the Learn-It-All™ podcast

In this insightful discussion, leadership experts Larry Levine, Meredith Bell, and Damon Lembi tackle the pressing issue of trust in today's business landscape. Levine emphasizes the need for consistent actions to build credibility, while Bell provides strategies to nurture genuine connections in remote teams. Lembi highlights the importance of clear communication and empathy with customers. Together, they share practical tips for overcoming skepticism and fostering a healthy workplace, ensuring leaders can effectively engage and inspire their teams.

Can you really build a career that reflects your deepest values without sacrificing success?  What if the key to fulfillment and long-term results lies in aligning who you are with what you do? Is your definition of success your own—or shaped by external validation? This episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast brings these questions front and center, as host Damon Lembi talks with Dino Cattaneo, a leadership coach, consultant, and host of “Authentic Leadership for Everyday People.”   Dino’s journey across industries—from Wall Street to digital marketing—highlights the power of values-driven decisions in building not just a career, but a life. He shares how trust, servant leadership, and a focus on your core values can transform how you lead teams and make business choices. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or just starting out, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what true success means and how to achieve it without losing yourself along the way. Get ready to discover how aligning your career with your personal values isn't just about happiness—it's the foundation for building high-performing teams and achieving authentic success.  This Episode Covers: - The importance of aligning your career with your personal values - How trust and servant leadership foster high-performing teams - The challenges of balancing professional success with personal fulfillment - Practical strategies for making intentional career decisions - How to be an authentic leader in today’s complex work environment   Episode Highlights: (00:00) Introduction to Dino Cattaneo – Damon introduces Dino Cattaneo, leadership coach and host of *Authentic Leadership for Everyday People*, and sets up a conversation about aligning career decisions with personal values. (02:00) Why Articulating Your Values Matters – Dino explains why it’s crucial to identify and stay true to your values in the workplace, using real-life examples from his career. (05:46) The Role of Trust in Leadership – Dino discusses the importance of trust in leadership and how building trust creates more engaged, high-performing teams. (09:00) Lessons from Wall Street – Dino shares lessons from his time at Lehman Brothers, reflecting on the leadership styles of his mentors and how they shaped his own approach to leadership. (12:33) Balancing Work and Personal Fulfillment – Dino talks about his transition from Wall Street to other industries and how he realized the importance of balancing professional success with personal satisfaction. (17:00) Servant Leadership in Action – Dino emphasizes the power of servant leadership and shares how adapting to your team’s needs can lead to better outcomes. (21:30) Intentional Career Decisions – Dino reflects on the importance of making career choices that align with your values and the long-term benefits of those decisions. (33:18) The Podcast Journey – Dino discusses his podcast, Authentic Leadership for Everyday People, and how it connects to his mission of helping leaders live and work authentically.   About Dino: Dino Cattaneo is a leadership coach, consultant, and the host of Authentic Leadership for Everyday People, a podcast dedicated to helping leaders navigate complex challenges while staying true to their values. With experience in investment banking, digital marketing, and coaching, Dino brings a wealth of knowledge on aligning career decisions with personal values to create long-term success.  Resources Referenced: Dino Cattaneo’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinocattaneo/Authentic Leadership for Everyday People Podcast Instagram: @al4edpCheck out Damon on Dino's Podcast: https://authenticleadershipforeverydaypeople.com/podcast/damon-lembi-learning-leader-learnit-ceoPodcast Contact Information:   Website: www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.comFollow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Are You Ready to Lead in Today’s Fast-Changing World? If you’re not harnessing the full potential of emotional intelligence, vulnerability, and continuous learning you may not be keeping up with the constantly evolving qualities that define great business leadership.  They're more than just buzzwords—they're the edge that sets exceptional leaders apart from the rest. In this episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, host Damon Lembi sits down with seasoned leadership coach and podcast veteran Mike Phillips to explore the traits that make truly great leaders stand out. From over 15 years of experience in coaching and interviewing thousands of leaders, Mike has culled valuable insights on self-awareness, leading by example, and how great leaders are always learning. Whether you're stepping into your first leadership role or looking to refine your leadership approach, this episode will arm you with the tools to navigate today’s complexities with confidence. This Episode Covers: Actionable takeaways on how to build trust, inspire your team, and drive results The importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence in leadership Why vulnerability can be a leader's greatest strength The significance of continuous learning for sustained leadership success Key tips for connecting with and leading others through genuine care How great leaders use mentorship to grow and inspire their teams   Episode Highlights: (00:00) Introduction to Mike Phillips – Damon introduces Mike Phillips, a seasoned leadership coach, consultant, and podcast host of *The Leadership Toolkit*. They set the stage for a deep dive into leadership across all levels. (02:00) The Key Traits of Great Leaders – Mike shares the top traits that define great leaders, starting with self-awareness and emotional intelligence. (05:46) Why Vulnerability is Essential – Mike and Damon discuss the role of vulnerability in leadership, particularly for new leaders who may struggle with imposter syndrome. (09:00) Continuous Learning in Leadership – Mike emphasizes the importance of staying curious and constantly learning as a leader, drawing on his own experiences. (12:33) The Role of Mentorship – Mike shares his insights on the role of mentors in leadership and how they’ve impacted his career. (17:42) Building Genuine Connections – Mike explains how great leaders connect with their teams by genuinely caring about their personal and professional growth. (21:30) Managing Emotional Intelligence and Confidence – Mike delves into how emotional intelligence and confidence work together in leadership, offering advice for balancing both. (33:18) How to Lead During Uncertain Times – Mike and Damon discuss strategies for leading effectively through uncertainty, including over-communication and transparency. About Mike Phillips: Mike Phillips is a leadership coach, consultant, and host of *The Leadership Toolkit* podcast, where he shares his knowledge on leadership, emotional intelligence, and team building. With over 15 years of experience in leadership coaching and consulting, Mike has helped thousands of leaders elevate their skills and grow their teams. He is passionate about teaching leaders how to connect with their people and lead with empathy, vulnerability, and confidence. Resources Referenced: - Mike Phillips’ LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leadtheteam/ - Mike Phillips Website: https://www.leadtheteam.net - The Leadership Toolkit Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAHAp1lqtTB_7bfBOGCJ4pA Podcast Contact Information:   Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

