Best Overcomingobstacles Podcasts (2025)

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Geoff Woods on The AI-Driven Leader Revolution 52:23

2h ago52:23

52:23

In this game-changing episode, Geoff Woods, author of "The AI Driven Leader," reveals how artificial intelligence can become your ultimate strategic thought partner. Geoff breaks down the myths, fears, and incredible potential of AI for leaders across all industries. Key Takeaways: Discover how AI can elevate your strategic thinking in minutes Lear…

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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

22h 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

16h 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

1h 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

19h 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

8d 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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James Brown on on Breaking Business Barriers: From Assembly Line to Entrepreneurial Success 54:24

4d ago54:24

54:24

James Brown isn't just another business coach - he's a living testament to breaking through limitations. From being told he wasn't good enough as a young man to building a law practice that generated $8 million annually, James has transformed personal challenges into a powerful mission of helping entrepreneurs scale their businesses intelligently. …

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

11d 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

6d 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

11d 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

13d 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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Ep 239 - Don’t Just Build a Business—Build a Foundation: Wisdom from Darcel Dillard-Suite 37:46

20d 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

20d 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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Ep 237 - Dr. Heidi Hanna on the Rhythms of Resilience, Burnout Recovery, and the Real Science of Stress 43:07

27d 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

29d 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

1M 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

1M 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…

1
Marybeth Gregg on on Learning to Let the Light in 52:13

1M ago52:13

52:13

In today’s episode, I’m joined by the deeply insightful Marybeth Gregg—an author, leadership advisor, and creator of transformative roundtable experiences for women leaders. She first appeared on the podcast two years ago and is back with more insights about how to lead with integrity, purpose, and vision, especially when you are facing a major lif…

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

1M 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

2M 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

2M 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…

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E9 230 - Learn to Win with What You Got: Ted Nolan’s Unwritten Playbook for Life and Leadership 51:43

2M ago51:43

51:43

In episode #230 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, we sit down with Ted Nolan—former NHL head coach, Jack Adams Award winner, and proud member of the Ojibwe Nation. Known not just for his coaching success but for the powerful presence he brings to every room, Ted shares the napkin that has guided him through every chapter of his life: 📝 "Learn to Win with Wha…

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Krista Ryan on How to Keep F*!#ing Going Even When It's Hard 53:52

2M ago53:52

53:52

Are you ready to be inspired? Because the woman you are about to hear is truly a powerhouse of resilience and leadership! Her name is Krista Ryan, and she is a dynamic speaker, author, and workplace performance expert. As a third-generation owner and former Human Resources Director of her family's bank, Krista brings nearly two decades of experienc…

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Ep 229 - Tell the Truth Quickly: Sheelagh Whittaker’s Unapologetic Wisdom for Business and Life 40:11

2M ago40:11

40:11

In Episode 229 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Govindh Jayaraman sits down with the remarkable Sheelagh Whittaker — a trailblazer in Canadian business, a bold thinker, and a woman whose leadership career spans from her time as CEO of EDS Canada to boardroom seats at global giants like Imperial Oil, RBC, and CanWest. Sheelagh is not only known for her busin…

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Ep 228 - The Power of the Pause: Warren Rustand on Commitment, Character, and Leading with Discipline 41:56

2M ago41:56

41:56

Warren Rustand is more than a seasoned entrepreneur and former White House Appointments Secretary — he’s a mentor to leaders across the globe, a passionate advocate for intentional living, and someone who’s spent decades helping others uncover their best selves. In Episode 228 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Warren shares the essence of leadership in one q…

1
Ep 227 - The Key to Thriving with Luis Velasquez 35:50

2M ago35:50

35:50

In this episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, I sit down with Luis Velasquez, a leadership coach, resilience expert, and author of Ordinary Resilience. Luis has spent years studying and coaching high-achieving professionals on the power of resilience in leadership. His paper napkin wisdom? Resilience is equal to (Commitment + Persistence) multiplied by O…

1
Ep 226 - Ditch the Funnel, Start the Conversation – A Radical Shift in Marketing with Tom Schwab 38:15

2M ago38:15

38:15

In this episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, I had the privilege of sitting down with Tom Schwab, a leading voice in podcast interview marketing and the founder of Interview Valet. Tom challenges one of the most widely accepted marketing principles today: the idea that success is “one funnel away.” Instead, he flips the script and declares that the real…

1
Ep 225 - Find Your Voice and Speak Your Truth: A Conversation with Neila Ramsingh 29:37

2M ago29:37

29:37

In episode 225 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Govindh Jayaraman welcomes Neila Ramsingh, a passionate advocate for personal empowerment and authenticity. Neilah shares a deeply resonant message: Find your voice and speak your truth. Your voice matters. The Power of Speaking Up Neilah highlights a reality many of us face—the world is full of noise, yet so …

