The Learn-It-All Podcast 154: When Trust Breaks: How to Lead After Betrayal | Damon Lembi
We’ve all paid the price of believing in someone who let us down. But what if that “cost” isn’t a failure, but it’s a necessary for greater connection, creativity, and leadership?
It's a mindset shift for leaders who want to build stronger teams, healthier relationships, and resilient organizations.
If you’ve ever been burned by someone at work or in life, this one’s for you.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- What the “Trust Tax” is and why you should choose to pay it
- The four-part framework to lead with trust (without getting walked on)
- How trust impacts culture, growth, and emotional energy
- Simple mindset shifts to reframe betrayal into progress
- Real-world ways to lead with belief in work, parenting, and friendship
Timestamps:
00:00 – Why trust gets broken—and why Damon still believes in it
01:10 – The story of betrayal that inspired the Trust Tax concept
02:40 – “I just paid for my own betrayal” — the personal and professional fallout
03:20 – What is the Trust Tax?
03:56 – Why leading from control doesn’t work
04:30 – Trust builds stronger teams, belonging, and creativity
05:05 – The 4-step Trust Tax Playbook begins
05:10 – Step 1: Trust First – Why Damon chooses to lead with trust by default
05:48 – Step 2: Trust Smart – Awareness without cynicism
06:28 – Step 3: Reframe the Cost – Learning from letdowns without shutting down
07:10 – Step 4: Lead by Identity – Becoming someone who trusts and grows
08:00 – Real-life ways to apply this in parenting, leadership, and friendship
08:50 – Emotional regulation: labeling feelings to reduce their intensity
09:30 – Reframing betrayal as a leadership learning moment
10:15 – Final Challenge: Choose to trust someone this week, even if it’s risky
About Damon Lembi:
Damon Lembi is a 2x 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.
Connect With Us:
- Upskill yourself or your team: www.learnit.com
- Email us: podcast@learnit.com
- Follow Damon on LinkedIn for more leadership insights