Paper Napkin Wisdom - Podcast for Entrepreneurs and Leaders

In episode 187 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, we’re thrilled to welcome back Cameron Herold, a leader whose insights are reshaping the way we approach growth in business and life. Known for his impactful coaching and leadership strategies, Cameron brings us a fresh perspective on what it takes to climb the proverbial ladder of success.

This episode centers around an intriguing metaphor Cameron calls the “Two Ladders”—one representing skills, the other confidence. His vision is a balanced approach to leadership growth, showing us how essential it is to build both skill sets and self-assurance simultaneously. As Cameron says, “If my skills are shaky, then my confidence is going to be starting to shake. If my confidence is shaky, my skills start to shake.”

Let’s dive into some of the standout points Cameron made in this episode and explore how his “Two Ladders” concept can help leaders like you build a more resilient foundation.

Skills and Confidence: Two Ladders, One Goal

Cameron Herold believes that the journey to success isn’t linear; instead, it requires stability on two fronts—skills and confidence. He explains this idea using the metaphor of two ladders that you need to climb side by side. “If you’re climbing up one ladder, and your left hand and left foot are on one ladder and your right hand and right foot are on another,” he describes, “it starts to sway if either one is shaky.”

This imagery is a reminder that both skills and confidence must be developed in tandem. As leaders, we can sometimes focus too heavily on one while neglecting the other, but as Cameron points out, “It’s skills and confidence that will actually grow those people.” For entrepreneurs and leaders, building a solid foundation in these areas is essential for long-term success.

Creating a Supportive Environment for Growth

Cameron emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where team members feel safe to grow. Drawing a parallel with parenting, he explains, “We need to cheer them on... we need to coach them to success.” This idea underscores the need for leaders to foster a positive, encouraging environment that nurtures both skill development and confidence.

For Cameron, coaching isn’t just about holding people accountable; it’s about empowering them. He says, “I’m not going to hold you accountable... I hire accountable people.” This approach reflects his belief that leadership is about trust and autonomy. By hiring individuals who take ownership of their roles, leaders can focus on guiding them rather than micromanaging.

Coaching at Every Level of Leadership

One of Cameron’s most compelling points is that coaching should be a continuous part of a leader’s journey, no matter their experience level. Even at 59, Cameron invests in coaching to sharpen his skills and maintain his confidence. He encourages leaders to model this approach for their teams, saying, “If coaching is good for me, then it’s clearly going to be good for you, too.”

This willingness to learn and grow, regardless of one’s position, is a hallmark of effective leadership. By prioritizing their development, leaders can inspire their teams to do the same, fostering a culture of lifelong learning and improvement.

5 Key Takeaways

Here are five actionable takeaways from Cameron’s insights on leadership, each with a “Take Action” tip for entrepreneurs and leaders:

1. Embrace the “Two Ladders” Concept

Success is built on a foundation of both skills and confidence, and developing these simultaneously is crucial. Quote from Cameron: “If my skills are shaky, then my confidence is going to be starting to shake. If my confidence is shaky, my skills start to shake.”

Take Action: Reflect on areas where your skills or confidence may be lacking. Set aside dedicated time each week to work on specific skills and seek feedback to bolster your confidence.

2. Foster a Positive Growth Environment

A supportive environment encourages your team to take risks and grow. When people feel safe, they’re more likely to develop both skills and confidence. Quote from Cameron: “We need to cheer them on... we need to coach them to success.”

Take Action: Create a positive reinforcement plan for your team. Recognize and celebrate small wins regularly to build an atmosphere where growth feels rewarding and safe.

3. Hire for Accountability

Instead of enforcing accountability, hire self-managing people who take ownership of their roles. Leadership is about empowering others, not micromanaging. Quote from Cameron: “I’m not going to hold you accountable... I hire accountable people.”

Take Action: During your next hiring cycle, look for candidates who demonstrate initiative and responsibility. Develop interview questions that reveal how they’ve managed themselves in past roles.

4. Model Continuous Growth

Great leaders are lifelong lear...

Roberta Perry, the dynamic founder of ScrubzBody Skin Care Products, brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to episode 211 of Paper Napkin Wisdom. With a background spanning from marketing and sales to crafting high-quality skincare solutions, Roberta has successfully combined her entrepreneurial drive with a focus on wellness and self-care. Her story highlights the power of persistence, creativity, and authenticity in building a purpose-driven business.

In this episode, Roberta shares how her personal quest for effective skincare solutions led to the creation of ScrubzBody. Starting from her kitchen, Roberta turned a simple idea into a thriving business that emphasizes not only great products but also a strong community connection.

The conversation is rich with insights into how passion and authenticity can fuel long-term success. Roberta's reflections are deeply rooted in her belief that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity. Her journey offers actionable advice for entrepreneurs looking to turn personal experiences into impactful ventures.

Key Themes Discussed in Episode 211:

• The Importance of Starting Small: Roberta emphasizes how even modest beginnings can lead to significant success with the right mindset.
• Building a Brand on Authenticity: ScrubzBody’s growth is a testament to the power of staying true to your values.
• Balancing Work and Self-Care: Roberta discusses how prioritizing wellness contributes to both personal and professional resilience.

