the Learn-It-All™ podcast

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Nov 2026

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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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November 10, 202650 min

340. Why 80% of Leaders Can’t Name Their Most Valuable Employee

Your most valuable employee might be someone you’ve never heard of. Jack McCullough is the founder of the CFO Leadership Council and author of The Rodman Paradox , named after the NBA player who was never the star of his team but was the one player they couldn’t replace. Jack explains why the people holding your company together are often not your best performers, your most charismatic leaders, or the names at the top of the org chart. He also covers how to find them, how to protect them, and why promoting them can be the worst thing you do. In this episode, you will learn: Why fewer than 1 in 5 leaders can name their most valuable employee What the Rodman Paradox is, and why your most valuable people may not be your best performers How to find the irreplaceable specialists in your company using organizational network analysis and one simple question Why promoting your Rodmans into management is often a mistake, and how dual career tracks help How to capture their knowledge through mentees and documentation before they leave How to hold specialists accountable without forcing them into a traditional mold How AI and Gen Z’s career preferences are changing who tomorrow’s Rodmans will be Topics discussed: (00:00) Introduction (00:46) How Many Leaders Know Their MVP? (02:13) What Triggered the Book (05:15) Prevention Is Hard to Recognize (08:08) Why Dennis Rodman? (10:07) What Rodmans Look Like at Work (12:17) How to Find Your Rodmans (13:34) Organizational Network Analysis (15:23) How Rodmans Can Grow Their Influence (17:36) Why Promoting Rodmans Backfires (19:08) Dual Career Tracks (22:47) Protecting Knowledge Before It Walks Out (25:14) Holding Rodmans Accountable (27:48) When a Rodman Becomes Toxic (32:38) Rodmans in the Age of AI (34:21) Gen Z and the Shift Away From Management (38:28) How the CFO Role Has Changed (45:33) Advocating for Your Rodmans Connect with Jack McCullough: Website: https://www.rodmanparadox.com/ Book, The Rodman Paradox : https://www.rodmanparadox.com/books LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackmcculloughcfo/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rockstarcfos Podcast, Secrets of Rockstar CFOs : https://cfoleadership.com/podcast/ CFO Leadership Council: https://cfoleadershipcouncil.com/ Text Jack: 617-670-0957 Read Jack’s article: The Rodman Paradox: Recognizing the Overlooked but Indispensable Employee: https://chiefexecutive.net/the-rodman-paradox-recognizing-the-overlooked-but-indispensable-employee/ About the Guest: Jack McCullough is a business leader, best-selling author, and sought-after voice on leadership, talent, and high-performance organizations. He has held senior roles including CEO, CFO, business development executive, entrepreneur, and board member. He is the founder and president of the CFO Leadership Council, a global professional network of more than 3,000 members. As host of the Secrets of Rockstar CFOs podcast, Jack has interviewed more than 100 top leaders about the mindsets and behaviors behind elite executive performance. He is a senior contributor to Forbes, and his insights have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Fortune, Financial Times, and Barron’s, as well as on national television, including Fox News. A graduate of MIT’s Sloan School of Management, he is the author of The Rodman Paradox , MBA for Lunch , The Psychopathic CEO: An Executive Survival Guide , and Secrets of Rockstar CFOs . Let us know your key takeaways from the episode! And remember, great leaders aren’t born. They’re always in the making. New episodes of The Learn-It-All Podcast with Damon Lembi every week. Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLearnItAllPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 Get your FREE copy of The Learn-It-All Leader: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/3ingcx2pp5 Upskill yourself and your team with Learnit: https://www.learnit.com Follow Damon Lembi: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damonlembi This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

