The Learn-It-All Podcast

Ben Johnson, Founder and CEO of Particle41, dives into the intersection of technology and business growth. He shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the need for CTO advisors to align tech with business goals. Topics include evaluating potential co-founders, transitioning post-acquisition, and cultivating a creator mindset. Ben also discusses the benefits of reframing challenges and the significance of short-term goal setting for sustained success. His actionable strategies offer a roadmap for leaders navigating the complexities of digital transformation.

Todd Cherches, CEO and co-founder of Big Blue Gumball and an award-winning professor, delves into the transformative power of visual thinking in leadership. He shares how leaders can simplify complex ideas through metaphors and models to inspire their teams. Todd emphasizes ego-free and servant leadership, highlighting the importance of trust and honesty in team dynamics. He also introduces the Passion-Skills Matrix, encouraging leaders to find their optimal engagement while embracing failure as a pathway to growth. Tune in for innovative strategies that drive clear communication!

What Are the Biggest Mistakes Leaders Make—and Are You Making Them Too? Have you ever wondered why some leaders struggle while others thrive? What are the common mistakes that bad bosses make, and how can you avoid falling into the same traps? In this episode, we explore the pitfalls that many leaders face and offer practical advice on how to lead with integrity, empathy, and effectiveness. In this episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, host Damon Lembi, CEO of Learnit, reflects on his personal experiences with both great and terrible leaders. He outlines the 10 most common leadership mistakes that bad bosses make, offering actionable insights on how to correct these behaviors. Whether you're new to leadership or a seasoned professional, this episode will challenge you to reflect on your own leadership style and make improvements that will build trust and enhance your team’s performance. This Episode Covers: The 10 most common mistakes that bad leaders make and how to avoid them Why taking credit for your team’s work erodes trust and motivation How creating a “yes” environment stifles innovation and leads to disengagement The importance of giving feedback privately and consistently keeping promises to your team Why keeping toxic high performers can destroy company culture in the long run   Episode Highlights:  (00:00) Introduction – Damon introduces the episode and shares why learning from both good and bad leaders is crucial for growth. (01:00) Mistake #1: Taking Credit for Team Wins – Damon explains why great leaders give credit to their teams and take responsibility when things go wrong. (02:00) Mistake #2: Creating a Yes Environment – Damon discusses how bad bosses stifle innovation by making their word the law, discouraging open dialogue. (03:00) Mistake #3: Getting Defensive – Damon reflects on how defensive leaders repel feedback and miss valuable opportunities for growth. (04:00) Mistake #4: Criticizing in Public – Damon emphasizes the importance of giving feedback privately and praising team members publicly to build trust. (05:00) Mistake #5: Overpromising and Underproducing – Damon shares why leaders must be careful with commitments and how failing to deliver destroys credibility. (06:00) Mistake #6: Gossiping – Damon warns leaders about the dangers of gossiping and how it erodes trust within teams. (07:00) Mistake #7: Being Inconsistent – Damon reflects on how consistently canceling meetings sends the message that your team isn’t important. (08:00) Mistake #8: Not Being Present – Damon discusses the importance of giving your undivided attention to team members during meetings and conversations. (09:00) Mistake #9: Failing to Delegate – Damon explains why not delegating stifles your team’s growth and limits your own ability to lead effectively. (10:00) Mistake #10: Keeping Toxic High Performers – Damon shares why keeping high performers who lack integrity can damage company culture and demotivate other team members. About Damon:  Damon Lembi is a 2x 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 Referenced: - Damon Lembi’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi Damon's Website: http://www.thelearnitallleader.com Learnit: https://www.Learnit.com Damon’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damonlembi Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/learnittraining The Learn-It-All Leader: Mindset, Tools, and Traits: https://www.amazon.com/Learn-All-Leader-Mindset-Traits-ebook/dp/B0BZXKR784 Podcast Contact Information:   Website: www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.comFollow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates

Are you ready to thrive in a future where artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a tool but a coworker?  In this episode of  The Learn-It-All Leader Podcast, we tackle one of the most pressing challenges for leaders today: how do we navigate a world where AI is reshaping work and decision-making? If you’ve been wondering how to adapt and lead in this rapidly changing environment, this conversation is for you. In this engaging conversation, Learnit CEO Damon Lembi and international speaker and author Tariq Munir explore the critical skills leaders need in a world increasingly dominated by AI and digital transformation. This episode is a must-listen for any business leader or aspiring leader looking to understand and excel in a world where AI and digital literacy are no longer optional but essential. This Episode Covers:Digital Mindset: Understanding how to integrate AI, algorithms, and human processes to solve business challenges effectively. Data-Driven Decision Making: Why leaders must shift from intuition-based to data-driven decision making and how to make that transition. Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Why empathy and emotional intelligence are more important than ever in a world with remote teams and AI coworkers. Ethical AI and Responsibility: Addressing the ethical implications of AI and understanding the need for responsible tech leadership. Continuous Learning: The importance of maintaining a growth mindset and learning agility as the half-life of skills continues to shrink. Episode Highlights: (00:00) Introduction to Tariq Munir – Damon introduces Tariq Munir, digital transformation and AI expert, and they dive into the essential skills leaders need in the age of AI. (02:00) The Future of Work and AI – Tariq explains how AI is becoming a “non-organic coworker” and what this means for leaders and organizations. (05:30) Five Essential Leadership Skills – Tariq shares the five key skills leaders must develop: digital mindset, data-driven focus, emotional intelligence, ethical AI understanding, and continuous learning. (09:00) The Importance of Emotional Intelligence – Tariq discusses why emotional intelligence is crucial for leaders, especially in a world where face-to-face interaction is becoming less common. (12:33) Building a Digital Mindset – Tariq explains what it means to have a digital mindset and why leaders need to understand how digital networks, algorithms, and human interaction work together. (17:00) How AI Changes Leadership – Tariq reflects on how AI is shifting the power dynamic within organizations and how leaders can adapt to the democratization of information. (21:30) Continuous Learning and Adaptability – Tariq emphasizes the importance of fostering a continuous learning mindset in today’s fast-paced world where skills evolve rapidly. (33:18) Leading Through Digital Transformation – Tariq provides practical advice on how organizations can successfully navigate digital transformations, using case studies to illustrate common pitfalls.   About Tariq:  Tariq Munir, author of AI for Finance Leaders, is an expert in AI, digital transformation, and leadership development, with over two decades of experience at global corporations like PepsiCo, AkzoNobel, and PwC. He has a proven track record of leading enterprise-wide transformations, leveraging technology to drive innovation and secure competitive advantages in rapidly evolving markets. A sought-after keynote speaker, Tariq has a proven track record of leading enterprise-wide transformations, leveraging technology to drive innovation and secure competitive advantages in rapidly evolving markets. Resources Referenced: Tariq Munir on LinkedInTariq Munir's WebsiteBook: AI for Finance Leaders by Tariq Munir Book: Hidden Potential—The Science of Achieving Greater Things by Adam Grant Yuval Noah Harari's books, particularly Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow, where the concept of humans as algorithms is discussed. Research by Paul Leonardi and Siddharth Nele on the "30% Rule of Digital Literacy." Podcast Contact Information:   Website: https://www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.comFollow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Ani Filipova, a former COO of Citibank in Asia and entrepreneur, shares her remarkable journey from leading thousands to prioritizing family. She reflects on her childhood in socialist Bulgaria and her transformational experiences in banking. Ani emphasizes the role of empathy and cultural adaptation in global leadership, offering practical advice on navigating transitions and fostering collaboration. She discusses the balancing act between career ambitions and family fulfillment, encouraging bold moves and self-reflection along the way.

In this discussion, Jim Schleckser, Founder and CEO of The CEO Project, shares insights from his vast experience advising over 3,000 CEOs. He reveals how working less can lead to greater productivity by focusing on key challenges. Jim discusses the theory of constraints for business growth, the importance of delegation, and nurturing a learning culture. He emphasizes that investing in middle management fosters innovation and organizational success, while diverse perspectives can spark creativity and problem-solving in leadership.

