Podcast
the Learn-It-All™ podcast
Hosted by Damon Lembi · EN
The Learn-It-All™ podcast is built on the conviction that the leaders worth following aren't the ones with all the answers. They're the ones who never stop learning. If you've chosen growth over coasting, and curiosity over the comfort of being the smartest person in the room, you're a learn-it-all. And this podcast is for you.
Host Damon Lembi is a 3x bestselling author, CEO of Learnit, and someone who has spent 30 years watching what separates leaders who keep growing from those who quietly become the ceiling that limits everyone around them.
Each episode features real conversations with top executives, founders, NYT bestselling authors, and world-class athletes — people who've faced adversity, made costly mistakes, and done the hard, unglamorous work of growing. They share what they learned — and unlearned — to lead at the next level.
Great leaders aren't born or made. They're always in the making.
Let's not do that work alone.
Stay curious. Keep learning.
Subscribe to the Learn-It-All Podcast on your favorite platform to never miss an episode.
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$10M Founder: Stop Blaming The Market If Your Business Isn't Growing | Bryan Clayton
6d ago00:48:11Tap to summarizeGetting stuck at $2 or $3 million isn't a market problem. It's a blind spot problem.Bryan Clayton, founder of GreenPal, escaped the trap so many founders fall into — becoming the biggest obstacle to their own growth — and scaled his first company past $10M.In this episode, you will learn:- What helped Bryan break through a years-long plateau in the business- The hiring mistake that cost him years- How to get brutally honest feedback on demand.His story will help you stop being the bottleneck and turn AI into your biggest advantage.Topics discussed:00:00 Introduction00:39 Constructive Dissatisfaction01:51 The Hidden Blind Spot03:03 Know-It-All vs. Learn-It-All06:45 Start Here With AI09:47 Breaking The $3M Plateau11:57 The Hiring Mistake That Cost Years14:03 Why You Hate Your Culture15:52 Resisting Feedback20:21 Ask AI to Roast You23:35 Selling The Business26:21 Life After The Exit29:59 Starting Over At Zero33:01 3 Things to Do in the Early Days36:16 Finding A Blue Ocean41:11 Going Into New Markets43:50 The Road To A Million45:44 Advice For Stuck FoundersConnect with Bryan Clayton:https://www.yourgreenpal.com/https://www.instagram.com/bryanmclayton/https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-clayton-a96b33214/Resources Mentioned:𝘉𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘚𝘦𝘭𝘭: 𝘊𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘉𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘊𝘢𝘯 𝘛𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘠𝘰𝘶 by John Warrillow𝘌𝘹𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘦 𝘖𝘸𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱: 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘜.𝘚. 𝘕𝘢𝘷𝘺 𝘚𝘌𝘈𝘓𝘴 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘞𝘪𝘯 by Jocko Willink𝘉𝘭𝘶𝘦 𝘖𝘤𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘺 by Renée Mauborgne and W. Chan KimAbout the Guest:Bryan Clayton started mowing lawns as a teenager with a push mower. Twenty years later, he’s the CEO of GreenPal — the app Entrepreneur Magazine calls the Uber for lawn care.Before GreenPal, Bryan built one of Tennessee’s largest landscaping companies growing it to over $10 million a year before selling it.Now he’s doing it again — this time with technology. GreenPal connects 300,000 homeowners with reliable lawn pros, handling thousands of jobs every day all over the US.Bryan’s on a mission to bring AI into one of the oldest industries out there — helping small lawn care businesses use data and automation to compete like big companies.From pushing a mower to building a $30 million tech platform, Bryan’s story is all about grit, adaptation, and how old-school hard work can thrive in a high-tech world.Great leaders aren't born. They're always in the making.New episodes of The Learn-It-All Podcast with Damon Lembi every week.📘 Get a free copy of The Learn-It-All Leader: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/3ingcx2pp5Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLearnItAllPodcast?sub_confirmation=1Upskill yourself and your team with Learnit: https://www.learnit.comFollow Damon Lembi:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembiInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/damonlembi#LearnItAll #DamonLembi #Leadership #LeadershipPodcast
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311. How to Lead People Who Know More Than You | Jon Rennie
2w ago00:48:28Tap to summarizeWhat do you do when you are the youngest, least experienced person in the room, but you are still asked to lead? It is a terrifying reality that many young leaders and entrepreneurs face early in their careers. The instinct is to jump in and prove you have everything under control, but true leadership requires a completely different approach.In this episode of The Learn-It-All™ Podcast, Damon sits down with leadership expert, professor, and former nuclear submarine officer Jon Rennie to break down how to successfully lead people who know more than you.Drawing from his high-stakes military background on a nuclear submarine and his experience running eight manufacturing companies, Jon shares why the ultimate answer to your team's problems already exists within the four walls of your organization, if you are humble enough to look for it. Jon and Damon discuss how to break down corporate silos by getting out of the corner office, why you must establish high relational trust to survive a crisis, and how to practically lead just like playing chess or the guitar.Whether you are a corporate executive trying to cut through the management filter or a solo entrepreneur hiring your very first employees, this conversation provides an actionable roadmap to shifting your perspective from being a "non-useful body" to a highly respected, resilient leader.