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Ep 224 - Finding Clarity in Leadership: Todd Palmer on Purpose, Success, and Resilience 43:46

2M ago43:46

43:46

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 l…

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Damon Lembi on Baseball Dreams, AI, and Leadership Mastery 51:22

2M ago51:22

51:22

What happens when a star athlete with a leadership mindset steps into the world of business—starting at the front desk and rising to CEO? Well, Damon Lembi knows firsthand. Drafted by both the Atlanta Braves and the Yankees, he had his sights set on a professional baseball career. But when that path took an unexpected turn, he found himself in a co…

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Ep 223 - Finding Joy in Business: Nicole Donnelly’s Mission to Bring Happiness to a Billion People 39:11

3M ago39:11

39:11

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 importan…

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Ep 222 - Living with Intention: Rishi Khanna’s Path to Clarity, Confidence, and Self-Mastery 38:21

3M ago38:21

38:21

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…

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Ep 221 - Using Resistance as a Compass for Growth with Lolly Spindler 30:31

3M ago30:31

30:31

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 Spindle…

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Ep 220 - Mastering Efficiency: Why 95% is Good Enough with Andy Fine 32:23

3M ago32:23

32:23

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 entrepreneur…

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Ep 219 - Bridging Old and New: The Timeless Wisdom of Michael Schoenberger 34:46

3M ago34:46

34:46

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 bey…

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Ep 218 - Survive Long Enough to Catch a Lucky Break – Lessons from Eldon Sprickerhoff 39:13

3M ago39:13

39:13

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 …

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Ep 217 - The Power of Advocacy with Robin Phillips 31:39

3M ago31:39

31:39

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 bett…

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Ep 216 - Unlocking Growth Through Action, Simplicity, and Trust – with Max Zaharenkov 31:00

3M ago31:00

31:00

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 seve…

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Perry Marshall on Mastering 80/20 for More Money and Less Work 1:00:06

3M ago1:00:06

1:00:06

Today, you will hear my conversation with one of the OGs of the Internet, Perry Marshall. Let me tell you a little bit about Perry. He is undoubtedly one of the most experienced Internet Marketers of all time. If there’s ever an internet marketing hall of fame, he would be inducted in the first round. I remember crossing Perry’s path way back in my…

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Ep 215 - The Power of Design: How Lori Haller Transforms Creativity into Business Success 41:32

4M ago41:32

41:32

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 Opra…

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Ep 214 - Purpose and Connection Through Adventure: A Conversation with Christopher Robbins 38:10

4M ago38:10

38:10

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 …

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Leslie Hassler on Achieving Predictable Profits and Sustainable Growth 53:31

4M ago53:31

53:31

My guest Leslie Hassler is a powerhouse strategist, leader, and author who is an expert in transforming small businesses into thriving, freedom-generating ventures. She is the founder of Your Biz Rules with 17 years of entrepreneurial experience. She’s also the author of First This, Then That and the upcoming book Scaling Rich™. Leslie’s holistic a…

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Ep 213 - Scaling with Purpose: Insights from Michelle Songy on Paper Napkin Wisdom 31:57

4M ago31:57

31:57

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 har…

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Ep 212 - Unlocking the Power of Questions: Insights from Boaz Ashkenazy on Paper Napkin Wisdom 31:55

4M ago31:55

31:55

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 th…

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Ep 211 - Success Through Self-Care and Passion: A Conversation with Roberta Perry 34:36

4M ago34:36

34:36

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 …

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Brad Englert on How to Create and Nurture Authentic Business Relationships 53:31

4M ago53:31

53:31

In today's episode, Brad Englert, a former CIO at the University of Texas at Austin, discusses his career journey and leadership insights. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships, mentoring, and understanding goals and aspirations, key themes in his book, Spheres of Influence. He also talks about AI's potential impact, noting both it…

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Ep 210 - Redefining Storytelling through Becoming Your Story: Sekou Andrews 30:33

4M ago30:33

30:33

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 h…

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Ep 209 - Resilience and Self-Discovery Turning Setbacks to Setups: Amanda A. Carpenter 35:16

4M ago35:16

35:16

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 c…

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Ep 208 - Embracing Innovation and Overcoming Rejection: Insights from Inventor Jack Courage 36:29

4M ago36:29

36:29

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 Ra…

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Amy Bobchek on Leading with Empathy to Break Barriers and Embrace Change in Leadership 54:35

4M ago54:35

54:35

Today, my guest is Amy Bobchek, a seasoned executive leader and sales strategist with over 25 years of experience leading successful large sales organizations. Amy is truly a sales leader powerhouse. She is passionate about building teams and creating transformative experiences for employees and customers. She gets results and she does it with flai…

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Overcomingobstacles Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen