From Sports Media to Leadership: How Caring Transforms Business Results Are your team members giving their all, or just doing the minimum? The difference often comes down to one crucial factor: whether they feel genuinely cared for by their leader. In this episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, former sports media executive Chris Gargano shares powerful insights from his 33-year career working with elite athletes and sports organizations, revealing how authentic care and connection drive superior performance. Drawing from his extensive experience with the Oakland Raiders, San Francisco Giants, and New York Jets, as well as his current work teaching leadership at NYU and running leadership development programs, Gargano explores how continuous learning, curiosity, and genuine care for people create environments where teams excel. He breaks down specific techniques for better listening, more effective meetings, and building trust - while explaining why command-and-control leadership fails in today's workplace. This Episode Covers: Why continuous learning sets legendary performers like Kobe Bryant, Joe Montana, and Tiger Woods apart - and how leaders can apply this mindset How leaders can demonstrate authentic care through intentional actions like active listening, note-taking, and asking meaningful follow-up questions The critical difference between having leadership skills and truly wanting to lead people Practical techniques for reading the room and adjusting your leadership approach in real-time Why vulnerability and admitting what you don't know builds rather than diminishes trust How to use storytelling effectively as a leadership tool to inspire and connect The measurable business impact of showing genuine care versus purely transactional leadership   Episode Highlights:(00:00) Introduction to Chris Gargano – Damon introduces Chris, highlighting his career in sports and leadership development. (01:30) Lessons from Elite Athletes – Chris discusses how continuous learning sets legends like Kobe Bryant and Joe Montana apart. (05:00) Leadership and Curiosity – Chris shares how his journalism background taught him to ask better questions and connect with people. (09:00) Are Leaders Born or Made? – Chris explores the balance between innate traits and learned leadership skills. (12:33) The Importance of Self-Awareness – Chris explains why leaders must reflect on their impact and adapt their approach. (17:00) Connecting with Teams – Chris provides practical tips for leaders on building trust and fostering an inclusive environment. (21:30) Storytelling in Leadership – Chris discusses how to use stories to inspire and align teams with a shared vision. (33:18) Navigating Generational Differences – Chris offers advice on engaging and communicating with diverse age groups in the workplace. (45:00) Final Thoughts on Leadership – Damon and Chris wrap up with insights on how caring for your team leads to better business outcomes. About Chris: Chris Gargano brings over three decades of experience working alongside elite athletes and championship teams to his leadership development practice. As a senior executive, he led content departments for the Oakland Raiders, San Francisco Giants, and New York Jets, where his teams earned 14 Emmy awards. During his tenure with the Giants' front office, the team won three World Series championships, giving him firsthand exposure to high-performance leadership in action. While serving as an executive, Gargano earned his master's degree in leadership studies from St. Mary's College of California and began teaching leadership at NYU. After developing a successful leadership workshop program for the Jets, he founded Gargano Leadership in 2023 to help organizations build stronger leaders. He currently teaches at NYU and Montclair State University while hosting "Keep the Line Moving," a podcast featuring conversations with prominent leaders across industries.   Resources Referenced: Chris Gargano on LinkedIn Gargano Leadership on LinkedIn Gargano Leadership  Keep the Line Moving Podcast Eva Rose Daniel (public speaking expert mentioned)   Podcast Contact Information:   Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

Are you struggling to scale and exit your business while maintaining work-life balance?  In this episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, you’ll hear  how an immigrant entrepreneur built and sold a multi-million dollar company over 27 years while completing 17 Ironman races and preparing to climb Mount Everest.  Steven Pivnik, founder of Binary Tree and current business advisor, shares his journey from Soviet immigrant to successful tech entrepreneur. The conversation explores how his early experiences shaped his resilience, the parallels between endurance sports and entrepreneurship, and practical advice for business owners looking to scale and exit their companies. This Episode Covers: The critical importance of measuring business metrics through KPIs, and how improved performance tracking led to company-wide improvements Why loyalty to early employees can hurt company growth, and how to make difficult personnel changes as your business scales How visualization techniques used in athletics can be applied to business success, including specific examples that led to Pivnik's successful exit The value of having "buttoned down" financials when preparing for an exit, with books closing within seven days of month-end Why preparing for an exit should start years in advance, including Pivnik's strategy of stepping away from CEO duties three years before the sale The