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

Roberta Perry, the dynamic founder of ScrubzBody Skin Care Products, brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to episode 211 of Paper Napkin Wisdom. With a background spanning from marketing and sales to crafting high-quality skincare solutions, Roberta has successfully combined her entrepreneurial drive with a focus on wellness and self-care. Her story highlights the power of persistence, creativity, and authenticity in building a purpose-driven business.  In this episode, Roberta shares how her personal quest for effective skincare solutions led to the creation of ScrubzBody. Starting from her kitchen, Roberta turned a simple idea into a thriving business that emphasizes not only great products but also a strong community connection.  The conversation is rich with insights into how passion and authenticity can fuel long-term success. Roberta's reflections are deeply rooted in her belief that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity. Her journey offers actionable advice for entrepreneurs looking to tu

Episode 210 of Paper Napkin Wisdom features a remarkable guest, Sekou Andrews, who is a master of the "poetic voice." As a globally recognized spoken word artist, inspirational speaker, and entrepreneur, Sekou has carved out a unique niche where storytelling, art, and business intersect. He has not only transformed the way we view spoken word but has also created a new vertical in professional edutainment.  Sekou’s career began with a bold leap of faith—leaving his job as a fifth-grade teacher to pursue his passion for spoken word poetry full-time. This decision marked the beginning of a journey that would eventually make him a two-time National Poetry Slam Champion, a pioneer of a new industry, and an inspiration to entrepreneurs, leaders, and creatives around the world.  The Power of Storytelling  Sekou’s napkin wisdom encapsulates a simple yet profound truth: “A story is only as great as its teller.” This mantra reflects his belief in the transformative power of storytelling and the importance of t

Episode 209 of the Paper Napkin Wisdom podcast features Amanda A. Carpenter, a transformational coach whose insights illuminate the power of resilience and self-discovery. In this episode, Amanda shares her journey of turning setbacks into setups for success and emphasizes the importance of authenticity in leadership.  Amanda is a transformational coach, author, speaker, and the CEO of IAH.fit, a platform dedicated to helping individuals achieve holistic wellness through innovative fitness solutions. With a compelling personal story and a dynamic approach to personal growth, Amanda's work resonates deeply with entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone seeking to navigate life’s challenges with grace and resilience. You can learn more about Amanda through her LinkedIn profile.  A Platform For Growth  Amanda’s message is clear: resilience is not about avoiding challenges but about using them as a platform for growth. She recounts moments of profound struggle that shaped her perspective and taught her the value

  Innovation often comes with its own set of challenges, not the least of which is overcoming the ubiquitous "no" that many inventors face. In a recent episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Govindh Jayaraman sat down with Jack Courage, the host of "The 30 Year Overnight Sensation Podcast" and inventor of products like the Bulls Helmet, Foo-Do, and Wrist Rally. Jack shared his journey and the lessons he has learned over three decades in the field of invention and innovation.  Jack Courage: A Brief Bio  Jack Courage is a seasoned inventor known for his creative and practical innovations. Among his notable inventions are the Bulls Helmet, designed for the Chicago Bulls, the Foo-Do, and the Wrist Rally. His podcast, "The 30 Year Overnight Sensation," serves as a valuable resource for novice and experienced inventors alike, offering insights into the realities of bringing a product to market. Jack’s candid discussions about his successes and failures provide a rich learning experience for anyone interested in the

Annie Meehan, a certified speaker, author, and talk show host, is an inspiring voice in personal transformation and leadership. Known for her authenticity and energy, Annie has dedicated her career to helping people rewrite their stories and embrace the power of resilience and intentionality. In this episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, she unveils her personal mantra, encapsulated as "P3: Purpose, Formula, or Pineapple Kindness," and its transformative impact on both individuals and teams.  The Meaning Behind P3  At the heart of Annie’s philosophy is the concept of living intentionally through "P3." She breaks this down into three pillars:  Purpose: Identifying what drives you and aligning your daily actions with your long-term goals. Annie explains, "Purpose isn’t just a big idea; it’s in the small, consistent steps we take every day."  Formula: Establishing systems and routines that empower you to stay focused and effective. She emphasizes the importance of crafting formulas that are adaptable y