📘 Get a FREE copy of The Learn-It-All Leader Book: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/3ingcx2pp5In this episode, you’ll learn...Why the best way to earn respect when your entire team is older and more experienced than you is to remain present, observe carefully, and get up to speed quickly so you don't become a liability.How to eliminate "us vs. them" mentalities between salary and hourly workers by forcing managers to work side-by-side on the shop floor to face reality and see the true root causes of operational problems.Why senior leaders must resist the urge to immediately hand over answers, and instead use coaching questions to let employees struggle, learn through failure, and build authentic ownership.Why building deep, authentic relationships during normal times gives leaders the leverage and leeway they need to keep their teams motivated and unified when unexpected disruptions hit.Lessons from the Navy submarine community on creating an onboarding culture of positive peer pressure and strict accountability where every single person actively adds value to the mission.Timestamps0:00 Introduction0:55 What to do when your team knows more than you2:04 How young leaders earn respect fast3:38 Why proving yourself can backfire5:46 The “us vs. them” culture hiding in your business6:54 Fridays on the Floor: the habit that changed everything9:28 The management mistake that keeps problems hidden11:45 How to get honest ideas from the front line14:57 Respect is not soft leadership16:55 The union story that did not end perfectly18:21 What corporate leadership misses that submarines get right20:43 Why nobody wants to be a NUB23:36 Leadership is learned by doing, not reading24:36 How to let future leaders fail safely28:14 What changed most in Jon’s leadership style30:03 The danger of becoming a know-it-all31:28 How great leaders find signal in the noise34:30 Why hard times build another gear35:57 What resilient leaders actually do in a crisis38:10 The fastest way to start rebuilding trust40:49 Why fake plastic leaders lose the room41:37 What younger leaders understand about BS44:27 If your team goes quiet, pay attention45:13 The future needs leaders who can handle messy people46:57 Where to connect with Jon Rennie47:36 Damon’s challenge: listen, learn, leadAbout Jon RennieJon is a former U.S. Navy submarine officer who later led eight manufacturing businesses for three global companies over a 22-year corporate career. In 2016, he founded AccuGrid Technologies, a manufacturing company serving the electric utility industry, and now serves in a strategic leadership role. Jon teaches business and leadership at Thales College and hosts the globally ranked Deep Leadership podcast, which sits in the top 1.5% worldwide.Resources and MentionsYou Have To Watch book: https://www.amazon.com/You-Have-Watch-Journal-Following/dp/B09XJFFJ6HAll in the Same Boat book: https://www.amazon.com/All-Same-Boat-Organization-Submariner/dp/B0942FWMKKJon Rennie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonscottrennie/Jon Rennie’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DeepLeadershipPodcastJon Rennie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonsrennie/Jon Rennie’s X: https://x.com/jonsrenniePodcast Contact Information:Website: www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.comSubscribe to the Learn-It-All Podcast: Youtube I Apple I SpotifyFollow Damon Lembi: Linkedin I Instagram I Facebook I X
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310: AI Expert: Stop Measuring AI Adoption Wrong (Here's What Actually Works)
2w ago00:47:16Tap to summarizeEveryone says they're "adopting AI"—but the bills are landing and no one's sure what tokens, logins, or dashboards actually prove. The harder truth: most "AI failures" are human ones in disguise.In this episode of the Learn-It-All™ podcast, Damon Lembi kicks off a new monthly series with Learnit's Chief AI Learning Officer, Christa Hill. In a rapid-fire "agree or disagree" format, they go six rounds on the questions every leader is stuck on.🚀 Get your team into the top 3% of AI users in North America in about four weeks with Learnit's AI Kickstarter: https://www.learnit.com/lp/ai-skills-programIn this episode, you'll learn:Why token usage is the wrong first metric to measureThe hidden cost of the marathon chat sessionWhy "show, don't tell" hackathons beat login counts for tracking real adoption.How to answer the "what's in it for me?" question that stalls adoption in managementAnd much more!Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction: a new monthly series with Christa Hill01:08 - Round 1: Is token usage the right adoption metric?02:00 - Should you track logins and sessions instead?03:17 - Why long chat sessions quietly burn tokens03:56 - Hackathons and "show, don't tell"05:13 - Round 2: Is "just adopt AI" a strategy?06:10 - Raise the literacy floor first07:28 - Why leaders must model the behavior08:52 - Answering "what's in it for me?"11:03 - Ask your AI what it can't do in your job13:00 - The non-binding social contract15:17 - Round 3: If I keep failing, am I doing it wrong?16:23 - The Jenga test for working at the edge17:34 - Does AI stifle critical thinking, or sharpen it?18:18 - The $18,000 mistake and who's at fault21:21 - You own what AI produces23:00 - Christa's Easter-egg swear jar23:30 - Round 4: Do you meet people