
The Learn-It-All Podcast
Welcome to The Learn-It-All Podcast, the show for today's leaders who are ready to get and stay ahead of the game. Because great leaders aren't born or made, they're always in the making.
Your host Damon Lembi is a 2x best-selling author and CEO of Learnit—a live learning platform that's upskilled over 2 million people.
In conversations with industry experts and solo episodes, Damon offers fresh insights, new practices, and actionable strategies for leaders looking forward to thriving in tomorrow’s rapidly evolving business landscape.
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Latest episodes

Aug 8, 2024 • 39min
43: Is Your Company Culture Costing You Money? – The HR Lady Wendy Sellers
In this latest episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, hosts Darren Bridgett and Courtney Ritchie explore the complexities of workplace culture with Wendy Sellers, also known as "The HR Lady." Bringing her 25+ years of experience as a speaker, trainer, and consultant to the conversation today, Wendy shares details of her remarkable journey into Human Resources, highlighting the crucial balance of empathy and directness in leadership. Her discussion with our hosts delves into key aspects such as the role of HR professionals, the impact of AI on HR practices, and strategies for effective communication and leadership development. Wendy goes on to emphasize the importance of a realistic and enjoyable workplace culture, offering practical advice for HR professionals and managers to foster a supportive environment. Stressing the fact that understanding and addressing workplace dynamics is essential for enhancing employee retention and satisfaction and ultimately driving organizational success, today’s episode is, without a doubt, one that you simply cannot afford to miss.Episode Highlights:[0:00] Introduction of the podcast and Wendy[1:18] Wendy’s unconventional path to HR success.[2:44] Her emphasis on the importance of direct communication.[5:34] Combining empathy and directness in workplace culture.[8:34] Wendy's key points on personality, common sense, and communication.[13:17] Identifying root causes of workplace problems, often in management.[16:35] Strategies for HR to gain executive support.[19:10] Tying HR proposals to the company's bottom line.[21:25] Effects of remote work and AI on HR.[25:42] AI assisting HR tasks but needing human oversight.[28:29] Wendy’s books on communication and difficult colleagues.[33:18] Using feedback and surveys to gauge HR success.[36:02] Importance of clear company values for a healthy culture.[36:27] Wendy's RV lifestyle and how it emphasizes finding common ground.About Our Guest:Wendy Sellers, The HR Lady®, transforms organizational success through expert HR consulting. Specializing in talent attraction and retention, Wendy educates and develops managers, business owners, and employees. With 25+ years of experience in various HR domains, she has served businesses across diverse industries, from startups to global enterprises. Wendy's extensive background spans healthcare, technology, non-profits, and more, showcasing her adaptability and expertise in fostering effective corporate cultures.Connect with Our Guest:Website: https://thehrlady.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehrladyllc/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendythehrlady/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1jdYl7P4HbFxNgAnx7z4TgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehrladyllcThreads: https://www.threads.net/@thehrladyllcPodcast: https://thehrlady.podbean.com/Call or Text Wendy: 407.493.1582Resources Referenced:Suck It Up, Buttercup and The Asshole WhispererPodcast Contact Information:Website: www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.comFollow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

Aug 6, 2024 • 47min
42: The Power of Choice: Transforming Lives and Leadership with David Katz
In this candid and inspiring episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, hosts Damon Lembi and Darren Bridget sit down with David Katz, the visionary founder of Plastic Bank. David opens up about his challenging childhood and the heart-wrenching loss of his child, sharing how these experiences fueled his passion for making a meaningful difference. An entrepreneur recognized globally for his groundbreaking work tackling both poverty and ocean plastic pollution, we discuss the power of choice, the importance of maintaining a gratitude mindset, and how Plastic Bank turns waste into wealth. Join us to learn more about the transformative potential of viewing challenges differently and the profound impact of creating systems where poverty can solve itself.Episode Highlights:[00:00] Introduction – Meet David Katz, founder of Plastic Bank, and learn about his impressive accolades and inspiring work.