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 human side of performance—and Michael’s handwritten napkin drives home one essential truth: Hiring right is half the game. But what does hiring right actually mean in a business world increasingly driven by expertise, not just execution? 

According to Michael, every business is an expertise-based business, even if it doesn’t realize it yet. “You may think you’re selling a product,” he says, “but you’re selling the depth, nuance, and trust that comes with expertise.” This shift means that hiring can’t just be about skills—it has to be about attributes that fuel long-term contribution. 

That’s where Michael’s napkin comes in. 

 

The 6 Key Attributes to Hire For 

Michael outlines six powerful attributes that he believes should define your hiring lens—especially in an expertise-based business: 

1. Clear Thinking The ability to distill noise into clarity is vital. Michael notes, “You don’t need people who know everything—you need people who can think through anything.” 

2. Hunger to Learn Expertise grows through learning. The most successful team members are constantly seeking to expand what they know and how they apply it. 

3. A Curious Mind Curiosity isn’t just a trait—it’s a growth engine. People who ask questions tend to uncover opportunities others miss. 

4. Humble Outlook In Michael’s words, “Humble people listen better, contribute more effectively, and build stronger relationships across the organization.” 

5. Commitment to Contribute This is about more than showing up. It’s about leaning in—being proactive, invested, and aligned with the organization’s purpose. 

6. Open to Others’ Contributions Collaboration is key in expertise-based work. Hiring individuals who value collective input over solo performance accelerates learning and results. 

 

Why This Matters More Than Ever 

In the episode, we reflect on how complexity scales exponentially as organizations grow. With every new person added to the team, the number of one-on-one relationships and the potential for misalignment multiplies. That’s why these attributes matter—they help businesses stay aligned as they scale. 

Michael and I revisit the Social Contract introduced in previous episodes: the dual promise between the company and its people. When you hire based on these six attributes, you’re building a team that can both deliver on and benefit from that contract. 

As we round this episode out, Michael leaves us with a critical lens for leaders: “Don’t just hire for experience—hire for mindset. Mindset scales, ego doesn't.” 

 

5 Key Takeaways from Episode 259 

1. Hiring Right Means Hiring for Attributes, Not Just Experience 🔹 Take Action: Review your job descriptions—are you hiring for what really matters? 

2. Curiosity and Humility Are Competitive Advantages 🔹 Take Action: Ask team members to share what they’ve learned from others recently—and celebrate it. 

3. Every Business is an Expertise-Based Business 🔹 Take Action: Shift your hiring and onboarding language to reflect the value of deep knowledge and personal growth. 

4. Contribution is a Two-Way Street 🔹 Take Action: Build systems that measure not just output, but contribution to team development. 

5. Mindset Scales—Ego Doesn’t 🔹 Take Action: During interviews, ask how candidates handle being wrong or receiving feedback. 

 

Hiring right is half the game—and when you hire for the right traits, you’re playing to win. 

Now it’s your turn: 📝 What’s your biggest takeaway from this episode? Write it on a napkin, snap a photo, and share it using #PaperNapkinWisdom. 

Let’s rethink the core—together. 

Connect with Michael: 

www.walshbusinessgrowth.com