Listeners will walk away inspired to embrace their passions, invest in themselves, and create businesses that resonate with their values.

5 Key Takeaways

1. Start Small, Think Big

Roberta’s journey began with a simple recipe created in her kitchen. Her success proves that you don’t need perfection to start—just take the first step. Take Action: Identify one small, actionable step you can take toward your big idea today.

2. Authenticity Wins

Staying authentic to her mission helped Roberta build trust and a loyal customer base. Authenticity fosters connection. Take Action: Revisit your brand’s core values and ensure they’re reflected in your products and messaging.

3. Self-Care is Essential

Entrepreneurs often neglect self-care, but Roberta views it as integral to success. Wellness fuels creativity and productivity. Take Action: Schedule 15 minutes daily to engage in a self-care activity that recharges you.

4. Community Builds Brands

ScrubzBody thrives on its strong connection to customers. Building a community can amplify your brand’s impact. Take Action: Start or join a group aligned with your business values to foster community connections.

5. Learn and Adapt

Challenges are inevitable, but Roberta’s willingness to learn from them has been key to her resilience and growth. Take Action: Reflect on a recent challenge and write down three lessons you learned from the experience.

Roberta’s journey is a masterclass in transforming passion into purpose while staying grounded in self-care and authenticity. As you listen to this episode, think about how these lessons apply to your own life and business.

What’s your biggest takeaway? Share it with the hashtag #PaperNapkinWisdom. Let’s continue the conversation about how small ideas can lead to big results.

Connect with Roberta:

https://scrubzbody.com/about-us/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/scrubzbody/

In Episode 180 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Raeanne Lacatena—a holistic business coach, mental health professional, Reiki master, and mother of three. Raeanne brings a fresh, integrative perspective to life and business, seamlessly weaving together her multifaceted roles. Our conversation delved deep into growth, transformation, and the natural cycles that influence every aspect of our lives.

Raeanne's paper napkin wisdom struck a profound chord: "Business can be a series of deaths and rebirths, destruction for creation." This powerful metaphor beautifully captures the cyclical nature of both business and life. It's a reminder that success isn't a straight, upward trajectory but a dynamic process of evolution, transformation, and renewal. For entrepreneurs and leaders who often feel the pressure of constant growth, this perspective can be both liberating and enlightening.

We discussed how business and life mirror natural processes—like the rising and setting of the sun. There are moments when things flourish, and periods when aspects of our lives or businesses seem to wither or end. Rather than resisting these phases, Raeanne emphasizes embracing them as essential parts of a larger cycle that paves the way for creation. The "death" of an idea, product, or life phase doesn't have to be negative; it can serve as the fertile ground for rebirth and innovation.

Raeanne shared how this philosophy is deeply ingrained in her coaching practice. With her background in mental health and Reiki, she's acutely aware of the connection between personal well-being and professional success. She guides her clients through these cycles, encouraging them to see potential in setbacks. These patterns show up in various ways—be it the rise and fall of a business or personal challenges we all face.

Drawing from her experiences as a professional and a mother of three, Raeanne has witnessed these cycles unfold repeatedly. She highlights the importance of recognizing that life and business aren't isolated from each other—they're interconnected. The rhythms we experience in one area often influence the other. This holistic approach means acknowledging that personal challenges—relationships, health, family—can profoundly impact how we show up professionally.

During our conversation, Raeanne delved into how embracing the process of destruction can be liberating. While it's natural to fear the end of something—a relationship, a project, a venture—holding onto what no longer serves us can stifle growth. Letting go of old ideas or roles allows us to move forward with greater clarity and purpose. It's about making space for something new and trusting that the discomfort of destruction is temporary, leading to exciting possibilities.

Raeanne encourages leaders and entrepreneurs to step back and view their businesses through a wider lens. Too often, we get caught up in day-to-day operations and lose sight of the bigger picture. By adopting a holistic mindset, we can see the ebbs and flows of our business as part of a natural cycle, rather than something to fear or avoid. This perspective not only brings peace of mind but also helps us make better, more informed decisions aligned with long-term success.

Her insights remind us that the cyclical nature of business and life can be our greatest teacher. By embracing both the destruction and creation phases, we allow ourselves to grow and evolve continuously. Raeanne's wisdom challenges us to let go of the fear associated with failure or endings and instead view them as stepping stones to greater achievements.

Business and life are not linear processes of constant growth. Instead, they follow cycles where destruction leads to creation. As Raeanne says, "The rise and fall of the sun shows us this cyclical nature." Understanding and accepting this allows us to navigate challenges more effectively.

Take Action: Identify one area in your business where holding on is hindering growth. This week, take a deliberate step to phase out or transform that aspect, making room for new opportunities.

Raeanne bridges the gap between personal and professional development, emphasizing their interconnectedness. Viewing our struggles through a lens that includes mental health and self-awareness enriches our approach to business.

Take Action: Integrate a holistic practice into your routine. Whether it's mindfulness meditation, a wellness workshop, or a team-building retreat, invest in activities that nurture both personal well-being and professional growth.

Holding onto what no longer serves us ...

Introduction

Introduction to Gina Mollicone-Long and Part 1 of This Transformational Series