EP 231 - How You Know It’s Worth It – Laura Burke on Paper Napkin Wisdom

Laura Burke - Paper Napkin Wisdom - If you are both excited and terrified, that's how you know it's worth it!

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 in stepping fully into their purpose.

In Episode 231 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Laura shares the wisdom behind a deceptively simple napkin: "If you are both excited and terrified, that's how you know it's worth it!" It's a phrase that hits home for anyone who's ever stood at the edge of a big leap.

Laura's journey is full of those leaps—from climbing the ranks in corporate America to making the decision to leave behind certainty for something bigger, something bolder. What made that terrifying shift worthwhile? "It was the alignment. I could finally see that everything I had done before was leading me to this moment. That’s where the excitement came in."

Throughout the episode, Laura breaks down the paradox of fear and excitement as a compass rather than a contradiction. "Fear doesn’t mean stop. It’s data," she says. "When your heart is pounding and you can’t sleep at night because you're both thrilled and anxious—that’s the moment to lean in, not run away."

This mindset doesn't just apply to career changes or launching businesses. Laura brings it down to the deeply human moments we all experience: difficult conversations, setting boundaries, trying something new. "We’re conditioned to think fear is a warning sign," she notes. "But sometimes it's just your body recognizing you’re about to grow."

One of the most powerful segments of the conversation came when Laura talked about how women, in particular, are often socialized to seek comfort and certainty. "There’s a subtle expectation that we should play small to keep the peace. But when you’re lit up inside—even if it’s scary—you owe it to yourself to follow that spark."

She also highlights how mentorship and community helped her navigate her own moments of fear-meets-excitement. "I didn't do it alone. And no one should. Find people who get it, who’ve been there."

Laura’s insight is raw, real, and incredibly resonant for anyone chasing something that matters. The episode is a call to action for leaders, creators, and dreamers alike to reframe their relationship with fear. Instead of avoiding it, we can recognize it as part of the equation when we’re heading toward something meaningful.

"If you’re not a little bit scared, maybe the dream isn't big enough."

This episode will leave you reflecting on where excitement and terror are showing up in your own life—and how leaning into both can lead to real transformation.

5 Key Takeaways from Episode 231 with Laura Burke:

Fear + Excitement = Directional Truth When you feel both emotions simultaneously, it’s not a sign to stop—it’s often a sign you’re on the right track.
Take Action: Reflect on a moment where you felt this combo. What would it look like to lean in instead of pull back?
Growth Often Disguises Itself as Discomfort Fear is not the enemy—it’s an indicator of growth and expansion.
Take Action: Next time you're scared, ask: "What am I about to grow into?"
Support Systems Matter No one succeeds in isolation. Having mentors, peers, and communities can make the terrifying parts manageable.
Take Action: Identify a support circle or mentorship opportunity. Reach out this week.
Women Are Conditioned to Play Small Laura calls out how societal norms can stifle women’s boldness—and how reclaiming excitement and fear as valid signals is a powerful act of defiance.
Take Action: Challenge a place in your life where you’ve been dimming your light.
Alignment is the Real Goal More than success or recognition, alignment with your purpose is what makes the risk worth it.
Take Action: Journal on this question: "What in my life feels most aligned right now? What doesn’t?"

What part of Laura's wisdom lit you up today? Snap a pic of your own takeaway on a napkin and share it with the hashtag #PaperNapkinWisdom. Let’s spread the message: fear and excitement are signs you’re on the path to something worth doing.

Follow Laura Burke: LinkedIn

How You Know It’s Worth It – Laura Burke on Paper Napkin Wisdom