the Learn-It-All™ podcast

What happens when you decide not just to dream of adventure, but actually buy the one-way ticket? On this inspiring episode of the Learn-It-All™ podcast, host Damon sits down with Valerie Bowden—social worker turned multi-startup founder and CEO of Cradle—to unpack a journey that defies the expected. Tired of the 9-to-5 grind, Valerie quit, moved to Ethiopia, and learned (sometimes the very hard way) that resilience, self-trust, and the ability to do hard things daily are the ultimate leadership skills. Together, they cover what travel really teaches us, the raw reality of failed startups, and how reframing failure builds grit—even sharing lessons learned from devastating mistakes with cash flow and investors. From building confidence with daily risk-taking to why creating jobs (not just charities) drives change, this episode is packed with real stories, unfiltered advice, and practical takeaways—whether you’re a first-time founder, a corporate escape artist, or simply need permission to take the leap. In this episode, you’ll learn: What travel teaches you that a classroom can’t: How leaving her comfort zone built Valerie’s confidence, adaptability—and a lifelong ability to handle pressure. Why failing forward is the only way: Valerie shares her hardest startup lessons and how to reframe failure as “winning or learning.” Tips for handling extreme pressure: The mindset shifts and practical boundaries that keep leaders strong under stress. Outsourcing secrets for faster growth: When, why, and how to find (and train) the right offshore talent—and avoid common mistakes. Who should (and shouldn’t) start a company: Valerie’s clear-eyed advice for anyone considering the jump from corporate to startup founder. How to grow leadership as you scale: The processes, mindset, and relationship-building moves that matter most when you go from solo to 120 employees—and beyond.  Timestamps 00:00 – Valerie’s take: “Travel is the most responsible thing you can do” 00:57 – Meet Valerie Bowden and her leap from social work to Africa 02:24 – Where’d the courage come from to quit and travel solo? 04:01 – Family and society’s doubts—how Valerie handled no support 05:11 – Hard-won lessons learned backpacking Africa 06:16 – Why jobs, not charity, create lasting change 07:26 – Startup attempts (and failures) in Ethiopia 08:33 – Separating self-worth from startup outcomes 09:29 – Valerie’s advice for finding your identity after failure 11:02 – The nightmare investor story—and lessons learned 12:57 – Masterminds, mentors, and not going it alone 13:59 – Launching Cradle… at 8 months pregnant 15:23 – There’s never a “right time” for a leap 16:00 – Valerie’s practice: doing something hard every day 18:18 – How to stop caring what other people think 20:13 – What the corporate world did teach Valerie after all 21:18 – Who should—and shouldn’t—become a founder 23:26 – How Valerie handles the pressures of leadership 25:17 – The $25k lesson: why good cash flow is non-negotiable 27:03 – What Cradle does and how it’s disrupting outsourcing 29:39 – How and when to outsource (without the usual pitfalls) 34:09 – Scaling from 20 to 120 employees—new leadership, new processes 36:16 – Is AI a threat or an asset for outsourcing teams? 38:49 – Cradle’s vision for 10,000 Africa-based team members 40:10 – What Valerie hopes her daughter learns from her journey 41:44 – Small steps—the only way to big leaps About Valerie Bowden Valerie Bowden is the founder and CEO of Cradle, a U.S.-Africa outsourcing business that helps American companies unlock affordable, skilled talent across the African continent. After burning out in her corporate job, Valerie Bowden bought a one-way ticket to Ethiopia, backpacked solo across Africa, and never looked back—eventually living there for eight years and launching multiple startups. Along the way, she discovered the power of jobs over aid, survived failed ventures, learned tough lessons from investor stumbles, and built Cradle into a thriving, seven-figure business with 120 team members. Valerie is passionately committed to changing the narrative around Africa, job creation, and what it means to be a resilient, purpose-driven leader. Resources & Mentions Crdle.com – Valerie’s company (site includes a lead magnet on outsourcing) Valerie Bowden on LinkedIn Acquisition.com (Alex & Leila Hormozi) – Company Valerie admired and referenced in her outreach example Oprah’s podcasts – Inspired Valerie through a tough period Monday.com – Project management tool discussed for scaling team processes Get Authentic Podcast with Marcus Ogden – Damon and Valerie’s mutual connection Podcast Contact Information Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Helping people grow, building teams that win, and leading through rapid change—business success doesn’t have to be complicated. In this energizing episode, Damon sits down with legendary operator and leadership coach Cameron Herold to reveal the core skills every leader needs—but most never learn. From skyrocketing 1-800-GOT-JUNK’s growth to founding the COO Alliance, Cameron Herold shares field-tested lessons on interviewing, delegation, building culture, and coaching your team. You’ll learn actionable frameworks for hiring, developing talent, running better meetings, and leveraging AI—plus the mindset shift that turns managers into true leaders. Packed with real stories from hiring 8,000 student painters in six weeks to transforming toxic teams, this episode is your practical playbook for scaling yourself, your team, and your business. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why your #1 job as a leader is to grow your people (and how to start today) The power of situational leadership: how to adapt your style based on each team member’s needs and projects Why delegation unlocks scale—and how to finally get out of the weeds (hint: delegate everything but your genius) How to build a culture that drives results and stays free of toxic talent The mindset and tools needed to future-proof your team in the era of AI  Timestamps: 00:00 – Why business is simpler than you think 00:47 – How Cameron grew 1-800-GOT-JUNK from 14 to 3,100+ employees 02:14 – “A leader’s job is to get results through others”—Cameron’s College Pro Painters story 04:01 – Why people struggle with interviewing, meetings, and core management skills 05:11 – The danger of “30 years’ experience” vs. real growth 06:25 – Group interviews and the “threat of reference check” (TORC) method 08:38 – How to spot a victim mentality (and why introspection matters in hiring) 10:24 – The difference between theory and proven experience 13:30 – Why toxic high performers destroy organizations 16:27 – What most leaders get wrong about delegation 19:28 – How to delegate things outside your own expertise (and who to bring in) 21:48 – Helping new managers win by embracing vulnerability, coaching, and connection 24:44 – The essentials of situational leadership (and why it’s every leader’s secret weapon) 28:50 – How to promote and onboard new leaders for success 30:17 – Why curiosity and “learning time off” are now nonnegotiable 35:03 – Leading for the whole company, not just your function 38:10 – Core values in action: Calling out leaders when they break them 41:18 – Disruption and simplicity in the age of AI 45:03 – Skills, confidence, connections: What it really takes to grow as a leader  About Cameron Herold Cameron Herold is a globally recognized business growth expert, author, and the founder of the COO Alliance—the top community for second-in-command leaders. Nicknamed the “CEO Whisperer,” Cameron was instrumental in scaling 1-800-GOT-JUNK from just 14 staff to over 3,100 and $100M+ in revenue. He’s a six-time author, award-winning keynote speaker, and creator of the Invest in Your Leaders program. Cameron’s legacy includes coaching high-growth organizations on core leadership skills, situational management, and building companies where people love to work.  Resources & Mentions: Cameron’s Website  Cameron’s LinkedIn Who Not How by Dan Sullivan & Ben Hardy Ken Blanchard & Paul Hersey – Situational Leadership / The One Minute Manager There’s an AI for That – AI Tool Directory The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni COO Alliance Invest in Your Leaders Program Cameron’s upcoming book: “Grandmother’s Timeless Tales on Business Success” 1-800-GOT-JUNK  Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Burnout. Money stress. Vulnerability at work. On this powerful episode of the Learn-It-All™ podcast, host Damon sits down with renowned psychotherapist, keynote speaker, and author Joyce Marter for an unfiltered conversation about modern leadership and mental health. Joyce shares her deeply personal journey—building (and nearly losing) a successful mental health company, facing “cash flow hell,” and ultimately emerging with fresh insight on humility, resilience, and the true intersection of well-being and wealth. Together, Damon and Joyce dive into practical strategies for navigating chronic stress, fostering trust through transparency, and shifting from a scarcity to an abundance mindset, both at work and at home. Packed with relatable stories, actionable self-care and leadership tools, and candid talk about everything from AI anxiety to money myths, this conversation is an essential listen for any leader who wants to thrive (not just survive) in today’s high-stress world. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why self-worth is the real foundation for building net worth—and how to boost it Daily self-care rituals leaders can use to boost resilience and refill their “cup” How to spot burnout and mental health red flags within your team The power of transparency and vulnerability to deepen trust and strengthen culture Specific strategies for shifting from a scarcity to an abundance mindset The crucial link between financial stress, mental health, and professional performance Timestamps: 00:00 – What is burnout? Mental health realities for leaders 01:18 – How do you show up for your team if you’re overwhelmed yourself? 