Are you drifting through your career without a clear plan or vision? Many leaders find themselves stuck in this cycle, unsure how to take ownership of their path forward. This episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast provides actionable insights to help you break free, build a strong personal brand, and develop the mindset needed to thrive. Learnit CEO Damon Lembi interviews Andy Storch, an author, speaker, consultant, and coach who specializes in helping people take control of their careers and lives. Andy dives deep into the importance of having a growth mindset, setting clear goals, and building a personal brand that supports long-term success. Drawing from his own personal challenges, including a battle with cancer, Andy shares effective strategies that help leaders empower themselves and their teams. From insights on networking to overcoming failure, this conversation is packed with valuable advice for anyone looking to elevate their leadership and career development.  This Episode Covers: Why a growth mindset is essential for long-term success The importance of setting specific, actionable goals and creating a plan to achieve them How to build a personal brand that authentically represents who you are Using failures as learning opportunities to propel you forward The role of self-reflection in developing a successful career and personal life Key strategies to empower your team and create a culture of learning and innovation Navigating through personal challenges with ownership and resilience Episode Highlights:  (00:00) Introduction to Andy Storch – Damon introduces Andy Storch, author, consultant, and coach, and they dive into Andy’s journey of helping people own their careers. (01:32) Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset – Andy explains the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset, drawing from Carol Dweck’s research and his own experiences. (05:30) The Power of Goal Setting – Andy discusses why setting specific, measurable goals is crucial to achieving success in your career and how he used SMART goals to write his book. (09:00) Networking and Building Relationships – Andy shares tips for networking with intention and how to use LinkedIn to build meaningful professional connections. (12:33) Owning Your Career – Andy emphasizes the importance of taking full responsibility for your career and offers practical steps to develop a career vision and set actionable goals. (17:00) Overcoming Setbacks – Andy reflects on his personal health challenges and how his mindset helped him turn adversity into an opportunity for growth and learning. (21:30) Building a Personal Brand – Andy explains the importance of building a personal brand and how to align your reputation with the values and goals you want to be known for. (33:18) Advice for Navigating Career Transitions – Andy shares his advice on navigating career transitions and staying resilient during uncertain times. About Andy:  Andy Storch is a consultant, coach, speaker, and author of *Own Your Career, Own Your Life*. He helps professionals take control of their careers through personal growth, intentional networking, and strategic goal-setting. Andy also hosts two podcasts: *Talent Development Hot Seat* and *Own Your Career, Own Your Life*.  Resources Referenced: Andy Storch’s LinkedIn Andy Storch’s Website Book: Own Your Career Own Your Life—Stop Drifting and Take Control of Your Future by Andy Storch The Talent Development Hot Seat Podcast The Own Your Career, Own Your Life Podcast Book: Mindset—The New Psychology of Success by Dr. Carol Dweck Book: Grit—The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth Book: Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl Book: Multipliers—How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter by Liz Wiseman Talent Development Think Tank Conference Andy’s Bonus Career Resource: 5 Steps to Owning Your Career Andy’s Cancer Resource Guide: Owning Your Journey with Cancer   Podcast Contact Information:   Website: www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.comFollow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