[02:18] The Plastic Bank Model – David explains how Plastic Bank operates by using plastic waste as a currency to provide essential goods and services to impoverished communities.[07:08] Solving Root Causes – Discussion on addressing the root cause of ocean plastic pollution by focusing on poverty.[0:14:51] Choosing Positivity and Abundance: The discussion focuses on the power of choosing a positive and abundant mindset.[15:48] Personal Transformation – David shares his personal story of overcoming adversity and choosing to see challenges as opportunities.[0:16:19] Overcoming Adversity Through Choice: The philosophy of finding gifts in adversity through positive choices.[24:28] Leadership and Empowerment – Insights on how leaders can inspire and support their teams through example and creating a space for growth.[0:33:50] Leadership and Empowerment: Explanation on how leaders can create environments that foster personal growth.[37:27] High-Fiving Your Team – The importance of acknowledging effort and presence over outcomes, illustrated through a touching personal story.[0:40:46] Intentional Choice and Creation: Importance of making intentional, unbiased choices.About Our Guest:David Katz is the founder of Plastic Bank, an innovative social enterprise that empowers communities to exchange plastic waste for valuable goods and services. Recognized as one of the world's most compassionate entrepreneurs, David has received numerous awards including the United Nations Lighthouse Award for Planetary Health and the Paris Climate Conference Sustainia Community Award. His inspiring TED Talk, "A Surprising Solution to Ocean Plastic," has reached a global audience. David's work has been featured in major publications like BBC, CNN, Time, and National Geographic, and he has appeared in documentaries and reality TV shows.Connect with Our Guest:Website: https://plasticbank.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-katz-4b66178/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/plasticbank/X: https://x.com/PlasticBank/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/PlasticBank/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/plasticbankTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theplasticbankResources Referenced:David’s TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/david_katz_the_surprising_solution_to_ocean_plastic?subtitle=enPodcast Contact Information:Website: www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.comFollow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

Aug 1, 2024 • 49min
41: Crucial Secrets for Aspiring Real Estate Investors: Avoid Costly Mistakes with Lindsay Lovell
In today’s informative and inspiring episode, Damon welcomes serial entrepreneur Lindsay Lovell to the podcast to share her transformative journey from a traditional career in private equity to becoming a highly successful real estate investor. Lindsay recounts how, despite initially following the conventional path to financial security, she soon realized her W-2 income wouldn't suffice for a comfortable retirement. Inspired by mentorship and self-education, she pivoted to real estate during the COVID-19 pandemic, and began investing in properties across the Midwest. Lindsay now owns over 72 properties - including long-term rentals and sober living homes - a testament to the power of leveraging real estate to build wealth and financial freedom. As you will here, her story, as shared here today, brilliantly demonstrates the importance of continuous learning, taking calculated risks, and seeking mentorship to achieve entrepreneurial success.Episode Highlights:[00:00] Introducing the podcast and today’s guest[02:25] Lindsay’s move from a secure job to entrepreneurship seeking financial and personal fulfillment.[04:56] Her initial real estate investment in Missouri.[08:04] Embracing risks in entrepreneurship.[12:30] The importance of mentorship in Lindsay’s journey.[13:42] Expansion into Sober Living Homes.[17:16] Building systems for work-life balance.[20:38] Strategic real estate planning.[24:22] Lindsay’s insights from starting a virtual assistant business.[28:35] Coaching and Continuous Learning.[35:28] Outsourcing and VA utilization.[42:41] Lindsay’s advice for new investors.[46:24] The value of continuous learning.About Our Guest:Lindsay Lovell is a passionate advocate for financial freedom and wealth creation through real estate investing. As a top real estate coach, she founded the Millionaires March course, offering personalized guidance and practical strategies to help individuals purchase and manage investment properties. With a portfolio of 72 properties, Lindsay's expertise spans long-term rentals, vacation homes, and mobile home parks. She co-founded G-VI Capital Management, managing over $15M in assets, and Wanderlust Stays, a vacation rental management company. Lindsay also engages in speaking events, inspiring audiences with tools for creating lasting wealth.Connect with Our Guest:Website: https://themillionairesmarch.com/Website: https://g-vicap.com/Website: https://wanderluststays.com/Free Strategy Session: https://calendly.com/millionairesmarch/free-investing-strategy-sessionTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lindsayzanelovell?