The Learn-It-All Podcast 104: Why High Performers Still Feel Stuck | Dr. Benjamin Ritter
Are your top performers secretly planning their exit?
In this illuminating episode, of The Learn-It-All Podcast, leadership expert Dr. Benjamin Ritter shares profound insights about career development, executive presence, and creating psychologically safe environments where high-performers can thrive. Through his work coaching leaders across organizations from startups to Fortune 500 companies, Dr. Ritter has observed a concerning pattern: many high-potential employees are contemplating leaving their roles not because of poor leadership, but because they feel uncomfortable asking for the guidance and support they need - even from great bosses. He offers practical strategies for both leaders and employees to bridge this gap, build trust, and create the conditions for sustainable career growth.
This Episode Covers:
• Why highly respected leaders often unknowingly create barriers that prevent their best people from seeking help
• How to reframe career setbacks and disappointments into strategic opportunities for growth
• The counter-intuitive truth about work hours and productivity - and why focusing on impact over time spent is crucial
• Practical techniques for developing executive presence that align with your organization's leadership culture
• Why "finding your purpose" can be dangerous advice without proper context and guidance
• How to establish healthy boundaries while still advancing your career
• The critical difference between doing extra work and doing impactful work
Episode Highlights:
00:00) Introduction to Dr. Benjamin Ritter – Damon and Darren introduce Dr. Ritter, highlighting his leadership expertise and the inspiration behind Becoming Fearless.
(02:00) From Soccer to Self-Leadership – Dr. Ritter shares his journey from aspiring athlete to leadership coach and the lessons learned from failure.
(05:30) The Role of Values in Career Growth – Dr. Ritter explains how aligning your work with your personal values creates long-term fulfillment.
(09:00) Reframing Fear – Dr. Ritter discusses strategies for transforming fear into information and actionable steps.
(12:33) Building Executive Presence – Dr. Ritter provides tips for developing executive presence and acting like a leader before you earn the title.
(17:00) Managing Up Effectively – Dr. Ritter shares how to communicate with leaders, clarify priorities, and foster trust within teams.
(21:30) Lessons from Becoming Fearless – Dr. Ritter introduces actionable strategies from his book designed to help listeners overcome self-doubt and lead with confidence.
(33:18) Final Thoughts on Intentional Living – Dr. Ritter emphasizes the importance of choosing actions and beliefs that serve your goals and values.
About Ben:
Dr. Benjamin Ritter, founder of Live For Yourself (LFY) Consulting and host of two influential podcasts (Executive and Live for Yourself), is an international leadership coach who has guided over 500 senior executives at organizations ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies like Google, Amazon, and Mayo Clinic. A thought leader with multiple advanced degrees including a doctorate in Organizational Leadership, Dr. Ritter has earned recognition as a Top LinkedIn Voice and is the bestselling author of Becoming Fearless.
Resources Referenced:
Becoming Fearless by Dr. Benjamin Ritter
Dr. Benjamin Ritter on LinkedIn
The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter by Michael D. Watkins
Podcast Contact Information:
Website: www.learnit.com
Email: podcast@learnit.com
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