EP 290 – Andrew Safnauer: Find Your Way Over the Wall

Andrew Safnauer - Paper Napkin Wisdom - Find your way over the wall.

In Episode 290 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Andrew Safnauer, a seasoned leader and executive with a wealth of experience in management, strategy, and innovation. Andrew has held leadership roles across diverse industries and today brings his insights into resilience, adaptability, and persistence. His wisdom is captured on a single napkin: 

“Find your way over the wall.” 

At first glance, it’s a simple metaphor. But as Andrew shares, this idea has been a recurring theme throughout his life and career, one that continues to guide him and those around him. 

The Napkin: Find Your Way Over the Wall 

Andrew explains that in the arc of his journey, obstacles and challenges have never been reasons to turn back. Instead, they have been invitations to problem-solve creatively. 

“When you get to a problem, when I get to a problem, it doesn’t turn me around. It’s really about finding my way over, around, or through the wall.” 

Walls, in Andrew’s story, are not barriers meant to stop us — they are tests of perseverance and ingenuity. Whether it was early-career hurdles, moments of reinvention, or leading teams through uncertainty, the theme of getting over the wall kept showing up. 

Resilience as a Practice, Not a Trait 

Andrew emphasizes that resilience is not something you’re simply born with — it’s built. Each obstacle tackled becomes a reference point for the future, a reminder that you’ve navigated tough situations before. 

He shared how this mindset allows him to reframe setbacks: instead of being moments of failure, they become moments of redirection. “The wall isn’t the end,” he suggests. “It’s just part of the journey.” 

Creativity in Problem-Solving 

Another key theme Andrew highlights is creativity. Getting over the wall isn’t always about brute force or stubbornness. Sometimes it’s about: 

• Looking for another path — maybe the wall isn’t as tall a little further down. 

• Asking for help — someone else may already have a ladder. 

• Redefining the problem — maybe the wall doesn’t even need climbing. 

This blend of creativity and persistence turns challenges into opportunities. 

Leadership Lesson: Modeling Grit for Others 

As a leader, Andrew knows people watch how you respond to difficulty. The way you approach obstacles sets the tone for your team. By consistently demonstrating the belief that challenges are navigable, leaders inspire confidence and cultivate cultures of resilience. 

He notes: “It’s easy to get discouraged when the wall looks too high. But if people see you keep moving forward, they start to believe they can too.” 

5 Key Takeaways from Andrew Safnauer 

1. Obstacles Are Inevitable Don’t waste time wishing there were no walls. Expect them, prepare for them, and use them as growth points. 

   Take Action: Write down one current “wall” you’re facing. Reframe it as an opportunity to grow. 

2. Resilience Is Built, Not Born Each wall you’ve climbed makes the next one more manageable. 

   Take Action: Journal three past moments where you overcame an obstacle — and what you learned. 

3. Creativity Opens New Paths Not every wall needs to be scaled directly. Explore new approaches, seek different perspectives. 

   Take Action: Brainstorm three alternative ways to solve the challenge you’re facing. 

4. Leadership Means Modeling Grit Your response to challenges directly influences your team. 

   Take Action: Share openly with your team how you’ve overcome challenges, and involve them in finding solutions. 

5. Persistence Pays Off Often the difference between success and failure is simply not stopping at the wall. 

   Take Action: Commit to one consistent step forward this week, even if progress feels slow. 

About Andrew Safnauer 

Andrew Safnauer is a proven leader with deep experience in operations, management, and organizational growth. His career spans industries where innovation, strategy, and resilience are key. Andrew’s perspective on finding your way over the wall comes from decades of experience leading through challenges and inspiring others to do the same. 

Final Thought 

Andrew’s napkin — Find Your Way Over the Wall — is a call to action. Obstacles are not stop signs; they’re opportunities to rise. Entrepreneurs, leaders, and difference-makers can take this to heart: when the wall appears, don’t turn back. Climb, reroute, or redefine — but keep moving forward. 

Now, I’d love to hear from you: 👉 What’s the wall you’re facing today, and how will you get over it? 

Write your takeaway on a napkin, snap a photo, and share it with the hashtag #PaperNapkinWisdom.