The Learn-It-All Podcast

What if a creative sales move could land your company its biggest contract yet? In this episode of The Learn-It-All Leader Podcast, Dan Turner, CEO of Xperigo, a company renowned for its exceptional culture and customer experience solutions, reveals how he secured a game-changing deal with Apple before the world even knew about the iPhone. This engaging episode offers powerful lessons for business leaders who want to stand out in competitive industries by making bold moves and fostering a winning company culture. From his humble beginnings as a tow truck driver to leading a multimillion-dollar business, Dan offers inspiring lessons for entrepreneurs and business leaders on taking calculated risks, creating a strong culture, and achieving success through persistence and creativity. This episode covers: - Dan’s inspiring story of going from tow truck driver to CEO - How to break down audacious goals into achievable steps - The importance of persistence and taking risks in your career - Building a positive corporate culture that wins awards - Why treating people the way you want to be treated is key to leadership  Episode Highlights: (00:00) Introduction to Dan Turner – Damon introduces Dan Turner, President and CEO of Xperigo, and shares how his leadership has shaped the company’s award-winning culture. (01:55) From Tow Truck Driver to CEO – Dan shares his career journey, explaining how a pivotal story from the AAA president inspired his long-term goal to become a CEO. (05:35) Setting and Achieving Big Goals – Dan talks about the importance of setting a "big hairy audacious goal" and breaking it into smaller, manageable steps. (08:40) The Risks that Lead to Success – Dan explains how taking bold risks, like purchasing a computer early in his career, helped him stand out and get promoted. (12:10) How Confidence and Sports Shaped Leadership – Dan shares how his background in sports built the confidence and persistence needed for success in business. (16:00) Learning from Failure – Dan discusses two key failures in his career, including a business he started that didn’t succeed, and the valuable lessons he learned from those experiences. (20:32) The Bold Move that Landed the Apple Contract – Dan shares the creative approach he took to win a major contract with Apple, including attending a conference and presenting a proposal before the iPhone was even announced. (29:22) Building an Award-Winning Culture – Dan explains the approach that led Xperigo to win Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Culture Award three times, and how the company has built a culture of teamwork and transparency. (34:45) The Power of Purpose in Leadership – Dan discusses how the pandemic helped create a unifying purpose for his company, and how they’re working to maintain that purpose post-pandemic. (44:33) Where to Connect with Dan Turner – Dan shares how listeners can connect with him on LinkedIn. About Dan: Dan Turner is the President and CEO of Xperigo, a global leader in providing innovative mobility services and customer experience solutions. Under Dan’s leadership, Experigo has won Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Culture Award three times. Dan’s remarkable career journey from tow truck driver to CEO highlights the importance of persistence, risk-taking, and building a people-first culture.  Resources Referenced: - Dan Turner’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danturner- Experigo Website: https://www.xperigo.com/ Podcast Contact Information:   Website: www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.comFollow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Simon T. Bailey, a world-renowned expert in personal and professional development, shares powerful insights on leadership. He explores how brilliance and resilience are essential for thriving in today's challenging environment. Bailey emphasizes the importance of fostering emotional intelligence and psychological safety within teams. He discusses lessons from his Disney experience, highlighting the role of middle managers in creating a supportive culture. Tune in for actionable strategies to unlock your team's potential and boost resilience.

Damon Lembi, CEO of Learnit, dives into the essential traits for modern leadership. He emphasizes the power of humility and the importance of admitting mistakes. Curiosity is spotlighted as a driver of innovation, urging leaders to be 'learn it alls.' Integrity builds trust, while accountability ensures ownership of outcomes. Lastly, Damon champions courage, encouraging leaders to make bold decisions even in the face of failure. His insights offer practical strategies for cultivating effective leadership in today's fast-paced business world.

