the Learn-It-All™ podcast

Negotiation isn’t about squeezing the most out of your opponent—it’s about solving problems and building relationships that last.  In this powerful episode, Damon sits down with Stan Christensen—Stanford Lecturer, former international mediator, and host of the podcast All Things Negotiation. Stan shares riveting stories from negotiating with guerrilla leaders in Colombia and mediating strikes in Chile, offering a fresh perspective: the best negotiators aren’t tactical hardballers, but creative, open-minded problem solvers. Drawing on decades of high-stakes experience and a legendary negotiation framework, Stan reveals why preparation, curiosity, and long-term thinking consistently win out over one-off tactics. Whether you’re dealing with a hostage taker, a procurement team, or your own spouse, this episode brims with real-world strategies and memorable lessons that anyone can use to get better outcomes—in their job, their family, and their life. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why most people approach negotiation the wrong way—and why it’s time to ditch tactical “win/lose” thinking The must-have negotiation framework from Getting to Yes—and how to actually use it How to prep for a salary or job negotiation using the principles of alternatives and objective criteria What hostage takers, procurement teams, and spouses all have in common (and how to negotiate with each) How culture, emotion, and relationships dramatically change negotiation dynamics—and what to do about it Why the most important negotiation skill is shifting from “tell” to “learn”—and the simple mindset shift that changes everything Timestamps: 00:00 – Stan’s golden rule: “Negotiate for the 99%, not the 1%” 01:20 – Why tactics can backfire—and negotiation is rarely one-off 02:02 – How Stan became a negotiation expert (from Harvard to hostage mediation) 03:26 – Stories from negotiating with guerrilla leaders in Colombia 04:51 – Why “relationship management” is the real secret to success 05:41 – Can anyone become a great negotiator? Innate skill vs. learned ability 06:52 – Case study: Helping an underdog labor union in Chile 10:59 – Hostage takers: Why listening is the most powerful negotiation tool 12:45 – How to uncover what the other side really wants 14:00 – The 7 elements of the Stanford/Harvard negotiation framework 17:15 – Salary negotiation tips: Preparation, alternatives, and criteria 20:04 – How (not) to frame a “fairness” argument at work 21:14 – When do tactics ever work? The 1% rule and car negotiation 25:43 – What to do when you’ve “burned” someone in a negotiation 27:03 – How culture affects negotiation—stories from Mexico, Indonesia, and Mauritania 32:38 – Not everything’s negotiable: Israel/Palestine case study 34:00 – Negotiation as creative problem solving 41:43 – Dealing with emotions and pausing in heated negotiations 43:07 – Stan’s toughest deals? Family negotiations 46:37 – Mediation story: How finding one point of common ground changed everything 49:38 – The #1 negotiation skill: Check your assumptions, stay curious 52:37 – Stan’s top negotiation movies and book recommendations 53:57 – Stan’s final mindshift: How “shifting to a learning stance” changes negotiation outcomes About Stan Christensen Stan Christensen is a globally recognized negotiation expert, mediator, and educator. For over two decades, he has taught the acclaimed business negotiation course at Stanford University, drawing on his real-world experience as a former hostage negotiator, international mediator, and advisor to organizations and governments in 75+ countries. Stan is the host of the All Things Negotiation podcast, where he brings negotiation stories and strategies to leaders around the world.  Resources & Mentions Stan Christensen on LinkedIn  All Things Negotiation Podcast Getting To Yes by Roger Fisher and William Ury Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini Difficult Conversations by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, Sheila Heen Crucial Conversations by Joseph Grenny et al. 12 Angry Men—Film (Henry Fonda version) Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Winning leaders aren’t defined by charisma or complexity—they’re defined by consistent, simple habits. In this practical solo episode, Damon Lembi reveals the five most impactful daily leadership habits he’s seen in world-class leaders and top-performing organizations. Drawing from his own experience as CEO, plus interviews with leaders like Tom Mendoza and Doug Conant, Damon shares actionable, no-fluff rituals to boost your trust, focus, and connection with your team. Whether you’re new to leadership or seeking to level up, you’ll walk away with tools you can use immediately—including strategies to strengthen loyalty, reduce burnout, and make every conversation count. Stay tuned to the end for Damon’s leadership challenge and a generous offer for free live learning to accelerate your growth.  In this episode, you’ll learn: How to set your “Big Three” priorities and avoid being overwhelmed by daily chaos The relationship-building power of starting conversations with something personal Why asking “and what else?” leads to deeper trust and better communication How a “gratitude quota” transforms morale—and two leaders who reached thousands with this habit The hidden cost of weekend emails, and how to protect your team from burnout Damon’s challenge: implement all five habits this week and track your team’s response Access free live learning resources to grow your leadership skills instantly  Timestamps: 00:00 – Why great leadership is built on a few simple habits 00:40 – Habit 1: Set your “Big 3” priorities every morning 01:30 – Habit 2: Start conversations with something personal 02:10 – Habit 3: End conversations with “What else is on your mind?” 02:55 – The power of questions from The Coaching Habit 03:30 – Habit 4: Set and hit a gratitude quota 04:00 – Doug Conant’s 30,000 thank-you notes example 04:30 – Public recognition and the OC Tanner stat 05:10 – Habit 5: Stop sending weekend emails (and why) 06:00 – Harvard Business Review on after-hours stress 06:30 – Recap of all 5 habits and how they build trust 07:15 – Damon’s weekly challenge: Try them all, track the impact 08:00 – Free gift: 45 days of Learnit classes + book plug 08:30 – Final takeaway: Consistency builds credibility  About Damon Lembi Damon Lembi is a 2x bestselling author, the host of The Learn-It-All Podcast, and CEO of Learnit – a live learning platform that has upskilled over 2 million people. Drawing from his prior baseball career, Damon brings an athlete’s perspective to leadership. Through his journey, he has gained invaluable insights into what helps organizations grow, how great leaders learn, and why learn-it-all companies outpace their competitors every time.  Resources & Mentions: Damon LinkedIn Learnit  The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier (book link) Gallup Workplace Report (Gallup website) Tom Mendoza profile (Tom Mendoza LinkedIn) Doug Conant profile (Doug Conant LinkedIn) The Learn-It-All Leader: Mindset, Traits, and Tools (book link) Good Decisions Equal Success (book link)   Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

What happens when you lead with humility, consistency, and care—instead of ego? In this uplifting and candid episode, Damon sits down with Peter Bissonnette, the former president of Shaw Communications and author of Count on Me. Peter pulls back the curtain on his remarkable leadership journey, from seminary days and military service to helming a $5.5B telecom powerhouse. Together, they explore the habits and values that shaped Shaw’s exceptional culture, why empathy and fairness matter most, and how leaders can be “counted on”—no matter their background. Jam-packed with real stories, hard-won tools, and lessons from both the boardroom and the bandstand, this episode is a blueprint for anyone looking to become a leader people believe in. Get ready to rethink what makes a lasting legacy—not just for companies, but for families—through the power of values-driven leadership. In this episode, you’ll learn: The culture-building power of shining a light on others, not yourself How Peter’s “Good Shepherd” philosophy (inspired by seminary days) became the foundation of his leadership style What it means to truly be “counted on”—and how personal adversity shaped Peter’s drive and fairness meter Practical tools for overcoming imposter syndrome and building self-belief, including the science of affirmations and visualization Why fit trumps credentials during hiring, and how to handle mis-hires with candor Inside Peter’s “leadership toolbox”—relationship-building, chameleon skills, candor, and the art of constructive feedback Behind-the-scenes negotiation stories, including a $2B Wall Street face-off and the lessons of win-win bargaining How music, photography, and creative passions make you a better leader and problem solver Tangible strategies to boost employee engagement—and transform dysfunction into unity Why leaders should be hero creators, not the heroes themselves  Timestamps: 00:00 – The power of focusing on the good in others 00:24 – Damon introduces Peter Bissonnette and episode themes 01:38 – How Shaw’s “we company” values fueled its success 03:07 – First meeting with founder J.R. Shaw 04:30 – The legacy-driven origins of Count on Me 08:37 – Seminary days and the “Good Shepherd” approach to leadership 11:09 – Peter’s tough childhood and the drive to be “counted on” 15:57 – Advice for new leaders struggling with self-belief 16:26 – Affirmations, visualization, and owning your own learning 22:25 – How to handle a mis-hire (the “Dead Pillow” story) 26:33 – Building your leadership toolbox: tools and traits that matter 30:07 – How to accelerate leadership experience: Mentorship & reading 32:01 – Lessons from Wall Street: The $2B Goldman Sachs negotiation 44:29 – Taking risks, responsibility and earning founder’s trust 47:57 – Win-win negotiations, fairness, and long-term relationships 49:32 – How music and creativity fuel leadership 54:59 – The role of photography and “extra languages” in solving problems 57:32 – Transforming employee engagement at Shaw 60:08 – Listening and acting on feedback to create belonging 63:56 – Shining the spotlight and building trust-driven teams 66:18 – How Peter personally connected with Shaw’s customers 70:13 – Why Count on Me is a case study for young leaders 72:50 – Where to find Peter and his book About Peter Bissonnette Peter Bissonnette is the former president of Shaw Communications, where he helped transform the company into a national powerhouse with more than 10,000 employees and $5.5 billion in annual revenue. Known for his humility, candor, and people-first leadership, Peter’s career took him from boarding school and seminary, through military service, to leading large organizations—all without a traditional academic background. He now serves on the board of the Shaw Family Trust and is the author of Count on Me, a candid memoir and leadership case study.  Resources & Mentions: Count on Me by Peter Bissonnette Peter Bissonnette on LinkedIn Improbably Successful by Juan Silvera The Learn-It-All Leader by Damon Lembi Brian Lanier’s Learn-It-All Podcast episode Peter Bissonnette on Jonny Pardoe Podcast Shaw Communications (background info) Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Burnout isn’t just something that happens to you—it’s something we can see, understand, and actively reverse. In this eye-opening episode, Damon sits down with Michael Levitt—burnout prevention expert, speaker, and survivor—to unpack what burnout really is (hint: it’s not the same as depression), why it so often sneaks up on high performers, and how we all can make small but life-changing shifts to reclaim our energy and purpose. Michael shares his own unforgettable story of hitting rock bottom—a heart attack at age 40, job loss, even losing his house—and how it became a catalyst for helping thousands escape the burnout trap. From the real causes (spoiler: sleep and financial stress matter more than you think) to the game-changing power of boundaries and curiosity, this episode is packed with practical tools and urgent truths for anyone who wants to build a burnout-proof life and culture—whether you’re a leader, a team member, or simply feeling the weight of modern work. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why Michael Levitt believes burnout is ultimately a choice—and what that really means for your life and career. The crucial differences between burnout and clinical depression—and how to spot (and avoid) both. Michael’s personal journey through health and financial collapse, and what finally sparked his comeback. The underestimated role of sleep and nutrition in burnout prevention (plus, why boundaries are the ultimate life hack). How financial stress impacts mental and physical wellness—and step-by-step tips for regaining control. What organizations and leaders must do to break the burnout cycle—and why investing in learning (even on a shoestring) is a must. Top strategies for high performers to set boundaries and prevent being overloaded by “do more” cultures.  Timestamps: 00:00 – Michael’s heart attack at 40 and the wake-up call that followed 01:18 – Why burnout is a choice (and why that statement is controversial) 03:15 – Defining burnout vs. depression (World Health Organization lens) 05:23 – The life collapse: job loss, home, and rebuilding from zero 12:38 – Curiosity vs. victimhood: how Michael avoided blaming others 16:40 – Boundaries: Michael’s first big change post-burnout 17:22 – Main triggers: financial stress, poor nutrition, and sleep 20:00 – Why sleep is the ultimate burnout prevention tool 24:54 – Why financial pressure is behind so much burnout today 29:06 – Practical advice for dealing with debt and budgeting 35:58 – Who’s responsible for burnout at work: leadership or employees? 40:58 – Learning and development: how upskilling fights burnout 44:33 – The importance of culture, belonging, and purpose 50:49 – Setting boundaries as a top performer—before it’s too late 56:08 – How team members can communicate workload limits 58:47 – Michael’s #1 burnout tip: set your bedroom up for sleep success 1:00:40 – Recap: small, consistent changes are the burnout antidote  About Michael Levitt Michael Levitt is a globally recognized burnout expert, keynote speaker, and the founder of the Breakfast Leadership Network. Michael set out to understand stress and burnout from the inside out. Today, he coaches leaders and organizations worldwide on building burnout-proof cultures through practical boundaries, improved sleep, and powerful mindset shifts. Michael is also the author of Burnout Proof and host of the popular Breakfast Leadership Show. Resources Referenced: Michael Levitt Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldlevitt/ Michael Levitt’s free book Burnout Proof: Claim here Dr. Herbert Freudenberger, Burnout (book): Amazon link World Health Organization—burnout definition: WHO ICD-11 Burn-out John Maxwell, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Amazon link Michael Levitt on YouTube: Breakfast Leadership Network channel Connect with Michael Levitt: breakfastleadership.com Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Winning teams—and great companies—aren't built through pressure, they're built through belief and connection. In this energizing solo episode, host Damon Lembi unpacks what it really takes to become a great leader people respect too much to disappoint. Drawing on personal stories from his college baseball days and decades leading at Learnit, Damon explains why the best leaders don’t motivate through fear—but by genuinely believing in their people before they believe in themselves. If you want to foster a team culture where trust, psychological safety, and growth thrive, these actionable insights are your starting lineup. Damon shares practical tools and a quick challenge you can start using this week to build respect, accountability, and a platform for your team to shine. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why belief—not pressure—drives peak performance and lasting accountability The science behind psychological safety and why it’s essential for risk-taking and innovation Damon's “JP” story: how authentic connection from a mentor changes everything Two simple, powerful actions you can use immediately to earn real respect as a leader How to stretch your team and still have their back, even when they stumble The ultimate test of respect: Will your team give their all even when you’re not watching? Timestamps:  00:00 – The kind of leader people don’t want to disappoint 00:40 – Story: Damon’s coach JP and the Knoxville series 01:45 – Why belief—not fear—unlocked Damon’s performance 02:15 – Research from Amy Edmondson: 67% more likely to play it safe without psychological safety 02:45 – Respect can’t be demanded; it must be earned 03:15 – Learnit’s 30-year celebration: stories from employees past and present 03:45 – Leadership is about giving others the platform—not hogging the spotlight 04:00 – Two habits to earn real respect:  1. Connect beyond deadlines  2. Stretch through belief, autonomy, and support 04:45 – The 6-month test: Would your team still bring their best if you stepped away? 05:15 – Final reflection: See people. Believe in them. Give them a shot. 05:45 – Weekly challenge: Tell one person what you see in them 06:00 – Rate, review, and share if this resonated About Damon Lembi Damon Lembi is a 2x bestselling author, the host of The Learn-It-All Podcast, and CEO of Learnit – a live learning platform that has upskilled over 2 million people. Drawing from his prior baseball career, Damon brings an athlete’s perspective to leadership. Through his journey, he has gained invaluable insights into what helps organizations grow, how great leaders learn, and why learn-it-all companies outpace their competitors every time. Resources & Mentions: Learnit: Https://www.learnit.com The Learn-It-All Leader: Mindset, Traits, and Tools by Damon Lembi:  https://a.co/d/azzNKWM  Good Decisions Equals Success by Damon Lembi & Kandis Porter:  https://a.co/d/hJhnRJU  Damon Lembi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.  

