The Learn-It-All Podcast 223: How To Spot Emerging Talent! Without Relying On Tenure Or Title | Brian Turner
Successful organizations aren’t just built on hierarchy or experience—they’re built on bold talent bets, transformative mindsets, and creating space for emerging leaders to grow. In this episode, Damon Lembi sits down with Brian Turner, longtime leader, Vistage Chair, and former President & CEO of Point B, to unpack what it really takes to spot and elevate rising leaders. Brian shares candid stories—including the “RC moment” that changed his career outlook—revealing why mindset often outpaces tenure, how blind spots trip up senior execs, and why transparent leadership is the ultimate game-changer.
Expect practical frameworks for making talent decisions, stories about risk-taking in leadership, and a fresh look at curiosity, feedback, and resilience—plus, honest advice for anyone battling imposter syndrome. Whether you’re in the C-suite or on the rise, this episode is packed with real talk designed to help you and your team level up.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why betting on mindset beats betting on tenure when elevating talent
- The “RC story”: How taking a risk on emerging leaders transforms organizations
- The most common blind spots holding senior leaders back—and how to overcome them
- Brian’s 4P framework for avoiding filtered truth and unlocking frontline voices
- How to create authentic space for feedback, growth, and organizational learning
- Practical advice for both senior execs (to keep learning) and emerging leaders (to overcome imposter syndrome and speak up)
- Why peer advisory groups like Vistage are essential for leadership growth and perspective
Timestamps:
00:00 – The learn-it-all mindset and learning from leadership mistakes
01:16 – Betting on emerging talent: stories from Brian & Damon
04:51 – How to spot high-potential leaders (the “RC moment”)
06:20 – Brian’s own leadership journey & bold bets on him
08:50 – Navigating culture, private equity, and tough organizational changes
09:53 – A CEO’s toughest lesson: blending business performance with humanity
11:28 – Radical transparency vs. “magic”—getting teams to think bigger
13:15 – Defining and finding true emerging talent
15:43 – The big challenges & blind spots for senior leaders (Brian’s 4Ps)
18:36 – What happens when leaders only listen to insiders and the HiPPOs
20:24 – Strategies for reconnecting with frontline talent and surfacing new voices
24:51 – Tackling change: giving platforms to new perspectives
26:46 – Creating psychological safety for bold feedback & emergent leaders
29:44 – Getting called out as a leader: how Brian handles tough feedback
34:43 – Why curiosity beats logic alone (and how to frame the right problems)
37:30 – The power of advisory cohorts, mentorship, and CEO peer groups
40:56 – Final advice: learning is for leaders at every level
42:24 – The emerging leader challenge: overcoming imposter syndrome
43:53 – Connect with Brian and episode challenge
About Brian Turner
Brian Turner is a current Vistage Chair, former President and CEO of Point B, and a leadership advisor with over 30 years of experience guiding leaders across consulting, technology, and business transformation. From his early days at Accenture to two decades growing Point B into an industry leader, Brian has built a reputation for bold talent bets, transparent leadership, and an unwavering commitment to unlocking human potential. Today, he coaches CEOs and executive teams through high-growth transitions and disruptive market changes—helping them play bigger and build future-ready organizations.
Resources Mentioned:
Podcast Contact Information:
Website: www.learnit.com
Email: podcast@learnit.com
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