Paper Napkin Wisdom · Leadership & Entrepreneurship Insights for Founders and Executives

In this insightful episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Govindh Jayaraman engages in a profound and enlightening conversation with Genevieve Piturro, the remarkable founder of the Pajama Program. This nonprofit organization has provided over seven million pajamas and books to children in need, offering them comfort and a sense of security. Genevieve's journey from a successful corporate career to following her true calling is detailed in her book "Purpose, Passion, and Pajamas," and serves as a testament to the transformative power of collective purpose, passion, and perseverance.

Genevieve opens the conversation by challenging the often-celebrated notion of the "power of one." While society tends to laud individual achievements, she highlights the significant impact of collective efforts. "It's not the power of one that changes things. It's the power of one another that moves mountains and moves people," Genevieve asserts. This profound realization dawned on her as she witnessed the rapid growth of the Pajama Program. It became clear that the true driving force behind the organization's success was the combined efforts of countless volunteers, donors, and supporters. Each person's contribution, no matter how small, played a critical role in creating a movement that transcended individual capabilities.

Genevieve reflects on the early days of the Pajama Program, when well-meaning individuals would often attribute its success solely to her. While she appreciated the recognition, something about it felt incomplete. "People would say, 'Look at what you've done, the power of one,' but it didn't sit right with me. It wasn't just me; it was all of us, working together," she recalls. This collective effort, she believes, is what truly propels movements and fosters sustainable change.

The podcast delves deeper into the life-altering moment that inspired Genevieve to leave her corporate career and embark on a journey of purpose. She recounts a pivotal experience that occurred while volunteering at a shelter. One evening, she brought pajamas for the children, only to discover that many of them did not have a comforting bedtime routine. This simple act of kindness—delivering pajamas—unveiled a profound need that resonated deeply with her. "I started to see that what I thought was a small gesture was actually a profound need," Genevieve shares. The children's joy and gratitude ignited a passion within her to provide them with the comfort and security they deserved.

This moment was not just a revelation but a call to action. Genevieve realized that her life's purpose extended beyond personal success in the corporate world. "I knew I had to do something more meaningful, something that could truly make a difference," she reflects. This realization marked the beginning of her transition from a lucrative corporate career to founding the Pajama Program. The journey was fraught with challenges, but it was also imbued with a sense of fulfillment that she had never experienced before.

As Genevieve embarked on building the Pajama Program, she encountered numerous challenges and triumphs. She emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's mission and the role of perseverance in overcoming obstacles. The early days of the organization were marked by uncertainty and financial constraints. Genevieve had to navigate through these challenges with determination and resilience. "There were times when I doubted myself and the mission, but the community's support and the children's smiles kept me going," she recalls.

Genevieve's journey underscores the significance of aligning one's work with a deeper purpose. She found that when the mission is clear and compelling, it naturally attracts the right people and resources. The Pajama Program grew from a small grassroots initiative to a renowned nonprofit organization, thanks to the unwavering support of volunteers, donors, and partners. "It was the collective effort, the shared vision, that made it possible," Genevieve explains. Her story is a testament to the impact of purpose-driven work and the fulfillment that comes from making a tangible difference in the lives of others.

Throughout the podcast, Genevieve offers valuable lessons in leadership and purpose-driven living. She advises aspiring changemakers to embrace their passion, be resilient in the face of setbacks, and foster a collaborative spirit. "Leadership is about inspiring others to see the vision and work together to achieve it," she explains. Genevieve's experiences highlight the importance of authenticity, empathy, and the willingness to learn and adapt.

Her leadership style is characterized by a deep sense of empathy and a genuine desire to make a difference. She believes that true leaders are those who empower others and create opportunities for collective growth. "It's about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute," Genevieve states. Her approach to leadership is not about exerting control but about facilitating collaboration and nurturing a sense of shared purpose.

1. The Power of Collective Effort: True change comes from the combined efforts of many. The collective power of individuals working together can move mountains and create lasting impact.

2. Listening to Your Inner Voice: Pay attention to moments of compassion and opportunities for growth. These moments can lead to life-changing paths and meaningful contributions.

3. Perseverance and Community Support: Building a successful organization or movement requires resilience, dedication, and the support of a community. Stay true to your mission and rally others around your cause.

4. Authentic Leadership: Lead with authenticity, empathy, and a willingness to learn. These qualities are essential for creating positive change and inspiring others.

5. Inspiring Others: Your journey and actions can inspire others to pursue their own paths of purpose. Encourage and support those around you to make a difference in their own unique ways.