Winning companies aren’t just built on strategies—they’re built on trust, curiosity, and culture. In this dynamic episode, host Damon Lembi sits down with Gwen Tormey, COO of Corestream, who helped the company scale from scrappy startup to award-winning employer. Gwen shares how she architected a resilient operating system and an inclusive, people-first culture while quadrupling the size of her team. They dive into practical frameworks like OKRs and the 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX), discuss building psychological safety, and swap stories about hiring, AI adoption, and empowering employees to innovate from any seat. Whether you’re scaling a business or leading a small team, you’ll come away inspired with actionable tools to elevate your leadership and your culture. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Gwen prioritized both operations and culture by listening deeply before leading change The art and discipline of incubate, then delegate—and how to turn quick wins into lasting systems What Gwen learned from her own startup journey (and why product-market fit and business model matter) Corestream’s step-by-step OKR and 4DX mashup—and how it powers alignment across the org How to hire A-players and build psychological safety (using the Who hiring methodology) Why innovation and process optimization can go hand-in-hand with a people-first mindset Practical strategies for driving AI adoption—from team hackathons to hands-on experiments Timestamps: 00:00 – Why it’s okay to fail and the power of positive reinforcement 00:16 – Meet Gwen Tormey: From startup to scaling COO 01:21 – How Gwen balanced building operations and culture 02:36 – Why trust and curiosity beat quick fixes for new leaders 04:26 – “Incubate then delegate”: Gwen’s approach to operational leadership 07:54 – Lessons learned from launching Footstep Labs 11:57 – What founders need to know about business models and product-market fit 13:54 – How Gwen mentors startups: Pessimism meets idealism 14:28 – Breaking down Corestream’s OKR + 4DX execution engine 17:02 – How company-wide goals connect individuals to the North Star 19:54 – The tools, reminders, and culture needed for successful OKRs 22:28 – Building psychological safety and rewarding humility 25:55 – Shifting culture: New hiring, new values, and a “culture council” 28:46 – Gwen’s take on work samples and thorough hiring 31:08 – Why optimizing processes empowers people—never replaces them 32:38 – Getting frontline teams to embrace process improvement and AI 35:04 – Gwen’s best AI adoption tip: Hackathons and hands-on coaching 37:07 – Should you mandate AI tools? Building a flexible, supportive policy 39:29 – The hardest part of scaling culture: Communication and breaking silos 42:15 – What excites Gwen about Corestream’s future About Gwen Tormey Gwen Tormey is the Chief Operating Officer of Corestream, where she’s engineered the company’s rapid growth and helped quadruple the team size, all while securing multiple workplace culture awards. Gwen brings a diverse background as a founder, investor, and operational leader, blending deep curiosity and systems thinking with a relentless focus on people. From rebuilding account management from scratch to designing innovative ways to hire, empower, and retain A-players, Gwen’s signature is bridging operational rigor and human-first values.  Resources & Mentions Gwen on LinkedIn Objectives and Key Results (OKR) framework Who: The A Method for Hiring Skunk Works — What Is It? Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

When success is defined by always saying yes and never showing weakness, burnout is inevitable. In this compelling episode, Damon is joined by Emmy award-winning meteorologist, podcaster, and Noble Knights founder Ted Phaeton, who takes us inside the “high performer’s trap”—and how real growth comes from learning to say no, set boundaries, and protect your peace. Together, they tackle the pressures men face following prescribed scripts for success, how top performers can avoid self-destruction, and why managing your time isn’t just about productivity—it’s about self-alignment and fulfillment. Ted shares his unique journey from burnout to boundary-setting, unveils actionable tools and scripts for defending your time, and explains how slowing down can actually make high achievers stronger. Plus: candid stories on fatherhood, healing generational wounds, and the power of male mentorship for genuine transformation. Packed with real talk, this episode is a must-listen for leaders, learners, and anyone ready to rewrite their definition of success. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why following the “script” of success can lead to regret, burnout, and misery—and how to spot when you’re out of alignment. Practical frameworks for setting boundaries, including Ted’s “perfect week,” time-blocking, and scripts for gracefully saying no or deferring requests. Why high performers are especially prone to burnout—and the counterintuitive secret that 85% effort (not 100%) creates longevity and impact. How to build greater self-awareness and situational awareness to identify the real roots of stress, avoidance, and negative behaviors. The role of mentorship, honest feedback, and supportive male circles in helping men (and leaders of all kinds) grow and break destructive cycles. How becoming a father changed Ted’s view on time, alignment, and the importance of living with empathy, presence, and curiosity.  Timestamps: 00:00 – Ted’s struggle with boundaries and the masculine pressure to never ask for help 01:09 – The “script” men are taught—and why it often leads to unfulfillment 04:15 – How chasing the “wrong carrot” leads to success regret 06:11 – Spotting when you’re out of alignment: self-awareness and situational whispers 08:10 – Why time is our most precious (and unrenewable) asset 10:40 – Why letting someone go can actually serve them best 13:02 – The link between boundary-setting, time-blocking, and protecting your peace 15:59 – Scripts for saying no, deferring, and managing expectations 17:49 – The curse (and burnout) of being a top performer 20:59 – Why self-aware high performers are more powerful than those who never “pump the brakes” 22:57 – The science behind slowing down, working at 85%, and why recovery matters 25:14 – Inside Ted’s Tools of Time course: structure, habits, and personalized frameworks 27:04 – “You don’t have to be great to start”: Overcoming disorganization and making small daily changes 30:26 – The hidden cost of DIY: delegating versus losing time 33:41 – From podcasting to noble mentorship: what men need most 36:57 – Finding brotherhood, healthy circles, and the value of honest feedback 39:46 – How Ted learned to embrace (not resist) hard feedback 46:13 – How fatherhood reshaped Ted’s priorities and time use 49:29 – What Ted wants for his daughter’s future: more empathy, less judgment 51:33 – Final advice: Stay curious, keep learning, and let your skills accumulate for the future  About Ted Phateon Ted Phaeton is an Emmy award-winning morning meteorologist, founder of The Noble Knights men’s group, and host of The Modern Man Podcast. Dedicated to challenging traditional narratives around masculinity and success, Ted helps high performers and everyday leaders redefine what it means to win—at work, at home, and within themselves. From healing generational wounds to teaching transformational time management, Ted’s coaching, courses, and community work inspire men everywhere to grow, connect, and lead with authenticity.  Resources Referenced: Ted’s Website Ted’s LinkedIn The Modern Man Podcast Tools of Time Course Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink  Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Winning cultures aren’t created by accident—they’re built through feedback, humility, and real action. In this solo episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, host Damon Lembi reveals the five essential strategies every leader should use to get better feedback—and transform it into real improvement. Backed by research and brought to life with stories from his own career (including writing his bestselling book and leading a team of millions), Damon outlines practical tools, scripts, and even AI hacks for soliciting insightful, actionable criticism. Whether you’re a CEO or an aspiring leader, you’ll walk away ready to seek out the feedback that fuels growth—and learn how to make your team feel safe giving it. From overcoming the fear of tough conversations to leveraging anonymous Google Docs and the power of AI, this episode delivers a blueprint for anyone committed to leveling up their leadership through radical learning and self-awareness. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why leaders who regularly seek feedback are rated far higher than those who don’t—and what that means for your growth. How to “invite feedback with vulnerability,” and the exact script Damon used to get honest advice while writing his book. The power of asking one specific question—instead of settling for binary, shallow responses. How to “meet people where they’re comfortable” so feedback isn’t intimidating or awkward. Systems for anonymous, safe feedback—including the Help Damon Help You Google Doc template. The cutting-edge ways Damon uses AI as a feedback machine, from analyzing meeting transcripts to reworking team comp plans. Timestamps: 00:00 – Surprising research: Feedback-seeking leaders dominate performance 02:30 – Strategy 1: Invite feedback with vulnerability (Damon’s book writing story) 05:25 – Strategy 2: Connect and ask for one specific thing 08:45 – Strategy 3: Meet them where they’re comfortable 11:10 – Strategies 1-3 recap—when 1:1 conversations matter 12:05 – Strategy 4: Make it safe through systems (anonymous Google Doc) 14:50 – Damon’s prompt questions for feedback 16:15 – Sharing and acting on team feedback 17:05 – Strategy 5: Leveraging AI as a feedback machine 18:25 – Example: AI feedback on compensation plans 20:00 – Using AI to debrief podcast interviews 21:20 – Why you shouldn’t get defensive about feedback 23:05 – Damon’s challenge: Pick an area, try a new feedback strategy 24:10 – Closing: Resources and how to connect About Damon Lembi Damon Lembi is a 2x bestselling author, the host of The Learn-It-All Podcast, and CEO of Learnit – a live learning platform that has upskilled over 2 million people. Drawing from his prior baseball career, Damon brings an athlete’s perspective to leadership. Through his journey, he has gained invaluable insights into what helps organizations grow, how great leaders learn, and why learn-it-all companies outpace their competitors every time.  Resources & Mentions: The Learn-It-All Leader: Mindset, Traits, and Tools by Damon Lembi:  https://a.co/d/azzNKWM  Good Decisions Equals Success by Damon Lembi & Kandis Porter:  https://a.co/d/hJhnRJU  Damon Lembi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi  Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

Are you settling for comfort instead of greatness? In this action-packed episode, Damon sits down with Rick Walker—entrepreneur, global nonprofit builder, and author of "Nine Steps to Build a Life of Meaning"—to unearth what truly separates remarkable lives from forgettable ones. Rick shares why pain is our greatest teacher, why comfort breeds mediocrity, and how to fight for a future your grandkids will talk about. Drawing on interviews with world-class leaders and lessons from scaling businesses in over 50 countries, Rick offers a blueprint for finding purpose, turning adversity into leverage, and aiming higher than you ever thought possible. Packed with stories, tough lessons, and practical steps, this episode is an eye-opener for anyone stuck on autopilot or wondering what it takes to build a legacy. Whether you’re facing setbacks or just too comfortable, Rick reveals how to embrace discomfort, conquer your enemies (internal and external), and finally turn potential into real accomplishment. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why living in a painless world creates joyless lives—and how pain sharpens both achievement and happiness How to identify your “worthy enemy”—the personal or societal evil that can ignite your purpose Why aiming low is the ultimate sin, and how the best leaders set goals they rarely achieve How to build resilience by stacking small sacrifices and eliminating distractions, not just making to-do lists How wisdom is the ability to act today for the most valued reward in the most distant future The steps Rick uses for unleashing your full potential and building a legacy that outlasts you  Timestamps: 00:00 – Why pain is life’s greatest attention-grabber 01:17 – Introducing Rick Walker and his "Nine Steps to Build a Life of Meaning" 02:43 – Pain vs. comfort: trading easy living for real growth 06:49 – Rick’s inspiration: lessons from failure and wisdom from world-class men 10:04 – Step one: How to identify and conquer your “enemy” 16:15 – Why Rick uses “steps” instead of “rules” (and what it means to always advance or retreat) 20:04 – The danger of aiming low and why it sabotages your identity 27:27 – Translating business wisdom to nonprofit work and the pursuit of a meaningful impact 31:19 – Rick’s definition of wisdom and the “currency of the present” 38:03 – How pain and setbacks are the secret to joy and a meaningful story 44:09 – Viktor Frankl, agency, and escaping victimhood through responsibility 48:29 – Real-life example: how to handle overwhelm in leadership roles 51:58 – Can you repeat, skip, or customize the nine steps? (linear or not?) 55:02 – Advice for Rick’s future sons-in-law—and building a life your grandkids will recount 57:58 – Why a redeemed man is better than a perfect man (and living a story worth telling) 59:26 – Rick’s final nugget: hope threatens all threats, and living lavishly on the outliers 1:01:55 – Where to connect with Rick and get his book  About Rick Walker Rick Walker is an entrepreneur, author, and global nonprofit leader who’s scaled businesses to hundreds of employees and helped launch organizations in over 50 countries. He’s interviewed 100+ world-class leaders, read over 1,000 books, and distilled decades of experience into practical frameworks for living a life of significance. Rick’s mission is to equip the next generation—especially young men—with the tools, wisdom, and mindset to conquer comfort and build a meaningful legacy. Learn more at RickWalker.com and connect with him on LinkedIn Resources & Mentions Rick Walker’s website and newsletter Rick Walker on LinkedIn Book: Nine Steps to Build a Life of Meaning Book: Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl Book: Striking Thoughts by Bruce Lee Book: Tao Te Ching Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Growing a business is more than just adding fuel to the fire—true scale demands clarity, courage, and a change in mindset. In this high-impact episode, host Damon Lembi welcomes Adam Strong, renowned business strategist, bestselling author, and host of The Business Strategist Podcast. Together, they dive deep into the pitfalls that keep founders and CEOs stuck, from confusing growth with true scaling, to fear, ego, and personal identity issues that prevent successful exits. Adam unpacks the must-have strategies for reclaiming your time, building scalable systems, and ensuring you're not the bottleneck in your own company. Loaded with actionable frameworks, mindset shifts, and real-life stories—including how personal branding creates demand and why having too much revenue tied to one customer is a recipe for sleepless nights—this is an episode every ambitious leader should hear. In this episode, you’ll learn: The critical difference between growth and scale—and why mistaking one for the other stalls most founders Why personal identity, fear, and ego block even top CEOs from scaling and exiting their businesses Adam’s 3-stage exit plan every business owner needs to understand (and when to start the process) How to identify and fix the stress points that are bottlenecking your organization’s growth The essential categories Adam benchmarks to accelerate professional services out of stagnation Why building (and consistently posting) a personal brand leads to real business opportunities—even if you don’t see instant feedback How to use product ecosystems and capacity planning to protect profits and prepare for scale Timestamps: 00:00 – Growth vs. scale: why sprinting endlessly leads to burnout 01:06 – Why clarity is the “north star” of sustainable business 02:51 – From micromanagement to fear: common founder mistakes 04:29 – The emotional journey of exiting your business 07:19 – Identity and ego: The real reasons founders struggle to let go 09:45 – Limiting beliefs and the fixed mindset trap 11:25 – How Adam challenges leaders (without giving easy answers) 13:29 – Fear-based decision making and resistance to change 15:05 – The hidden power of personal branding and social content 16:57 – Case study: how personal branding landed a new client 19:38 – The first step for stuck professional services leaders 21:06 – Adam’s 5-part business framework for diagnosing bottlenecks 23:25 – Why great technical skills don’t guarantee business growth 24:11 – What McDonald’s teaches about product vs. process 25:49 – How to successfully step back as a founder 28:55 – The dangers of founder interference—stepping back for real scale 30:52 – Growing from $3M to $4M: the scale, not just staff, solution 32:42 – Assessing efficiency and maximizing profitability 35:42 – Is A.I. a threat or tool in professional services? 38:56 – How niche and capacity planning lead to premium positioning 42:45 – Red flags: when too much revenue comes from one client 45:04 – Building a product ecosystem to increase resilience and value 50:25 – Creating demand and the power of waitlists 51:27 – Positioning your firm as premium (not commodity) 53:04 – Adam’s final takeaway: Don’t leave your exit too late 54:45 – How to join Adam's founder community and connect  About Adam Strong Adam Strong is a best-selling author, entrepreneur, international speaker, and widely recognized business strategist. Drawing on decades of experience, Adam specializes in guiding founders, CEOs, and professional services leaders through the crucial mindset and operational changes needed to break revenue ceilings and execute winning exits. He is the host of The Business Strategist Podcast and a passionate advocate of building memorable personal brands in the digital age.  Resources & Mentions: Adam Strong on LinkedIn Adam Strong’s Website The Business Strategist Podcast Adam Strong Books: https://adamstrong.net/books/ Waitlist for Adam’s founder & CEO community: https://gamechangersinnercircle.scoreapp.com/ Patrick Lencioni’s Working Genius Tool  Book: Small Ball, Big Results  Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Winning teams—and thriving careers—are built by those who take charge of their own growth. In this solo episode, host Damon Lembi, two-time bestselling author and CEO of Learnit, shares the three essential truths for taking complete ownership of your career development. Drawing on real stories from mentees and colleagues, Damon unpacks why waiting for training, promotions, or happiness to arrive just doesn’t work—and how proactive planning, building a business case, and courageous conversations can change everything. Whether you’re new to leadership, battling resource constraints, or feeling stuck in the wrong role, this episode delivers practical strategies and mindset shifts to help you get unstuck and start thriving on your own terms. From designing your own learning plan to making big, strategic asks (and having tough talks!), Damon empowers you with the tools and inspiration to own your path, champion your team, and rediscover your passion at work. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why no one cares about your growth as much as you do—and why that’s empowering How to proactively build and present your own learning and development plan The art of crafting a business case and ROI to advocate for your team’s resources The importance of having honest conversations if you’re miserable in your role—and how to transition back to work you love Why leaders often want to help, but need you to step forward first Tangible next steps: how to move from frustration to action, starting today  Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: The myth of waiting for help 01:05 – Taking responsibility for your own learning plan 03:22 – Mentee story: Designing a custom leadership curriculum 06:05 – What to do if your company won’t pay for training 07:05 – The importance of biographies and self-driven learning 08:10 – Build a business case and ROI for your team’s success 10:24 – Sales leader story: Conferences and proven results 14:30 – Leaders are busy—why you need to help them help you 15:30 – The power of proactive initiative (Carly Lutz example) 16:35 – The hardest story: Getting stuck in the wrong management role 19:50 – How honest dialogue can transform your job satisfaction 21:55 – Lessons for “getting out of your comfort zone” and loving your work 23:30 – Damon’s final challenge: Take action now 25:00 – Damon’s book, Learn it All Leader, and goodbye About Damon Lembi Damon Lembi is a 2x bestselling author, the host of The Learn-It-All Podcast, and CEO of Learnit – a live learning platform that has upskilled over 2 million people. Drawing from his prior baseball career, Damon brings an athlete’s perspective to leadership. Through his journey, he has gained invaluable insights into what helps organizations grow, how great leaders learn, and why learn-it-all companies outpace their competitors every time.  Resources & Mentions: The Learn-It-All Leader: Mindset, Traits, and Tools by Damon Lembi:  https://a.co/d/azzNKWM  Good Decisions Equals Success by Damon Lembi & Kandis Porter:  https://a.co/d/hJhnRJU  Damon Lembi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi  Coach Your Team (Learnit Course): https://www.learnit.com/courses/coach-your-team  Make Listening Your Superpower (Learnit Course): https://www.learnit.com/courses/make-listening-your-superpower Run Better Meetings (Learnit Course): https://www.learnit.com/courses/run-better-meetings Think Critically (Learnit Course): https://www.learnit.com/courses/think-critically Delegate to Scale Your Impact (Learnit course):  https://www.learnit.com/courses/delegate-to-scale-your-impact Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Rethinking Sales Leadership: Disrupting the Status Quo and Multiplying Your Impact In this energizing episode, Damon sits down with Bernadette McClelland—global sales leadership consultant, keynote speaker, and founder of the Sales Leadership Academy—to explore why the most dangerous thing a leader can do is stick with “the way we’ve always done it.” Bernadette shares her personal evolution from top corporate sales leader in Australia to transformative coach and framework creator, urging sales leaders to move beyond comfort zones, drive self-mastery, and codify their unique expertise for the market of tomorrow. From breaking free of outdated identities to embracing a balance of competitive and creative energies, this conversation is packed with actionable strategies and fresh perspectives for anyone looking to stay relevant, multiply their impact, and future-proof their sales leadership. Whether you’re a new manager or a seasoned pro, you’ll find practical tools and inspiration to rewrite your own story, build frameworks that differentiate you, and lead teams with more conviction, clarity, and compassion. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why disruption is essential for sales leaders—and the steep cost of doing nothing The crucial link between identity, intention, and self-influence in transforming leadership How to shift from managing deals to inspiring and mobilizing teams at a human level Why codifying your unique expertise (IP) creates massive value and market differentiation The rising importance of balancing competitive (masculine) and creative (feminine) leadership energies How to coach teams for belief and behavioral change—not just business outcomes  Timestamps: 00:00 – Why “we’ve always done it this way” is so dangerous for leaders 01:41 – The importance of curiosity and self-disruption 03:06 – Identity, intentionality, and influence: the trilogy of self-leadership 07:16 – Bernadette’s journey: overcoming adversity, shifting out of “shallow” work 13:37 – Position, people, process, performance, proof: the framework for multiplying impact 16:42 – The perception trap: why pipeline problems go deeper than the numbers 17:02 – Balancing competitive and creative energies in sales leadership 19:41 – Why not every high-performing rep should be a leader 22:00 – From managing to mobilizing: inspiring belief in your team 24:49 – Coaching limiting beliefs around money and authority 30:18 – Codifying your IP: why your expertise is your commercial asset 32:58 – What the Sales Leadership Academy delivers for its graduates 33:09 – Who Bernadette’s academy is for (and who it isn’t) 34:18 – Human skills and the future of sales leadership in the AI era 37:11 – Using AI wisely: avoiding “copycat” content while leveraging tech 39:27 – Bernadette’s last takeaway: stay open, curious, and true to yourself 40:43 – Where to connect with Bernadette and access her Academy  About Bernadette McClelland Bernadette McClelland is an international sales leadership consultant, keynote speaker, and founder of the Sales Leadership Academy. From humble beginnings and overcoming setbacks, Bernadette rose to become a senior sales leader at Xerox Australia, master coach for Tony Robbins in Asia Pacific, and a trusted advisor to Harvard MBA students and business schools across the globe. Today, she’s renowned for helping leaders coadify their unique value, systemize sales strategy, and double down on impact—whether working with corporate clients, mentoring undergraduates, or volunteering with the incarcerated in their inhouse entrepreneurial and personal transformation programs.  Resources & Mentions: Bernadette’s website: https://bernadettemcclelland.com Bernadette on LinkedIn: Bernadette McClelland Book: Shift and Disrupt: Stop Selling Widgets, Start Selling Wisdom by Bernadette McClelland Byron Katie’s “The Work”: thework.com World Economic Forum: Top 10 Job Skills of the Future Sales Leader of Influence Academy - Use code "LEARNIT" at checkout for a 100% discount! (valid until 7/1/2026): https://salesleadershipacademy.com/revenue  Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