02:41 – A 10-minute self-care routine to reset your day 04:40 – What to do after traumatic news triggers morning anxiety 06:13 – Joyce’s journey: From therapist to company founder (and near-bankruptcy) 08:14 – The reality of “cash flow hell” and leadership humility 11:55 – Why you shouldn’t go through hard times alone 12:28 – Grit, values, and sticking with your mission through crisis 14:07 – Taking baby steps and celebrating small wins 14:40 – Should leaders be transparent about organizational struggles? 16:59 – The signs of burnout and mental health struggles in your team 21:31 – How to have “brave conversations” when you notice something’s wrong 25:10 – Why psychological safety matters for team engagement 26:13 – The hidden impact of financial stress in the workplace 28:32 – How to help team members stuck in a negative money mindset 31:27 – Real-life stories: Moving from scarcity to abundance 36:26 – Self-worth comes before net worth—why it matters 42:15 – Supporting financial literacy and empowerment at work 44:50 – AI anxiety: What leaders can do to ease uncertainty 45:28 – Joyce’s final advice for elevating your own and your team’s mental health 46:28 – Where to find Joyce and her resources  About Joyce Marter Joyce Marter is a licensed psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience, a celebrated keynote speaker, and author of The Financial Mindset Fix: A Mental Fitness Program for an Abundant Life. Joyce is passionate about breaking the stigma around mental health and guiding leaders and organizations in strengthening well-being, navigating burnout, and building “mental wealth.” She founded, scaled, and sold a major counseling company across three states and now trains audiences worldwide at the intersection of psychology, money, and leadership. Resources & Mentions: Website: https://www.joyce-marter.com/ LinkedIn: Joyce Marter Joyce’s book: https://www.joyce-marter.com/book/the-financial-mindset-fix/ Forbes Contributor Profile: Joyce Marter Joyce’s Speaker/Training Services: https://www.joyce-marter.com/presentations-topics/  Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

If you think becoming a manager is the only ticket to success, think again. In this episode of The Learn-It-All™ podcast, host Damon Lembi sits down with Josh Nanavaty, VP of Ticket Sales for the San Jose Sharks, for a candid and practical conversation about the real shift from “me” to “we” in leadership. Fresh off leadership experiences with both the Vancouver Canucks and the Sharks, Josh Nanavaty shares what top performers miss when stepping into management, why some fail (and why that’s OK), and how to create high-performing, psychologically safe teams from day one. This episode delivers a treasure trove of actionable advice for current and aspiring leaders, especially those navigating that pivotal jump from individual contributor to manager. Get ready to rethink promotion, hear powerful mindset shifts, and learn concrete ways to build trust, transparency, and growth in yourself and your team. If you’re leading, want to lead, or simply want to help others uplevel their careers, this is an episode you’ll want to share. In this episode, you’ll learn: The crucial mindset shift from individual contributor to people leader (and what you must unlearn) How to know if leadership is really the next step for you—or if you're happiest as a top performer Tactics for building trust with new teams, especially when promoted from within or joining fresh How to handle mistakes, foster psychological safety, and own failures as a leader The importance of transparent career roadmaps and why “giving everyone a voice” creates loyalty and retention Why Josh Nanavaty believes in “chameleon leadership”—and how to adapt your style for different personalities  Timestamps: 00:00 – The “we before me” question every aspiring leader should ask 00:35 – Josh Nanavaty’s career path: from intern to VP 01:02 – The mindset shift of winning through your team 02:04 – What leaders need to unlearn 03:31 – Josh’s early leadership mistakes: the battle with marketing 04:59 – Delegation, empowerment, and letting others learn (even if mistakes happen) 06:33 – Why Josh wanted to get into leadership: not the thrill of the chase, but the thrill of team success 08:57 – Two manager types: product management vs. people management 10:55 – Why you should define success for yourself 11:11 – The hardest career challenge: shifting from peer to boss 12:41 – Building trust and psychologically safe environments 14:13 – Owning mistakes, coaching, and why leaders must wear team failures 19:05 – Overcoming the “intern” image & building credibility with senior leadership 21:24 – Why title and money never trump having a great boss 24:00 – Starting fresh at the Sharks: pros and cons of a clean slate 26:26 – Josh’s “observe, listen, build trust” new leader plan 29:32 – Implementing a transparent 4-year career roadmap 33:56 – Josh’s three pillars of team culture 36:56 – Authenticity, being a fan serving fans, and dealing with tough seasons 39:28 – The top traits Josh hires for: hard work, relationships, competitiveness 41:42 – Chameleon leadership: adapting style to individuals 44:07 – Josh’s #1 practical advice for struggling leaders: Lean on your network 45:08 – Where to find Josh online (and at the SAP Center!)  