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.
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61episodes
Episodes
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282. How Great Leaders Build Winning Habits | James Laughlin
Mar 300:48:19Tap to summarizeWhat actually separates the great from the greatest, and why do so many successful leaders still battle self-doubt?In this episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, Damon Lembi sits down with high-performance coach and former 7-time world champion drummer James Laughlin to break down what truly drives elite leadership performance.James shares the principles behind his book Habits of High Performers, revealing how leaders can consistently exceed norms while maintaining healthy relationships and well-being. From rewiring belief systems and battling imposter syndrome to using visualization to rehearse success under pressure, this conversation goes deep into the psychology and practical frameworks behind sustainable high performance.If you’re serious about leadership development, mindset mastery, habit formation, long-term vision planning, and building sustainable high performance without burning out, this episode delivers frameworks you can apply immediately.In This Episode, You’ll LearnWhy high performance is not a birthright but a habit, and how hustle leads to illness, not sustained successHow to rewire your belief systems around failure, money, success, and happiness so they serve your growthHow visualization works as a mental rehearsal, so you can perform with pressure, instead of under pressureWhy work-life balance is unrealistic, and what “work-life counterbalance” actually looks like in practiceHow great leaders spot strengths in others that people can’t yet see in themselvesTimestamps:00:00 – Episode preview and introduction02:00 – What separates the great from the greatest?03:22 – Why copying Oprah’s habits won’t make you elite06:36 – What “heartset” really means08:01 – Why James wrote Habits of High Performers09:15 – How his book differs from Stephen R. Covey’s 7 Habits15:29 – Why most companies get values wrong17:06 – You’re full of BS: understanding belief systems18:52 – Rewiring your beliefs around failure21:47 – Visualization as mental rehearsal for pressure23:40 – Pivoting, feedback, and learning agility24:35 – Is high performance innate or learned?26:47 – Why work-life balance is nonsense28:12 – The VP Filter decision-making framework31:26 – Choosing family over fame: the school play decision34:17 – If you don’t make time for health, you’ll make time for sickness36:38 – The 3-2-1 evening routine for elite sleep38:48 – The real struggle of high achievers: imposter syndrome40:20 – The Personal Victory Journal framework43:13 – Why great leaders build belief before behavior45:35 – Success planning and reverse engineering your goals47:12 – Where to connect with James LaughlinAbout James LaughlinJames Laughlin is a globally recognized high-performance coach, leadership strategist, and keynote speaker who works with CEOs, elite athletes, world champions, and political leaders.Before coaching executives and national leaders, James was a 7-time world champion drummer, traveling internationally to help teams achieve world-class performance. That experience shaped his deep understanding of mindset, discipline, and sustained excellence under pressure.Today, James advises organizations and top performers across industries on how to build empowering habits, rewire belief systems, and consistently exceed norms while maintaining healthy relationships and well-being. He is also the host of the Habits of High Performers podcast and the author of Habits of High Performers.Resources and MentionsHabits of High Performers Book: https://thehabitbook.com/James Laughlin’s website: https://www.jjlaughlin.com/Personal Leadership Planner: https://www.jjlaughlin.com/plannerJames Laughlin’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jameslaughlinofficial/James Laughlin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameslaughlincoaching/Habits of High Performers Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/habits-of-high-performers-podcast-with-james-laughlin/id1547874035Damon Lembi on the Habits of High Performers Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgoaDFycbbIPodcast Contact Information:Website: www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.com
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281. Bold AI Predictions for Work by 2027 | Damon Lembi
