The Learn-It-All Podcast

In this episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, Damon welcomes digital transformation leader Tariq Munir to demystify what it really takes to future-proof your business in the age of AI. Drawing from his impressive background leading transformations at giants like PwC and PepsiCo, Tariq reveals why successful change is less about technology—and all about people, mindset, and culture. Together, they uncover the keys to becoming an AI-ready organization, share actionable strategies from Tariq’s new book Reimagine Finance, and explain why finance teams are uniquely positioned to drive game-changing innovation. Whether you’re a CFO, people leader, or aspiring digital change agent, this episode is a playbook for leading transformation that lasts. From navigating automation bias to fostering a growth mindset, you’ll learn real-world tactics that move your organization beyond buzzwords—and into continuous improvement. Plus, Tariq delivers hard-won advice for anyone ready to shift from back-office number cruncher to strategic business partner. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why mindset (not just technology) is the true driver of sustainable digital transformation Tariq’s definition of “AI readiness” (and why big budgets aren’t required to start) The five principles from Tariq’s transformation playbook that every finance leader should know How to overcome common traps like automation bias and the “highest paid person in the room” effect Why today’s top CFOs are moving beyond accounting to become change agents and business co-pilots The skills and career experiences future leaders will need to thrive in the era of constant change Timestamps: 00:00 – Why behavior and mindset matter most in transformation 00:26 – Welcome and Tariq’s intro & background 01:43 – Transformation isn’t about tech—mindset and culture come first 03:16 – What does “AI ready” actually mean for organizations? 07:46 – Tariq’s journey and why finance is ripe for innovation 11:23 – Blueprint: Building a new finance organization from scratch 12:55 – Lessons learned (and assumptions challenged) from writing his book 15:35 – Tariq’s five-principle transformation playbook 16:38 – Two questions every leader asks about change 21:03 – Why it’s critical to start with “why”—not just action 23:31 – The unique vantage point of CFOs and why they should lead transformation 29:01 – The rising importance of critical thinking 30:19 – Parsing automation bias and urgency traps 33:19 – Balancing gut instinct with a data-driven discipline 36:16 – How to keep the “highest paid person in the room” from hijacking innovation 38:51 – From “I” and “T” profiles to “M” profiles—future leader development 48:20 – The one section of the book everyone should read 50:27 – How to instantly boost your confidence and become a translator between business and technology 51:36 – The evolving CFO: Finance + operations in the next 2-3 years 53:25 – Final advice: Shift from a victim mentality to an ownership mindset with AI 57:43 – Where to find Tariq Munir and Reimagine Finance  About Tariq Munir Tariq Munir is a digital transformation expert with over 20 years’ experience guiding global companies—including PwC, AkzoNobel, and PepsiCo—in harnessing data and artificial intelligence to drive profit, boost efficiency, and spark organizational change. After rising through finance roles at multinationals, Tariq now focuses on helping CFOs and business leaders elevate from transactional thinking to strategic transformation. His approach: blending deep domain expertise with a passion for developing people and culture as the real sources of sustainable advantage. He is the author of Reimagine Finance: The CFO’s Leadership Playbook for the Age of AI, Data, and Digital. Resources & Mentions: Website: https://tariqmunir.me LinkedIn: Tariq Munir on LinkedIn Book: Reimagine Finance: The CFO’s Leadership Playbook for the Age of AI, Data, and Digital Simon Sinek’s Start With Why (link) Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Success in leadership (and on the field) isn’t just about innovation or stats—it’s about authenticity, trust, and knowing how to bring people along for the ride. In this inspiring conversation, Damon sits down with Jennifer Langton, former Senior Vice President of Player Health and Innovation at the NFL, to explore how bold leadership, relentless curiosity, and being your authentic self can move mountains—even when you’re the outsider in the room. Jennifer shares battle-tested lessons from breaking barriers as a young athlete, leading game-changing health initiatives, rolling out transformative technology, and championing both personal and organizational growth. Whether you’re launching big changes like AI or stepping into your first management role, this episode is packed with actionable insights on leading with conviction, leveraging difference as strength, and always learning. