the Learn-It-All™ podcast 228: The Life-Changing Power of Living by Your Highest Values | Dr. John Demartini
What if your path to fulfillment and success started—not with a to-do list—but with your truest values? In this powerful episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, Damon Lembi is joined by Dr. John Demartini, renowned human behavior specialist and global educator, for an unfiltered, deeply actionable conversation on how to clarify your core values, align your life and business with what matters most, and step into an authentic, inspired life. Drawing from a lifetime of research and over 31,000 books studied, Dr. Demartini shares personal stories, practical frameworks, and hard-won wisdom on why so many chase the wrong goals, how to discern fantasy from true purpose, and the reason most people sabotage their own progress. Whether you’re leading a company or charting your next chapter, this episode will ignite your clarity and commitment to pursuing what truly moves you.
From the pitfalls of “living by someone else’s priorities” to the science behind engagement, delegation, and authentic leadership, Dr. Demartini delivers a masterclass brimming with tools—and a call to action to stop living second at being someone else.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why most people’s daily actions don’t align with what they claim to value—and what to do about it
- How to identify your true hierarchy of values (and why this is the key to fulfillment and success)
- The difference between setting real goals versus chasing pipe dreams or societal fantasies
- Why instant gratification derails long-term achievement, and the neuroscience behind it
- Practical strategies for leveraging strength-based delegation and building highly engaged teams
- How to apply values-driven hiring, promotion, and employee engagement in organizations of any size
- What authentic leadership looks like—and how to cultivate a values-powered culture
Timestamps:
00:00 – Why living in alignment raises self-worth
00:19 – Meet Dr. Demartini: global educator and researcher
01:58 – Why people chase goals that aren’t truly theirs
05:00 – The $10 million exercise: fantasy vs. demonstrated value
09:19 – The impact of immediate gratification and social media
13:23 – Can you help someone deeply off track?
17:04 – How to determine your true hierarchy of values
22:56 – On passion, inspiration, and neurological alignment
24:48 – Why—and how—to delegate lower-value tasks
25:09 – Engaging employees by mapping work to their values
29:11 – Advice for company leaders on scaling engagement
32:25 – The real story of transforming a disengaged workforce
46:35 – Transparency, ownership, and setting clear expectations
49:15 – Victim mentality, amygdala, and empowered living
55:24 – Engagement vs. disengagement: stories from the field
57:29 – Why “going all in” at work is transformative
59:28 – Why inspired people don’t need breaks
64:23 – Dr. Demartini’s personal journey: From illiteracy to global impact
70:09 – The vision that’s driven a lifetime of impact
71:02 – Final message: Permission to shine and live authentically
72:29 – Where to learn more and start your values discovery
About Dr. John Demartini
Dr. John Demartini is a world-renowned human behavior specialist, researcher, author, and global educator recognized for his groundbreaking work on values, self-leadership, and personal transformation. With over five decades of teaching experience, he has studied more than 31,000 books across disciplines, distilling insights into actionable strategies that have helped millions worldwide enhance their personal, professional, and organizational lives. Dr. Demartini has shared the stage with luminaries such as Sir Richard Branson and Stephen Covey and has impacted audiences in over 161 countries.
Resources & Mentions:
- Dr. Demartini’s website & free Values Determination questionnaire
- Dr. Demartini on LinkedIn
- The Secret – Dr. Demartini featured
- David Hume – philosophy of value
Podcast Contact Information:
Website: www.learnit.com
Email: podcast@learnit.com
Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.