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

In this episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Govindh Jayaraman welcomes back Todd Palmer for another insightful conversation. Todd, a business coach, author, and former CEO, is known for his ability to help leaders and entrepreneurs navigate uncertainty, redefine success, and develop authentic leadership styles. His perspective is invaluable for those looking to build a sustainable and fulfilling path in business and life.  Todd’s wisdom centers on the importance of defining one’s purpose and aligning it with professional goals. He highlights how self-awareness and emotional intelligence are essential for effective leadership, helping individuals overcome imposter syndrome and embrace authenticity. Through an engaging discussion, he shares how resilience, adaptability, and learning from failure play a crucial role in an entrepreneur’s journey.  The Power of Purpose and Defining Success  One of the standout moments in the conversation is Todd’s unique approach to visualizing success through a simple yet pro

In this episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, we sit down with entrepreneur, marketer, and joy-bringer Nicole Donnelly. Right from the start, her paper napkin set the tone for our conversation—a napkin featuring a dog wearing a hat. Simple? Yes. Powerful? Absolutely. Because for Nicole, this whimsical image represents something much greater: the importance of bringing joy into everything we do.  Nicole’s journey is one of innovation, grit, and an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact. From her entrepreneurial ventures to her expertise in AI-driven marketing, she brings a unique perspective on business success—one rooted in joy, purpose, and connection. But how do we integrate joy into our work, our leadership, and our everyday interactions? Nicole has the answers.  Joy as a Business Strategy  For Nicole, joy is not just a personal mission; it’s a business strategy. Too often, entrepreneurs get caught in the cycle of stress, burnout, and an unrelenting pursuit of success. But what if the key to s

In Episode 222 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, we sit down with Rishi Khanna, CEO of ISHIR, to discuss a transformative approach to personal and professional growth. With over 25 years of experience in business, Rishi has built a thriving company while also discovering that success alone doesn’t lead to fulfillment.  His realization? True success comes from living life by design, not by default—a lesson he distilled into a simple yet profound framework, captured on his Paper Napkin:  Quiet Time = Clarity Clarity = Confidence Confidence = Outcomes New Habits = New Results Self-Reflection = Self-Mastery  These equations represent a step-by-step approach to intentional living—one that helped Rishi move from feeling unfulfilled despite business success to crafting a life of purpose.  Living Life by Design, Not Default  Rishi openly shares that before he developed his framework, his life was driven by external measures of success. He built a successful company, landed major clients, and reached financial milest

Growth is never a straight line—it’s filled with obstacles, self-doubt, and moments of resistance. But what if we saw resistance not as a roadblock, but as a guide? That’s exactly what Lolly Spindler believes. In this episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, we dive deep into the concept of using resistance as a compass to help us grow.  Who is Lolly Spindler?  Lolly Spindler is a content marketing strategist, entrepreneur, and founder of Crea Content Marketing. With years of experience crafting compelling narratives and helping businesses elevate their messaging, Lolly knows the power of words and intentional storytelling. Her insights on building a six-figure content business can be found at Crea Content Marketing and through her program, The 6-Fig Content Biz.  The Power of Resistance  During our conversation, Lolly shared a profound insight she wrote on her paper napkin: "Resistance shows you where to grow." But she took it a step further—she emphasized the letters "G" and "O" in "GROW," making the word

In episode #220 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, we sat down with Andy Fine, founder of Sartoro, a custom menswear brand focused on sustainability, craftsmanship, and digital-first tailoring. Andy shared a principle that has shaped his entrepreneurial journey: “95% perfect takes 50% of the work—doubling your effort isn’t worth the last 5%.”  For entrepreneurs and leaders, this is a game-changing mindset shift. It challenges the obsession with perfection and highlights the importance of efficiency, prioritization, and knowing when to move forward. Andy’s insights are a must-hear for anyone looking to scale their business without getting trapped in the pursuit of diminishing returns.  The Power of the 95% Rule  Andy explained that this principle is fundamental to how he operates, especially in the world of startups and small teams. “You have to get a lot done in short periods of time and balance priorities,” he said. “Chasing the last 5% can be a huge drain on time and resources, often without meaningful impact.

In episode 219 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Govindh Jayaraman sits down with Michael Schoenberger, an expert in telecommunications and business leadership. As the President of Sunco Communication and Installation, Michael has mastered the art of integrating legacy technologies—like rotary phones—with modern IP communications. But his insights go far beyond just phones. This conversation dives into the mindset shifts necessary for leaders, the evolving landscape of business, and how staying adaptable can be the key to long-term success.  The Power of Adaptability  Michael is a big believer in bridging old and new—not just in technology but in business and leadership. He shares how companies that embrace change while holding onto foundational principles tend to thrive.  "If you understand the roots of what makes things work, you can evolve without losing your identity."  In a rapidly changing world, businesses often feel the pressure to adopt every new trend. But Michael warns that chasing novelty without