where they are?24:53 - Christa's honest take on adoption fatigue28:40 - Timeboxing and stacking small wins29:54 - Why there's no finish line30:23 - Round 5: Are the jobs coming back?32:07 - Why the comeback jobs look different32:57 - White Castle and the plumber that fooled Mom35:13 - Round 6: AI adoption or better work?36:51 - Rethinking performance reviews38:08 - Smash or Pass: the tools lightning round38:42 - Claude Cowork (smash)39:26 - Copilot's surprise 10-out-of-1041:47 - Canva (pass, for now)42:49 - Gamma and the death of the fancy deck44:00 - Wispr Flow (smash): throw away your keyboard45:39 - Christa's final challenge: think bigger46:26 - Damon's closing: adoption starts with youAbout Christa Hill:Christa Hill is the Chief AI Learning Officer at Learnit, where she leads the AI Kickstarter program and teaches AI literacy to leaders and teams. She's in live classrooms most of the week, helping organizations move from first exposure to real adoption—and helping leaders navigate the human side of change: fear, resistance, and "what's in it for me?"Resources and Mentions:Soren Kaplan's Inc. article: https://www.inc.com/soren-kaplan/half-of-ai-job-cuts-will-be-reversed-by-2027-gartner-says-heres-the-real-lesson/91361788Learnit AI Kickstarter program: https://www.learnit.com/lp/ai-skills-programWispr Flow (voice-to-text): https://wisprflow.aiClaude & Claude Cowork: https://claude.aiMicrosoft Copilot: https://copilot.microsoft.comChatGPT: https://chatgpt.comCanva: https://www.canva.comGamma: https://gamma.appGreat leaders aren't born. They're always in the making.New episodes of the Learn-It-All™ podcast with Damon Lembi every week.📘 Get a FREE copy of The Learn-It-All Leader Book: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/3ingcx2pp5Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLearnItAllPodcast?sub_confirmation=1Upskill yourself and your team with Learnit: https://www.learnit.comFollow Damon Lembi:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembiInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/damonlembi
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309. AI Is Forcing a Leadership Reset. Are You Prepared? | Sue Bethanis
2w ago00:47:19Tap to summarizeAre your employees silently resisting your latest technology mandates, or are you accidentally destroying trust by throwing down executive edicts?In this episode of The Learn-It-All™ Podcast, Damon sits down with executive coach and change management expert Sue Bethanis to unpack why the AI economy demands a massive shift from traditional "change management" to high-empathy leadership. For 30 years, Sue has helped executive teams navigate monumental shifts, from the .com bust and the Great Recession to COVID-19 and now generative AI. She reveals why simply commanding workers to adopt tools like ChatGPT or Claude creates widespread anxiety and stalling, and explains why true productivity takes time, experimentation, and psychological safety.Damon and Sue dive deep into what sets human leadership apart in a world where anyone can access the same data with the push of a button. You’ll discover how to move your team from functional users to fluent innovators by sharpening human-centric skills like taste, discernment, creative judgment, and deep design thinking.Whether you are a risk-averse senior leader trying to protect your organization or a change agent pushing for rapid iteration, this conversation delivers actionable coaching frameworks to replace workplace tension with curiosity, grace, and meaningful connection.📘 Get a FREE copy of The Learn-It-All Leader Book: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/3ingcx2pp5In this episode, you’ll learn...Why the AI era is uniquely threatening to knowledge workersWhy sending top-down corporate mandates fails miserably, and how leaders can put on a coaching hat to physically sit with team members, practice empathetic listening, and lower adoption anxieties.How to step away from rigid timelines and instead iterate with your employees by identifying real pain points, engaging in rapid prototyping, and fostering a culture that celebrates "failing fast".Why true innovation means shifting focus away from the repetitive "making" process and spending your energy on developing a unique market perspective and creative vision.A 3-step physical reset to prevent corporate blowoutsWhy it is completely okay if you aren't seeing massive, instantaneous productivity spikes a year into deployment, and how viewing the tool as a partner on a "tandem bike" helps build sustainable, long-term velocity.Timestamps00:00 Episode preview and introduction01:19 Why AI feels different from every past disruption02:53 The hidden pattern behind every major change03:58 Why leaders accidentally make resistance worse05:02 The shift from driving change to inspiring it06:42 Why empathy is now a leadership skill08:40 The trust problem slowing AI adoption10:15 Where leaders should actually start with AI12:07 Why “fail fast” needs more grace13:29 The Slack message that exposed AI fear15:01 The ROI mistake companies keep making16:53 Why humans are still responsible for AI output18:16 The real skill that separates people in the AI economy20:55 The sand pile lesson for unpredictable change23:16 What leaders can learn from a late-night parenting moment26:39 The question that buys leaders time27:34 How to repair trust after losing your cool29:08 What sports teach leaders about pressure31:08 Balancing intensity with empathy34:52 Why critical thinking has become non-negotiable36:26 How AI can help you influence upward38:59 Why audience context changes every decision40:09 The difference between AI advice and human coaching43:22 Why the best leaders