Jim Estill, CEO of Danby Appliances, is a visionary leader, entrepreneur, and philanthropist renowned for scaling businesses and empowering communities. With an illustrious career that spans multiple industries, Jim is celebrated for his ability to think big and execute bigger. From starting a business in the trunk of his car to leading companies to billion-dollar valuations, Jim embodies the ethos of dreaming monumental dreams and breaking them into actionable tasks. His commitment to helping others achieve their fullest potential is a testament to his leadership and purpose-driven life.  On this episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Jim shares a powerful message: “Monumental tasks are the best kind of tasks.” This phrase reflects his belief that the seemingly insurmountable becomes achievable when approached with the right mindset, strategy, and team.  Why We Avoid Big Tasks  “The big thing is not that much bigger than the small thing,” Jim explains. People often gravitate toward smaller tasks because they

In episode 205 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, host Govindh Jayaraman sits down with Kirsten Screen, a certified nutritionist and wellness advocate with a mission to debunk myths surrounding health and nutrition. With a robust online presence, Kirsten is well-known for her practical approach to wellness, helping individuals build sustainable habits that improve both their health and quality of life. Her insights are a blend of scientific expertise and practical wisdom, making her advice both actionable and relatable.  As a mother and entrepreneur, Kirsten understands the challenges of balancing life’s demands while striving for optimal health. During this episode, she shares her perspective on how small, consistent actions can lead to profound and lasting transformations. Through her coaching and educational content, Kirsten has empowered countless individuals to redefine their relationship with food and wellness, emphasizing the importance of listening to one’s body and finding joy in the process.  The Myth of

Introduction  In the latest episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Govindh Jayaraman sits down with Dennis Underwood, a cybersecurity expert and the innovative mind behind Cyber Crucible. With a career dedicated to protecting digital landscapes and developing tools to prevent data breaches, Dennis brings a wealth of insight into safeguarding the virtual world. Through his platform, Cyber Crucible, he’s making advanced cybersecurity accessible to businesses of all sizes. His LinkedIn profile (Dennis Underwood) and his company’s website (Cyber Crucible) are testaments to his commitment to innovation and leadership in the cybersecurity realm.  In this episode, Dennis shares a pivotal paper napkin wisdom that encapsulates his philosophy: "Simplify the complex to secure the essential." His approach to cybersecurity emphasizes cutting through the noise to focus on protecting what truly matters. This discussion is packed with actionable insights for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone invested in creating a secure dig

In episode 203 of the Paper Napkin Wisdom podcast, Govindh Jayaraman sits down with Tiffany Joy Murchison, an accomplished author, speaker, and the founder of TJM & Co. Media Boutique. With a wealth of experience in public relations and crisis management, Tiffany shared transformative insights into how leaders can navigate challenges and embrace resilience.  Tiffany’s professional journey is a testament to perseverance and strategic thinking. As the CEO of TJM & Co., she has built a dynamic firm specializing in helping brands communicate effectively, especially during turbulent times. Her expertise in crisis communications and reputation management has made her a sought-after advisor for organizations aiming to maintain trust and transparency in challenging situations.  In this enlightening episode, Tiffany and Govindh delve into the intricacies of leadership, offering actionable strategies for overcoming adversity and thriving in uncertainty.  The Art of Crisis Management  Tiffany underscor

In episode 202 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Govindh Jayaraman is joined by Neil Seeman, a writer, researcher, and expert in mental health and digital health innovation. Based in Toronto, Neil has dedicated his career to amplifying the voices of unsung heroes—those he calls "quiet experts"—to create meaningful change in the world. This inspiring conversation delves into how we can unlock the potential of quiet leaders and harness their unique insights for transformative impact.  Neil’s paper napkin wisdom, "Empower quiet experts to change the world," serves as a rallying cry to recognize and uplift individuals who work behind the scenes but make significant contributions. As Neil shares his journey, he offers actionable advice for leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers to identify, support, and collaborate with these experts.  Celebrating Quiet Leadership  Neil opens by discussing the profound impact quiet leaders have had in his life and career. Often overlooked in the noise of traditional leadership ar