_t=8cZC5ohRxkV&_r=1Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/lindsayzanelovell/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lindsay.zaneInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsayzanelovell/Resources referenced:BiggerPockets: https://www.biggerpockets.com/Full Focus Planner: https://fullfocus.co/Podcast Contact Information:Website: www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.comFollow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

Jul 31, 2024 • 33min
40: Becoming a Learn-It-All Leader: Why It Matters with Damon Lembi
In today’s rather unique episode, Darren interviews his co-host in celebration of the one-year anniversary of Damon’s best-selling book, The-Learn-It-All Leader. Throughout their conversation, Damon shares valuable insights into his journey, including the challenges of overcoming imposter syndrome, the significance of feedback in the creative process, and the vital role of adaptability in both personal and professional growth. The discussion goes on to highlight such key themes as continuous learning, trust, and delegation in leadership, while also exploring how Damon's background in sports and business has shaped his leadership philosophy.Episode Highlights:[0:00:00] Introduction of the episode and Damon as the ‘guest’[0:01:00] Overcoming imposter syndrome and the importance of confronting self-doubt for growth.[0:01:45] Storytelling as a crucial skill in leadership, helping leaders inspire and connect with their teams.[0:02:30] The value of feedback in leadership, focusing on creating a safe space for constructive feedback.[0:03:15] Trust as essential for delegating tasks, scaling operations, and building a strong organizational culture.[0:06:00] Writing The Learn-It-All Leader, including challenges related to imposter syndrome.[0:08:30] The process of seeking feedback during the book's creation involving colleagues like Nick Silverthorne to refine the content.[0:09:40] The widespread issue of imposter syndrome and positive reader feedback.[0:11:30] The book's success leading to numerous podcast and speaking engagements, highlighting the benefits of stepping out of one's comfort zone.[0:17:30] The "trust tax" concept and its role in delegation and organizational growth.[0:18:30] Damon shares his public speaking experiences as a significant learning opportunity.[0:21:00] The necessity of adaptability and continuous learning, especially regarding emerging technologies like AI[0:24:00] Damon’s sense of responsibility towards his team and maintaining relevance as motivations for continuous learning and growth.[0:26:50] Storytelling as a vital leadership skill for conveying complex ideas.[0:30:00] Future projects, such as a workbook or follow-up book, focusing on practical leadership applications.[0:31:25] Damon’s personal interest in Broadway musicals, adding a personal touch to his public persona.About Our Guest:Damon Lembi has led Learnit, a global training company, for nearly three decades, upskilling over 1.8 million individuals. His unique approach to leadership, informed by his career in baseball, emphasizes continuous learning and adaptability. Damon is the author of the best-selling book "The Learn-It-All Leader," and is a sought-after keynote speaker on leadership, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning. When not working, he enjoys time with his family, live music, movies, and walks with his dog, Pablo.Connect with Our Guest:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LearnitTraining/podcastsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/damonlembi/Resources Referenced:The Learn-it-All Leader: https://www.learnit.com/learn-it-all-leader-book-by-damon-lembiThe Rising Leader Handbook: https://www.markjsilverman.com/the-rising-leader-handbookGood Decisions Equal Success: https://www.amazon.ca/Good-Decisions-Equal-Success-Decision/dp/1544539940Podcast Contact Information:Website: www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.comFollow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

Jul 30, 2024 • 55min
39: 3 Ways To Build Trust With Your Team: Enhancing Team Cohesion and Reliability with Mark Silverman
