The Learn-It-All Podcast

Leadership isn’t about the title—it’s about the courage to care, the power of vision, and the ability to influence without control. In this thought-provoking episode, Damon sits down with Aaron Vaccaro, President of Singularity University and a key architect behind Topgolf’s explosive growth, to unpack the mindset and methods that turn good leaders into great ones. Aaron shares lessons from the frontlines of scaling billion-dollar visions, battling imposter syndrome, and building cultures where it’s actually cool to care. From navigating chaotic turnarounds to learning how to truly let go of ego, this episode delivers actionable insights and candid stories for leaders at every stage of their journey. Tune in for practical wisdom, leadership book recommendations, and the real secrets to earning trust—whether you have a title or not. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why outcome over ego separates outstanding leaders from the rest How to navigate imposter syndrome—and why vulnerability still matters in leadership What 51/49 hiring means: Putting culture above skills for lasting success Aaron’s playbook for building (and maintaining) a values-driven culture The difference between leadership by control and leadership by influence How deep learning, not just experience, can accelerate your leadership journey  Timestamps: 00:00 – Why influence, not titles, defines real leadership 01:13 – Learning to put outcome over ego in crisis and growth 05:41 – Meeting a mentor (and how trust is built for the long-term) 07:01 – Navigating imposter syndrome and getting over self-doubt 09:09 – How relentless vision (and smart negotiation) turned Topgolf into a giant 14:48 – Scaling culture: The power of hiring 51% on values 18:03 – Tactics to embed core values beyond a poster on the wall 22:08 – Rising into the president’s seat at Singularity University 25:10 – Leadership is influence, not control (and how to lead without a title) 28:54 – Embracing tough conversations: Grace, truth, and feedback 33:16 – Setting new leaders up for success (and how to onboard well) 35:37 – “Deep learning” as a shortcut to experience 38:28 – Aaron’s top three leadership books for new managers 40:52 – Finding time to read and keep learning as a senior leader 42:27 – Discipline, identity, and doing what needs to be done 46:09 – Defining your leadership identity after sports or big transitions 47:47 – Becoming the kind of leader people truly don’t want to let down 50:39 – Leadership mistakes: Lessons from tough meetings and letting things fester 54:37 – Balancing grace, truth—and knowing when it’s time to part ways 56:38 – Trusting again after being let down as a leader 58:53 – Why Aaron looks up to Winston Churchill 60:39 – The importance of mentoring, giving back, and keeping it cool to care 62:05 – Final takeaway: Make it cool to care—in your culture and your life  About Aaron Vaccaro Aaron Vaccaro is the President of Singularity University and has been instrumental in scaling high-growth ventures, notably Topgolf’s rise as a global brand. Known for orchestrating successful turnarounds and helping companies live their core values, Aaron has led strategic acquisitions, built innovative cultures, and mentored teams to think bigger and bolder. With roots as Eric Anderson’s chief of staff and an impressive trajectory through multiple leadership roles before 35, Aaron brings a rare blend of humility, vision, and operational grit to every team he leads. Resources & Mentions Connect with Aaron Vaccaro on LinkedIn Learn about Singularity University Canoeing the Mountains by Tod Bolsinger Atomic Habits by James Clear  Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

The best cultures aren’t built on paper—they’re fueled by authentic connection, candid conversations, and relentless self-growth. In this energizing episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, host Damon Lembi reconnects with former baseball rival turned bestselling author and executive coach, Mike Robbins. Together, they dig into what separates good teams from great ones—on the field and in the boardroom. Mike opens up about the power of appreciation over recognition, why embracing imposter syndrome can actually signal real growth, and how leaders build trust (and credibility) by showing up authentically—and not dodging those “sweaty palm” conversations. Expect memorable sports stories, practical mindset tools, and play-by-plays for handling conflict, envy, and high-stakes leadership moments. From clubhouse chemistry to corporate culture, this episode is loaded with actionable takeaways for anyone leading teams, navigating transitions, or just ready to grow. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why appreciation—not just recognition—creates lasting engagement and trust How “sweaty palm” conversations unlock deeper relationships and resolve hidden conflict What to do when imposter syndrome strikes (and why it means you’re growing) How to turn envy and internal competition into fuel for self-improvement Mike’s honesty formula for leadership: Honesty minus self-righteousness plus vulnerability Practical exercises for authentic appreciation and connection within teams  Timestamps: 00:00 – The power of letting go and direct conflict resolution 00:30 – Welcome and Mike’s surprising baseball rivalry origin story 01:49 – What truly makes great teams stand out 04:07 – The leadership mistake of speed over connection 06:03 – Mike’s baseball journey, career-ending injury, and leadership insights 10:56 – Playing for team goals vs. personal goals (and why it matters) 12:02 – Navigating internal competition and organizational “politicking” 15:10 – Mike’s first pro spring training, scarcity mindset, and rooting for others 20:42 – Reframing envy for professional growth 23:30 – Courage, vulnerability, and how Stanford teammates inspired Mike 27:41 – Damon's turning point: Choosing the harder path and what he learned 29:36 – Why imposter syndrome is a sign you're on the right track 32:24 – The honesty equation: authenticity, vulnerability, and humility 36:41 – The difference between recognition and appreciation (with stories) 44:01 – Why leaders are always on stage and how appreciation impacts culture 47:25 – Team appreciation exercise and why it matters 53:29 – Navigating difficult conversations: permission, vulnerability, and intent 58:38 – Two options for conflict: let go or resolve it fully 1:02:30 – Top leadership challenges today—and why real connection matters  About Mike Robbins Mike Robbins is a former professional baseball player turned bestselling author, keynote speaker, and executive coach with over 25 years of experience helping organizations build trust, authenticity, and winning cultures. After a career-ending arm injury led him from the pitcher’s mound to Silicon Valley startups, Mike became a sought-after speaker and author of five books, including "We're All In This Together." His expertise has been tapped by companies like Google, Microsoft, and the San Francisco Giants, and he’s renowned for translating high-performance team skills from sports to business. Learn more at mike-robbins.com and connect on LinkedIn. Resources & Mentions Mike’s website: mike-robbins.com Mike on LinkedIn: Mike Robbins Mike’s book: We’re All In This Together Book referenced: Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi Brené Brown on vulnerability  Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

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: Vistage Brian on LinkedIn Turn the Ship Around by David Marquet Candidly – Laurel Taylor’s company Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Winning isn’t just about what you know—it’s about the value you create and the lives you change. In this thought-provoking episode, Damon Lembi sits down with Dr. Keith Keating, Chief Learning Officer at BDO and bestselling author, to unpack how learning professionals can shift from being order takers to strategic value creators inside their organizations. Keith gets candid about his own journey from high school dropout to PhD and international L&D leader, sharing actionable ways anyone can maximize their personal growth—and show up as a business partner that leaders can’t live without. This episode is packed with strategies for navigating the transition from the knowledge economy to the value economy, practical tools for influencing even the toughest CFOs, and a framework for measuring the hidden value that L&D brings to business. If you want to boost your credibility, expand your influence, and future-proof your career (especially in the era of AI), this one’s for you. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why “not my job” are the three most dangerous words in any organization—and how to break out of the L&D box How Keith’s own underdog background fuels his approach to helping others unlock potential through learning The crucial shift from knowledge economy to value economy—and how to prove your impact with business language Keith’s Value Creation Compass: a framework for aligning L&D with what the business (and CFOs) actually value Why stories matter more to senior leaders than spreadsheets—and how to build powerful narratives How to avoid burnout and find purpose as a learning professional, even when your value isn’t being recognized Timestamps: 00:00 – The danger of “not my job” and why value creators stand out 01:32 – How learning changed Keith’s life 03:08 – The power of “teach backs” and learning by teaching 05:15 – Book clubs and underrated learning tools 07:08 – Embracing the underdog mentality for career resilience 08:35 – What inspired “Hidden Value” and why now is critical for L&D 11:17 – Why L&D is stuck as order takers and how to break the cycle 13:03 – Moving from defense to proactive value creation 16:42 – Key shift: stop speaking L&D, start speaking business 17:13 – Where to start: deep business and financial research 20:13 – Engaging the CFO: what they actually care about 21:44 – How (and why) to build relationships with Finance 24:35 – Using stories, not just data, to prove your impact 29:20 – Real-world story: How L&D drove business results at BDO 33:12 – The Value Creation Compass explained 37:44 – Organizational resilience and fostering a learning culture 39:39 – Overcoming fixed mindsets at every level 41:02 – How to build learning cultures even if senior leaders resist 43:17 – What Keith would change (or double down on) from his first book 44:29 – The future of L&D: evolving roles, relevance, and AI 48:01 – Never say “not my job”—become indispensable  About Dr. Keith Keating Dr. Keith Keating is the Chief Learning Officer at BDO, keynote speaker, and author of The Trusted Learning Advisor and Hidden Value: Why Learning and Development Is the Key to Unlocking Human Potential. His journey from high school dropout to industry leader has fueled his mission to make learning an equalizer and a driver of transformation for individuals and organizations. Keith is passionate about helping L&D practitioners move from the sidelines to the boardroom, focusing on value creation, business partnership, and storytelling. Resources & Mentions: Dr. Keith Keating Website: Website  Dr. Keith Keating on LinkedIn. Hidden Value: Why Learning and Development Is the Key to Unlocking Human Potential by Dr. Keith Keating The Trusted Learning Advisor by Dr. Keith Keating Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

In this high-energy episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, host Damon Lembi is joined by John Golden, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer at Pipeline CRM and host of the SalesPop podcast. Together, they dig deep into the art of decision-making, the power of authenticity in leadership, and the lessons learned from the dot-com era—offering actionable advice for anyone looking to future-proof their business or career. John shares personal stories about trusting his gut, being deliberate with growth, and why admitting you don't know is the ultimate mark of expertise. From the importance of resilience and learning from mistakes, to navigating VC/PE relationships and thriving in an AI-driven world, this episode is packed with wisdom for founders, leaders, and ambitious professionals alike. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why authenticity—not bravado—is the key to earning trust as a leader How to assess “the why” behind big career or business decisions (and how John’s gut instinct saved him from a bad move) What founders and business leaders today can learn from the triumphs and failures of the dot-com boom and bust Smart, intentional ways to grow your company without overextending (including when and how to bring on VC/PE partners) Why being willing to admit mistakes—and learn from them—sets the best leaders apart How “fractional” and contractor talent can turbocharge your business without risky overhead Timestamps 00:00 – The power of admitting mistakes and authentic leadership 01:09 – Why you’re never 100% ready: advice for big leaps 03:46 – When “the why” isn’t strong enough: a dot-com era cautionary tale 07:01 – Should you take the “wrong” job just to pay the bills? 08:08 – John’s move to Silicon Valley: seizing unexpected opportunities 09:34 – Lessons from the dot-com boom and bust (and AI parallels) 14:58 – Practical advice for founders: bootstrapping, VC/PE diligence, and controlled growth 18:37 – Balancing gut instinct with due diligence 20:56 – Leveraging fractional, contract, and remote talent strategically 22:51 – John’s pivotal career moment: setting your sights on the CEO role 25:01 – Why (and how) people limit their own potential 27:54 – Overcoming fear of failure—and fear of success 29:29 – Imposter syndrome and why you should apply for the job anyway 30:27 – The value of authenticity (and how to show it as a leader) 32:20 – Failing forward: why mistakes are fuel for growth 33:58 – The value of humility and vulnerability in leadership 35:11 – Where to connect with John and find SalesPop  About John Golden John Golden is the Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer at Pipeline CRM and the host of SalesPop, a podcast with over 1,500 episodes featuring top leaders and sales innovators. With a distinguished background in sales strategy and executive leadership, including experience navigating the boom and bust of Silicon Valley’s dot-com era, John is known for his candid, authentic approach to business. He specializes in helping founders and business leaders future-proof their organizations by building on solid fundamentals, leveraging gut instinct, and hiring resilient, authentic teams.  Resources Referenced Pipeliner CRM SalesPop Podcast SalesPop on YouTube John Golden on LinkedIn  Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

