the Learn-It-All™ podcast

Leadership isn’t about the title—it’s about the courage to care, the power of vision, and the ability to influence without control. In this thought-provoking episode, Damon sits down with Aaron Vaccaro, President of Singularity University and a key architect behind Topgolf’s explosive growth, to unpack the mindset and methods that turn good leaders into great ones. Aaron shares lessons from the frontlines of scaling billion-dollar visions, battling imposter syndrome, and building cultures where it’s actually cool to care. From navigating chaotic turnarounds to learning how to truly let go of ego, this episode delivers actionable insights and candid stories for leaders at every stage of their journey. Tune in for practical wisdom, leadership book recommendations, and the real secrets to earning trust—whether you have a title or not. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why outcome over ego separates outstanding leaders from the rest How to navigate imposter syndrome—and why vulnerability still matters in leadership What 51/49 hiring means: Putting culture above skills for lasting success Aaron’s playbook for building (and maintaining) a values-driven culture The difference between leadership by control and leadership by influence How deep learning, not just experience, can accelerate your leadership journey  Timestamps: 00:00 – Why influence, not titles, defines real leadership 01:13 – Learning to put outcome over ego in crisis and growth 05:41 – Meeting a mentor (and how trust is built for the long-term) 07:01 – Navigating imposter syndrome and getting over self-doubt 09:09 – How relentless vision (and smart negotiation) turned Topgolf into a giant 14:48 – Scaling culture: The power of hiring 51% on values 18:03 – Tactics to embed core values beyond a poster on the wall 22:08 – Rising into the president’s seat at Singularity University 25:10 – Leadership is influence, not control (and how to lead without a title) 28:54 – Embracing tough conversations: Grace, truth, and feedback 33:16 – Setting new leaders up for success (and how to onboard well) 35:37 – “Deep learning” as a shortcut to experience 38:28 – Aaron’s top three leadership books for new managers 40:52 – Finding time to read and keep learning as a senior leader 42:27 – Discipline, identity, and doing what needs to be done 46:09 – Defining your leadership identity after sports or big transitions 47:47 – Becoming the kind of leader people truly don’t want to let down 50:39 – Leadership mistakes: Lessons from tough meetings and letting things fester 54:37 – Balancing grace, truth—and knowing when it’s time to part ways 56:38 – Trusting again after being let down as a leader 58:53 – Why Aaron looks up to Winston Churchill 60:39 – The importance of mentoring, giving back, and keeping it cool to care 62:05 – Final takeaway: Make it cool to care—in your culture and your life  About Aaron Vaccaro Aaron Vaccaro is the President of Singularity University and has been instrumental in scaling high-growth ventures, notably Topgolf’s rise as a global brand. Known for orchestrating successful turnarounds and helping companies live their core values, Aaron has led strategic acquisitions, built innovative cultures, and mentored teams to think bigger and bolder. With roots as Eric Anderson’s chief of staff and an impressive trajectory through multiple leadership roles before 35, Aaron brings a rare blend of humility, vision, and operational grit to every team he leads.  Resources & Mentions Connect with Aaron Vaccaro on LinkedIn Learn about Singularity University Canoeing the Mountains by Tod Bolsinger Atomic Habits by James Clear  Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

The best cultures aren’t built on paper—they’re fueled by authentic connection, candid conversations, and relentless self-growth. In this energizing episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, host Damon Lembi reconnects with former baseball rival turned bestselling author and executive coach, Mike Robbins. Together, they dig into what separates good teams from great ones—on the field and in the boardroom. Mike opens up about the power of appreciation over recognition, why embracing imposter syndrome can actually signal real growth, and how leaders build trust (and credibility) by showing up authentically—and not dodging those “sweaty palm” conversations. Expect memorable sports stories, practical mindset tools, and play-by-plays for handling conflict, envy, and high-stakes leadership moments. From clubhouse chemistry to corporate culture, this episode is loaded with actionable takeaways for anyone leading teams, navigating transitions, or just ready to grow. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why appreciation—not just recognition—creates lasting engagement and trust How “sweaty palm” conversations unlock deeper relationships and resolve hidden conflict What to do when imposter syndrome strikes (and why it means you’re growing) How to turn envy and internal competition into fuel for self-improvement Mike’s honesty formula for leadership: Honesty minus self-righteousness plus vulnerability Practical exercises for authentic appreciation and connection within teams  Timestamps: 00:00 – The power of letting go and direct conflict resolution 00:30 – Welcome and Mike’s surprising baseball rivalry origin story 01:49 – What truly makes great teams stand out 04:07 – The leadership mistake of speed over connection 06:03 – Mike’s baseball journey, career-ending injury, and leadership insights 10:56 – Playing for team goals vs. personal goals (and why it matters) 12:02 – Navigating internal competition and organizational “politicking” 15:10 – Mike’s first pro spring training, scarcity mindset, and rooting for others 20:42 – Reframing envy for professional growth 23:30 – Courage, vulnerability, and how Stanford teammates inspired Mike 27:41 – Damon's turning point: Choosing the harder path and what he learned 29:36 – Why imposter syndrome is a sign you're on the right track 32:24 – The honesty equation: authenticity, vulnerability, and humility 36:41 – The difference between recognition and appreciation (with stories) 44:01 – Why leaders are always on stage and how appreciation impacts culture 47:25 – Team appreciation exercise and why it matters 53:29 – Navigating difficult conversations: permission, vulnerability, and intent 58:38 – Two options for conflict: let go or resolve it fully 1:02:30 – Top leadership challenges today—and why real connection matters  About Mike Robbins Mike Robbins is a former professional baseball player turned bestselling author, keynote speaker, and executive coach with over 25 years of experience helping organizations build trust, authenticity, and winning cultures. After a career-ending arm injury led him from the pitcher’s mound to Silicon Valley startups, Mike became a sought-after speaker and author of five books, including "We're All In This Together." His expertise has been tapped by companies like Google, Microsoft, and the San Francisco Giants, and he’s renowned for translating high-performance team skills from sports to business. Learn more at mike-robbins.com and connect on LinkedIn. Resources & Mentions Mike’s website: mike-robbins.com Mike on LinkedIn: Mike Robbins Mike’s book: We’re All In This Together Book referenced: Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi Brené Brown on vulnerability  Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Successful organizations aren’t just built on hierarchy or experience—they’re built on bold talent bets, transformative mindsets, and creating space for emerging leaders to grow. In this episode, Damon Lembi sits down with Brian Turner, longtime leader, Vistage Chair, and former President & CEO of Point B, to unpack what it really takes to spot and elevate rising leaders. Brian shares candid stories—including the “RC moment” that changed his career outlook—revealing why mindset often outpaces tenure, how blind spots trip up senior execs, and why transparent leadership is the ultimate game-changer. Expect practical frameworks for making talent decisions, stories about risk-taking in leadership, and a fresh look at curiosity, feedback, and resilience—plus, honest advice for anyone battling imposter syndrome. Whether you’re in the C-suite or on the rise, this episode is packed with real talk designed to help you and your team level up. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why betting on mindset beats betting on tenure when elevating talent The “RC story”: How taking a risk on emerging leaders transforms organizations The most common blind spots holding senior leaders back—and how to overcome them Brian’s 4P framework for avoiding filtered truth and unlocking frontline voices How to create authentic space for feedback, growth, and organizational learning Practical advice for both senior execs (to keep learning) and emerging leaders (to overcome imposter syndrome and speak up) Why peer advisory groups like Vistage are essential for leadership growth and perspective Timestamps:  00:00 – The learn-it-all mindset and learning from leadership mistakes 01:16 – Betting on emerging talent: stories from Brian & Damon 04:51 – How to spot high-potential leaders (the “RC moment”) 06:20 – Brian’s own leadership journey & bold bets on him 08:50 – Navigating culture, private equity, and tough organizational changes 09:53 – A CEO’s toughest lesson: blending business performance with humanity 11:28 – Radical transparency vs. “magic”—getting teams to think bigger 13:15 – Defining and finding true emerging talent 15:43 – The big challenges & blind spots for senior leaders (Brian’s 4Ps) 18:36 – What happens when leaders only listen to insiders and the HiPPOs 20:24 – Strategies for reconnecting with frontline talent and surfacing new voices 24:51 – Tackling change: giving platforms to new perspectives 26:46 – Creating psychological safety for bold feedback & emergent leaders 29:44 – Getting called out as a leader: how Brian handles tough feedback 34:43 – Why curiosity beats logic alone (and how to frame the right problems) 37:30 – The power of advisory cohorts, mentorship, and CEO peer groups 40:56 – Final advice: learning is for leaders at every level 42:24 – The emerging leader challenge: overcoming imposter syndrome 43:53 – Connect with Brian and episode challenge  About Brian Turner Brian Turner is a current Vistage Chair, former President and CEO of Point B, and a leadership advisor with over 30 years of experience guiding leaders across consulting, technology, and business transformation. From his early days at Accenture to two decades growing Point B into an industry leader, Brian has built a reputation for bold talent bets, transparent leadership, and an unwavering commitment to unlocking human potential. Today, he coaches CEOs and executive teams through high-growth transitions and disruptive market changes—helping them play bigger and build future-ready organizations. Resources Mentioned: Vistage Brian on LinkedIn Turn the Ship Around by David Marquet Candidly – Laurel Taylor’s company Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Winning isn’t just about what you know—it’s about the value you create and the lives you change. In this thought-provoking episode, Damon Lembi sits down with Dr. Keith Keating, Chief Learning Officer at BDO and bestselling author, to unpack how learning professionals can shift from being order takers to strategic value creators inside their organizations. Keith gets candid about his own journey from high school dropout to PhD and international L&D leader, sharing actionable ways anyone can maximize their personal growth—and show up as a business partner that leaders can’t live without. This episode is packed with strategies for navigating the transition from the knowledge economy to the value economy, practical tools for influencing even the toughest CFOs, and a framework for measuring the hidden value that L&D brings to business. If you want to boost your credibility, expand your influence, and future-proof your career (especially in the era of AI), this one’s for you. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why “not my job” are the three most dangerous words in any organization—and how to break out of the L&D box How Keith’s own underdog background fuels his approach to helping others unlock potential through learning The crucial shift from knowledge economy to value economy—and how to prove your impact with business language Keith’s Value Creation Compass: a framework for aligning L&D with what the business (and CFOs) actually value Why stories matter more to senior leaders than spreadsheets—and how to build powerful narratives How to avoid burnout and find purpose as a learning professional, even when your value isn’t being recognized  Timestamps: 00:00 – The danger of “not my job” and why value creators stand out 01:32 – How learning changed Keith’s life 03:08 – The power of “teach backs” and learning by teaching 05:15 – Book clubs and underrated learning tools 07:08 – Embracing the underdog mentality for career resilience 08:35 – What inspired “Hidden Value” and why now is critical for L&D 11:17 – Why L&D is stuck as order takers and how to break the cycle 13:03 – Moving from defense to proactive value creation 16:42 – Key shift: stop speaking L&D, start speaking business 17:13 – Where to start: deep business and financial research 20:13 – Engaging the CFO: what they actually care about 21:44 – How (and why) to build relationships with Finance 24:35 – Using stories, not just data, to prove your impact 29:20 – Real-world story: How L&D drove business results at BDO 33:12 – The Value Creation Compass explained 37:44 – Organizational resilience and fostering a learning culture 39:39 – Overcoming fixed mindsets at every level 41:02 – How to build learning cultures even if senior leaders resist 43:17 – What Keith would change (or double down on) from his first book 44:29 – The future of L&D: evolving roles, relevance, and AI 48:01 – Never say “not my job”—become indispensable  About Dr. Keith Keating Dr. Keith Keating is the Chief Learning Officer at BDO, keynote speaker, and author of The Trusted Learning Advisor and Hidden Value: Why Learning and Development Is the Key to Unlocking Human Potential. His journey from high school dropout to industry leader has fueled his mission to make learning an equalizer and a driver of transformation for individuals and organizations. Keith is passionate about helping L&D practitioners move from the sidelines to the boardroom, focusing on value creation, business partnership, and storytelling. Resources & Mentions: Dr. Keith Keating Website: Website  Dr. Keith Keating on LinkedIn. Hidden Value: Why Learning and Development Is the Key to Unlocking Human Potential by Dr. Keith Keating The Trusted Learning Advisor by Dr. Keith Keating Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