November 7, 202613 min

339. 5 Beliefs I Had to Unlearn to Be a Better Leader

Just because a belief helped you become successful doesn't mean it will help you stay successful. After more than 30 years leading Learnit, Damon Lembi has changed his mind about a lot of things. In this solo episode, he shares five leadership beliefs he used to hold close and no longer believes. For each one, he explains what he believed, what changed his mind, and what he believes today. As you listen, think about your own beliefs. Something you're holding on to may be holding your team back. In this episode, you will learn: Why chasing every deal can cost you money, resources, and clients Three types of opportunities worth walking away from, and a three-question test for deciding Why a big-name resume doesn't guarantee a good fit, and what to hire for instead Why treating your employees like a team, not a family, can be better for everyone Why your top performers need your attention, feedback, and challenge How the "trust tax" holds back your relationships, and how to lead with trust without being naive Two questions to help you audit your own leadership beliefs Topics discussed: (00:00) Introduction (01:23) Belief #1: Win Every Deal (02:13) Three Deals Worth Walking Away From (04:08) Belief #2: Hire for Pedigree (05:47) Belief #3: Treat Employees Like Family (07:03) Leading Like an Elite Sports Team (07:52) Belief #4: Leave Your Stars Alone (09:46) Belief #5: The Trust Tax (10:37) The $2,500 Conference Lesson (11:54) Recap of the Five Beliefs (12:15) Two Questions for You Books mentioned in this episode: The Learn-It-All Leader by Damon Lembi: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/3ingcx2pp5 Amp It Up: Leading for Hypergrowth by Raising Expectations, Increasing Urgency, and Elevating Intensity by Frank Slootman. Let us know your key takeaways from the episode! And remember, great leaders aren't born. They're always in the making. New episodes of The Learn-It-All Podcast with Damon Lembi every week. Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLearnItAllPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 Get your FREE copy of The Learn-It-All Leader: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/3ingcx2pp5 Upskill yourself and your team with Learnit: https://www.learnit.com Follow Damon Lembi: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damonlembi This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

November 3, 20261 hr 2 min

338. The Leadership Habit That Kills Big Ideas | Dr. Vivienne Ming, Neuroscientist

The right answer is free now. The better question is the one worth rewarding. Dr. Vivienne Ming is a theoretical neuroscientist, entrepreneur, and author of Robot-Proof: When Machines Have All the Answers, Build Better People . After 30 years of building AI, she has found that most people switch their brains off when they use it, and a small group does something very different. In this episode, Vivienne breaks down what that group does, why the strongest candidate isn’t always the best fit for your team, and how leaders can reward interesting questions instead of right answers. In this episode, you will learn: What the small group of “cyborgs” does differently to beat both humans and AI working alone Which human traits (curiosity, intellectual humility, and perspective taking) predict success with AI Why the most elite performers know their weaknesses, and how to build strategies around them Why you should hire for the team, not just the individual, and what “complementary diversity” means How praising interesting questions instead of right answers can raise curiosity How pairing people with different strengths can build resilience across your organization Why Vivienne asks new hires to pitch ideas that are “productively wrong” Topics discussed: (00:00) Introduction (01:04) What the Top 10% Do Differently (06:34) Hybrid Intelligence: The Cyborgs (08:09) The Human Traits Behind Hybrid Intelligence (09:30) Knowing Everything vs. Understanding (12:07) Knowing Your Weaknesses (16:07) Hiring for the Team, Not the Individual (21:30) What Is Meta Learning? (25:18) Praising Questions Over Right Answers (27:20) Why People Need Room to Fail (30:46) The Marshmallow Experiment (36:11) Pairing Peers to Build Resilience (39:56) Investing in Potential (44:52) “Pitch Me a Mad Science Project” (46:22) Why Productively Wrong Ideas Matter (53:41) Why Purpose Matters Connect with Dr. Vivienne Ming: Website: https://socos.org/ Book, Robot-Proof : https://socos.org/robot-proof#book-anchor-point LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivienneming/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neuraltheory/ X: https://x.com/neuraltheory About the Guest: The Atlantic once called Dr. Vivienne Ming a “professional mad scientist.” In more mundane terms, she is a theoretical neuroscientist, entrepreneur, and author. She is the Founder and Executive Chair of The Human Trust, a philanthropic “mad science” incubator, and the Chief Scientist at Possibility Sciences, where she is pioneering hybrid intelligence systems for the future of innovation. Vivienne was an early pioneer in using AI for human potential. As Chief Scientist of Gild, she built machine learning models trained on 122 million professionals to predict human capability. Today, through The Human Trust, she has developed AI to treat diabetes and bipolar disorder, reunite orphan refugees, and help autistic children learn facial expressions. Her new best-selling book, Robot-Proof: When Machines Have All The Answers, Build Better People (March 2026), shares the stories of 30 years of using AI to improve lives. Let us know your key takeaways from the episode! And remember, great leaders aren’t born. They’re always in the making. New episodes of The Learn-It-All Podcast with Damon Lembi every week. Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLearnItAllPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 Get your FREE copy of The Learn-It-All Leader: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/3ingcx2pp5 Upskill yourself and your team with Learnit: https://www.learnit.com Follow Damon Lembi: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damonlembi This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