In this very personal and transformative Part 2 episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Gina Mollicone-Long, co-founder of Greatness U and a transformational expert, dives deeper into the idea of becoming the person you are before external proof appears. Building on the wisdom shared in Part 1, this episode refines that message and focuses on change, authenticity, and the journey of self-discovery.  For me, this conversation was unlike any other. It was deeply personal, as I opened up about things I’ve never discussed publicly before. Gina’s ability to create a safe and reflective space allowed us to explore not just theoretical ideas but practical wisdom that every entrepreneur and leader can apply to their lives.  The Refinement of Transformation  Gina’s napkin wisdom in this episode introduces a crucial evolution of her earlier thoughts: change doesn’t happen in comfort. She eloquently explained, “Change can only happen when you’re perturbed. It’s not supposed to be comfortable.” This truth resonates with a

Introduction to Gina Mollicone-Long and Part 1 of This Transformational Series  Gina Mollicone-Long is a transformational leader, international speaker, best-selling author, and co-founder of Greatness U, an organization dedicated to unlocking human potential through cutting-edge coaching, courses, and tools. She’s no stranger to the Paper Napkin Wisdom community, having been a cornerstone of its origin story. In this special two-part series, Gina brings her unparalleled insights into alignment, mindset, and authenticity to help entrepreneurs and leaders create breakthroughs in their lives and businesses.  In this milestone 200th episode, Gina dives deep into how alignment—not hustle—is the secret to success. She challenges listeners to shift their perspective, embrace their authentic selves, and break through mental barriers holding them back from achieving greatness.  Let’s explore the highlights of this engaging conversation and uncover the wisdom Gina shared.  Aligning with Success: It’s Not Abou

In Episode 199 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Sean Finter, founder of the Finter Group, joins us for the second part of his insightful series. If you caught part one, you already know Sean as a dynamic thinker who blends business acumen with life wisdom. In this episode, Sean dives deeper into the nuances of his philosophy, sharing how his "napkin moments" transcend business frameworks and evolve into tools for personal growth and leadership.  As Sean explains, “I thought my napkin was a business thing, but I realized it had a broader application.” This realization speaks to the adaptability and transformative potential of great ideas. Whether you're leading a team or shaping your personal life, Sean’s insights offer practical tools to navigate complexity, build resilience, and foster meaningful growth.  Simplicity Amidst Complexity  Sean describes the challenges leaders face in breaking down overwhelming problems into manageable steps. “I learned to simplify things—not because it’s easy, but because simplici

In Episode 198 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Sean Finter brings a refreshing perspective on leadership and strategy. With decades of experience building high-performing teams and consulting leaders worldwide, Sean distills complex ideas into actionable insights that anyone can use to transform their organization. His approach? Simplicity, clarity, and a focus on what truly matters.  Sean’s wisdom stems from his personal journey of self-discovery, marked by challenges like dyslexia and his early days as a young leader in London’s hospitality scene. His philosophy, captured in the memorable quote, “If your staff can’t articulate your business strategy on a napkin, you don’t have one,” encapsulates his belief in clarity as the cornerstone of effective leadership.  In this blog, we explore Sean’s key insights and actionable steps to implement them.  Simplicity: The Cornerstone of Strategy  Sean’s napkin test is more than a clever idea—it’s a profound principle. He explained during the podcast:  "That napkin

Episode 197: Paper Napkin Wisdom with Ashley Perona (Part 2 of 2)  In this second part of our conversation with Ashley Perona, founder of Ever Wander Travel, we uncover the secrets to balancing health and thriving in the fast-paced world of travel and entrepreneurship. Ashley’s journey is a testament to how aligning with your core values can drive sustainable success while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  Whether you’re building a business, managing a team, or living a life of adventure, Ashley's practical tips on health and travel offer game-changing insights that are easy to implement.  Redefining Health on the Move  Ashley believes that staying healthy while traveling is not just about discipline; it’s about creating sustainable habits. “I always tell people, pack a reusable water bottle, prioritize your sleep, and make smart food choices,” she says. Hydration, rest, and nutrition form the foundation of her health strategy.  She shared how she keeps up with her wellness goals by blending small,