power of learning from those who've "been there, done that" instead of paying the "dummy tax" of learning everything the hard way  Chapters: (00:00) Introduction to Steven Pivnik – Damon introduces Steven, highlighting his inspiring story of immigration, entrepreneurship, and athletic achievements. (01:30) Growing Up as an Immigrant – Steven shares his family’s journey from the Soviet Union to Brooklyn and the resilience he learned from their sacrifices. (05:00) Turning Setbacks into Motivation – Steven reflects on how early challenges, including financial struggles and bullying, fueled his drive to succeed. (09:00) Building Binary Tree – Steven discusses his entrepreneurial journey, including lessons learned from failed startups and the pivotal moments that led to his company’s success. (12:33) The Importance of KPIs – Steven explains how tracking performance metrics transformed his business operations and accountability. (17:00) From Ironman to Everest – Steven shares lessons from endurance sports, including how mental toughness and planning apply to leadership and entrepreneurship. (21:30) Preparing for a Business Exit – Steven provides actionable advice on scaling businesses and maximizing valuation before an exit. (33:18) Visualization and Goal-Setting – Steven emphasizes the power of visualization and intentional action in achieving both personal and professional goals. (45:00) Final Thoughts – Damon and Steven wrap up with advice for entrepreneurs on embracing resilience and the importance of lifelong learning.  About Steven: Steven Pivnik is a Ukrainian-born entrepreneur who built and sold Binary Tree, a software company that grew to over 200 employees across 12 countries, serving 90% of Global 5000 customers, including JPMorgan Chase, Airbus, and Microsoft. After selling to Quest Software (a $4 billion competitor), he now advises founders of companies with $10-50 million in revenue on scaling and exit strategies. An extreme endurance athlete, Pivnik has completed 17 Ironman triathlons, including the World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, and multiple ultra-marathons. He authored the Amazon bestseller Built to Finish and is currently training to climb Mount Everest in May 2025.   Resources Referenced: Steven’s Website Steven Pivnik on LinkedIn Built to Finish: How to Go the Distance in Business and in Life by Steven Pivnik  AIP Advisory (Pivnik's consulting firm) Take the Stairs: 7 Steps to Achieving True Success by Rory Vaden The CEO Project Training Peaks (endurance training app)  Strava (fitness tracking app) Monument Valley  Podcast Contact Information:   Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Is Your Leadership Approach Making Your Organization Worse? Are your current top performers driving away your future leaders? Is your organization stuck in a vicious cycle of toxic leadership that's eroding company trust and culture? Oakland McCulloch, retired Army Lieutenant Colonel and leadership expert, shares hard-earned wisdom about breaking these destructive patterns and building organizations where both people and results perform well. In this compelling conversation with host Damon Lembi, Oakland draws on over 40 years of experience to examine why current leadership approaches are falling short and what needs to change. He makes a passionate case for servant leadership while acknowledging the critical importance of driving results. Through vivid stories from his military career and civilian consulting work, Oakland provides practical guidance on building trust, developing future leaders, and creating winning cultures - all while avoiding the pitfalls that trap many well-intentioned leaders.  This Episode Covers: Why many organizations are trapped in a toxic cycle where poor leaders drive out good emerging talent, leaving only mediocre performers who perpetuate bad leadership practices The critical balance between caring for people and driving results - and why you don't have to sacrifice one for the other How to build trust through intentional relationship-building and why leaders must trust their people as much as people trust their leaders Why keeping high-performing toxic employees destroys organizational culture and trust The importance of getting back to a "winning culture" while maintaining integrity and values Practical approaches to delegation and empowering teams while maintaining accountability How to develop emerging leaders through proper training and role alignment   Episode Highlights: (00:00) Introduction to Oak McCulloch – Damon introduces Oak, highlighting his career and passion for servant leadership. (01:30) The State of Leadership Today – Oak discusses why accountability and responsibility are often missing in modern leadership. (05:00) Servant Leadership in Action – Oak shares lessons learned from mentors who emphasized putting people first. (09:00) Balancing Accountability and Results – Oak explains how leaders can achieve success while fostering a people-focused culture. (12:33) Avoiding Micromanagement – Oak provides advice on delegating effectively and empowering teams to take ownership. (17:00) The Power of Trust – Oak emphasizes the importance of building trust within teams and shares his 360-degree trust framework. (21:30) Lessons from Military Leadership – Oak discusses how his experiences in the Army shaped his leadership philosophy. (33:18) Building a Legacy of Leadership – Oak offers advice on mentoring future leaders and fostering long-term impact. About Oakland: Oakland McCulloch draws on over 40 years of high-stakes leadership experience across military and civilian sectors to help organizations develop stronger leaders and build more effective teams. As a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, he led teams in combat operations, peacekeeping missions, and disaster relief efforts before successfully transitioning to civilian leadership roles. Oak has helped commission over 600 Army officers and received 31 military service awards, including the Bronze Star. His 2021 book Your Leadership Legacy and international speaking engagements focus on practical, actionable principles drawn from his extensive experience building and transforming organizations in both military and civilian environments.   