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Jennifer built unshakeable confidence by embracing her unique story, even when she felt like an outsider What to do when you’re leading experts—without being one yourself (and why asking “outsider” questions is powerful) Jennifer’s “Langton Roadmap” framework to align your strengths with your organization’s mission and make bold career moves The secret to driving behavioral change and technology adoption inside large, legacy organizations (think: NFL, Viacom, Atari) How to overcome fear and resistance around AI—by putting people at the center of digital transformation What sports taught Jennifer about leadership, resilience, and identity—and how those lessons shaped her personal and professional journey Timestamps: 00:00 – Jennifer’s philosophy: Solve with a human-centered approach 01:32 – Breaking barriers: Jennifer’s all-boys lacrosse story 04:58 – How to earn trust as a new/younger leader 06:44 – What happens if you’re not authentic 08:00 – Using difference as strength when you’re the outsider 11:47 – Confidence and asking the “right” questions 13:56 – Recovering from setbacks: injury and loss 17:40 – The Langton Roadmap: a framework for career growth 22:14 – Driving behavior change with technology in large orgs 24:35 – Using pilots and feedback to roll out innovations 33:48 – Building the NFL Digital Athlete and leading without being a subject matter expert 38:22 – Why you don’t have to have all the answers—just be curious 40:41 – Advice for parents about kids in sports and navigating risk 44:31 – Leaving the NFL: Reflections and the power of impact 46:36 – Serving clients as a keynote speaker and consultant 50:28 – The jaw-dropping power of AI in health and sports 52:50 – Addressing fears about AI and how to bring people along 56:10 – Final lesson: Be yourself—it’s your greatest leadership tool  About Jennifer Langton Jennifer Langton is an award-winning strategic executive with extensive leadership experience. As CFO of Atari to Senior Vice President of Innovation at the NFL, Jennifer has driven transformative initiatives with measurable impact. Most recently, as SVP of Player Health and Innovation at the NFL, Jennifer spearheaded groundbreaking advancements in athlete safety and performance, setting a new standard in football that will impact other sports and industries.Now, Jennifer is committed to inspiring others through keynote speeches at prestigious events and offering advisory services that empower individuals and organizations to embrace innovation, inspire change, and lead with purpose. Her mission is to harness emerging technologies and navigate complexities, paving the way for transformative innovation in sports and beyond.  Resources Referenced: Jennifer Langton’s website: jenniferlangtoninc.com Jennifer Langton on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jenniferlangton NYU Langone Health: Concussion Center (referenced contextually for resources about concussions and athlete health) For more on youth sports safety: CDC Heads Up Initiative Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

In this episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, host Damon Lembi sits down with Nick Damoulakis, founder and CEO of Orases, recently ranked as the #1 AI and custom software company in the US. Nick’s journey from a college dorm room to leading a nationally recognized tech firm is packed with hard-won lessons on leadership, resilience, and the future of work. The conversation covers everything from Nick’s notorious brush with a Beatles copyright lawsuit to his foundational beliefs on transparency, failing fast, and building teams that weather any storm. Nick also takes us inside the practical steps organizations must take to become truly AI Ready—including why it has to start at the top, and the frameworks he uses to enable company-wide transformation. If you’re passionate about leadership, culture, or the coming wave of AI, you’ll find idea after actionable idea in this episode. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Nick turned a college copyright crisis into a launchpad for a thriving tech company. Why vulnerability and transparent failure-sharing are core to building a psychologically safe team. The “bison story” and Nick’s playbook for leading through adversity and economic downturns. Nick’s step-by-step, psychology-driven method for creating real buy-in during major organizational change. What “AI readiness” really means, the three kinds of AI leaders every company needs, and why a Chief AI Officer isn’t a silver bullet. How to spot and empower volunteer innovators, and why small wins are the key to sustainable transformation. Timestamps:00:00 – Three types of AI leaders in organizations 00:22 – Welcome & Nick’s intro: the path from guitar tabs to CEO 01:36 – Nick’s first boardroom: sued by Sony & BMG in college 03:36 – Turning crisis (and near-expulsion) into a full-time tech job 05:14 – The “Lingo” story: courage, candor, and faking it ‘til you make it 08:27 – Advice for leaders on stepping out of their comfort zones 11:44 – Emotional intelligence and social sensitivity in leadership 14:33 – Surviving downturns: dot-com bust, the Great Recession, COVID 16:13 – Nick’s framework for helping CEOs correct toxic cultures 17:15 – When Nick realized he was “the problem” and how he changed 20:32 – The turning point: recovering from losing $450k in billing 25:39 – How to prepare for and communicate through scary company meetings 30:09 – Creating a culture where people never want to let you down 32:09 – Psychological safety, “oopsies,” and sharing fast failures 36:09 – How Nick helps teams disrupt themselves and embrace change 38:59 – Change management, the 8-step model, and enlisting volunteers 40:29 – AI readiness: why it must come from leadership, not consultants 43:00 – What incentives, skills, and resources organizations need to make AI practical 45:48 – Simple wins: Nick’s AI agent example and democratizing innovation 50:20 – The “Three Buddha Questions” for overcoming any challenge  About Nick Damoulakis Nick Damoulakis is the founder and CEO of Orases, named the #1 AI and custom software development company in the US by Clutch and recognized by Gartner as a top 25 emerging specialist consultancy. Nick’s career began in a college computer lab, launching one of the first online guitar tab archives—a venture that earned him fans, a lawsuit from major record labels, and eventually, his first big tech break. Over nearly 25 years, Nick has guided Orases through economic storms, industry disruption, and his own leadership evolution, developing repeatable frameworks for AI transformation and healthy company culture along the way. He’s a sought-after expert on AI readiness and organizational change, known for his candid stories and actionable strategies. Resources & Mentions: Orases Website: https://orases.com/ Nick Damoulakis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickdamoulakis/ Vistage (CEO Peer Group) Collective Edge by Colin Fisher  Podcast Contact Information Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

In this empowering solo episode, Damon Lembi tackles imposter syndrome head-on, drawing inspiration from Oprah’s conversations with icons like Obama and Beyoncé, to moments of his own self-doubt on stage and in the boardroom. Damon unveils his proven four-step framework for overcoming the fear and uncertainty that plagues even the most accomplished professionals. Whether you’re a new manager, a seasoned leader, or someone ready to take your shot at something bigger, this episode delivers actionable advice, practical exercises, and a rallying call to step out of your comfort zone and into your next level. From labeling your fear to harnessing the power of deliberate practice, this is your roadmap to building confidence, beating self-doubt, and leading with courage. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why even the most successful people struggle with imposter syndrome (and why that’s normal) Damon's four-step framework to overcome self-doubt and step confidently into new opportunities The power of “purposeful awfulizing” to reframe your biggest fears Why action (not just planning) is the secret ingredient to building real confidence The role of deliberate practice in mastering new leadership skills How letting go and learning from every experience accelerates your growth  Timestamps: 00:00 – Imposter syndrome isn’t a weakness—it’s a human experience 00:40 – Damon’s story: Coaching baseball in his 20s with no experience 01:30 – Learning to lead when you feel unqualified 02:00 – Why confidence often comes after the reps, not before 02:40 – Brené Brown, Jamie Foxx, and others who’ve spoken up about this 03:20 – Reframing imposter syndrome as a signal—not a flaw 04:00 – Lesson #1: You don’t have to be the expert—just be in service 04:30 – Lesson #2: Get radically honest about your fears (then move anyway) 05:15 – Lesson #3: Curiosity beats confidence 06:00 – Lesson #4: Preparation quiets the noise 06:45 – Lesson #5: Talk to yourself the way you’d talk to a friend 07:30 – Damon’s go-to journaling prompt when imposter syndrome hits 08:15 – A challenge to leaders: Name where you're holding back  About Damon Lembi Damon Lembi is a 3x 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.  Resources & Mentions: Damon Lembi LinkedIn Learnit Learn It All Leader (Book by Damon Lembi) The Learn-It-All Leader for Kids (Kids Bood by Damon Lembi Learnit 45-Day Free Trial for Teams: learnit.com/free Learnit Give and Receie Feedback Class Learnit Delegation class Learnit Listening class Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

