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

In this episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Govindh Jayaraman sits down with Shivani Dhamija, founder of Shivani's Kitchen — a culinary brand rooted in authentic Indian flavors and fueled by a passion for empowering others through food. From her humble beginnings selling spice blends and sauces at local markets in Nova Scotia to building a thriving food-manufacturing business, Shivani's journey is as flavorful as her recipes. At the heart of her success lies a simple napkin message: "Listening & learning." Two small words that capture a massive truth about leadership, growth, and entrepreneurship. The Power of "Listening & Learning" When Shivani first began sharing her spice blends, she wasn't just selling a product — she was listening to people's stories. Every market conversation, every customer review, every "you should try this" became a lesson. She explains that listening isn't passive; it's an act of connection. And learning isn't about knowing everything — it's about staying humble enough to realiz

Edge of the Napkin #11 There's a feeling that sweeps through every era of innovation — that electrifying sense of this is it. The next big wave. The one that's going to change everything. In this episode of Edge of the Napkin, Govindh Jayaraman dives into what happens when high-expectation innovation collides with reality — when the future we bet on becomes today's proving ground. The AI boom, once the unstoppable tide lifting every boat in sight, is now pulling back. Markets are correcting. The water is getting choppy. And what's being revealed isn't failure — it's truth. Because in every correction, there's clarity. And clarity always comes back to one simple principle: Build for value — not for the hype. When the Rising Tide Turns A rising tide, they say, lifts all boats. But when the tide goes out, you see who built on sand. For years, AI was the tide. Money poured in. Startups ballooned overnight. Everyone rebranded themselves with a shiny "AI-powered" tagline, believing that being in the space was enoug

Today on Paper Napkin Wisdom, we welcome Dr. Jenny Hoffmann, a leader in health-tech innovation who currently serves as Executive Director at the New England Medical Innovation Center (NEMIC). With a rich background in healthcare strategy and technology deployment, Jenny has spent her career bridging clinical insight with entrepreneurial energy, helping organizations turn innovative ideas into meaningful patient-outcomes. In this episode, we dive deep into how leaders can lean into vulnerability, curiosity, empathy and connection — the key themes captured on her paper napkin: "Open Up! Be vulnerable enough to lead with curiosity, empathy, and connection." Story & Insight: The Napkin Unpacked Jenny's succinct message on the napkin resonates like a simplified leadership creed: "Open Up!" At first glance it's an invitation — but as Jenny unpacks in the conversation, it becomes a framework for how you show up in leading others. Vulnerability Jenny opens by reflecting on the myth of the infallible leader. She

Make Believe: The Stories Entrepreneurs Tell Themselves (Edge of the Napkin #10) Every entrepreneur lives inside a story — the question is, who's writing yours? If you've ever had a morning where nothing goes right — you stub your toe, drop your keys, spill coffee on your white shirt before 8 a.m. — you know the script that starts to play in your mind: "It's gonna be one of those days." And somehow, it is. Everything that follows seems to prove the story true. But the opposite happens too. You walk out the door feeling light, confident, certain something good is about to happen. Suddenly, you find a forgotten twenty in your pocket, get the short line at security, and the world seems to smile back. The truth is: the world didn't change. Your story did. The Invisible Script of Entrepreneurship As entrepreneurs, we tell ourselves stories all day long. About clients. About employees. About the market. About ourselves. "That customer doesn't like me." "My team's not ready yet." "This quarter's going to be brutal."

When you meet Jon Rosemberg, you immediately sense two things — depth and discipline. He’s a behavioral scientist, author, and executive coach who has spent years exploring how we, as humans, can move beyond mere survival into a state of thriving. His work combines neuroscience, psychology, and lived experience, and it’s reflected powerfully in his new book, A Guide to Thriving: The Science Behind Breaking Old Patterns, Reclaiming Your Agency, and Finding Meaning.  On his paper napkin, Jon wrote just seven words: “Survival is instinct, thriving is a choice.”  At first glance, it seems like a motivational quote — something you’d find on a coffee mug or a gym wall. But when you listen to Jon unpack it, it becomes clear that this idea cuts much deeper. It’s not about positive thinking or grinding harder; it’s about reclaiming agency. It’s about recognizing that while your biology may be wired to survive, your mindset and daily choices are what allow you to thrive.    From the Instinct to the Intention 