In this high-energy episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, host Damon Lembi is joined by John Golden, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer at Pipeline CRM and host of the SalesPop podcast. Together, they dig deep into the art of decision-making, the power of authenticity in leadership, and the lessons learned from the dot-com era—offering actionable advice for anyone looking to future-proof their business or career. John shares personal stories about trusting his gut, being deliberate with growth, and why admitting you don't know is the ultimate mark of expertise. From the importance of resilience and learning from mistakes, to navigating VC/PE relationships and thriving in an AI-driven world, this episode is packed with wisdom for founders, leaders, and ambitious professionals alike. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why authenticity—not bravado—is the key to earning trust as a leader How to assess “the why” behind big career or business decisions (and how John’s gut instinct saved him from a bad move) What founders and business leaders today can learn from the triumphs and failures of the dot-com boom and bust Smart, intentional ways to grow your company without overextending (including when and how to bring on VC/PE partners) Why being willing to admit mistakes—and learn from them—sets the best leaders apart How “fractional” and contractor talent can turbocharge your business without risky overhead Timestamps 00:00 – The power of admitting mistakes and authentic leadership 01:09 – Why you’re never 100% ready: advice for big leaps 03:46 – When “the why” isn’t strong enough: a dot-com era cautionary tale 07:01 – Should you take the “wrong” job just to pay the bills? 08:08 – John’s move to Silicon Valley: seizing unexpected opportunities 09:34 – Lessons from the dot-com boom and bust (and AI parallels) 14:58 – Practical advice for founders: bootstrapping, VC/PE diligence, and controlled growth 18:37 – Balancing gut instinct with due diligence 20:56 – Leveraging fractional, contract, and remote talent strategically 22:51 – John’s pivotal career moment: setting your sights on the CEO role 25:01 – Why (and how) people limit their own potential 27:54 – Overcoming fear of failure—and fear of success 29:29 – Imposter syndrome and why you should apply for the job anyway 30:27 – The value of authenticity (and how to show it as a leader) 32:20 – Failing forward: why mistakes are fuel for growth 33:58 – The value of humility and vulnerability in leadership 35:11 – Where to connect with John and find SalesPop  About John Golden John Golden is the Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer at Pipeline CRM and the host of SalesPop, a podcast with over 1,500 episodes featuring top leaders and sales innovators. With a distinguished background in sales strategy and executive leadership, including experience navigating the boom and bust of Silicon Valley’s dot-com era, John is known for his candid, authentic approach to business. He specializes in helping founders and business leaders future-proof their organizations by building on solid fundamentals, leveraging gut instinct, and hiring resilient, authentic teams.  Resources Referenced Pipeliner CRM SalesPop Podcast SalesPop on YouTube John Golden on LinkedIn  Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

What separates good leaders from truly transformative ones? In this powerful full-episode conversation, Damon welcomes Ken Gavranovic—seasoned tech executive, Thinkers50 honoree, and serial builder of billion-dollar businesses—to The Learn-It-All Podcast for a no-holds-barred exploration of leadership, entrepreneurship, and the future of work in the AI era. Ken unpacks his unique path from humble beginnings to leading 18 exits and owning $3B in P&L, revealing how the world’s best leaders don’t just excel individually—they elevate everyone around them. From the lessons hidden inside failed startups to why AI is redefining the playing field, this episode is overflowing with hard-won wisdom, tools, and real talk for leaders who want to level up themselves and their teams. Packed with actionable advice, personal stories, and candid reflections, this episode is your blueprint for becoming not just a high performer, but a meta performer—one who inspires, coaches, and wins with others. Whether you’re scaling a startup, transforming a legacy business, or aspiring to lead with more impact, you’ll leave fired up and equipped to turn learning into lasting results. In this episode, you’ll learn: What it means to be a “meta performer”—and how great leaders elevate entire teams, not just themselves How Ken went from scrappy founder to building a $200M company from the ground up The critical difference between measuring outcomes vs. activity (and how to actually set targets that drive results) Why money alone won’t make you happy—and what true success and options look like as a leader How to ask better questions, foster a culture of feedback, and avoid becoming a bottleneck as you scale What AI means for every business: why it’s a massive equalizer, and how to find quick wins (without making million-dollar mistakes) The career-defining lessons you’ll learn at a failed startup (that big companies can’t teach you) Timestamps: 00:00 – How “meta performers” level up those around them 00:33 – Welcome to the Learn-It-All Podcast: About Ken and what’s ahead 01:43 – Ken’s first questions when starting something new 02:19 – The childhood experiences that shaped Ken’s entrepreneurial drive 05:33 – Money, happiness, and the real options of wealth 07:44 – What mentors look for: Grit, honesty, and taking care of others’ capital 08:25 – Building Web.com from scratch: The inside story 11:33 – Mistakes of the dot-com era (and lessons for AI today) 14:51 – Why neither “experience” nor youth guarantee right answers 17:13 – Outcomes vs. activity: How busywork derails companies 18:08 – Measuring results at New Relic: Asking the right questions 21:16 – How to coach with questions instead of answers 22:35 – Moving from high performer to meta performer (and why it matters) 25:18 – Elevating your team: From leadership to “teamship” 27:23 – Is it the product or the people? How Ken evaluates startups and investments 31:37 – AI’s disruptive power, past and future: What’s next for leaders 35:02 – AI, jobs, and the future of work 40:19 – How to start leveraging AI today (without melting down your org) 43:24 – The power of prompt engineering for every professional 46:49 – The future of leadership—and why vision still sets winners apart 48:18 – The best career risk advice for aspiring founders 50:18 – The one thing you need with data to run your business well 51:13 – Where to connect with Ken and closing thoughts About Ken Gavranovic Ken Gavranovic is a renowned technology executive, global keynote speaker, and a member of Thinkers50. He built Web.com from scratch to $200 million in revenue and has led 18 successful exits, overseeing $3 billion in P&L. Ken’s leadership at companies like New Relic and Cox Automotive have helped scale products and organizations to global prominence. Known for his passion for elevating teams and building winning cultures, Ken is also an active advisor, investor, and advocate for data-driven, people-first leadership. Resources & Mentions: KenGavranovic.com Ken on LinkedIn Book: Amp It Up by Frank Slootman Book: Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi Thinkers50: Thinkers50 New Relic: New Relic Book (referenced): Small Ball, Big Results by Joel Goldberg The Learn-It-All Podcast with Doug Conant The Learn-It-All Podcast with Stephen M.R. Covey The Learn-It-All Podcast with Richard White The Learn-It-All Podcast with Keith Ferrazzi Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Successful teams rely on energy, resilience, and community—and middle managers need all three now more than ever. In this practical solo episode, host Damon Lembi shares game-changing strategies for navigating the toughest seat in business: the middle. Drawing inspiration from a chaotic day at his son’s nursery school, Damon unpacks the real-world stressors facing today’s middle managers and delivers three essential tips you can start using immediately. From protecting your sleep to reimagining meetings, plus a surprising approach to building your own peer support circle, this episode is packed with mental, physical, and tactical tools to help you thrive—not just survive. Damon also shares a bonus “book of wins” exercise to keep your motivation high against all odds. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or just looking to sharpen your leadership edge, you’ll find tangible steps and inspiration right here. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why self-care is the first and most critical step for every middle manager’s success How a structured “3-2-1” evening routine can boost your sleep—and next-day performance Simple but powerful meeting habits that drive clarity, manage time, and energize your team How to create your own peer community for insights, support, and resilience The surprising effect of reflecting on your wins—and how to build a practice that fuels you through challenges  Timestamps: 00:00 – The middle manager paradox: pressure from above, responsibility below 00:30 – Why middle managers are often overlooked—but absolutely essential 01:05 – Tip #1: Clarify your priorities (especially when they’re unclear) 01:45 – Damon’s morning habit: setting his “Big 3” 02:15 – How clarity protects your time, team, and sanity 02:50 – Tip #2: Know how your boss defines success 03:25 – The misalignment trap: working hard on the wrong things 04:10 – Pro tip: Ask “What’s the #1 thing you need from me this week?” 04:40 – Tip #3: Lead your team how they want to be led 05:15 – Story: learning to adapt for a direct report with a hearing difference 06:00 – “Chameleon leadership” and psychological safety 06:45 – Recap: Clarify priorities, align with your boss, flex to your team 07:10 – Damon’s challenge: Pick one tip and try it this week 07:30 – Free training gift + Learnit.com plug  About Damon Lembi Damon Lembi is a 3x 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 Lembi LinkedIn Learnit Learn It All Leader (Book by Damon Lembi) The Learn-It-All Leader for Kids (Kids Bood by Damon Lembi) James Laughlin’s forthcoming book: Habits for High Performers James Laughlin on LinkedIn Mamie Kanfer Stewart on LinkedIn Learnit 45-day free training offer  Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

