Miracle Mentality with Tim Storey
Episode 21: Paul Orfalea – The Harsh Reality of Running a Multi-Billion-Dollar Company
Date: January 5, 2026
Guest: Paul Orfalea, Founder of Kinko’s
Host: Tim Storey
Episode Overview
This episode features an in-depth, lively conversation between Tim Storey and Paul Orfalea, the visionary founder of Kinko's, exploring the real-life challenges behind building a multi-billion-dollar company. Beyond mere business talk, the discussion dives into themes of resilience, insecurity, humility, purpose, and what it truly means to pursue a "miracle mentality" in life and career.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
Upbringing & Early Influences (01:02–03:18)
- Both host and guest share Southern California roots.
- Paul, from a large Lebanese family, grew up around entrepreneurs, leading him to always assume he'd “do something with my savings account.”
- Family and food connections—stories of his mother and aunts competing over Lebanese cooking.
Childhood Struggles & Learning Differences (03:18–05:21)
- Dyslexia and ADHD: Paul was considered a “problem child” in an era before those terms existed. He notes his fidgety nature, questioning the standard definitions of ADHD:
"I don't know if I believe in ADHD. I believe in the teachers are just boring. Maybe it's their fault." (04:11)
- Credits his restless curiosity as more in tune with “the primate person” than problematic.
The Genesis of Kinko’s: Opportunity & Common Sense (05:21–06:54)
- The business idea stemmed from a practical need to make copies for a school project, noticing consistent demand at copy centers near campuses.
- Preference for businesses without perishable inventory, reflecting on his experiences at a vegetable stand and watching his father’s garment inventory spoil.
Entrepreneurship without an Overarching Vision (07:19–08:34)
- Orfalea didn’t set out to be a mogul—his primary goal was simple:
"My goal in life was to be solvent, never write a balanced check." (08:05)
- Studied finance at USC for its simplicity rather than passion.
Self-Doubt, Paranoia, and Owner’s Mentality (09:23–11:47)
- Despite public perceptions of success, he admits to persistent self-doubt and paranoia:
"You're always only as good as yesterday." (09:57)
- Praises Andy Grove’s concept: “Only the Paranoid Survive.”
- As technology advanced, he always anticipated the obsolescence of Kinko’s core business.
Overcoming Challenges & Healthy Paranoia (11:47–13:45)
- Emphasizes that the biggest challenge is one’s own insecurities.
- Shares the story of a lawsuit that humbled him right after he felt secure.
Fear & Resilience as Business Drivers (13:45–14:30)
- On facing fear:
"Sometimes you have no choice but to be resilient... Failure was not an option." (13:45)
- Saw the deep toll business losses took on relatives and refused to give up, partly because he felt unfit for working under someone else.
Imposter Syndrome & The Inner Child (15:34–16:55)
- Discusses the ongoing conflict between one’s vulnerable “13-year-old self” and the capable adult:
"...in life, there's the 13-year-old in you…overly about what others think… those two people are always in conflict." (15:34)
On Arrogance & Human Nature (16:55–17:26; 30:52–31:44)
- Calls arrogance “the only quality I find repulsive,” but admits encountering it especially in high-powered business circles.
- Maintains that most people, especially workers, are altruistic and honorable.
Productivity, Focus, and Chasing Fantasies (18:46–19:41)
- Cautions against “busyness” and the modern tendency to chase fantasies:
"...most people have an antagonistic relationship with time. I have never been a busy person…I would go to location to location and look for what people are doing right." (18:46)
- Emphasizes the importance of learning from success rather than focusing on failure.
Money, Happiness, and Intimacy (20:59–22:13)
- Wealth brings challenges, especially concerning genuine relationships:
"You really want to have intimacy with your friends… is it who I am or what I have... There’s a big liability to having [money]." (20:59)
Philanthropy & Empathy (22:13–22:57)
- Paul plans to give away his estate:
"Right now I don't intend to leave my children any money. I'm intending to give it all away..." (21:49)
- Stresses the need for empathy in business and society—sharing statistics about basic skills and access within local communities.