In a world where software products and services seem to offer the same features, how can your brand truly stand out? Is the key to winning in a competitive market as simple as building trust, offering value, and focusing on long-term relationships? Sujan Patel believes it is. In this episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, host Damon Lembi sits down with Sujan Patel, serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Mailshake, a sales enablement software used by thousands of sales and marketing professionals. Sujan shares his insights on how to navigate the increasingly competitive SaaS market, how to build a brand that attracts customers, and why personal branding is just as important for individual sales professionals. Whether you’re in sales or marketing, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you stand out in today's crowded marketplace. This Episode Covers: Sujan’s strategy for building a strong brand in a competitive market Why every sales professional should focus on personal branding The power of long-term relationships over quick wins in sales How Mailshake has adapted to stay relevant in the rapidly changing SaaS landscape Actionable advice for sales professionals to stand out and succeed Episode Highlights:(00:00) Introduction to Sujan Patel – Damon introduces Sujan Patel and Mailshake, a sales enablement software, and sets the stage for a discussion on the state of SaaS sales today. (01:10) Current Trends in SaaS Sales – Sujan talks about the highly competitive SaaS landscape and what companies need to do to succeed in today's market. (05:03) Consultative Sales Approach – Sujan emphasizes the importance of a consultative sales approach, where the focus is on solving customer problems rather than pushing products. (09:18) Building a Personal Brand – Sujan discusses how sales reps can build their personal brand and how it benefits both the individual and the company. (24:21) Niche Targeting and Value-Based Pricing – Sujan explains how Mailshake targets specific customer niches and uses value-based pricing to win over customers in a competitive space. (35:01) Learning and Community Engagement – Sujan highlights the importance of continuous learning and building community within the sales profession. About Sujan: Sujan Patel is a serial entrepreneur, co-founder of Mailshake, and an expert in sales and marketing. With over a decade of experience, Sujan has built a strong personal brand and a reputation for helping sales professionals succeed in competitive markets. His work with Mailshake has impacted thousands of businesses by providing cutting-edge tools and insights for outbound sales. Sujan is also an active speaker and podcast host, sharing his knowledge on sales strategies and personal branding. Resources Referenced: Sujan Patel's LinkedIn Profile Mailshake Website Sujan’s Podcast:  pod.link/1708382115 Podcast Contact: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Special Edition: National Wellness Month In honor of National Wellness Month 2024, the Learn-It-All Podcast presents a compelling 5-part series on Workplace Wellness for business leaders committed to enhancing their team's health and productivity. For the 5 weeks, join Learnit CEO Damon Lembi and renowned wellness expert Bindi Delaney as they share immediately useful and actionable strategies to boost overall wellbeing. This essential series covers: the whys and hows of physical activity, the importance of sleep, the mindset that matters, healthy nutrition, and heaalth accountability coaching. Tune in to equip yourself and your team with effective tools for achieving optimal health and peak performance. Don’t miss this chance to transform your workplace wellness! What if the key to achieving your wellness goals was as simple as having someone hold you accountable? How can an accountability partner or health coach significantly increase your chances of success, whether you're striving for better health, more productivity, or personal growth? In this final episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast’s five-part wellness series, Damon Lembi talks with wellness expert Bindi Delaney about the powerful role of accountability partners in achieving sustainable health and lifestyle changes. Bindi shares insights on how having a partner or coach helps bridge the gap between setting goals and actually accomplishing them. Whether you're looking to improve your fitness, nutrition, or work habits, this episode provides practical tips for choosing the right accountability partner and maximizing your results. This Episode Covers: How accountability partners can increase your chances of achieving goals by up to 95% The importance of choosing the right accountability partner Five key reasons why everyone should have an accountability partner The difference between a health coach and an accountability partner Recap of the entire five-part Small Steps Wellness Program series  Episode Highlights:  (00:00) Introduction to Bindi Delaney and Wellness Program – Damon welcomes Bindi and introduces the final episode of the Small Steps Wellness Program series, setting up a discussion about the importance of accountability in achieving wellness goals.