Resources Referenced: Your Leadership Legacy: Becoming the Leader You Were Meant to Be by Oakland McCulloch  We Were Soldiers Once...And Young: Ia Drang The Battle That Changed the War in Vietnam Hardcover by Harold G. Moore and  Joseph L. Galloway (referenced in the discussion of General Hal Moore) Oakland McCulloch on LinkedIn Oakland McCulloch's website  Podcast Contact Information:   Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

How to Turn Reading into a Competitive Edge When You "Don't Have Time" Are you struggling to stay ahead in a rapidly changing business landscape while feeling too busy to invest in your own development? This episode reveals how intentional reading can become your secret weapon for better decision-making, innovation, and leadership even if you think you don't have time. Jeff Brown, host of the Read to Lead podcast and author of Read to Lead: The Simple Habit That Expands Your Influence and Boosts Your Career, shares practical strategies for turning reading into a powerful tool for professional growth. He discusses how to extract maximum value from books, build sustainable reading habits, and create a learning culture within your organization. From managing information overload to implementing insights effectively, this conversation offers actionable approaches for leaders who want to leverage reading as a competitive advantage. This Episode Covers: How reading rewires your brain to improve decision-making, creativity, and emotional intelligence backed by research A practical system for capturing and retaining key insights from books using the "three passes" method Why scheduling reading like any other critical business activity is essential, and how to create an "ideal week" calendar The surprising way fiction can enhance leadership capabilities by building empathy and emotional intelligence How to transform your organization's culture through book clubs and shared learning experiences A strategic approach to reading business books by focusing on specific chapters aligned with your goals The emerging role of AI in extracting insights from books and what it means for the future of learning   Episode Highlights: (00:00) Introduction to Jeff Brown – Damon introduces Jeff, highlighting his career and passion for reading as a tool for growth. (01:30) Why Reading is Essential for Leaders – Jeff explains the benefits of reading and how it enhances empathy, decision-making, and creativity. (05:30) Building a Reading Habit – Jeff shares practical steps for carving out time to read, even with a busy schedule. (09:00) Lessons from Biographies – Jeff reflects on how biographies of figures like Benjamin Franklin and Steve Jobs offer timeless leadership lessons. (12:33) Retaining Knowledge Through Note-Taking – Jeff introduces his method for marking and organizing key insights for later use. (17:00) Overcoming Barriers to Reading – Jeff addresses common challenges like time constraints and distractions and offers solutions. (21:30) Leading by Example – Jeff emphasizes the importance of leaders modeling a reading habit and sharing insights with their teams. (33:18) The Future of Reading and AI – Jeff discusses how AI tools are changing the way we interact with books and ideas. (45:00) Final Thoughts – Damon and Jeff wrap up with actionable advice on prioritizing reading and lifelong learning. About Jeff: Jeff Brown is a renowned leadership development expert and host of the Read to Lead Podcast, leveraging his 26-year broadcasting career to help business leaders amplify their impact. The author of Read to Lead: The Simple Habit That Expands Your Influence and Boosts Your Career," Jeff has shared keynote stages with influential voices like Michael Port and Pat Flynn, while delivering transformative workshops for organizations including LinkedIn, Disney, and the Virginia Council of CEOs. As a sought-after consultant and coach, he has guided numerous entrepreneurs and executives, including leaders from multi-million-dollar companies and major U.S. institutions, in developing their professional potential through strategic reading and continuous learning. Resources Referenced: Jeff Brown on LinkedIn Read to Lead Podcast  Read to Lead Book  Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don't by Jim Collins Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable by Seth Godin  Free to Focus: A Total Productivity System to Achieve More by Doing Less by Michael Hyatt  Great CEOs Are Lazy by Jim Schleckser  Obsidian (note-taking app) Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson  Benjamin Franklin: An American Life by Walter Isaacson  Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson  Becoming Dr. Seuss: Theodor Geisel and the Making of an American Imagination by Brian Jay Jones  Jim Henson: The Biography by Brian Jay Jones  George Lucas: A Life by Brian Jay Jones    Podcast Contact Information:   Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.   