In a world where volatility has become the norm — prices swing, markets shake, politics polarize, and technology rewrites the rules daily — one question stands out for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone simply trying to navigate life:  How do we hedge against uncertainty?  Not with gold.  Not with cash. Not with control.  But with flexibility.  That’s the essence of this week’s Edge of the Napkin. On my napkin, a single word runs across the center: RISK. Below it — Rigidity → Fragility. Above it — Flexibility → Resilience.   And an arrow curves between them, reminding us that the difference between collapse and adaptation isn’t conditions — it’s behavior.    The Human Side of Risk  Everyone understands risk now. You can feel it at the grocery store, at the gas pump, in the way your phone updates its own intelligence while you sleep.  When life gets uncertain, our instinct is to tighten our grip — to control. But control is an illusion. The tighter we hold on, the more fragile we become. The

When Simone Kelly first began helping families navigate the complexities of senior care, she didn’t just build a company—she built a movement. As the founder and CEO of Seniornicity, Simone’s mission is rooted in empathy, connection, and empowerment. Her company bridges the gap between older adults, families, and trusted care providers, making it easier for people to age well, together.  But the napkin she brought to Paper Napkin Wisdom goes deeper than business strategy—it’s about protecting your passion and preserving your peace.  “Build a business that you love, but not your hobby. Because when you need to shut your brain off to your work, you won’t have your hobby to turn to.”  Simone’s insight is simple, but it carries the kind of wisdom that only comes from lived experience. Entrepreneurs often start businesses around something they’re passionate about. But as Simone points out, when that passion becomes your full-time pursuit, it can consume everything—including the joy it once brought you.  She shares

Sometimes, the smallest words hold the biggest weight. In this episode of Edge of the Napkin, Govindh Jayaraman dives deep into one of the most overused — and misunderstood — words in leadership: “How.”  We use it constantly. We think it’s helpful.  But as Govindh reveals, how can be both the key to progress — and the invisible wall that keeps us from growing.  We say things like:  “That’s not how it’s done.” “That’s not how we do things here.” “Let me show you how I want that done.” “We tried that how before — it didn’t work.”  Every one of those sentences feels logical on the surface… but underneath, each one tightens the box around creativity, ownership, and freedom.  That’s the danger of the old how — it limits. And that’s the invitation of the future how — it liberates.    The Freedom of How  The napkin for this episode says it all. Two circles.  On the left, Old How — arrows pointing inward, closing in, trapping ideas. On the right, Future How — arrows bursting outward, full of energy,

When you meet Nancy Johnston, you can immediately sense the combination of depth and purpose behind everything she touches. She’s the founder and CEO of Truuce, a company built around reimagining human connection, well-being, and design in the modern world. Her leadership bridges the emotional and the practical — weaving care, creativity, and clarity into every solution she creates.  In this episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Nancy shares a simple but transformative philosophy written on her napkin:  “Solve a real problem. Make it beautiful. Care like hell.”  It’s a mantra that feels like the soul of great leadership — and as our conversation unfolded, it became clear that each line represents a pillar for building something that truly matters.  Solve a Real Problem  Nancy begins with a truth that too many entrepreneurs overlook: success starts with serving, not selling. “If you’re not solving something real,” she says, “you’re just creating noise.”  Her journey with Truuce began by observing what people tru