In this inspiring episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, Damon sits down with Ed Hajim—Wall Street veteran, philanthropist, and author—to uncover the extraordinary journey that took Ed from foster homes and orphanages to the helm of major institutions. Ed shares his hard-won lessons on leadership, resilience, and the transformative power of trust and gratitude. Through candid storytelling, he reveals the mindset shifts that propelled him forward, the role creativity and self-awareness play in lasting leadership, and why giving back is the ultimate personal reward. Whether you’re a seasoned exec or just starting your professional path, this conversation is packed with wisdom on overcoming adversity, developing future-ready skills, and leading with heart. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why “Who am I?” is the essential question for every leader—and how to start answering it How adversity in Ed’s childhood forged his resilience and leadership philosophy The difference between leadership in the military versus the business world Why trust and gratitude aren’t just feel-good values but practical tools for success How to turn early setbacks into lifelong fuel for growth Actionable ways leaders can shape a culture of creativity and care—no matter the size of the organization The surprising power of giving back, both at work and in your community  Timestamps: 00:00 – Ed on trusting people—and learning from being let down 01:21 – The most important question: Who are you? 03:58 – Are leaders born or made? Ed’s journey to discovering leadership 09:08 – Ed’s remarkable childhood: orphanages, foster care, and early adversity 13:49 – How Ed learned to forgive and love his imperfect father 17:51 – Turning disadvantage into advantage: adaptability & resilience 18:07 – What kept Ed from a “victim mentality” and on a positive path 20:07 – The shift from mistrust to radical trust in business 22:51 – Lessons from military service: building teams, discipline, and personal growth 24:07 – Leading when you’re younger or less experienced than your team 26:32 – Military vs. business leadership: the power of thinking outside the box 27:51 – How Ed fosters creativity and innovation as a leader 31:08 – The secret to culture, strategy, people, and knowing your weaknesses 32:17 – Deflecting credit and the power of gratitude in leadership 34:35 – On never blaming others and embracing early failure as a gift 36:09 – Turning mistakes into learning and the dangers of playing the victim 41:56 – Ed’s fable “The Island of the Four Ps” and why leadership lessons stick as stories 45:15 – Why passions shift—and how to keep evolving 47:30 – How Ed helped his kids develop grit (despite privilege) 51:11 – What still excites Ed every day: purpose after success 52:32 – The unexpected impact of being rejected from a golf club 54:11 – The joy and impact of giving back: scholarships and community 57:31 – Ed’s four realms of life: self, family, work, and community 60:04 – What’s next for Ed Hajim—and his campaign for practical education 63:04 – Where to connect with Ed and get his books 64:02 – Final thoughts: Helping others see their own greatness  About Ed Hajim Ed Hajim is a celebrated Wall Street veteran with more than 50 years of leadership experience. Despite a turbulent childhood spent in foster care and orphanages, Ed rose to become the chairman of the University of Rochester’s board, where he made the single largest donation in school history. Over his multifaceted career, Ed has led top investment firms, authored two acclaimed books (“On the Road Less Traveled” and “The Island of the Four Ps”), and become a passionate advocate for mentorship and community giving. His remarkable journey is a testament to resilience, lifelong learning, and the belief that anything is possible with the right mindset. Resources & Mentions: Ed Hajim's Website Ed Hajim on LinkedIn On the Road Less Traveled by Ed Hajim The Island of the Four Ps by Ed Hajim Doug Conant (Leadership reference) Tom Mendoza (NetApp leadership reference) Harvard Business School Alumni Association Growth Fund of America  Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

In this dynamic episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, host Damon Lembi welcomes serial entrepreneur and AI expert Didi Azaria, co-founder of Sisense and current CEO of Workiz. Together, they unpack why leaders must resist the urge to chase every shiny object and instead get obsessed with their niche. Didi shares hard-earned lessons on niching down, building execution-driven teams, and how leaders can leverage AI as a force multiplier—without losing their company’s humanity. Packed with actionable stories and candid reflections, this episode is a roadmap for anyone ready to thrive amidst rapid technological change. From strategic focus to the practical application of AI, Didi reveals the habits that separate reactive leaders from proactive innovators. Whether you’re running a tech unicorn or a local field service business, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to start moving, iterate fast, and never stop learning. In this episode, you’ll learn: The case for “movement over perfection”—why you must build momentum before you know the full plan How to embrace and implement AI as a leadership superpower, not just a productivity tool Didi’s journey from tinkering with modems at 13 to scaling Sisense into a unicorn (and what he’d do differently next time) The power of niching down: why saying “no” is the hardest and most important skill for entrepreneurs How to build a culture where radical feedback and innovation bubble up Why relentless execution (not just brilliant ideas) is the true driver of success Timestamps: 00:00 – Why movement trumps waiting: Build momentum first 01:47 – Didi’s bets on the future of AI and business 04:18 – How leaders should respond to FOMO and tech overwhelm 07:42 – Didi’s entrepreneurial journey: from modems to Sisense 13:50 – The real cost of missed calls for field service companies 15:13 – Lessons from scaling Sisense: niching down for growth 17:44 – The power and challenge of saying “no” as a founder 20:19 – How self-awareness shapes Didi’s leadership approach 23:20 – Creating a culture where feedback and candor flow 25:15 – Harnessing frontline feedback to drive innovation 26:57 – Why execution beats ideas—and how to fail fast 29:51 – “Never give up”—but always be willing to iterate 30:05 – From overthinking to shipping fast: How Didi’s approach has evolved 31:29 – Getting unstuck: Breaking big goals into action 34:51 – AI empathy in action: Stories from the frontline 40:58 – Final reflections: The importance of curiosity and finding your niche  About Didi Azaria Didi Azaria is a serial entrepreneur, AI evangelist, and business leader with a passion for leveraging technology to solve real-world problems. As co-founder of Sisense, he helped scale the company into a data analytics unicorn, earning recognition as an AI patent-holder and visionary in the space. Now, as CEO of Workiz, Didi is revolutionizing the field service industry through automation and AI, empowering small businesses to compete on a whole new level. Known for his transparency and hands-on leadership, Didi distills decades of experience into actionable insights for leaders navigating change. Resources & Mentions Didi Azaria on LinkedIn Workiz website Sisense  Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

In this episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, Damon welcomes digital transformation leader Tariq Munir to demystify what it really takes to future-proof your business in the age of AI. Drawing from his impressive background leading transformations at giants like PwC and PepsiCo, Tariq reveals why successful change is less about technology—and all about people, mindset, and culture. Together, they uncover the keys to becoming an AI-ready organization, share actionable strategies from Tariq’s new book Reimagine Finance, and explain why finance teams are uniquely positioned to drive game-changing innovation. Whether you’re a CFO, people leader, or aspiring digital change agent, this episode is a playbook for leading transformation that lasts. From navigating automation bias to fostering a growth mindset, you’ll learn real-world tactics that move your organization beyond buzzwords—and into continuous improvement. Plus, Tariq delivers hard-won advice for anyone ready to shift from back-office number cruncher to strategic business partner. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why mindset (not just technology) is the true driver of sustainable digital transformation Tariq’s definition of “AI readiness” (and why big budgets aren’t required to start) The five principles from Tariq’s transformation playbook that every finance leader should know How to overcome common traps like automation bias and the “highest paid person in the room” effect Why today’s top CFOs are moving beyond accounting to become change agents and business co-pilots The skills and career experiences future leaders will need to thrive in the era of constant change Timestamps: 00:00 – Why behavior and mindset matter most in transformation 00:26 – Welcome and Tariq’s intro & background 01:43 – Transformation isn’t about tech—mindset and culture come first 03:16 – What does “AI ready” actually mean for organizations? 07:46 – Tariq’s journey and why finance is ripe for innovation 11:23 – Blueprint: Building a new finance organization from scratch 12:55 – Lessons learned (and assumptions challenged) from writing his book 15:35 – Tariq’s five-principle transformation playbook 16:38 – Two questions every leader asks about change 21:03 – Why it’s critical to start with “why”—not just action 23:31 – The unique vantage point of CFOs and why they should lead transformation 29:01 – The rising importance of critical thinking 30:19 – Parsing automation bias and urgency traps 33:19 – Balancing gut instinct with a data-driven discipline 36:16 – How to keep the “highest paid person in the room” from hijacking innovation 38:51 – From “I” and “T” profiles to “M” profiles—future leader development 48:20 – The one section of the book everyone should read 50:27 – How to instantly boost your confidence and become a translator between business and technology 51:36 – The evolving CFO: Finance + operations in the next 2-3 years 53:25 – Final advice: Shift from a victim mentality to an ownership mindset with AI 57:43 – Where to find Tariq Munir and Reimagine Finance  About Tariq Munir Tariq Munir is a digital transformation expert with over 20 years’ experience guiding global companies—including PwC, AkzoNobel, and PepsiCo—in harnessing data and artificial intelligence to drive profit, boost efficiency, and spark organizational change. After rising through finance roles at multinationals, Tariq now focuses on helping CFOs and business leaders elevate from transactional thinking to strategic transformation. His approach: blending deep domain expertise with a passion for developing people and culture as the real sources of sustainable advantage. He is the author of Reimagine Finance: The CFO’s Leadership Playbook for the Age of AI, Data, and Digital. Resources & Mentions: Website: https://tariqmunir.me LinkedIn: Tariq Munir on LinkedIn Book: Reimagine Finance: The CFO’s Leadership Playbook for the Age of AI, Data, and Digital Simon Sinek’s Start With Why (link) Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Success in leadership (and on the field) isn’t just about innovation or stats—it’s about authenticity, trust, and knowing how to bring people along for the ride. In this inspiring conversation, Damon sits down with Jennifer Langton, former Senior Vice President of Player Health and Innovation at the NFL, to explore how bold leadership, relentless curiosity, and being your authentic self can move mountains—even when you’re the outsider in the room. Jennifer shares battle-tested lessons from breaking barriers as a young athlete, leading game-changing health initiatives, rolling out transformative technology, and championing both personal and organizational growth. Whether you’re launching big changes like AI or stepping into your first management role, this episode is packed with actionable insights on leading with conviction, leveraging difference as strength, and always learning. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Jennifer built unshakeable confidence by embracing her unique story, even when she felt like an outsider What to do when you’re leading experts—without being one yourself (and why asking “outsider” questions is powerful) Jennifer’s “Langton Roadmap” framework to align your strengths with your organization’s mission and make bold career moves The secret to driving behavioral change and technology adoption inside large, legacy organizations (think: NFL, Viacom, Atari) How to overcome fear and resistance around AI—by putting people at the center of digital transformation What sports taught Jennifer about leadership, resilience, and identity—and how those lessons shaped her personal and professional journey  Timestamps: 00:00 – Jennifer’s philosophy: Solve with a human-centered approach 01:32 – Breaking barriers: Jennifer’s all-boys lacrosse story 04:58 – How to earn trust as a new/younger leader 06:44 – What happens if you’re not authentic 08:00 – Using difference as strength when you’re the outsider 11:47 – Confidence and asking the “right” questions 13:56 – Recovering from setbacks: injury and loss 17:40 – The Langton Roadmap: a framework for career growth 22:14 – Driving behavior change with technology in large orgs 24:35 – Using pilots and feedback to roll out innovations 33:48 – Building the NFL Digital Athlete and leading without being a subject matter expert 38:22 – Why you don’t have to have all the answers—just be curious 40:41 – Advice for parents about kids in sports and navigating risk 44:31 – Leaving the NFL: Reflections and the power of impact 46:36 – Serving clients as a keynote speaker and consultant 50:28 – The jaw-dropping power of AI in health and sports 52:50 – Addressing fears about AI and how to bring people along 56:10 – Final lesson: Be yourself—it’s your greatest leadership tool  About Jennifer Langton Jennifer Langton is an award-winning strategic executive with extensive leadership experience. As CFO of Atari to Senior Vice President of Innovation at the NFL, Jennifer has driven transformative initiatives with measurable impact. Most recently, as SVP of Player Health and Innovation at the NFL, Jennifer spearheaded groundbreaking advancements in athlete safety and performance, setting a new standard in football that will impact other sports and industries.Now, Jennifer is committed to inspiring others through keynote speeches at prestigious events and offering advisory services that empower individuals and organizations to embrace innovation, inspire change, and lead with purpose. Her mission is to harness emerging technologies and navigate complexities, paving the way for transformative innovation in sports and beyond.  Resources Referenced: Jennifer Langton’s website: jenniferlangtoninc.com Jennifer Langton on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jenniferlangton NYU Langone Health: Concussion Center (referenced contextually for resources about concussions and athlete health) For more on youth sports safety: CDC Heads Up Initiative Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

