Best Authenticleadership Podcasts (2025)

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EP 274 - Growing Managers: From “Best Boss” Moments to Self-Awareness Breakthroughs - Freedom by Design, Pt 12 with Michael Walsh 31:02

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5h ago31:02

31:02

Meet the guest. Michael Walsh is a Vancouver-based business strategist, author of Business Growth by Design, and founder of Walsh Business Growth Institute, the international consultancy he’s run since 1995 to help owners scale sustainably and earn the “freedom dividend” they started their companies for. In Part 12 of our ongoing Freedom by Design …

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EP 273 - From Silence to Empowered Voice - Jessica Fabus Cheng’s Mission to Make the World Accessible 37:31

22h ago37:31

37:31

When Jessica Fabus Cheng first stepped into an operating room as a certified surgical technologist and later as a registered nurse, she believed her purpose was to advocate for patients who could not speak for themselves. Then came a rare thyroid-cancer diagnosis, two vocal-cord surgeries, and the terrifying warning that she might never speak again…

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EP 272 - One Decision. Global Impact. | Guest: Rainier Mallol 41:04

3d ago41:04

41:04

When Dominican-born engineer-entrepreneur Rainier Mallol walked into Singularity University in 2015, he carried a single, under-lined word on the napkin he would eventually share with Paper Napkin Wisdom: Decision. That decision—to harness artificial intelligence against mosquito-borne diseases—launched AIME (Artificial Intelligence in Medical Epid…

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EP 271 - Focus on Teams: How Michael Walsh Turns Groups into Growth Engines Freedom by Design Series – Part 11 32:56

4d ago32:56

32:56

For nearly three decades, Michael Walsh has helped owners of $2-$100 M companies escape the “growth trap” and win back their freedom. As founder of Walsh Business Growth Institute and author, the Vancouver-based adviser has guided leaders across North America and Europe to scale profitably without sacrificing culture or lifestyle. A former competit…

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Life Best Practices Pt 3 - What's In Your Name |CEO Material |Podcast SN3EP21 42:41

8d ago42:41

42:41

In today’s episode, we’re unpacking something deeply personal and powerful — your name. What does it stand for? What legacy does it leave? How can you take ownership of it, even if your past or upbringing made you want to reject it? Terrence and Sandra open up about how childhood, mistakes, growth, marriage, and personal transformation have shaped …

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EP 270 - Be Bold: David Umansky on Designing Opportunity Through Civic Impact 42:32

8d ago42:32

42:32

David Umansky is the CEO and co-founder of Civic Builders, a nonprofit organization that designs, finances, and builds public charter schools in underserved communities across the United States. Since its inception in 2002, Civic Builders has helped create over 65 schools serving more than 30,000 students. But David’s impact goes far beyond buildin…

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EP 269 - Let’s Retire Retirement: Derek Coburn’s Bold Blueprint for a Fulfilling Life at Every Stage 38:19

10d ago38:19

38:19

In this powerful return to Paper Napkin Wisdom, the bestselling author of Networking Is Not Working and the new book Let’s Retire Retirement dives into a game-changing mindset shift: what if retirement was never the goal? Derek is a financial advisor, entrepreneur, community builder, and father. With decades of experience advising high-performing i…

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EP 268 - Building a Career Growth Plan That’s Truly About Them – A Conversation with Michael Walsh (Part 10 in the Freedom by Design Series) 59:46

11d ago59:46

59:46

In Episode 268 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, we continue the Freedom by Design series with leadership expert and business growth strategist Michael Walsh. Michael has helped countless organizations align leadership and team development with sustainable growth—and in this tenth installment, he delivers a crucial message for anyone leading people: Develop …

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EP 267 - Get Up. Get Dressed. People Are Counting on You – Marc Dann | Paper Napkin Wisdom 42:15

15d ago42:15

42:15

Marc Dann is no stranger to high-stakes leadership. As a former Ohio Attorney General and now a tireless advocate for consumer rights, Marc brings a seasoned perspective on accountability, resilience, and purpose. In Episode 267 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, he shares a deceptively simple, yet profoundly powerful mantra that has anchored his professional…

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EP 266 - Nearly All Decisions Are Driven by Emotions — Here's How to Leverage That in Business by Darren Hickman 35:04

17d ago35:04

35:04

Darren Hickman has spent decades navigating the complex terrain of branding, marketing, and emotional engagement. A former Disney executive and seasoned marketing strategist, Darren brings an uncanny ability to see how the unseen emotional levers drive business outcomes. In this episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Darren shares a deceptively simple tru…