still ask for coaching45:29 Where to connect with Sue Bethanis46:09 Damon’s challenge to every leader using AIAbout Sue BethanisSue Bethanis is the Founder and CEO of Mariposa Leadership, an elite executive coaching and leadership development firm celebrating its 30th anniversary. For three decades, Sue has coached top-tier executives at iconic Silicon Valley tech companies, including Apple, Yahoo, Pinterest, and Amazon, guiding them through massive economic and technological disruptions. Alongside tech veteran Ethan Evans, she co-teaches the highly acclaimed Maven course, "Cracking the C-Suite in the AI Economy," where she trains senior leaders to scale corporate culture, build executive presence, and act as strategic change agents.Resources and MentionsSue Bethanis’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suebethanis/Mariposa Leadership website: https://mariposaleadership.com/From Resistance to Resilience: Our Roles as Change Agents in AI Adoption: https://levelupwithethanevans.substack.com/p/from-resistance-to-resilience-ourCracking the C-Suite in the AI Economy: https://maven.com/ethan-evans/cracking-the-c-suitePodcast Contact Information:Website: www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.comSubscribe to the Learn-It-All Podcast: Youtube I Apple I SpotifyFollow Damon Lembi: Linkedin I Instagram I Facebook I X
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308. The Neuroscience of High Performance: 3 Steps for Clarity & Confidence | Angus Nelson
3w ago01:07:10Tap to summarizeAre you working incredibly hard but still feel like something is missing? In an era of AI integration, market volatility, and relentless global economic issues, it’s easy to default to a head-down hustle mentality. But the truth is, you can’t outwork velocity.In this episode of The Learn-It-All™ Podcast, Damon sits down with executive coach and author Angus Nelson to reveal why the single most expensive bottleneck in any business today isn't weak strategy or broken systems, it's a disregulated nervous system. If your inner operating system is running on scarcity, control, and fear, your decision-making stalls, brain fog rolls in, and talent hemorrhages. Angus shares how high performers can shift their framing from external accolades back to internal sovereignty and personal power.Tune in to discover how to bridge the knowledge-action gap, transform your psychology from a victim mentality into full agency, and learn a practical blueprint to stop white-knuckling your way through life so you can finally remember "who the f*** you are."📘 Get a FREE copy of The Learn-It-All Leader Book: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/3ingcx2pp5In this episode, you’ll learn...How to identify a disregulated nervous system in corporate leadership through micro-moments, like snapping at a spilled coffee or offloading self-trust onto consultants and advisers.The dangers of "people-pleasing" and micromanagement behaviors, revealing how stepping into a situation to "help" is often just a guise for a leader trying to enforce control out of fear.The secret to becoming the most powerful person in any room by adopting a psychological framework of nothingness: having nothing to gain, nothing to prove, and nothing to lose.The mechanics of the C³ Protocol: Clarity, Capacity, and Composure, and how moving through these three pillars allows leaders to stop reacting blindly to chaos and start moving with swiftness and auditing their own behavior.How to execute a 10-Minute Revolution using a daily sequence of affirmation, identity work, and concrete choices to pull your idealized future self directly into your current day-to-day actions.The power of the "Spice Girl Principle" in coaching to cut through what leaders don't want, forcing absolute honesty regarding their true desires and personal destinations.Timestamps00:00 - Introduction01:06 - Why high performers still feel stuck02:42 - The tiny signs your nervous system is running the show04:01 - When “helping” becomes control05:19 - What resilience actually means under pressure09:30 - When AI makes people question their value10:43 - The dangerous phrase leaders can’t afford anymore13:38 - The $72,000 failure that changed Angus’ life17:32 - Why great coaching requires telling the truth20:52 - What happens when leaders finally give themselves permission33:11 - Why the inner critic is not actually the enemy35:29 - Damon’s honest fear as a business owner38:04 - The Spice Girl principle for getting honest39:50 - What human success really means41:35 - How stable leaders become magnetic47:45 - The leaders who changed what people believed was possible50:13 - Three signs you need a nervous system upgrade55:07 - The 10-minute revolution58:59 - How to walk like the person you’re becoming1:02:34 - What Angus hopes readers say one year later1:04:08 - Where to get Neuro-Resilient Leader book1:05:50 - Damon’s final challenge to listenersAbout Angus NelsonAngus Nelson is the author of Neuro-Resilient Leader and the founder of Evolve Leadership. He helps entrepreneurs and high-performing leaders install Leadership Stability, the ability to make clear, high-stakes decisions without burnout by recalibrating the nervous system. He has advised executives at Cisco, FedEx, and Workday and shares his C³ Protocol: Clarity, Capacity, and Composure, with leaders navigating pressure, uncertainty, and rapid change.Resources and MentionsNeuro-Resilient Leader book: https://www.amazon.com/Neuro-Resilient-Leader-Internal-Operating/dp/1636988792Angus Nelson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angusnelson/Angus Nelson’s Website: https://angusnelson.com/Angus Nelson’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coachangusnelson10 Minute Leaders: https://angusnelson.com/10-minute-leadersEvolve Leadership Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/evolve-leadership/id1040543696Podcast Contact Information:Website: www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.comSubscribe to the Learn-It-All Podcast: Youtube I Apple I SpotifyFollow Damon Lembi: Linkedin I Instagram I Facebook I X