Damon and Darren welcome Mark J. Silverman, author of The Rising Leader Handbook, to the podcast today to share his powerful insights on leadership, personal growth, and the often-overlooked importance of emotional intelligence in navigating the climb to success. Delving into Mark's unique perspective, shaped by his own extraordinary journey from homelessness to becoming a sought-after executive coach, this episode offers practical advice and a transformative framework for rising leaders looking to cultivate meaningful impact, foster genuine connections, and ultimately, find freedom through self-leadership.Episode Highlights:[0:00:00] Mark J. Silverman, author of The Rising Leader Handbook and sought-after executive coach, is introduced.[0:02:02] Mark shares his journey from homelessness to successful sales, highlighting the importance of people skills and dedication to service.[0:05:16] A rising leader is someone with expertise who advances quickly in an organization, needing to develop maturity and leadership skills.[0:06:19] Mark's book uses leadership for personal transformation, encouraging growth through relationships and interactions.[0:07:05] Discussing the emotional and mental challenges of rapid success, including personal experiences of feeling overwhelmed.[0:09:32] Mark presents his framework: leading up, leading across, leading your team, and leading yourself, based on his coaching work.[0:12:14] High performers should avoid a victim mentality, learn to adapt, and grow instead of blaming others for challenges.[0:14:33] Leading up means becoming a trusted advisor to senior leaders by understanding them, keeping your word, and showing dedication to the organization.[0:18:04] Improving enrollment (sales) skills involves listening, understanding the players, and building political capital through teamwork.[0:19:51] Understanding a leader's stress triggers and addressing their concerns can help them feel more relaxed.[0:21:12] True leadership involves helping leaders be their best rather than passively following them.[0:23:20] Creating trust within a team of competing leaders is crucial; being the person who gets along with everyone fosters cohesion.[0:26:41] Build trust by getting to know colleagues personally, showing interest in their lives, and supporting their priorities.[0:28:36] Recognizing and appreciating team members' efforts has a lasting positive impact, as shown by examples of leaders acknowledging their employees.[0:32:01] Transitioning from individual success to leading a team is challenging and requires focusing on enabling the team to excel rather than seeking personal recognition.[0:37:44] Personal growth and transformation come from interacting with others and dealing with real-world challenges.[0:40:12] When triggered, practice techniques to stay calm and grounded, and anticipate situations that may cause emotional reactions.[0:45:02] Using vulnerability to express feelings and concerns openly can defuse tense situations and foster deeper connections.[0:48:25] Mark shares finding comfort in homemade sourdough bread during a difficult time, highlighting the value of simple, meaningful gestures.[0:50:24] The importance of continually adapting and learning, especially in diet and health, to maintain well-being and personal growth is discussed.[0:52:21] Watching talent shows for inspiration shows people stepping out of their comfort zones and striving for their dreams.About Our Guest:Mark J. Silverman is an executive coach, author, and speaker specializing in working with high-achieving leaders. He is the author of The Rising Leader Handbook: A Compass and a Guide for Your Journey and Only 10s: Master the CEO Operating System. Drawing upon his own experiences and extensive work with CEOs and rising leaders, Mark empowers individuals to redefine success, cultivate emotional intelligence, and lead with greater authenticity and impact.Connect with Our Guest:Website: markjsilverman.comInstagram: Mark J. SilvermanLinkedIn: Mark J. SilvermanPodcast: The Rising Leader PodcastResources Referenced:The Lion Tracker's Guide to Life: by Boyd VartyThe Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable by Patrick LencioniHow to Work with (Almost) Anyone: by Michael Bungay StanierPodcast Contact Information:Website: www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.comFollow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

Jul 25, 2024 • 57min
38: The Real Key To Scaling Your Business with Omar Halabieh