(02:00) Overview of the Small Steps Wellness Program – Bindi explains the Small Steps Wellness Program, a series designed to help individuals take small but effective steps toward improving their health and managing stress.(03:55) The Role of Accountability Partners – Bindi and Damon discuss the role of accountability partners in helping people stick to their wellness goals, sharing personal experiences of how having a partner improves motivation and follow-through.(07:00) Three Key Qualities of a Good Accountability Partner – Bindi highlights the three qualities to look for in an accountability partner: supportiveness, honesty, and openness.(09:00) Five Reasons to Have an Accountability Partner – Bindi explains five key reasons why accountability partners are essential for achieving your wellness and personal goals, including motivation, support, and pushing your limits.(13:00) The Importance of Celebrating Small Wins – Damon and Bindi emphasize the need to celebrate small accomplishments on the path to larger goals and how accountability partners can help keep that momentum.(18:00) Health Coaches vs. Accountability Partners – Bindi explains the difference between a health coach and an accountability partner, and how both can play vital roles in helping you stay on track.(20:00) Recap of the Five-Part Wellness Series – Bindi gives a quick recap of the entire wellness series, highlighting key takeaways from previous episodes about movement, sleep, mindset, nutrition, and accountability. About Bindi:  Bindi Delaney, hailing from Australia, is an accomplished health and fitness expert with over 15 years of experience. Having completed an Ironman triathlon, Bindi boasts a diverse background as a personal trainer, health coach, and educator. She currently spearheads the Small Steps Wellness Program at LearnIt, where she conducts workshops and individual coaching sessions aimed at helping people adopt healthier habits through small, sustainable steps.    Connect with Bindi: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bindi-delaney-499087297/ Learnit: https://www.learnit.com  Podcast Contact Information:   Website: www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.comFollow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Iky Chan, an expert in engineering, technology, and personal development, shares her inspiring journey from Hong Kong to the U.S. She reveals the secrets to rapid learning and overcoming cultural challenges. Iky emphasizes the importance of intrinsic motivation and offers strategies for building resilience against failure. She discusses the unique intersection of creativity and engineering, highlighting how her venture into stand-up comedy enhanced her communication skills. Iky advocates for continuous learning and personal discovery as keys to professional growth.

A recent McKinsey study shows that leaders spend 40% of their time making decisions. With so much at stake, shouldn’t it be critical for leaders to master decision-making? In this solo episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, Damon Lembi, CEO of Learnit, uncovers 9 of the most common decision-making pitfalls that leaders face—and how to avoid them. Whether you're steering a small team or a large organization, these insights will help you lead with confidence and avoid costly mistakes. Dodging Leadership Landmines: 9 Decision Pitfalls to AvoidThis Episode Covers: Rushing Decisions: The Hidden Dangers Overcoming Decision Paralysis Defining Success Before Deciding Considering Risks: Why It’s Critical Escaping Binary Thinking Identifying the Root Cause Avoiding Emotional Decisions  Episode Highlights:  (00:18) Introduction to Decision-Making: Damon introduces the importance of decision-making, highlighting a McKinsey study about the significant time leaders spend making decisions. (00:54) - Rushing Decisions: Discusses the pitfalls of making hasty decisions without thorough consideration and how to avoid them. (01:54) - Decision Paralysis: Explores the dangers of overthinking and how to overcome the fear of making decisions with less than perfect information. (03:00) - Undefined Success: Highlights the importance of clearly defining success criteria before making decisions to avoid misaligned outcomes. (07:24) - Treating Symptoms, Not Causes: Damon shares a story illustrating the significance of addressing root causes rather than just symptoms in decision-making. (11:05) - Emotional Decisions: Discusses the impact of emotions on decision-making and strategies to prevent emotional bias. About Damon: Damon Lembi is the CEO of Learnit, a live learning platform that has upskilled over 2 million individuals in the past 30 years. With a deep passion for leadership and decision-making, Damon draws on his extensive experience to help leaders make smarter, more informed decisions. He is a frequent speaker on leadership topics and is known for his engaging storytelling that brings practical insights to life. Connect with Damon: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi Learnit: https://www.learnit.