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307. The Hidden Cost of Being Great at Your Job | Billy Keels
3w ago01:08:47Tap to summarizeAre you getting on planes you don't actually need to be on? It is easy to confuse your corporate role with your personal identity, especially when you are a high performer consistently hitting the president's club. But what is the hidden cost of chasing that next title, bigger team, or salary increase?In this episode of The Learn-It-All™ Podcast, Damon sits down with Strategic Advisor, Author, and Top-Ranked Podcast Host Billy Keels to discuss what happens when your identity gets completely wrapped up in your corporate lifestyle. Billy shares his personal wake-up call from October 2012, when he found himself boarding a flight for an executive meeting in Germany on his son's third birthday, physically feeling sick because he was far away from the people he wanted to be with. He dives deep into the corporate "busy-ness" that keeps high achievers frantic and explains why every corporate relationship eventually ends.If you are a high-earning corporate executive trying to figure out how to stop being just a corporate number, manage the chaos of a side business, and gain control of your calendar, this conversation provides a strategic roadmap to designing a life where your job becomes completely optional.📘 Get a FREE copy of The Learn-It-All Leader Book: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/3ingcx2pp5In this episode, you’ll learn...Why Billy’s flight on his son’s third birthday exposed the hidden cost of tying your identity to your corporate roleHow high performers can separate their title from their values before the next promotion, paycheck, or business trip starts making decisions for themWhy “spending time” with family is not the same as “investing time,” and how intentional presence changes the way leaders show up at homeHow to calculate your optionality number so your job becomes a choice instead of a financial dependencyWhy every corporate relationship eventually ends, and how to build a backstop before layoffs, leadership changes, or personal crises force your handHow Billy helps executives reclaim time, structure a side business, and stay successful at work without sacrificing the life they say matters mostTimestamps00:00 - Introduction00:53 - The birthday flight that changed Billy’s life02:27 - When the plane took off and his heart sank06:21 - Why high achievers keep choosing the job07:32 - When your title becomes who you are10:15 - The three-part clarity framework11:47 - Spending time vs. investing time13:28 - Finding your optionality number19:09 - Why high achievers struggle to ask for help20:41 - The scary part of finally opening up23:38 - Moving out of victim mentality26:57 - Are you just a corporate number?29:35 - Why companies protect themselves first31:57 - How to build optionality while keeping your paycheck34:34 - Do you really need to work those extra 15 hours?36:21 - The path to making your role optional37:26 - What money is actually for39:00 - What truly high performers have in common41:46 - Why successful executives reach out for help43:14 - When a high income still does not feel like freedom48:46 - How to define what “being present” actually means50:55 - When real change starts to show up54:34 - The two types of executives Billy helps most56:45 - Why podcasting can change your life and brand01:00:16 - How podcasting built Billy’s confidence and network01:04:21 - The fatherhood practice Billy is most proud of01:06:08 - Where to connect with Billy01:08:02 - Damon’s challenge: Are you getting on planes you do not need to be on?About Billy KeelsBilly Keels is a national best-selling author, host of the top 1.5% globally ranked “Going Long Podcast”, and expert/go-to executive coach for enterprise-level executives around the world. Based in Barcelona, Spain, Billy is an international speaker and elite advisor to ambitious C-level leaders looking to maximize their positions and opportunities while maintaining their existing career security and stability. Billy is on a mission to help high earning executives multiply their options for the future.Resources and MentionsBilly Keels’ website: https://www.billykeels.com/Billy Keels’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billykeels/The Going Long Podcast: https://www.billykeels.com/podcastThe Pathway to Optionality: https://www.makeitoptional.com/Podcast Contact Information:Website: www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.comSubscribe to the Learn-It-All Podcast: Youtube I Apple I SpotifyFollow Damon Lembi: Linkedin I Instagram I Facebook I X
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306. He Studied Baseball For 30 Years. Here's What It Taught Him About Leadership. | Ken Davidoff