Omar Halabieh, a global technology executive at Amazon, joins Darren Bridgett and Damon on the podcast today to share his inspiring journey and insights on leadership, mentorship, and building high-performing teams. Together, our trio explores Omar’s philosophy of servant leadership, the power of diversity and inclusion, and how to create a culture that fosters innovation and celebrates success.Episode Highlights:[0:00:00] Introduction: Introduction to the episode and its guest, Omar Halabieh, an executive with a significant following and experience in leadership, mentorship, and coaching.[0:01:38] Mentorship Impact: Mentorship as a pivotal career advantage, especially in navigating first-time experiences and significant decisions.[0:05:54] Omar’s Career Path to Leadership: Omar Halabieh’s impressive career and how mentorship and coaching have played crucial roles.[0:10:22] Building Confidence: Adopting a beginner’s mindset, improving communication, making decisions, and using mentors to build confidence.[0:13:57] Managing Know-it-alls: Handling team members with a know-it-all attitude by exposing them to more experienced individuals and giving candid feedback.[0:16:23] Coaching vs. Mentorship: Blending coaching and mentorship with an emphasis on situational awareness and clarity in roles.[0:19:32] Importance of Feedback: Getting team members to provide feedback by using multiple channels and acting on the feedback received.[0:24:11] Diversity in Teams: Importance of diverse teams for making better decisions and serving a diverse customer base.[0:30:10] Inclusivity in Meetings: Practical tips for ensuring inclusivity in meetings.[0:31:12] Developing Leaders: Importance of developing leaders within the team and how it enables better handling of responsibilities.[0:35:17] Continuous Learning: Importance of continuous learning and being inspired by others to avoid complacency and hubris as a leader.[0:39:05] Effective Delegation: Necessity of delegation for scalability, focusing on letting go of control and maintaining accountability.[0:43:21] Innovation and Creativity: Fostering innovation and creativity through providing context and encouraging bottom-up ideas.[0:45:57] Celebrating Wins: Celebrating team wins by closing the loop on ideas, recognizing small wins in meetings, and using technology for consistent acknowledgment.[0:48:38] Personal Story and Networking: Motivation for posting on LinkedIn and the benefits of learning, community building, and networking.[0:53:27] Life Lessons: Overcoming significant weight issues in high school taught discipline and influenced leadership approach.About Our Guest:Omar Halabieh is Director of Software Engineering at Amazon, leading the technology function for payments across the Middle East and Africa. With over 20 years of experience in the technology industry, Omar is a passionate advocate for mentorship, leadership development, and building diverse and inclusive teams. He is also an active voice in the online leadership community, sharing insights and fostering connections through his thought-provoking LinkedIn posts.Connect with Our Guest:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omarhalabieh/Resources Referenced:Leadership in 60 Seconds: https://www.omarhalabieh.com/download/Grow Strong Leaders Podcast: https://growstrongleaders.com/podcasts/Podcast Contact Information:Website: www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.comFollow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

Jul 24, 2024 • 10min
37: What is Impostor Syndrome and How to Overcome It | Damon Lembi
In this episode of "The Learn-It-All Podcast," Damon Lembi, CEO of Learnit, discusses the pervasive issue of Impostor Syndrome. Damon shares his personal journey, starting with his dreams of becoming a professional baseball player and the challenges he faced with self-doubt and Impostor Syndrome. He explains how these experiences led him to develop a three-step framework to overcome these feelings. This framework, consisting of hard work, focus, and the ability to learn and let go, is designed to help anyone struggling with self-doubt to build confidence and achieve their goals. Episode Highlights: [00:00:00] Introduction to Impostor Syndrome – Damon introduces the topic and shares common scenarios where impostor syndrome manifests. [00:01:00] Damon’s Personal Story – Damon recounts his journey from high school baseball to dealing with impostor syndrome at Pepperdine University. [00:04:00] The Three-Step Framework – Introduction to Damon’s three-step framework: Work Hard, Focus, Learn and Let Go. [00:06:00] Applying the Framework in Business – Examples of how the framework can be applied in professional settings to overcome self-doubt. [00:09:00] Overcoming Challenges and Seeking Feedback – The importance of seeking feedback and being open to criticism as part of personal and professional growth. About the Host: 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. Connect with Damon LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi Learnit: www.learnit.com Damon’s Website: www.thelearnitallleader.com Resources Referenced Fast Company - A step-by-step guide for how to beat impostor syndrome once and for all Podcast Contact Information:Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

Jul 23, 2024 • 46min
36: The Power of Doing Things Differently | George Andriopoulos