In this episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, host Damon Lembi sits down with Nick Damoulakis, founder and CEO of Orases, recently ranked as the #1 AI and custom software company in the US. Nick’s journey from a college dorm room to leading a nationally recognized tech firm is packed with hard-won lessons on leadership, resilience, and the future of work. The conversation covers everything from Nick’s notorious brush with a Beatles copyright lawsuit to his foundational beliefs on transparency, failing fast, and building teams that weather any storm. Nick also takes us inside the practical steps organizations must take to become truly AI Ready—including why it has to start at the top, and the frameworks he uses to enable company-wide transformation. If you’re passionate about leadership, culture, or the coming wave of AI, you’ll find idea after actionable idea in this episode. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Nick turned a college copyright crisis into a launchpad for a thriving tech company. Why vulnerability and transparent failure-sharing are core to building a psychologically safe team. The “bison story” and Nick’s playbook for leading through adversity and economic downturns. Nick’s step-by-step, psychology-driven method for creating real buy-in during major organizational change. What “AI readiness” really means, the three kinds of AI leaders every company needs, and why a Chief AI Officer isn’t a silver bullet. How to spot and empower volunteer innovators, and why small wins are the key to sustainable transformation. Timestamps:00:00 – Three types of AI leaders in organizations 00:22 – Welcome & Nick’s intro: the path from guitar tabs to CEO 01:36 – Nick’s first boardroom: sued by Sony & BMG in college 03:36 – Turning crisis (and near-expulsion) into a full-time tech job 05:14 – The “Lingo” story: courage, candor, and faking it ‘til you make it 08:27 – Advice for leaders on stepping out of their comfort zones 11:44 – Emotional intelligence and social sensitivity in leadership 14:33 – Surviving downturns: dot-com bust, the Great Recession, COVID 16:13 – Nick’s framework for helping CEOs correct toxic cultures 17:15 – When Nick realized he was “the problem” and how he changed 20:32 – The turning point: recovering from losing $450k in billing 25:39 – How to prepare for and communicate through scary company meetings 30:09 – Creating a culture where people never want to let you down 32:09 – Psychological safety, “oopsies,” and sharing fast failures 36:09 – How Nick helps teams disrupt themselves and embrace change 38:59 – Change management, the 8-step model, and enlisting volunteers 40:29 – AI readiness: why it must come from leadership, not consultants 43:00 – What incentives, skills, and resources organizations need to make AI practical 45:48 – Simple wins: Nick’s AI agent example and democratizing innovation 50:20 – The “Three Buddha Questions” for overcoming any challenge  About Nick Damoulakis Nick Damoulakis is the founder and CEO of Orases, named the #1 AI and custom software development company in the US by Clutch and recognized by Gartner as a top 25 emerging specialist consultancy. Nick’s career began in a college computer lab, launching one of the first online guitar tab archives—a venture that earned him fans, a lawsuit from major record labels, and eventually, his first big tech break. Over nearly 25 years, Nick has guided Orases through economic storms, industry disruption, and his own leadership evolution, developing repeatable frameworks for AI transformation and healthy company culture along the way. He’s a sought-after expert on AI readiness and organizational change, known for his candid stories and actionable strategies. Resources & Mentions: Orases Website: https://orases.com/ Nick Damoulakis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickdamoulakis/ Vistage (CEO Peer Group) Collective Edge by Colin Fisher  Podcast Contact Information Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

In this empowering solo episode, Damon Lembi tackles imposter syndrome head-on, drawing inspiration from Oprah’s conversations with icons like Obama and Beyoncé, to moments of his own self-doubt on stage and in the boardroom. Damon unveils his proven four-step framework for overcoming the fear and uncertainty that plagues even the most accomplished professionals. Whether you’re a new manager, a seasoned leader, or someone ready to take your shot at something bigger, this episode delivers actionable advice, practical exercises, and a rallying call to step out of your comfort zone and into your next level. From labeling your fear to harnessing the power of deliberate practice, this is your roadmap to building confidence, beating self-doubt, and leading with courage. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why even the most successful people struggle with imposter syndrome (and why that’s normal) Damon's four-step framework to overcome self-doubt and step confidently into new opportunities The power of “purposeful awfulizing” to reframe your biggest fears Why action (not just planning) is the secret ingredient to building real confidence The role of deliberate practice in mastering new leadership skills How letting go and learning from every experience accelerates your growth  Timestamps: 00:00 – Imposter syndrome isn’t a weakness—it’s a human experience 00:40 – Damon’s story: Coaching baseball in his 20s with no experience 01:30 – Learning to lead when you feel unqualified 02:00 – Why confidence often comes after the reps, not before 02:40 – Brené Brown, Jamie Foxx, and others who’ve spoken up about this 03:20 – Reframing imposter syndrome as a signal—not a flaw 04:00 – Lesson #1: You don’t have to be the expert—just be in service 04:30 – Lesson #2: Get radically honest about your fears (then move anyway) 05:15 – Lesson #3: Curiosity beats confidence 06:00 – Lesson #4: Preparation quiets the noise 06:45 – Lesson #5: Talk to yourself the way you’d talk to a friend 07:30 – Damon’s go-to journaling prompt when imposter syndrome hits 08:15 – A challenge to leaders: Name where you're holding back  About Damon Lembi Damon Lembi is a 3x 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 Lembi LinkedIn Learnit Learn It All Leader (Book by Damon Lembi) The Learn-It-All Leader for Kids (Kids Bood by Damon Lembi Learnit 45-Day Free Trial for Teams: learnit.com/free Learnit Give and Receie Feedback Class Learnit Delegation class Learnit Listening class Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

What if not every executive needs to be a “leader,” and the secret to scaling smart is building trust, not just in people, but in processes? In this thought-provoking episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, Damon Lembi sits down with Curtis Hite, CEO of Improving, to explore the transformative power of conscious capitalism, purpose-driven business, and the nuanced difference between leaders, managers, and administrators. Curtis pulls back the curtain on the culture strategies that helped Improving grow to over 2,000 employees, $280M+ in revenue, and repeated “Best Place to Work” awards. Discover how trust is turned into action, and why “inspire, not require” is more than just a motto. Plus, Curtis shares the inside scoop on Improving’s internal engagement platform, AI’s real-world impact, and why celebrating (not bashing) capitalism is more urgent than ever. Packed with actionable advice for executives, culture builders, and anyone rethinking what it means to lead, this episode is a roadmap for scaling teams, winning hearts, and transforming companies from the inside out. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why Curtis believes we need to “stop bashing capitalism and start elevating it,” and how conscious capitalism creates positive change The foundational role trust plays in culture-building, and how Improving operationalizes it using Stephen M.R. Covey’s “Speed of Trust” framework How to create a best-in-class culture at scale, without falling into the trap of “command and control” Why not every executive should be a leader, and how to optimize for leaders, managers, and administrators The power of visibility and engagement with Improving’s proprietary “Engage” platform (and how it can transform accountability) How to embrace artificial intelligence as a superpower for executives, and the easiest first step to get started  Timestamps: 00:00 – Curtis on why not all executives are leaders, and why that’s okay 01:43 – The case for celebrating (not bashing) capitalism 03:34 – The big myths about capitalism, poverty, and progress 05:43 – What is conscious capitalism, and how does it differ from stakeholder capitalism? 07:27 – “Inspire, not require,” why framing matters in business initiatives 10:56 – Curtis’s entrepreneurial journey: from defense tech to CEO 13:55 – Turning shame and setbacks into entrepreneurial drive 16:04 – The story behind the “Improving” brand and company 17:13 – How to scale culture with 2,000+ employees and 17 offices 19:24 – Real-world examples of values-driven local flexibility 22:00 – Vetting for “we” vs. “me” cultures in acquisitions 24:06 – How to shift a team from “me” to “we,” practical trust behaviors 26:32 – Institutionalizing trust: trainings, trustpods, and everyday habits 29:05 – All about Improving’s “Engage” platform: visibility, coins, and real impact 32:20 – Handling pushback and building engagement for all personality types 33:47 – Will “Engage” launch as a product? 34:40 – Why not every executive is, or should be, a leader 39:12 – The dangers of promoting only “leaders,” and how to build a balanced org 44:19 – How Improving is leveraging AI now, and what every executive should do next 47:37 – Staying agile with a 10-year vision in a fast-changing world 50:49 – How Curtis continues to learn, grow, and seek feedback, even after winning major awards 52:41 – Damon’s takeaways: why team, trust, and frontline ideas matter most  About Curtis Hite Curtis Hite is the CEO and founder of Improving, a technology consulting and training company he launched in 2007. Under his leadership, Improving has grown to over 2,000 employees with 17 offices and revenues surpassing $280 million, winning more than 100 “Best Place to Work” awards along the way. Curtis is a leading advocate of conscious capitalism, trust-based leadership, and scalable, values-driven culture. His unique approach to executive roles, culture-building, and employee engagement has made Improving a standout in both growth and workplace excellence. Resources & Mentions: Improving Website Curtis Hite on LinkedIn Conscious Capitalism Movement “Conscious Capitalism” by John Mackey & Raj Sisodia “The Speed of Trust” by Stephen M. R. Covey YPO – Young Presidents’ Organization Blue Ocean Strategy Peter Bissonnette – Shaw Communications  Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

In this actionable episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, Damon Lembi sits down with Greg Satell, renowned transformation expert and bestselling author of Cascades: How to Create a Movement that Drives Transformational Change. Together, they unpack why organizational change efforts so often fail, the psychology of resistance, and how bold leaders can actually get people aligned without creating change fatigue or endless internal battles. Greg doesn’t just talk theory—he delivers proven frameworks for diagnosing resistance, earning “keystone wins,” and spreading transformation by movement, not mandate. Whether you're wrestling with skeptics or plotting your next big initiative, this episode is stacked with practical wisdom for anyone facing change at work or beyond. In this episode, you’ll learn: The five types of resistance to change (and why only four are rational) Why shared values, not just purpose, are the true foundation for successful transformation How to spot “change fatigue” and set limits on how much change your organization can handle The secret to keystone wins: start small, iterate with enthusiasts, and scale from early successes How movements, not mandates, create truly lasting organizational change Strategies for handling skeptics and building momentum through peer networks instead of persuasion  Timestamps: 00:00 – Change fatigue, why most transformations burn out, and the mandate vs. movement dilemma 01:24 – The real reason change fails: resistance (what the data shows) 02:59 – The five categories of resistance: trust, fatigue, switching costs, incentives, and identity 09:33 – When (and when not) to engage with skeptics or “identity-based” resistors 13:41 – The power of shared values (and how LGBTQ+ rights found common ground) 15:45 – Discovering shared purpose and values—what leaders must do first 18:25 – Why values come with real costs (IBM’s culture turnaround story) 23:50 – The myth of “constant change”: why too many initiatives sink organizations 25:17 – Tipping points: you only need 10–20% early adopters to drive major change 28:30 – Why peer networks (not memos) spread new behaviors 30:20 – Don’t try to “boil the ocean”: the keystone change playbook for rapid scaling 35:37 – Why you always start with enthusiasts (and iterate in small groups) 38:21 – What the Agile movement got wrong about signaling and shared values 39:48 – Why learning from failure is the backbone of every movement 47:24 – How 5 kids in a Belgrade café sparked 50+ revolutions 48:01 – What Greg Satell has unlearned after two decades of studying change 54:37 – The power of belief: why “going where the energy is” matters most  About Greg Satell Greg Satell is an internationally recognized expert on transformation, organizational change, and innovation. He is the author of Cascades: How to Create a Movement that Drives Transformational Change and a frequent keynote speaker on leadership in times of disruption. Greg has helped Fortune 500s, global nonprofits, and city governments rethink how they mobilize people and win lasting buy-in for bold ideas. He is known for blending research-backed frameworks with compelling real-world stories, from corporate turnarounds to civic revolutions.  Resources & Mentions Greg’s website: GregSatell.com Connect with Greg on LinkedIn. Greg’s book: Cascades: How to Create a Movement that Drives Transformational Change IBM turnaround and Lou Gerstner’s management: Who Says Elephants Can't Dance? by Lou Gerstner “Identity” by Francis Fukuyama:  PwC research on change fatigue: PwC Global Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey 2022 Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