Dr. Alan Nelson, a leadership expert and the founder of KidLead, champions early leadership development in children. He uncovers startling statistics about the optimal age for cultivating leadership skills, emphasizing the critical window between ages 10-15. With insights on fostering self-discipline, allowing failure, and the importance of ethical leadership, he argues that today’s education often stifles rather than nurtures potential leaders. Nelson also highlights the essential traits of emerging leaders and the urgent need for proactive parenting to instill these skills early.

Why do some businesses grow consistently while others stagnate or fail?  In this fascinating episode, former Apple executive and venture capitalist Philippe Bouissou shares his groundbreaking framework for sustainable business growth. Drawing from his experience working with Steve Jobs, investing in over 2,300 companies, and running his own successful ventures, Bouissou explains how misalignment between a business and its target market is often the root cause of stagnation. He introduces his four universal axes of alignment a scientific approach to identifying and fixing growth obstacles that applies to any business, from egg farms to tech startups. His insights challenge conventional wisdom about growth and offer practical steps leaders can take to accelerate their business expansion. This Episode Covers: How misalignment with target markets causes even promising businesses to fail (like Blackberry's decline against iPhone) Why trying to be "the best" is less effective than being strategically different The critical importance of pricing as a strategic tool rather than just a financial metric How internal alignment of teams is essential for executing market-facing strategies Why customer acquisition processes must be frictionless to drive growth The universal challenge of translating customer pain into compelling business claims Why setting and delivering on the right customer expectations is crucial for growth   Episode Highlights: (00:00) Introduction to Philippe Bouissou – Damon introduces Philippe and his groundbreaking book, Aligning the Dots. (01:10) Why Some Companies Thrive – Philippe explains how alignment with the target market drives growth and prevents stagnation. (05:30) Lessons from BlackBerry and Apple – Philippe shares examples of alignment and misalignment in the tech industry. (09:00) The Four Axes of Alignment – Philippe introduces his framework and explains how companies can align pain with claims to meet customer needs. (12:33) Pricing as a Strategic Tool – Philippe emphasizes why pricing is integral to business strategy and growth. (17:00) Building a Culture of Delight – Philippe discusses the importance of delivering delight to meet or exceed customer expectations. (21:30) Practical Steps for Leaders – Philippe provides actionable advice for measuring and addressing alignment gaps. (33:18) Final Thoughts on Growth – Damon and Philippe wrap up with a summary of the alignment framework and its impact on business success. About Philippe: A renowned Silicon Valley veteran of three decades, Philippe Bouissou, Ph.D. combines his experience as a successful entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and former executive at Apple, where he launched and grew the Apple Store to $350 million in revenue. As Managing Partner at Blue Dots Partners LLC, he leverages his scientific background in physics and chaos theory to help companies with over $10 million in revenue accelerate their growth through his innovative alignment framework. Andre is  a TEDx speaker and author of Aligning the Dots, which draws on his extensive experience evaluating over 2,300 companies as a VC and leading more than 120 management consulting projects for industry giants like Microsoft, Cisco, and SAP.   Resources Referenced: Aligning the Dots: The New Paradigm to Grow Any Business by Philippe Bouissou Blue Dots Partners  Philippe Bouissou on LinkedIn Andre’s Ted Talk Blue Ocean Strategy--How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make the Competition Irrelevant by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne  Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