What if the real differentiator between the top 10% and the rest isn’t talent or intelligence, but something you can cultivate? Business leaders constantly seek the secret to driving consistent high performance, but what if the real differentiator between the top 10% and the rest isn’t just talent, but something you can cultivate? In this episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, Kristie Jones, author of Selling Your Way IN, challenges traditional ideas about sales excellence and reveals key insights from her journey in the sales world. Learn how top performers stand out—not just because of natural ability, but through developing habits, strategies, and an acute awareness of their strengths.  This episode is packed with actionable insights that leaders can use to empower their sales teams, whether you're looking to groom new talent or refine the skills of seasoned professionals. Discover the key traits that allow the best salespeople to thrive, and how you can foster an environment where discipline and intention lead to sustained success. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform potential into performance witin your organization. This Episode Covers: How top sales professionals distinguish themselves through discipline and focus The importance of understanding your strengths and being intentional about career choices Why continuous learning and personal development are critical to sustained success How to build a career that aligns with your strengths and goals Key insights from Kristie’s book *Selling Your Way In* Episode Highlights: (00:00) Introduction to Kristie Jones – Damon welcomes Kristie Jones, author and sales leadership expert, setting the stage for a conversation about sales success and career intentionality. (02:00) The “Kitchen Table MBA” – Kristie shares how her early exposure to business discussions at the kitchen table with her parents shaped her understanding of business and sales. (05:30) Breaking into Sales – Kristie recounts her first experiences in sales, starting with waiting tables and how that role helped her understand key sales skills like reading people and making quick decisions. (09:00) Building an SDR Team and Career Shifts – Kristie discusses her experience leading SDR teams at BizLibrary and how she eventually started her own consulting business. (12:33) The Importance of Career Intentionality – Kristie emphasizes the importance of being intentional about career choices, understanding one’s strengths, and choosing roles that align with those strengths. (17:00) The Top 10% Performers – Kristie explains the habits and behaviors of the top 10% of salespeople, focusing on discipline, continuous improvement, and surrounding oneself with the right people.(21:30) The Mental Side of Sales – Kristie highlights the mental aspects of success in sales, including the importance of mindset, self-care, and personal discipline. (33:18) Advice for Aspiring Salespeople – Kristie provides advice for people considering a career in sales, offering insights from her book *Selling Your Way In*. About Kristie:  Kristie Jones is a sales leadership expert, speaker, and author of Selling Your Way In*, a professional development book for sales professionals. With over 20 years of experience, Kristie helps sales teams and leaders improve their performance through intentional career choices, discipline, and leveraging their unique strengths. Resources Referenced: Kristie Jones’ LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristiekjones/Kristie Jones’ Website: https://kristiekjones.com/ Selling Your Way In: https://kristiekjones.com/book/selling-your-way-in/ Kristie Jones’ Resources: https://kristiekjones.com/resources/worksheets-slide-decks/ Podcast Contact Information:   Website: www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.comFollow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

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.Subscribe to The Learn-It-All Podcast on your favorite platform to never miss an episode.

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.