Join Govindh Jayaraman and Genevieve Piturro in this heartfelt conversation that will leave you motivated to pursue your own purpose and contribute to a better world. Listen to the full episode to hear more about Genevieve's remarkable journey and the impactful work of the Pajama Program.

Perry Solomon's story is one of resilience, demonstrating how grit—comprised of passion and perseverance—can drive success even in the face of immense challenges.

About Perry Solomon

Perry Solomon is a serial entrepreneur with over four decades of experience. He is the founder of Aleratec, a company known for its innovative consumer electronics products. Today, Perry is the president of Solomon Growth Advisors, where he provides strategic advice to emerging businesses, particularly in navigating the complexities of Amazon and e-commerce platforms. His expertise spans e-commerce, consumer products, computer electronics sales, marketing, and product development.

The Power of Grit

At the core of Perry Solomon's message is the idea that grit is essential for achieving long-term success. Drawing inspiration from Angela Duckworth's research, Perry emphasizes that grit is a combination of passion and perseverance. This concept has been pivotal in his own journey, helping him overcome significant setbacks and rebuild his career.

"So I'm a big fan of Angela Duckworth, who wrote the book on grit and did all the research behind it," Perry shared. "The concept of grit is so life-changing and so important to both for ourselves and to instill in the next generation."

Overcoming Catastrophic Failure

Perry's journey took a dramatic turn when he faced a catastrophic business failure that forced him to start over at the age of 55. Despite the devastating loss, Perry chose to reinvent his life and career rather than succumb to defeat. This decision was fueled by his unwavering determination and the support of his family and key associates.

"I had to decide whether to be a greeter at Walmart or reinvent my life," Perry recounted. "I opted to start over."

The Importance of Vulnerability

Govindh and Perry discuss the cultural shift towards embracing vulnerability, with influences from thought leaders like Brené Brown. Perry's willingness to share his failures openly is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability. By being transparent about his struggles, Perry provides a powerful example for other entrepreneurs navigating similar challenges.

"Entrepreneurs always look for that moment of achievement when things are going great. That's when I get scared," Perry admitted. "We were at our high point. Things were going great, and we had a disagreement with our banks. The banks shut us down. Surrounded the building with armed guards. I had 18 years of blood, sweat, and tears essentially evaporate before my eyes as the banks took control of our business."

Building a Support System

A crucial factor in Perry's resilience was the support he received from his family and close associates. He shares a piece of advice from his attorney that became a cornerstone of his recovery: taking daily walks on the beach with his wife to clear his mind and gain perspective. This practice helped Perry reset his outlook and reaffirm his priorities.

"My wife is a force of nature," Perry said. "When things go bad, I've had health challenges, I've had business challenges. There's nobody I'd rather have on my side than my wife. She is so strong and so powerful, and provides me with the inner confidence and strength I need to get through it."

Strategic Reinvention

With renewed focus, Perry leveraged his past experiences to build a new, more streamlined business. He emphasizes the importance of starting with a clean slate, engaging only in high-return activities, and avoiding distractions. This strategic approach, combined with innovative financing solutions, enabled him to achieve success in his new venture.

"We started with a dream and a mission," Perry explained. "The knowledge that we could pick the highest profit segment of the business that we were in, and not make any of the mistakes we made in the past, of being involved in commodity products, low margin products, and lower our cost basis."

Key Takeaways from Perry Solomon's Journey

1. Grit is Essential: Success is driven by a combination of passion and perseverance. Embrace challenges as opportunities to develop grit.
2. Embrace Vulnerability: Sharing failures openly can provide strength and inspire others. Vulnerability is a powerful tool in building resilience.
3. Support Systems Matter: Lean on your family and close associates during tough times. Their support can provide the foundation you need to rebuild.
4. Strategic Focus: Start with a clean slate and focus on high-return activities. Avoid distractions and streamline your efforts for maximum impact.
5. Continuous Learning: Stay open to advice and fresh perspectives. Engaging with advisory groups can provide invaluable guidance and keep you grounded.

Perry Solomon's story is a testament to the enduring power of grit and resilience. His journey from catastrophic failure to successful reinvention offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and leaders. For more insights and practical wisdom, tune in to the full episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom. Let Perry's journey inspire you to embrace grit and pursue your dreams with unwavering determination.