The best teams aren’t just about skill, they’re built on clarity, trust, and the science of group dynamics. In this episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, Damon welcomes group dynamics expert Dr. Colin M. Fisher, professor at University College London and author of the new book The Collective Edge. Drawing on remarkable stories from the worlds of jazz, sports, and business, Colin reveals the hidden psychology that keeps teams stuck, and the practical steps leaders can take to foster high-performing, resilient groups. From his unique background as a professional jazz musician to his groundbreaking research on team behavior, Colin removes the myths around teamwork and shares how anyone, from managers to family members, can build better groups, drive innovation, and create a true sense of belonging. Get ready for actionable insights you can use to launch teams with purpose, set goals that actually unite people, and transform both work and personal relationships. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why most teams get group purpose wrong, and how to launch with clarity and connection The underlying psychology that drives in-group favoritism and how to overcome it for bigger impact The surprising science behind “collective intelligence”, including what truly predicts team success How to set vivid, powerful goals that galvanize teams (and bust the myth of “just working hard”) Why structure matters more than process, and how misdiagnosing this derails even talented groups How social sensitivity and psychological safety fuel innovation, motivation, and creative improvisation Timestamps: 00:00 – The real reason teams fail: hidden group dynamics 01:43 – Why today’s problems require collective (not just individual) solutions 03:12 – Colin Fisher’s journey from jazz musician to group dynamics scholar 05:57 – The “click” moment in group improvisation, and why it matters 07:52 – Core message of The Collective Edge and its target audience 11:04 – Are teams or individuals behind today’s breakthroughs? Surprising research results 13:54 – The hidden teams behind famous leaders, inventors, and tech “geniuses” 15:53 – The #1 mistake founders make when launching teams 18:39 – What a “strong launch” looks like (and why daily rituals matter) 21:08 – Goal clarity: making “vivid” goals that truly align teams 24:15 – How JFK and Bill Gates set goals that sparked genuine buy-in 27:43 – Social sensitivity: the ultimate predictor of team performance 30:28 – How to spot and develop social sensitivity in hiring and team building 33:44 – Why starting with skills and perspectives matters most 35:25 – Designing high-impact tasks for authentic collaboration 38:19 – The real difference between psychological safety and autonomy 41:23 – Structure vs. process: how to rig the game in your team's favor 44:28 – Why sports and music teams get structure right (and business leaders rarely do) 45:06 – The longevity secrets of the Rolling Stones (and what one-hit-wonders miss) 50:38 – Mythbusting: Does diversity cause conflict? 52:10 – Mythbusting: Is competition always a motivator? 56:07 – Why trust falls are overrated, and what builds real collaboration 59:02 – Final takeaway: build for healthy groups, not just high-performing individuals  About Colin M. Fisher Colin M. Fisher is a professor at University College London and a leading researcher in group and team dynamics, fascinated by how people improvise, collaborate, and build creative solutions in teams. Before academia, Colin was a professional jazz trumpet player, which shaped his understanding of group “flow” and improvisation across language, culture, and experience. Today, he works with organizations, writes for publications, and teaches leaders how to transform everyday groups into high-performing, psychologically safe teams. He’s the author of The Collective Edge, which synthesizes decades of research and real-world stories to help anyone build better groups anywhere. Resources Referenced: Colin’s website Colin on LinkedIn The Collective Edge by Colin M. Fisher Research by Stefan Wuchty, Brian Uzzi, and Benjamin F. Jones: “The Increasing Dominance of Teams in Production of Knowledge” Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin Jim Collins: Big Hairy Audacious Goals (BHAG) Daniel Pink Adam Grant Annie Duke Amy Edmondson's "The Fearless Organization" The Social Network (film)  Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

In this powerful episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, host Damon Lembi digs in with executive coach and Career Benders founder, Angie Callen to reveal why authenticity is a performance tool, how generational dynamics shape workplace trust, and what you—and every leader—can do to rally a motivated, loyal, and thriving team. Discover Angie's journey from civil engineering to entrepreneur, her best practices for individual growth plans, and the key conversations every manager should have with their team. From perfectionism and the myth of work-life balance to actionable tools like values exercises and curiosity-driven reflection, this episode is packed with ideas for anyone ready to take ownership of their career and lead with purpose. In this episode, you’ll learn: The real reasons employees leave: How generational values and management misalignment fuel the leadership gap. Why authenticity isn’t just a buzzword—and how to leverage it to build trust and team engagement. How self-awareness, journaling, and curiosity can help you find passion and purpose at work. Tips for managing and motivating different team members as individuals, not units. Strategies for middle managers faced with culture clash and organizational resistance. Why executive presence, confidence, and self-reflection are critical in the modern workplace.  Timestamps: 00:00 – Why teams aren't motivated by the same things 01:11 – Study: 64% of employees trust robots more than managers 02:02 – The generational gap in leadership and communication styles 03:52 – Why authenticity matters in leadership 06:41 – Angie's career path: from engineer to entrepreneur 08:26 – From art galleries to coaching—embracing “career tumbleweed” 11:32 – Why most people never find passion in their work (and how to start) 13:20 – Taking ownership of your career trajectory 14:04 – Tips for small, low-risk career pivots 15:30 – Using journaling and reflection to clarify your strengths 17:14 – The leader’s responsibility: motivating and developing teams individually 19:38 – Simple exercises to get to know your team faster 23:49 – Coaching frustrated middle managers: tackling organizational roadblocks 26:32 – The biggest current challenges for today’s leaders 28:56 – Building confidence through coaching (and why it matters) 33:48 – Why AI can’t replace human-to-human coaching 34:05 – How Angie’s coaching style has evolved 37:58 – Angie’s ideal clients—and her unique coaching philosophy 41:02 – Must-have free resources for stuck middle managers 42:05 – Final advice: You have more control over your career than you think  About Angie Callen Angie Callen is a former civil engineer turned executive coach, podcast host, and the founder of Career Benders. With a colorful journey spanning engineering, nonprofit leadership, entrepreneurship, and career coaching, Angie specializes in helping professionals—especially technical leaders—find their authentic path and unlock their leadership potential. Her coaching focuses on self-awareness, confidence, and finding purposeful, aligned work. Angie is known for practical, people-first strategies that inspire growth and real results. Resources & Mentions: Career Benders Free Resources – Core Values exercise and other tools mentioned by Angie Angie Callen on LinkedIn Career Benders official website The Modern Coach Co. – For more on Angie’s work with coaches Ikigai concept (More on Ikigai from PositivePsychology.com) Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

In this purposeful solo episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, host Damon Lembi pulls back the curtain on three of the most undervalued leadership skills: the art of consistently showing up, the power of pausing under pressure, and the critical ability to let go and move forward. Damon combines personal anecdotes, practical advice, and frameworks from top experts to help leaders at any level build the resilience and trust needed for high-performing teams—especially in today’s fast-moving, AI-first environment. Whether you’re a new manager or an aspiring executive, you’ll leave with actionable takeaways for leading with presence, poise, and purpose. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why showing up—even when you don’t want to—is the backbone of true leadership How “the pause” can defuse tension and change the trajectory of tough conversations The difference between letting go and avoidance—and how leaders can move past mistakes without grudges Simple, science-backed practices to reset after conflicts and stay present for your team How carrying unresolved issues undermines culture and drains team performance Real-world rituals Damon uses to keep his promises and be consistently reliable Timestamps: 00:00 – What most people get wrong about leadership 00:30 – Why the small, invisible habits build real trust 01:00 – Skill 1: Show up—even when you don’t feel like it 01:45 – Why inconsistency breaks trust and erodes culture 02:20 – Damon’s example: Recording at 7AM on a Sunday 03:10 – Anchor to purpose when motivation fades 03:45 – Skill 2: Practice the pause in tough moments 04:15 – What the body tells you before you snap 04:45 – Damon’s tip from Cynthia Kane: One breath + ground yourself 05:30 – Why excited leaders need the pause too 06:00 – The power of slowing the energy in a room 06:30 – Skill 3: Learn to let go (without avoiding or resenting) 07:00 – Mike Robbins’ framework: Let it go or deal with it 07:30 – Why option 3 (resentment) kills culture 08:00 – Resetting between meetings and relationships 08:30 – Recap: Show up, pause, let go 09:00 – Weekly challenge + free gift: 45 days of Learnit training  About Damon Lembi Damon Lembi is a 3x 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 Lembi LinkedIn Learnit Learn It All Leader (Book by Damon Lembi) The Learn-It-All Leader for Kids (Kids Book by Damon Lembi) Cynthia Kane’s book: The Pause Principle Cynthia Kane on The Learn-It-All Podcast, Episode 182 Mike Robbins’ website: mike-robbins.com Learnit 45-day free training offerPodcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