In Episode 196 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, we dive into the transformative wisdom of Ashley Perona, founder of EverWander Travel. Known for curating exceptional travel experiences, Ashley brings a unique perspective to personal and professional growth. Her mantra, “Explore, Experience, Evolve,” is not just a statement—it’s a call to action for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone striving to grow.  Ashley’s philosophy is beautifully captured in her napkin, which features a symbolic design of hearts and airplanes, representing connection, movement, and transformation. During this first part of a two-part series, she shares how exploration has shaped her entrepreneurial journey, why meaningful experiences matter, and how leaders can embrace evolution as a continuous process.  The Art of Exploration: Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone  One of the core themes Ashley shares is the importance of exploration. Whether it’s traveling to a new place or trying a different approach in business, exploration pushes bounda

In episode 195 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Govindh Jayaraman welcomes Richard Walton, founder of Outsell Sales, to discuss a profound shift in B2B sales. Walton, joining from South Africa, shares his perspective on why sales professionals should “Go back to the ’80s to sell better.” This throwback isn’t about nostalgia; it’s about reconnecting with the essence of human relationships that used to define sales success.  Walton’s core message is that the digital-first, hyper-automated strategies common today often overlook the value of personal, face-to-face interactions. In his view, building trust and credibility with high-ticket B2B clients requires more than emails and LinkedIn messages; it requires taking the time to meet people, listen genuinely, and show up with a sincere desire to understand their challenges.  Revisiting the “Shoe Leather” Strategy  One of Walton’s main points is that sales in the digital age has lost its personal touch. “The competitive advantage that every single person can have i

In Episode 194 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Govindh Jayaraman welcomes Stefanie Fox, an influential leader in the salon industry who has made it her mission to empower salon owners and stylists to build fulfilling, sustainable careers. Stefanie’s insights extend far beyond the beauty industry. She offers lessons in self-awareness, resilience, and leadership that apply to entrepreneurs and leaders across all sectors.  Stefanie is a coach, speaker, and visionary who has helped salon owners address the often-overlooked aspects of business: people management, retention, and culture. She’s a data enthusiast who understands the neuroscience behind emotional states and decision-making, making her approach both practical and scientifically grounded. Through her work, Stefanie addresses a unique yet universal challenge: how to lead authentically while managing moments of self-doubt and uncertainty.  Embracing Vulnerability as a Path to Growth  Stefanie candidly shares her struggles with what she calls “doubt days”—t

In episode 193 of the Paper Napkin Wisdom podcast, we had the privilege of speaking with Kevin Thompson, a seasoned connector of entrepreneurs and a strategic partnership expert. Kevin, whose career spans over two decades, has dedicated himself to helping entrepreneurs cultivate meaningful and profitable partnerships grounded in integrity, trust, and shared values. Throughout the episode, Kevin provides a refreshing perspective on how focusing on relationships over revenue has profoundly shaped his success. His message is clear: when we lead with service and genuine connection, the right opportunities will naturally follow.  The Roots of Intentional Relationships  Kevin's journey into partnership-building began in the early 2000s, but it was one pivotal statement that shifted his approach: "Relationships are our most valuable asset." This mantra resonated deeply with him, and over the years, it became the cornerstone of his business philosophy. He shared, “At a seminar back in 2006 or 2007, someone said

In episode 192 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, we dive deep into the nuances of creativity, self-doubt, and the entrepreneurial spirit with Amy Bernstein, an accomplished author, book coach, and creative powerhouse. Amy has dedicated her life to the written word and to helping others unlock their potential as writers and thinkers. Through her work, she illuminates the often-hidden journey that creatives and leaders must navigate, particularly in facing self-doubt and taking ownership of their own risks. The Role of Self-Doubt in Creativity and Leadership Amy’s perspective on self-doubt is refreshing and counterintuitive. Rather than viewing self-doubt as an obstacle to conquer, she advocates for managing it as a companion in our creative journey. “You cannot conquer self-doubt,” she shares. “But you can learn to manage it.” This philosophy, rooted in her own life experiences, has empowered her to take bigger creative risks and has also allowed her to guide others on similar paths. For Amy, the presence of doubt doesn