October 27, 202646 min

337. The Mistake Leaders Make Before Every Big Deadline | Dr. Haley Perlus, Performance Psychology Expert

Failure is an option. Accepting that may be the fastest way to perform at your best. Dr. Haley Perlus is a performance psychologist who helps business leaders and elite athletes apply the mental strategies of top performers. When leaders insist that failure isn’t an option, they often tighten up, micromanage, and second-guess every move. Dr. Haley explains why that happens and what to do instead. She also covers how to tell the difference between discipline and rigidity, why the kindest thing a leader can be is direct, and why mental toughness is really about working with whatever shows up. In this episode, you will learn: Why trying to avoid failure drains the energy you need to perform Which words (“have to,” “must,” “need”) signal fear-driven leadership, and what to say instead How to be a “truth teller” instead of a “fortune teller,” and how a “now goal” keeps you focused The difference between discipline and rigidity, and why it matters as AI changes how work gets done Why being direct is often the kindest and most effective thing a leader can do Why you can’t jump from failure straight to a lesson, and how to make room for disappointment first How confidence and doubt can exist together, and what “doubt tolerance” means Topics discussed: (00:00) Introduction (01:07) Why Avoiding Failure Backfires (02:03) “Have To,” “Must,” and “Need” (03:19) Leading With Curiosity (08:05) Fortune Teller vs. Truth Teller (11:09) Outcome Goals vs. Now Goals (12:58) Discipline vs. Rigidity (16:11) How a $100 Bet Started It All (18:25) Pressure Is an Invitation (21:27) Kind vs. Effective Leaders (23:53) Failing vs. Being a Failure (29:14) Redefining Mental Toughness (33:43) Why Vulnerability Builds Connection (37:44) Sharing a Personal Story (40:38) Confidence and Doubt Can Coexist (43:48) What’s Next for Dr. Haley Connect with Dr. Haley Perlus: Website: https://drhaleyperlus.com/ Book, Personal Podium : https://www.amazon.com/Personal-Podium-Maximize-Potential-Sport/dp/0988631938 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-haley-perlus/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drhaleyperlus YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drhaleyperlus About the Guest: Dr. Haley Perlus is a Doctor of Performance Psychology, speaker, author, and coach. She applies sport-specific techniques to help athletes, business leaders, and high achievers optimize their mental game. With a Ph.D. in Sport Psychology and certifications in coaching, fitness, and nutrition, she combines her firsthand experience as an athlete and coach with advanced academic expertise. Within one year of earning her doctorate, she became a professor, sought-after speaker, published author, and consultant to Olympics, X-Games, national team, and Division I scholarship athletes. She is the author of Personal Podium: How to Use Your Mind to Maximize Your Potential in Sport and Life . Her presentations and workshops have reached organizations including Marriott, Starbucks, and CU Buffaloes, and she has contributed content to outlets including Oprah, ESPN, One Life Radio, Thrive Magazine, and Beachbody. She also works directly with high performers across competitive sports as well as C-suite executives. Let us know your key takeaways from the episode! And remember, great leaders aren’t born. They’re always in the making. New episodes of The Learn-It-All Podcast with Damon Lembi every week. Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLearnItAllPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 Get your FREE copy of The Learn-It-All Leader: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/3ingcx2pp5 Upskill yourself and your team with Learnit: https://www.learnit.com Follow Damon Lembi: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damonlembi This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