When was the last time you worked ON your business, not just IN it? In this eye-opening episode, host Damon Lembi welcomes Dr. John Hillen—former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State, multi-time CEO, board chairman, and award-winning strategy professor—to break down what strategic thinking actually means for today’s leaders. Drawing from his hot new book, The Strategy Dialogue, John argues that strategy isn’t just for Fortune 500 boardrooms; it’s a muscle every leader can—and must—develop, regardless of company size. From unearthing the difference between “strategic planning” and “strategic thinking” to practical ways to shift your mindset, this episode is packed with actionable frameworks, real-world case studies, and wisdom to help you stop reacting and start leading. If you’ve ever felt too busy to look beyond your to-do list, you’ll learn why only 4% of leaders naturally think strategically—and how to join them. Plus: stories from the Berlin Wall, lessons from the rise of Netflix, the fall of Blockbuster, and what grocery stores can teach you about your true strengths. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, executive, or aspiring strategist, this episode will change the way you see your business, your role, and your future. In this episode, you’ll learn: What separates strategic leaders from busy taskmasters (and why ownership of strategy can’t be delegated) Why “strategic thinking” is not the same as “strategic planning,” and how to make it a daily habit The 4% mindset: How truly strategic leaders map the ecosystem, spot patterns, and connect the dots long-term Real-life case studies: Why Netflix disrupted Blockbuster, and how Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods each leverage hidden strengths How to identify your company’s core competency (hint: ask your customers, not your marketing team) Tools and frameworks—from SWOT and “TOES” to actionable, Socratic dialogues—for thinking and leading strategically in any environment  Timestamps:  00:00 – The “strategic muscle”: why leaders must work ON the business 00:30 – Damon introduces John Hillen & today’s episode 01:26 – Why strategy is the heart of leadership 02:49 – Common excuses leaders use to avoid strategic thinking 04:51 – Only 4% of executives think strategically (and what the other 96% do instead) 07:36 – John’s background: Berlin Wall, Desert Storm, and the roots of strategic thinking 12:14 – How global experience shapes perspective and context 14:24 – Why John wrote The Strategy Dialogue & teaching strategy through dialogue 19:14 – Strategic thinking vs. strategic planning: Key differences 23:36 – Using “scenario planning” and creativity in traditionally rigid industries 24:51 – The essential mindset shift: think forward, ask better questions 26:26 – Why companies like Blockbuster and Kodak get disrupted 30:28 – Netflix’s three business model pivots: lessons in strategic agility 32:35 – How to get honest about your true strengths—ask your customers 35:49 – Whole Foods vs. Trader Joe’s: Different strengths, different strategies 37:21 – Beyond SWOT: the TOES framework for action-oriented strategy 44:40 – Can AI help with strategic thinking? The human judgment difference 47:00 – Why “how you think” is more important than “what you decide” 51:24 – How often should you revisit your strategy? 58:40 – Strategy, clarity, transparency, and public policy examples 1:00:10 – John’s final advice: Work on your business, not just in it About Dr. John Hillen  Dr. John Hillen is an award-winning strategy professor, best-selling author, and sought-after business leader with a career spanning the military, government, academia, and boardrooms. A former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State and CEO of multiple companies, John has taught leadership and strategy at Duke, George Mason, and other top universities. His latest book, The Strategy Dialogue, distills decades of experience into practical lessons for leaders at every level. Find out more at johnhillen.com or connect with John on LinkedIn. Resources & Mentions: The Strategy Dialogue by John Hillen John’s website: johnhillen.com John Hillen on LinkedIn Patrick Lencioni, author referenced and blurb contributor StrengthsFinder tool mentioned Clayton Christensen and his work on disruptive innovation Podcast Contact Information:  Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Winning in the remote world isn’t just about logging in—it’s about knowing yourself, mastering communication, and finding where you fit.  In this episode, Damon Lembi sits down with Michelle Coulson, founder of Remote Rebellion, to crack open the realities of remote and hybrid work. Michelle draws on her years as a recruiter and leader of remote teams to explore what it truly takes to thrive (or hire) in the remote-first era. From cutting through workplace distractions to the psychology of choice, Michelle and Damon address the often-overlooked challenges and opportunities facing both companies and job seekers today. Whether you’re looking to land your first remote job, level-up your virtual team, or simply want a more fulfilling work-life balance, you’ll walk away with actionable strategies, honest insights, and plenty of inspiration to support your remote journey. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why freedom of choice is the #1 motivator for remote workers (even before money) The real traits that set top performers apart in remote environments—and why structure still matters Common mistakes organizations make when “going remote” and how to set intentional policies How to stand out in an increasingly competitive remote job market—personal branding, communication hacks, and more What recruiters are really looking for in remote candidates (plus Michelle’s favorite filtering trick) Why authentic networking and feedback fuel both hiring and personal growth in a virtual world Timestamps: 00:00 – Michelle on freedom of choice and productivity 01:21 – Rethinking the work-life equation 02:55 – How the Pandemic turbocharged Remote Rebellion 03:29 – The case for office and remote: pro-choice work life 04:37 – Bad reasons companies force return-to-office 05:54 – Helping employers design meaningful in-person work 07:31 – The hardest part of running a remote-first company 08:58 – Must-have skills for remote success (communication rules!) 12:54 – Building effective team communication across cultures 16:38 – Helping late-career workers go remote 19:51 – Why remote jobs are so competitive right now 22:05 – Does remote really make people happier and more productive? 23:45 – Finding and landing remote roles: personal branding, networking 28:19 – Michelle’s filtering hack for serious applicants 30:22 – Why you shouldn’t mass-apply (and how you’re part of the problem) 33:39 – Can you become a great leader if you’ve only worked remotely? 36:44 – Michelle’s virtual remote career fair: bringing humanity back 40:24 – How Michelle helps orgs recruit for remote readiness 44:55 – Honesty about “remote-first” and setting expectations 46:22 – Who thrives in Michelle’s Remote Job Academy 49:13 – The future of remote and hybrid work 51:32 – The value of external feedback and keeping a success journal 54:29 – Where to connect with Michelle  About Michelle Coulson Michelle Coulson is the founder of Remote Rebellion, a company dedicated to empowering individuals to design their work around life—rather than the other way around. With a background in recruitment and having managed remote, cross-continental teams, Michelle specializes in helping both organizations and job seekers master remote work. Her practical, candid approach cuts through the noise, offering real-world insights on talent attraction, communication, and what it actually takes to succeed virtually. Michelle has also hosted global remote job fairs and leads her own Remote Job Academy.  Resources & Mentions Remote Rebellion website Michelle Coulson on LinkedIn Learnit: www.learnit.com  Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

How would your life change if you realized your greatest power isn’t what happens to you—but how you choose to think about it? In this eye-opening episode, Damon sits down with world-renowned mental toughness coach Chris Dorris to unpack the real meaning of mental mastery. Chris shares why our states—and ultimately our lives—are shaped by the content we choose to fill our minds with. Through engaging exercises, candid stories, and actionable mantras, Chris reveals how to break free from victimhood, conquer self-doubt, and start creating your best days on purpose. Listeners learn why most of our suffering is learned—not inevitable—and why unlearning is the true path to excellence. Whether it’s overcoming imposter syndrome, rewiring how you respond to adversity, or empowering those around you to ditch the blame game, this episode is packed with the tools, mindsets, and mantras to help you close the gap between the life you have and the life you want. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why “create the state, don’t wait” is the key to lasting happiness and performance How your thoughts instantly shape your moods—and simple exercises to prove it The origins of victim mentality and how to break free from it (for yourself and others) The power of “Catch, Own, Replace”: a framework to shift from low to high-grade thinking How visualization and mental rehearsal rewires your brain for success—no matter your circumstances What the “success story folder” is, and how to use it to build belief and confidence on tough days  Timestamps: 00:00 – Chris’s “Best Damn Day of My Life” ritual and the science of choosing your mood 03:56 – Real-time exercises: moving yourself across the emotional spectrum 08:58 – Why mental toughness is about unlearning and the story of “Benny and the Car Keys” 15:42 – How to catch, own, and replace sabotaging thoughts 20:44 – Visualization, neuroscience, and the POW golfer story 25:54 – Why complaining is the enemy—and what people get from victimhood 28:53 – Breaking out of the blame game: stories, strategies, and permission 33:20 – The flat tire lesson: responding to setbacks with mastery 43:20 – Creating excellence from everything—Damon’s personal story with adversity 54:38 – Why wishing on birthday candles is a waste: teaching kids to “decide” 56:24 – Recap: the habits and mantras of mental mastery 58:45 – The “Success Story Folder”: what it is and how to start yours 59:05 – How to connect with Chris and access more mental toughness tools About Chris Dorris Chris Dorris is a globally acclaimed mental toughness coach, author, and performance consultant who has dedicated his career to helping people close the gap between how life is and how they want it to be. As a coach to elite athletes, business leaders, and high-achievers, Chris’s impact has reached millions through his books, daily mental mastery tips, and engaging seminars. His actionable philosophy centers on unlearning limiting beliefs, cultivating emotional mastery, and equipping individuals to create excellence in every aspect of their lives.  Resources & Mentions Chris Dorris’s website: ChristopherDorris.com Chris Dorris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisdorris/ Daily Dose Mental Toughness Tips: ChristopherDorris.com/DD The Book of Mental Toughness Mantras by Chris Dorris: order here Byron Katie’s Work: thework.com Steve Chandler Audio on Victim vs. Ownership Mindset: Listen here Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Winning sales teams in today’s world aren’t dialing for dollars—they’re building human connections and turning conversations into qualified meetings. In this high-impact episode, Damon welcomes the brilliant Timothy Hughes, CEO of DLA Ignite and pioneering author of "Social Selling," to unpack why the world’s best sellers are ditching pitches and transforming LinkedIn from a noisy sales channel into a powerhouse pipeline engine. Tim reveals how he’s helped sales development teams consistently book a meeting a day (no cold calls or spam required!), and coaches Damon—and our audience—on shifting mindsets, updating profiles the right way, and writing content that actually drives business. Whether you’re an SDR, team leader, or curious executive, this episode will change how you think about digital selling forever. From practical frameworks and benchmarked results to common pitfalls and the next frontiers of AI in sales, Tim and Damon deliver a masterclass that’s part strategy, part mindset shift, and all action. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why your LinkedIn summary title is the most powerful piece of personal branding you’ll ever write—and how to make it your “why,” not your resume. The three pillars of modern social selling: profile, network, and content—and how to optimize each one for real influence (not noise). How to turn likes and comments into real prospecting conversations, not just vanity metrics. What separates top-performing SDRs (one is booking 25 meetings/week!) from the noise—and how they use humor, gratitude, and curiosity to win. Why “connect and pitch” is dead and starting real conversations is the new sales superpower. How social selling is reshaping sales culture, boosting morale, and even helping teams fall back in love with the profession. Timestamps: 00:00 – Why bland LinkedIn profiles kill trust—and the power of human connection 00:14 – Damon introduces Timothy: Author, CEO, pioneer of social selling 01:07 – Social selling results: 1 meeting per day without cold calls or spam 02:13 – “LinkedIn isn’t a sales channel—it’s about conversations, not pitches” 03:11 – Tim’s shift from traditional sales to leading the social selling movement 04:15 – Tim’s books: the first-ever guide to social selling, and its evolution 06:01 – The “three things” every seller must get right on LinkedIn 09:20 – The summary title mistake LinkedIn trainers make (and what to do instead) 11:39 – Should you put vanity metrics (like subscribers/sales) in your profile? 12:47 – How a profile update leads to inbound leads (and surprises your network) 14:39 – Building the right network: why personalization trumps automation 16:13 – Connection rates, benchmarks, and optimizing outreach 18:39 – Creating a wide, multi-threaded influence inside target accounts 18:40 – Content that connects: why personal updates outperform corporate “brochureware” 21:00 – Human content as prospecting: turning engagement into next steps 24:44 – How to convert likes and comments into real sales conversations 26:02 – Habits of SDRs booking 25 meetings/week—the role of humor and connection 28:25 – The power of simply saying “thank you” after a new connection 29:24 – Should you ditch cold calling and spammy emails altogether? 30:26 – Why leaders must model and drive social selling for real change 32:32 – How social selling helps teams fall back in love with sales 34:59 – Overview: How Tim’s courses and coaching create true behavior change 38:46 – The 70/20/10 learning framework and making training truly stick 40:07 – One final reminder: start conversations, don’t pitch  About Timothy Hughes Timothy Hughes is the CEO and co-founder of DLA Ignite, the leader in social selling transformation. Widely regarded as the authority who literally wrote the book on social selling, Tim has spent over 25 years in B2B sales, including at companies like Oracle, before trailblazing the move to digital-first selling. He’s the author of "Social Selling: Techniques to Influence Buyers and Changemakers," now in its second edition, and works hands-on with sales teams from global enterprises to startups to turn online engagement into real business results. Connect with Tim on LinkedIn. Resources & Mentions: Social Selling: Techniques to Influence Buyers and Changemakers (Amazon) DLA Ignite (Timothy’s Company) Timothy Hughes on LinkedIn Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