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EP 265 - Train & Grow Your People (Part 2): How to Generate Integrated Results with Michael Walsh 32:56

19d ago32:56

32:56

Michael Walsh returns for Part 9 in the Freedom by Design series to continue building out a powerful framework for leaders seeking lasting impact — not just in their businesses, but through them. In this edition, we dive deep into the core of high-performance organizations: people development as the engine of profit and customer value. Michael Wals…

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Life Best Practices PT2 |The CEO Material Podcast| SN3EP20 40:40

22d ago40:40

40:40

In today’s episode of The CEO Material Podcast, we continue the rich conversation on Life Best Practices, diving into what it truly means to lead your personal life like a successful business. Terrence and Ms. Sandra explore how core business values—like integrity, vision, partnership, and proactive strategy—can transform not just your workplace, b…

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EP 264 – Todd Palmer: Everything Happens For Me, Not To Me 50:12

23d ago50:12

50:12

In his return to Paper Napkin Wisdom, Todd Palmer—renowned executive coach, keynote speaker, and founder of Extraordinary Advisors—brings with him a powerful reframe that resonates deeply with anyone navigating tough leadership terrain: "Everything happens 4 me, NOT 2 me." Todd isn’t new to turning adversity into opportunity. As a CEO who once face…

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EP 263 - Power Is Never Given — You Have to Take It: A Conversation with David Herle 42:24

25d ago42:24

42:24

David Herle, a political strategist, pollster, and principal at The Gandalf Group, has spent decades helping shape public opinion and advising leaders in the highest circles of Canadian politics. From managing campaigns for Prime Minister Paul Martin to shaping the narrative through his influential podcast The Herle Burly, David knows what it means…

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EP 262 - Train & Grow Your People: The Dimensions of Results – Part 8 of the Freedom by Design Series with Michael Walsh 33:17

27d ago33:17

33:17

Michael Walsh is back with another profound insight in episode 262 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, continuing our “Freedom by Design” series. As the founder of Walsh Business Growth, Michael brings decades of experience helping companies build freedom within their businesses by designing scalable, people-first systems. In this episode, he shares a deceptiv…

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EP 261 - Build, Don’t Burnout: How Ross Albers Learned to Lead by Working ON, Not IN, His Business 36:39

1M ago36:39

36:39

When Ross Albers found himself fired just two weeks before his wedding, most people would have panicked. Instead, Ross did something remarkable: he founded his own law firm. What started as a necessity quickly became a proving ground for building a business with intention—and more importantly, with vision. In this episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Ro…

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EP 260 - Toni Harrison on Building R.E.A.L. Resilience: How to Stay Grounded and Grow Through the Grind 37:30

1M ago37:30

37:30

In Episode 260 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, we sit down with Toni Harrison, the powerhouse CEO of Etched Communication, a nationally recognized communications firm. Toni brings not only decades of experience in high-stakes PR and crisis management, but also a deeply personal and refreshingly honest take on what it means to be resilient in business and l…

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EP 259 - Michael Walsh - Part 7 of the Freedom by Design Series - Hire Smart for Your Expertise-Based Business 51:50

1M ago51:50

51:50

Michael Walsh is no stranger to the Paper Napkin Wisdom podcast. As a seasoned leadership strategist, business growth expert, and founder of Walsh Business Growth, Michael returns with another powerful idea that challenges how we think about hiring in today’s knowledge-driven economy. In part 7 of our Freedom by Design series, we dive into the huma…

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Life Best Practices |The CEO Material Podcast| SN3EP19 39:05

1M ago39:05

39:05

In today’s episode, we dive deep into the powerful concept of life best practices — a term borrowed from the business world and reimagined for our personal lives and relationships. Your hosts, Terrence and Sandra, share how they've taken principles like integrity, discipline, and vision from successful businesses and applied them to their marriage,…

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EP 258 - If It Doesn’t Set Your Soul on Fire, It’s Not Worth It — Dinah Chapman on the Courage to Live Unapologetically 35:45

1M ago35:45

35:45

Dinah Chapman is not your average entrepreneur. A fierce advocate for bold living, Dinah’s energy is magnetic, and her insights are ignited by a lifetime of choosing purpose over pretense. She’s a keynote speaker, creative strategist, and self-described “disruptor with intention.” Her Paper Napkin packs a punch — literally: "If it doesn’t set your …

