Best Authenticleadership Podcasts (2025)

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EP 298 – Juan DeAngulo: True to Myself, Release the Outcome 43:44

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9h ago43:44

43:44

On this episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, I sat down with Juan DeAngulo, a veteran investor, entrepreneur, and systems thinker whose work bridges discipline and heart. Juan has scaled billion-dollar investment platforms, co-founded Inselligence—a fast-growing tech startup—and, just as importantly, learned to balance leadership with wellness after bat…

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EP 297 – Edge of the Napkin #5 Growth or Comfort … Pick One 15:59

2h ago15:59

15:59

This is an uncomfortable conversation. Every single day, we make choices — most of them so routine that we barely notice. How do you like your steak cooked — rare, medium, or well-done? At Thanksgiving, do you reach for the light meat or the dark? Keto or paleo? Lean muscle or bulk? Strong coffee or a lighter roast? They’re little decisions about t…

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EP 296 - Paper Napkin Wisdom with Jimmy Park 27:16

1h ago27:16

27:16

Every once in a while, a Paper Napkin Wisdom napkin shows up that makes you laugh, makes you think, and ultimately stays with you long after the conversation is over. Episode 296 with Jimmy Park is one of those. This episode was recorded in 2017 but never released—until now, as we approach our 300th milestone. Pulling it out of the archives feels e…

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EP 295: Adam Hudson — Timeless Lessons on Building Freedom Through Business 28:43

2d ago28:43

28:43

Paper Napkin Wisdom Episode 295: Adam Hudson — Timeless Lessons on Building Freedom Through Business Sometimes, the most powerful wisdom waits patiently for the right moment. Episode 295 of Paper Napkin Wisdom is one of those moments. This conversation with Adam Hudson, entrepreneur, investor, and founder of Unemployable and host of Discover Your T…

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EP 294 - Edge of the Napkin #4 - Rest. In. Peace. 14:52

6d ago14:52

14:52

Some episodes of Paper Napkin Wisdom are easy to listen to, packed with energizing insights and clear strategies for growth. Others are heavier — not because they lack value, but because the wisdom forces us to pause, reflect, and wrestle with the uncomfortable. Episode 294 is one of those conversations. This week, Govindh sits down with three litt…

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EP 293 – Steven Rothberg: If a Customer Wants to Pay More, Let Them 44:50

9d ago44:50

44:50

When you sit down with someone like Steven Rothberg, Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of College Recruiter, you expect to hear insights about hiring, technology, and the future of work. What you might not expect is a napkin that sums up decades of wisdom in a sentence so straightforward it almost sounds too simple: “If a customer wants to give y…

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EP 292 - Edge of the Napkin #3: “Who’s the best partner you ever had? (Secret) … It’s you.” 19:03

5d ago19:03

19:03

Partnership is one of the most powerful words in leadership and in life. We spend years searching for the right business partner, co-founder, or even life partner. But here’s the twist on this week’s Paper Napkin Wisdom: the greatest, most important partnership you’ll ever have is not with someone else—it’s with yourself. The napkin for Episode 292…

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Approval of Yourself | The CEO Material Podcast 43:38

5d ago43:38

43:38

In today’s episode, we tackle one of the most important yet overlooked leadership skills: approving of yourself. Before you can lead others, you must learn how to embrace who you are — flaws, past mistakes, and all. We open up about the pressures of society, the weight of expectations, and the struggles that come with comparison. From college debt …

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EP 291 – Jennifer McKenna - The Prosperity Formula: Familiar → Faith → Fulfillment 46:36

10d ago46:36

46:36

Jennifer McKenna, founder of JMac Consulting, is an accomplished business strategist, executive coach, and creator of The JMac Method. With decades of experience guiding leaders and organizations through transformation, Jennifer has built her reputation on blending practical business strategy with a deep commitment to values, authenticity, and grow…

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EP 290 – Andrew Safnauer: Find Your Way Over the Wall 40:06

12d ago40:06

40:06

In Episode 290 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Andrew Safnauer, a seasoned leader and executive with a wealth of experience in management, strategy, and innovation. Andrew has held leadership roles across diverse industries and today brings his insights into resilience, adaptability, and persistence. His wisdom is ca…

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EP 289 - The Edge of the Napkin: Friction vs. Flow 14:57

14d ago14:57

14:57

In Episode 289 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, host Govindh Jayaraman takes us deeper into the next evolution of his work: The Edge of the Napkin. This isn’t just about wisdom captured in simple strokes anymore — it’s about stepping into the tension between friction and flow, and understanding the rhythms of creativity and growth. The napkin for this episo…

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EP 288 – Katy Spada: Build the World You Wish Existed 31:10

18d ago31:10

31:10

When Katy Spada sat down with me on Paper Napkin Wisdom, she brought a napkin that was more than just words — it was a challenge: “Build the world you wish existed for your younger self, and for those who come next.” Katy isn’t just an entrepreneur. She’s a mother of two (ages 7 and 4), a storyteller, and the founder of Arya + Maan, a lifestyle and…

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EP 287 – Permission, Structure, and Social Media Success with Sam Toles 55:51

20d ago55:51

55:51

In this episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Govindh Jayaraman welcomes Sam Toles, a digital media pioneer and storyteller with decades of experience building audiences, brands, and communities. Sam is the CEO and co-founder of CiviSocial, a platform designed to transform civic engagement by helping communities and governments create stronger, more tran…

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EP 286 - Introducing the Edge of the Napkin 22:38