October 20, 202633 min

336. 3 Reasons Your Team Stops Following You | Matt McClernan, CEO of Augment Code

The goals you set on Monday can be irrelevant by Friday. Leading through that takes honesty, not certainty. Matt McClernan is the CEO of Augment Code, the leading AI platform for professional software engineers. Before that, he helped scale MongoDB from roughly $60M in revenue to over $1.2B. A year into his first CEO role, he shares what he’s learned about setting goals in a market that changes by the month, and why the best leaders ask for help early. In this episode, you will learn: How to set goals when your market changes faster than your quarterly plan What to say to your team when your goals stop being relevant Why asking for help is a strength, and who to turn to when the CEO seat gets lonely The right reason (and the wrong one) to step into a bigger role How a football career cut short by injuries shaped the way Matt leads under pressure How to bring AI enthusiasts and skeptics along on the same transformation A simple way to focus on your “big rocks” when everything demands your attention Topics discussed: (00:00) Introduction (00:54) When Goals Expire Mid-Quarter (03:11) Owning the Mistake With Your Team (04:37) Who a CEO Turns To (06:08) Why Leaders Should Ask for Help (08:03) Leading With Why, Not Fear (10:28) “I’m Not Ready to Be a CEO” (12:56) The Wrong Reason to Want the Title (14:41) When to Trust Your Gut (17:15) When the Pressure Follows You Home (19:32) Augment’s Big Pivot (24:00) Bringing AI Skeptics Along (25:31) Finding Your Big Rocks (27:29) Real Customer Impact (30:20) Who Should Use Augment Connect with Matt McClernan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmcclernan/ https://www.augmentcode.com/ About the Guest: Matt McClernan has spent nearly two decades in enterprise technology, building and leading world-class teams to tackle complex challenges at scale. Matt is currently the CEO of Augment Code, the leading AI platform for professional software engineers. Prior to Augment, Matt served as SVP and GM of Workato’s Enterprise business. Earlier in his career, Matt held multiple leadership roles at MongoDB, helping scale the company from roughly $60M in revenue to over $1.2B and through its IPO. Let us know your key takeaways from the episode! And remember, great leaders aren’t born. They’re always in the making. New episodes of The Learn-It-All Podcast with Damon Lembi every week. Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLearnItAllPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 Get your FREE copy of The Learn-It-All Leader: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/3ingcx2pp5 Upskill yourself and your team with Learnit: https://www.learnit.com Follow Damon Lembi: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damonlembi This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

