorio, CEO of Lobos 1707 Tequila. Diego shares the remarkable journey of transforming a passion for storytelling and heritage into a successful tequila brand. With his unique background and innovative approach, Diego has made a significant impact in the spirits industry, infusing Lobos 1707 with a rich cultural legacy and a modern entrepreneurial spirit. Diego Osorio’s Vision for Lobos 1707 Tequila From its inception, Lobos 1707 has been more than just a tequila brand. It represents the art of craftsmanship, the pride of heritage, and the power of community. Diego Osorio, driven by a vision to honor his family’s heritage, has turned Lobos 1707 into a global brand that stands for authenticity and quality. Diego's journey began with a deep appreciation for storytelling and a desire to share his family's traditions. He quickly realized that the tequila industry was the perfect platform to combine these passions. Lobos 1707 i

In Episode 180 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Raeanne Lacatena—a holistic business coach, mental health professional, Reiki master, and mother of three. Raeanne brings a fresh, integrative perspective to life and business, seamlessly weaving together her multifaceted roles. Our conversation delved deep into growth, transformation, and the natural cycles that influence every aspect of our lives. Raeanne's paper napkin wisdom struck a profound chord: "Business can be a series of deaths and rebirths, destruction for creation." This powerful metaphor beautifully captures the cyclical nature of both business and life. It's a reminder that success isn't a straight, upward trajectory but a dynamic process of evolution, transformation, and renewal. For entrepreneurs and leaders who often feel the pressure of constant growth, this perspective can be both liberating and enlightening. Embracing Destruction for Creation We discussed how business and life mirror natural processes—like th

Embrace Your Reality with Molly Booker Introduction Welcome to another enriching episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom! Today, we have the pleasure of hosting Molly Booker, a transformational author and coach whose insights on self-discovery and personal growth have inspired many. Molly is known for her powerful memoirs and her ability to guide individuals through their journeys of self-awareness and resilience. In this episode, Molly shares her wisdom on a range of topics, focusing on the profound impact of embracing one’s own reality. The Essence of Self-Discovery In our conversation, Molly delves deep into the concept of self-discovery. She begins by emphasizing the importance of understanding that “what others say about you is their reality, not yours.” This powerful statement sets the tone for the discussion, highlighting the significance of owning one’s narrative and not being swayed by external perceptions. Navigating Through Emotional Landscapes Molly discusses the various emotional landscapes we navigate th

In episode 178 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, we were delighted to welcome back Peter Shankman, an entrepreneur, author, and renowned keynote speaker. Known for founding Source of Sources (SOS), Help a Reporter Out (HARO), Mental Capital and his focus on neurodiversity, Peter has continually pushed boundaries in both his personal and professional life. During this insightful conversation, Peter shared a simple but impactful mantra: “Do the scary thing.” This nugget of wisdom has played a pivotal role in shaping Peter's successes and life philosophy. Why Do the Scary Thing? "Everything I've ever done in my life that's been successful... has started by my doing the scary thing," Peter explained. Whether it’s jumping off cliffs, both literal and metaphorical, he attributes much of his growth to embracing fear and risk. This philosophy pushes individuals to leave the safety of their comfort zones and explore the unknown. For Peter, "the scary thing" has driven decisions in both his personal adventures, like skydiving an

In memory of John, and to support his family during this difficult time, please consider contributing to the GoFundMe campaign set up in his honor. In Appreciation of John Ruhlin - Lessons that Live and Love On John Ruhlin was more than just an entrepreneur; he was a master of appreciation, a man whose philosophy of valuing others left an indelible mark on everyone he met. As we reflect on his life and legacy, it's clear that John's lessons on appreciation continue to resonate deeply, influencing both personal and professional relationships. In a recent series of conversations with some of John's closest friends—Cameron Herold, John Di Julius, Shep Hyken, and John O'Leary—each of them shared profound insights into the impact John had on their lives and careers. Cameron Herold began the conversation by reminding us of John’s core belief: "Love Bombing." Cameron emphasized that this simple yet powerful principle was something John lived by every day. Whether in business or personal life, John believed that rec