About Josh Nanavaty Josh Nanavaty is the Vice President of Ticket Sales for the San Jose Sharks. Starting his career as an intern with the Vancouver Canucks, Josh Nanavaty rose through the ranks, gaining a reputation for relationship-driven leadership, and eventually made the jump to a senior leadership role with the Sharks. He’s known for building open, transparent workplace cultures, developing innovative career pathways, and championing the shift from top-performer to hero-maker.  Resources & Mentions: San Jose Sharks: Learn more and get tickets Josh Nanavaty LinkedIn: Connect directly with Josh SAP Center (mentioned): https://www.sapcenter.com/  Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

We may look like modern professionals, but our brains are still wired like tribes on the savannah. On this deeply insightful episode of the Learn-It-All™ podcast, host Damon Lembi welcomes Tim Ash—international keynote speaker, bestselling author, and executive advisor—to unpack the science behind primal brain wiring and its impact on leadership, culture, and team dynamics. Tim reveals why our ancient psychology still drives every decision, shares a powerful three-step "Initiated Tribe" framework for building belonging, and explores how leaders can consciously design cultures that foster loyalty, trust, and sustainable high performance. Packed with real-world case studies, practical exercises, and evolutionary wisdom, this episode is a must-listen for any leader seeking to build teams that not only deliver results, but also thrive through genuine connection and shared purpose. Damon and Tim dive into vivid examples, from Navy SEAL training to business brands, showing how universal bonding mechanics—modeling, peer pressure, synchronized activities, and overcoming adversity—can transform any group into an aligned, unstoppable tribe. In this episode, you'll learn: Why "cavemen in modern clothes" is more than a metaphor—and what it means for leadership today How Tim Ash’s "Initiated Tribe" framework unlocks deeper connection and belonging on teams The four primal forces behind every high-trust culture (and how to use them to your advantage) The importance of defining and communicating your personal purpose as a leader How to intentionally initiate new employees and partners into your tribe Why core personal purpose and shadow work are essential—not just for leaders, but for everyone Timestamps: 00:00 – Why we’re still “cavemen in modern clothes”: evolutionary roots of decision-making 01:14 – The four primal forces that turn any group into a tribe 02:31 – How ancient social psychology explains modern work dysfunction 05:12 – Tim’s journey from neuroscience to billion-dollar consulting 06:34 – Why diverse teams outperform “groupthink” cultures 08:04 – Tribal bonding: safety, belonging, and the importance of a tightknit culture 10:17 – Case study: MAGA vs. Democratic Party—cultural clarity and the power of “edges” 13:00 – The personal purpose hierarchy: Disney’s secret decision-making tool 15:45 – Tim’s Initiated Tribe framework: personal purpose, company culture, intentional initiation 18:01 – Defining your “positive and negative” (shadow) purpose as a leader 26:01 – How to consciously initiate new employees, customers, and partners 28:18 – Tim’s four pillars of belonging: modeling, peer pressure, synchronized activities, adversity 31:05 – A real-world exercise: four elements of team bonding 32:25 – Why high performance cultures are built, not accidental 34:45 – Cross-cultural lessons: universal mechanics of bonding vs. local values 38:10 – Getting tactical: how Toyota, Airbnb, and NASA engineer belonging 43:45 – How AI will shift the future of work—but tribal bonding will remain essential 46:55 – Vulnerability, shadow work, and radical transparency in leadership About Tim Ash Tim Ash is an internationally recognized keynote speaker, executive advisor, and bestselling author, specializing in the science of evolutionary psychology and its application to leadership, culture, and marketing. Over the past three decades, Tim has helped organizations such as Google, Expedia, and Match.com create over $1.2 billion in documented value by leveraging neuromarketing and deep behavioral triggers. Now, Tim works directly with senior leaders to define their personal purpose, cultivate powerful tribal cultures, and activate passionate, loyal teams through his “Initiated Tribe” framework.   