4w ago00:48:01Tap to summarizeAre you ready to transform your failures into your greatest competitive advantage?In the high-stakes world of Major League Baseball, even the best players fail seven out of ten times. In this episode, Damon sits down with 30-year veteran sports journalist Ken Davidoff to discuss how the resilience learned on the diamond can be the ultimate blueprint for success in the boardroom and at home. Drawing from his book, 101 Lessons from the Dugout, Ken shares powerful stories of Hall of Famers and everyday leaders who mastered the art of "tagging up", pausing to control reactions before they spiral. Whether you are a first-time manager struggling with a "rough outing" or a parent trying to help your child navigate the pressures of youth sports, this conversation offers actionable strategies on building trust through "small ball," prioritizing under pressure with "fielder’s choice" logic, and leading with the authenticity of a World Series manager.Stop playing "not to lose" and start learning how to pace yourself through the grind of any season.📘 Get a FREE copy of The Learn-It-All Leader Book: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/3ingcx2pp5In this episode, you’ll learn...Why accepting failure, digesting it, and moving on is a prerequisite for both professional growth and mental strength.Why taking a literal three-second pause before reacting to a frustrating email or a spilled glass of juice can prevent "volcano" moments and preserve your relationships.Why you shouldn't always "swing for the fences" early on; instead, focus on being consistent, meeting people, and building a foundation of trust that allows you to take bigger risks later.A simple mental framework for deciding where to "step on the gas" when your to-do list is overflowing or your child is struggling with multiple subjects.Why the most revered leaders are defined not by their "scorecard" stats, but by their authenticity, curiosity, and how they treat everyone from the janitor to the CEO.Why taking pride in your space and "cleaning up your own messes", literal or metaphorical, sets a standard that transcends winning or losing.Timestamps0:00 - Introduction1:16 - Baseball’s brutal lesson about failure2:31 - The dropped catch nobody forgot4:23 - What leaders can learn from a bad outing5:34 - When parents make youth sports harder6:22 - How 101 Lessons from the Dugout began8:50 - The hidden power of the on-deck circle12:29 - What kids learn when they sit on the bench14:43 - The Little League catch Ken still remembers16:48 - The baseball rule that can stop your anger19:43 - Why “small ball” built Ken’s career21:49 - How one quiet story earned years of trust24:55 - How to repair a damaged relationship27:36 - David Wright’s lesson for struggling kids29:37 - The World Series moment that proved chapter 9232:13 - Why Don Mattingly is remembered without a ring34:54 - The lesson Ken wishes made the book37:39 - How fielder’s choice teaches priorities41:00 - What great managers do differently43:41 - The two lessons Ken hopes families actually use44:15 - How parents can stop chasing wins through their kids46:05 - Damon’s final challenge for coaches, parents, and leadersAbout Ken DavidoffKen Davidoff is a renowned sports journalist who spent 30 years covering Major League Baseball for major outlets, including the New York Post. Throughout his career, he has interviewed thousands of players, managers, and agents, covering legendary teams and historic World Series matchups. Ken is currently an adjunct professor of journalism at a college in Massachusetts. He is the co-author of 101 Lessons from the Dugout: What Baseball and Softball Can Teach Us About the Game of Life, a book that translates the timeless wisdom of baseball and softball into life lessons for parents, children, and professionals.Resources and Mentions101 Lessons from the Dugout book: https://www.amazon.com/101-Lessons-Dugout-Baseball-Softball/dp/B0F7H3553SKen Davidoff’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-davidoff-220b7a4/Ken Davidoff’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kendavidoff/Podcast Contact Information:Website: www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.comSubscribe to the Learn-It-All Podcast: Youtube I Apple I SpotifyFollow Damon Lembi: Linkedin I Instagram I Facebook I X
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305. "I Didn't Think I Was a Leader" — Then He Captained the All Blacks 52 Times | Kieran Read
4w ago00:53:26Tap to summarizeWhat if the secret to elite leadership isn't a natural-born talent, but a learned skill forged through vulnerability and connection? Many emerging leaders struggle with imposter syndrome, questioning if they are "good enough" to lead more experienced peers or step into high-pressure roles.In this episode of The Learn-It-All™ Podcast, Damon sits down with Kieran Read, former captain of the legendary New Zealand All Blacks, to discuss the transition from high-performing individual contributor to world-class leader. Kieran reveals why the most impactful leaders lead through authentic action rather than "big speeches," how to build trust by initiating care and connection first, and the importance of having the courage to be "uncomfortable" to achieve true growth.Whether you are a first-time manager or a senior director, Kieran’s insights on "horizontal leadership" and empowering those around you will help you develop the confidence to lead your team toward excellence.