The Learn-It-All Podcast 172: Why A-Players Crash as Managers (The 5 Truths New Leaders Must Learn) | Damon Lembi
The 5 Truths Every New Leader Needs to Hear
Becoming a leader isn’t just a promotion—it’s a complete identity shift. You’re no longer just executing the work. You’re coaching others to do it well. And that requires a new mindset, a new skillset, and a new set of daily habits.
In this solo episode, Learnit CEO Damon Lembi breaks down the 5 truths he wishes every first-time leader knew. Whether you’re fresh in the role or mentoring someone who is, this episode is your tactical, no-fluff guide to making the leap from top performer to people-first leader.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why leadership is about coaching, not doing
- The #1 mindset shift you must make in week one
- How to build trust by giving others autonomy (and space to fail)
- Why the best leaders are great listeners—first
- How to model the habits you want your team to follow
- The key conversation to have with your boss (today)
- What to do when your company won’t invest in your development
- Why mistakes are inevitable—and what to do when you make one
- How to lead without pretending to have it all figured out
Timestamps:
00:00 – The biggest professional shift: from player to coach
01:00 – Truth #1: You win through your people, not by doing it all
01:45 – Why delegation is really about building trust
02:00 – The mindset shift: you're building a team of heroes, not being the hero
02:30 – Truth #2: Don’t rush in—start by listening and learning
03:20 – Why curiosity builds credibility and connection
03:50 – Truth #3: Model the behavior you want from your team
04:30 – Leadership is a constant stage—how are you showing up?
04:45 – Truth #4: Own your success—don’t wait for others to invest in you
05:15 – How Damon recommends new leaders start growing (even on their own)
06:00 – The $14 tool that every new leader should use
06:30 – Truth #5: You will make mistakes—so learn fast and lead through it
07:10 – The hard lesson Damon learned about avoiding tough conversations
08:00 – The recap: 5 truths every new leader needs to thrive
08:30 – Final thought: Great leaders aren’t born or made—they’re always in the making
Resources & Mentions:
Damon’s book: https://www.learnit.com/learn-it-all-leader-book-by-damon-lembi
Learnit’s Delegation Greenlights E-Book: https://www.learnit.com/resources/delegation-greenlights-guide
Learnit’s Delegate to Scale Your Impact Course: https://www.learnit.com/courses/delegate-to-scale-your-impact
Learnit Article on New Manager Training Skills: https://www.learnit.com/blog/new-manager-training-skills
The Learn-It-All Podcast with Chris Dyer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBUHOPtR6Yk
Learnit Live Event:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjLFoCepWOw
Connect With Us:
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Email us: podcast@learnit.com
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