Connect with Perry via his LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perrysolomonsga/

In this thought-provoking episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Govindh Jayaraman engages in a profound conversation with Dmitry Buterin, an entrepreneur who has successfully built businesses from the ground up and navigated the complex landscape of technology and personal growth. Dmitry's journey is a testament to the power of self-recognition, the fluidity of life, and the importance of embracing the present moment. For leaders, his insights provide invaluable guidance on how to lead with authenticity, adaptability, and a deep understanding of human experience.

The Blank Napkin: Symbolizing Infinite Possibilities

The episode begins with Dmitry presenting a blank napkin, symbolizing infinite possibilities and the undefined nature of human experience. This blank slate represents the freedom to explore, question, and redefine one's path without being confined by preconceived notions or rigid structures. For leaders, this concept is particularly relevant. Leading a team or an organization requires the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and the courage to embrace new ideas and approaches. The blank napkin serves as a powerful reminder that leaders should foster an environment where innovation and creativity can flourish, unbounded by past constraints.

The Power of Self-Recognition

Dmitry emphasizes the importance of self-recognition, explaining that understanding and acknowledging one's current state and experiences is crucial. He challenges the idea of striving for a detached observer perspective and instead advocates for recognizing that everything happening in one's life is part of their unique journey. For leaders, this means being acutely aware of their emotions, strengths, and areas for growth. By cultivating self-awareness, leaders can make more informed decisions, build stronger relationships with their teams, and create a culture of authenticity and trust.

The Fluidity of Life and Mindset

Throughout the conversation, Dmitry highlights the fluid nature of life and how one's mindset is constantly evolving. He reflects on his experiences of building businesses and how his perspectives have shifted over time. Dmitry underscores that there is no permanent "true self," but rather a dynamic and ever-changing process of experiencing and reacting to life's events. Leaders can draw valuable lessons from this perspective. By acknowledging the fluidity of their own mindset, they can remain open to new ideas, pivot when necessary, and continuously grow alongside their teams. Embracing change and uncertainty can lead to greater resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges.

Letting Go of Rigid Structures

Dmitry discusses the importance of letting go of rigid structures and ideologies that confine one's thinking. He shares his journey from being rigid about his knowledge to becoming more open-minded and flexible. This shift has allowed him to approach life with a sense of curiosity and openness, recognizing that life's flow cannot be controlled or predicted. For leaders, this advice is particularly pertinent. In today's fast-paced and ever-changing business environment, clinging to outdated practices and beliefs can hinder progress. Leaders must be willing to question the status quo, embrace diverse perspectives, and foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation.

Embracing the Present Moment

A significant part of Dmitry's philosophy is the emphasis on living in the present moment. He argues that practices aimed at preparing for the future can often distract from the here and now. Instead, he advocates for embracing each moment as it comes, understanding that every reaction and emotion is part of the current experience. This mindset fosters a sense of peace and acceptance, enabling individuals to navigate life's challenges with resilience. For leaders, focusing on the present moment is essential. It allows them to be fully present with their teams, make more effective decisions, and respond swiftly to emerging opportunities and challenges. By cultivating mindfulness and presence, leaders can create a more engaged and motivated workforce.

Key Takeaways

1. Embrace the Blank Slate: Approach leadership with an open mind, free from rigid structures and preconceived notions. The blank napkin symbolizes the infinite possibilities that lie ahead, encouraging leaders to foster an environment where innovation and creativity can thrive.

2. Self-Recognition: Acknowledge and understand your current state and experiences. Embrace your emotions, thoughts, and actions as integral parts of your unique journey. This self-awareness will enhance your decision-making and strengthen your relationships with your team.

3. Life is Fluid: Recognize that life and your mindset are constantly evolving. There is no permanent "true self," but a dynamic process of experiencing and reacting to life's events. Embrace change and remain open to new ideas to build resilience and adaptability.

4. Let Go of Rigidity: Be open-minded and flexible in your thinking. Let go of rigid ideologies that confine you and approach leadership with curiosity and openness. Encourage continuous learning and innovation within your team.

5. Live in the Present: Focus on the present moment rather than preparing for an uncertain future. Embrace each moment as it comes, understanding that every reaction and emotion is part of the current experience. Cultivate mindfulness and presence to create a more engaged and motivated workforce.

Join Govindh Jayaraman and Dmitry in this profound conversation that will inspire you to embrace the fluidity of life, recognize the importance of self-awareness, and lead with authenticity and adaptability. Listen to the full episode to gain deeper insights into Dmitry's journey and the wisdom he shares.