Today’s episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast features George Andriopoulos, CEO of Launchpad Five One Six, a management consultant with a passion for disruption, creativity, and building purpose-driven businesses. Damon Lembi and Darren Bridgett engage in a lively conversation with George, exploring his unique approach to consulting, the inspiring story behind his global public speaking platform, Speak, and the importance of evolving as a leader in an ever-changing world. This episode is a call to action for anyone looking to challenge conventional thinking, embrace their inner creative, and make a meaningful impact through authentic leadership.Episode Highlights:[0:00:00] George Andriopoulos, CEO of Launchpad Five One Six is introduced.[0:01:52] George discusses his transition from the pharma industry to consulting and founding Launchpad Five One Six, including his public speaking platform, Speak.[0:07:38] Highlights of Speak events' success and global reach, including pop-up events and a planned European tour.[0:09:08] Explanation that every speaker at Speak has a unique story, with the goal of touching even just one person.[0:13:25] Simple, one-word themes that resonate with both producers and speakers at Speak events.[0:14:30] George's shift from being ego-driven to becoming a person of service, influenced by a mission statement inspired by Jerry Maguire.[0:20:57] Comparison as the thief of joy, and the personal and professional harm it can cause.[0:24:18] The importance of disruption and innovation in business and personal life, and George's approach to consulting and public speaking.[0:29:52] Issues faced in consulting, especially with companies unwilling to accept accountability and evolve.[0:32:47] George's story about coaching his son's basketball team to a championship victory with creative and persistent methods.[0:37:32] The central role of creativity in George's professional and personal life, and the need for the right headspace for innovation.[0:38:08] His TEDx Talk theme encouraging learning from mistakes as a pathway to innovation and success.[0:41:34] Producing Speak events within organizations to showcase internal thought leadership and build culture.[0:43:41] George's lesser-known interest in cartooning and his past aspiration to be a comic book artist.About Our Guest:George Andriopoulos is the CEO of Launchpad Five One Six, a management consultant with a passion for disruption, innovation, and helping organizations thrive. He is also the co-founder of Speak, a global public speaking platform that empowers individuals to share their impactful stories and connect with others. George is known for his energetic and engaging speaking style, his commitment to service and community, and his unwavering belief in the transformative power of storytelling.Connect with Our Guest:Website: launchpad516.comWebsite: speakevent.comWebsite: georgeadriopoulos.comInstagram: @launchpadceoLinkedIn: GeorgeAndriopoulosResources Referenced:The Impact of Innovation via DisruptionBig Stages DocumentaryPodcast Contact Information:Website: www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.comFollow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

Jul 18, 2024 • 51min
35: This CEO's Surprising Key To Overcoming Fear | Adam Hill
In this incredibly honest and insightful episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, Damon Lembi and Courtney Ritchie welcome Adam Hill, the nine-figure CEO of a 101-year-old family business, best-selling author, TEDx speaker, and host of the Flow Over Fear podcast. Adam shares his deeply personal journey of overcoming alcoholism and anxiety, reframing fear as a catalyst for growth, and building a thriving business while prioritizing his values and family. This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership is not about perfection, but about embracing vulnerability, seeking connection, and finding strength in unexpected places.Episode Highlights:[00:00] Adam Hill, CEO, best-selling author, and host of Flow Over Fear, is introduced.[02:42] Adam discusses growing up in a family business, his struggle with anxiety and alcoholism, and balancing personal and professional life.[05:58] Entering Hill Brothers Chemical Co. and the pressure to prove himself without special treatment.[09:16] Building a centralized customer service division and his passion for envisioning the future.[11:29] Challenges of modernizing a legacy company while preserving core values and addressing "sacred cows."[14:00] Moving from a family-centric to a tribal culture within the company, focusing on common goals and values.[16:12] Impact of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) on the company, enhancing communication, accountability, and sustainability.[20:50] Applying EOS principles to family life, including weekly meetings and core values exercises with his children.