Humility, Destiny, and Giving Back (23:26–25:25)
- Orfalea views his success as a mysterious “supernatural” selection, not personal entitlement.
"I was either going to be the guy at the homeless shelter or where I am today. There was no place in the middle for a guy like me." (23:26)
- Recalls a childhood story about being “the A in four square” and how unearned privilege felt empty.
The Joy of Presence and Children (27:02–27:56)
- Reflects on the advice to “be in the moment,” crediting his children as his greatest source of fulfillment.
"They say when you have children, all you become is memories for your children… that’s when you feel success." (27:56)
Meaning of Wealth & Self-Kindness (28:48–29:58)
- Views money as a vehicle for freedom, time, and self-reconciliation—not possessions.
"I think the only thing money gives you is freedom. I think it gives you time for your soul to catch up to your body." (28:48)
- Advocates for kindness to oneself as well as to others.
Seasons of Life & Legacy (32:42–34:34)
- Shares wisdom from his mother about each decade of life.
- His late-life goals center on providing universal access for children to health, outdoor experiences, and opportunity:
"If I could, I would like to see every child... has a pathway to orthodonture…knows how to swim…go out camping..." (32:42)
- Reflects on social polarization, privilege, and the teachings of Christ about humility and empathy.
Memorable Quotes & Timestamps
-
On ADHD:
"I don't know if I believe in ADHD. I believe in the teachers are just boring. Maybe it's their fault."
(Paul Orfalea, 04:11) -
On his goal for Kinko’s:
"My goal in life was to be solvent, never write a balance check."
(Paul Orfalea, 08:05) -
On entrepreneurship:
"You're always only as good as yesterday... you're second guessing yourself constantly."
(Paul Orfalea, 09:57) -
On paranoia:
"I took comfort in the fact that Andy Grove wrote a book that even paranoids have enemies."
(Paul Orfalea, 10:51) -
On overcoming insecurity:
"The biggest problem you have is yourself and your insecurities."
(Paul Orfalea, 12:28) -
On failure not being an option:
"Sometimes you have no choice but to be resilient... Failure was not an option."
(Paul Orfalea, 13:45) -
On inner conflict and success:
"...there's the 13 year old in you... vulnerable, insecure...those two people are always in conflict."
(Paul Orfalea, 15:34) -
On chasing dreams and being present:
"Most people have an antagonistic relationship with time... I was never a busy person... You have to really learn to be in the moment and say what is really going on."
(Paul Orfalea, 18:46) -
On wealth and relationships:
"There's a downside to it...you really want to have intimacy with your friends. Sometimes, are they nice to me because of who I am or what I have?"
(Paul Orfalea, 20:59) -
On philanthropy:
"I don't intend to leave my children any money. I'm intending to give it all away and I'm trying to do a pretty good job of giving it away."
(Paul Orfalea, 21:49) -
On self-acceptance in later life:
"At 77 years old, I should really... I do want... Contentment is a cool word. I'm pretty content right now."
(Paul Orfalea, 32:42) -
On what money does:
"The only thing money gives you is freedom... time for your soul to catch up to your body."
(Paul Orfalea, 28:48)
Additional Noteworthy Segments
- Healthy paranoia vs. arrogance (13:08–17:26):
Paul distinguishes between productive doubt and off-putting certainty, advocating humility as a leadership trait. - Contentment & legacy (32:42–34:34):
Shares a vision for expanding opportunity for disadvantaged youth and reflects on social responsibility. - On human nature (30:52–31:44):
Asserts his belief in the general goodness and integrity of people.
Final Thoughts
Through humility, candor, and humor, Paul Orfalea demystifies the journey from scrappy entrepreneur to business mogul. He emphasizes resilience, self-examination, empathy, and the importance of being truly present. Listeners come away not only with business wisdom but also a philosophical reminder that the miracle mentality is about much more than wealth—it’s about meaning, connection, and using one’s gifts to better the world.