Know Your True North

In the latest episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, we had the pleasure of hosting Chris Schmitt, a distinguished high-performance coach with Azimuth Consulting Group. Chris brings a unique perspective to leadership, drawing from his extensive experience as a United States Army Special Forces Green Beret and his work with top-tier companies like Starbucks, Google, Meta, and Uber. His approach to leadership is rooted in self-awareness, empowerment, and the ability to navigate uncertainty with confidence.

Chris Schmitt served 30 years in the military, during which he commanded, planned, and executed special operations missions worldwide. His military career equipped him with a deep understanding of leadership in high-stakes environments, a perspective he now applies to coaching corporate leaders. Chris emphasizes the importance of "knowing your azimuth"—a concept that represents one's true path or purpose in life.

The Importance of Knowing Your Azimuth

One of the key concepts Chris discussed is the idea of knowing your "azimuth." This term, which originally refers to a navigational compass direction, is used metaphorically by Chris to represent one's true path or purpose in life. He emphasizes the significance of understanding and staying true to this personal direction as a cornerstone of effective leadership.

"I truly believe that knowing your azimuth, knowing yourself, knowing your best self, and being able to stay true to that, to find that true North, and be unapologetic about it, is a key piece of being successful," Chris shared. This powerful idea resonates deeply in both personal and professional contexts, encouraging individuals to align their actions with their core values and long-term vision.

Empowering Others to Be Their Best

Another important theme Chris touched on is the empowerment of others. He shared a touching story about involving his daughter in creating the compass rose for his logo, highlighting the importance of recognizing and nurturing the talents of those around us. "Empowering her to be her best, and all of us looking at where we fall on the map and figuring out from that position how we contribute the most by being our best and not trying to be somebody we're not," Chris explained.

This approach underscores a fundamental aspect of leadership: the ability to see and cultivate potential in others, allowing them to thrive and contribute meaningfully. It is a reminder that leadership is not just about guiding others but also about fostering an environment where everyone can excel.

Navigating Uncertainty with Confidence

In today's volatile and uncertain world, leaders often face ambiguous situations that require quick thinking and adaptability. Chris drew parallels between the challenges encountered in military operations and those in the corporate world, illustrating how lessons learned in high-stakes environments can be applied to business leadership.

"The same uncertain and ambiguous environment experienced in combat has been an essential parallel experience to coach high-performance behaviors for leaders," Chris noted. This insight highlights the value of resilience and strategic thinking, skills that are crucial for navigating the complexities of modern leadership.

Lifelong Learning and Personal Growth

Chris's commitment to continuous learning and personal growth is evident in his extensive educational background and certifications. He holds an Executive Certification for Coaching from Columbia University, a Master's in Organizational Development from Central Washington University, and a Bachelor's in International Relations from the United States Military Academy at West Point. His dedication to professional development serves as an inspiration for leaders striving to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Building a Legacy of Leadership

Throughout our conversation, Chris emphasized the importance of building a legacy through impactful leadership. His involvement in community initiatives and veteran support organizations reflects his dedication to making a positive difference beyond the corporate realm. "Chris remains connected to the U.S. Special Operations Community through special projects and is passionate about supporting the Veteran Community," he shared, illustrating his commitment to giving back and creating lasting change.

5 Key Takeaways from the Conversation with Chris Schmitt

1. Know Your Azimuth: Understanding and staying true to your personal direction is crucial for effective leadership. Align your actions with your core values and long-term vision.
2. Empower Others: Recognize and nurture the talents of those around you. Leadership involves fostering an environment where everyone can excel and contribute meaningfully.
3. Navigate Uncertainty: Develop resilience and strategic thinking to handle ambiguous situations confidently. Lessons from high-stakes environments can be valuable in the corporate world.
4. Commit to Lifelong Learning: Continuously enhance your skills and knowledge. Pursue professional development to stay ahead in your leadership journey.
5. Build a Legacy: Focus on creating a lasting impact through your leadership. Engage in community initiatives and support causes that resonate with your values.

Chris Schmitt's insights provide a roadmap for leaders aspiring to navigate their journey with purpose, resilience, and a commitment to empowering others. Tune in to the full episode for a deeper dive into these concepts and more inspiring stories from Chris's leadership journey.

Links:

Azimuth Consulting Group - https://www.azimuthleadership.com/

The Traverse - https://www.azimuthleadership.com/traverse

Best-selling author, world renowned customer service expert, founder of the DiJulius Group, business success – John DiJulius III has tapped into something special. On this podcast, John discusses applying his methodology beyond business, and why his life purpose is to "live an extraordinary life, so that others will."