What separates good leaders from great ones? In this solo episode, Damon Lembi, CEO of Learnit, reveals the five essential leadership shifts he's learned across three decades of driving organizational success. Damon lays out hard-won lessons, candid stories, and straightforward strategies to help you move from “know it all” to “learn it all”—so you can build teams that are empowered, innovative, and resilient. You’ll discover why being a hero is overrated, how to tackle tough conversations, and what it takes to truly connect with every member of your team. Plus, stick around for an exclusive gift valued at thousands of dollars to supercharge your learning journey. Whether you’re a seasoned exec or a new manager, this episode is your leadership wake-up call. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why shifting from “know it all” to “learn it all” creates a culture of innovation and psychological safety. How to stop leading as the hero and start empowering others as a hero maker. The power of stepping outside your comfort zone—and why hard conversations are essential for lasting growth. How to practice “chameleon leadership” by tailoring your approach to each person’s unique style and needs. Why speaking last in meetings unlocks better ideas and motivates your team to truly contribute. Easy, actionable steps to embed these shifts in your daily leadership routine. Timestamps: 00:00 – Great leadership isn’t about answers—it’s about humility, courage, and belief 00:35 – Preview of the 5 leadership shifts + Damon’s free gift for listeners 01:00 – Shift 1: From Know-It-All to Learn-It-All 03:00 – Shift 2: From Hero to Hero-Maker 05:15 – Shift 3: Stop Protecting Your Comfort Zone 07:15 – Shift 4: Lead How Others Want to Be Led 09:30 – Shift 5: Leaders Speak Last 12:00 – Quick recap of all 5 shifts 13:00 – Damon’s challenge: Pick 1 shift and start tomorrow 14:00 – Free offer: 45 days of live training for you + 20 teammates 14:30 – Rate, review, and stay curious 15:00 – You can’t lead better without learning better  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 Lembi LinkedIn Learnit Learn It All Leader (Book by Damon Lembi) The Learn-It-All Leader for Kids (Kids Bood by Damon Lembi) Gary Ridge episode of Learn-It-All Podcast Gary Ridge’s Book: Any Dumbass Can Do It Ethan Evans episode of Learn-It-All Podcast Learnit Free Training Offer Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Winning podcasters—and high performers of all stripes—aren’t built on luck or Hollywood backing. They’re built on resilience, vision, and a relentless drive to keep learning and trying. In this energizing episode, Damon sits down with Tony Durso, business strategist, bestselling author, and host of one of the world’s biggest podcasts, to uncover what it really takes to go from zero to 50 million downloads with no radio experience and no big media machine. Tony shares his “Vision Map” eight-step framework for driving toward any goal—plus down-to-earth stories, tactical advice, and lessons learned from interviewing elite entrepreneurs and industry icons. From why your purpose matters more than your paycheck, to tactical social media strategies, to the real secret that separates high performers from hopefuls, this episode is packed with actionable tools for anyone wanting to build something meaningful—be it a business, a podcast, or a life-changing pivot. Tony shares his mistakes, his European relationship-first mindset, and why writing down your vision might be the most powerful move you’ll ever make. To top it all off, hear how Tony pivoted from nonfiction to writing a hit fiction series—and why he believes picking up a novel might just be the recharge you need as a leader. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Tony Durso grew his podcast to 50 million downloads without a corporate media engine Why resilience (never quitting) is the true secret to long-term success The eight-step “Vision Map” framework for turning dreams into reality Why purpose—and not money—is the foundation of passion projects and sustainable careers What Tony learned from interviewing hundreds of millionaires and billionaires Tactical social media advice for maximizing your impact and avoiding common mistakes The surprising value of fiction for leader creativity, relaxation, and perspective shifts Timestamps: 00:00 – Tony Durso on the real mark of success: Never quitting 01:14 – How Tony built a podcast empire from scratch 04:22 – The art of leveraging big-name guests for audience growth 05:09 – Tony’s #1 lesson from elite entrepreneurs: perseverance 07:33 – The critical role of passion in lasting podcasting (and business) success 09:44 – Why purpose should come before profit 13:04 – Tony’s “Vision Map” framework and how it works 16:51 – Tony’s original podcasting vision—and how he wrote it into being 19:47 – Finding your true purpose (and why money should stay out of it) 23:35 – The chocolate soufflé analogy: why knowing “the words” isn’t enough 24:49 – Turning goals into actionable long-term objectives 28:23 – Which Vision Map steps matter most in hard times 29:13 – Eight steps to achievement—and why doing is everything 36:00 – Tony’s pivot to fiction: the Ion of Atlantis series 41:49 – Why fiction matters for leaders (creativity, downtime, and more) 45:18 – On discipline, character, and Tony’s favorite fictional hero 47:24 – Tony’s top piece of advice for today’s leaders and podcasters 49:59 – Where to connect with Tony (website, social, and more) About Tony Durso Tony Durso is an author, business strategist, and the host of The Tony Durso Show—one of the largest podcasts in the world, with over 50 million downloads. After decades in corporate sales, marketing, and PR, Tony built his entire media presence from scratch, booking elite entrepreneurs, authors, and business icons as guests. He’s the creator of the “Vision Map” framework and bestselling author of nonfiction and fiction books, including the acclaimed Ion of Atlantis series. Tony’s passion is helping others unlock success by going all-in on their vision, purpose, and perseverance.  Resources & Mentions: TonyDurso.com – Tony’s Website The Tony Durso Show Jordan Adler’s Beach Money  Imen of Atlantis Trilogy (Tony’s fiction series) Tony on X (Twitter) Tony on LinkedIn The 3 Critical Mistakes to Avoid on Social Media – Tony’s Free Resource Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