 What is your personal brand really saying about you?  In today’s hyper-competitive market, it’s not enough to simply offer a service or product—your brand needs to stand for something deeper. In this compelling episode of The Learn-It-All Leader Podcast, Damon welcomes back Marques Ogden, his first repeat guest. In their first episode together (#15), Marques shared his remarkable personal story as an NFL star that lost it all in 90 days and rebuilt his life and career.    In this episode, Marques dives into one of the most critical aspects of modern leadership—branding. Personal and company branding has become essential for leaders who want to stand out in an oversaturated market. Marques shares powerful strategies for building an authentic brand that resonates, whether you're leading a business, looking for new career opportunities, or establishing your influence in your industry. Listen, learn, and start building a brand that sets you apart. This Episode Covers: The role of personal branding in today’s competitive market Marques Ogden’s brand of "Authenticity" and "Breakthrough Specialist" Why everyone has one, even if you don’t realize it Key strategies for effective LinkedIn posting and brand engagement Marques’ path to becoming a personal brand authority How to build and sustain long-term business relationships using authenticity Overcoming self-doubt when building your public presence   Episode Highlights:(00:00) Introduction – Marques Ogden introduces Damon Lembi as his guest and sets up a conversation about personal branding and leadership.(01:32) The Power of Personal Branding – Damon shares how he began to intentionally build his personal brand and why authenticity is at the heart of everything he does.(05:30) Leveraging LinkedIn – Damon and Marques discuss the impact of consistent posting on LinkedIn and how to engage your network by being genuine and transparent.(09:00) Standing Out in a Crowded Market – Damon explains why it’s important to offer more than just a product or service and how sharing your personal journey creates connections with your audience.(12:33) Overcoming Doubts and Critics – Damon talks about overcoming the fear of judgment when posting on social media and how persistence is key to building a successful brand.(17:00) Personal Branding for Non-Speakers – Marques and Damon offer advice to listeners who may not want to be public speakers but still need a strong personal brand to grow their careers.(21:30) Building Meaningful Connections – Damon reflects on the importance of building genuine relationships both in person and online and how networking has opened up new opportunities for him.(33:18) Final Thoughts on Branding – Marques and Damon wrap up with key takeaways on personal branding and how to continuously evolve your brand over time.About Marques: Marques Ogden is a former NFL player turned keynote speaker, business coach, and consultant. Inducted into the Howard University Athletic Hall of Fame and recognized on CORE Magazine’s Top 100 Most Influential Blacks Today list, Marques has worked with over 65 Fortune 500 companies. He shares his expertise through impactful speaking engagements and his globally-ranked podcast, “Get Authentic with Marques Ogden.”      Resources Referenced: Marques Ogden on LinkedInMarques Ogden’s Website The Marcus Ogden App  The Get Authentic with Marques Ogden Podcast  Podcast Contact Information:   Website: https://www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.comFollow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

How do successful executives bridge the gap between professional success and personal satisfaction? If you’re a business leader looking to take your career to the next level while also finding deeper fulfillment, or if you’re ready to uncover the skills and strategies that will propel you from management to the executive level, this episode is for you.  In this episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, hosts Damon Lembi and Darren Bridgett sit down with Ethan Evans, former VP at Amazon who played a pivotal role in the creation of Prime Video and led global teams of over 800 people. With 70+ patents and a wealth of experience, Ethan shares his personal insights about how emotional intelligence, adaptability, and human connection shaped his path to executive leadership. From navigating complex team dynamics to transitioning into impactful leadership roles, Ethan offers practical advice for anyone looking to rise to the top of their field without losing a sense of purpose.   This Episode Covers: Real-world stories of leadership, growth, and the critical mindset shifts that helped Ethan—and can help you—achieve more than just professional success, but a career that aligns with your deeper values.  The importance of emotional intelligence and adaptability in leadership  How to find meaning and fulfillment in your work  Managing up: How to build a successful relationship with your boss  Key strategies for transitioning from a manager to an executive  Key principles for achieving success in executive roles, from decision-making to resilience. The “Magic Loop” – Ethan’s framework for managing up and standing out. Insights on blending technical and human-focused leadership skills. Strategies for adapting to new roles and responsibilities as your career evolves. Learning from mistakes and navigating difficult moments with integrity.   Episode Highlights: (00:00) Introduction to Ethan Evans – Damon and Darren introduce Ethan Evans, former Amazon VP, and set up the conversation around career growth and leadership. (01:55) From Engineer to Executive – Ethan shares how his love for engineering evolved into a passion for leadership, leading to his eventual role as VP at Amazon. (05:30) Emotional Intelligence and Leadership – Ethan discusses the importance of emotional intelligence and how developing soft skills helped him manage large teams and grow as a leader. (08:40) The Power of Adaptability – Ethan talks about how being adaptable and learning from failures shaped his leadership style. (12:00) How to Manage Up – Ethan shares his "Magic Loop" strategy for effectively managing relationships with your boss and climbing the corporate ladder. (17:00) Finding Meaning in Your Work – Ethan explains how he discovered purpose in his work and why it’s important for leaders to help their teams find meaning as well. (23:10) Managing Overload and Delegation – Ethan discusses how to handle growing responsibilities without burning out, especially as you move up in leadership roles. (29:20) Key Strategies for Transitioning from Manager to Executive – Ethan outlines the essential skills and behaviors needed to make the leap from manager to executive. (34:00) The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership – Ethan emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence in leading teams effectively, particularly during times of stress and change. (44:15) Where to Connect with Ethan Evans – Ethan shares how listeners can connect with him on LinkedIn and learn more from his daily posts and writings. About Ethan: Ethan Evans, a retired Amazon Vice President and LinkedIn Top Voice, led global teams of 800+ and holds over 70 patents, including his leadership and contribution to the launch of Prime Video and Amazon Video. He reviewed 10,000+ resumes, conducted 2,500+ interviews, and played a key role in drafting Amazon's "Ownership" Leadership Principle. Known for his expertise in career growth and executive leadership, Ethan has directly promoted numerous leaders who have gone on to VP and C-suite roles. Today, he shares his knowledge through classes, content on LinkedIn, and his personal website, helping professionals elevate their careers and navigate the complex landscape of executive leadership.  Resources Referenced: Become a Level Up Newsletter & Community member (Learnit readers get 25% off the annual subscription) - https://levelupwithethanevans.substack.com/learnit25Follow Ethan on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethanevansvp/Get Ethan's career advice on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@EthanEvansVPContact Ethan for podcast appearances, speaking, corporate training, and more - https://www.ethanevans.com/contactPersonality tests: DISC, Myers-Briggs, Hogan Ethan's website: https://www.ethanevans.comPodcast Contact Information:   Website: https://www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.comFollow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