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/damonlembiThe Learn-It-All LeaderResources Referenced: McKinsey study on decision-making time for leadersUpstream by Dan HeathGood Decisions Equal Success by Damon Lembi and Candice PorterFarnum Street BlogPodcast Contact  Website: https://www.thelearnitallleader.com/p...  Email: podcast@learnit.com  Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Unlocking Leadership Potential: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Business   Are you constantly searching for the key to enhancing your team's performance and elevating your leadership game? The key to unlocking that next step might be simpler than you think: relentless curiosity.  In this wide-ranging episode of The Learn-It-All Leader Podcast, host Damon Lembi sits down with Carlos Cody, Senior Operations Manager at Target, a leader who’s deeply committed to continuous learning. Carlos talks about how he shifted from a traditional leadership mindset to one fueled by curiosity, unlocking not just his own potential but that of his entire team. If you’re a leader looking to break through barriers and inspire your people, this episode is loaded with actionable insights tailored for you.This Episode Covers: From Satisfied to Inspired: Transforming Team Engagement Vision Divides and Unifies: Crafting a Leadership Vision The Growth Journey: Engaging and Developing Your Team Risk and Reward: Lessons in Leadership Decision-Making Influence Over Authority: Leading Without Direct Power Episode Highlights: (00:00) Introduction – Damon introduces the episode and guest, highlighting Carlos Cody’s background as a senior operations leader and his mission to inspire and empower others. (01:25) Lessons from Sports – Carlos discusses how his experience as a college athlete shaped his leadership style, particularly the importance of feedback and vision. (06:44) Leaders are Learners – Carlos explains why continuous learning is essential for leadership and shares practical tips on how to apply what you learn in real-time. (12:06) Navigating Leadership Challenges – Carlos shares stories from his career about leading in difficult environments, emphasizing the power of influence and empathy. (16:02) The GROW Model – Carlos introduces his coaching framework, the GROW model, and how it helps him develop his team members and align their goals with the organization’s objectives. (37:01) Learning from Failure – Carlos recounts a significant learning experience at Amazon, illustrating the importance of communication and risk management in leadership. About Carlos Cody: Carlos Cody is a senior operations leader with extensive experience in transformational leadership at top-tier companies like Amazon and Target. With a background as a college athlete, Carlos has honed his leadership skills through real-world challenges and is passionate about inspiring, motivating, and empowering others to reach their full potential. Known for his active presence on LinkedIn, Carlos regularly shares leadership tips and insights, helping others navigate their own leadership journeys.  Connect with Carlos: - Carlos Cody's LinkedIn ProfileResources Referenced:- The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com   Email: podcast@learnit.comFollow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Are you unknowingly sabotaging your health every time you open the fridge? Discover the hidden habits that could be holding you back from the healthy life you deserve. This week, we're diving into the power of nutrition, the fourth of five topics in our Workplace Wellness series on the Learn-It-All Podcast. In this episode, wellness expert Bindi Delaney sits down with Damon to discuss how small changes in your eating habits can be a game-changer for lasting health and professional success. Bindi shares three key steps to reshape your approach to eating and revolutionize your relationship with food, both at work and in your personal life. Blending personal stories with science-backed insights, we’ll show you how simple strategies can drive significant improvements in your overall well-being. Tune in now to discover how to leverage these nutrition tips for better health and increased productivity. Don’t miss this chance to transform your approach to wellness in the workplace. Topics Covered: Visibility Matters: How organizing your fridge can influence healthier choices. Mindful Eating: Simple practices to make every meal more satisfying. Snack Smarter: Tips for prepping quick and healthy snacks. Family-Friendly Nutrition: How to involve your kids in healthier eating. Eating Out: Strategies for making better choices when dining out. Episode Highlights:  (00:02) Introduction – Damon and Bindi discuss the importance of nutrition and the challenges of maintaining a healthy