What can 36 combat missions teach you about judgment, trust, and leading boldly?  In this gripping episode, host Damon Lembi sits down with retired Navy SEAL, CEO, and bestselling author Marty Strong to unpack the real lessons of leadership from the battlefield to the boardroom. Marty reveals the mindset and frameworks forged under pressure—from never being a “single point of failure” to the three-step process for creative, resilient leadership. Whether you’re running a small project or motivating an entire organization, this episode delivers practical tools to help you train, adapt, and inspire at a higher level. Discover why great teams out-innovate their competition, how mission-driven leadership outperforms metrics-chasing, and what to do when your strategy—and your ego—get stuck in the mud. Marty also shares powerful stories from his SEAL days and breaks down how to reignite creativity in yourself and your team, long after childhood. In this episode, you’ll learn: The difference between “leading for mission” and “leading for metrics” (and why it matters) Marty’s three-part framework for bold, creative leadership—including intellectual humility, curiosity, and applied creativity How SEALs build trust, adaptability, and cross-trained teams to avoid a single point of failure Why businesses lose creativity as they scale—and how to bring it back The #1 lesson Marty learned when everything went wrong on a mission (and how it changed his leadership forever) Tools for driving buy-in, team empathy, and loyalty—no matter the stakes Timestamps: 00:00 – Marty’s “single point of failure” lesson and opening thoughts on leadership 01:18 – What the Navy SEALs taught Marty about always being prepared 03:10 – Marty’s backstory and path to the SEALs 07:00 – The reality of leading high-performing, high-intelligence teams 08:52 – Trust, judgment, and adaptability in special ops 11:27 – Marty’s “work the problem” mud mission and lessons in humility 21:53 – Translating military leadership to the business world 25:34 – Building bench strength, team loyalty, and cross-functional empathy 29:46 – Marty’s books: Be Nimble, Be Visionary, Be Different 34:05 – Why companies (and adults) lose creativity over time 39:19 – The three-step framework: humility, curiosity, creativity 42:43 – How to drive more curiosity and openness in teams 46:27 – The difference between business as usual and true vision 53:36 – What keeps Marty learning and leading at the highest level 56:20 – Marty's speaking, writing, and fiction for the SEAL Veterans Foundation 57:47 – Where to connect with Marty online 58:11 – Show close and Damon’s call to “stay curious, keep learning” About Marty Strong Marty Strong is a retired Navy SEAL with 20 years of combat leadership—and a track record as a CEO, entrepreneur, and bestselling author. After leading 36+ special operations missions and teams in high-stakes environments, Marty transitioned into the business world, buying and selling companies and coaching leaders across industries. He’s the author of a leadership trilogy (Be Nimble, Be Visionary, Be Different) and donates all proceeds from his fiction books to the SEAL Veterans Foundation. Marty speaks and consults on leadership, culture, and bold thinking for audiences nationwide.  Resources & Mentions: Marty’s website: https://www.martystrong.com/ Marty’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marty-strong-9676bb13/ Marty’s books: Be Nimble, Be Visionary, Be Different (Amazon) Article: “Work the Problem” by Marty Strong (LinkedIn article) SEAL Veterans Foundation: https://www.vetspecialwarriors.org/ (fiction book proceeds) Best Robotics: https://www.bestrobotics.org Book referenced: Cantrell (likely Ed Catmull) on Pixar: Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.  

Everyone’s talking about AI—but few are actually using it well.In this episode, Damon Lembi sits down with Thiago Da Costa, AI visionary and founder of Datagrid, to unpack the real impact AI is having on work today. From replacing repetitive tasks to redesigning how companies hire, execute, and scale—Thiago shares how forward-thinking leaders can harness AI to reclaim time, unlock efficiency, and build the future of work.From building physics engines for movies like Avatar to selling his startup to Autodesk and now leading Datagrid, Thiago offers both technical insight and human wisdom for anyone navigating the AI revolution. In this episode, you’ll learn:- Why Thiago says AI is underhyped—and what most leaders are missing- The shift from hiring humans to hiring intelligent agents- How AI is changing product, content, customer success, and hiring- Why “agent architects” will be the next critical role inside every company- What great AI implementation looks like at non-tech companies- How to use AI as your “auto-complete for thinking”- What to look for in talent in the age of AI- How leaders can free up 5+ hours a day through agentic design- Why grit and energy beat credentials in AI-native hiring- What the world could look like by 2035—and how to start nowTimestamps:00:00 – Why every junior is now a senior with AI01:30 – AI is underhyped: usage is far behind potential03:00 – Infrastructure gaps: what’s holding mass adoption back04:00 – Voice, video, and the next interface shift06:00 – Replacing work with intelligence: what it means07:30 – Thiago’s origin: Brazil, physics, and Avatar09:00 – Starting a company and learning the hard way10:30 – The one person who believed in him12:00 – Building a CAD platform in the browser14:00 – What it felt like to be acquired by Autodesk16:00 – Driving cloud transformation inside a legacy org18:00 – What inefficiency really looks like at scale20:00 – How Datagrid replaces repetitive ops with agents22:00 – Why "agent architect" is the next must-hire24:00 – Grit + curiosity = your most valuable employee26:00 – Why small teams can now outpace the giants28:00 – Where leaders should start with AI today30:00 – Content, SEO, and how to really use LLMs32:00 – Real example: AI agent handling shipping and tracking34:00 – The three-year vision: free up 5+ hours/day36:00 – What the world could look like in 203538:00 – One lesson for every founder: aim higher40:00 – Damon’s challenge: share this with a future founderAbout Thiago:Thiago Da Costa is a serial entrepreneur, product visionary, and AI futurist. After launching and selling his first startup to Autodesk—where he helped lead the company’s transition to the cloud—Thiago founded Datagrid, an AI platform that turns operational work into intelligent agents. A self-taught technologist with a background in physics and computer graphics, Thiago is pioneering the future of work—where software doesn't just support humans, it works like one.Resources & Mentions:Thiago Da Costa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thiagocosta2/Datagrid: Intelligent Agents for Work: https://www.datagrid.comDelegate to Scale Your Impact – Learnit Course: https://www.learnit.com/courses/delegate-to-scale-your-impactPodcast Episode with Benjamin Bargetzi: https://www.learnit.com/podcast/177-the-future-belongs-to-fast-learners-ben-bargetziConnect With UsUpskill your team at Learnit.comEmail us: [email protected] Damon on LinkedInFollow Damon on Instagram

What if your most powerful communication tool wasn’t your voice—but your silence?In this episode, Damon Lembi sits down with mindfulness teacher and bestselling author Cynthia Kane to explore her game-changing approach to communication. From avoiding difficult conversations to managing high-stakes interactions at work, Cynthia reveals how the ability to pause—mentally, physically, and emotionally—can completely transform the way we lead, collaborate, and connect.Drawing from her book The Pause Principle and her signature SOFTEN Method, Cynthia shares a practical playbook for more grounded, intentional, and effective communication—starting with yourself.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why silence—not speaking—is the foundation of great communicationHow the body reacts during tough conversations and what to do about itThe SOFTEN Method: 6 tools to calm down and show up intentionallyWhy most communication breakdowns start with the stories we tell ourselvesHow to unlearn the communication habits you inheritedWhat mindful leaders do to create space, safety, and clarityA practice you can use between back-to-back meetings to resetHow one conversation Cynthia avoided for 13 years changed everythingWhat leaders need to know about tension, trust, and team dynamicsHow to go from reacting to responding—especially under pressureTimestamps:00:00 – The moment before you speak is where leadership begins01:30 – Can people really change how they communicate? Yes.03:00 – Two types of people: aware of communication struggles—and unaware04:00 – Damon's take: poor communication quietly stalls careers05:30 – Cynthia’s story: 13 years avoiding one key conversation07:30 – Fear, survival, and the ripple effect of not speaking up09:00 – Meditation and Buddhism: Cynthia’s unexpected entry point11:00 – From Right Speech to real-world practice13:00 – Why “in the moment” strategies matter most14:30 – Introducing the SOFTEN Method16:00 – Sensation: tuning into your body before your words18:00 – Owning discomfort and calming your nervous system20:00 – The subtle power of tactile strategies (no one will notice)22:00 – Can one person change the tone of a conversation? Yes.24:00 – Tactile tools for leaders: finger tapping, grounding, pressure points26:00 – Rewriting your inner voice to change how you lead28:00 – Team case study: how communication training shifted dynamics30:00 – Why leaders must do the work—not just their teams32:00 – Meditation for communicators (even if you “suck” at it)34:00 – The real practice: noticing, returning, and being kind36:00 – Resetting after a tough conversation so you’re fully present38:00 – Communication in sales: when excitement gets in the way40:00 – Slow down. One person can shift the whole vibe42:00 – Why human connection and adaptability matter more than ever44:00 – Cynthia’s hope: thriving relationships and better day-to-days45:00 – Final takeaway: Attention follows intention. Practice is the path.Resources & Mentions:Cynthia’s book: The Pause Principle – https://a.co/d/eprOdpC Cynthia’s book: How to Communicate Like a Buddhist – https://a.co/d/8hBUvXBCynthia Kane’s website – https://www.cynthiakane.comLearnit course: Delegate to Scale Your Impact – https://www.learnit.com/courses/delegate-to-scale-your-impactFull Focus Freedom Compass – https://fullfocus.co/the-undervalued-zone-of-the-freedom-compass/About the Guest:Cynthia Kane is a mindfulness teacher, communication expert, and author of multiple books including The Pause Principle and How to Communicate Like a Buddhist. Through her SOFTEN Method, she’s helped thousands of professionals learn how to turn everyday conversations into moments of clarity, connection, and calm. Her work blends Eastern philosophy with practical tools for the modern workplace and life.Connect With UsLevel up your team at www.learnit.comEmail us: [email protected] Damon on LinkedInFollow Damon on Instagram

You don’t lose great people overnight—it happens slowly, then all at once.In this solo episode, Damon Lembi gets real about the 9 most common reasons high performers quit—and what you can do today to retain them. From bad bosses and burnout to compensation, culture, and career stagnation, Damon shares hard-earned lessons from decades of building (and rebuilding) teams at Learnit.If you’re a current or aspiring manager, this episode is your playbook for retention, engagement, and trust.In this episode, you’ll learn:9 of the most common reasons top performers leaveWhy overloading your best people backfiresHow bad bosses drive silent attritionWhy investing in growth and development keeps people loyalThe "VIP curse" and how it leads to burnoutWhat happens when culture rewards underperformanceWhy promoting great individual contributors can go wrongHow to create flexibility without losing performanceThe power of stretch projects, team building, and autonomyWhat Damon offers to every listener (hint: it's generous)Timestamps:00:00 – Why top talent leaves: the real reasons00:35 – Reason 1: Bad bosses and broken trust01:00 – Reason 2: Lack of appreciation and recognition01:30 – Reason 3: Burnout and the VIP curse02:00 – Reason 4: No growth or advancement path02:30 – Reason 5: No investment in professional development03:00 – Reason 6: Toxic or unchallenging team cultures03:30 – Reason 7: Misaligned promotions (ICs into managers)04:00 – Reason 8: Lack of flexibility and autonomy04:30 – Reason 9: Compensation and pay inequity05:00 – What to do: Invest in growth and give them ownership06:00 – Be flexible: one-size-fits-all doesn’t work06:30 – Find their passion, and play to strengths07:00 – Team building and connection matter more than ever07:30 – Retention bonuses (and when to use them)08:00 – Final reflection: High performers want purpose, trust, growth08:30 – Damon’s giveaway: Free book and 60 days of team trainingResources & Mentions:Damon’s book: The Learn-It-All Leaderhttps://www.amazon.com/Learn-All-Leader-Mindset-Traits/dp/1544541651Learnit course: Delegate to Scale Your Impacthttps://www.learnit.com/courses/delegate-to-scale-your-impactThe Freedom Compass by Michael Hyatthttps://fullfocus.co/the-undervalued-zone-of-the-freedom-compass/Gallup: Why Your Boss Is the Reason People QuitOC Tanner Study on Recognition and RetentionPew Research: Reasons Americans Quit Their Jobs in 2021LinkedIn Learning: 94% Would Stay Longer with Learning OpportunitiesConnect With UsUplevel yourself and your team at Learnit.comEmail us: [email protected] Damon on LinkedInFollow Damon on Instagram

What if the best leaders weren’t the ones at the center—but the ones who built teams that held each other accountable, coached each other up, and challenged each other to grow? In this episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, Damon Lembi sits down with Keith Ferrazzi—#1 New York Times bestselling author and one of the most trusted voices in leadership transformation—to unpack his revolutionary new leadership model: Teamship. Ferrazzi lays out a clear roadmap for how to build teams that are high on trust, feedback, and co-creation—and low on ego, meetings, and top-down control. Whether you're leading a Fortune 500 company or a small business, this conversation will challenge the way you think about leadership, collaboration, and accountability. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why “Teamship” is replacing traditional leadership models How to build cultures of peer-to-peer feedback and shared accountability The three-layer framework every high-performing team needs How to engineer psychological safety, candor, and coaching into your team A simple practice to radically improve feedback and performance Why meetings might be your biggest bottleneck (and how to fix them) The difference between co-creation and collaboration—and why it matters Why AI should be treated like a team member, not a tool How Damon is applying Keith’s model to reinvent Learnit The power of redefining “team” around strategic rocks—not org charts Timestamps: 00:00 – Keith on why we must reinvent leadership  01:00 – The engineering mindset behind great team cultures  03:00 – The rise of agile, Kaizen, and peer-led collaboration  04:00 – From Never Eat Alone to Never Lead Alone  06:00 – Building a challenge culture inside your team  07:30 – The role of feedback, bonding, and trust  09:00 – Damon’s college baseball story: peer accountability in action  11:30 – Damon’s Learnit team diagnostic: from 2.8 to co-creation  14:00 – Keith’s 3-column practice: achievements, struggles, and plans  16:30 – The power of “Sherpas” vs. leaders  18:00 – Real-time stress-testing: how to activate your whole team  20:00 – Building feedback loops without meetings  22:00 – Why frontline insight is gold  24:00 – How Learnit co-creates training with customers  26:00 – Peer-to-peer coaching and open 360s  28:00 – Keith’s “layer cake” framework for Teamship  30:00 – Applying Teamship to strategic rocks, not company culture  32:00 – Reframing leadership as engineering  33:00 – AI as a team member (not just tech)  34:00 – Keith’s 8-week relationship course: Beyond Connections  36:00 – The foster care story that changed everything  37:00 – Final takeaways and Learnit’s 30-year anniversaryAbout Keith: Keith Ferrazzi is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, founder of Ferrazzi Greenlight, and one of the world’s leading experts on leadership, workplace transformation, and high-performance teams. His books include Never Eat Alone, Leading Without Authority, and his latest, Never Lead Alone. Through 20+ years of coaching executive teams at companies like General Motors, Delta, and Amazon, Keith has become a trusted voice for leaders who want to unlock bold growth through co-elevation and radical collaboration. Resources & Mentions: Keith’s book: Never Lead Alone – https://a.co/d/eI5Kemu  Keith’s book: Never Eat Alone – https://a.co/d/7H9FEJG  Keith’s course: https://connectedsuccess.com Damon’s book: The Learn-It-All Leader – https://a.co/d/19KSQKW  Full Focus “Freedom Compass” tool – https://fullfocus.co/the-undervalued-zone-of-the-freedom-compass/ Learnit course: Delegate to Scale Your Impact – https://www.learnit.com/courses/delegate-to-scale-your-impact  Connect With Us: Level up your team with Learnit: www.learnit.com  Email us: [email protected]  Follow Damon on LinkedIn  Follow Damon on Instagram 