Feb 2500:24:19Tap to summarizeWhat does the future of work look like when AI becomes not just a tool, but a teammate?In this episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, Damon Lembi is joined by Mickey Fitch-Collins, host of the Learnit Lounge Podcast, to explore bold AI predictions for the workforce by 2027. From reshaping leadership to redefining human roles, the shift is already underway. Organizations are grappling with how to integrate AI effectively and how to redesign workflows to incorporate this powerful new teammate.Are your skills future-proof? Tune in to uncover what leaders and employees need to thrive in the AI-driven future.In This Episode, You’ll LearnThe biggest macro shift in the future of work: How AI is moving from a tool to a true teammate, collaborating alongside humans.The essential human skills, like empathy, critical thinking, and decision-making, are needed to lead in the AI era.Real-world examples of AI enhancing human productivity by handling tasks, giving leaders and teams more time to focus on high-level strategy and problem-solving.The transition from task-oriented jobs to roles focused on decision-making, problem-solving, and strategic outcomes.How the next generation will thrive with AI: Predictions for AI-native workers and how mentorship and reverse mentoring will shape the future of career development.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction02:18 - How AI is moving beyond being a tool and becoming a collaborative teammate.04:12 - The hidden dangers and lessons learned from early AI adoption failures.07:32 - Will AI change the way we do our jobs completely?10:14 - The critical human skills that will set successful leaders apart in an AI-driven world.13:27 - The next generation of workers will grow up with AI as a co-worker.17:52 - Why AI fluency isn’t just for the younger generation, and how reverse mentoring can shape the future.20:38 - Damon and Mickey’s bold predictions on how humans and AI will collaborate in the future.About Damon LembiDamon 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 and Mentions:Connect with Damon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi/Download Damon’s book: https://BookHip.com/FTZRCJBPodcast Contact Information:Website: www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.comFollow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for updates.
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280. Breaking Free from Perfectionism | Todd Patkin
Feb 2400:49:35Tap to summarizeDo you feel trapped in the endless cycle of perfectionism, constantly striving for flawlessness only to burn out? It might feel like the more you achieve, the less fulfilled you become.In this episode, Damon is joined by Todd Patkin, a former business leader turned happiness expert, to unpack how perfectionism can secretly be sabotaging your life and career. Todd shares his personal journey of overcoming anxiety and depression, breaking free from perfectionism, and finding true happiness through simple but powerful habits.You’ll learn how perfectionism isn’t a badge of honor, but a hidden trap, and how the simple act of embracing imperfection can transform your well-being. Todd’s insights, including practical steps to improve mental health, like the power of exercise and self-compassion, are invaluable for anyone looking to escape the toxic mindset of "everything must be perfect."In this episode, you'll learn:Why perfectionism can lead to burnout and even breakdown, even for the most successful leadersHow to replace harmful perfectionist thinking with healthier, more productive habits, starting with a 20-minute morning routineThe importance of exercise as a quick and effective tool to shift your mindset from negativity to positivityWhy we need to stop beating ourselves up for mistakes and focus on the good we do each dayTodd’s powerful 12-week happiness plan, including how to be kinder to yourself and cultivate gratitudeTimestamps:[00:00] - Episode preview and introduction[02:15] - How Todd’s perfect life led to an unexpected breakdown.[04:38] - The childhood struggle that fueled Todd's perfectionism and shaped his future.[07:24] - How chasing perfection in business left Todd at a breaking point.[10:09] - The turning point that helped Todd shift from burnout to breakthrough.[13:11] - Why moving your body might be the key to healing your mind.[15:28] - Start your mornings right and transform your entire mindset.[17:53] - Break free from paralyzing fear and embrace the present moment.[21:19] - How striving for perfection at home and work can destroy your connections.[24:11] - Discover the proven process that helped Todd reclaim his joy.[26:33] - Shift your mindset with one simple, life-changing practice.[29:43] - How to stop measuring your success against others and start living for yourself.[32:04] - Why reaching out to old friends could be the key to unlocking your happiness.[34:29] - Todd’s top advice for leaders who are trapped in perfectionism.[37:22] - How to start your own journey to happiness today.About Todd PatkinTodd Patkin is a successful former business leader, author, and philanthropist. After running his family business for 18 years, he faced a personal crisis that led him to re-evaluate his life. Todd's book, Finding Happiness, details his journey from burnout and depression to discovering how anyone can lead a more fulfilled life. He now dedicates his time to teaching others how to break free from the shackles of perfectionism, build better habits, and find lasting happiness. His 12-week program is designed to help individuals reclaim their joy and transform their lives.Resources and MentionsTodd Patkin’s Website: toddpatkin.comTodd Patkin’s Email: tpatkin@tgpco.orgFinding Happiness Book: https://toddpatkin.com/about-book/Todd Patkin’s 12-Week Masterclass Program: https://toddpatkin.com/course/Podcast Contact Information:Website: www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.comFollow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for updates.