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EP 257 - Move Fast (But Don’t Break It All): Adam Olalde’s Refined Formula for Bold Leadership 33:34

1M ago33:34

33:34

In Episode 257 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Adam Olalde, entrepreneur and founder of the Xtreme Xperience, shares a piece of guidance that captures the heart of adaptive leadership in a fast-paced world: “Move fast and (try not to) break things.” It’s a nuanced remix of the famous Silicon Valley adage, but with a leadership lens honed by experience. Ada…

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EP 256 - Freedom by Design Series (Part 6) | The Social Contract: Rethinking the Balance Between Owners and Employees Michael Walsh 36:25

1M ago36:25

36:25

In the sixth installment of the Freedom by Design series, Michael Walsh distills a transformative idea on a literal paper napkin: The Social Contract. It’s a powerful reframing of the unspoken expectations that define the relationship between companies and their employees. More than a list of responsibilities, it’s a shared agreement—designed not j…

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EP 255 – Awareness Is the Gateway: Rethinking Inner and Outer States with Seema Dhanoa 37:24

1M ago37:24

37:24

In episode 255 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, we’re joined by the brilliant Seema Dhanoa — a transformational coach, conscious leadership facilitator, and author of the powerful book The Path to Conscious Leadership. Seema’s work is rooted in helping people return to themselves and lead from a place of inner truth. Her napkin might be simple in form, but …

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EP 254 - Give Before Asking: A Simple Shift That Transforms Leadership - Featuring Rick Williams 43:03

2M ago43:03

43:03

In Episode 254 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Govindh Jayaraman sits down with Rick Williams — board director, leadership coach, and author of Create the Future: For Your Company and Yourself. A man of strategic clarity and quiet conviction, Rick shares a deceptively simple yet profoundly powerful message: "Give Before Asking." This phrase, written on a p…

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EP 253 - Freedom by Design Series (Part 5) | Rethink the Core: Why Real Growth Starts Within - Michael Walsh | Freedom by Design, Part 4 46:34

2M ago46:34

46:34

In the next installment of the Freedom by Design series, Michael Walsh brings us back to the heart of sustainable business growth: the core of your organization. His napkin, boldly titled “Rethink the Core,” offers a deceptively simple yet profoundly important shift in how entrepreneurs and leaders define what really drives performance. On one side…

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EP 252 - The Customer Isn’t Always Right – Your Team Comes First: Wisdom from Christine McDannell 33:48

2M ago33:48

33:48

Christine McDannell is a serial entrepreneur, author of The Resilient Founder, and a passionate advocate for building businesses that align with long-term legacy and personal purpose. She’s launched and sold multiple companies, including a 7-figure exit, and now focuses her energy on guiding purpose-driven founders through her work at Kindred Quart…

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EP 251 - Freedom by Design Series (Part 4) | The Four Driving Influences of Human Behavior – Michael Walsh on What Really Moves Us 34:32

2M ago34:32

34:32

In Part 4 of the Freedom by Design series, Michael Walsh — growth strategist and founder of Walsh Business Growth — returns to the Paper Napkin Wisdom podcast with another deceptively simple, powerfully transformational idea. This time, Michael outlines what he believes to be the four core driving influences of all human behavior: Survive, Thrive, …

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EP 250 - John Sleeman Series (Part 3 of 3) | “I Need a New Challenge.” — John Sleeman’s Legacy, Reinvented 50:15

2M ago50:15

50:15

Heads up: this is a live recording, and the audio has some echo due to a tech glitch. Still, John’s wisdom shines through—and we think it’s worth it. Hope you agree. In this special final chapter of a three-part series, we return to Paper Napkin Wisdom with legendary entrepreneur John Sleeman, founder of Sleeman Breweries and Spring Mill Distillery…

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EP 249 – John Sleeman Series (Part 2 of 3) | You’ve Been Given a Gift — Now Do Something With It 49:32

2M ago49:32

49:32

Heads up: this is a live recording, and the audio has some echo due to a tech glitch. Still, John’s wisdom shines through—and we think it’s worth it. Hope you agree. This episode marks the second chapter in a three-part journey through the life and legacy of John Sleeman, the iconic Canadian entrepreneur behind Sleeman Breweries. And in this moment…

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EP 248 - John Sleeman Series (Part 1 of 3) | Start a Pub: The Deal-Driven Origins of John Sleeman's Entrepreneurial Rise 48:17