Winning teams aren't built on stats alone—they're built on trust, chemistry, and stories. In this energizing episode, Damon sits down with Joel Goldberg, longtime Kansas City Royals broadcaster and leadership keynote speaker, to explore what business leaders can learn from championship dugouts. Joel shares what he’s seen from the frontlines of Major League Baseball—and how the same habits that create great locker rooms also build great cultures. From handling slumps to leading with humility, this episode is packed with real stories and actionable insights for anyone who wants to lead with more trust, clarity, and humanity. In this episode, you’ll learn: What baseball clubhouses can teach business leaders about team culture Why trust—not titles—is the ultimate leadership currency The #1 lesson from interviewing over 1,000 elite athletes How to build instant credibility (without overselling yourself) Why storytelling is your most underused leadership skill What to do when your top performers go into a “slump” The secret to great follow-up questions—on and off the mic How Joel defines success (and how it’s evolved) The difference between leading with people vs. at people Why consistency beats charisma over the long haul Timestamps: 00:00 – What Joel’s learned from 1,000+ athlete interviews  02:30 – The link between trust and locker room chemistry  05:00 – Why slumps happen—and how leaders should respond  07:45 – Building connection before results  09:20 – How Joel earns trust fast as an interviewer  12:10 – What good follow-up questions sound like  14:30 – How to apply clubhouse lessons to corporate teams  17:50 – The art of storytelling: trust, emotion, relatability  21:00 – Vulnerability and storytelling as credibility  23:30 – Joel’s career pivot: from sports to stages  26:00 – What sports taught him about feedback  28:30 – Joel’s take on success: it’s not about the highlight reel  31:00 – How to stay relevant by being human  33:10 – Final thought: Lead with curiosity and presence About Joel Goldberg Joel Goldberg is a veteran sports broadcaster, leadership speaker, and the author of Small Ball, Big Results. For over 15 years, he’s covered the Kansas City Royals, delivering live insights from the dugout and locker room. Today, Joel speaks to business audiences across the country about trust, storytelling, and building championship cultures. His motto: relationships are everything. Resources & Mentions: Joel’s website: https://joelgoldbergmedia.com Joel’s book: Small Ball, Big Results Joel on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joelgoldbergkc Joel on Instagram: @joelgoldbergkc Joel’s podcast: Rounding the Bases (link here) Connect With Us Uplevel yourself and your team at Learnit.com Email us: [email protected] Follow Damon on LinkedIn Follow Damon on Instagram 

Leadership isn’t just about what you do—it’s about who you’re becoming. In this solo episode, Learnit CEO Damon Lembi shares a behind-the-scenes look at his personal leadership audit: a framework he calls “The 3x3.” You’ll hear the three things he’s improved, the three he’s stayed consistent on, and the three he still needs to work on as he reflects on 30 years of Learnit—and what it means to lead with intention in a fast-changing world. Whether you’re a first-time manager or a seasoned executive, this episode will give you the tools (and courage) to take your own honest audit. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Damon improved delegation—and the tool that changed everything Why your personal brand matters (and how to build one with humility) The “Purposeful Awfulizing” strategy for better decision making What it really means to be a people-first leader The 5 traits of a “Learn-It-All Leader” Why modeling behavior is more powerful than preaching it The danger of unclear purpose—and how to align your team Why every company needs an AI advisory board How to lead through change before complacency creeps in A challenge: Create your own 3x3 leadership audit  Timestamps: 00:00 – Why June 2025 marks a meaningful moment in Damon’s leadership journey 01:00 – The “3x3”: A framework for reflecting on leadership growth 01:45 – 1st area of growth: Delegation (and getting out of the weeds) 03:00 – How COVID accelerated trust and team ownership 03:30 – The Freedom Compass: What Damon let go of—and what happened next 04:50 – 2nd area of growth: Building a personal brand without ego 05:45 – Why every leader needs to be public-facing 06:30 – 3rd area of growth: Better decision making and avoiding sunk cost traps 07:10 – Controlling emotion, expanding options, and “Purposeful Awfulizing” 08:30 – Why even failed decisions are valuable if you learn 09:00 – 1st consistency: Being a people-first leader with psychological safety 10:30 – 2nd consistency: Living the traits of a Learn-It-All Leader 11:15 – Humility, Integrity, Courage, Accountability, Curiosity 12:15 – 3rd consistency: Modeling the behavior you want from your team 13:00 – What Damon still needs to improve (part 1): Clarifying shared purpose 14:00 – The North Star problem and Keith Ferrazzi’s diagnostic 15:00 – What remote work and silos have made harder—but not impossible 15:30 – What Damon still needs to improve (part 2): Navigating change in the age of AI 16:30 – Why urgency beats complacency—even when things are going “fine” 17:00 – What Damon still needs to improve (part 3): Building a formal advisory board 17:45 – Why outside perspectives are key to staying sharp and forward-thinking 18:30 – The 3x3 recap and challenge: Build your own audit  About Damon Lembi:  Damon Lembi is a 2x bestselling author, the host of The Learn-It-All Podcast, and CEO of Learnit – a live learning platform that has upskilled over 2 million people. Drawing from his prior baseball career, Damon brings an athlete’s perspective to leadership. Through his journey, he has gained invaluable insights into what helps organizations grow, how great leaders learn, and why learn-it-all companies outpace their competitors every time. Resources & Mentions: The Freedom Compass from Michael Hyatt: https://fullfocus.co/the-undervalued-zone-of-the-freedom-compass Delegate to Scale Your Impact (Learnit course): https://www.learnit.com/courses/delegate-to-scale-your-impact The Learn-It-All Leader: Mindset, Traits, and Tools by Damon Lembi: https://a.co/d/azzNKWM Never Lead Alone by Keith Ferrazzi:  https://a.co/d/4zOrfV3 Good Decisions Equals Success by Damon Lembi & Kandis Porter: https://a.co/d/hJhnRJU “Purposeful Awfulizing” on Learn-It-All Podcast: https://pod.link/1714645917/episode/78c7db5b03a2f43e1dce6a4301e5be7c Damon Lembi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi  Connect With Us Uplevel yourself and your team at Learnit.com Email us: [email protected] Follow Damon on LinkedIn Follow Damon on Instagram 

What do fast companies, smart failures, and dopamine have in common? In this mind-expanding episode, Damon sits down with keynote speaker, neuroscientist, and AI advisor Benjamin Bargetzi to explore how leaders can future-proof themselves and their organizations. From rewiring how we think about failure to building teams that thrive on purpose, Benjamin shares bold, practical ideas to help leaders navigate uncertainty—and unlock the full potential of their people. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why “Be fast, fail smart, dare to think big” is the ultimate leadership playbook How to know when it’s wise to quit—and when it’s delusional to stay The sunk cost trap and how to escape it with your culture (and budget) intact The neuroscience behind motivation and “dopaminergic leadership” Why purpose beats fear in times of uncertainty How to create a feedback-rich, innovation-ready culture The power of ownership and “mini-startups” within your team What most companies get wrong about continuous learning Why AI adoption is essential—and how to lead the charge What the workplace (and world) will look like by 2035 Timestamps: 00:01 – Benjamin’s mantra: Be fast, fail smart, dare to think big  06:30 – The sunk cost fallacy: When should leaders actually give up?  09:49 – Building a culture where feedback flows and ideas bubble up  14:46 – Why great leaders retain talent by offering security, purpose, and growth  17:06 – Dopaminergic leadership: A science-based approach to motivation  27:36 – Small wins, ownership, and the secret to consistent engagement  29:32 – The power of continuous learning and neuroplasticity  36:00 – The Ikigai model and aligning career with strengths  46:00 – AI adoption in organizations: From thought partner to survival strategy  52:06 – What the world might really look like in 2035  55:46 – Optimism, access, and leadership’s ripple effect on society Resources & Mentions: Benjamin’s website: https://benjaminbargetzi.com Futurebrains.ai: https://futurebrains.ai Benjamin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminbargetzi Ikigai framework: https://www.whatsyourikigai.com Connect With Us Uplevel yourself and your team at Learnit.com Email us: [email protected] Follow Damon on LinkedIn Follow Damon on Instagram 

What if your background, your accent, or your “nontraditional” path was actually your biggest asset? In this episode, Damon sits down with Juan Silvera, global marketing executive and author of Improbably Successful, to unpack how underdogs win in today’s hypercompetitive marketplace. From surviving the streets of Medellín to leading global teams, Juan shares his powerful story and teaches you how to stand out—no matter where you start. Whether you're navigating career change, trying to build your brand, or wondering if you belong, this episode will challenge and inspire you.  In this episode, you’ll learn: What it means to be “improbably successful” How to reframe adversity as your leadership advantage Why discomfort and risk often lead to exponential growth A real-life framework for deciding if a big leap is worth it How to take a skill inventory that opens new doors The #1 career skill that wins in any role (hint: it’s not technical) How bilingualism and cultural identity can create opportunity Why personal branding isn’t vanity—it’s strategy What leaders get wrong about humor and communication How to project gravitas—even before you feel “ready”  Timestamps: 00:00 – What it means to be “improbably successful”  01:30 – Growing up in Medellín and the instincts it shaped  03:45 – Why street smarts aren’t enough in today’s workplace  06:00 – The move to Austria: risk, family, and transformation 08:40 – Advice for leaving a “comfortable” job  10:20 – Creating a personal framework for smart risk  12:30 – Planning during forced change: layoffs, pivots, uncertainty  15:00 – The skills audit exercise (supply vs. demand)  17:00 – Why transferable skills matter more than job titles  18:30 – Communication: the most valuable skill in any career  20:15 – How to assess (and improve) your communication  21:30 – Writing, listening, humor: Juan’s communication playbook  24:30 – Humor as a leadership advantage (with one big caveat)  29:45 – Finding and using your unique strengths  33:00 – Women in leadership: why EQ is a hidden superpower  36:30 – How second languages open unexpected doors  39:50 – Juan’s turning point: from last-ranked analyst to global leader  42:10 – Building and protecting your personal brand  45:15 – What people notice (and judge) before you say a word  47:00 – How Juan hired someone based on their online presence  50:00 – Why you need to treat yourself like a brand  52:00 – What Juan would add to the next edition of his book  53:00 – A reminder: never forget the fundamentals About Juan Silvera: Juan Silvera is a global marketing executive, storyteller, and the author of Improbably Successful: How to Win in a World That Wasn’t Built for You. Born and raised in Medellín, Colombia, Juan has led marketing and business initiatives across four continents and is known for his ability to bridge cultural divides and unlock hidden potential. His mission: help professionals from all backgrounds realize that what makes them different is exactly what makes them powerful. Resources & Mentions: Juan’s book: Improbably Successful on Amazon Juan’s website: juansilvera.com Juan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/juansilvera Juan on X (formerly Twitter): @juansilvera  Connect With Us: Uplevel yourself and your team at Learnit.com Email us: [email protected] Follow Damon on LinkedIn Follow Damon on Instagram 

Reading books doesn’t make you a better leader—applying them does. In this solo episode, Learnit CEO and bestselling author Damon Lembi shares five books that have fundamentally shaped how he leads, makes decisions, and builds high-performing teams. But this isn’t a generic reading list. Damon reveals exactly what he took from each book—and how he’s put those lessons to work. If you're looking to lead with more intention, clarity, and impact, start here.In this episode, you’ll learn: The 3 big leadership lessons Damon took from Lincoln Why introverts often make the best leaders A decision-making framework every exec should master How to shift your org from hierarchy to teamship Why you can’t afford to ignore AI (and how to start) How to get real ROI from your reading habit What “learning without doing is treason” really means Why biographies beat business books (most of the time)  Timestamps: 00:00 – The most powerful leadership tool: reading (with intention)  01:10 – Book #1: Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin  01:40 – Embracing diverse viewpoints and emotional control  03:00 – Lincoln’s “hot letter” method: emotional intelligence in action  04:00 – From criticized novice to strategic mastermind: Lincoln’s growth  05:00 – Book #2: Quiet by Susan Cain  05:45 – Why introverts lead best by listening, not commanding  06:45 – Advice for introverts—or leaders who manage them  07:30 – Book #3: Decisive by Chip & Dan Heath  08:15 – The WRAP framework: smarter decisions, less regret  09:00 – How Damon used it to rethink a CFO hire  10:00 – The 10/10/10 rule for cooling emotional decisions  10:45 – The trap of confirmation bias—and how to escape it  11:15 – Bonus: Damon’s book Good Decisions = Success  11:45 – Book #4: Never Lead Alone by Keith Ferrazzi  12:30 – Teamship vs. traditional leadership  13:10 – Why open candor beats conflict avoidance  13:45 – A roadmap for building trust, feedback, and collaboration  14:30 – Book #5: AI-Driven Leader by Jeff Woods  15:15 – Why AI is a mindset shift—not just a tool  15:45 – Damon’s example: building a comp plan using AI  16:30 – The 4-part prompt framework for high-impact AI results  17:00 – Bonus Book: The Learn-It-All Leader by Damon Lembi  17:30 – Being vs. Doing: Two halves of the leadership equation  18:00 – Final thought: Apply what you read—or it doesn’t count Resources & Mentions: Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin: Amazon Quiet by Susan Cain: Amazon Decisive by Chip & Dan Heath: Amazon Never Lead Alone by Keith Ferrazzi: AmazonAI-Driven Leader by Goeff Woods: AmazonGood Decisions = Success by Damon Lembi & Kandis Porter: AmazonThe Learn-It-All Leader by Damon Lembi: AmazonLearn-It-All Podcast interview with Geeff Woods: Listen on SpotifyConnect With Us: Uplevel yourself and your team at Learnit.com Email us: [email protected] Follow Damon on LinkedIn Follow Damon on Instagram 

You can’t solve 21st-century problems with 20th-century mindsets—and today’s guest is on a mission to change that. In this episode, Damon sits down with Erin Lewellen, CEO of Tilting Futures, to unpack how immersive, global learning experiences are transforming the next generation of leaders. From building self-awareness to teaching systems thinking and reducing bias, Erin shares how her team is reshaping leadership education—and what every company can learn from their model. Whether you lead a team, a classroom, or a company, this conversation will challenge how you think about growth, feedback, and the power of perspective. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why self-awareness isn’t innate—it’s a muscle The “look in the mirror” rule every leader should follow How Tilting Futures develops young leaders from 100+ countries Why discomfort and difference drive transformational growth The #1 interview strategy to find self-reflective employees How to build a feedback culture rooted in trust, not fear The hidden cost of “meetings after the meeting” What most orgs get wrong about defining values How leaders can model curiosity and restraint in meetings Why you need to stop saying “they” and start saying “we”  Timestamps: 00:00 – Can you teach self-awareness—or is it innate?  01:45 – “Look in the mirror”: Erin’s foundational leadership habit  03:30 – What Tilting Futures is and how it works  05:35 – Why ages 17–22 are the sweet spot for impact  07:10 – Teaching empathy through global immersion and collaboration  08:50 – Travel as a tool for leadership and adaptability  11:30 – Erin’s Cape Town story: Context, humility, and lifelong change  14:45 – Leading meetings with curiosity and silence  15:55 – What changes in student mindset after 4 months  18:00 – The research: Reduced bias, more agency, stronger leadership  20:40 – How global cohorts shift perspective and prejudice  22:45 – Systems thinking and asset-based problem solving  25:30 – Behind the scenes: Building Tilting Futures’ internal culture  28:00 – “There is no ‘they’, only ‘we’”: One of their core principles  30:30 – How Erin interviews for curiosity and growth mindset  34:15 – Why soft skills are the hardest—and most critical—to teach  35:45 – Encouraging disagreement to find the best idea  38:00 – Practicing emotional honesty in meetings  40:30 – Ditching “the meeting after the meeting”  42:00 – Aligning staff and student values: One unified culture  44:25 – Keeping values alive in every meeting  46:45 – How this generation of students is different  49:30 – The Zimbabwean biomedical engineer who redefined her mission  52:00 – Erin’s why: Helping young leaders unlock their impact  54:00 – Scholarships, access, and how to get involved  About Erin Lewellen: Erin Lewellen is the CEO of Tilting Futures, a nonprofit redefining global education through immersive leadership experiences. With operations in Cape Town and Malaysia, Tilting Futures equips young adults from over 100 countries with the skills, networks, and self-awareness needed to solve complex global challenges. A former high school basketball coach and champion of inclusive leadership, Erin brings a systems-level perspective to everything from education reform to organizational culture. She’s also a Forbes contributor and advocate for integrating “soft” (human) skills into every stage of leadership.  Resources & Mentions: Tilting Futures website Erin Lewellen on LinkedIn Forbes article: The Soft Skills That Can’t Be Replaced By AI Apply to Take Action Lab Connect With Us: Uplevel yourself and your team at Learnit.com Email us: [email protected] Follow Damon on LinkedIn Follow Damon on Instagram 