October 13, 202658 min

335. Kenny Aronoff, 300M Records: Why Leaders Who Connect Get the Call

Being good at what you do gets you the first call. It doesn’t guarantee the next one. Kenny Aronoff has spent over four decades as one of rock's most in-demand drummers, recording with hitmakers like John Mellencamp, Elton John, and The Smashing Pumpkins. The best of the best keep coming back to him, and not just for his drumming. In this episode, you will learn: Three skills that help you get to the top, and stay there, even if you’re not the most “talented” How to make yourself invaluable as a leader and a teammate Why turning down a sure thing for your passion can be the right decision Where to start if you're good at your job but don't love it How to connect with people when it doesn’t come naturally The four things that drive long-term success Upcoming Event with Kenny: https://davesandersonspeaks.com/kenny/ Topics discussed: (00:00) Introduction (01:05) Why the Best Keep Calling Him (03:10) The Full-Circle Moment (10:09) Classical Music Training (15:06) How to Deal with a Tough Boss (18:35) Leading with Fear vs. Love (21:31) RPS (Repetition is the Preparation for Success) (23:17) Turning Down a Good Opportunity (26:49) Joining John Mellencamp (30:53) Finding Your North Star (32:51) Getting Fired and Fighting His Way Back (38:42) The Road to “Jack & Diane” (48:22) Can Your Purpose Change? (50:50) Co-Elevation (53:18) The Bill Clinton Lesson Connect with Kenny Aronoff: https://kennyaronoff.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@KennyAronoffOfficial https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennyaronoff/ https://www.instagram.com/kennyaronoff https://x.com/AronoffOFFICIAL https://www.facebook.com/KennyAronoffOfficial About the Guest: Kenny Aronoff is one of the most influential and in demand drummers and percussionists in the world. He has entertained millions of people with his drumming, has played on thousands of records, and has been the “go to” drummer for the biggest stars in music while providing the beat of American culture over four decades! He studied and played with members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, including world-renowned timpanist Vic Firth. He went on to study one year at the university of Massachusetts and four years at Indiana University School of Music in Bloomington, Indiana, where among other honors, he was awarded the school’s prestigious performer’s certificate. After graduating, Kenny was offered timpani positions in several symphony orchestras, but instead said “no” because he still wanted to be in a rock ‘n’ roll band and be part of a team of musicians that recorded music and toured the world, just like The Beatles did. Three years later in 1980, he joined the John Mellencamp band, recording 10 albums and toured with him for over a 17-year period. Kenny’s innovative style and solid back-beats became the driving force behind Mellencamp’s long run of definitive hit records in the ’80s and ’90s. In addition, Kenny is an enormously successful studio musician recording over 300 MILLION records in sales with more than 1300 that were RIAA Certified Gold, Platinum Or Diamond. A true renaissance man, Kenny is also a best-selling author, television show host, and accomplished corporate speaker, having taken the stage for top universities, corporations, and organizations around the world! Let us know your key takeaways from the episode! And remember, great leaders aren't born. They're always in the making. New episodes of The Learn-It-All Podcast with Damon Lembi every week. Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLearnItAllPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 Get your FREE copy of The Learn-It-All Leader: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/3ingcx2pp5 Upskill yourself and your team with Learnit: https://www.learnit.com Follow Damon Lembi: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damonlembi This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

October 6, 202650 min

334. What Your Team Needs When You Don't Know What Comes Next | Dave Sanderson

When things go wrong, nobody cares about your title. They care whether you can make the call. Dave Sanderson was the last passenger off Flight 1549, the Miracle on the Hudson, where he and 154 other people had just six minutes to work together to survive. He's spent the years since turning what happened that day into a repeatable way to make decisions. Today, he works with leaders who have to act fast when the stakes are high, usually without every answer in hand. In this episode, you will learn: Three ways to maintain your state in a crisis How much information you really need to make a call Dave's ASSESS framework for making a decision quickly What leaders lose when they freeze instead of making a call How to build connections that lead to collaboration What happens to your team when you step in too often Topics discussed: (00:00) Introduction (00:45) Miracle on the Hudson (03:37) Turning Uncertainty Into Certainty (05:07) Keeping Your Head Under Pressure (11:34) How Much Info Is Enough? (13:52) Trust vs. Competence (17:20) Networking vs. Collaboration (21:19) The Colin Powell Lesson (24:46) How to Learn from Mentors (29:07) Connecting in an AI World (30:55) How to Gain Access (33:46) Reading an Introvert (36:11) His Mother's Lesson (39:42) Why Your Team Needs Consequences (43:04) "Do Not Let This Die with You" (46:54) Moments That Matter Magazine Connect with Dave Sanderson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hiredavesanderson https://resiliencepartnersgroup.com/ https://www.instagram.com/davesandersonspeaks/ About the Guest: Dave Sanderson was the last passenger off US Airways Flight 1549, the Miracle on the Hudson. He survived, then he made a decision: he wouldn’t let that moment be the end of the story. With 38 years as a top sales producer and decades of experience leading under pressure, Dave founded Resilience Partners Group to help leaders and teams navigate crisis, uncertainty, and high-stakes change—without waiting for permission, perfect clarity, or a title. His work equips people to stay calm, make high-velocity decisions, and take the next best step even when the full path isn’t visible. Dave has delivered keynotes for Fortune 500 organizations, coached executives, and helped raise $14.8 million for the American Red Cross. Named one of Inc.com’s Top 100 Leadership Speakers, he is known for blending unforgettable storytelling with practical, immediately applicable tools. Dave’s message is simple: You don’t need a title to lead. You need clarity, courage, and conviction. He lives in Charlotte with his family—and speaks today with one goal: to help others lead when it matters most. Let us know your key takeaways from the episode! And remember, great leaders aren't born. They're always in the making. New episodes of The Learn-It-All Podcast with Damon Lembi every week. Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLearnItAllPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 Get your FREE copy of The Learn-It-All Leader: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/3ingcx2pp5 Upskill yourself and your team with Learnit: https://www.learnit.com Follow Damon Lembi: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damonlembi This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