What if not every executive needs to be a “leader,” and the secret to scaling smart is building trust, not just in people, but in processes? In this thought-provoking episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, Damon Lembi sits down with Curtis Hite, CEO of Improving, to explore the transformative power of conscious capitalism, purpose-driven business, and the nuanced difference between leaders, managers, and administrators. Curtis pulls back the curtain on the culture strategies that helped Improving grow to over 2,000 employees, $280M+ in revenue, and repeated “Best Place to Work” awards. Discover how trust is turned into action, and why “inspire, not require” is more than just a motto. Plus, Curtis shares the inside scoop on Improving’s internal engagement platform, AI’s real-world impact, and why celebrating (not bashing) capitalism is more urgent than ever. Packed with actionable advice for executives, culture builders, and anyone rethinking what it means to lead, this episode is a roadmap for scaling teams, winning hearts, and transforming companies from the inside out. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why Curtis believes we need to “stop bashing capitalism and start elevating it,” and how conscious capitalism creates positive change The foundational role trust plays in culture-building, and how Improving operationalizes it using Stephen M.R. Covey’s “Speed of Trust” framework How to create a best-in-class culture at scale, without falling into the trap of “command and control” Why not every executive should be a leader, and how to optimize for leaders, managers, and administrators The power of visibility and engagement with Improving’s proprietary “Engage” platform (and how it can transform accountability) How to embrace artificial intelligence as a superpower for executives, and the easiest first step to get started  Timestamps: 00:00 – Curtis on why not all executives are leaders, and why that’s okay 01:43 – The case for celebrating (not bashing) capitalism 03:34 – The big myths about capitalism, poverty, and progress 05:43 – What is conscious capitalism, and how does it differ from stakeholder capitalism? 07:27 – “Inspire, not require,” why framing matters in business initiatives 10:56 – Curtis’s entrepreneurial journey: from defense tech to CEO 13:55 – Turning shame and setbacks into entrepreneurial drive 16:04 – The story behind the “Improving” brand and company 17:13 – How to scale culture with 2,000+ employees and 17 offices 19:24 – Real-world examples of values-driven local flexibility 22:00 – Vetting for “we” vs. “me” cultures in acquisitions 24:06 – How to shift a team from “me” to “we,” practical trust behaviors 26:32 – Institutionalizing trust: trainings, trustpods, and everyday habits 29:05 – All about Improving’s “Engage” platform: visibility, coins, and real impact 32:20 – Handling pushback and building engagement for all personality types 33:47 – Will “Engage” launch as a product? 34:40 – Why not every executive is, or should be, a leader 39:12 – The dangers of promoting only “leaders,” and how to build a balanced org 44:19 – How Improving is leveraging AI now, and what every executive should do next 47:37 – Staying agile with a 10-year vision in a fast-changing world 50:49 – How Curtis continues to learn, grow, and seek feedback, even after winning major awards 52:41 – Damon’s takeaways: why team, trust, and frontline ideas matter most  About Curtis Hite Curtis Hite is the CEO and founder of Improving, a technology consulting and training company he launched in 2007. Under his leadership, Improving has grown to over 2,000 employees with 17 offices and revenues surpassing $280 million, winning more than 100 “Best Place to Work” awards along the way. Curtis is a leading advocate of conscious capitalism, trust-based leadership, and scalable, values-driven culture. His unique approach to executive roles, culture-building, and employee engagement has made Improving a standout in both growth and workplace excellence. Resources & Mentions: Improving Website Curtis Hite on LinkedIn Conscious Capitalism Movement “Conscious Capitalism” by John Mackey & Raj Sisodia “The Speed of Trust” by Stephen M. R. Covey YPO – Young Presidents’ Organization Blue Ocean Strategy Peter Bissonnette – Shaw Communications  Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