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

Somewhere in the middle of a weekly call with fellow entrepreneurs, the conversation unexpectedly turned to Valentine’s Day. Instead of the usual talk about scaling, strategy, and execution, we found ourselves reflecting on love, relationships, and why so many of us don’t really celebrate the Hallmark version of Valentine’s Day.  That sparked a memory for me. Years ago, my daughter asked why our family didn’t go all-in on Valentine’s Day. Yes, my wife does something sweet for the kids—a little basket of goodies—but when it comes to the roses, chocolates, and candlelit dinners, we don’t do it.  I told her: I don’t need to Hallmark Moments.  I don’t need a card company to tell me when to celebrate the people I love. I don’t need a calendar to dictate when to tell my wife she’s special, or when to tell my daughter I’m proud of her, or when to acknowledge the people who matter to me.    Beyond Hallmark: The Principle  Here’s what I told my daughter that day: there’s no limit on the number of times I

In this second half of our powerful conversation with Chris Thomson, we dive deeper into the mindset, discipline, and leadership lessons that have guided him through decades of transforming students into high-performing entrepreneurs. Chris is the Head Coach of the Student Works Management Program, a business that has trained thousands of young leaders across Canada. His story is one of building people, systems, and a culture that thrives on ownership and accountability.  His wife, Helen Thomson, is his business partner and CEO of the Student Works Management Program and together they are among the most dynamic pairs of entrepreneurs in the country. Their program has likely help forge more Canadian entrepreneurs than any other program.   He is also the host of the very popular Leaders of Tomorrow podcast where he features young and dedicated entrepreneurs on their journey to forge their own path in the world.  Chris’ napkin for this episode reminds us that leadership is not about the title or the authority

Introduction  In this very personal and powerful episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, I sit down with one of my oldest friends, Chris Thomson, Head Coach of the . Chris has spent decades shaping young leaders, building more entrepreneurs in Canada than perhaps anyone else. His story has always been one of creating opportunity and pushing boundaries—but today, his napkin is not about business.  His wife, Helen Thomson, is his business partner and CEO of the Student Works Management Program and together they are among the most dynamic pairs of entrepreneurs in the country. Their program has likely help forge more Canadian entrepreneurs than any other program.   He is also the host of the very popular Leaders of Tomorrow podcast where he features young and dedicated entrepreneurs on their journey to forge their own path in the world.  Chris brings forward a message that is raw, human, and deeply resonant: “Cancer is a journey.” After being diagnosed three years ago, Chris has learned to see this experience no

Episode 300 is a milestone — and fittingly, it circles back to the single most important lesson Govindh Jayaraman has learned over the past decade. This Edge of the Napkin moment distills years of hard-earned wisdom into a deceptively simple sketch: a mountain path labeled Focus, Align, Act.  At first glance, it looks like a winding road up a peak. But listen closely and you’ll hear it’s really a life framework. This napkin isn’t about theory — it’s about how Govindh has lived, stumbled, re-centered, and climbed.  Focus: See It Clearly  The summit begins with clarity. As Govindh recalls sitting at breakfast with his wife Stacey and Sam Horn in Athens back in 2014, he realized the trap of drifting without a sharp lens. Focus means naming the mountain you’re climbing — not “a mountain,” but your mountain.  When you see it clearly, distractions fall away. The right actions and right people come into view. Without this clarity, every detour feels like progress but takes you off-course.  Align: Re-Cente

When you meet Kevin Barnicle, you immediately sense his energy for challenging convention. He’s a seasoned entrepreneur, author, and business leader who has lived the entrepreneurial rollercoaster—leaving the security of corporate life, building companies from scratch, navigating competition with giants like Microsoft, and eventually selling his business. Along the way, Kevin built not just financial results but also a reputation for going against the grain.  His napkin is simple, direct, and deeply subversive:  “Look at what everyone else is doing, and do the opposite.”  That contrarian mindset has been Kevin’s compass since the beginning. While peers at his first job stayed put, clinging to the “safe” path, Kevin leaned into uncertainty. Everyone around him said don’t leave, yet he did—choosing risk, learning, and growth over predictability. That decision shaped his entrepreneurial DNA and continues to shape how he builds, leads, and invests today.    Why Doing the Opposite Works  Kevin’s wisdo