What if the secrets to leading high-performing teams could be found in how David Bowie managed his band or how U2 rose from playing to 11 people in a pub to becoming global superstars?  In this fascinating episode, legendary music industry veteran Tony Michaelides shares powerful leadership insights gained from four decades of working with some of rock's biggest names. From David Bowie's approach to empowering talent to U2's relentless work ethic, Tony reveals how the principles that built legendary music careers apply directly to building successful businesses and teams. His stories and lessons challenge conventional wisdom about leadership while offering practical strategies any leader can use to build and motivate exceptional teams. This Episode Covers: Why the biggest artists were often the easiest to work with and what that teaches us about effective leadership How David Bowie's management style of not micromanaging brought out the best in his team The critical importance of curiosity and continuous learning in both artistic and business success Why preparing for success early (like U2 did with publishing rights) is essential for sustainable growth How resilience and the ability to turn mistakes into opportunities separates great leaders from good ones The power of authentic relationship-building in developing talent and growing organizations Why true innovation often comes from empowering teams rather than controlling them Chapters: (00:00) Introduction to Tony Michaelides – Damon introduces Tony, highlighting his incredible career in the music industry. (02:00) David Bowie: A Masterclass in Reinvention – Tony shares how Bowie’s constant evolution influenced his work and inspired innovation. (05:30) U2’s Rise to Stardom – Tony recounts the early days of U2, their work ethic, and the pivotal moments that led to their global success. (09:00) Storytelling as a Leadership Tool – Tony discusses how great storytelling builds trust and inspires teams to rally behind a vision. (12:33) Turning Setbacks into Success – Tony highlights lessons learned from the music industry on resilience and creating opportunities from challenges. (17:00) Collaboration and Trust – Tony explains why trust and collaboration are critical to building successful careers and teams. (33:18) The Future of Storytelling – Tony reflects on the enduring power of storytelling in music and business. (45:00) Final Thoughts on Leadership – Tony shares actionable advice for leaders on fostering curiosity, resilience, and connection. About Tony: Tony Michaelides, a music industry titan with over 50 years of experience, built one of the UK's most successful promotion companies while working with legendary artists including U2, David Bowie, The Police, and Whitney Houston. After receiving the prestigious "Alien of Extraordinary Ability" visa for his contributions to music and arts, he relocated to the USA where he transformed his unparalleled industry expertise into a successful consulting and speaking career. Now, as an author, podcast host, and international speaker, Michaelides shares leadership insights from rock and roll through his "Moments That Rock" platform, drawing on his experiences with music icons to bridge the worlds of artistic creativity and business leadership.   Resources Referenced: Tony Michaelides on LinkedIn Tony's Wikipedia page Tony’s Website Moments That Rock podcast Moments That Rock by Tony Michaelides  THE INSIGHTS COLLECTION - INSIGHTS FROM THE ENGINE ROOM by Tony Michaelides  Tower Records documentary (All Things Must Pass: The Rise and Fall of Tower Records) Hunter S. Thompson's Rolling Stone writings   Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

What happens when the identity you've built your entire career around suddenly disappears? How do you maintain integrity when faced with life-changing decisions? And how do leaders navigate major career transitions while staying true to their values? In this compelling episode, Alex Demczak shares his journey from SEC quarterback to being demoted to flag thrower, and how this profound shift in identity shaped his perspective on leadership, integrity, and personal growth. Now an author and leadership speaker, Alex explores how leaders can build trust, maintain integrity under pressure, and guide their teams through challenging transitions. This conversation offers practical insights for business leaders navigating personal and organizational change while building lasting success through principled leadership. This Episode Covers: Why quick wins and shortcuts often undermine long-term success and relationship building How to maintain integrity under pressure when faced with career-defining decisions  The critical role of mentorship in developing leadership skills and maintaining perspective Practical strategies for building trust with your team and creating a culture of integrity Why being authentic and transparent is less stressful than trying to maintain appearances Ways to shift from identity-based leadership to value-based leadership during transitions The importance of regular self-reflection and intentional goal-setting for career growth Episode Highlights: (00:00) Introduction to Alex Demczak – Damon introduces Alex, highlighting his career journey from SEC quarterback to leadership coach and author. (02:00) A Turning Point at Mizzou – Alex recounts being cut from the football team and the humbling experience of taking on a supporting role. (05:30) Leadership Without a Title – Alex shares how his time as a volunteer assistant taught him the true meaning of leadership and resilience. (09:00) The