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279. How to Stop Getting Ghosted After the First Sales Meeting | Lee Salz
Feb 1700:45:06Tap to summarizeEver been ghosted after a first sales meeting you thought went well? It’s frustrating when momentum dies before you ever get a second conversation. Lee Salz says it often happens for one simple reason: most sales teams don’t have a prescribed way to run the first meeting, so they default to “discovery.” And discovery, in his words, is an egocentric sales step. Meanwhile, the buyer is thinking, “I have 400 things to do… what do I get out of meeting with you?”In this episode, Damon sits down with bestselling author Lee Salz to break down how to stop getting ghosted by replacing discovery with a value-led consultation. Lee explains why the first meeting sets the foundation for every deal, how to pace the sales process instead of cramming everything into one call, and how to engage emotion so your prospect leaves thinking three powerful words: they get me.If you sell in a competitive B2B environment where buyers already have a provider in place, this conversation will help you run a stronger first meeting, differentiate earlier, and secure the next step before the call ends. Drawing from The First Meeting Differentiator, Lee shares a clear, repeatable framework sales leaders and individual contributors can implement immediately.In this episode, you'll learn:Why the first meeting is the deal foundation, and how weak first meetings create closing problems later in the sales cycleHow to stop getting ghosted after the first sales meeting by replacing discovery with a consultation that delivers meaningful valueThe best first meeting agenda question to earn trust fast: “For this to be a great use of your time, what do you want to make sure we cover today?”How to engage emotion in sales conversations so prospects feel “they get me” and want to keep interacting with youThe two non-negotiables to secure the next meeting before you hang up: a defined next step and a scheduled next interaction on the calendarTimestamps:00:00 - Episode preview and introduction01:22 - Is your first meeting setting you up for failure?04:04 - The secret to turning discovery into a game-changing consultation06:09 - Why your prospect might forget 90% of your meeting09:25 - Why your deal falls apart before it even starts15:25 - The one question you’re probably not asking (And why it matters)19:09 - The hidden power of emotions in sales25:13 - Why stories are your secret weapon in sales and how to tell them right28:52 - Is your ideal client actually the right fit?35:22 - How to keep your prospects coming back for more39:19 - The hidden mistake salespeople make at the end of every meeting41:16 - Why sales leaders are the key to your successAbout Lee SalzLee Salz is a globally recognized sales expert, bestselling author, and founder of Sales Architects. With years of experience in the sales industry, he is known for his innovative approach to sales strategies and leadership. Lee has worked with organizations across various industries, helping them transform their sales processes and close more deals. He is the author of The First Meeting Differentiator, which provides salespeople with actionable advice to ensure that their first meeting sets the stage for a successful partnership.Resources and MentionsSales Architects Website: https://salesarchitects.com/The First Meeting Differentiator: https://firstmeetingbook.com/Lee Salz’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theleesalz/videosPodcast Contact Information:Website: www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.comFollow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for updates.