In this actionable episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, Damon Lembi sits down with Greg Satell, renowned transformation expert and bestselling author of Cascades: How to Create a Movement that Drives Transformational Change. Together, they unpack why organizational change efforts so often fail, the psychology of resistance, and how bold leaders can actually get people aligned without creating change fatigue or endless internal battles. Greg doesn’t just talk theory—he delivers proven frameworks for diagnosing resistance, earning “keystone wins,” and spreading transformation by movement, not mandate. Whether you're wrestling with skeptics or plotting your next big initiative, this episode is stacked with practical wisdom for anyone facing change at work or beyond. In this episode, you’ll learn: The five types of resistance to change (and why only four are rational) Why shared values, not just purpose, are the true foundation for successful transformation How to spot “change fatigue” and set limits on how much change your organization can handle The secret to keystone wins: start small, iterate with enthusiasts, and scale from early successes How movements, not mandates, create truly lasting organizational change Strategies for handling skeptics and building momentum through peer networks instead of persuasion Timestamps: 00:00 – Change fatigue, why most transformations burn out, and the mandate vs. movement dilemma 01:24 – The real reason change fails: resistance (what the data shows) 02:59 – The five categories of resistance: trust, fatigue, switching costs, incentives, and identity 09:33 – When (and when not) to engage with skeptics or “identity-based” resistors 13:41 – The power of shared values (and how LGBTQ+ rights found common ground) 15:45 – Discovering shared purpose and values—what leaders must do first 18:25 – Why values come with real costs (IBM’s culture turnaround story) 23:50 – The myth of “constant change”: why too many initiatives sink organizations 25:17 – Tipping points: you only need 10–20% early adopters to drive major change 28:30 – Why peer networks (not memos) spread new behaviors 30:20 – Don’t try to “boil the ocean”: the keystone change playbook for rapid scaling 35:37 – Why you always start with enthusiasts (and iterate in small groups) 38:21 – What the Agile movement got wrong about signaling and shared values 39:48 – Why learning from failure is the backbone of every movement 47:24 – How 5 kids in a Belgrade café sparked 50+ revolutions 48:01 – What Greg Satell has unlearned after two decades of studying change 54:37 – The power of belief: why “going where the energy is” matters most  About Greg Satell Greg Satell is an internationally recognized expert on transformation, organizational change, and innovation. He is the author of Cascades: How to Create a Movement that Drives Transformational Change and a frequent keynote speaker on leadership in times of disruption. Greg has helped Fortune 500s, global nonprofits, and city governments rethink how they mobilize people and win lasting buy-in for bold ideas. He is known for blending research-backed frameworks with compelling real-world stories, from corporate turnarounds to civic revolutions.  Resources & Mentions Greg’s website: GregSatell.com Connect with Greg on LinkedIn. Greg’s book: Cascades: How to Create a Movement that Drives Transformational Change IBM turnaround and Lou Gerstner’s management: Who Says Elephants Can't Dance? by Lou Gerstner “Identity” by Francis Fukuyama:  PwC research on change fatigue: PwC Global Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey 2022 Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

The best teams aren’t just about skill, they’re built on clarity, trust, and the science of group dynamics. In this episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, Damon welcomes group dynamics expert Dr. Colin M. Fisher, professor at University College London and author of the new book The Collective Edge. Drawing on remarkable stories from the worlds of jazz, sports, and business, Colin reveals the hidden psychology that keeps teams stuck, and the practical steps leaders can take to foster high-performing, resilient groups. From his unique background as a professional jazz musician to his groundbreaking research on team behavior, Colin removes the myths around teamwork and shares how anyone, from managers to family members, can build better groups, drive innovation, and create a true sense of belonging. Get ready for actionable insights you can use to launch teams with purpose, set goals that actually unite people, and transform both work and personal relationships. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why most teams get group purpose wrong, and how to launch with clarity and connection The underlying psychology that drives in-group favoritism and how to overcome it for bigger impact The surprising science behind “collective intelligence”, including what truly predicts team success How to set vivid, powerful goals that galvanize teams (and bust the myth of “just working hard”) Why structure matters more than process, and how misdiagnosing this derails even talented groups How social sensitivity and psychological safety fuel innovation, motivation, and creative improvisation Timestamps: 00:00 – The real reason teams fail: hidden group dynamics 01:43 – Why today’s problems require collective (not just individual) solutions 03:12 – Colin Fisher’s journey from jazz musician to group dynamics scholar 05:57 – The “click” moment in group improvisation, and why it matters 07:52 – Core message of The Collective Edge and its target audience 11:04 – Are teams or individuals behind today’s breakthroughs? Surprising research results 13:54 – The hidden teams behind famous leaders, inventors, and tech “geniuses” 15:53 – The #1 mistake founders make when launching teams 18:39 – What a “strong launch” looks like (and why daily rituals matter) 21:08 – Goal clarity: making “vivid” goals that truly align teams 24:15 – How JFK and Bill Gates set goals that sparked genuine buy-in 27:43 – Social sensitivity: the ultimate predictor of team performance 30:28 – How to spot and develop social sensitivity in hiring and team building 33:44 – Why starting with skills and perspectives matters most 35:25 – Designing high-impact tasks for authentic collaboration 38:19 – The real difference between psychological safety and autonomy 41:23 – Structure vs. process: how to rig the game in your team's favor 44:28 – Why sports and music teams get structure right (and business leaders rarely do) 45:06 – The longevity secrets of the Rolling Stones (and what one-hit-wonders miss) 50:38 – Mythbusting: Does diversity cause conflict? 52:10 – Mythbusting: Is competition always a motivator? 56:07 – Why trust falls are overrated, and what builds real collaboration 59:02 – Final takeaway: build for healthy groups, not just high-performing individuals  About Colin M. Fisher Colin M. Fisher is a professor at University College London and a leading researcher in group and team dynamics, fascinated by how people improvise, collaborate, and build creative solutions in teams. Before academia, Colin was a professional jazz trumpet player, which shaped his understanding of group “flow” and improvisation across language, culture, and experience. Today, he works with organizations, writes for publications, and teaches leaders how to transform everyday groups into high-performing, psychologically safe teams. He’s the author of The Collective Edge, which synthesizes decades of research and real-world stories to help anyone build better groups anywhere. Resources Referenced: Colin’s website Colin on LinkedIn The Collective Edge by Colin M. Fisher Research by Stefan Wuchty, Brian Uzzi, and Benjamin F. Jones: “The Increasing Dominance of Teams in Production of Knowledge” Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin Jim Collins: Big Hairy Audacious Goals (BHAG) Daniel Pink Adam Grant Annie Duke Amy Edmondson's "The Fearless Organization" The Social Network (film)  Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

In this powerful episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, host Damon Lembi digs in with executive coach and Career Benders founder, Angie Callen to reveal why authenticity is a performance tool, how generational dynamics shape workplace trust, and what you—and every leader—can do to rally a motivated, loyal, and thriving team. Discover Angie's journey from civil engineering to entrepreneur, her best practices for individual growth plans, and the key conversations every manager should have with their team. From perfectionism and the myth of work-life balance to actionable tools like values exercises and curiosity-driven reflection, this episode is packed with ideas for anyone ready to take ownership of their career and lead with purpose. In this episode, you’ll learn: The real reasons employees leave: How generational values and management misalignment fuel the leadership gap. Why authenticity isn’t just a buzzword—and how to leverage it to build trust and team engagement. How self-awareness, journaling, and curiosity can help you find passion and purpose at work. Tips for managing and motivating