2M ago48:17

48:17

This episode is personal. Just after college, I started a small business with my friend Matt Fox. We launched a student-focused magazine called Fingertips — hunting down wing nights and drink deals before smartphones made that easy. Money was tight. Hustle was everything. And our first cold call was to Sleeman Brewing in Guelph. John Sleeman said y…

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EP 247 - Freedom by Design Series (Part 3) | The Exponential Power of Connection: A Napkin That Changes Everything - Michael Walsh 44:56

2M ago44:56

44:56

Michael Walsh returns for part three of our special Freedom by Design series on Paper Napkin Wisdom, and this one might be the most visually striking yet. If you’re a fan of simple visuals that unlock big thinking, you’re going to love this napkin. It’s a 10x10 grid—just 100 dots—but what it represents could be the unlock for transformational leade…

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EP 246 - The One Call Sale with Ari Galper: Transforming Sales Through Trust 38:08

2M ago38:08

38:08

In Episode 246 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Govindh Jayaraman sits down with Ari Galper, the world’s leading authority on trust-based selling and the creator of the revolutionary “One Call Sale” method. With over 25 years of experience, Ari has completely flipped the traditional sales script. His approach isn’t about pressure, persuasion, or playing gam…

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EP 245 - Summit Your Current Mountain: Dustin Wells on Focus, Fulfillment, and the Climb of Leadership 39:51

2M ago39:51

39:51

Dustin Wells isn’t just an experienced tech entrepreneur — he’s a guide for leaders looking to rediscover purpose in the peaks and valleys of business and life. With over two decades in tech and a successful exit under his belt, Dustin has learned to measure success not only in valuations but in clarity, impact, and joy. In Episode 245 of Paper Nap…

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EP 244 - Freedom by Design Series (Part 2) | The 4 Danger Zones Every Business Must Navigate - Michael Walsh 46:29

2M ago46:29

46:29

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 …

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EP 243 - Freedom by Design Series (Part 1): How Michael Walsh Redefines the Entrepreneur's Journey 19:08

2M ago19:08

19:08

Freedom. It’s a word thrown around a lot in entrepreneurial circles. For some, it’s about time. For others, money. But in Episode 243 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Michael Walsh challenges all of us to look deeper. With his napkin reading, “Freedom is not a selfish act,” he invites established business owners to consider a profound shift in how they view…

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Ep 242 - Self-Care Isn’t Selfish — It’s Essential: Karen Kossow on Redefining Responsibility 37:17

2M ago37:17

37:17

“Self-care isn’t selfish… it’s essential.” That’s the simple but deeply powerful message that Karen Kossow chose to write on her napkin for this episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom. And it’s a message that comes from lived experience. Karen is a devoted parent of two autistic children and a tireless advocate for those navigating complex family dynamics.…

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EP 241 - Stand Out. Speak Up. Be Radically Authentic – Marina Byezhanova on Owning Your Identity 42:26

3M ago42:26

42:26

In Episode 241 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, I reconnect with someone whose growth journey I’ve witnessed firsthand—Marina Byezhanova. She’s not just a remarkable entrepreneur and thought leader; she’s also someone I’ve had the privilege to coach during her early years in the Entrepreneurs’ Organization Accelerator program. Today, she’s the co-founder of…

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Ep 240 - The Time Will Pass Regardless: Why Every Second Counts with Borzou Azabdaftari 44:15

3M ago44:15

44:15

There’s something really honest about a message that stops you cold, makes you sit up straighter, and asks you: What are you really doing with your time? That’s exactly what happened when I sat down (for the second time!) with Borzou Azabdaftari, founder of NickelBronx, a bold and authentic brand identity firm based in Washington, D.C. Our first re…

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The Power of Serving Pt2 |The CEO Material Podcast | SN3EP18 46:01

3M ago46:01

46:01

In today’s episode… We dive into a heartfelt conversation about the hidden blessings that come from a life of service. We reflect on a recent gathering with our extended “growth family” — individuals who, while not related by blood, have become family through the power of love, mentorship, and consistent presence. We share how serving others withou…

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Ep 239 - Don’t Just Build a Business—Build a Foundation: Wisdom from Darcel Dillard-Suite 37:46

3M ago37:46

37:46

In Episode 240 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, we’re joined by Darcel Dillard-Suite, a powerhouse entrepreneur, mental health advocate, and co-founder of Full Circle Health. With nearly three decades of entrepreneurial experience, Darcel has built a thriving business alongside her husband, a psychiatrist, focused on holistic mental wellness and support for…