What separates good leaders from truly transformative ones? In this powerful full-episode conversation, Damon welcomes Ken Gavranovic—seasoned tech executive, Thinkers50 honoree, and serial builder of billion-dollar businesses—to The Learn-It-All Podcast for a no-holds-barred exploration of leadership, entrepreneurship, and the future of work in the AI era. Ken unpacks his unique path from humble beginnings to leading 18 exits and owning $3B in P&L, revealing how the world’s best leaders don’t just excel individually—they elevate everyone around them. From the lessons hidden inside failed startups to why AI is redefining the playing field, this episode is overflowing with hard-won wisdom, tools, and real talk for leaders who want to level up themselves and their teams. Packed with actionable advice, personal stories, and candid reflections, this episode is your blueprint for becoming not just a high performer, but a meta performer—one who inspires, coaches, and wins with others. Whether you’re scaling a startup, transforming a legacy business, or aspiring to lead with more impact, you’ll leave fired up and equipped to turn learning into lasting results. In this episode, you’ll learn: What it means to be a “meta performer”—and how great leaders elevate entire teams, not just themselves How Ken went from scrappy founder to building a $200M company from the ground up The critical difference between measuring outcomes vs. activity (and how to actually set targets that drive results) Why money alone won’t make you happy—and what true success and options look like as a leader How to ask better questions, foster a culture of feedback, and avoid becoming a bottleneck as you scale What AI means for every business: why it’s a massive equalizer, and how to find quick wins (without making million-dollar mistakes) The career-defining lessons you’ll learn at a failed startup (that big companies can’t teach you) Timestamps: 00:00 – How “meta performers” level up those around them 00:33 – Welcome to the Learn-It-All Podcast: About Ken and what’s ahead 01:43 – Ken’s first questions when starting something new 02:19 – The childhood experiences that shaped Ken’s entrepreneurial drive 05:33 – Money, happiness, and the real options of wealth 07:44 – What mentors look for: Grit, honesty, and taking care of others’ capital 08:25 – Building Web.com from scratch: The inside story 11:33 – Mistakes of the dot-com era (and lessons for AI today) 14:51 – Why neither “experience” nor youth guarantee right answers 17:13 – Outcomes vs. activity: How busywork derails companies 18:08 – Measuring results at New Relic: Asking the right questions 21:16 – How to coach with questions instead of answers 22:35 – Moving from high performer to meta performer (and why it matters) 25:18 – Elevating your team: From leadership to “teamship” 27:23 – Is it the product or the people? How Ken evaluates startups and investments 31:37 – AI’s disruptive power, past and future: What’s next for leaders 35:02 – AI, jobs, and the future of work 40:19 – How to start leveraging AI today (without melting down your org) 43:24 – The power of prompt engineering for every professional 46:49 – The future of leadership—and why vision still sets winners apart 48:18 – The best career risk advice for aspiring founders 50:18 – The one thing you need with data to run your business well 51:13 – Where to connect with Ken and closing thoughts About Ken Gavranovic Ken Gavranovic is a renowned technology executive, global keynote speaker, and a member of Thinkers50. He built Web.com from scratch to $200 million in revenue and has led 18 successful exits, overseeing $3 billion in P&L. Ken’s leadership at companies like New Relic and Cox Automotive have helped scale products and organizations to global prominence. Known for his passion for elevating teams and building winning cultures, Ken is also an active advisor, investor, and advocate for data-driven, people-first leadership. Resources & Mentions: KenGavranovic.com Ken on LinkedIn Book: Amp It Up by Frank Slootman Book: Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi Thinkers50: Thinkers50 New Relic: New Relic Book (referenced): Small Ball, Big Results by Joel Goldberg The Learn-It-All Podcast with Doug Conant The Learn-It-All Podcast with Stephen M.R. Covey The Learn-It-All Podcast with Richard White The Learn-It-All Podcast with Keith Ferrazzi Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Successful teams rely on energy, resilience, and community—and middle managers need all three now more than ever. In this practical solo episode, host Damon Lembi shares game-changing strategies for navigating the toughest seat in business: the middle. Drawing inspiration from a chaotic day at his son’s nursery school, Damon unpacks the real-world stressors facing today’s middle managers and delivers three essential tips you can start using immediately. From protecting your sleep to reimagining meetings, plus a surprising approach to building your own peer support circle, this episode is packed with mental, physical, and tactical tools to help you thrive—not just survive. Damon also shares a bonus “book of wins” exercise to keep your motivation high against all odds. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or just looking to sharpen your leadership edge, you’ll find tangible steps and inspiration right here. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why self-care is the first and most critical step for every middle manager’s success How a structured “3-2-1” evening routine can boost your sleep—and next-day performance Simple but powerful meeting habits that drive clarity, manage time, and energize your team How to create your own peer community for insights, support, and resilience The surprising effect of reflecting on your wins—and how to build a practice that fuels you through challenges  Timestamps: 00:00 – The middle manager paradox: pressure from above, responsibility below 00:30 – Why middle managers are often overlooked—but absolutely essential 01:05 – Tip #1: Clarify your priorities (especially when they’re unclear) 01:45 – Damon’s morning habit: setting his “Big 3” 02:15 – How clarity protects your time, team, and sanity 02:50 – Tip #2: Know how your boss defines success 03:25 – The misalignment trap: working hard on the wrong things 04:10 – Pro tip: Ask “What’s the #1 thing you need from me this week?” 04:40 – Tip #3: Lead your team how they want to be led 05:15 – Story: learning to adapt for a direct report with a hearing difference 06:00 – “Chameleon leadership” and psychological safety 06:45 – Recap: Clarify priorities, align with your boss, flex to your team 07:10 – Damon’s challenge: Pick one tip and try it this week 07:30 – Free training gift + Learnit.com plug  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) James Laughlin’s forthcoming book: Habits for High Performers James Laughlin on LinkedIn Mamie Kanfer Stewart on LinkedIn Learnit 45-day free training offer  Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

In this inspiring episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, Damon sits down with Ed Hajim—Wall Street veteran, philanthropist, and author—to uncover the extraordinary journey that took Ed from foster homes and orphanages to the helm of major institutions. Ed shares his hard-won lessons on leadership, resilience, and the transformative power of trust and gratitude. Through candid storytelling, he reveals the mindset shifts that propelled him forward, the role creativity and self-awareness play in lasting leadership, and why giving back is the ultimate personal reward. Whether you’re a seasoned exec or just starting your professional path, this conversation is packed with wisdom on overcoming adversity, developing future-ready skills, and leading with heart. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why “Who am I?” is the essential question for every leader—and how to start answering it How adversity in Ed’s childhood forged his resilience and leadership philosophy The difference between leadership in the military versus the business world Why trust and gratitude aren’t just feel-good values but practical tools for success How to turn early setbacks into lifelong fuel for growth Actionable ways leaders can shape a culture of creativity and care—no matter the size of the organization The surprising power of giving back, both at work and in your community  Timestamps: 00:00 – Ed on trusting people—and learning from being let down 01:21 – The most important question: Who are you? 03:58 – Are leaders born or made? Ed’s journey to discovering leadership 09:08 – Ed’s remarkable childhood: orphanages, foster care, and early adversity 13:49 – How Ed learned to forgive and love his imperfect father 17:51 – Turning disadvantage into advantage: adaptability & resilience 18:07 – What kept Ed from a “victim mentality” and on a positive path 20:07 – The shift from mistrust to radical trust in business 22:51 – Lessons from military service: building teams, discipline, and personal growth 24:07 – Leading when you’re younger or less experienced than your team 26:32 – Military vs. business leadership: the power of thinking outside the box 27:51 – How Ed fosters creativity and innovation as a leader 31:08 – The secret to culture, strategy, people, and knowing your weaknesses 32:17 – Deflecting credit and the power of gratitude in leadership 34:35 – On never blaming others and embracing early failure as a gift 36:09 – Turning mistakes into learning and the dangers of playing the victim 41:56 – Ed’s fable “The Island of the Four Ps” and why leadership lessons stick as stories 45:15 – Why passions shift—and how to keep evolving 47:30 – How Ed helped his kids develop grit (despite privilege) 51:11 – What still excites Ed every day: purpose after success 52:32 – The unexpected impact of being rejected from a golf club 54:11 – The joy and impact of giving back: scholarships and community 57:31 – Ed’s four realms of life: self, family, work, and community 60:04 – What’s next for Ed Hajim—and his campaign for practical education 63:04 – Where to connect with Ed and get his books 64:02 – Final thoughts: Helping others see their own greatness  About Ed Hajim Ed Hajim is a celebrated Wall Street veteran with more than 50 years of leadership experience. Despite a turbulent childhood spent in foster care and orphanages, Ed rose to become the chairman of the University of Rochester’s board, where he made the single largest donation in school history. Over his multifaceted career, Ed has led top investment firms, authored two acclaimed books (“On the Road Less Traveled” and “The Island of the Four Ps”), and become a passionate advocate for mentorship and community giving. His remarkable journey is a testament to resilience, lifelong learning, and the belief that anything is possible with the right mindset. Resources & Mentions: Ed Hajim's Website Ed Hajim on LinkedIn On the Road Less Traveled by Ed Hajim The Island of the Four Ps by Ed Hajim Doug Conant (Leadership reference) Tom Mendoza (NetApp leadership reference) Harvard Business School Alumni Association Growth Fund of America  Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

In this dynamic episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, host Damon Lembi welcomes serial entrepreneur and AI expert Didi Azaria, co-founder of Sisense and current CEO of Workiz. Together, they unpack why leaders must resist the urge to chase every shiny object and instead get obsessed with their niche. Didi shares hard-earned lessons on niching down, building execution-driven teams, and how leaders can leverage AI as a force multiplier—without losing their company’s humanity. Packed with actionable stories and candid reflections, this episode is a roadmap for anyone ready to thrive amidst rapid technological change. From strategic focus to the practical application of AI, Didi reveals the habits that separate reactive leaders from proactive innovators. Whether you’re running a tech unicorn or a local field service business, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to start moving, iterate fast, and never stop learning. In this episode, you’ll learn: The case for “movement over perfection”—why you must build momentum before you know the full plan How to embrace and implement AI as a leadership superpower, not just a productivity tool Didi’s journey from tinkering with modems at 13 to scaling Sisense into a unicorn (and what he’d do differently next time) The power of niching down: why saying “no” is the hardest and most important skill for entrepreneurs How to build a culture where radical feedback and innovation bubble up Why relentless execution (not just brilliant ideas) is the true driver of success Timestamps: 00:00 – Why movement trumps waiting: Build momentum first 01:47 – Didi’s bets on the future of AI and business 04:18 – How leaders should respond to FOMO and tech overwhelm 07:42 – Didi’s entrepreneurial journey: from modems to Sisense 13:50 – The real cost of missed calls for field service companies 15:13 – Lessons from scaling Sisense: niching down for growth 17:44 – The power and challenge of saying “no” as a founder 20:19 – How self-awareness shapes Didi’s leadership approach 23:20 – Creating a culture where feedback and candor flow 25:15 – Harnessing frontline feedback to drive innovation 26:57 – Why execution beats ideas—and how to fail fast 29:51 – “Never give up”—but always be willing to iterate 30:05 – From overthinking to shipping fast: How Didi’s approach has evolved 31:29 – Getting unstuck: Breaking big goals into action 34:51 – AI empathy in action: Stories from the frontline 40:58 – Final reflections: The importance of curiosity and finding your niche  About Didi Azaria Didi Azaria is a serial entrepreneur, AI evangelist, and business leader with a passion for leveraging technology to solve real-world problems. As co-founder of Sisense, he helped scale the company into a data analytics unicorn, earning recognition as an AI patent-holder and visionary in the space. Now, as CEO of Workiz, Didi is revolutionizing the field service industry through automation and AI, empowering small businesses to compete on a whole new level. Known for his transparency and hands-on leadership, Didi distills decades of experience into actionable insights for leaders navigating change. Resources & Mentions Didi Azaria on LinkedIn Workiz website Sisense  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, 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.