What if everything you know about sales is about to be turned on its head? In this high-energy episode, host Damon Lembi sits down with legendary sales trainer Greg Bennett to reveal why most pipelines (and salespeople) are headed for extinction in the age of AI. Greg breaks down his signature “Ugly Pond” concept—embracing uncomfortable truths early to build trust, not just chase maybes—and shares why mini steps are the real secret to sales momentum. From the destructive dance between “hopeless romantic” sellers and ninja-level buyers, to the pressure AI will put on lazy pipelines, Greg pulls no punches. Packed with real stories, actionable frameworks, and hard-won wisdom, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone who wants to stay ahead as trust, outcomes, and human connection become the ultimate differentiators in sales. Whether you lead a team, carry a quota, or just want to future-proof your career, you’ll leave motivated (and equipped) to trade wishful thinking for real results—one “mini step” and honest conversation at a time. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why selling services is dead—and the new playbook is all about selling outcomes. What the “Ugly Pond” is, and how embracing “no” early unclogs your pipeline and builds trust faster. How AI is exposing lazy salespeople and forcing a new era of transparency and specificity. The powerful psychology behind the dysfunctional dance between buyers and sellers. The magic of “mini steps”: breaking the sales process into visible, mutual-commitment wins that build confidence, progress, and clarity. How to build instant credibility by putting client outcomes first, not product features.  Timestamps: 00:00 – Don’t talk services, talk outcomes: building instant trust 01:17 – The “Ugly Pond” origin: Saying the uncomfortable truth in sales 05:22 – Why facing “no” is the key to real pipeline health 09:24 – The sales dance: Why buyers and sellers deceive each other 11:00 – How AI will crush average salespeople and fake pipelines 15:11 – Building trust fast: Arrive with value for the client 16:28 – Features, benefits, and the power of client-outcome storytelling 20:00 – Hyper-relevance: Why vertical-specific prospecting wins 21:11 – Introducing mini steps: Making invisible sales processes visible 29:52 – Mini steps in action: Why mutual commitments matter 33:17 – Flushing the pipeline: When to pivot, when to press for “no” 35:41 – The “zero to ten” flush: How Greg gets prospects to name the truth 43:47 – Management’s real job: Owning the pipeline and coaching for reality 46:56 – What a good sales day looks like (and why new reps need clarity) 48:45 – Why fundamental sales skills matter more than new tricks 49:16 – A classic San Francisco story with Damon’s father and a surprise celebrity proposal 52:44 – Where to find Greg’s Ugly Pond course and connect for more help About Greg Bennett Greg Bennett founded his own sales coaching and consulting firm in 1987, building a career grounded in psychology and human behavior. He’s trained organizations of all sizes—from large, medium and small sales organizations, to national consulting firms, to Fortune 500 giants. His client list also includes over 200 pro and collegiate sports teams, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL.  Greg is also the author of four books, including Consultative Closing and Make More Donuts.  He officially retired from full-time speaking and consulting in January of 2025, and is now offering occasional webinars, an online program called, "The Power of NO", as well as select 1-on-1 coaching engagements. Resources & Mentions: Greg Bennett on LinkedIn The Ugly Pond website & course – Greg Bennett’s training and resources Consultative Closing - https://a.co/d/ftiKpzj  The Challenger Sale book - https://a.co/d/2hJwDWS  “Make More Donuts” – https://a.co/d/d4iou66   Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Some of the best leadership lessons don’t come from the boardroom—they come from the ball field and bedtime stories. On this special episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, the tables turn as Dr. Mickey Fitch Collins interviews Damon Lembi—bestselling author, CEO, and father—about his newest project: a children’s book inspired by his leadership bestsellers, The Learn-It-All Leader for Kids. Together, they break down why instilling curiosity, humility, and resilience in the next generation matters just as much as any corporate training. They dig into the creative process of translating adult leadership principles for young readers, how to parent (and lead) in a way that prioritizes effort over outcomes, and why modeling “learn-it-all” behavior starts at home. Filled with honest stories, actionable insights, and a few heartfelt moments, this episode is for anyone—parent, coach, educator, or leader—who wants to shape kids (and themselves) into lifelong learners. In this episode, you’ll learn: The big leadership lessons behind The Learn-It-All Leader for Kids—and why they matter as much to adults as to children What makes kids natural “learn-it-alls,” and how parents and leaders can keep their curiosity alive instead of stifling it How writing a leadership children’s book fundamentally differs from writing for adults (and what surprised Damon most in the process) Tips for modeling open, adaptive leadership at home and at work—even when you don’t have all the answers The role of symbols (like the coach’s hat) and storytelling in teaching real-world leadership skills to the next generation How anybody—not just parents—can use this book to nurture learning, inclusion, and growth among young people  Timestamps 00:00 – Damon on kids, curiosity, and learning by example 00:32 – Mickey Fitch Collins takes over as host; Damon’s introduction 01:17 – Why Damon wrote a children’s book—and who it’s for 01:57 – Main takeaways for kids, parents, and families from the book 02:46 – The story summary: Pandas vs. Oaks, winning and self-discovery 04:06 – Adapting leadership lessons for kids (and surprising writing challenges) 05:21 – Differences and similarities between writing for adults vs. kids 06:46 – How Damon sees himself in his own characters (Noah vs. Lucy) 08:51 – The dangers of perfectionism; why effort is more important than results 10:49 – Modeling leadership at home—lessons from Damon’s parents 11:57 – The “coach’s hat” as a symbol of shared leadership 12:55 – Helping kids shift from know-it-alls to learn-it-alls 14:58 – Inclusion, humility, and fighting against bullying in childhood 15:50 – How Mickey’s own kids related to the book’s characters 17:14 – What’s in the book for adults without children? 18:11 – Why learning agility and adaptability matter for all future leaders 18:55 – Redefining leadership: everyone can lead from where they are 19:45 – Final thoughts: Leadership is a team sport, at home and at work 21:50 – Wrap-up and where to get the book 21:52 – Closing  About Damon Lembi Damon Lembi is a 2x bestselling author, host of The Learn-It-All Podcast, and CEO of Learnit—a live learning platform that has helped over 2 million people grow. Drawing on his experiences as an athlete, executive, and father, Damon brings a unique perspective to leadership, culture, and continuous growth. In his latest children’s book, The Learn-It-All Leader for Kids, he distills decades of practical leadership insights for the next generation, empowering young readers (and their adults) to embrace curiosity, courage, and learning at any age.   Resources & Mentions The Learn-It-All Leader for Kids (Pre-order Here) The Learn-It-All Leader by Damon Lembi Learnit Lounge Podcast, hosted by Mickey Fitch Collins Damon’s LinkedIn Learnit website  Podcast Contact:Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Winning teams don’t just adapt to change—they lead with curiosity, intentionality, and a human touch. In this insightful debut episode, host Damon Lembi welcomes Manar Morales, author of The Flexibility Paradigm and a leading voice on flexible work, to unpack what it really takes for organizations to thrive in a post-pandemic world. Together, they challenge common myths about remote work, explore the full spectrum of workplace flexibility, and lay out a practical, customizable roadmap for building inclusive, high-performing cultures—no matter where your people are. With stories, frameworks, and actionable tools, this conversation is a must-listen for leaders, HR pros, and anyone rethinking what “work” should look like now and in the future. From the pitfalls of “presenteeism” to choreographing meaningful remote connections, this episode reveals why flexible work is a business imperative—and how to do it well. In this episode, you’ll learn: What holistic flexibility really means: Manar explains why flexible work is much more than just hybrid or remote, highlighting a range of options that go beyond location, including reduced hours, job sharing, and schedule tweaking. The Flex + Success Framework: Unpack Manar’s 5R model for designing and sustaining flexible work cultures, with actionable steps for reflection, redesign, and reinforcement. How to overcome common leadership pitfalls: Explore how to avoid “proximity bias” and ensure your high performers aren’t overlooked just because they work remotely. The importance of intentional connection: Learn strategies for building real relationships and culture in a hybrid world—including “choreographed connections” and smart use of technology. How to adapt and measure: Discover why flexibility needs ongoing iteration, and practical ways to collect and act on feedback across generations and roles. Future-proofing with AI and adaptability: Hear why openness to technology and continuous learning are critical, and how to balance tradition with innovation for lasting organizational health.  Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: Flexibility vs. presenteeism 01:20 – Why “holistic” flexibility matters for organizations 03:04 – Beyond hybrid: Full spectrum of flexible work options 04:43 – Making flexibility a win-win for companies and talent 07:46 – Covid’s legacy and the “forgetting curve” 09:18 – Human-centered organizations and the power of belonging 10:56 – Self-audit: Who gets the best of you? 11:06 – Are companies sliding back into old habits? 13:12 – Why the office can be valuable—if it’s intentional 14:58 – Proximity bias: Avoiding hidden favoritism 17:58 – Measuring ROI and ROE (Return on Experience) in flexible work 21:27 – Mastering hybrid and asynchronous meetings 23:24 – Skills for connecting, collaborating, and boundary setting 26:36 – The 5R Flex + Success Framework, chapter by chapter 33:18 – Generational challenges and leading with preference vs. proof 36:10 – The impact and inevitability of AI 38:24 – How generations can learn from each other 40:57 – Can remote employees really become leaders? 42:16 – Case study: Success story from Sol Ewing law firm 46:00 – Why and how to collect feedback from all levels 50:59 – Choreographed connections and building remote culture 52:35 – About the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance  About Manar Morales Manar Morales is the founder and CEO of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance and the author of The Flexibility Paradigm. Since 2006, she has been a passionate advocate for workplace flexibility, helping organizations design sustainable, human-centered cultures that empower both people and business. Her work spans decades of advising companies on flexible work, inclusion, and well-being—combining rigorous research with real-world strategies. Manar believes that intentional flexibility isn’t just a perk—it’s a critical advantage for attracting, retaining, and growing talent in the modern workplace.  Resources & Mentions: The Flexibility Paradigm (Book) by Manar Morales Diversity & Flexibility Alliance Keith Ferrazzi’s book: Never Lead Alone Manar Morales on LinkedIn Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Winning decisions aren’t made by spreadsheets—they’re forged in the imperfect art of judgment, humility, and learning from mistakes. In this episode, Damon sits down with Rob Duboff, co-founder of Hawk Partners and longtime instructor of decision-making at Harvard Extension School, for a masterclass on the mysteries of effective leadership and organizational success. Rob pulls back the curtain on why most choices in business and life aren’t neatly solvable puzzles, but open-ended mysteries—shaped by bias, culture, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. The pair break down why healthy conflict fuels great companies, how AI is transforming decision-making, and the science behind trusting your gut. Learn tools for fighting confirmation bias, the value of decision journals, and why the best leaders never stop learning. From boardrooms to everyday life, this episode gives you the playbook for making better choices, building healthier teams, and turning failures into breakthroughs. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why most decisions in life and business are “mysteries”—not puzzles with a single answer—and how to navigate them The impact of behavioral economics and cognitive biases like confirmation bias and anchoring on leaders’ choices How to use “decision journals,” healthy dissent, and pilot tests to strengthen decision quality and organizational culture Strategies for integrating AI as a thought partner (not thought leader) in decision-making—without abdicating human judgment The secret to building a thriving culture: hiring for values, fostering autonomy, and leveraging healthy friction among co-founders Why decision-making and financial literacy should be taught in high school—and how lifelong learning is the real leadership edge  Timestamps: 00:01 – The myth of the immortal corporation & why openness fuels lasting businesses 00:58 – Meet Rob Duboff: co-founder, strategist, and Harvard decision-making instructor 01:18 – Decisions as mysteries vs. puzzles 02:53 – The trouble with “spreadsheet” decision-making and the power of personal judgment 04:21 – Why everyone needs decision-making courses 05:41 – What’s changed in decision-making over the last decade 07:22 – Kahneman, Tversky, and the rise of behavioral economics 10:01 – The danger of overconfidence and the pitfalls of memory 11:26 – How marketers use behavioral insights to shape peak experiences 12:06 – Yes-men, open conflict, and organizational survival 13:15 – Preparing for AI disruption in business strategy 16:30 – Using AI as a thought partner, not decision-maker 19:09 – How AI can help bust confirmation bias 22:14 – Anchoring, priming, and what System 1 thinking means for leaders 23:03 – Gut vs. data: blending intuition with facts for big decisions 26:31 – Learning from bad decisions: The power of decision journals 33:27 – How healthy conflict builds stronger companies 39:38 – Using pilot tests to de-risk organizational and hiring choices 43:44 – Hiring for culture: questions and signals that matter 46:27 – Why values and curiosity outweigh fancy degrees 51:42 – Why decision-making should be a required high school course 55:10 – The power of single-minded brand focus in a noisy world 56:47 – How to connect with Rob Duboff and join the conversation  About Rob Duboff Rob Duboff is the co-founder of Hawk Partners, a premier marketing strategy and research consultancy, and a longtime faculty member at Harvard University Extension School, where he teaches decision-making to executive and graduate students. Over a career spanning multiple decades, Rob has been a thought leader in marketing strategy, a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 clients, and an early advocate of integrating behavioral economics into business practice. Passionate about building healthy organizational cultures, he’s helped companies turn the science (and art) of decision-making into a competitive edge. Resources & Mentions: Hawk Partners Website Rob Duboff on LinkedIn Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman Blink by Malcolm Gladwell The Undoing Project by Michael Lewis Pre-Suasion by Robert Cialdini Dan Ariely, Behavioral Economics Peter Drucker Annie Duke’s books: Thinking in Bets, How to Decide Farnam Street: Decision Journals Robert Cialdini on Influence  Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

If you’ve ever felt held back by self-doubt or wanted to unleash your voice, this energizing episode is for you. Host Damon Lembi sits down with Jonny Pardoe, international podcast host and men’s mental health advocate, to break down the real journey from self-criticism to self-confidence—and how podcasting can transform both your mindset and your leadership presence. Jonny brings soulful honesty about his own struggles and shares the simple-but-powerful systems he’s used to build one of the world’s top self-esteem shows, with over 3.3 million downloads. Get a masterclass in launching (and growing) your own podcast, building self-belief, and beating the traps of overthinking. Whether you’re a leader wanting to speak with more impact, or someone who’s ready to find their voice, Jonny’s practical tips will help you step up, take action, and serve a wider audience—starting today. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why taking action—no matter how imperfect—is the real key to building confidence How to break out of “paralysis mode” and reclaim your self-esteem (with Jonny’s go-to tools for when you get stuck) Jonny’s fast-track formula for launching a successful podcast, from finding your driver to nailing your hook Why role models and mentors matter—and how to “borrow” their mindsets without falling into the comparison trap The secrets behind Jonny’s podcasting growth: consistency, clarity, and listener-first thinking Quick mindset routines (like “the King Hour”) to boost daily self-talk and leadership energy  Timestamps: 00:00 – Charisma, self-drive, and the power of role models 01:25 – Jonny’s journey: From self-doubt to leading a top confidence podcast 04:09 – Revisiting the cringe (and pride) of the very first episode 06:44 – Overcoming analysis paralysis: Why action beats thinking 08:50 – When self-esteem hits rock bottom—and how Jonny bounced back 11:55 – Digging deep: How to create drive for lasting change 13:03 – The right way to “role model” (without losing yourself) 17:03 – Jonny’s definitions: Self-esteem vs. confidence 19:00 – How to reprogram toxic self-talk (with daily systems) 22:33 – Podcasting for therapy or for impact? Jonny’s honest start 24:18 – Advice for leaders: How (and why) anyone can begin podcasting 27:40 – Who can be a podcaster? Why your story matters 30:55 – How podcasting leveled up Jonny’s leadership and communication skills 33:16 – Three simple success tips for growing your podcast audience 38:56 – The crucial value of a strong episode “hook” 39:54 – Getting guests to actually share your episode 43:07 – Solo versus interview episodes: What gets more traction? 44:40 – Should you do video and audio? Jonny’s recommendation 45:04 – The biggest self-esteem lesson Jonny has learned (and his final podcasting tip) 48:42 – Where to find Jonny online  About Jonny PardoeJonny Pardoe is the host of the Self Esteem and Confidence Mindset podcast, with over 3.3 million downloads and a loyal global audience. An advocate for men’s mental health, Jonny is known for his transparent approach to building self-esteem, sharing both his struggles and successes since launching the show in 2019. He combines his background in project management and sales with real-life personal growth tools, helping thousands find their voice and lead with more authenticity. As a podcast coach, Jonny empowers others to launch, grow, and own their stories—proving anyone can reach a global audience. Resources & Mentions: Jonny Pardoe’s Instagram Jonny Pardoe on LinkedIn Jonny’s podcast: Self Esteem and Confidence Mindset Tom Webster’s book: The Audience is Listening  Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

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