Stating your purpose isn't enough. You have to deliver what you say and what you declare happen. "We all have seeds of potential," John asserts, "and the seeds of potential that we don't grow to their fullest potential...cheats all the people that are dependent on us." Many people just say that they want to live an extraordinary life, but they don't do the things that can get them there.

John reveals why he tells his employees, "I don't want your best…," while sharing inspirational tips and perspectives. "When each of us chose to be...a leader, we gave up the right to make excuses." Their best is not needed. The only thing that is needed from an individual is to make a difference.

For John, his personal purpose statement is there "to remind me of my obligation," in both his professional and personal life. Whether dealing with business colleagues or family and loved ones, it's always important to remember those who work behind the scenes to help with a leader's success, and to never run over them.

"Great leaders set high expectations for their teams, but even higher expectations for themselves," says Mandy Burage, Director of Operations at Petra Coach. She explains that through the course of her childhood and early career, she encountered many personal and professional disappointments stemming from the fact that she set very high expectations for herself, while others did not set the same expectations for themselves, and as a result, team successes were adversely impacted. Later, Mandy realized that when leaders, especially entrepreneurs, set high expectations for the team, and even higher goals for themselves, it leads to success.

"When recruiting and hiring, I look for team players who possess motivation and high expectations," says Mandy. "However, they also must be self-starters who follow through on tasks without needing to be 'managed' constantly. If a team member can't fulfill their role independently, it slows the progress of every team member and hinders overall success." Mandy also notes that collaboration is best when everyone brings something to the table.

True leaders have walked the walk. Hands on experience is a key element of being a good leader. "If I ask an employee to work late, or travel on a Saturday, they know that I also work late and travel on Saturdays." Petra Coach succeeds because of a strong culture, with six core values that employees and candidates adhere to in the quest for success. One of the core values is Please and Thank You. Petra Coach teammates write and send thank you cards to one another. When employees are appreciated, and appreciate others, it increases morale, and fends off burnout.

DICS is also part of the Petra Coach culture. It is a big part of the way Mandy views herself professionally and personally, and how she operates as part of the Petra Coach team, as well as her home team (wife and mother). DISC stands for: Dominance (D), Inducement (I), Submission (S), and Compliance (C).

Learn more about great leaders leading great teams, with Mandy Burage, on this episode of Leading Behind the Scenes.

How are you doing on your goals for the year? Your New Year's Resolutions? Do you even remember what they were?

So many times we're hard on ourselves for the early misses.

We say we're going to eat low or no carbs, three weeks in we've eaten some delicious pastry, fries, or even cake and abandon ship.

We say we're going to work out every morning, wake up earlier, go to sleep earlier, read more, watch less TV, connect more … whatever.

Whatever it is, it's important enough to declare and make a goal around, but behavior change is harder than that. It can take HUNDREDS of days to break a habit that you've had for many years.

So here's an idea – celebrate NOTICING that you've repeated the habit you want to change. Smile and give yourself a pat on the back for noticing that you're repeating it and change then. Don't beat yourself up … don't get down on yourself.

Celebrate catching yourself doing something you wanted to change and change it. Sometimes you have to celebrate getting it wrong so that you can create the momentum to get it right.

The best time to have caught yourself may have been before, but the second best time is right now.

Attach powerful positive feelings with the act of catching yourself and conquer new heights with your goals for this year.

Let's work together to make this year the best one yet.

I want to help you. Please go to www.PaperNapkinWisdom.com and sign up, we'll send you the e-book that contains the secret structure that will build more scalable, even exponential results than you had thought possible.

You have so much to give, you had better start now.

Take Action is a short podcast, usually between 3 to 5 minutes long, and the focus is on the small, 1% improvements we can make in our businesses and lives. Small changes make a big difference!

This podcast will help you make small changes that will change your world, so we can together save the world one entrepreneur and small business at a time!

Based on The Book Paper Napkin Wisdom: Your 5 Step Plan to Life and Business Success ? get yours now on Amazon or at Paper Napkin Wisdom.

Subscribe to both our podcasts Paper Napkin Wisdom and to Take Action by Paper Napkin Wisdom now.

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. The industry tended to be a "boys' club," and she experienced this firsthand when she was getting paid significantly less than a male peer. "The structures that already existed were not supportive to my growth," she says. When told by a friend she should just "do it herself" she found the inspiration to start her own business. She chose to focus on using data science for societal benefit – to improve health and safety in cities – and become a female role model.