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Ep 238 - Challenges Are Teachers: James Kaveney on Facing Adversity with an Unlimited Heart 36:35

3M ago36:35

36:35

In Episode 238 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, we sit down with James Kaveney, founder of Unlimited Heart, a transformative platform rooted in helping people lead with courage, connection, and clarity. James is a speaker, coach, and facilitator who draws deeply from personal experience, emotional intelligence, and heart-centered living to guide individuals…

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The Power of Serving |The CEO Material Podcast |SN3EP17 43:54

3M ago43:54

43:54

In this heartfelt and transformational episode, we dive deep into “The Power of Serving”—a theme we touched on previously but knew deserved more space. We open up about how redirecting our focus from ourselves to others during seasons of waiting has brought purpose, peace, and even healing. Through our personal stories and real-life experiences, we…

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Ep 237 - Dr. Heidi Hanna on the Rhythms of Resilience, Burnout Recovery, and the Real Science of Stress 43:07

3M ago43:07

43:07

In this episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, I sit down with Dr. Heidi Hanna, a global expert in stress mastery, resilience training, and brain-based performance strategies. She’s a best-selling author, keynote speaker, and leadership coach who has worked with high-impact organizations like Google, Cisco, the PGA Tour, the U.S. Military, and countless e…

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Ep 236 - Forget Luck — Mark Rypien Says This Is the Real Secret to Winning Big 41:07

3M ago41:07

41:07

If you were watching NFL football in the early ’90s, you know the name Mark Rypien. He’s the Super Bowl MVP who led Washington to victory in Super Bowl XXVI. The first Canadian-born quarterback to start in the NFL. A big-game player with a big arm. But what most people don’t know is the powerful story that came after the confetti. In this special e…

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EP 235 - It Only Takes ONE Yes: Julie Whitney’s Soaring Pivot from PR to Purposeful Storytelling 34:57

3M ago34:57

34:57

Julie Whitney’s career reads like a masterclass in communication—25 years in PR, authoring thousands of news releases, booking stories that captivated viewers across major networks, and crafting messaging that cut through the noise. But in a bold pivot, Julie turned her storytelling superpowers toward something more heartfelt and enduring: children…

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Ep 234 - How Bryce North Learned to Bet on Himself — And Why You Should Too 27:53

3M ago27:53

27:53

Bryce North is not your average entrepreneur. He's a venture capitalist, tech innovator, and the fearless founder of Don’t Be A Little Pitch — a platform aimed at transforming the pitch process for startups and investors alike. But behind the bold branding and quick wit is a deeper lesson — one that was hard-earned through pain, failure, and raw se…

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The Power to Endure |The CEO Material Podcast| SN3EP16 46:02

4M ago46:02

46:02

In today's episode, we explore the transformative power of endurance—when to push through challenges and when to pivot. We share personal stories of overcoming obstacles, including relocating with no support system, while examining the balance between perseverance and knowing when to walk away. We discuss self-awareness, the "ROI" of personal inves…

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Ep 233 - Dare to Go After Your Truth with Love and Humor - Stéphanie Szostak 35:59

4M ago35:59

35:59

Stéphanie Szostak is the kind of person who doesn’t just light up the screen—she lights up every conversation with depth, grace, and a grounded sense of self that comes from real inner work. You may recognize her from blockbuster films like Iron Man 3 or The Devil Wears Prada, or from her unforgettable role as Delilah in ABC’s A Million Little Thin…

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Ep 232 - Creating Yourself Boldly: A Conversation with Hristo Arakliev 35:53

4M ago35:53

35:53

In Episode 232 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, we sit down with Hristo Arakliev, co-founder of Hyperzon, Amazon growth strategist, and entrepreneur with a clear edge—one honed through experience, humility, and a relentless commitment to intentionality. With over a decade of experience navigating the complex world of Amazon growth, Hristo has helped brands …

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Ep 231 - How You Know It’s Worth It – Laura Burke on Paper Napkin Wisdom 32:35

4M ago32:35

32:35

Laura Burke is a powerhouse of transformation. A corporate leader turned coach, mentor, and authenticity advocate, Laura brings more than just credentials to the conversation—she brings clarity, conviction, and a contagious energy. With a background that spans executive leadership, people development, and personal growth, she now champions others i…