October 4, 202625 min

333. If You Don't Understand These 16 Leadership Skills, You'll Never Win

What are the biggest pitfalls leaders face, and how can you avoid them? In this solo episode of the Learn-It-All™ podcast, Damon shares 16 common leadership mistakes, from canceling one-on-ones to over-delegating to top performers. Through candid stories and actionable advice, Damon helps listeners build trust, empower teams, and steer clear of costly missteps. Listen through to the end for a special birthday giveaway! What You'll Learn: How to empower others instead of being the "hero" Ways to address tough conversations sooner, not later The risks of overloading your best people Why presence and consistency matter in leadership The dangers of promoting high performers without preparation In This Episode: 00:01 – The inspiration for this episode 01:01 – Hero vs. hero maker 02:01 – Avoiding hard conversations 03:47 – Canceling one-on-ones 05:13 – Lack of clarity 06:35 – Over-delegating 08:16 – Adapting your leadership style 09:20 – Sharing credit 10:15 – Allowing toxic behavior 12:09 – Not being present 13:45 – Promotions gone wrong 16:05 – Overpromising, underdelivering 17:23 – Moving underperformers 18:13 – Listening to understand 19:28 – Not connecting enough 21:18 – Not standing up for your org 23:04 – Being a "yes-man" 24:27 – Recap and giveaway 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 Mentioned: Traction by Gino Wickman Damon Lembi on LinkedIn Let us know your key takeaways from the episode! And remember, great leaders aren't born. They're always in the making. New episodes of the Learn-It-All™ podcast with Damon Lembi every week. Subscribe on YouTube 📘 Get a FREE copy of The Learn-It-All Leader Book Upskill yourself and your team with Learnit Follow Damon Lembi: LinkedIn Instagram

