EP 267 - Get Up. Get Dressed. People Are Counting on You – Marc Dann | Paper Napkin Wisdom
- Govindh Jayaraman
- 10 hours ago
- 3 min read
Marc Dann is no stranger to high-stakes leadership. As a former Ohio Attorney General and now a tireless advocate for consumer rights, Marc brings a seasoned perspective on accountability, resilience, and purpose. In Episode 267 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, he shares a deceptively simple, yet profoundly powerful mantra that has anchored his professional and personal comeback: “Get up. Get dressed. Go to work. People are counting on you.”
These aren’t just words Marc scribbled for effect—they are a lived commitment forged in adversity. After resigning from public office in 2008, Marc found himself in a moment of deep uncertainty. But instead of retreating, he focused on rebuilding.
“When I read the pitch to submit for this, I immediately thought of a situation that happened right after I resigned office,” Marc explains in the episode. “I had clients who still needed me. I had to show up.”
And show up he did. Marc didn’t just reenter the legal profession—he doubled down on his mission to protect and serve. Today, he represents clients in housing disputes, foreclosure defense, and consumer protection cases. His firm stands as a beacon for people navigating hard times—because Marc knows what it’s like to be in that place.
Showing Up Even When It’s Hard
Marc’s napkin is a call to action, especially for leaders. In times of transition, scandal, or failure, it’s tempting to stay hidden. But Marc reminds us that leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence.
“Getting dressed wasn’t about the suit. It was about stepping into responsibility,” he says.
This episode isn’t about politics. It’s about leadership that gets up anyway. It’s about not letting the worst day define your every day. It’s about remembering that your team, your family, your community—they’re counting on you. And your job is to show up for them, even if it’s uncomfortable.
Marc also talks about how this mindset continues to guide his team’s work. They represent individuals going through some of the most stressful experiences of their lives. For his team, showing up isn’t optional—it’s the foundation of trust.
5 Key Takeaways from Episode 267 – Marc Dann
1. Your Presence Matters More Than Your Perfection No matter how messy life gets, showing up with integrity can still have massive impact.
💡 Take Action: Identify one situation where you’ve been avoiding engagement—show up intentionally this week.
2. Leadership Is a Daily Decision Marc reminds us that leadership is not a title, but a commitment you make every single day.
💡 Take Action: Start your morning with a grounding phrase or mantra—Marc’s napkin is a great place to begin.
3. Purpose Can Be Reclaimed After Failure Failure isn’t the end. Marc’s comeback story proves you can re-earn trust by taking responsibility and doing the work.
💡 Take Action: Reflect on a past setback—how could it become a launching point for deeper purpose?
4. People Are Always Counting on You, Even If You Forget Whether you're a CEO, a parent, or a team leader—your consistency matters.
💡 Take Action: Send one message of gratitude or encouragement to someone who counts on you. Remind them you’re here.
5. Rituals Ground Resilience “Get up. Get dressed.” is more than just literal—it’s a ritual that roots Marc in action when emotions run high.
💡 Take Action: Create a simple daily ritual that signals it’s time to lead—even if you’re not feeling it.
Marc Dann’s story isn’t about never falling—it’s about what happens after you do. His Paper Napkin Wisdom offers a battle-tested reminder: leadership is showing up with purpose, especially when you don’t feel like it.
What’s your version of “Get up. Get dressed. People are counting on you”?
Write it down. Snap a picture. Share it with the hashtag #PaperNapkinWisdom—and remind someone else that their presence matters, too.
Contact Marc Dann