📘 Get a FREE copy of The Learn-It-All Leader Book: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/3ingcx2pp5In this episode, you’ll learn...Why trying to emulate a "movie version" of a leader often fails, and how sticking to your personal values and personality builds more trust and connection with your team.How to build a foundation of care and connection through simple daily interactions like sitting with someone new at lunch, before attempting to hold people to high levels of accountability.Strategies for young leaders to gain respect from senior team members by utilizing their expertise and focusing on owning your specific role rather than trying to do everything yourself.Why a leader must "flip a switch" from disappointment back to work to best prepare their team for the next challenge.Why the number one job of a coach or leader is to build a team member's confidence until they are ready to believe in their own "invincibility".Timestamps0:00 - Introduction1:17 - The dream Kieran Read never thought was realistic2:52 - When a coach sees the leader before you do4:50 - The first thing new leaders should figure out7:33 - How to lead people older and more experienced than you9:11 - The leadership mistake TV teaches you to make10:25 - The loss that taught Kieran he was trying too hard11:47 - Why the best teams don’t depend on one leader13:28 - The phone call every New Zealand kid dreams of15:04 - Walking into a locker room full of legends20:03 - What to do when your ego gets bruised21:39 - What Richie McCaw quietly taught about leadership25:13 - Taking over after a legend without copying him27:38 - Why leaders need to connect before they correct30:26 - The hidden weight of leading under pressure32:12 - How trust makes hard conversations easier34:02 - The conversation leaders avoid until it costs them38:38 - The price of being someone people look up to40:50 - The seven-month reflection that changed his next chapter44:38 - Why belief has to come before confidence46:13 - The coach’s real job isn’t technical47:12 - Inside Kieran’s Human Endeavour leadership program49:59 - Why leadership is learned, not born51:26 - The snowball effect of better leaders52:07 - The legacy that matters more than winningAbout Kieran ReadKieran Read is a legendary figure in international sports, having captained the New Zealand All Blacks 52 times during a career that included two World Cup championships. Rising from a self-described "shy kid" to a global leader, Kieran transitioned into professional leadership coaching after a period of intense self-reflection and academic study of applied management. Today, he is a keynote speaker and the creator of The Human Endeavour, a program dedicated to distilling his years of high-performance experience into actionable leadership pillars for the corporate and sporting worlds.Resources and MentionsKieran Read’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieran-read-00821384/Kieran Read’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kieranread08/The Human Endeavour Program: https://www.redseed.com/kieranread-leadershipKieran Read’s website: https://www.kieranread.co.nz/Podcast Contact Information:Website: www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.comSubscribe to the Learn-It-All Podcast: Youtube I Apple I SpotifyFollow Damon Lembi: Linkedin I Instagram I Facebook I X
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304. Why Your Skills Aren't Enough to Get What You Want | Quinn Harwood
Jun 1801:04:15Tap to summarizeAre you settling for stagnant performance because you're wrestling with a deep-seated lack of confidence or the "imposter syndrome" mask?In this episode of The Learn-It-All™ Podcast, Damon sits down with executive coach and author Quinn Harwood to dismantle the barriers that keep high-performing emerging leaders from reaching their next level. Quinn shares his journey from professional basketball with the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers, where a teenage Kobe Bryant showed him the true meaning of "next level" confidence, to coaching thousands on how to bridge the gap between performance and results. They dive into the psychology of the "hypocrite monster," the critical pivot from a victim mentality to radical ownership, and why a "gateway habit" at the end of your day is more impactful than your morning routine.If you are a millennial or Gen Z leader feeling stuck in your career growth, this conversation provides a clear roadmap to align your mission with your money and build unshakeable resilience.📘 Get a FREE copy of The Learn-It-All Leader Book: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/3ingcx2pp5In this episode, you’ll learn...How to defeat the "hypocrite monster"Why moving from "the blame game" to a solutions-based mindset is the ultimate game-changer for reducing stress and achieving consistent results.The "Kobe Level" of confidence: How to move past an intrinsic lack of confidence by attacking your growth gaps with a "Mamba Mentality."Why developing social skills and the ability to influence emotions is the only way to bridge the connection void created by remote work and technology.Why closing out your day with a "midnight mirror" reflection is more critical for your vitality than focusing solely on morning habits.Timestamps[00:00] Introduction[01:01] The hidden reason high performers stay stuck[01:51] What Kobe Bryant revealed before the NBA[03:35] Where real confidence actually comes from[08:26] How leaders build belief without lowering standards[10:31] The three zones of becoming strong in life[12:11] What three injuries taught him about belief[14:13] The hypocrite monster every leader has to face[15:29] Why GrowthTime! had to become a fable[18:33] The ownership lesson most young leaders miss[21:37] When ownership gets replaced by victimhood[24:21] The coaching question that exposed the real problem[26:44] The village called Youville[29:19] Why ego quietly keeps leaders stuck[31:46] How to find purpose when everything feels fuzzy[33:35] Why AI cannot replace emotional intelligence[36:15] The remote work trap future leaders need to understand[39:41] Why learning without action changes nothing[42:26] What empowered confidence really feels like[43:51] The adulting gift every graduate needs[45:03] Why people hire Coach Q when they feel stuck[48:24] The gateway habit that changes everything[51:06] Where to connect with Coach Q[51:53] Damon’s challenge: ownership, growth, and getting unstuck[52:39] Damon and Madison unpack the Coach Q conversation[53:28] Is Learnit really a confidence intervention?