diet. (00:54) Visibility of Food – Bindi emphasizes the impact of food visibility on our choices and shares tips for organizing the fridge. (06:26) Meal Prepping and Family Involvement – Discussing strategies to make meal prepping a family activity and how it can improve eating habits. (11:48) Timing of Eating – The importance of not eating late in the evening and its connection to better sleep and overall health. (12:45) Mindful Eating– Bindi advocates for being mindful of the textures, smells, and flavors of food to enhance the eating experience. About Bindi: Bindi Delaney is a wellness expert with a focus on nutrition and holistic health. With years of experience in guiding individuals and families toward healthier lifestyles, Bindi is passionate about making wellness accessible and enjoyable. She brings practical tips and relatable insights to her discussions, encouraging listeners to make small changes that can lead to significant improvements in their health and well-being. Connect with Bindi: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bindi-delaney-499087297/ Learnit: https://www.learnit.com Podcast Contact Information:Website: www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.com

How confident are you that your resilience strategies are truly effective? Are they flexible enough to adapt to new challenges, or are they rooted in outdated practices that no longer serve your team? In this episode of the Learn-It-All Podcast, Darren Bridgett sits down with Marie-Hélène Pelletier—a CEO, leadership psychologist, keynote speaker, and executive coach—to explore what it really takes to build resilience in the workplace.  Marie-Hélène shares her transformative journey from a registered psychologist to leading mental health strategies for large organizations, culminating in her powerful book, The Resilience Plan. Together, they unpack why resilience isn’t just a personal endeavor but a systemic one that requires strategic planning and alignment with your core values. You’ll discover the dangers of relying on old, static resilience plans and why it’s crucial to evolve your strategies to meet today’s demands. This conversation offers fresh insights into how you can foster a resilient workforce that’s not only prepared for change but thrives in it. Topics Discussed:Why traditional resilience strategies might be failing you. How to create a dynamic, flexible approach to resilience. The critical role of aligning resilience strategies with your core values for sustained well-being.   Episode Highlights: (00:00) Introduction – Meet Dr. Marie-Hélène Pelletier and discover her groundbreaking book, The Resilience Plan, designed to help individuals and leaders build strategic resilience.(04:24) Building Resilience – Dr. Pelletier explains the importance of having a resilience plan that is adaptable and proactive, ensuring you're prepared for life’s challenges before they arise.(07:24) The Day Eight Metaphor – Through a personal story of an eight-day trek, Dr. Pelletier illustrates the critical difference between handling challenges on “Day One” versus “Day Eight” and how it relates to maintaining resilience over time.(13:40) The Neither Rock Nor Wreck Philosophy – Dr. Pelletier challenges the common perception of being a “rock” for others, highlighting how it can lead to burnout and advocating for a more balanced approach to leadership and support.(22:20) The Core Elements of a Resilience Plan – A deep dive into the key components of creating a resilience plan, including understanding your values, assessing demands, and maintaining flexibility in your approach.(29:24) Values and Resilience – Dr. Pelletier elaborates on the importance of aligning your resilience plan with your core values and how this alignment can significantly enhance your ability to maintain resilience over time.(38:47) Personalizing Your Resilience Plan – A discussion on how to personalize resilience strategies to fit your unique context, emphasizing the need for flexibility and adaptability.(46:54) Leveraging Support Systems – The value of building a support system or "board of directors" in your life to help you stay accountable and adapt your resilience plan as needed.  About Marie- Hélène Marie-Hélène Pelletier, PhD, MBA, is a CEO, leadership psychologist, keynote speaker, and executive coach with a unique blend of clinical expertise and business acumen. She has spent over two decades advancing workplace mental health and resilience strategies, working with large organizations and individual leaders to foster well-being. Her book, *The Resilience Plan*, is a testament to her strategic approach to building resilience in both personal and professional contexts. Marie-Hélène is a frequent speaker at conferences and a trusted advisor on mental health matters. Connect with Dr. Marie-Hélène PelletierWebsite: https://drmarie-helene.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmhpelletier/  Resources Referenced: - The Resilience Plan Worksheets Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.