Resources & Mentions: Unleash Your Primal Brain by Tim Ash Primal Dating by Tim Ash & Dr. Lamore Godlieb The Mankind Project: mkpusa.org Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning: https://a.co/d/8Jky69f Tim Ash on LinkedIn Tim’s Keynotes & Executive Advisory: TimAsh.com Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Great teams and workplaces aren’t defined by perfection, but by the drive to learn, the courage to show up, and the wisdom to value effort over results. On this high-energy episode of the Learn-It-All™ podcast, Damon dives deep with Quinn Magnuson, former Division 1 athlete, pro football player, educator, and founder of Effort Over Results. From humble beginnings in Saskatchewan to the classroom and the corporate world, Quinn Magnuson shows why the best leaders aren’t the ones with all the answers, but the ones who are willing to put in the work, embrace doubt, and create environments where others can thrive. Together, Damon and Quinn Magnuson break down the myths of imposter syndrome, the reality of fear, the urgent need for empathy in management, and why “action beats anxiety” every time. Packed with raw stories, practical frameworks, and actionable questions, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to lead with more confidence, humility, and impact—whether on the field, in the classroom, or at work. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why doubt and imposter syndrome aren’t signs of failure, but essential ingredients for authentic leadership. The step-by-step approach to leading a new team—even if you feel unprepared or overwhelmed. How to reframe fear from threat to opportunity, and the tools to move through anxiety with action. What Quinn Magnuson learned (and wishes he knew sooner) as a teacher—and how it changed his entire philosophy on leadership. How to turn feedback and failures into fuel for growth—in sports, school, and business. The real secret to building high-performing teams: psychological safety, clear roles, and radical empathy.  Timestamps: 00:00 – Leadership myths: Showing up > having all the answers 01:33 – Supporting new managers through doubt and imposter syndrome 04:39 – Walking onto the field: True stories of feeling out of place 07:25 – How childhood shapes drive and ambition 08:39 – The truth about fear—and how action beats anxiety 12:11 – Teaching regret: Lessons from the classroom about empathy 16:50 – Why effort is the real win (not the trophy or the grade) 19:00 – The power of great coaches and mentors 23:43 – Leadership in middle management: caught in the crossfire 26:09 – Brick wall leaders: Earning the trust that makes people go “all in” 28:41 – Can you teach drive—or is it innate? 31:39 – Breaking the anxiety-action cycle: Real tools for growth 34:18 – Top traits of successful organizations (from sports to corporate) 38:58 – Should you double down on strengths, or shore up weaknesses? 40:20 – Giving and receiving feedback the right way 44:35 – The magic of asking better questions as a leader 47:38 – Introducing the Effort Over Results book (and what’s inside) 51:32 – The mission: Leave everyone better than you found them 54:01 – Where to find Quinn Magnuson and the EOR movement About Quinn Magnussen Quinn Magnuson is the founder and host of Effort Over Results, a leadership coach, international keynote speaker, and former professional football player. Raised by a single mother in Saskatchewan, Quinn became a two-sport Division 1 athlete and learned early that “effort is the only thing you can control.” After playing football in the CFL and teaching high school, he dedicated himself to coaching leaders—helping them overcome perfectionism, embrace vulnerability, and build cultures where people (and results) flourish. His philosophy and upcoming book empower leaders in the boardroom, classroom, and beyond to focus on growth, compassion, and lasting impact.  Resources & Mentions: Website: effortoverresults.com LinkedIn: Quinn Magnuson Excerpt Effort Over Results: The Secret to Grit, Growth and Greatness (Quinn’s forthcoming book): https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-praise-effort-over-results-hockey-story-quinn-magnuson-3gtec/ The EOR Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN6DdVADu53mwR34TgkT8OQ Damon’s episode with Quinn Magnussen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5G6wlK8geXE Jeff Wetzler’s The Ask Approach: https://www.jeffwetzler.com/  Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