[55:44] How to act before anxiety takes over[59:25] The uncomfortable truth about psychological safety[01:00:16] Why leaders should celebrate failure first[01:03:00] The lesson Damon learned from his daughter’s bike raceAbout Quinn HarwoodQuinn Harwood is an executive coach, author, and former professional basketball player. After a career that included stints with the Los Angeles Lakers' summer league and the Los Angeles Clippers, Quinn transitioned into leadership, serving as a general manager for high-performance organizations before moving into full-time coaching. He is the author of GrowthTime!: The Clear Path to Unlock Your Best Life and Leadership, a coaching fable designed to help emerging leaders navigate their personal and professional growth journeys. Quinn is dedicated to helping "mission movers" align their values with their careers through his coaching and his "Monday Movers Mindset" newsletter.Resources and MentionsGrowthTime!: The Clear Path to Unlock Your Best Life and Leadership book: https://www.amazon.com/GrowthTime-Coaching-Fable-Unlock-Leadership/dp/B0F1G847H4Quinn Harwood’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/quinn-harwood-455517108/Quinn Harwood’s website: https://coachqharwood.com/Podcast Contact Information:Website: www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.comSubscribe to the Learn-It-All Podcast: Youtube I Apple I SpotifyFollow Damon Lembi: Linkedin I Instagram I Facebook I X
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303. The #1 Reason Companies Fail (& How To Fix It) | Jamie Shaver
Jun 1600:53:50Tap to summarizeAre you launching great ideas only to watch them fall apart at the finish line?Many organizations struggle with execution because they start with a creative idea rather than a foundational strategy. In this episode of The Learn-It-All™ Podcast, Damon sits down with Jamie Shaver, a strategic marketing leader who specializes in helping companies "get amped" and win. Jamie reveals why a "confused mind says no", whether it's a prospect on your website or an employee tasked with a new initiative. They discuss the critical internal-external alignment needed for success, why 95% of AI projects fail to get past the pilot phase, and how to stop "lollygagging" by implementing core values that actually drive accountability.If you’re tired of mediocre marketing and inconsistent leadership messaging, Jamie shares her blueprint for flipping the script: starting with strategy to give birth to messaging that sticks.📘 Get a FREE copy of The Learn-It-All Leader Book: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/3ingcx2pp5In this episode, you’ll learn...Why jumping straight to creative output creates execution gapsHow to use the same principles you use to win external clients, like identifying pain points and ideal profiles to gain internal buy-in for new initiatives.How a lack of workflow integration and unaddressed employee fears about job security keep 95% of AI projects in "pilot purgatory."How to move beyond generic values like "integrity" to descriptive behaviors that empower teams to tackle antiquated platforms and changing interfaces.Jamie’s exact method for sussing out a victim mentality by asking candidates to finish the sentence: "I would be a better leader if..."Why the best leaders learn to let the silence sit during an interview to truly understand a candidate's emotional maturity and intuition.How to protect your team’s culture by exercising your option to give notice to clients who don't align with your core values.Timestamps00:00 — Introduction01:13 — Why great ideas still fall apart02:37 — The Slack message that creates chaos04:21 — Why 95% of AI projects stall07:24 — The questions leaders skip before launching AI08:46 — Why slowing down makes teams faster12:51 — The small things that build real trust15:23 — The sentence every team needs to hear18:22 — When flexibility starts creating confusion19:37 — What to do when someone “crushes it” in less time20:58 — The second question that reveals motivation22:29 — Why canceling one-on-ones sends the wrong message23:36 — Core values you can actually fire by24:28 — Why “figure it out” became a core value26:42 — The interview question that exposes ownership28:21 — How to spot a victim mindset before hiring29:38 — Why silence might be your best interview tool31:19 — The belief Jamie has about every leader34:44 — How AMPED keeps values off the wall36:18 — The rebel value every company needs39:16 — How leaders create safety for hard feedback42:11 — The scoreboard that scares the wrong people43:32 — When a client deserves to be cut45:09 — Why mediocre marketing is everywhere46:51 — The bicycle wheel lesson for better strategy53:04 — Damon’s challenge for leaders and teamsAbout Jamie ShaverJamie Shaver is a strategic leader at AMPED, a full-service strategic marketing agency dedicated to eradicating marketing mediocrity. She works with mid-size B2B businesses, manufacturing companies, and global brands to build comprehensive strategies that drive measurable wins. Jamie is a proponent of "truth in love" leadership and believes that small things done consistently are what build lasting trust in any organization.Resources and MentionsJamie Shaver’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-shaver-ampedAMPED’s website: https://ampedstrategy.com/Podcast Contact Information:Website: www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.comSubscribe to the Learn-It-All Podcast: Youtube I Apple I SpotifyFollow Damon Lembi: Linkedin I Instagram I Facebook I X
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