Why does stress feel so normal in the workplace? Why does our mind default to the worst case scenario? And what’s the cost of this being our normal day to day life? In this episode, Damon sits down with Derek Sloan, who’s a licensed therapist, executive coach, and founder of Abridge Leadership to explore why so many professionals silently battle negativity and self-doubt, and what leaders can do to break the cycle. Whether you're navigating organizational change, dealing with anxious thoughts, or trying to model vulnerability in a remote workplace, this episode offers practical tools backed by psychology and made for the real world. In this episode you’ll learn: What The 80% Rule is—and how it can transform how you lead The hidden cost of “normalized” workplace stress Why vulnerability is a leadership superpower (when done right) The difference between confidence and self-efficacy How to spot fear-based thinking on your team Practical ways leaders can create clarity, safety, and connection And so much more! Timestamps: 00:21 – Why our brains default to negativity (60,000 thoughts, 80% negative)  01:53 – The thought-emotion-behavior chain: how negativity spreads  03:42 – What happens when dysfunction is normalized at work  05:45 – Breaking down The 80% Rule (3 surprising stats)  09:00 – Addressing real pain vs. future-focused fear  10:25 – The traps leaders fall into under stress  12:23 – A case study: when a promotion becomes a source of burnout  16:05 – What leaders can do during times of uncertainty  18:45 – The power of focusing on controllables  19:24 – 3 controllables: showing up as your best, staying hopeful, being transparent  22:30 – Why vulnerability matters more than ever  25:15 – Healthy vs. unhealthy vulnerability: where leaders get it wrong  29:09 – Understanding fear: how our brains exaggerate the future  33:27 – Self-efficacy vs. confidence—and why both matter  36:05 – How to give better feedback (that actually develops talent)  39:14 – Recognizing negativity loops in your team  41:39 – Why listening—not fixing—is your leadership edge  44:00 – The post-COVID shift: employees expect to be cared for  45:32 – Can remote work ever match in-person connection?  48:21 – Why loneliness is a hidden workplace epidemic  50:15 – Final takeaway: Take inventory. Where are you now—and how long have you been there?  About the Guest: Derek Sloan is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), and National Certified Counselor (NCC), He has experience in providing mental health and behavioral health services to individuals, couples, and groups. He founded and continues to operate a private practice in Kentucky. Derek is also a Certified Executive Coach and has a passion for leadership development. This has been a lifelong pursuit through his graduate degree in organizational leadership, building businesses, and leadership coaching/consulting. He works with executive leaders in top-level and industry-leading organizations, helping them enhance their emotional intelligence, communication skills, and decision-making abilities. His mission is to help organizations achieve their goals by prioritizing both leadership and mental health. Resources & Mentions: Follow Derek on LinkedIn Visit Derek's Leadership company Abridge Leadership Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl Derek’s Podcast: Mental Stillness Damon's appearance on Mental Stillness: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/38-special-guest-damon-lembi/id1717076433?i=1000703632140Connect with Us: Uplevel yourself and your team with our trainings: www.learnit.com Email us: [email protected] Follow Damon on LinkedIn and Instagram 

The 5 Truths Every New Leader Needs to Hear Becoming a leader isn’t just a promotion—it’s a complete identity shift. You’re no longer just executing the work. You’re coaching others to do it well. And that requires a new mindset, a new skillset, and a new set of daily habits. In this solo episode, Learnit CEO Damon Lembi breaks down the 5 truths he wishes every first-time leader knew. Whether you’re fresh in the role or mentoring someone who is, this episode is your tactical, no-fluff guide to making the leap from top performer to people-first leader. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why leadership is about coaching, not doing - The #1 mindset shift you must make in week one - How to build trust by giving others autonomy (and space to fail) - Why the best leaders are great listeners—first - How to model the habits you want your team to follow - The key conversation to have with your boss (today) - What to do when your company won’t invest in your development - Why mistakes are inevitable—and what to do when you make one - How to lead without pretending to have it all figured out Timestamps: 00:00 – The biggest professional shift: from player to coach 01:00 – Truth #1: You win through your people, not by doing it all 01:45 – Why delegation is really about building trust 02:00 – The mindset shift: you're building a team of heroes, not being the hero 02:30 – Truth #2: Don’t rush in—start by listening and learning 03:20 – Why curiosity builds credibility and connection 03:50 – Truth #3: Model the behavior you want from your team 04:30 – Leadership is a constant stage—how are you showing up? 04:45 – Truth #4: Own your success—don’t wait for others to invest in you 05:15 – How Damon recommends new leaders start growing (even on their own) 06:00 – The $14 tool that every new leader should use 06:30 – Truth #5: You will make mistakes—so learn fast and lead through it 07:10 – The hard lesson Damon learned about avoiding tough conversations 08:00 – The recap: 5 truths every new leader needs to thrive 08:30 – Final thought: Great leaders aren’t born or made—they’re always in the making Resources & Mentions: Damon’s book: https://www.learnit.com/learn-it-all-leader-book-by-damon-lembi Learnit’s Delegation Greenlights E-Book: https://www.learnit.com/resources/delegation-greenlights-guide Learnit’s Delegate to Scale Your Impact Course: https://www.learnit.com/courses/delegate-to-scale-your-impact Learnit Article on New Manager Training Skills: https://www.learnit.com/blog/new-manager-training-skills The Learn-It-All Podcast with Chris Dyer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBUHOPtR6Yk Learnit Live Event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjLFoCepWOw Connect With Us: Uplevel yourself and your team at Learnit.com Email us: [email protected] Follow Damon on LinkedIn Follow Damon on Instagram

The modern workplace runs on meetings. But too often, those meetings become time sinks instead of value drivers. People scramble to take notes, miss critical insights, and leave unclear on what to do next. Meanwhile, leaders drown in back-to-back calls with no bandwidth to spot patterns or coach teams effectively. And yet... what if meetings weren’t the problem, but the raw material for your company’s next big leap? In today’s episode, Damon is joined by Richard White, CEO and founder of Fathom breaks down his best lessons as a 3x founder and how he’s building the future of work. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why retention—not revenue—should be your first startup focus How Richard built a viral product without a sales team for 12+ months The underestimated power of onboarding and customer support How to create a freemium product that actually drives word of mouth Why AI will soon give every employee a “highlight reel” of what matters most The truth about building in the AI era: it’s not about features—it’s about output quality  Timestamps: 00:00 – Richard’s early builder mindset and why he couldn’t be an employee  01:22 – Why articulating the “why” is a founder’s core job  02:07 – Finding his tribe in the first batch of Y Combinator  04:25 – How confidence and founder networks shaped his journey  05:44 – The trap of over-relying on advice vs. trusting your instincts  07:51 – Why Richard calls UserVoice his “founder finishing school”  08:38 – Lessons in cross-functional leadership and scrappy execution  11:05 – Advice for technical founders who undervalue sales  12:33 – The insight that sparked Fathom: meetings are broken  14:44 – How he hired a “sales team” with nothing to sell  15:05 – Why he delayed monetization and focused on retention first  17:57 – Building customer feedback loops into the product  19:32 – From 1,000 users to viral growth via the Zoom Marketplace  21:50 – The psychology behind freemium and referability  24:42 – Why onboarding was a 9-month engineering priority  26:47 – Balancing new features with polishing the UX  28:58 – The contrarian view: meetings aren’t bad—meeting waste is  29:22 – How Fathom reduces meeting bloat and improves async sharing  31:36 – Using Fathom to streamline the hiring process  33:39 – What’s next: AI that watches every meeting and summarizes insights  36:05 – Generating case studies and internal docs from conversation data  36:52 – Cross-org AI search and the power of complete data sets  37:59 – What separates great AI products: obsessive quality control  39:51 – The future belongs to teams that can turn conversations into knowledge  Resources Mentioned: Fathom Connect with Richard White on LinkedIn UserVoice  About the Guest: Richard White is the founder and CEO of Fathom, a free AI-powered meeting assistant that helps teams skip note-taking and unlock insights from every call. He’s a three-time founder, early YC alum, and product-obsessed builder who believes meetings are the new knowledge base—if we capture them right. Connect With Us: Level up your sales team at Learnit.com Email us: [email protected] Follow Damon on LinkedIn 

Leadership isn’t just about vision. Instead it’s about showing up in the everyday moments if you want to shape great teams, cultures, and results. There’s myth that some people are “born leaders” but in today’s episode, leadership expert Dr. Scott Allen shares why leadership is learned, practiced, and most importantly, deeply personal. In this episode you will learn: Why the idea of “natural-born leaders” is outdated The science behind charisma (and how to develop it) What leadership styles have in common with golf clubs The difference between authority and influence—and why influence wins Why “thinking partners” are essential for every leader How to combine knowledge, skill, mentorship, and experience for true growth Timestamps: 00:14 – Are leaders born or made?  01:49 – What science says about charisma and learnable leadership  03:48 – How problem-solving, negotiation, and communication can be developed  06:00 – Leadership styles and the “golf club” metaphor  08:42 – Making leadership training stick: from hacks to habits  09:43 – Why self-awareness is foundational to great leadership  12:08 – Character, curiosity, and the power of learning  13:02 – Can self-awareness be taught?  15:36 – Curiosity as a leadership superpower  17:02 – Coaches who deflect blame vs. leaders who take ownership  18:12 – Empathy, ego, and the limits of expertise in leadership  20:26 – Why catchers make great managers  21:43 – Influence: the real heart of leadership  24:07 – Trust as the currency of leadership  25:48 – Influence tactics: from logic to coalitions  28:18 – Timing and persuasion in leadership conversations  30:01 – Why knowledge alone isn’t enough—real-world learning is essential  33:22 – The five domains of leadership learning  35:27 – Creating learning organizations with psychological safety  37:54 – The role of thinking partners in leadership development  41:04 – How to find (and build) your bench of thinking partners  46:57 – Why one partner won’t solve everything—and that’s the point  49:01 – “Who you are is how you lead” – Scott’s favorite leadership quote  50:39 – Final thoughts on responsibility, reflection, and showing up for others  About the Guest: Dr. Scott J. Allen is an award-winning educator, keynote speaker, and leadership expert. With over 17 years as a professor and more than 60 peer-reviewed publications, Scott brings academic rigor, humor, and real-world insight to every engagement. He's co-authored several books on leadership and hosts Practical Wisdom for Leaders—a podcast ranked in the top 2.5% globally. He also publishes a weekly newsletter for busy practitioners, highlighting four leadership articles. Scott energizes audiences at marquee organizations such as Toyota Motor North America, Cleveland Clinic, NASA-Glenn, Nestlé, Progressive, Whiting Turner, Sam's Club, the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, and Progressive through his dynamic keynotes, workshops, and retreats. Whether on stage or in the boardroom, Scott’s expertise in leader development, the future of work, and executive communication empowers leaders to drive meaningful, lasting change.  Resources & Mentions: Connect with Scott on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-j-allen/  Visit Scott's Website: www.scottjallen.net Listen to his Podcast: https://www.scottjallen.net/podcast  HBR Article: Leadership That Gets Results by Daniel Goleman: https://hbr.org/2000/03/leadership-that-gets-results  Influence by Robert Cialdini: https://a.co/d/hl0KHmq  Pre-Suasion by Robert Cialdini: https://a.co/d/hl0KHmq  Gallup’s workplace engagement stats: https://www.gallup.com/workplace/654911/employee-engagement-sinks-year-low.aspx#:~:text=In%20the%20latest%20reading%2C%20from,than%202020's%20high%20of%2036%25 Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg: https://a.co/d/81197UZ  Atomic Habits by James Clear: https://a.co/d/81197UZ  Connect With Us: Learn more about our leadership and team development trainings: www.learnit.com Email us: [email protected] Follow Damon on LinkedIn and Instagram 

Damon Lembi never set out to become a podcaster. But 2 years, 160+ episodes, and thousands of conversations later, he can say this with confidence: podcasting has been the single most transformative tool in his professional growth. In this solo episode, Damon breaks down the 8 ways podcasting has made him a better leader, communicator, and human being and why every professional should seriously consider stepping behind the mic. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why podcasting is the ultimate communication gym - How storytelling on-air can make you more persuasive off-air - What podcasting does for your confidence and clarity - The hidden networking power that comes with each episode - Why podcasting forces you to become a better listener and improviser - How hosting a show accelerates your learning and thought leadership - The simple way to turn one podcast guest spot into 10 pieces of content - Why your personal brand matters (even if you don’t think it does) Timestamps: 00:00 – Damon’s confession: The one unexpected thing that changed his career 00:35 – #1: How podcasting sharpened his communication 01:10 – #2: Why repetition made him a better storyteller 01:50 – #3: Overcoming fear and building confidence through reps 02:30 – #4: 10x network growth—and the power of asking 03:00 – #5: How the mic made him a better listener at work and at home 03:45 – #6: Learning to improvise and build trust fast 04:20 – #7: The accelerated learning effect (and why it feels like free coaching) 05:15 – #8: How podcasting helped him build a real, visible personal brand 06:10 – Guesting vs. hosting: Where to start and what tools to use 06:50 – Why you don’t need followers—just courage 07:10 – A final reflection: Podcasting made me better. It can do the same for you. Resources & Mentions: Episode with Marques Ogden: https://youtu.be/dqsRJhGIeFI?si=98MKdtArx30guTBEEpisode with Stephen M.R. Covey: https://youtu.be/iP6cnAqNwIc?si=pl6lCTHKgM9v-sn5Episode with Doug Conant: https://youtu.be/418p49ClihY?si=YuLozGLm4VsFXM1BEpisode with Dr. Jessica Kriegel: https://youtu.be/TUJ-8zUolI4?si=UNYpf_LwQ5pzi2NiEpisode with Matt Dixon: https://youtu.be/0LpEfvxsOYs?si=mAEJwxIREFnmeg3gPodMatch: Tool to book guest spots: https://www.podmatch.com/Opus Clip to make podcast clips: https://www.opus.pro/Pat Flynn’s Guide: How to Start a Podcast in 2025: https://www.smartpassiveincome.com/Connect With Us: Level up your sales team at Learnit.comEmail us: [email protected] Follow Damon on LinkedIn Follow Damon on Instagram

The traditional way of selling in B2B businesses no longer works. Win rates are at an all-time low. Sales reps are burning out faster than ever. Quotas are missed quarter after quarter. And so what are teams trying? To just do more. More calls. More demos.  But the solution isn’t more. First, you have to break the cycle you are stuck in. In today’s episode, Damon is joined by Dave Brock. He’s a legendary sales advisor, executive coach, and author of The Sales Manager Survival Guide. He's here to break down what’s wrong with the way we train sales teams today, and how modern leaders can build cultures that actually drive performance. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why most sales teams are stuck and what it really takes to break the cycle How business acumen and curiosity outperform slide decks and sales pitches The real reason tenure is shrinking in sales and what to do about it How to coach your team effectively  What Dave is building with AI and why it might be the future of learning Timestamps: 00:00 – What’s going wrong in sales today?  02:10 – Why win rates are declining and panic is missing  05:27 – Are people losing their drive to achieve?  07:34 – COVID’s effect on employee disconnection  08:49 – Culture, belonging, and why people leave  10:32 – What great leaders do differently  12:22 – The math doesn’t work: ramp time vs. tenure  15:56 – How short-term thinking hurts everyone  16:36 – Why most sales cycles end in no decision  18:59 – The key to building trust: problem-first conversations  21:23 – The pitch is dead—long live collaboration  23:39 – Why salespeople lack business acumen  24:42 – The real role of subject matter experts  26:20 – The $500k SDR: a credibility case study  29:23 – Where to find your next great SDR  31:15 – Brand damage from bad conversations  33:56 – One-size-fits-all coaching doesn't work  34:55 – What frontline managers get wrong  36:58 – Directive vs. non-directive coaching  38:56 – Coaching inside every conversation  42:32 – Using improv to teach collaborative coaching  44:59 – Coaching in “cracks of time”  45:54 – What’s changed since The Sales Manager Survival Guide  47:52 – Preview of Dave’s next book: Sales Executive Survival Guide  49:05 – Using AI as a debate partner, not a crutch  51:25 – Learning faster through collaborative AI tools  53:59 – Dave’s master prompt strategy for ChatGPT and Claude  54:18 – What keeps Dave curious after decades of success  56:35 – What extreme sports and Wu-Tang taught him about innovation  59:28 – Why mentoring high schoolers keeps him sharp Resources Mentioned: Partners in EXCELLENCE Blog Follow Dave Brock on LinkedIn Sales Manager Survival Guide by Dave Brock AI Driven Leader by Jeff Woods About the Guest: Dave Brock is the author of Sales Manager Survival Guide. He leads Partners in EXCELLENCE, which helps sales leaders rethink coaching, culture, and customer engagement. Dave’s recent work includes AI-powered sales learning tools based on curiosity, problem solving, and trust-building. Connect With Us: Level up your sales team at Learnit.com Email us: [email protected] Follow Damon on LinkedIn Follow Damon on Instagram 

If you want to be a successful leader in today’s fast paced world, stop focusing on just hitting your targets in business. Instead, you need to focus on understanding your team, so that they can help you achieve more than you could on your own. But how do you do that? In today’s episode, Damon is joined by Kerry Rockers, an executive coach, HR veteran, and passionate advocate for helping leaders build more human-centered workplaces. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why great coaching isn’t about fixing people, but about helping them hear their inner voice again How to navigate career pivots with clarity and confidence The difference between leading and managing—and why it matters now more than ever Why HR is more strategic than it’s ever been Simple shifts to help your team find meaning in their work Timestamps:  00:20 – The true goal of coaching: helping people remember what they already know  02:14 – Coaching the ambitious vs. the stuck: what’s different?  03:34 – What makes someone “coachable”?  04:26 – Kerry’s journey from HR executive to full-time coach  06:47 – How HR has evolved in the past 20 years  07:50 – Making the leap to entrepreneurship (even if it’s unexpected)  09:26 – How to approach a career pivot with intention  12:19 – Why experimenting and networking is key to a successful transition  13:58 – Tools for gaining clarity on what you want next  15:44 – How to learn in a way that works for you  16:40 – Why more people are searching for meaning in work  18:07 – How Kerry helps clients discover their values  19:52 – The calendar and checkbook audit: aligning time and values  20:20 – How managers can help their team feel more connected to their work  22:21 – Listening for values in everyday conversations  23:52 – One simple way to become a better listener  24:52 – A powerful 1:1 question Kerry uses to surface meaning  26:36 – What to do if you’re not good at receiving feedback  28:03 – The trust cost of canceling 1:1s  30:02 – What a “stay interview” is and why every manager should use it  33:12 – How to keep top talent even when change isn’t possible  33:44 – One mindset shift middle managers need to build trust  35:50 – The story of the leader who helped Kerry make a pivotal leap  39:23 – Tools for increasing self-awareness (and why it matters)  42:08 – Can self-awareness be taught?  43:18 – How StrengthsFinder helped one client reframe chaos into purpose  45:46 – How to work better with different strengths on your team  47:07 – Final thoughts on intentionality, curiosity, and leadership About the Guest: Kerry Rockers is a certified executive coach and former global HR executive with over two decades of experience. Kerry has consulted and coached leaders across multiple business lines and functions (Technology, Digital Channels, Wholesale Banking, Corporate Support teams etc.) with significant experience working internationally.  Her business acumen and broad experience working with teams and leaders during times of change help her quickly understand her coaching client's challenges.   Resources Mentioned: Kerry Rockers' Website Connect with Kerry on LinkedIn CliftonStrengths Assessment Connect With Us: Uplevel yourself and your team with our trainings: www.learnit.com Email us: [email protected] Follow Damon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi/ Follow Damon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damonlembi/ 