The Learn-It-All™ Podcast – Celebrating 250 Episodes! Steven Pressfield on Beating Resistance, Turning Pro, and Doing the Work That Matters What separates amateurs from true professionals isn’t talent; it’s the daily battle with resistance, fear, and self-doubt. And for our 250th episode, we’re celebrating with a legendary guest who has defined that battle for millions. On this milestone edition of The Learn-It-All™ Podcast, Damon sits down with iconic author Steven Pressfield, whose books The War of Art, Turning Pro, and The Legend of Bagger Vance have become essential reading for leaders, creators, and high performers, to break down the invisible force that keeps us from doing our most important work: Resistance. From nearly 28 years of rejection before publishing his first book to the disciplines and mindsets that separate pros from amateurs, Steven shares a masterclass in overcoming self-sabotage, trusting your inner calling, and showing up no matter what. Packed with lived wisdom, practical tools, and brutally honest insights, this episode is for anyone ready to stop holding themselves back and step fully into the work and the life they’re meant to lead.  In this episode, you’ll learn: The real difference between amateurs and pros, and why pros show up no matter what How resistance disguises itself as procrastination, perfectionism, fear, and distraction Why self-doubt is often a sign you’re on the right path What a “shadow career” is and how to break free from one How to build discipline, consistency, and the ability to work even when you don’t feel like it Why self-validation matters and how professionals learn to coach themselves The tools Steven Pressfield uses to push through resistance and finish meaningful work Timestamps: 00:00 – Damon’s intro and why Steven Pressfield tops his “bucket list” of guests 00:46 – Steven’s journey: 30 years to overnight success 02:00 – Amateur vs. pro: how habits make or break you 03:12 – Why pros show up every day, no matter what 04:16 – Handling failure: “winning or learning” 05:36 – The concept of resistance: procrastination, perfectionism, and self-sabotage 06:25 – What it feels like when resistance strikes 08:43 – That critical voice isn’t yours—it’s resistance 09:26 – Why the “blank page” isn’t neutral 10:09 – How (and why) self-doubt means you’re on the right track 11:31 – Actors, uncomfortable roles, and stepping outside your comfort zone 12:19 – Self-doubt: dismiss it and get back to work 12:29 – What is a “shadow career”—and how to escape it 14:18 – Self-validation and why you need to be your own coach 16:22 – The Wizard of Oz effect: facing down fear 16:28 – Book recommendations and final takeaways 16:47 – Closing thoughts: letting go, scaling, and growth for founders  About Steven Pressfield Steven Pressfield is a celebrated author and creativity thought leader, whose books have empowered millions to defeat “resistance” and unlock their own professional potential. After an odyssey of blue-collar jobs (from fruit picking to the Marine Corps), Pressfield spent nearly 30 years fighting to publish his first novel—before finally breaking through with The Legend of Bagger Vance, later adapted into a Hollywood film. He’s since penned modern classics like The War of Art and Turning Pro, establishing himself as the “author’s favorite author” and a go-to voice for writers, creators, entrepreneurs, and anyone learning to lead themselves. Resources & Mentions: Visit Steven’s website:https://stevenpressfield.com/ Connect with Steven on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-pressfield-0ab1449/ The War of Art by Steven Pressfield: https://stevenpressfield.com/books/the-war-of-art/ Turning Pro by Steven Pressfield: https://stevenpressfield.com/books/turning-pro/ The Legend of Bagger Vance by Steven Pressfield: https://stevenpressfield.com/books/the-legend-of-bagger-vance/ Damon Lembi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi/ Podcast Contact Information:  Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

Teams that win don’t just master the playbook—they master trust, connection, and shared purpose. On this episode of the Learn-It-All™ podcast, Damon sits down with Ken Crenshaw, longtime Director of Sports Medicine and Performance for the Arizona Diamondbacks, to uncover how lasting cultures are built—on and off the field. Ken shares his journey from a New Mexico cattle ranch to MLB dugouts, revealing powerful lessons from decades shaping elite teams in Atlanta, Tampa Bay, and Arizona. From the hidden cost of trying to be the smartest person in the room, to the power of servant leadership and collective decision-making, Ken walks us through the real playbook for coaching greatness out of every team member. Loaded with stories, practical tools, and wisdom from the pros, this is an episode for anyone ready to lead with more authenticity, trust, and results. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why vulnerability is a leader’s superpower—and how it builds buy-in and trust The hidden pitfalls of “smartest in the room” thinking, and what true influence looks like How to source collective wisdom across your organization (so you never miss in hiring again) What inclusion, feedback, and responsibility look like in a real culture of learning Ken’s favorite interview questions—and how he grooms future leaders by letting them run the show How team values move off the wall and into daily action (with real steps you can use) Timestamps: 00:00 — Leading with vulnerability: why trust starts with you 01:34 — Why “There’s more power in the team than in you” 03:14 — The myth of having all the answers as a leader 08:04 — Ken’s small-town roots and the butterfly effect of great coaches 11:39 — Coach Becker’s formula for unlocking greatness in others 14:12 — How Ken developed his true purpose and a servant leadership mindset 17:17 — Early career: from carrying gear to building teams in MLB 21:28 — Biggest leadership lessons from making mistakes in hiring 24:28 — The interview playbook: screening for character, work ethic, and fit 27:59 — Delegating real responsibility to build next-gen leaders 31:11 — Shaping team culture: the “uncommon,” 108-stitch Diamondbacks ethos 36:35 — From words to action: how values get lived, not laminated 39:04 — The power of feedback (and why most leaders avoid it) 44:32 — Psychological safety, responsibility, and showing up for your team 46:32 — Shared leadership: giving everyone a voice in key decisions 50:08 — Why the lowest person in the org matters most 52:13 — “Leadership factories”: how Ken’s system creates leaders everywhere 55:59 — Life-changing moments from Ken’s team building events  About Ken Crenshaw: Ken Crenshaw is the Director of Sports Medicine and Performance for the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he’s spent decades building winning cultures and developing world-class teams. Beginning his journey on a cattle ranch in New Mexico, Ken’s leadership DNA was shaped by transformative coaches and a belief in the power of collective knowledge. After key stints with the Atlanta Braves and Tampa Bay Rays—where he pioneered shared decision-making and leadership development—Ken has become renowned across Major League Baseball as a culture-builder, mentor, and “Santa365” to his staff. His mission: help people achieve more than they thought possible by leading with love and service.   Resources & Mentions: Arizona Diamondbacks  Stephen M.R. Covey on Trust & Inspire Leadership Game Changer by Devin Bandison (Leadership development course referenced) John Maxwell’s teaching on “The Law of the Lid” (John Maxwell on Leadership) Bob Chapman’s philosophy (“Everybody is somebody’s son or daughter”)—More on Barry-Wehmiller Coach Pat Murphy  Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Founders, teams, and rocket fuel for growth — this episode is for anyone scaling from the scrappy startup stage to an eight-figure powerhouse. On the Learn-It-All™ podcast, Damon sits down with Nahed Khairallah, global HR strategist, entrepreneur, and founder of Organized Chaos. Together, they pull back the curtain on why so many founders stall—not because of their product, but because of people problems. Nahed shares playbooks for getting out of your own way as a leader, common traps in delegation, and how HR can go from back-office bureaucracy to driving exponential business results. From hiring wisely to leveraging the real business impact of training, this episode is packed with actionable tools for building structure, scaling smoothly, and making HR your biggest strategic advantage. If you've ever wondered why investing in people is rocket fuel (not overhead), or how AI is poised to reshape the future of HR and hiring, you won’t want to miss this candid, insight-rich conversation. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why founders are often their own biggest growth roadblock—and how to get out of the weeds The critical difference between working in your business vs. on your business How to avoid the most expensive mistake in scaling: hiring without structure The real ROI on training and coaching—and why it shouldn’t be the first thing cut How to transition top performers to managers (and spot who actually wants the job) What it means to make your organization “AI-ready”—and why transparency is everything How HR leaders can earn their seat at the table by driving business, not just compliance Timestamps: 00:00 – Why founders bottleneck their company’s growth 00:43 – From back office to rocket fuel: the new role of HR 01:34 – The #1 roadblock for startups cracking seven figures 04:07 – Advice for self-aware founders ready to scale 09:37 – What actually goes wrong with hiring and workforce management 13:45 – Nahed’s framework: goal-setting, gap analysis, and action planning 17:12 – When and why founders finally prioritize HR 19:30 – Debunking the myth: HR isn’t your bottleneck 22:47 – Saas case study: business-driven org design 26:24 – Cut $1M+ in recruiter fees: Nahed’s playbook 32:41 – The strategic impact of training (and how to budget for it) 38:38 – Common pitfalls: promoting great ICs to manager 42:37 – How to assess (and coach) new managers 46:16 – HR as infrastructure: how to make people your competitive advantage 47:08 – Getting AI-ready from the ground up 53:46 – Nahed’s #1 tip for founders: build people infrastructure early  About Nahed Khairallah Nahed Khairallah is a global HR strategist, entrepreneur, and founder of Organized Chaos. With over a decade of experience helping startups and scaleups grow from seven to nine figures, Nahed is an expert in transforming HR departments from back-office support into growth engines. He specializes in workforce management, strategic hiring, and aligning people operations with business outcomes.  Resources & Mentions: Nahed Khairallah’s website: organizedchaos.fyi Connect with Nahed on LinkedIn Korn Ferry: Business Acumen Study The quote from David Katz, CEO of Plastic Bank: "Learning without doing is treason" Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Success isn’t just about the trophies—it’s about mastering mindset, building character, and leading with empathy. On this episode of the Learn-It-All™ podcast, Damon Lembi sits down with legendary tennis coach Rusty Komori, architect of 22 consecutive state championships and bestselling author, to unpack what it means to lead with true greatness. Rusty Komori shares the playbook he used to transform athletes into champions of character—and reveals why adversity, choice, and trust are at the heart of sustained success. From embracing challenge to building “superior achievers,” Rusty Komori delivers proven strategies for any leader seeking to uplevel their team’s culture, mental fitness, and performance. This episode is loaded with practical insights, powerful stories, and takeaways for coaches, executives, and anyone striving to move from good to truly great. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why character and empathy are the foundation of championship teams—and championship companies How leaders can proactively prepare teams for adversity, and why poise under pressure matters The difference between a victim mindset and a victor mindset (and how to help your team make the right choice) Rusty Komori’s Six Keys for Peak Performance—and how to rate yourself (or your team) for lasting momentum The Three “C’s” of leadership: Choice, Communication, and Culture How to reframe “mental health” as “mental fitness”—and why vulnerability is essential, especially for top leaders A powerful story of how mindset can save lives, featuring Sergeant Chris Kim and the impact of Beyond the Lines Timestamps: 00:00 – Shaping mindset and welcoming adversity 01:58 – Character over talent: building true champions 04:48 – Rusty Komori’s journey from law school to tennis legend 06:25 – How to avoid favoritism and build team trust 07:11 – Coaching: adapt to your people, press the right buttons 08:26 – Focusing on strengths, from first to twelfth player 13:57 – Managing pressure and adversity: leader’s role 17:00 – Authentic leadership: balancing strength with vulnerability 18:02 – Victim vs. Victor mindset: you always have a choice 20:17 – How to help teams shift out of a victim mindset 23:23 – The power of choice: why greatness starts with a decision 25:50 – Overcoming fear, taking risks, avoiding regret 27:02 – Great leader vs. great person—and asking for help 29:20 – How to build a “superior” culture beyond excellence 31:13 – Three things every leader must control: thoughts, words, actions 33:41 – Achieving mastery: don’t practice until you get it right—practice until you can’t get it wrong 35:30 – Sustaining peak performance: the Six Keys explained 39:29 – Rusty Komori’s leadership assessment and quarterly growth 45:15 – Reframing mental health as mental fitness: why stories save lives 46:27 – Sergeant Chris Kim’s life-changing story of resilience 53:17 – Vulnerability in leadership: showing your challenges can help others 57:16 – Where to connect with Rusty Komori  About Rusty Komori Rusty Komori is a legendary tennis coach, author, speaker, and leadership consultant based in Hawaii. As coach of Punahou School’s boys varsity tennis team from 1994 to 2015, he led his squads to an unprecedented 22 straight state championships—the longest streak in U.S. high school sports history. A former Creighton University Hall of Fame athlete, Rusty Komori now helps leaders in sports, business, and education master their mindset, cultivate empathy, and build cultures of excellence.  Resources & Mentions: Rusty Komori’s website: rustykomori.com  Rusty Komori on LinkedIn Beyond the Lines (book by Rusty Komori) Superior (book by Rusty Komori) “The Score Will Take Care of Itself” by Bill Walsh (book link) “Collective Edge” by Colin Fisher (book link) Rusty Komori on Instagram: @rustykomori Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.