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278. Why CEOs Must Train Like Athletes | Pearce Cucchissi
Feb 1000:57:07Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Learn-It-All™ Podcast, host Damon Lembi welcomes Pearce Cucchissi, a former Army Ranger and elite performance coach who specializes in human optimization for both world-class athletes and top executives. Pearce shares groundbreaking insights into why CEOs must train like athletes to sustain their peak performance and avoid burnout. He discusses the essential human operating system that underpins both elite athletes and executives, highlighting the importance of mental resilience, physical optimization, and strategic habits. Tune in to learn how executives can implement simple yet powerful changes in their routines to extend their careers, improve their health, and thrive under pressure.Whether you're looking to optimize your mental state or enhance your physical well-being, this episode offers actionable strategies to transform your leadership approach.In this episode, you'll learn:Why CEOs and executives should adopt athletic training principles to optimize their mental and physical health.The importance of "meeting-to-meeting resets" and how to prepare your mind and body for back-to-back high-pressure meetings.Why resilience beats mental toughness every time, and how to build a resilient mindset.How executives can avoid burnout by connecting their physical health to their broader career goals.The surprising link between breathwork, energy, and long-term professional success.Timestamps:00:00 - Episode preview and introduction02:08 - Why do CEOs ignore the power of athletic training?03:42 - The secret reset: How to bounce back between meetings05:36 - Is your health sabotaging your career?07:23 - Are you a ticking time bomb? Unpacking burnout in executives09:52 - Resilience vs toughness: What really wins?11:30 - The one simple thing that will change your life14:27 - How military experience translates to executive leadership17:46 - The hidden ingredient for longevity as a leader22:50 - Why are top performers missing the mark?38:43 - How writing can unlock your emotional resilience44:02 - The surprising role of a coach in your executive success55:12 - Ready for a reset? Pearce’s unique executive coaching approachAbout Pearce CucchissiPearce Cucchissi is a former Army Ranger with a distinguished career in special operations. He now works as an elite performance coach for executives and athletes, helping them enhance their mental and physical resilience. With a deep understanding of high-pressure environments, Pearce trains individuals to optimize their human operating systems, improving longevity, performance, and overall well-being. Pearce’s approach blends military precision with modern wellness strategies, ensuring that top performers are not only successful but sustainable in their careers.Resources and MentionsBuilt to Evolve Website: https://www.builttoevolve.com/Pearce Cucchissi’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pcucchissi/Pearce Cucchissi’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pearce_c2/Podcast Contact Information:Website: www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.comFollow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for updates.
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277: Your Leadership Operating System Needs an Update | Townsend Wardlaw
Feb 501:03:03Tap to summarizeEvery leader knows what an iPhone is—but have you ever thought about your own “human operating system”?In this eye-opening episode, Damon welcomes trusted advisor Townsend Wardlaw to the Learn-It-All™ podcast for a deeply practical—and often surprising—conversation about mindset, leadership, and personal transformation. Using vivid analogies and candid stories, Townsend Wardlaw challenges leaders to rethink the “code” they’re running: are you operating on beliefs that hold you back, or fuel your growth? From updating your personal OS to escaping the trap of “trying harder,” this episode delivers powerful frameworks and real-life examples for anyone ready to break through their own limits.Whether you’re a founder stuck at a plateau, a manager coaching high performers, or simply someone seeking more fulfillment, you’ll walk away with tools to shift your perspective, transform your energy, and unlock new outcomes—no performance hacks required.In this episode, you’ll learn:How your “human operating system” shapes every action, relationship, and result—often without you realizing itWhy the most successful founders get stuck by relying on self-reliance—and how to rewire for growthThe critical difference between asking “how do I solve this?” vs. “who needs to show up?” (and the impact for big goals)Why letting go of control, credit, and blame can unlock unprecedented energy and peaceHow to shift limiting operating system beliefs through awareness—in yourself and in othersWhat truly transformational coaching looks like (spoiler: it isn’t about providing answers!)Simple, practical ways anyone can start “updating their code” and designing the life—and leadership—they truly desireTimestamps:00:00 – The iPhone analogy for human operating systems01:40 – How your underlying “code” determines perception and results06:17 – “Who, Not How”—how shifting the question changes everything08:27 – Real founder story: making the impossible, possible10:44 – Why working harder won’t scale—and what to do instead14:33 – The role of ego and self-reliance in leadership (and its dark side)19:11 – “How much is really up to me?”: India trip, humility, and insight22:46 – What founders unlock when their responsibility drops from 90% to 5%26:55 – Are you playing to win, or not to lose? Problem-solving reexamined28:32 – Seeing situations differently: the “glass elevator” metaphor33:34 – Is it really hard… or have you just never practiced?37:39 – Awareness is the key to performance, growth, and leadership41:12 – How to create from commitment, not inventory49:13 – What sets transformational coaching apart51:09 – Actionable advice for new managers and coaches56:13 – Awareness: the most powerful coaching tool you’ve never used59:07 – Where to find Townsend Wardlaw online01:00:24 – The must-ask question: What do you truly desire?About Townsend WardlawTownsend Wardlaw is a sought-after advisor working with select founders and leadership teams, as well as top coaches worldwide. His unique perspective blends deep business experience—including his own founder journey—with cutting-edge mindset and transformational coaching. After a career-defining setback led him to reexamine his own “operating system,” Townsend Wardlaw committed to guiding others through the same journey, helping leaders break through plateaus, unlock new energy, and design success on their own terms.Resources & Mentions:Townsend Wardlaw's WebsiteTownsend Wardlaw's LinkedInWho Not How by Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin HardyTownsend Wardlaw's SubstackPodcast Contact Information:Website: www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.comFollow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.
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276: The Psychological Safety Test Leaders Never Try | Aoife O’Brien
Feb 300:57:21Tap to summarizeEven high-performing teams can be unhappy—and leaders who want to create workplaces where people thrive need a new playbook. In this energizing episode of the Learn-It-All™ podcast, Damon sits down with Aoife O'Brien, award-winning podcast host and author of Thriving Talent, to unpack the essential ingredients for happy, high-performing workplaces. Drawing from her own journey and deep organizational research, Aoife lays out her “house” framework for thriving teams. Discover the building blocks of psychological safety, culture, drivers, and capabilities—plus practical ways leaders at any level can activate them. From feedback to autonomy to tackling imposter syndrome, this episode offers fresh, actionable guidance for leaders navigating today’s rapidly-evolving work landscape. Whether you’re new to leadership or rethinking how you build teams, you’ll come away with memorable stories, research-backed tips, and validation that creating real psychological safety is always the starting line. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why psychological safety is the foundation (and how to build it) How to spot the warning signs and triggers of a toxic culture The “house” framework: 3 pillars of a thriving workplace (+ capstone) The secret to extracting honest feedback—and using it for growth How to balance autonomy and guidance for every team member Practical advice for uncovering and leveraging your team’s strengths Simple ways leaders can create more capacity (not just busywork) Real answers on career paths, imposter syndrome, and the human side of AI Timestamps: 00:00 – Aoife’s “house” model: psychological safety as the foundation 01:38 – How work expectations changed post-pandemic 02:30 – The 3 pillars: workplace culture, drivers, capabilities 04:46 – What piqued Aoife’s interest in toxic work environments 07:29 – Self-reflection & feedback for new leaders 11:44 – Why values alignment drives trust (& how leaders miss it) 15:42 – Triggers that create toxic cultures—microaggressions/bullying 17:46 – Role modeling vulnerability & building psychological safety 19:33 – Understanding employee drivers: autonomy, relatedness, competence 22:55 – How to avoid micromanagement AND under-management 25:31 – Why strengths matter more than fixing weaknesses 28:48 – Practical strategies for uncovering team member strengths 31:22 – Asking for—and receiving—feedback without defensiveness 35:57 – The “aha” moments from Aoife’s book: linking work to impact, creating capacity 40:34 – Lessons learned from guests: mattering, psychological safety tests 44:48 – Aoife’s assessment for leaders & organizations 46:30 – Where Aoife spends her time: keynotes & career development 48:23 – The 5 impostor identities 51:15 – Navigating the impact of AI on careers 52:20 – What leaders will do differently after reading Thriving Talent 54:14 – Final advice: curiosity, asking for feedback, embracing self-awareness About Aoife O’Brien Aoife O’Brien is an award-winning podcast host, author, and organizational behavior expert passionate about creating workplaces where talent can truly thrive. Drawing from her own experiences with toxic culture and career pivots, she developed the “Thriving Talent Framework”—a research-backed model for building happy, high-performing teams. Today, Aoife delivers keynotes, consults globally, and hosts the Happier at Work podcast, where she explores leadership, career growth, and the future of work. Resources & Mentions: Happier at Work Podcast Aoife O’Brien on LinkedIn Thriving Talent Book Jeff Wetzler’s book: Ask Pat Lencioni’s Working Genius Assessment Dan Pink’s book: Drive Zach Mercurio’s work: The Power of Mattering Mamie Kanfer Stewart—episode referenced on meetings Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic’s research on professionalism Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.