In this solo episode, Learnit CEO and bestselling author Damon Lembi shares 12 powerful truths he’s learned over the years that he wishes someone had told him in his 20s. From managing money and making bold career moves, to saying no, navigating failure, and redefining your identity, Damon gets real about the missteps and wake-up calls that shaped who he is today. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why time—not money—is your most valuable asset - How to stop making decisions you’ll regret - A 5-part plan to take control of your finances (without needing to be a CPA) - What most people get wrong about failure - How to know when it’s time to quit the job, relationship, or habit - Why your job title isn’t your identity—and what matters more - A mindset shift that makes confidence inevitable - The secret to avoiding burnout (especially if you're a top performer) - How living abroad can completely change the way you lead Timestamps: 00:35 – #1: Time is the only asset you can’t get back 02:00 – Why you need to be intentional about your relationships 03:00 – Are you overworking or failing to delegate? 04:00 – #2: Money management tips Damon wishes he learned earlier 06:00 – #3: Stop making emotional decisions—use “purposeful awfulizing” 07:30 – #4: Get comfortable with failure (and why not trying is the real risk) 08:10 – #5: Don’t stay stuck—recognize the sunk cost fallacy 09:00 – #6: Life isn’t linear—adaptability is the superpower 10:30 – #7: Take action—confidence comes from reps, not perfection 11:45 – #8: Learn to say no—and avoid the “VIP curse” 13:00 – #9: Don’t avoid tough conversations (especially as a leader) 14:30 – #10: Your identity isn’t what you do—it’s who you are 15:40 – #11: You’ll regret the chances you didn’t take 16:50 – #12: Travel, live abroad, and widen your worldview 17:55 – Damon’s challenge to listeners: Pick one, apply it this week About Damon Lembi: Damon Lembi is a 2x bestselling author, the host of The Learn-It-All Podcast, and CEO of Learnit – a live learning platform that has upskilled over 2 million people. Drawing from his prior baseball career, Damon brings an athlete’s perspective to leadership. Through his journey, he has gained invaluable insights into what helps organizations grow, how great leaders learn, and why learn-it-all companies outpace their competitors every time. Resources & Mentions: Damon’s book: The Learn-It-All Leader: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZXKR784?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_4NRSE6WY9TWPASVJZ2H2Gary Ridge’s book: Any Dumb Ass Can Do It: https://a.co/d/hTV9gD0Erin Lewellen and Tilting Futures: https://www.tiltingfutures.org: https://tiltingfutures.org Connect With Us: Uplevel yourself and your team with our trainings: www.learnit.com Email us: [email protected] Follow Damon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi/ Follow Damon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damonlembi/

Have you ever wondered what it takes to succeed in a high-stakes business? It’s not a simple life. There’s things to gain, but also things to lose. Today’s episode is an incredible cautionary tale for those of you who are building your way to success. In today’s episode, Damon is joined by Butch Meily, former PR strategist to Reginald Lewis, a leveraged buyout dealmaker, and now humanitarian—to discuss his powerful memoir From Manila to Wall Street. In this episode you’ll learn Why proximity to power can be both a blessing and a burden The personal cost of chasing high-level success What business titan Reginald Lewis taught Butch about leadership, identity, and pressure How Butch transitioned from PR executive to global humanitarian Why “ordinary lives” often lead to the deepest happiness And so much more. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro to Butch Meily 00:29 – The cost of attaching yourself to powerful people 01:30 – Why Butch finally wrote his memoir 02:36 – Who the book is for and how it's structured 03:50 – Butch’s first meeting with Reginald Lewis 05:17 – Reg’s early PR battle and the New York Times story 07:10 – Getting screamed at in a Bentley: Butch’s first ride with Reg 08:49 – The emotional toll of working under constant pressure 10:35 – Life regrets and the wisdom of Barbara Bush 12:10 – Can you have both success and happiness? 14:02 – Leveraged Buyouts 101 + the Beatrice takeover story 18:55 – Where Reg’s courage really came from 20:10 – Reg’s mantra: Keep going no matter what 22:18 – The role of luck and hard work 23:27 – Why America is still the land of opportunity 25:03 – Butch’s “candy cane” vision of America vs. Reg’s experience as a Black man 27:14 – The pressure of being “not a Black success—but an American success” 29:21 – The Hamptons mansion fire: real-life suspense 34:12 – Reg passes away, then Butch’s father dies days later 37:39 – Butch is fired—then brought back by an unexpected new CEO 40:12 – How Loyda Lewis led with grace, faith, and fierce business savvy 42:34 – Would Reg like the book? And why Butch wrote it now 44:36 – Butch’s new life: humanitarian work and startup mentorship 46:01 – Final lesson: why “ordinary” is extraordinary  Resources Mentioned: From Manila to Wall Street by Butch Meily Butch Meily LinkedInButch Meily’s Website Reginald F. Lewis Museum  About the Guest: Butch is the author of the memoir, From Manila to Wall Street – An Immigrant’s Journey With America’s First Black Tycoon. Butch’s current job is President of the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), a private sector disaster management organization that includes the major business groups in the country.  He helped found PDRF, turning it into a global role model for private sector involvement in calamities. The organization operates the world’s first national private sector Emergency Operations Center. Philippine Long Distance Telephone (PLDT), his parent company, received the 2016 Prince of Wales Business in Community UPS International Disaster Relief Prize for its work in organizing PDRF after Typhoon Ketsana in 2009 and mobilizing it during Super Typhoon Haiyan in 2013. Butch has worked in conflict situations in the southern Philippines including a terrorist siege in 2013 and an ISIS-inspired rebellion in 2017. Butch wears several hats. He heads IdeaSpace Foundation, a technology accelerator for early-stage startups, and QBO Innovation Hub, a public private partnership launched to mentor startups. Until December 2020, he served as president of Pacific Global One, an aviation firm affiliated with PLDT. Previously, Butch was First Vice President and Special Assistant to the chairman of PLDT and president of PLDT Smart Foundation.  Prior to joining PLDT, he served as Vice President, Communications for TLC Beatrice International, a food company in New York and Paris and the main subject of his book.  He has worked with several New York public relations firms and a financial startup there. Butch graduated from the Ateneo de Manila University and earned an MA in Journalism and Communications from the University of Florida (UF), becoming the first honors graduate of the program. He returned to UF as a Freedom Forum Distinguished Professor and received a Distinguished Alumnus award and was named to the school’s Hall of Fame. He started but did not finish his MBA at Northwestern University. He has taken writing classes at Grub Street and at New York University’s Continuing Education Program, a long time ago. In 1997, he established a permanent scholarship in his father Joe Meily’s name, at the Ateneo. That same year, he made a small donation to the College of Journalism and Communications at the University of Florida. Connect With Us: Uplevel yo

Mentorship isn’t a box to check or a corporate initiative to roll out. It’s a deeply human exchange that only works when it’s honest, unforced, and rooted in trust.  In today's episode, Damon is joined by Award-winning Researcher, Author and Founder of The Mentor Project, Dr. Deborah Heiser, who is here to challenge everything we think we know about what it means to be a mentor.  In this episode you’ll learn:  The essential ingredients that make mentorship actually work Why most formal mentorship programs fall short Why vulnerability is the often-missing key to meaningful connection How to reframe mentorship if you feel too busy or not “qualified” to be one  Timestamps: 00:01 – Intro to Deborah Heiser and her book The Mentorship Edge 00:17 – The story of Vinny and Fred: how a casual conversation changed a life 05:01 – Deborah’s definition of mentorship through a psychologist’s lens 06:55 – Why mentorship needs trust, intrinsic motivation, and connection 08:30 – What most companies get wrong about mentorship 09:32 – Deborah’s career pivot: From studying depression to studying joy 11:56 – How her nursing home research helped change federal policy on depression 14:33 – The difference between generativity, generosity, and reciprocity 16:11 – Everyday examples of being generative without realizing it 18:35 – Why formal workplace mentorships often backfire 22:07 – A space shuttle story: how lateral mentorship helped save an astronaut 24:39 – What is lateral mentorship, and why it matters 33:31 – The story of the “two Steves” (Jobs & Wozniak) and unsung mentorship 37:00 – How to find mentees: look to your left and your right 38:20 – Why advice only works when it’s built on trust 39:43 – Where to learn more about Deborah’s work  About Deborah: Deborah Heiser, Ph.D., is an applied developmental psychologist, author, and thought leader in mentorship and personal growth. She is the founder and CEO of The Mentor Project, a global nonprofit connecting experts like Nobel laureates and astronauts with mentees to foster innovation and leadership. Her latest book, The Mentorship Edge, launched on November 13, explores the transformative power of mentorship in creating meaningful connections and empowering individuals to thrive at any stage of life. With her work featured in Psychology Today and other leading outlets.  Resources Mentioned: Follow Deborah on LinkedIn Visit Deborah’s website The Mentorship Edge by Deborah Heiser Learn more about Deborah’s The Mentor Project  Deborah’s articles on Psychology Today Erik Erikson’s theory of generativity STS-114 NASA mission Connect with Us: Uplevel yourself and your team with our trainings: www.learnit.com Email us: [email protected] Follow Damon on LinkedIn and Instagram 

What happens when life throws something at you that you didn’t see coming? In this personal solo episode, Damon opens up about a life-altering diagnosis that challenged his vision—both physically and metaphorically.  Whether you're navigating personal challenges or professional setbacks, this episode offers a roadmap to move forward with resilience, community, and purpose. In this episode, you’ll learn: The surprising diagnosis that reshaped Damon’s outlook on leadership and life How to reject the victim mindset and replace it with gratitude The role of community and connection in overcoming struggle How constraints can actually sharpen your leadership and focus What it means to lead by example—especially when life gets hard  Timestamps 00:00 – Damon introduces a personal story about unexpected adversity  00:48 – Early signs something was off—on the tennis and basketball court  01:30 – A trip to the optometrist turns serious  01:55 – Diagnosis: PRPH2, a rare degenerative eye disease  02:35 – Processing the fear, uncertainty, and future ahead  03:00 – The 5-step playbook for facing adversity  03:20 – Step 1: Acceptance—“There is no cure, but I can move forward”  03:50 – Step 2: Refuse the victim mentality—"Why not me?"  04:40 – Step 3: Faith—in family, skills, and what you can control  05:10 – Step 4: Community—why you don’t have to go through it alone  05:55 – Foundation Fighting Blindness and the power of peer groups  06:30 – Step 5: Lead by example—turning constraints into strengths  07:05 – Lessons for his kids and why vulnerability builds strength  07:50 – The final takeaway: adversity is inevitable, but it doesn’t define you  08:10 – Connect with Damon to share or seek support  Resources Mentioned: Foundation Fighting Blindness Connect With Us Uplevel yourself and your team with our trainings: www.learnit.com Email us: [email protected] Follow Damon on LinkedIn 

If you treat LinkedIn like Facebook or Instagram, you are never going to succeed.Most people copy what works on other platforms. They chase likes and shares, and end up with zero traction. But what if the secret to LinkedIn wasn’t more content, but better conversation?In today’s episode, Damon is joined by Richard Bliss, LinkedIn and social selling strategist, bestselling author of DigitalFirst Leadership, and trainer to top sales teams and executives.In this episode, you will learn:Why LinkedIn’s algorithm punishes likes and rewards conversationsThe surprising reason video underperforms—and what to post insteadHow to get your posts in front of key prospects and decision-makersA team-based content strategy that drives real engagementThe five-day comment challenge to boost your visibility by 300%How to use Sales Navigator to find warm leads (not spam strangers)Timestamps: 00:01 – Introduction to Richard Bliss 01:00 – Why LinkedIn isn’t like Instagram or X 06:00 – The algorithm’s secret: comments > likes 09:00 – How to add links without killing your reach 11:00 – Why preview images reduce post engagement 13:00 – Text vs. video: what works best on personal pages 18:00 – The 3 myths execs believe about LinkedIn 20:00 – How CEOs can lead in just 10 minutes a day 27:00 – Why commenting beats cold outreach 30:00 – The pre-conference strategy that boosted real-world sales 35:00 – Where new reps should start on LinkedIn 36:00 – Richard’s 5-day challenge for 300% more profile views 39:00 – Purpose-driven content and prospecting 41:00 – The “Hero Post” framework for team-wide visibility 48:00 – How to use Sales Navigator to uncover warm leads fastResources Mentioned in This Episode:Richard Bliss LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bliss/Digital-First Leadership by Richard Bliss Richard Bliss’ Website  2024 LinkedIn Algorithm Report by Richard van der BlomAbout the Guest:Richard Bliss is a LinkedIn expert, social selling strategist and trainer, and author of Digital-First Leadership.  He is the founder and president of BlissPoint, a social media consulting company that helps improve executives' online communications and sales teams' social selling behaviors.Connect With Us:Uplevel your team’s learning: www.learnit.com  Contact us: [email protected] Follow Damon on LinkedIn and Instagram

There’s often a gap between what school teaches and what real life demands. Jason Weiss found that to be true for becoming a lawyer. Now, after 25 years in the legal world, he shares the practical, hard-earned lessons that apply to anyone trying to succeed in a high-pressure, people-driven profession. Whether you’re a lawyer, leader, or someone simply figuring out how to show up fully in your work, this episode is a masterclass in resilience, communication, and redefining success on your own terms. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why “the practice of law” never really ends How to recover from losses and develop thicker skin What not to do when giving or receiving professional advice How to pick clients (and when to walk away) Why communication and follow-up might be your most valuable assets The surprising ways AI and legal tech can (and can’t) help When to rethink your entire career and how to do it responsibly Timestamps: 00:16 – Jason’s post-law school “welcome to reality” moment 01:38 – First win in court and the difference real-world law makes 02:57 – Why law is a “practice” (and not an exact science) 03:58 – How a judge’s mood can influence your case 04:20 – Jason’s book: The Sht They Never Taught You in Law School* 05:54 – Universal skills: follow-up, integrity, and knowing your values 08:52 – Law school theory vs. real-world advocacy 11:25 – What happens when you lose and have to face the client 13:46 – Learning who not to work with as a lawyer (and business owner) 15:59 – The $60K mistake Jason made with a client—and what he learned 19:06 – Common misconceptions non-lawyers have about lawyers 21:25 – The power of saying “I don’t know”—and circling back 24:43 – Clients today expect instant clarity: managing modern expectations 25:55 – Thick skin, self-care, and knowing when not to take it personally 28:06 – Continuous learning, CLEs, and the role of AI in law 30:49 – Batman’s utility belt: how Jason views AI as a legal tool 33:43 – Worst professional advice Jason ever received 36:29 – Honesty, mistakes, and always having a plan of action 37:07 – Advice for those considering law school 38:35 – Why some lawyers are miserable—and how coaching can help 42:26 – What coaching is (and isn’t) supposed to do 44:23 – Finding motivation 25 years into the legal grind 45:35 – Why showing up is more powerful than talent 47:02 – You don’t have to respond instantly—just communicate well 47:46 – What Jason has doubled down on since writing his book 49:24 – Final advice for aspiring or struggling lawyers 50:14 – Where to find Jason online About Jason: Jason S. Weiss is a litigator who handles all aspects of business and commercial litigation. He has dealt with matters involving breach of contract, tortious interference with business relationships, title, property, non-compete clauses, commercial and residential landlord tenant matters, elder abuse, partnership disputes, trade secrets, RICO claims, fraud, real estate litigation, consumer protection, American’s with Disabilities litigation, tenant/landlord matters, medical marijuana litigation, personal injury and other various business related lawsuits. He was recently appointed as a Board Member of Benefits Specialist Inc. and voted President of Leadership Coral Springs Class of 2011. Jason is also a former adjunct professor of Sports Law at Nova Southeastern School of Law, a former adjunct professor of the graduate level course Sports Law at St. Thomas University and a former judge for the Broward County Teen Court Program. Jason has extensive sports and entertainment law experience, including representing professional football, baseball, and soccer players, personal management companies, rappers, bands, radio personalities, mixed martial arts fighters, chefs, agents, boxers, actors, writers and models. Jason has also negotiated, drafted and litigated recorded music and video deals, distribution agreements, publishing agreements, production agreements, employment contracts and endorsement deals for athletes, entertainers, musicians, chefs and agents. He serves as a legal advisor to professional athletes, performers and entertainers in all aspects of their professional and personal activities. Jason has been selected by Super Lawyer magazine as a Rising Star in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Resources & Mentions: - Jason’s Book: The Sh*t They Never Taught You in Law School : https://www.amazon.com/hit-They-Never-Taught-School/dp/1955242887 - Follow Jason on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jason-s-weiss - Follow Jason on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/askjasonweiss/ Connect With Us: Uplevel your team’s learning: www.learnit.com Contact us: [email protected] Follow Damon on LinkedIn and Instagram