Power of Encouragement – Alex discusses how small acts of encouragement from teammates fueled his perseverance. (12:33) Embracing Vulnerability – Alex explains why sharing failures and struggles builds trust and connection. (17:00) Lessons from The Sale – Alex dives into the themes of integrity and long-term success explored in his co-authored book. (21:30) Building Trust Through Integrity – Alex emphasizes the importance of being a fully integrated leader and how it impacts team culture. (33:18) Final Thoughts on Leadership – Alex shares practical advice for leaders on creating alignment between values and actions. About Alex: A former SEC quarterback for the Missouri Tigers turned leadership expert, Alex Demczak is a sought-after keynote speaker who delivers around 40 speeches annually to organizations including the Cincinnati Reds, US Space Force, and Fortune 500 companies like Allstate and Bridgestone. He is the best-selling co-author of The Sale with Jon Gordon and founder of multiple ventures, including Speaker School and Streamline Books, where he helps others develop their speaking and writing careers. Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavors, Alex hosts three leadership-focused podcasts and specializes in helping high-performance leaders build integrity-based cultures while navigating significant transitions.   Resources Referenced: Alex Demczak on LinkedIn AlexSpeaking.com Alex's speaking website WriteMyBooks.com Alex's book publishing company The Sale: The Number One Strategy to Build Trust and Create Success by Jon Gordon and Alex Demczak    Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates

What if you could grow your business by focusing on being genuinely helpful instead of constantly promoting yourself?   In this enlightening episode of The Learn-It-All Leader Podcast host Damon Lembi speaks with Erin Bradley, an author and business coach who transformed her struggling mortgage business into a thriving practice by completely reimagining how she approached client relationships. After hitting rock bottom early in her career, Erin developed a revolutionary framework based on providing value beyond her core service becoming a trusted resource and connector for her clients in all areas of their lives. She shares how this approach not only led to consistent business growth but created deeper, more meaningful relationships that made work more fulfilling. This Episode Covers: How shifting from self-promotion to genuine service can transform your business development efforts Why building a curated network of trusted service providers creates natural reciprocity and referrals The importance of getting to know business partners as people first, not just vendors How to escape the trap of trying to do everything yourself by hiring strategically Why video content and social media enhance relationship-building in the digital age The mindset shifts needed to scale without burning out Ways to make authentic connections that don't feel "salesy"   Episode Highlights: (00:00) Introduction to Erin Bradley – Damon introduces Erin, highlighting her entrepreneurial journey and passion for helping others pursue freedom. (02:00) Finding Resourcefulness in Adversity – Erin shares her early struggles and creative ways she made ends meet while traveling. (05:30) Breaking into the Mortgage Industry – Erin discusses her journey into real estate and the challenges she faced as a commission-based professional during the 2008 market crash. (09:00) The Turning Point – Erin recounts how reading The Go-Giver transformed her mindset and led to the creation of her five-step framework for success. (12:33) The Power of Coaching – Erin emphasizes why mentorship and investing in oneself are essential for overcoming fear and building confidence. (17:00) Adding Value Through Connection – Erin explains how her framework focuses on being a resource and building trust with clients and partners. (21:30) Scaling Without Sacrificing Freedom – Erin shares how hiring support and creating systems helped her scale her business while staying true to her vision. (33:18) Designing a Life by Design – Erin reflects on her philosophy of building a business that supports a life filled with purpose and adventure. (42:00) Final Thoughts – Erin offers parting advice on living intentionally and encourages listeners to prioritize building a life they won’t need a vacation from.  About Erin: Bestselling author and host of the "Pursuing Freedom" podcast, Erin Bradley went from being a struggling mortgage lender to a successful entrepreneur using innovative systems and mindset shifts. After experiencing both financial hardship and burnout on her path to success, she developed a framework that helps real estate professionals and business owners create sustainable growth while maintaining work-life balance. Now retired from mortgage lending, Bradley dedicates herself to coaching and speaking, teaching entrepreneurs how to build thriving businesses that support their dream lives through relationship-based marketing and proven systems that prioritize both time and financial freedom.   