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Rainier Mallol’s journey began with one word: Decision. That choice led to AIME, an AI platform predicting mosquito-borne disease outbreaks with 85% accuracy. From classroom prototype to Olympic tool, his story shows that bold choices—not perfect timing—drive transformation. Now tackling customer experience with cxgenies, Rainier proves the same data-driven thinking can solve human problems across industries.

Michael Walsh, founder of Walsh Business Growth Institute, believes great teams drive everything good in a company. In Paper Napkin Wisdom, he shares why most “people problems” are really design issues—and how deliberate team design, mentorship, and training can unlock freedom, growth, and culture that scales.

In this episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, David Umansky, CEO and co-founder of Civic Builders, shares a deceptively simple but powerful message: "Be bold!" For David, boldness isn’t recklessness — it’s designing for transformation, removing barriers to equity, and listening deeply. Real change, he says, comes from building systems that scale good, staying calm in chaos, and turning feedback into fuel. Boldness isn’t a slogan — it’s purpose in action.

In Episode 269 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Derek Coburn, bestselling author and financial advisor, challenges the old idea of retirement. Instead of deferring joy for someday, he urges us to design lives rich with purpose, presence, and micro-retirements now. Why wait to live fully?

In Episode 268 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, leadership expert Michael Walsh urges leaders to flip the script: create a career development growth plan that’s not about the business, but about your people. Focus on their 10-year vision, strengths and weaknesses, and map learning that supports who they want to become. When leaders invest in human flourishing—not just performance—they build teams ready to run through walls. True leadership isn’t extraction—it’s empowerment. #PaperNapk

Former Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann shares his simple yet powerful mantra: “Get up. Get dressed. Go to work. People are counting on you.” In Episode 267 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Marc reveals how this mindset helped him rebuild after public failure. His story is a reminder that leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up, even on the hardest days, because someone out there still needs you to.

“Nearly all decisions are driven by emotions,” says Darren Hickman, former Disney exec and master of emotional branding. In Episode 266 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Darren reveals why logic justifies but emotion decides — and how leaders can harness storytelling, vulnerability, and authenticity to truly connect, build trust, and influence action in any business setting.

Train & Grow Your People (Part 2) dives into making people development the engine of profit and customer value. Michael Walsh shows how to build training into daily work so growth isn’t extra—it’s essential. Align your team’s development with business goals, create clarity, and design growth plans that drive real results. Freedom isn’t stepping back from your team—it’s investing in them so results become integrated and lasting.

Todd Palmer returns to Paper Napkin Wisdom with a transformative mantra: “Everything happens 4 me, NOT 2 me.” As a coach and former CEO who rebuilt from near-bankruptcy, Todd shows how this shift from victim to creator empowers leaders to face adversity with intention. By asking “What’s the gift here?” and owning our thoughts, we move from reactive to proactive. His message: rewrite your story, live in the present, and find growth in every challenge. Life isn’t against us—it’

David Herle, in episode 263 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, delivers a bold truth: “Power is never given away. If you want it, you have to take it.” Real leadership isn’t about waiting for permission — it’s about stepping up, owning responsibility, and acting with conviction. Power comes to those who claim it, not those who wait. Leadership, David reminds us, must be visible and intentional. If you believe you can make a difference, don’t wait — show up and take it.

Michael Walsh returns in episode 262 of Paper Napkin Wisdom with a powerful reminder: “Train & Grow Your People – It’s All About Results!” Results aren’t just financial; they’re technical, human, and sustainable too. By aligning these four dimensions, businesses unlock real freedom and lasting growth. Michael’s message is clear: your people are the catalyst. If they’re not growing, your business can’t thrive. Want freedom from your business? Start by building freedom within i

Build, Don’t Burnout: When Ross Albers was fired two weeks before his wedding, he launched his own law firm with nothing but a desk. In Episode 261 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, Ross shares how shifting from working in the business to on it helped him hire, acquire, and inspire. His lesson? Leadership is leverage—and real growth starts when you step back, build systems, and lead with vision.

Toni Harrison, CEO of Etched Communication, shares her R.E.A.L. framework for resilience on Paper Napkin Wisdom. Through Rigor, Experience, Adaptability, and Level-setting goals, she redefines resilience as a choice, not a trait. Her message: growth comes from embracing challenges and showing up authentically. This episode is a powerful guide to grounded leadership and personal grit.

Hiring right is half the game. Michael Walsh reveals 6 traits every leader should hire for in today's expertise-driven world. Mindset scales - ego doesn’t.

Move fast and (try not to) break things.” — Adam Olalde on leading with speed, clarity, and care in Episode 257 of Paper Napkin Wisdom.

Awareness is the gateway to conscious leadership — Seema Dhanoa shares how inner alignment shapes outer impact.

Give before you ask — the leadership shift that builds trust, influence, and real results.

Rethink the Core: Real growth starts within—develop your people, not just your process.

Your team is your legacy. Take care of them first—loyalty, culture, and success will follow.

John Sleeman passes the torch — and finds his next challenge. A masterclass in legacy, leadership, and lifelong reinvention.