The Learn-It-All Podcast

Are generational differences creating tension in your orginization? With Baby Boomers, Gen Z, and everyone in between working side by side, understanding how to motivate and manage these vastly different generations is essential for business success. In a world where technology and expectations are rapidly evolving, how can leaders keep up? In this episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, hosts Damon Lembi and Darren Bridgett are joined by Brad Szollose, bestselling author of Liquid Leadership and host of Awakened Nation. Together, they dive into the critical strategies needed to bridge generational gaps, build trust, and foster communication in the modern workplace. Brad shares practical tips for business leaders looking to adapt and thrive in today’s multigenerational environment. This Episode Covers: How different generations approach work—and why it matters. Actionable insights to bridge the gap between Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z. Leadership strategies that foster collaboration and increase productivity. Understanding how digital technology shapes behaviors and workplace expectations.  How to bridge the generational divide in today’s workplace Why traditional leadership styles need to adapt to digital natives The importance of emotional intelligence and trust in modern leadership Strategies for leading and motivating diverse, cross-generational teams How to build a flexible and collaborative work environment Chapters: (00:00) Introduction to Brad Szollose – Damon and Darren introduce Brad Szollose, bestselling author and leadership expert, and set up the conversation on navigating generational differences in the workplace. (02:00) How Leadership Has Evolved – Brad discusses how leadership styles have changed with the rise of digital natives and why traditional command-and-control models no longer work. (05:46) The Impact of Generational Habits on Leadership – Brad talks about how each generation’s upbringing has shaped their work habits, motivations, and expectations from leaders. (09:00) Bridging the Generational Divide – Brad shares how leaders can bridge the gap between baby boomers and younger generations by fostering better communication and understanding. (12:33) Leadership in a Digital World – Brad explains how today’s digital natives expect a different approach to leadership, one that involves trust, empathy, and collaboration. (17:42) Building Trust Across Generations – Brad emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space where employees can share ideas and speak the truth without fear of repercussions. (21:30) Leading in a Hybrid World – Brad reflects on the challenges of leading in hybrid work environments and how leaders can adapt to the rapidly changing workplace. (33:18) Leadership Lessons for the Future – Brad offers his final thoughts on how leaders can stay ahead by embracing new leadership styles that cater to a multigenerational workforce. About Brad: Brad Szollose is a globally recognized business adviser, former C-Level executive, and Generation Y expert who helps companies like Dell and MasterCard navigate the impact of technology on corporate culture, particularly how it affects the management of Millennials. With over 35 years of experience, including co-founding K2 Design and taking it public on NASDAQ, Brad offers practical insights through keynotes and workshops. He is also the award-winning author of Liquid Leadership, focusing on multigenerational management and leadership in the digital age, and is the host of the Awakened Nation podcast. Connect wtih Brad: Website: https://www.bradszollose.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradszollose/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brad.szollose Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradszollose YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BradSzollose Podcast: https://awakenednationpodcast.com/ X: https://twitter.com/bradszollose Email: info@liquidleadership.com Liquid Leadership: https://greenleafbookgroup.com/titles/liquid-leadership  Resources Referenced:  Brad Szollose’s "The Age of Radical Disruption" TEDx Talk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99Q3aP8q8Xw Cal Newport’s Slow Productivity - https://calnewport.com/my-new-book-slow-productivity/ Maryanne Wolf’s Proust and the Squid - https://www.maryannewolf.com/proust-and-the-squid Stephen Covey’s Trust and Inspire - https://www.franklincovey.com/books/trust-and-inspire/ Podcast Contact:Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

What if the key to long-term success wasn't just about winning games or closing deals but about building a culture that naturally fosters collaboration, trust, and growth?  If you’re a leader struggling to retain top talent or build a high-performing team in an increasingly competitive market, this episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast is for you.  Host Damon Lembi speaks with Paul Adams, Senior VP of Ticket Sales for the Atlanta Braves, who shares his 35 years of insights on cultivating a high-performing, enduring team in both sports and business. Paul reveals the secret to building teams that excel beyond individual talent—through creating a minor league-style development system and focusing on long-term employee growth and collaboration.  This episode isn't just theory; it’s a deep dive into practical, actionable steps Paul has used with the Atlanta Braves to create a thriving sales team. Business leaders will discover how to apply these same principles to create high-performance cultures in any organization. Tune in to learn actionable strategies that can transform your team's culture and performance, regardless of industry. This Episode Covers: How to build a “farm system” that develops talent from the ground up Why athletes thrive in sales environments (and how you can build similar discipline in your team) The importance of trust, communication, and personal growth in a successful workplace culture Real-life examples of Paul’s leadership, including tough decisions that improved team performance How to build a winning sales culture from the ground up The importance of hiring for potential and investing in continuous training Why focusing on strengths is more effective than fixing weaknesses How to adapt and evolve leadership in response to change Chapters: (00:00) Introduction to Paul Adams – Damon introduces Paul Adams, SVP of Ticket Sales for the Atlanta Braves, and sets the stage for a discussion on leadership and building a winning culture. (02:00) Building and Sustaining a High-Performing Sales Culture – Paul shares how the Atlanta Braves have built a culture of trust, collaboration, and continuous learning within the ticket sales team. (05:46) Hiring for Potential – Paul explains why the Braves hire based on potential and how their minor league-style training system helps develop future leaders. (09:00) Focusing on Strengths Over Weaknesses – Paul discusses why he believes in leveraging employees' strengths rather than spending too much time fixing their weaknesses. (12:33) Leadership by Example – Paul emphasizes the importance of leading by example and building trust through open communication and hands-on leadership. (17:42) Navigating Challenges and Change – Paul reflects on how the Braves’ leadership team adapted during the pandemic, using communication and relationship-building to stay connected with their fans. (21:30) The Role of Values in Leadership – Paul talks about how the Braves’ core values—commitment, trust, professionalism, and diversity—shape the team’s culture and guide their decision-making. (33:18) Leadership Advice for the Future – Paul offers his final thoughts on how leaders can leave a lasting impact on their teams by investing in people and maintaining a culture of continuous growth. Guest Bio: Paul Adams is the Senior Vice President of Ticket Sales for the Atlanta Braves, where he has worked for over 35 years. Paul has been instrumental in creating and maintaining a high-performing sales culture within the Braves organization, focusing on collaboration, trust, and continuous development. He is passionate about building teams that excel both on and off the field. Resources Referenced: Paul Adams’ LinkedIn Profile Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek: https://simonsinek.com/books/leaders-eat-last/ The Ride of a Lifetime" by Bob Iger: https://www.amazon.com/Ride-Lifetime-Lessons-Learned-Company/dp/0399592091 Podcast Contact: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.comFollow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

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.