The Magic of Mind and Story: A Conversation with Derek Selinger In our recent podcast episode, we had the privilege of hosting Derek Selinger, a renowned mentalist, magician, and keynote speaker. Derek's career is a testament to his dedication to the art of illusion and the study of human psychology. His performances are not just about magic tricks but about creating profound experiences that challenge perceptions and connect with audiences on a deeper level. Early Inspirations and Journey Derek’s journey into the world of magic began at a young age. "I was always fascinated by how easily our minds could be influenced," he shared. This curiosity led him to delve into the realms of magic and mentalism, where he found a perfect blend of art and science. His early experiences were filled with challenges, but they also shaped his unique approach to performance. The Art of Storytelling in Magic One of the most compelling aspects of Derek’s work is his emphasis on storytelling. "Storytelling is at the heart of what

In this insightful episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Govindh Jayaraman engages in a profound and enlightening conversation with Genevieve Piturro, the remarkable founder of the Pajama Program. This nonprofit organization has provided over seven million pajamas and books to children in need, offering them comfort and a sense of security. Genevieve’s journey from a successful corporate career to following her true calling is detailed in her book "Purpose, Passion, and Pajamas," and serves as a testament to the transformative power of collective purpose, passion, and perseverance. The Power of One Another Genevieve opens the conversation by challenging the often-celebrated notion of the "power of one." While society tends to laud individual achievements, she highlights the significant impact of collective efforts. "It's not the power of one that changes things. It's the power of one another that moves mountains and moves people," Genevieve asserts. This profound realization dawned on her as she witnessed the rapid

Perry Solomon's story is one of resilience, demonstrating how grit—comprised of passion and perseverance—can drive success even in the face of immense challenges. About Perry Solomon Perry Solomon is a serial entrepreneur with over four decades of experience. He is the founder of Aleratec, a company known for its innovative consumer electronics products. Today, Perry is the president of Solomon Growth Advisors, where he provides strategic advice to emerging businesses, particularly in navigating the complexities of Amazon and e-commerce platforms. His expertise spans e-commerce, consumer products, computer electronics sales, marketing, and product development. The Power of Grit At the core of Perry Solomon's message is the idea that grit is essential for achieving long-term success. Drawing inspiration from Angela Duckworth's research, Perry emphasizes that grit is a combination of passion and perseverance. This concept has been pivotal in his own journey, helping him overcome significant setbacks and re

In this thought-provoking episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Govindh Jayaraman engages in a profound conversation with Dmitry Buterin, an entrepreneur who has successfully built businesses from the ground up and navigated the complex landscape of technology and personal growth. Dmitry’s journey is a testament to the power of self-recognition, the fluidity of life, and the importance of embracing the present moment. For leaders, his insights provide invaluable guidance on how to lead with authenticity, adaptability, and a deep understanding of human experience. The Blank Napkin: Symbolizing Infinite Possibilities The episode begins with Dmitry presenting a blank napkin, symbolizing infinite possibilities and the undefined nature of human experience. This blank slate represents the freedom to explore, question, and redefine one’s path without being confined by preconceived notions or rigid structures. For leaders, this concept is particularly relevant. Leading a team or an organization requires the ability to ada

Know Your True North In the latest episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, we had the pleasure of hosting Chris Schmitt, a distinguished high-performance coach with Azimuth Consulting Group. Chris brings a unique perspective to leadership, drawing from his extensive experience as a United States Army Special Forces Green Beret and his work with top-tier companies like Starbucks, Google, Meta, and Uber. His approach to leadership is rooted in self-awareness, empowerment, and the ability to navigate uncertainty with confidence. Chris Schmitt served 30 years in the military, during which he commanded, planned, and executed special operations missions worldwide. His military career equipped him with a deep understanding of leadership in high-stakes environments, a perspective he now applies to coaching corporate leaders. Chris emphasizes the importance of "knowing your azimuth"—a concept that represents one's true path or purpose in life. The Importance of Knowing Your Azimuth One of the key concepts Chris discussed