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

Michael Walsh is no stranger to growth. As the founder of Walsh Business Growth, he’s spent years helping established business owners scale with intention, clarity, and impact. In this second installment of our Freedom Framework special on Paper Napkin Wisdom, Michael returns to reveal one of his most powerful visual tools for growth: The 4 Danger Zones.  Drawn on a simple napkin (as all great ideas are), Michael lays out the major inflection points — and hidden pitfalls — that business owners face as they scale from $1M to $20M and beyond. Each stage brings a new level of complexity, risk, and decision-making, and many businesses stall — or crash — when they hit these invisible ceilings.  “The danger zones don’t show up in your financials right away. They show up in your energy, your confidence, your ability to lead.” — Michael Walsh  Let’s break down why these zones matter — and how leaders can spot them before they become business breakers.  Stage 1: The $1M Hurdle — The Founder's Grind  Most business