21d ago22:38

22:38

In this special episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, I (Govindh Jayaraman) take a step back to reflect on the journey we’ve been on together — over 280 episodes filled with wisdom, stories, and lessons from incredible leaders, entrepreneurs, and difference makers. The napkin for this episode reads: “Introducing the Edge of the Napkin.” It’s a phrase tha…

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EP 285 – Kendra MacDonald: Building a Career That Grows With You 36:21

25d ago36:21

36:21

Careers aren’t meant to be lived on repeat. In this episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, we sit down with Kendra MacDonald, CEO of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, a leader who has spent her career helping organizations innovate, adapt, and push boundaries. Kendra has been recognized for her work in transformation and leadership across industries, and she b…

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EP 284 - Michael Walsh – Conclusion of The Freedom Series Part 16 1:30:32

27d ago1:30:32

1:30:32

Introduction: A Journey Comes Full Circle Over the course of sixteen episodes, Michael Walsh has taken us on an extraordinary journey through what he calls the Freedom Framework. This framework has become a cornerstone for entrepreneurs who want to build businesses that don’t just survive but thrive – organizations that create value, empower people…

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EP 283 - Freedom Series Part 15 with Michael Walsh: Preparing for the Unexpected 37:03

28d ago37:03

37:03

In Episode 283 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Michael Walsh returns for part fifteen of the Freedom Series. Michael, founder of Walsh Business Growth, has been guiding us through the “hidden danger zones” leaders face as their organizations scale from $1M to $20M and beyond. Each conversation builds on the Freedom Framework—a practical guide for achieving…

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Seeing Yourself | The CEO Material Podcast | SN3EP22 42:10

27d ago42:10

42:10

In this episode of the CEO Material Podcast, we dig deep into a question many of us have faced: Why is it so easy to see greatness in others but so hard to see it in ourselves? From personal stories to decades of experience, we talk about the journey of self-worth—how adversity shapes us, and how gratitude and empathy can guide those who haven’t fa…

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EP 282 — Saahil Mehta: Break Free to a Zero-Regret Life 45:59

1M ago45:59

45:59

If you’ve ever felt like you’re climbing hard but not getting any closer to the peak that actually matters, this conversation is for you. In Episode 282 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, I sit down with Saahil Mehta—global entrepreneur, leadership coach, bestselling author of Break Free, and a passionate mountaineer who translates hard-won lessons from high …

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EP 281 — Pete Olander: Building Wellness Brands at the Edge of What’s Next 39:28

1M ago39:28

39:28

If you’ve ever stared down a crowded market and thought, “How on earth do I stand out—ethically, profitably, and sustainably?”, Pete Olander’s story is going to land. Pete is the founder behind multiple wellness and cannabis-adjacent consumer brands, including Happie (a better-for-you cannabis seltzer brand) and Natural Recovery Greens (an early CB…

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EP 280 (Freedom by Design Pt. 14): Develop Leaders — Not Just Individuals 45:18

1M ago45:18

45:18

If you’ve been following our ongoing Freedom by Design series with business growth strategist Michael Walsh, you’ve noticed a theme: the farther you grow, the more your results depend on people—not just your personal effort. In Episode 280, Part 14, Michael brings a crisp napkin that says it all: “Develop Leaders.” The sketch shows two paths to res…

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EP 279 - “We are designed for rest.” Guest: Steven Langer, Founder & CEO, Well By Design 34:07

1M ago34:07

34:07

Napkin: “We are designed for rest.” If you’ve ever worn exhaustion like a badge of honor, Episode 279 is a friendly intervention. Steven Langer—international keynote speaker and workplace wellness strategist—joins me to challenge a deeply ingrained belief: that rest is something we “earn” only after the work is done. Steven’s life’s work is helping…

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EP 278 - Rhett Power: Growth Isn’t What You Know. It’s What You Do With It. 41:27

1M ago41:27

41:27

“Growth doesn’t come from what we know, but from how we apply what we learn.” — Rhett Power, Paper Napkin Wisdom If you’ve ever felt “over-read and under-done,” this one’s for you. In Episode 278, entrepreneur, executive coach, and Forbes columnist Rhett Power sits down with Paper Napkin Wisdom to remind us that ideas don’t create results—implement…

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EP 277 - Grow Managers #2: When Managers Grow People, Results Multiply Freedom by Design (Pt. 13) - Guest: Michael Walsh 36:15

1M ago36:15

36:15

On today’s napkin, Michael sketches a deceptively simple truth: a manager who works through people generates far bigger results than a talented individual contributor working alone. The drawing shows two paths: Manager → People → (big) Results versus Individual → (smaller) Results. It’s not a knock on personal excellence; it’s a reminder that leade…

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EP 276 - Quit Hitting Snooze: Courtney Ramsey’s Wake-Up Call for Leaders 32:05

2M ago32:05

32:05

Introduction Courtney Ramsey, CSP, CPTD, MBA, has spent more than two decades helping overwhelmed managers transform into confident, people-first leaders. After training tens of thousands of supervisors on the front lines of corporate America, she noticed a pattern: even the smartest leaders “hit snooze” on the very conversations and decisions that…

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EP 275 - Jeff Wetzler — “The answers you need are hiding in plain sight” 40:43

2M ago40:43

40:43

When Jeff Wetzler scribbled his napkin wisdom — “The answers you most need are hidden in plain sight… They reside in the hearts and minds of the people right around you. You just need to know how to ask in the right ways.” — he distilled 25 years of leadership, education-innovation, and curiosity-driven research into one deceptively simple thought.…

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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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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…