What do you do when your big dream falls apart? Can you rebuild and come back stronger? In this special rebroadcasted episode, Learn-It-All Podcast host Damon Lembi takes the guest seat on Jeff Struecker’s Unbeatable Podcast for his “most candid conversation ever.”  Jeff Struecker is a retired U.S. Army Ranger and a true American hero, having served seventeen military tours over five wars. He played a critical role in Black Hawk Down and was named U.S. Army Ranger of the Year in 1996. In preparing for this episode, Damon wanted to be as transparent and vulnerable as possible, and the result is a powerful conversation you won’t want to miss. In this exceptionally candid and personal interview, Damon opens up about his journey from aspiring baseball player to corporate leader and discusses how he overcame imposter syndrome, navigated the collapse of his family’s business, and copes with an ongoing life-changing health challenge. Damon’s story offers leaders valuable lessons on resilience, transparency, vulnerability and how to turn setbacks into fuel for future success. If you're a fan of the Learn-It-All Podcast and want to learn more about Damon, his background, and the story behind Learnit, this is the episode for you. This Episode Covers: Damon’s baseball career and the tough lessons he learned from his athletic journey Overcoming imposter syndrome and building confidence through hard work Navigating the collapse of a family business and finding new purpose How to face personal health challenges with strength and optimism The importance of leadership, transparency, and resilience in both life and business Chapters: (00:00) Introduction – The Learn-It-All Podcast host Damon Lembi introduces this special episode, where he appears as a guest on The Unbeatable Podcast with Jeff Struecker. (02:00) Baseball Dreams and Setbacks – Damon reflects on his journey as a high school baseball star and how he dealt with the disappointment of not making it to the major leagues. (05:30) Imposter Syndrome in College Sports – Damon discusses his struggles with self-doubt at Pepperdine University and how his coach helped him overcome imposter syndrome. (09:00) From Baseball to Business – Damon shares how his athletic experience shaped his approach to leadership and how he transitioned into his family’s business, LearnIt. (12:33) Navigating Business Challenges – Damon recounts the impact of the 2009 recession on his family’s real estate empire and how he led LearnIt through difficult times. (17:00) Facing Personal Health Challenges – Damon opens up about his diagnosis with a progressive eye condition and how he remains optimistic and resilient despite the challenges. (21:30) Lessons in Leadership and Transparency – Damon explains the importance of transparency and resilience as a leader, and how he applies those principles at LearnIt. (33:18) Advice for Aspiring Leaders – Damon offers final thoughts on leadership, resilience, and how to thrive in the face of adversity. About Damon: Damon Lembi is a 2x 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 Referenced:Damon Lembi’s LinkedIn Profile Learnit Website: https://www.learnit.com Damon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damonlembi Podcast Contact: Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.