different team members as individuals, not units. Strategies for middle managers faced with culture clash and organizational resistance. Why executive presence, confidence, and self-reflection are critical in the modern workplace. Timestamps: 00:00 – Why teams aren't motivated by the same things 01:11 – Study: 64% of employees trust robots more than managers 02:02 – The generational gap in leadership and communication styles 03:52 – Why authenticity matters in leadership 06:41 – Angie's career path: from engineer to entrepreneur 08:26 – From art galleries to coaching—embracing “career tumbleweed” 11:32 – Why most people never find passion in their work (and how to start) 13:20 – Taking ownership of your career trajectory 14:04 – Tips for small, low-risk career pivots 15:30 – Using journaling and reflection to clarify your strengths 17:14 – The leader’s responsibility: motivating and developing teams individually 19:38 – Simple exercises to get to know your team faster 23:49 – Coaching frustrated middle managers: tackling organizational roadblocks 26:32 – The biggest current challenges for today’s leaders 28:56 – Building confidence through coaching (and why it matters) 33:48 – Why AI can’t replace human-to-human coaching 34:05 – How Angie’s coaching style has evolved 37:58 – Angie’s ideal clients—and her unique coaching philosophy 41:02 – Must-have free resources for stuck middle managers 42:05 – Final advice: You have more control over your career than you think  About Angie Callen Angie Callen is a former civil engineer turned executive coach, podcast host, and the founder of Career Benders. With a colorful journey spanning engineering, nonprofit leadership, entrepreneurship, and career coaching, Angie specializes in helping professionals—especially technical leaders—find their authentic path and unlock their leadership potential. Her coaching focuses on self-awareness, confidence, and finding purposeful, aligned work. Angie is known for practical, people-first strategies that inspire growth and real results. Resources & Mentions: Career Benders Free Resources – Core Values exercise and other tools mentioned by Angie Angie Callen on LinkedIn Career Benders official website The Modern Coach Co. – For more on Angie’s work with coaches Ikigai concept (More on Ikigai from PositivePsychology.com) Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

In this purposeful solo episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, host Damon Lembi pulls back the curtain on three of the most undervalued leadership skills: the art of consistently showing up, the power of pausing under pressure, and the critical ability to let go and move forward. Damon combines personal anecdotes, practical advice, and frameworks from top experts to help leaders at any level build the resilience and trust needed for high-performing teams—especially in today’s fast-moving, AI-first environment. Whether you’re a new manager or an aspiring executive, you’ll leave with actionable takeaways for leading with presence, poise, and purpose. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why showing up—even when you don’t want to—is the backbone of true leadership How “the pause” can defuse tension and change the trajectory of tough conversations The difference between letting go and avoidance—and how leaders can move past mistakes without grudges Simple, science-backed practices to reset after conflicts and stay present for your team How carrying unresolved issues undermines culture and drains team performance Real-world rituals Damon uses to keep his promises and be consistently reliable Timestamps: 00:00 – What most people get wrong about leadership 00:30 – Why the small, invisible habits build real trust 01:00 – Skill 1: Show up—even when you don’t feel like it 01:45 – Why inconsistency breaks trust and erodes culture 02:20 – Damon’s example: Recording at 7AM on a Sunday 03:10 – Anchor to purpose when motivation fades 03:45 – Skill 2: Practice the pause in tough moments 04:15 – What the body tells you before you snap 04:45 – Damon’s tip from Cynthia Kane: One breath + ground yourself 05:30 – Why excited leaders need the pause too 06:00 – The power of slowing the energy in a room 06:30 – Skill 3: Learn to let go (without avoiding or resenting) 07:00 – Mike Robbins’ framework: Let it go or deal with it 07:30 – Why option 3 (resentment) kills culture 08:00 – Resetting between meetings and relationships 08:30 – Recap: Show up, pause, let go 09:00 – Weekly challenge + free gift: 45 days of Learnit training  About Damon Lembi Damon Lembi is a 3x 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.   Resources & Mentions: Damon Lembi LinkedIn Learnit Learn It All Leader (Book by Damon Lembi) The Learn-It-All Leader for Kids (Kids Book by Damon Lembi) Cynthia Kane’s book: The Pause Principle Cynthia Kane on The Learn-It-All Podcast, Episode 182 Mike Robbins’ website: mike-robbins.com Learnit 45-day free training offerPodcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

