The Learn-It-All Podcast

Are your top performers doubting themselves? What if you could transform their uncertainty into unstoppable momentum with just one conversation? In this powerful episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, Learnit CEO Damon Lembi discusses how recognizing and acknowledging people's achievements can profoundly impact their confidence, performance, and career trajectory. Through personal stories from his early baseball career to his role as CEO, Damon shows how leaders who actively highlight their team members' successes create lasting positive change. Reflecting on the mentors who shaped his path, he shares practical strategies for building a culture where people believe in themselves and reach their full potential. Damon explains why leaders must recognize and nurture the greatness within their teams and provides actionable insights for leaders who want to make a lasting difference through encouragement, belief, and intentional support.  This Episode Covers: - How recognizing achievements builds trust and confidence - Practical ways to help team members see their own potential - Why celebrating small successes can have long-term impact - The importance of believing in people before they believe in themselves - Strategies for sharing positive feedback and creating a supportive team culture   Episode Highlights:  (00:00) Introduction – Damon introduces the episode and shares his thoughts on the role of a leader in helping others see their potential. (01:00) The High School Baseball Story – Damon recounts a story from high school baseball, where a coach’s belief helped him regain his confidence during a challenging time. (03:00) Building Confidence in Your Team – Damon discusses how leaders can help team members reflect on their achievements to foster self-belief. (04:00) The Story of Laurel Taylor – Damon shares the story of a former employee who was inspired to start her own company after a simple conversation that helped her recognize her own potential. (05:00) Making Encouragement Part of Leadership – Damon explains why leaders shouldn’t wait for someone to struggle before offering words of encouragement and support. (06:00) Practical Tips for Leaders – Damon provides actionable tips on how to give meaningful feedback, recognize successes, and create a culture of encouragement. (07:00) Wrapping Up – Damon concludes with a reminder of the long-lasting impact that leaders can have by simply believing in their team members and helping them see their own greatness.   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 - 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 Leading with Intention or Just Reacting to Whatever Comes Your Way? In a world that's increasingly "BANI" (Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, Incomprehensible), former Campbell Soup Company CEO Doug Conant shares how he transforms toxic workplace cultures into high-performing organizations by leading with intention.  In this stand-out episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, Doug’s insights offer a blueprint for navigating today's complexities with a balanced approach to resilience, high performance, and purpose-driven leadership. He unpacks his leadership journey, from turning around Campbell Soup Company to establishing Conant Leadership and offers hard-earned lessons on building an enduring culture, emphasizing the importance of integrity, connection, and continuous personal growth. Sharing candid stories from his remarkable career journey – from being fired at age 32 to becoming CEO of a Fortune 500 company – Doug reveals why winning in the workplace must come before winning in the marketplace.  This Episode Covers: Your Life is Your Leadership Story: Doug’s philosophy is that a leader’s journey is rooted in their personal story. Aligning one’s values with leadership helps create authentic connections and a more fulfilling impact​Leadership in the 21st Century: Practical strategies for leading in a complex, diverse world that requires EQ, character, and a people-first approach. To Win in the Marketplace, You Need to Win in the Workplace: Doug believed that marketplace success starts with a thriving workplace culture, which fosters high performance and lasting impact​Grow or Die: Leaders, Doug insists, must continually evolve. Stagnation means failure, especially as modern leadership requires constant adaptation to a changing environmentTough on Process, Tenderhearted with People: Doug emphasized balancing high standards with compassion. He believed that leaders should be rigorous with processes but caring toward people, fostering both accountability and trustLead with Intention, Not by the Seat of Your Pants: Doug believed leaders should act with purpose, setting a clear path rather than reacting to chaos.Expressing Appreciation: Doug shares his practice of writing 30,000 thank-you notes and how showing gratitude can transform workplace culture. Episode Highlights: (00:00) Introduction to Doug Conant – Damon introduces Doug Conant, former CEO of Campbell Soup and founder of Conant Leadership, and they discuss his philosophy on leadership. (01:32) The Power of Deliberate Practice – Doug shares how deliberate practice shaped his leadership journey, starting from his time as a college tennis player. (05:30) Overcoming Setbacks and Building Resilience – Doug reflects on being fired at age 32 and how that experience helped him redefine his approach to leadership.(09:00) Writing 30,000 Thank-You Notes – Doug explains why he prioritized writing thank-you notes to employees and the impact it had on company culture. (12:33) Creating Accountability and Clarity – Doug emphasizes the importance of setting clear expectations and holding leaders accountable to inspire trust within teams. (17:00) The First Hour, First Day Approach – Doug introduces his “first hour, first day” practice for onboarding and establishing rapport with new team members. (21:30) Leading a Major Turnaround – Doug discusses his experiences at Campbell Soup Company, including the strategies that helped him transform the company’s culture and performance (33:18) Advice for Leaders in the 21st Century – Doug offers final thoughts on what it takes to lead with integrity and purpose in today’s complex world. About Doug:Doug Conant, the only former Fortune 500 CEO who is both a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, has been a Top 50 Leadership Innovator, a Top 100 Leadership Speaker, and twice named one of the 100 Most Influential Authors in the World. For the past 20 years, he has honed his leadership craft at the most senior levels—first as President of the Nabisco Foods Company, then as CEO of Campbell Soup Company, and finally as Chairman of Avon Products. In 2011, he founded ConantLeadership: a mission-driven community of leaders and learners who are championing leadership that works in the 21st century.  Resources Referenced:  Doug Conant on LinkedIn   ConantLeadership Boot Camp  ConantLeadership Website  The Blueprint: Six Practical Steps to Lift Your Leadership to New Heights by Doug Conant  TouchPoints by Doug Conant  "13 Life Lessons from the Game of Tennis" blog post by Doug Conant  Atomic Habits by James Clear Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck Talent is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else by Geoff Colvin   Stephen Covey on leadership  Brené Brown on vulnerability and leadership Podcast Contact Information:   Website: www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.comFollow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

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.