Resources Referenced: Erin Bradley on LinkedIn Pursuing Freedom: Be Yourself, increase your referrals and have more fun growing your business!  by Erin Bradley The Go-Giver: A Little Story About a Powerful Business Idea by Bob Burg and John David Mann  Free to Focus: A Total Productivity System to Achieve More by Doing Less  by Michael Hyatt  24-7 Mindset: Build a Business That Pays You 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week While Only Working 24 Hours a Week and 7 Months a Year by Wally Elibiary Pursuing Freedom Podcast   Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Are your leaders solving problems too quickly without building trust and connection first? What if they approached leadership more like nurses with empathy, purpose, and humanity rather than rushing to solutions like surgeons? In this compelling episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, Geoffrey Roche, inaugural Director of Workforce Development at Siemens Healthineers, shares powerful insights about leading with heart and purpose drawn from his 16+ years in healthcare leadership. The son of a nurse, Geoffrey explains how the empathetic, human-centered approach of nurses offers a powerful model for effective leadership in any industry. Through vivid stories and examples, he illustrates how slowing down to truly understand people, building genuine trust, and creating psychological safety enables better solutions and more sustainable results than traditional command-and-control leadership. This Episode Covers: Why empathy isn't just "being nice" it's about taking extra effort to understand others' experiences without judgment How to have crucial conversations with toxic leaders while maintaining professionalism and compassion Why the best solutions often come from frontline workers and how to create an environment where they feel safe sharing ideas The power of storytelling to build authentic connections and "bring down the temperature" in difficult situations Why transparency about why ideas can't move forward is critical for maintaining trust and motivation How to coach people to advocate for their ideas effectively, even to senior leadership The transformative impact of believing in people's potential even when they don't believe in themselves   Episode Highlights:(00:00) Introduction to Geoffrey Roche – Damon and Darren introduce Geoffrey, highlighting his background in healthcare and leadership. (01:30) Leadership Inspired by Nurses – Geoffrey shares how his mother’s work as a nurse influenced his empathetic approach to leadership. (05:30) Heart-Centered Leadership in Action – Geoffrey recounts stories of leaders who modeled trust, vulnerability, and collaboration to inspire high performance. (09:00) Addressing Toxic Leadership – Geoffrey discusses the impact of toxic leaders and strategies for challenging them with empathy and respect. (12:33) The Power of Storytelling – Geoffrey explains how storytelling fosters trust and connection within teams. (17:00) Building Trust with the Front Lines – Geoffrey shares lessons from healthcare, emphasizing the importance of listening to and empowering front-line workers. (21:30) Empathy and Tough Conversations – Geoffrey offers advice on navigating crucial conversations with compassion and purpose. (33:18) A Vision for Healthcare’s Future – Geoffrey paints a picture of what healthcare could look like with more heart-centered leadership. (42:00) Final Thoughts – Geoffrey shares parting advice on embracing empathy and purpose as core leadership principles.  About Geoffrey: As the inaugural Director of Workforce Development at Siemens Healthineers and National Healthcare Practice Executive Advisor at Core Education PBC, Geoffrey Roche is transforming healthcare workforce development through strategic innovation and equity-focused initiatives. Drawing from over 16 years of healthcare and higher education leadership experience, Roche's "Heart Leader" approach combines empathetic leadership with strategic vision, influenced by his early career working under a nurse CEO and his background as the son of a nurse. A Forbes Business Council member and sought-after speaker at major healthcare conferences including Becker's Annual Conference and HLTH, Roche serves as a strategic advisor to numerous organizations and startups while advancing healthcare workforce solutions through his thought leadership and industry partnerships.   Resources Referenced: Geoffrey Roche on LinkedIn  Siemens Healthineers The Arnold P. Gold Foundation "Keeping Healthcare Human" initiative Crucial Conversations training program Stanford Medicine's "I am Human" video   Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.