Have you ever stayed too long at a job, on a project, or even a relationship just because you already put so much into it? That’s the “Sunk Cost” fallacy at work. And it can quietly sabotage smart leaders, strong companies, and promising futures. In this solo episode, Damon unpacks how this psychological trap nearly cost his company half a million dollars and what finally gave him the clarity and courage to walk away. In this episode, you’ll learn: What the sunk cost fallacy really is (and how it shows up at work and in life) The project that taught Damon a $500K lesson Why walking away from the project freed Learnit to build something better How to overcome ego, pride, and emotional attachment A 5-step framework to help you know when to pull the plug The surprising office building decision that proved Damon had learned the lesson Timestamps: 00:00 – What is the sunk cost fallacy (and how it traps us) 01:00 – The $500K LMS mistake: why Damon didn’t walk away—until he had to 02:30 – Making the call: pulling the plug and letting the COO go 03:00 – Why it freed up time, money, and momentum to rebuild smarter 03:30 – Step 1: Name it—call the project or decision what it really is 03:45 – Step 2: Stop throwing good after bad 04:00 – Step 3: Put your pride in check and ditch the ego 04:20 – Step 4: Create a “go or no-go” line for any project 04:40 – Step 5: Pressure test with your team—would you start over again? 05:00 – Reframe your thinking: what do you gain by pivoting? 05:30 – Real estate edition: the office building they never moved into 06:15 – Final takeaway: tough decisions are the sign of a wise leader About Damon Lembi: Damon Lembi is a 2x bestselling author, the host of The Learn-It-All Podcast, and CEO of Learnit – a live learning platform that has upskilled over 2 million people. Drawing from his prior baseball career, Damon brings an athlete’s perspective to leadership. Through his journey, he has gained invaluable insights into what helps organizations grow, how great leaders learn, and why learn-it-all companies outpace their competitors every time. Resources & Mentions: Uplevel yourself and your team with our trainings: www.learnit.com Email us: [email protected] Follow Damon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi/ Follow Damon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damonlembi/

70% of college seniors with student debt say looming repayments will impact their career plans.The average graduate and oftentimes, their parents will endure 17 to 20 years of loan payments in efforts to become free from student debt. Our emerging workforce will comprise 75% of the workforce by 2025 making student debt a majority issue. Student debt isn’t just a financial burden, but it’s one of the biggest barriers to wealth creation in the modern workforce.In this episode, we’re joined by Laurel Taylor, founder and CEO of Candidly, to explore how addressing student debt is no longer optional. Laurel shares how her personal journey with debt led to a mission that’s already wiped out nearly $2 billion in liability and opened new pathways to first-time wealth.In This Episode You’ll Learn:Why student debt is now a business issue, not just a personal oneHow shame around debt stops employees from engaging in benefitsThe ROI companies are seeing when they address financial stressHow Candidly helps employers reduce turnover by up to 76%Laurel’s philosophy on risk, resilience, and the real cost of prideWhat it means to lead during wartime—and how her team stays agileHow AI is powering the next phase of financial wellnessTimestamps:00:00 – Laurel’s personal student debt story 01:28 – Why she founded Candidly 03:24 – The shame around student debt—and how it affects families 05:33 – Why debt is a workplace issue and not just a personal one 06:54 – What employers are missing in their benefits stack 07:46 – The staggering ROI of Candidly’s solution for employers 09:44 – Tax-free employer contributions and new retirement match rules 11:57 – How the sales cycle for Candidly evolved from 2016 to today 13:32 – Distribution through major financial services firms 15:01 – Laurel’s story of quitting Dell after one day 17:53 – “I have nothing to lose but my pride”: Laurel’s mindset shift 19:52 – How loss shaped Laurel’s perspective and mission 23:07 – Her framework for overcoming fear and taking risks 27:16 – Leading through chaos: student loan reform and AI adoption 29:40 – The real-time complexity of student loan programs 31:10 – Wartime CEO: how her team thrives through rapid change 32:36 – A three-week offsite to prototype AI-powered personalization 34:41 – Candidly’s next wave: AI + wealth creation at scale 36:47 – How to run a purposeful, high-impact team retreat 39:04 – Why ignoring student debt is no longer an option for CEOs 41:51 – Student debt and the retirement gap 42:56 – Candidly’s mission for the next decade: from debt to wealthAbout Laurel:Laurel Taylor is the CEO and Founder of Candidly. Laurel previously led a global business unit at Google and holds her MBA from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with an undergraduate degree from Texas State University.  Laurel has experienced, first hand, the impact of missing out on two decades of compounding interest on wealth while paying down debt, between she and her highly educated mother. Thus, her path and purpose to solve the student debt, savings, and retirement savings crisis was born. As the market-leader, Candidly has generated over $1.2B of student debt impact as a workplace benefit, serving thousands of employers with an average population of 22,500 employees, distributed by the largest financial services companies in the world.Resources & Mentions:Learn more about Candidly: https://getcandidly.comConnect with Laurel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ltmit/ Secure 2.0 Act info: https://www.usbank.com/retirement-planning/financial-perspectives/saving-for-retirement-secure-act.html#:~:text=The%20SECURE%202.0%20Act%20mandates,basis%20to%20a%20Roth%20accountConnect With Us:Uplevel yourself and your team with our trainings: www.learnit.com Email us: [email protected] Follow Damon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi/ Follow Damon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damonlembi/

What happens when your lifelong career ends overnight? Most people panic. Steve Delsohn got to work. After 16 years at ESPN, multiple journalism awards, and a career-defining body of investigative work, Steve found himself laid off, just one day after winning two prestigious honors. In this episode, Steve opens up about the emotional and professional toll of being let go, how he transitioned into the world of PR without sacrificing his values, and why saying “no” to big opportunities is sometimes the most powerful move you can make. Whether you're facing a layoff, rethinking your next move, or trying to lead with more integrity, this conversation is a masterclass in reinvention, resilience, and doing meaningful work. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Steve went from journalism to building a purpose-driven PR firm The secret to pitching powerful stories that get noticed How to ask better questions (for interviews or leadership) What sports journalism taught him about truth, ethics, and standing firm Why networking is your greatest career asset His best advice for anyone transitioning careers Timestamps: 00:20 – Winning two awards… then getting laid off the next day  03:40 – The identity crisis after leaving ESPN  05:04 – Grieving the loss of a career you loved  07:45 – Ageism, niche jobs, and what really blocked new opportunities  09:39 – The almost-job at a PR firm repping Harvey Weinstein  11:42 – Launching Delsohn Strategies  12:19 – The ethical line Steve refuses to cross in business  14:22 – Why he turned down work with Daniel Snyder  16:01 – Where Steve’s values came from—and why he won’t compromise  18:06 – The biggest transferable skill from journalism to PR  20:55 – How Steve builds trust with high-profile clients  22:43 – The art of asking the right question  24:11 – What interviewers and leaders can learn from Joe Paterno  27:42 – Steve’s first book deal with John Matuszak  28:50 – The wild inside stories of Emmitt Smith and Jerry Jones  31:15 – Co-authoring a book about Sam Kinison  32:34 – How Steve prepared for investigative stories on giants like Penn State and UNC  36:18 – Stories of institutional betrayal and survivor justice  39:18 – Social media, journalism, and the danger of speed over truth  41:07 – Did he ever regret a published story?  42:05 – The Joe Paterno text message Steve caught on camera  47:14 – Advice for having difficult conversations  48:51 – Who Steve will and won’t work with at his PR firm  50:43 – Purpose, values, and building a client roster you’re proud of  51:02 – The underestimated power of networking  54:02 – Is he happier now than at ESPN?  About Steve: During his 30-plus years in journalism and communications, Steve Delsohn has built a national reputation as a network television reporter, nonfiction author, documentary producer, and strategic communications consultant.  Steve worked 16 years as an investigative reporter for ESPN TV’s Outside the Lines, the news magazine show which examines substantial issues in the sports world.  In 2013 he won a Peabody Award for a story on the concussion crisis in the NFL.  In 2009 he earned an EMMY nomination for a story on Joe Paterno’s morally-decaying Penn State football program.  He did other high-profile investigations of improper medical care in high school football; the dangers of 15-seat passenger vans which transport small-college athletes;  the academic fraud scandal at the University of North Carolina; corruption in the youth football helmet industry;  a college football coach who sold meth on the side;  and a female teenage athlete sexually assaulted while competing against boys during a high school water polo game. Steve has written 12 nonfiction books, including The Fire Inside, an oral history of American firefighters which inspired a History Channel documentary (Into the Fire) and was used as source material for the fictional film Ladder 49.   He has also written or co-written books on John Wayne, Bobby Knight, Sam Kinison, Emmitt Smith, Jim Brown, Notre Dame football, the 1985 Chicago Bears, the Los Angeles Dodgers and USC football.  He has co-produced one documentary on college basketball (Guru of Go) for ESPN’s esteemed 30 for 30 series, and the aforementioned documentary on firefighters for History Channel. Steve is a native of Chicago now living just outside Los Angeles.  His passions are reading, fitness, movies, politics...and above all his wife and three children. Resources & Mentions: Steve Delsohn’s PR Firm: https://www.delsohn.com/  Follow Steve on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/delsohnstrategies/  Cruisin’ with the Tooz by Steve Delsohn and John Matuszak: https://a.co/d/iBShV4M Jim Bro

When host Damon Lembi quit drinking, it had nothing to do with hitting rock bottom. Instead, it had everything to do with the future he wanted to create. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why Damon gave up alcohol (without hitting a dramatic low)The moment he realized he wasn’t showing up as the person he wanted to beA 5-step framework for making lasting change in your lifeHow to handle discomfort in social situations after a big changeWhat life felt like two weeks, two months, and nine years after quittingHow letting go of one habit helped Damon become a sharper leader, father, and authorTimestamps:00:00 – Damon’s personal story: why he quit drinking without a rock-bottom moment01:00 – The role alcohol played in his personal, professional, and social life02:00 – The turning point: noticing the impact on his health, energy, and finances03:00 – Reflecting on family: longevity, legacy, and leadership04:00 – Step 1: Get curious—books, conversations, and quiet exploration04:50 – Step 2: Journal—getting fears and hopes onto the page05:30 – Step 3: Tell someone—why accountability changed everything06:00 – Step 4: Commit—picking a date and making it real06:45 – Early challenges: awkward parties, AA meetings, and finding his own path07:50 – Step 5: Lean into discomfort—navigating social pressure and anxiety08:45 – What changed: sleep, clarity, confidence, and sharper decision-making09:30 – Why alcohol used to be a coping mechanism—and how Damon replaced it10:00 – The long-term impact on his career, health, and creativity10:45 – A final challenge for listeners: what’s holding you back?Connect With Us:Uplevel yourself and your team with our trainings: www.learnit.com Email us: [email protected] Follow Damon on LinkedIn and Instagram 

Business-to-business commerce is broken. Today’s customers find themselves overwhelmed by too many options, too much information, and too many obstacles. The result is often an inability to execute any but the safest of purchase decisions, frequently resulting in no decision at all.  Today’s guest is Brent Adamson, he’s a world-renowned researcher, author, presenter, trainer, and advisor to B2B commercial executives around the world. He’s here to argue that the real key to B2B sales success is to focus on boosting customers’ confidence in themselves and their ability to make large-scale, collective decisions on behalf of their company rather than sticking with how traditional sales have worked. In this episode, you will learn: Why sales success hinges on buyer self-confidence, not seller expertise How “frame making” helps reduce decision friction in complex buying groups What to do when content marketing becomes part of the customer’s confusion How emotional calibration can humanize your pitch and build trust faster How to coach customers through their own internal process using a simple audit Timestamps: 00:16 – The surprising origins of The Challenger Sale  01:30 – Why segmentation research gave way to selling insights  02:51 – The seller crushing quota in the middle of a recession  05:07 – How Neil Rackham predicted Challenger’s longevity  06:21 – Pushback: “Relationships still matter!”  08:12 – From product to solution to insight as the competitive edge  10:18 – Why leading with “you’re selling wrong” fails  11:20 – Framing the shift: Selling must evolve because buying has  12:46 – The rise of buyer indecision in a world drowning in content  15:06 – “Smartness arms race” and the downfall of content overload  16:05 – 20-person buying groups that don’t know how to decide  17:38 – Why decision fatigue is killing commerce  20:30 – The real opportunity: Making buyers confident in themselves  21:55 – Coach vs. expert: The power of preserving buyer agency  24:35 – How younger or newer sellers can still bring massive value  25:58 – Use this phrase to add instant credibility as a new seller  26:09 – Playing the role of connector, not expert  29:08 – Personalizing outreach through social proof and curation  30:05 – Adding subtle emotional language to increase engagement  33:41 – The Frame Making model: Establish, Engage, Execute  36:11 – “It turns out that…” audit: Avoiding surprise buyer stalls  38:26 – Build a customer-facing “sequence of events” map  40:15 – Expedient’s frame making mindset: Win by helping customers decide faster  42:26 – “If we’re going to lose, let’s lose early”  44:00 – The most powerful thing a customer can feel after a sales call  45:56 – Teaching empathy through language and emotional calibration  49:45 – Hypothesis-led empathy: How to learn what customers feel  51:18 – The overlooked ROI of solving for what customers feel Resources Mentioned: Buy The Frame Making Sale: https://www.amazon.com/Framemaking-Sale-Boosting-Customer-Confidence/dp/1541705823/ HBR article on the Sense Making for Sales: https://hbr.org/2022/01/sensemaking-for-salesFollow Brent on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentadamson/ Watch Brent’s Frame Making Sale YouTube series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HKcZiOSrso  Connect with Us: Uplevel yourself and your team with our trainings: www.learnit.com Email us: [email protected] Follow Damon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi/ Follow Damon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damonlembi/ 

“73% of customers say experience is a key factor in their purchasing decisions just behind price and product quality,” according to a report from PwC. Customer experience is no longer just a support function of your business... it’s a leadership strategy. In this episode, we’re joined by Van Battle, a seasoned customer experience leader who has first hand experience on how it can improve a company’s success based on his career working with brands like Jamba Juice, Urban Remedy, and The Sharper Image.  In this episode you will learn: The real difference between customer service and customer experience How to turn your support team into your company’s most strategic asset Why empathy is a leadership skill How “minor league” development programs can retain top talent What most companies get wrong when using AI in customer experience How to empower reps to resolve issues without escalating every time What leaders must do to instill a culture of ownership Timestamps: 00:16 – Leading through stewardship: what it looks like  01:09 – Lessons from the restaurant world: empathy starts on the frontlines  03:26 – The invisible value of busboys and call center reps  05:18 – Why Van sends reps into stores and orders their own products  06:58 – Customer service vs. customer experience  08:46 – Anticipating issues before they happen  10:23 – Turning reps into “insight engines”  12:32 – Avoiding burnout: how to distribute workload fairly  13:40 – Baseball, development, and team balance  14:57 – The “minor league program” for career growth  17:11 – Upskilling with Learnit: real examples that worked  19:03 – Creating a culture of learning and mobility  20:04 – Training teams to own the resolution  22:45 – Building confidence through empowerment  23:39 – When the customer isn’t right—and how to respond  25:22 – Tracking patterns to prevent abuse  26:52 – Balancing trust between customer and employee  29:36 – How to turn customer data into internal action  32:01 – Getting specific: “friendly” means what exactly?  33:18 – How customer expectations have evolved  35:52 – Humanizing digital experiences in a tech-first world  37:49 – What Southwest’s shift says about customer loyalty  39:14 – What AI should never replace  41:04 – Will AI replace frontline workers?  42:47 – Van’s biggest leadership lesson about customer experience  Resources & Mentions: Follow Van on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vancbattlejr/  Urban Remedy: https://urbanremedy.com/  Jamba Juice: https://www.jamba.com/  Connect With Us: Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for show updates 

We’ve all paid the price of believing in someone who let us down. But what if that “cost” isn’t a failure, but it’s a necessary for greater connection, creativity, and leadership? It's a mindset shift for leaders who want to build stronger teams, healthier relationships, and resilient organizations.  If you’ve ever been burned by someone at work or in life, this one’s for you. In this episode, you’ll learn: What the “Trust Tax” is and why you should choose to pay it The four-part framework to lead with trust (without getting walked on) How trust impacts culture, growth, and emotional energy Simple mindset shifts to reframe betrayal into progress Real-world ways to lead with belief in work, parenting, and friendship Timestamps: 00:00 – Why trust gets broken—and why Damon still believes in it  01:10 – The story of betrayal that inspired the Trust Tax concept  02:40 – “I just paid for my own betrayal” — the personal and professional fallout  03:20 – What is the Trust Tax?  03:56 – Why leading from control doesn’t work  04:30 – Trust builds stronger teams, belonging, and creativity  05:05 – The 4-step Trust Tax Playbook begins  05:10 – Step 1: Trust First – Why Damon chooses to lead with trust by default  05:48 – Step 2: Trust Smart – Awareness without cynicism  06:28 – Step 3: Reframe the Cost – Learning from letdowns without shutting down  07:10 – Step 4: Lead by Identity – Becoming someone who trusts and grows  08:00 – Real-life ways to apply this in parenting, leadership, and friendship  08:50 – Emotional regulation: labeling feelings to reduce their intensity  09:30 – Reframing betrayal as a leadership learning moment  10:15 – Final Challenge: Choose to trust someone this week, even if it’s risky About Damon Lembi:   Damon Lembi is a 2x bestselling author, the host of The Learn-It-All Podcast, and CEO of Learnit – a live learning platform that has upskilled over 2 million people. Drawing from his prior baseball career, Damon brings an athlete’s perspective to leadership. Through his journey, he has gained invaluable insights into what helps organizations grow, how great leaders learn, and why learn-it-all companies outpace their competitors every time.   Connect With Us: Upskill yourself or your team: www.learnit.com Email us: [email protected] Follow Damon on LinkedIn for more leadership insights 

