Blog

Episode#15: It’s NOT supposed to be easy … but it can be simple.

So many times our teams look to us to articulate clearly the future vision of the company or the project. It’s up to us to detail it for them. We have to show them where we’re going, what it looks like, what it feels like, what it smells like, even what it tastes like...

Taking Action #18: Time to #ManUp

With recent public events on my mind, I’ve been paying a little more attention (and asking questions) of my female teammates, colleagues, and other entrepreneurs, leaders and difference-makers and have been stunned to hear their stories of having to “work harder” to be heard than their male colleagues.

Episode#156: Chief Door Opener and Holder – Bill Treasurer (Entrepreneur, Author)

The world loves leaders. We write books and television shows about them and promote leadership as one of the defining qualities of a successful person. However, today’s guest Bill Treasurer, has a somewhat unorthodox take on what great leadership should really look like.

TA# 23: The X Org Chart

Ever wonder how there are some small teams that just get it done time and time again? They are tight and nothing comes through the cracks in their communication, organization, service, or delivery? How do they do it?

TA# 25: Create (Several) No Cell Phone Zones

As leaders we discuss holding space for our team. We all recognize that we need to give them time and space to succeed, for their mindset. How clear are you, as a leader, however, that you too need time and space? Former Paper Napkin Wisdom guest and Big Data Expert...

TA# 28: Bring the Right Protection

Life and leadership is a contact sport.

Leading Behind the Scenes EP2: Finding Your Fit Between Strengths and Stretches – Devon Davey

Business success, especially entrepreneurial success, is about finding the right fit for your work, while also finding a harmony with everything else that affects your work. Business success is like relationship success.

Paper Napkin Wisdom Ep. 171: The Future Is Female – Carey Anne Nadeau (entrepreneur, founder)

The goal of Carey Anne Nadeau, founder of Open Data Nation, is to “bring expertise in open data and data science to bear on the most pressing urban issues.” What compelled her to start the company was that she “wanted something to exist that just didn’t exist.” She was frustrated, dissatisfied, and complaining.

TA 33: To Scale, We Need to Care About Others More Than Ourselves

To scale a business, we need to care about others more than we care about ourselves. The challenge is that we need to care about strangers (e.g. customers, suppliers, vendors, partners, bankers, even employees) - people you don't really know. As entrepreneurs and...

Episode #150 – LiveStream Featuring 11 Entrepreneur Contributors (Jam Packed With Entrepreneur Content)

Have you ever nearly tripped over a milestone or a goal because you were focused on the bigger prize?

Leading Behind the Scenes Episode4: Change the World Without Being a Smug Twat – Marlou Hermsen

In this week’s Leading Behind the Scenes, Marlou Hermsen makes the case (without laughing) that those who wish for a better world should seek to, “CHANGE the world without being a smug twat.”

Episode#141: The Power of NO – Joe Calloway (Entrepreneur, Author)

Are you a victim of squirrel syndrome? Based on some fairly unscientific research, about 2 in 3 entrepreneurs are burdened by this affliction. The biggest symptoms include being attracted by every "shiny" thing that comes along, coupled with the inability to say no....

Episode#140: You’ve got Rembrandts in the Attic – Andrew Sherman (Entrepreneur, Author)

Nothing quite compares to the beauty of a Rembrandt. While many of us have only gazed at the priceless artwork behind the glass, imagine having one of his paintings in your attic. Think for a minute about the wasted value of having such a beautiful piece covered up...

Take Action #12: ATTN: Rebels, Rule-Breakers, and Renegades!!

If you're a Rebel, Rule-Breaker and Renegade this is for you ... If you're the kind of person that likes to follow along with all the rules (especially from other people) and loves doing JUST what their told this won't make sense. As an entrepreneur we like to color...

Episode#139: Sales – Profit = Expenses – Mike Michalowicz (Entrepreneur, Author)

The business math equation S (sales) - E (expenses) = P (profit) has been widely accepted for years. However, entrepreneur and author Mike Michalowicz doesn't quite see it that way. "83% of small businesses in the US are surviving check to check, some of whom follow...