September 29, 202641 min

332. Jon Gordon: Leadership Habits That Build Trust With Teams | 19x Bestselling Author

Build the culture, and the culture builds everything else. Neglect it, and you’ll never get buy-in. Jon Gordon is the author of 19 bestsellers, including The Energy Bus and his latest release, The Power of Positive Habits . In his work with leaders in pro sports and business, he's seen what sets the great ones apart — and how you can lead like them starting today. In this episode, you will learn: Three traits of leaders that build strong cultures The first step to turning around a subpar culture How to support your team while driving results in the age of AI The habit that earns you the right to challenge your team How to stop being your own worst critic Why the hardest habit to practice is the most impactful Topics discussed: (00:00) Introduction (00:59) Three Traits of Top Leaders (04:04) Turning Around Your Culture (05:32) The Blueprint of a Strong Culture (09:31) The Leader's Role (14:10) Trust in the Age of AI (17:18) Connect Before You Correct (22:07) Become Your Greatest Encourager (24:34) The Habit That Changed Jon's Life (28:25) The Habit Before the Habit (30:15) Dead Hangs & Squatting Like a Child (31:22) Forgive Fast (34:36) The Trust Tax (38:16) Get Rid of Your Worst Habit (39:31) Create an Amazing Funeral Connect with Jon Gordon: http://www.jongordon.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jongordon11/ https://x.com/JonGordon11 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jongordonenergy https://www.facebook.com/jongordonpage/ https://www.threads.com/@jongordon11 About the Guest: Jon Gordon is one of the most influential and sought after leadership authors and speakers today. He’s a consultant to numerous leaders, CEO’s, NFL, NBA, and MLB Coaches, championship teams and high performers and an inspirational teacher who has helped millions of people have a more positive mindset. He is the author of 32 books including 19 best sellers and 5 children’s books. His books include the timeless classic The Energy Bus which has sold over 3 million copies, The Carpenter which was a top 5 business book of the year, Training Camp, The Power of Positive Leadership, The Power of a Positive Team, The One Truth and his latest release The Power of Positive Habits . Let us know your key takeaways from the episode! And remember, great leaders aren't born. They're always in the making. New episodes of The Learn-It-All Podcast with Damon Lembi every week. Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLearnItAllPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 Get your FREE copy of The Learn-It-All Leader: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/3ingcx2pp5 Upskill yourself and your team with Learnit: https://www.learnit.com Follow Damon Lembi: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damonlembi This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

September 22, 202645 min

331. The Amazing Race’s Joanna Lohman: Why Role Players Win Championships

Only one player scores the goal. But it's the team that wins championships. Joanna Lohman played professional soccer for 16 years, including time on the U.S. Women's National Team. Now, she helps leaders build high-performing teams where every role gets the credit it deserves and no one settles for the bare minimum. In this episode, you will learn: What happens when leaders only celebrate their star employees Why striving to be the greatest can keep you from being great How to reward the important work that often goes unnoticed Why your team is playing not to lose instead of playing to win What to do when a high performer struggles in a leadership role How to make the path to success clear for your team How to show up authentically in any situation Topics discussed: (00:00) Introduction (01:26) The Risk of Focusing on Superstars (03:01) Celebrating Role Players (06:58) Playing to Win vs. Playing Not to Lose (08:17) Playing at the Edges (11:02) From Her Peak to Rock Bottom (14:46) Shedding a Performance-Based Identity (18:20) Letting Go of What You Can't Control (20:21) Authenticity and Performance (22:59) Why Top Performers Struggle as Leaders (24:56) Making Success Simple (28:10) Dialing Authenticity Up and Down (31:48) 7 Words That Changed Her Life (38:24) What Parents Get Wrong in Youth Sports (44:09) Season 39 of The Amazing Race Connect with Joanna Lohman: https://joannalohman.com/about/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannalohman/ https://www.youtube.com/JoannaLohman https://www.instagram.com/joannalohman15/ Get Joanna’s Book, Raising Tomorrow's Champions: https://rtcsoccer.com/ About the Guest: Joanna Lohman is a former professional soccer player and member of the United States Women’s National Team. She is the first player in Washington Spirit history to have her jersey retired, honoring her 16-year playing career where she built a platform for social impact. She is the author of, "Raising Tomorrow's Champions", a global keynote speaker, and authenticity activator. She continues her influence as a Sport Diplomat and your new favorite celesbian. Let us know your key takeaways from the episode! And remember, great leaders aren't born. They're always in the making. New episodes of The Learn-It-All Podcast with Damon Lembi every week. Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLearnItAllPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 Get your FREE copy of The Learn-It-All Leader: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/3ingcx2pp5 Upskill yourself and your team with Learnit: https://www.learnit.com Follow Damon Lembi: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damonlembi This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com