On this episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, I sat down with Juan DeAngulo, a veteran investor, entrepreneur, and systems thinker whose work bridges discipline and heart. Juan has scaled billion-dollar investment platforms, co-founded Inselligence—a fast-growing tech startup—and, just as importantly, learned to balance leadership with wellness after battling through years of personal struggle.  But his napkin is deceptively simple:  “I am true to myself and I release the outcome.”  Written on December 21, 2023, this phrase captures the essence of a leader who has lived both the cost and the gift of authenticity.    The Power of Truth to Self  Juan shares in the conversation that too often, leaders bend themselves to fit expectations—investors, clients, even their own self-imposed standards. The napkin reminds us that real clarity starts with aligning choices to who we are, not who we think others want us to be.  When you’re true to yourself, decisions become less about approval and more about alignm

This is an uncomfortable conversation.  Every single day, we make choices — most of them so routine that we barely notice. How do you like your steak cooked — rare, medium, or well-done? At Thanksgiving, do you reach for the light meat or the dark? Keto or paleo? Lean muscle or bulk? Strong coffee or a lighter roast?  They’re little decisions about taste, texture, preference. About comfort.  But it doesn’t stop there. We choose friends who do what we do. We find partners who share our interests. We build identities around playlists, sports teams, and streaming choices. And in leadership? We double down.  We read Start With Why. We define core values. We tell ourselves we’ll only hire people who “fit.” That isn’t wrong — but it’s dangerously easy to confuse alignment with values for simple agreement with me.  And that’s where the trap lies: we like what feels like us. We choose sameness. We surround ourselves with comfort.  Comfort feels good. Comfort feels safe.  But here’s the uncomfortable tru

    Every once in a while, a Paper Napkin Wisdom napkin shows up that makes you laugh, makes you think, and ultimately stays with you long after the conversation is over. Episode 296 with Jimmy Park is one of those. This episode was recorded in 2017 but never released—until now, as we approach our 300th milestone. Pulling it out of the archives feels especially timely, because Jimmy’s message is universal, evergreen, and deeply practical.  Jimmy Park is a longtime New York business connector and member of Gotham Networking. He has spent years helping entrepreneurs and professionals build stronger relationships and find opportunity in unexpected places. True to his work and his life, Jimmy’s napkin is not polished or corporate—it’s raw, funny, and real:  “Stay happy when you step in dogshit.”  Turning Life’s Messes into Lessons  At first glance, Jimmy’s napkin might sound like a joke. But as he explained, it’s anything but. Every entrepreneur and leader will eventually step into their own version of “

Paper Napkin Wisdom Episode 295: Adam Hudson — Timeless Lessons on Building Freedom Through Business  Sometimes, the most powerful wisdom waits patiently for the right moment. Episode 295 of Paper Napkin Wisdom is one of those moments. This conversation with Adam Hudson, entrepreneur, investor, and founder of and host of Discover Your Talent, was recorded back in 2017. For a variety of reasons, it never made it out into the world—until now.  As we march toward our 300th episode milestone, it feels fitting to dust off gems like this from the archives. Why? Because the truths Adam shares on his napkin are timeless. They resonate as much today as they did eight years ago, maybe even more so.  Adam’s entrepreneurial journey has spanned multiple continents, industries, and markets. He has built and sold businesses, mentored founders, and consistently pursued freedom—not just financial, but freedom of time, energy, and purpose. His napkin from this conversation distilled that pursuit into something simple, s

Some episodes of Paper Napkin Wisdom are easy to listen to, packed with energizing insights and clear strategies for growth. Others are heavier — not because they lack value, but because the wisdom forces us to pause, reflect, and wrestle with the uncomfortable. Episode 294 is one of those conversations.  This week, Govindh sits down with three little letters we all know: RIP. We’ve all said them. We’ve read them on tombstones, typed them in comments, whispered them at funerals. But how often do we really consider what they mean? And what happens when they appear in the midst of public controversy, where the conversation around death is anything but peaceful?  On his napkin for this episode, Govindh wrote three concentric circles:  Rest at the center.  In in the middle.  Peace as the outer ring.  It looks simple, but like so many Paper Napkin Wisdom sketches, it carries weight. It challenges us to expand our understanding of what it means when we say, “Rest in Peace.”    Why This