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275: He Took Over From a Legend After 45 Years—Here’s What Worked | David Brint
Jan 2900:55:04Tap to summarizeLeaders aren’t just born—they’re built, and sometimes it takes stepping into the unknown to truly make a lasting impact.In this heartening episode of the Learn-It-All™ podcast, Damon Lembi sits down with David Brint, innovative real estate entrepreneur and transformative former chairman of the Foundation Fighting Blindness. David shares the inspiring story behind his decades-long mission to cure blinding diseases—a journey that began with his own son’s diagnosis. Together, they dig into everything from scaling one of America’s top affordable housing companies to overhauling a nonprofit for long-term success—plus, the hard (and human) lessons of leadership, succession, and impact.Whether you care about social entrepreneurship, resilient leadership, or the power of personal connection, you’ll walk away with real, actionable wisdom—and hope for a brighter world.In this episode, you’ll learn:How David turned personal adversity—his son’s diagnosis with a rare blinding disease—into a mission-driven leadership journey.What it takes to grow a nationwide real estate company that applies social impact and economic development to affordable housing.The nuts and bolts of taking over from a legendary founder and why nonprofit leadership needs an entrepreneurial mindset.The secrets behind successful succession planning—how to step in, when to step down, and how to set the next leader up for success.How building the right team and fostering a learning organization unlocks breakthrough growth—for businesses and nonprofits alike.Timestamps00:03 – The moment that inspired David’s mission: seeing hope firsthand01:08 – Why David took the chairman role after 20 years with the Foundation Fighting Blindness04:05 – From real estate consultant to affordable housing pioneer06:03 – How the affordable housing industry evolved (and the role of tax credits)10:32 – Neighborhood transformation: education, childcare, and the Purpose Built Communities model13:12 – Designing award-winning housing for the visually impaired14:04 – How vision (and partnership) fuels organizational growth16:35 – Finding your niche and hiring world-class talent19:20 – The #1 challenge scaling a mission-driven business22:23 – How personal adversity led to founding a game-changing nonprofit26:17 – Leading with transparency: balancing business and nonprofit commitment27:13 – The entrepreneurial nonprofit: fundraising, venture funds, and risk30:36 – How to win board buy-in and empower leadership teams32:52 – Building a high-performing, learning-focused nonprofit (the hard choices)35:09 – Making the mission tangible: why “science is our product”38:09 – Raising record-setting funds—by making learning core to the culture42:44 – Leading so people “don’t want to let you down”—and why passion is contagious43:45 – The moment a child could truly “see”47:30 – Succession planning: why knowing when to step down is as important as stepping up50:01 – Letting go: giving your team ownership, in business and philanthropy51:45 – How parenting a child with blindness changed David as a leaderAbout David BrintDavid Brint is a transformative leader whose dual careers interweave purpose and business. As co-founder and principal of Brinshore Development, he’s grown the company into one of the top 50 affordable housing developers in the U.S., responsible for more than 11,000 units nationwide and acclaimed for their innovative, community-focused developments. But David’s journey took on new meaning when his son was diagnosed with a rare blinding disease, steering him to leadership at the Foundation Fighting Blindness, where he helped raise hundreds of millions for vision research and pioneered an entrepreneurial, “learning organization” approach as chairman of the board. Today, David remains an advocate for impact-driven business and nonprofit strategies that empower communities and change lives.Resources & MentionsConnect with David on LinkedInFoundation Fighting BlindnessBrinshore DevelopmentPurpose Built CommunitiesChicago Lighthouse housing Podcast Contact Information:Website: www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.comFollow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.