At one point, her entire company was female. This did not occur intentionally, but because it was mostly women who were motivated to do data statistics for the betterment of our society. Hence the title, "the future is female." Carey Anne sees "a lot of opportunity for women to have a greater role. When they do, businesses see a lot of benefits."

However, because her industry is still a "boys' club," Carey Anne is very aware of how she can be perceived. When she meets with new clients, talks about her value proposition, and lets her audience know she's an MIT data scientist and city planner, they are often taken aback. Their reaction is, "What? That can't be." Knowing that have people have questioned or doubted a young, female entrepreneur's standing in the industry, she suggests that one be very aware of people's possible predispositions with respect to race, age, ethnicity, etc. – even whether a man has a beard.

Carey Anne sees data's role in business as helping think about, anticipate, and prepare for the future, not just as means of reviewing the past. For example, she will ask clients, "What pain points are you overwhelmed with?" to gain an understanding of how to get ahead of the problem.

Carey Anne does believe "the future is female," but she is not saying the future is not male. It is not a zero-sum game. In her own experience, her male and female advisors offer divergent, but complementary, business-building help and insights. Where men are very focused on the current business and have opened boardroom doors, women have pushed more aggressively about how to make money. They "are really scrappy, looking for another angle, they don't pigeonhole," she says. At the same time, it is often a female characteristic to offer love, appreciation and support, and Carey Anne hopes that men, too, see themselves as "examples for others in the way we can all live our lives with more love and more happiness."

A client is calling and they want a discount because something went wrong.

An employee is missing on targets and results are slipping, they need to be realigned.

The bank just called and a supplier took payment of a delivery early via automated transfer and there's a cash crunch.

As a leader things come at us from all directions all the time – but how do we cope?

Well, usually we need a little help to resolve all of these … sometimes from the other party. We can't get their help with a closed fist – with a fight. Sure, sometimes we can beat them into submission.

We can convince the customer that no – no discount that's the way it is.

We can levy consequences on our employees and hold them accountable, force them to do better.

We can scream at the bank, or the supplier.

Or … we can do the uncommon thing and be kind. Being kind opens the door to handling challenges from a position of opportunity, with an open hand … also allows people around you to help.

Leverage is all about getting people to help you – especially in uncommon circumstances.

Be kind!

Let's work together to make this year the best one yet.

I want to help you. Please go to www.PaperNapkinWisdom.com and sign up, we'll send you the e-book that contains the secret structure that will build more scalable, even exponential results than you had thought possible.

You have so much to give, you had better start now.

Take Action is a short podcast, usually between 3 to 5 minutes long, and the focus is on the small, 1% improvements we can make in our businesses and lives. Small changes make a big difference!

This podcast will help you make small changes that will change your world, so we can together save the world one entrepreneur and small business at a time!

Based on The Book Paper Napkin Wisdom: Your 5 Step Plan to Life and Business Success ? get yours now on Amazon or at Paper Napkin Wisdom.

Subscribe to both our podcasts Paper Napkin Wisdom and to Take Action by Paper Napkin Wisdom now.

On this episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, entrepreneur and author Damion Lupo makes his case for the gift of errors, "Mistakes are the universe gifting us wisdom, wrapped up inside the struggles in life." Damion further explains that throughout our lives, we make mistakes, and as we do, we are taught that mistakes are bad. As a result, we revere people, who we believe, do not err or who are perfect at what they do. In truth, perfection is a farce, a fabrication of society. To understand the depth of knowledge, and succeed in any endeavor, mistakes must be made and overcome.

"If you want to succeed, don't make mistakes, and don't challenge authority; go with what you're told to do." Damion notes that this philosophy teaches people to become robots and puppets. Those who truly succeed are the ones think for themselves, who make mistakes, and who are willing to venture into the dark and learn from that void.

From the corporate and entrepreneur point of view, Damion further discusses that people don't always acknowledge when they have made mistakes, so they continue to err. For example, Damion's friend refused to accept that he'd lost a small fortune. Instead of admitting his money investing mistakes, he hid them, and the financial failures continued. Nothing was learned.

"If you're gonna be in motion, you're gonna make mistakes." Damion describes, as a leader, one must be willing to be bold and move forward, even in the face of adversity. Learn from mistakes and move on quickly. This top-down behavior sets a corporate standard. Employees must be confident to come forward with problems and mistakes, or a firm will never succeed.

At the end of the day, mistakes are a gift, that when accepted and acknowledged, lead to wisdom, progress, and success.