[22:31] Importance of evolving core values for personal and organizational growth with regular reassessment.[26:40] Overcoming non-confrontational culture through healthy conflict and leadership.[30:05] Gaining leadership buy-in for EOS by identifying and addressing clear organizational issues.[31:09] His path to sobriety after a DUI accident, the role of Alcoholics Anonymous, and its positive impact on his life and leadership.[34:21] Reframing anxiety as a growth signal and its benefits for his leadership.[39:59] Advice for navigating social situations involving alcohol.[43:25] Adam's TEDx Talk on creating a positive community through daily puns to counter social media negativity.[46:27] His recommendation of Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents for understanding parental influence and improving self-awareness.[48:02] Adam reveals his struggle with imposter syndrome and the importance of authenticity in leadership.[49:28] Information on where listeners can follow Adam's work on YouTube and LinkedIn.About Our Guest:Adam Hill is the CEO of Hill Brothers Chemical Co., a thriving family business with over 100 years of history. He is a best-selling author, TEDTalk speaker, and host of the Flow Over Fear podcast. Adam is a passionate advocate for mental health, sobriety, and building supportive communities, inspiring others through his vulnerability, humor, and commitment to continuous growth.Connect with Our Guest:YouTube: youtube.com/@adamchillLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamchill/Podcast: https://adamcliffordhill.com/flowoverfearpodcast/Resources Referenced:Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino WickmanAdult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents: How to Heal from Distant, Rejecting, or Self-Involved Parents by Lindsay C. Gibson, PsyDPodcast Contact Information:Website: www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.comFollow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

Jul 16, 2024 • 59min
34: From Warehouse To CEO in 12 Years | Ilias Simpson
In this episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, Damon and Darren welcome Ilias Simpson, a seasoned executive with a remarkable journey from warehouse supervisor to leading multi-billion dollar companies. Ilias shares his insights on the power of learning, leadership, and the importance of embracing diversity to build high-performing teams. From his early days in the military and on the football field to his impressive career in operations and leadership, Ilias' story is a testament to the transformative power of hard work, adaptability, and a genuine passion for people.Episode Highlights:Early Influences: Ilias reflects on his childhood as a military kid, attending 16 different schools and developing a deep understanding of adaptability and the importance of connecting with diverse perspectives.Sports and Military: Hear how Ilias' experiences in Division 1 football and the Air Force Reserves instilled in him the values of teamwork, discipline, accountability, and the importance of direct feedback.Rapid Rise to Leadership: Ilias unpacks his journey from warehouse supervisor to CEO by the age of 36, sharing insights on mentorship, hard work, and overcoming imposter syndrome.The Power of Learning Agility: Discover Ilias' definition of learning agility and how applying lessons from past experiences to new situations has been crucial to his success.Diversity as a Strength: Ilias speaks passionately about the importance of diversity in the workplace, highlighting how different perspectives drive innovation, problem-solving, and individual growth.Creating a Culture of Feedback: Learn how Ilias approaches giving and receiving feedback, emphasizing clarity, empathy, and a focus on helping individuals reach their full potential.Balancing Leadership with Authenticity: Ilias shares how he stays true to himself while leading large organizations, emphasizing the importance of being relatable, approachable, and bringing a sense of humor to the workplace.About Our Guest:Ilias Simpson is a seasoned executive with a proven track record of success in leading and transforming large organizations. He most recently served as President of a $3 billion healthcare services company and prior to that, was CEO of a global logistics company. Ilias is known for his ability to build high-performing teams, drive operational excellence, and inspire those around him. He is also a passionate advocate for diversity, inclusion, and creating opportunities for others to succeed.Connect With Our Ilias:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilias-simpson/Podcast Contact Information:Website: www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.comFollow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.