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

When you meet Dr. Malik Muhammad, you immediately feel the depth of his compassion paired with the weight of his conviction. He has built a global reputation for helping communities, leaders, and organizations transform through a unique blend of restorative practices, social-emotional learning, and courageous conversations. Dr. Muhammad is the founder of Transforming Lives Inc. and also works closely with Akoben LLC, both of which are devoted to empowering leaders and communities through equity, restorative leadership, and personal transformation.  In this episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Dr. Malik shares a deceptively simple yet profoundly powerful formula scribbled on his napkin:  Connection + Challenge = Change  It’s the kind of wisdom that takes a lifetime of practice and reflection to fully appreciate. As our conversation unfolded, it became clear that this formula is not just a leadership principle — it’s a human one.    Why Connection First?  Dr. Malik explains that transformation cannot ha