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

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

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