In episode 218 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Govindh Jayaraman sits down with Eldon Sprickerhoff, a cybersecurity pioneer, entrepreneur, and author of Committed. Eldon shares deep insights from his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing resilience, adaptability, and the power of perseverance in building a successful business.  Eldon’s mantra, “Survive long enough to catch a lucky break,” encapsulates the essence of his approach to entrepreneurship. He reflects on his own startup experience, admitting that early expectations are often clouded by optimism. However, those who endure, adapt, and refine their strategies are more likely to seize the opportunities that eventually come their way.  The Reality of Entrepreneurship: It’s About Survival  Eldon shares that startups rarely go as planned. Many entrepreneurs enter the journey with the expectation that their brilliant idea will naturally attract customers. However, the reality is far different.  “You start with unrealistic expectations and optimism… but eve

In this insightful episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Govindh Jayaraman sits down with Robin Phillips, Executive Director of Child Care Aware of Missouri, to discuss the art and impact of advocacy—a skill that entrepreneurs and leaders can harness to create lasting change. Robin’s experience in community development and her role in advocating for better family support systems provide a blueprint for anyone looking to lead effectively and influence meaningful outcomes.  Advocacy is a powerful leadership tool. For Robin, it has been a catalyst for transforming communities, improving access to resources, and driving economic growth. Entrepreneurs and leaders who learn to advocate can amplify their impact by championing causes, building partnerships, and leading with empathy.  The Evolution of Advocacy  Robin begins by explaining that successful advocacy requires a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the people you serve. Entrepreneurs and leaders often face similar challenges when trying to underst

In this episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Govindh Jayaraman interviews Max Zaharenkov, an entrepreneur and thought leader with a fascinating journey that merges technology, creativity, and innovation. With years of experience as a software developer, tech entrepreneur, and designer, Max brings a unique perspective to the table. As the founder of several startups and an advocate for minimalist design and user-focused products, he shares compelling wisdom about building, scaling, and maintaining success.  Max’s career spans multiple industries, and his thought-provoking take on balancing perfectionism with practicality makes this conversation a must-listen for entrepreneurs and leaders looking for actionable advice. His key message revolves around breaking free from analysis paralysis and driving forward with purposeful action—even when the path isn’t perfectly clear.  The Power of Momentum: How Taking Imperfect Action Sparks Growth  Max talks about one of the most common pitfalls entrepreneurs face—waiti

In episode 215 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Govindh Jayaraman is joined by Lori Haller, a globally recognized graphic designer, marketing strategist, and creative force behind Designing Response. With over 20 years of experience, Lori has collaborated with some of the world’s most prestigious brands, including Hyatt Hotels, National Geographic, and Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Productions. Her approach to design blends creative storytelling with practical business insights, making her a powerhouse in the world of marketing design.  In their conversation, Lori delves into the importance of seeing beyond aesthetics to deliver results-driven design. Her philosophy goes beyond creating pretty visuals—she focuses on crafting messages that engage, inform, and inspire action. This episode is a masterclass in how creative vision and strategic thinking can drive business growth.  Designing with Purpose  For Lori, design is more than art; it’s a means to solve problems and convey strategic messaging. “I start by asking the right q

Christopher Robbins, founder of Soul Degree and an advocate for transformational leadership and personal growth, has been guiding people through meaningful experiences that connect them to their purpose. Drawing from his extensive background in leadership development, adventure programming, and family life with his spouse, Mel Robbins, Christopher has created a space where individuals can pause, reflect, and realign with their life’s mission. His work is deeply rooted in fostering authentic connection and using nature as a transformative tool.  In this podcast episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Christopher opens up about how adventure and intentional pauses can unlock personal breakthroughs. Through Soul Degree’s immersive retreats, participants are guided to detach from everyday distractions and reconnect with their deeper selves. Robbins emphasizes that the key to meaningful growth often lies in making room for reflection—an antidote to modern life’s constant busyness.  "Sometimes, it’s not about adding m

In episode 213 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Govindh Jayaraman welcomes Michelle Songy, a serial entrepreneur who has successfully built and led multiple ventures. Michelle shared a game-changing perspective that every entrepreneur and leader should consider: "Prepare to scale down at some point. It isn't a bad thing." This statement encapsulates her hard-earned wisdom and challenges the conventional belief that relentless growth is the only path to success.  Pressure to Grow  Michelle’s entrepreneurial journey, spanning two companies, has taught her that growth comes with unique challenges. She candidly described how the pressure to grow quickly often led her to measure success by metrics like team size. "People would ask, 'How many employees do you have?' and I’d feel compelled to give a bigger number each time," she shared. But this focus on scale often led to inefficiencies, stress, and a loss of alignment with her core mission.  This episode explores the idea that scaling responsibly and strategically—

Episode 212 of Paper Napkin Wisdom brings a profound conversation with Boaz Ashkenazy, the founder of Simply Augmented, a company revolutionizing how businesses leverage AI. With a deep passion for innovation and leadership, Boaz challenges us to rethink the way we approach success, growth, and problem-solving. His mantra, "The future belongs to those who ask the right questions, not to those who have the answers," sets the tone for this enlightening episode. Boaz’s journey is a testament to the power of curiosity and adaptability. As a thought leader in the AI space and host of the Shift AI Podcast, he emphasizes that the world’s complexity demands leaders who are not just decisive but inquisitive. In this episode, Boaz shares wisdom on how asking the right questions can unlock solutions, foster innovation, and create transformative outcomes—not just in business but in life.  The Importance of Questions Over Answers  "We live in a world where change happens at an unprecedented pace," Boaz explains. "Those wh

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