Sales is not just about closing deals. Leadership and sales are, at their core, both about helping people achieve what they didn’t think was possible. But in order to effectively help people, you need to master the skill of sales. In this episode, we’re joined by Mark Hunter, renowned sales strategist, speaker and author known as The Sales Hunter, to explore the timeless overlap between selling and leading.  In this episode you will learn: Why trust is the foundation of every sale (and how to build it) How discovery calls are being misused (and what to do instead) The connection between value, risk, and decision-making Tips for prospecting in the AI era The three most important assets every sales professional should protect How great leaders show up for their people  Timestamps: 00:16 – Sales and leadership: Eisenhower's D-Day message 01:50 – The real purpose of the discovery call 03:57 – Authenticity over slide decks 04:52 – Will AI replace salespeople? 06:28 – Risk, value, and the importance of trust 07:38 – How trust combats indecision 09:15 – Mapping customer problems upstream and downstream 10:41 – Selling with insight into your customer’s customer 11:33 – Using AI to personalize sales outreach 13:41 – Tips for expanding access to stakeholders 16:10 – Happy talkers vs. true decision makers 18:04 – The role of social media and personal brand equity in sales 19:24 – Why every rep needs a personal brand 21:24 – How to build content discipline in B2B sales 22:24 – Great leadership traits in sales managers 24:44 – Leading with integrity and taking ownership 28:06 – The leadership lesson that shaped Mark’s career 31:56 – Supporting reps during tough quarters 33:00 – Time: your most valuable asset 33:46 – Mark’s 3 most important career assets: time, mind, and network 35:16 – Diversifying your network like an investment portfolio 37:29 – Can virtual onboarding work for sales reps? 39:44 – Simple KPIs: Mark’s “5 conversations” rule 41:10 – Why sales is a lifestyle, not a job 42:47 – The importance of continuous learning 44:25 – Charlie Munger’s mindset on lifelong learning 44:37 – Final takeaway: why you owe it to prospects to reach out Resources & Mentions: The Sales Hunter Website: https://www.thesaleshunter.com/  The Sales Hunter Podcast: https://thesaleshunter.com/podcast/  Sales Logic Podcast: https://www.saleslogicpodcast.com/  Follow Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markhunter  Connect With Us: Uplevel yourself and your team with our trainings: www.learnit.com    Email us: [email protected]   Follow Damon on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates! 

Success is an extremely misunderstood word. If you lack the self-awareness of why you do what you do, it won’t matter how much money you are making on paper. This lack of awareness can prevent you from performing at your best, but that’s what we’re here to solve today. Today’s guest is JM Ryerson. He’s a serial entrepreneur, performance coach, author and the founder of Let’s Go Win, a company dedicated to helping high performers live their best lives both personally and professionally. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How to reshape your view on success and failure When to let go of a goal without seeing it as quitting What every first-time leader needs to hear about imposter syndrome How to define and embed powerful core values at work and at home And so much more Timestamps:  00:26 – JM’s limiting belief around money and how he rewrote it  03:16 – Costly mistakes and the power of self-awareness  05:05 – Learning from failures and helping others avoid “dummy tax”  06:06 – Letting go of expectations and five-year plans  07:34 – When it’s okay to pivot or quit a goal  09:16 – Losing sports identity and discovering personal growth  11:18 – JM’s journey from Enterprise to entrepreneurship  12:58 – Writing Let’s Go Win inspired by his kids  14:25 – The true philosophy behind “winning”  16:32 – Sports, parenting, and teaching kids resilience  20:51 – Parallels between parenting and leading teams  22:56 – Defining and living your company’s core values  27:18 – The three essential leadership traits JM lives by  29:15 – Radical transparency and where JM draws the line  31:09 – Vulnerability vs. weakness in leadership  33:26 – Advice for first-time leaders on being authentic  35:20 – Overcoming imposter syndrome by shifting focus  37:16 – Why putting people first drives business growth  38:45 – JM’s “Perfect Morning Routine” (33 minutes to change your day)  40:17 – How to build consistency with daily habits  42:13 – Creating your own luck through mindset and awareness  44:37 – JM’s legacy: presence, love, and showing up for his family  46:17 – Final advice: “Take care of YOU first” Resources Mentioned: JM’s book “Let’s Go Win”  JM’s Website: https://www.letsgowin.com JM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsgowin365  JM on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jm-ryerson/ Let’s Go Win Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-go-win-podcast/id1517669567  Wim Hof (Breathwork Guide) - https://www.wimhofmethod.com/  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tybOi4hjZFQ Atomic Habits by James Clear - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0735211299  The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg - https://www.amazon.com/dp/081298160X  How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0671027034  Principles by Ray Dalio - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1501124021  Contact Us: Uplevel yourself and your team with our trainings: www.learnit.com    Email us: [email protected]   Follow Damon on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates! 

The secret to making your team more engaged, more productive and far less likely to leave? Intentional and focused 1 on 1 meetings. Today’s guest learned this lesson the hard way.  Brendan Rogers is a leadership coach who used to believe that great teams were built through occasional team meetings and annual performance reviews. But when the world went remote during the pandemic? He was surprised to realize that without consistent, structured one-on-one conversations, leaders lose control, performance drops, and teams fall apart. If you’re a leader who wants to elevate your team’s performance without micromanaging, this episode is packed with actionable insights.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:Why one-on-one meetings are the foundation of high-performing teamsThe three essential questions every leader should ask in weekly check-insHow canceling one-on-ones destroys trust and moraleThe right way to give and receive feedback to foster growthHow to run effective team meetings that drive action instead of wasting timeTimestamps:00:01 – Introduction to Brendan Rogers 00:25 – Why leaders must invest deliberate time in their employees 02:40 – The moment Brendan realized one-on-one meetings change everything 05:48 – How COVID forced leaders to rethink employee engagement 06:22 – The myth that structure kills creativity (it actually fuels it) 09:06 – Brendan’s three-step framework for effective one-on-ones 12:30 – Should feedback happen in one-on-one meetings or separately? 16:13 – The damaging effect of constantly canceling one-on-one meetings 19:21 – How leaders can get better at giving and receiving feedback 22:14 – Why modeling how you receive feedback matters as a leader 26:44 – The simple act of following up on feedback to build trust 31:33 – A small but powerful piece of feedback that changed Brendan’s career 34:05 – The number one roadblock stopping leaders from scaling their teams 36:39 – How to get better at saying no as a leader 39:51 – How to increase performance in a team setting beyond one-on-ones 43:45 – Why great leaders aren’t born—they’re designed 46:57 – Final advice: There’s always a better way to leadResources Mentioned in This Episode:Brendan Rogers’ website: LeaderByDesign.auLeader by Design Podcast: https://podcast.leaderbydesign.au/ Follow Brendan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bjrogers01/ Cultural Leadership Podcast: https://podcast.thecultureofleadership.com/ Gallup Study on One-on-One Meetings: https://news.gallup.com/businessjournal/174197/managers-focus-performance-engagement.aspxThe Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni: https://a.co/d/5a5Q8UG Podcast Contact Information:Uplevel yourself and your team with our trainings: www.learnit.com    Email us: [email protected]   Follow Damon on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates! 

In a world that’s accelerating towards AI & automation, what sets us apart isn’t speed or scale, it’s creativity.  The biggest myth we’re here to dispel is that creativity is only for artists. That’s a lie. In today’s episode, we’re joined by MaryLou Kayser, who has spent the last 30 years as a coach, speaker and thought leader around the power of creativity. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why creativity is not just “artists” How to build up your creativity through daily practices How to practically step out of your comfort zone How to use AI ethically and powerfully as a creative partner The “playing your position” framework that helps you improve your life Timestamps & Topics 00:01 – Introduction to MaryLou Kayser  00:24 – Debunking the myth “I’m not creative”  02:03 – Why creativity is what makes us human  05:24 – MaryLou’s “Holy Hour” morning practice  07:47 – Building trust in yourself through routine  09:09 – The evolution of self-trust over time  11:03 – Owning your mistakes as a form of authenticity  12:26 – Comfort zones, courage, and small experiments  14:56 – 30-day writing exercise to rewire your brain  19:06 – AI as fire: dangerous if misused, transformative if harnessed  22:55 – Addressing writer fear around AI  25:09 – How to compare AI-generated work to your own  27:16 – Using AI as a co-writer, not a ghostwriter  30:18 – Story: Helping her nephew write with his own voice using AI  32:13 – Learning to ask AI better questions  33:43 – Is AI a tool or a thought partner?  36:18 – What is personal agency and why it’s eroding  38:50 – A personal story: what MaryLou gave away  41:15 – The meaning behind “Play Your Position”  44:23 – 11 years of podcasting: how it shaped her growth  47:44 – Defining legacy and what truly matters  50:45 – Final thoughts: Believe in yourself, you matter Resources Mentioned Website: maryloukayser.com Play Your Position Podcast – Listen Here MaryLou on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlkayser/ ChatGPT by OpenAI – https://chat.openai.com Claude by Anthropic – https://claude.ai Gemini by Google – https://deepmind.google/technologies/gemini  Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com    Email: [email protected]   Follow Damon on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Research shows that high-performing sales teams drive up to 80% of a company’s revenue (Harvard Business Review). Yet most teams are flying blind and relying on outdated sales plans, inconsistent outreach, and a lack of new leads for their business. pipelines. In this episode, we’re joined by author and leading expert in B2B sales coaching, Mark Cox. Whether you're new to sales or a seasoned sales leader, Mark offers invaluable insights and practical tools to help you master the art of selling in today's world.  In this episode, you’ll learn: Why great salespeople are made, not born The four (plus one) elements of a high-impact sales playbook Why discovery is the most underrated stage in sales How to avoid the “cycle of doom” in demand gen When to reassess your value prop and how to find your competitive edge Why promoting your top seller might kill your team if you’re not careful Timestamps: 00:01 – Intro to Mark Cox  00:15 – Are salespeople born or made? (Hint: It’s a skill)  01:21 – Reigniting a love for learning through an Executive MBA  03:35 – Why senior leaders often stop learning  05:29 – What inspired Learn to Love Selling  06:58 – Who the book is for  07:34 – Why most sales plans gather dust  08:55 – The 4 Core Elements of a Sales Playbook  12:23 – The “fifth” element: Awareness campaigns  13:44 – What makes a value prop terrible (and how to fix it)  15:29 – How often should you reassess your value prop?  18:09 – What makes In the Funnel different?  20:02 – Ask your clients for your differentiation  22:48 – Client interviews as a learning tool  24:58 – Demand Gen: The “X-Factor” skill in B2B sales  27:58 – Ranking modern demand gen tools: phone, email, LinkedIn  31:54 – The “hat trick” approach to outreach  34:12 – Working conferences like a pro  38:26 – Discovery meetings: the most important sales phase  43:36 – Why discovery never ends  45:44 – Helping sales reps kill zombie deals  49:23 – The 3 key stakeholders of a sales leader  51:49 – Coaching vs. Telling: What great leaders do differently  54:54 – Avoiding the “hero” trap as a new manager  58:49 – Should you promote your top rep to sales manager?  01:01:59 – What makes a great sales leader  01:04:20 – Closing thoughts & where to find Mark Resources Mentioned: Book: Learn to Love Selling by Mark Cox Website: In the Funnel LinkedIn: Connect with Mark Cox Book: Mindset by Carol Dweck Book: Social Selling by Tim Hughes Book: Multipliers by Liz Wiseman Book: The Speed of Trust by Stephen M.R. Covey  Connect with the Show: Email: [email protected] Website: learnit.com Follow Us: LinkedIn & Instagram 

Most leaders follow the rules. Hitting their targets, meeting expectations, and settling into a rhythm. But uncommon leaders refuse to stay comfortable. Leadership has very little to do with your title or authority. Instead it’s about creating influence, discipline, and the willingness to step outside of your comfort zone if you truly want to be a better leader. In today’s episode, we’re joined by John Gallagher, an executive coach, performance consultant, and trusted advisor to some of the world’s most prestigious organizations. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why intentional leadership is the key to long-term impactThe three-step framework to inspire real change in yourself and othersHow to raise the average of the people you surround yourself withWhy discipline matters more than motivationThe 47-minute rule for peak productivity and focusHow to balance faith and leadership without preachingTimestamps:00:01 – Introduction to John Gallagher and his leadership philosophy 01:01 – The greatest story ever told: How leaders make an impact 03:13 – What makes leadership uncommon? 05:07 – The dangers of thinking you have it all figured out 06:27 – Raising the average: Why your environment dictates your success 08:14 – Getting out of your comfort zone to level up as a leader 11:16 – How to hold yourself accountable and maintain discipline 14:18 – Why some leaders struggle to change—and how to overcome it 19:51 – The three-step framework for inspiring lasting change 22:40 – Why most people struggle with consistency 24:53 – The power of discipline and daily habits 26:39 – How to improve your sleep for better performance 30:51 – Practical advice for avoiding distractions and time-wasting 33:16 – The myth of multitasking and how to reclaim your time 37:27 – The 47-minute rule: A game-changer for productivity 40:19 – Why treating every team member the same way is a mistake 42:01 – The role of AI in leadership (and why soft skills matter more than ever) 44:20 – How faith influences John’s leadership approach 48:57 – How to ensure your name gets written on the listResources Mentioned:John Gallagher’s website: CoachJohnGallagher.comThe Uncommon Leader Podcast – Listen hereBook Recommendation: The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team – Amazon LinkJohn Gallagher on LinkedIn – Follow HereContact John for Coaching – Schedule a CallPodcast Contact Information:Website: www.learnit.com   Email: [email protected]  Follow Damon on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

11 Skills AI Will Never Replace: Skill #11 Learning Agility Welcome to The Learn-It-All Podcast’s 11 Skills AI Will Never Replace-- our 11-part special series exploring the essential human skills that AI cannot replicate. With the start of the new year, we’re all facing unprecedented technological disruption and workplace transformation. To help you thrive in this new landscape, we’ve leveraged a study from MuchSkills that analyzed data from 28,000 professionals to identify the capabilities that will make you irreplaceable in an AI-enhanced workplace.     Each week, we’ll take a deep dive into one critical skill, providing you with actionable strategies, expert insights, and Learnit’s proprietary frameworks to future-proof your career. This series isn't just about adapting to change – it's about mastering the unique human abilities that will define leadership success in the age of AI.     Learning Agility Makes Your Career Future-Proof Are you and your team ready to thrive in a world where AI accelerates everything but can't replace the most essential human skills?    In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, the ability to continuously adapt, learn, and grow has never been more crucial for success. But how can you cultivate this skill in yourself and your organization?   In this final episode of the 11 Skills AI Will Never Replace series, host Damon Lembi is joined again by Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins, Learnit's top-ranked facilitator and leadership expert, to explore learning agility - potentially the most important skill for today's professionals. They share personal experiences, practical strategies, and insights on how individuals and organizations can develop a culture that prioritizes continuous learning. From scheduling dedicated learning time to embracing failure as a growth opportunity, this conversation offers actionable advice for leaders looking to create resilient, adaptable teams ready to navigate constant change. This Episode Covers: Why cutting learning and development budgets during tough economic times puts organizations at severe risk. How to identify candidates with learning agility during interviews  Why scheduling dedicated learning time is non-negotiable  The importance of "the power of yet" in developing a growth mindset  Episode Highlights:  00:01 – What Is Learning Agility and Why It Matters – How adapting quickly and continuously learning helps individuals and businesses stay relevant. 06:25 – The Personal Payoff of Lifelong Learning – Mickey shares how embracing learning agility shaped her career path. 12:18 – The Risks of the “Know-It-All” Mindset – Why fixed thinking and resisting change are career-limiting behaviors. 19:45 – Three Action Steps to Build Learning Agility – Sponge up knowledge, adopt a growth mindset, and learn with and from others. 28:30 – Creating a Learning Culture at Work – How leaders can build organizations that support curiosity, experimentation, and collaboration. 33:50 – Interview Tips to Identify Learn-It-Alls – The best questions leaders can ask to hire growth-minded, coachable people. 46:06 – Final Thoughts and a Gift for Listeners – Damon and Mickey offer listeners a chance to take a LearnIt class for free.   About Damon Lembi:   Damon Lembi is a 2x bestselling author, the host of The Learn-It-All Podcast, and CEO of Learnit – a live learning platform that has upskilled over 2 million people. Drawing from his prior baseball career, Damon brings an athlete’s perspective to leadership. Through his journey, he has gained invaluable insights into what helps organizations grow, how great leaders learn, and why learn-it-all companies outpace their competitors every time.      About Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins   Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins is a dynamic leadership development expert who serves as a Leadership and Professional Development Facilitator at Learnit. With a PhD in Leadership in Higher Education from Northcentral University focusing on middle manager self-efficacy, her expertise spans performance management, program development, and equity initiatives, while her high-energy approach has proven effective in leading teams across educational institutions and technology companies.     Resources Referenced: MuchSkills   The Learn-It-All Leader: Mindset, Traits, and Tools by Damon Lembi  The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph by Ryan Holiday  The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference by Malcolm Gladwell   Podcast Contact Information Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on Lin