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274: The 6 Levels of Control That Signal Team Failure | Kevin Black
Jan 2700:48:49Tap to summarizeChaos isn't just survival—it's an opportunity.In this electrifying episode of the Learn-It-All™ podcast, host Damon Lembi welcomes strategic advisor, U.S. Army veteran, and author Kevin Black for a game-changing deep dive on team chaos. Drawing from military history, behavioral science, and his groundbreaking book Strength and Chaos, Kevin reveals why chaos is misunderstood as merely negative—and how leaders can harness it for team growth. The duo unpacks the difference between destructive and constructive chaos, behavioral adaptability, and the “PAR” dynamic that determines whether your team thrives or crumbles under stress. Whether you run a startup or manage a legacy organization, this episode arms you with a practical playbook for navigating—rather than fearing—uncertainty.From real stories of battlefield improvisation to boardroom breakdowns, you'll reclaim chaos as your competitive advantage.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why chaos isn’t always the enemy—and how rethinking it changes everythingThe behavioral building blocks that determine your team’s reaction to chaosKevin’s six-level “control continuum” for diagnosing constructive vs. destructive chaosHow leaders can adapt their style to unlock discretionary effort and resilienceWhat disciplined initiative, mission command, and trust look like in high-performing teamsHands-on exercises and tools to unify diverse personalities and create productive powerWhy critical thinking beats AI shortcuts—even when uncertainty spikesCase studies from military history and business that reveal the consequences of toxic leadership vs. adaptable commandTimestamps:00:00 – Why chaos is personal—and not just a storm to avoid00:32 – Meet Kevin Black: Army vet, advisor, author, and chaos expert01:44 – What makes Strength and Chaos a first-of-its-kind book on chaos02:55 – Defining chaos: eustress vs. distress, crisis vs. disorder05:18 – “Mission” vs. “people” behaviors: key drivers in team settings07:26 – Are CEOs born with ideal behaviors—or is adaptability the real superpower?10:19 – How “behavioral drift” creates lopsided teams (and big business mistakes)11:41 – Decoding the chaos dynamic: PAR (Perceive, Action, Reaction)13:25 – The control continuum: anarchy, initiative, compliance, resistance16:25 – Lessons from military teamwork: why decentralization is so hard19:50 – Comparing battle plans: German blitz vs. U.S. invasion of Iraq21:32 – How toxic leaders trigger malicious compliance and organizational sabotage23:51 – Who should read Strength and Chaos—and how to use its frameworks26:11 – Four levels of constructive chaos: unity, integration, mission command, trust29:56 – Kevin’s “controlled chaos” war-game workshops for execs33:06 – What if you’re naturally resistant to chaos and uncertainty?34:58 – The leader’s real job: turn your team into the rock stars35:52 – “DOING” acronym: measuring true team performance38:51 – AI, critical thinking, and the future of adaptive teams41:40 – The metaphysics of chaos: why it’s inevitable (and how to thrive)44:44 – Kevin’s favorite leader who crushed chaos: Stonewall Jackson46:27 – How to use (not abuse) Kevin’s frameworks with your team47:56 – Connect with Kevin Black and learn moreAbout Kevin BlackKevin Black is a U.S. Army veteran, strategic advisor, and adjunct professor of military history who helps leaders build resilient teams. He’s the author of Strength and Chaos, the first book to scientifically measure chaos at the leadership and team levels. After three years of research and extensive experience in behavioral profiling, Kevin developed actionable tools to turn chaos into a strategic edge. He regularly consults with executives using computer war gaming and behavioral diagnostics, empowering teams to adapt and thrive in the most uncertain environments.Resources & Mentions:Kevin Black’s website: https://kevinblack.co/Kevin Black on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kevinblack/Kevin’s book: Strength and ChaosBook: Small Ball, Big Results by Joel GoldbergBook: Never Lead Alone by Keith FerrazziPodcast Contact Information:Website: www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.comFollow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.