When was the last time you worked ON your business, not just IN it? In this eye-opening episode, host Damon Lembi welcomes Dr. John Hillen—former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State, multi-time CEO, board chairman, and award-winning strategy professor—to break down what strategic thinking actually means for today’s leaders. Drawing from his hot new book, The Strategy Dialogue, John argues that strategy isn’t just for Fortune 500 boardrooms; it’s a muscle every leader can—and must—develop, regardless of company size. From unearthing the difference between “strategic planning” and “strategic thinking” to practical ways to shift your mindset, this episode is packed with actionable frameworks, real-world case studies, and wisdom to help you stop reacting and start leading. If you’ve ever felt too busy to look beyond your to-do list, you’ll learn why only 4% of leaders naturally think strategically—and how to join them. Plus: stories from the Berlin Wall, lessons from the rise of Netflix, the fall of Blockbuster, and what grocery stores can teach you about your true strengths. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, executive, or aspiring strategist, this episode will change the way you see your business, your role, and your future. In this episode, you’ll learn: What separates strategic leaders from busy taskmasters (and why ownership of strategy can’t be delegated) Why “strategic thinking” is not the same as “strategic planning,” and how to make it a daily habit The 4% mindset: How truly strategic leaders map the ecosystem, spot patterns, and connect the dots long-term Real-life case studies: Why Netflix disrupted Blockbuster, and how Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods each leverage hidden strengths How to identify your company’s core competency (hint: ask your customers, not your marketing team) Tools and frameworks—from SWOT and “TOES” to actionable, Socratic dialogues—for thinking and leading strategically in any environment Timestamps:  00:00 – The “strategic muscle”: why leaders must work ON the business 00:30 – Damon introduces John Hillen & today’s episode 01:26 – Why strategy is the heart of leadership 02:49 – Common excuses leaders use to avoid strategic thinking 04:51 – Only 4% of executives think strategically (and what the other 96% do instead) 07:36 – John’s background: Berlin Wall, Desert Storm, and the roots of strategic thinking 12:14 – How global experience shapes perspective and context 14:24 – Why John wrote The Strategy Dialogue & teaching strategy through dialogue 19:14 – Strategic thinking vs. strategic planning: Key differences 23:36 – Using “scenario planning” and creativity in traditionally rigid industries 24:51 – The essential mindset shift: think forward, ask better questions 26:26 – Why companies like Blockbuster and Kodak get disrupted 30:28 – Netflix’s three business model pivots: lessons in strategic agility 32:35 – How to get honest about your true strengths—ask your customers 35:49 – Whole Foods vs. Trader Joe’s: Different strengths, different strategies 37:21 – Beyond SWOT: the TOES framework for action-oriented strategy 44:40 – Can AI help with strategic thinking? The human judgment difference 47:00 – Why “how you think” is more important than “what you decide” 51:24 – How often should you revisit your strategy? 58:40 – Strategy, clarity, transparency, and public policy examples 1:00:10 – John’s final advice: Work on your business, not just in it About Dr. John Hillen  Dr. John Hillen is an award-winning strategy professor, best-selling author, and sought-after business leader with a career spanning the military, government, academia, and boardrooms. A former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State and CEO of multiple companies, John has taught leadership and strategy at Duke, George Mason, and other top universities. His latest book, The Strategy Dialogue, distills decades of experience into practical lessons for leaders at every level. Find out more at johnhillen.com or connect with John on LinkedIn. Resources & Mentions: The Strategy Dialogue by John Hillen John’s website: johnhillen.com John Hillen on LinkedIn Patrick Lencioni, author referenced and blurb contributor StrengthsFinder tool mentioned Clayton Christensen and his work on disruptive innovation Podcast Contact Information:  Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.