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273: Stop Hiring for Experience: The 3 Traits That Predict Top Performers | Ursula Mentjes
Jan 2200:50:37Tap to summarizeThere’s always a way—and Ursula Mentjes can show you how.On this episode of the Learn-It-All™ podcast, Damon welcomes Ursula Mentjes: five-time bestselling author, award-winning entrepreneur, and business growth expert. Together, they explore why “accidental salespeople” often outperform the pros, what really drives outsize business growth, and how to dismantle limiting beliefs that hold leaders back. Ursula opens up about her early days in sales, her leap from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, and the mindsets that helped her—and her clients—break through seven-figure ceilings. Plus, she shares actionable tips on hiring, delegation, and leveraging AI as a powerful growth tool.Straight talk, real stories, and a toolbox of strategy-meets-mindset wisdom—this episode is for anyone ready to think bigger, grow faster, and prove there’s always a way.In this episode, you’ll learn:The surprising traits that make “accidental salespeople” outperform even industry veteransWhy limiting beliefs—not just markets or experience—are often the main barriers to growth, and how to break through themThe step-by-step process Ursula uses to help clients 2x (or 10x) their businessWhy hiring for attitude and openness can be more powerful than hiring for a résuméThe essential role of delegation, trust, and empowering your team (plus how to avoid being the organizational bottleneck)How AI can be leveraged for small business growth, and why leaders can’t afford to resist itTimestamps:00:00 – Ursula on “there’s always a way”00:28 – Meet Ursula Mentjes and her journey from corporate to coaching01:20 – Why accidental salespeople often succeed02:15 – Ursula’s early sales lessons and reframing “the numbers game”04:08 – Advice for finding (and hiring) great salespeople07:04 – Top traits of high-performing salespeople08:41 – Rejection and limiting beliefs in sales and leadership09:09 – Ursula’s NLP techniques for overcoming limiting beliefs13:15 – Making the jump from corporate to entrepreneurship21:00 – Lessons in trust and delegation from running a $20M company23:56 – The reality of launching her own business (and facing new comfort zones)26:20 – Leadership style, micromanagement, and empowering others27:39 – Who Ursula coaches and what her revenue model looks like29:55 – Why mindset matters more than strategy, and the “who not how” approach33:02 – Real client story: tripling growth with expanded vision and AI tools35:54 – The most common reasons businesses get stuck37:18 – Upgrading your team and vision to scale38:19 – How to depersonalize growth decisions (“what is your business asking for?”)38:58 – The spectrum of AI readiness—and why it matters41:21 – Getting leaders excited about custom GPTs and real AI adoption43:05 – Critical thinking as the ultimate future skill44:21 – The power of coaching and who you should hire47:07 – Ursula’s book rec: “One Great Goal” for clarity in action48:42 – Ursula’s advice: There is always a way.About Ursula MentjesUrsula Mentjes is a five-time bestselling author, award-winning entrepreneur, and sought-after business growth expert who specializes in helping leaders scale to multiple six and seven figures—while working less. A former top sales leader, Ursula built her coaching practice after a corporate career leading $20M+ companies and now brings her unique blend of mindset, delegation, and strategy to entrepreneurs nationwide. Ursula is known for her laser-sharp focus on dissolving limiting beliefs, building high-trust teams, and integrating AI for next-level performance.Resources & Mentions:Connect with Ursula: www.ursulainc.coUrsula Mentjes on LinkedInBook: The Psychology of Selling by Brian TracyBook: The Power of Intention by Wayne DyerBook: Who Not How and 10x is Easier Than 2x by Dan SullivanDr. Joe Dispenza’s work on mindset and thought patternsPodcast Contact Information:Website: www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.comFollow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.
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