The Learn-It-All Podcast

11 Skills AI Will Never Replace: Skill #8  Coaching Welcome to The Learn-It-All Podcast’s 11 Skills AI Will Never Replace-- our 11-part special series exploring the essential human skills that AI cannot replicate. With the start of the new year, we’re all facing unprecedented technological disruption and workplace transformation. To help you thrive in this new landscape, we’ve leveraged a study from MuchSkills that analyzed data from 28,000 professionals to identify the capabilities that will make you irreplaceable in an AI-enhanced workplace.       Each week, dive deep into one critical skill, providing you with actionable strategies, expert insights, and Learnit’s proprietary frameworks to future-proof your career. This series isn't just about adapting to change – it's about mastering the unique human abilities that will define leadership success in the age of AI.      The Art of Coaching: Unlock Your Team's Full Potential Are you struggling with underperforming team members despite their obvious talent? What if the key isn't more directives, but a fundamental shift in how you lead? In this episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, host Damon Lembi speaks with Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins, Learnit's top-ranked facilitator and leadership expert, about transforming ordinary management into impactful coaching. Their conversation reveals how coaching differs from traditional command-and-control leadership and provides a practical five-step framework for non-directive coaching. Through real examples and actionable advice, Mickey shares how coaching can elevate team performance, increase employee satisfaction, and drive retention—turning regular teams into "unstoppable" ones. This episode offers business leaders a clear roadmap to transition from simply managing outcomes to unlocking their team's true potential. This Episode Covers: The crucial difference between managing and coaching How shifting from directive management to coaching questions completely transformed an underperforming team member The five-step non-directive coaching model with "magic questions" that puts employees in the driver's seat Why to coach strengths rather than weaknesses "Chameleon leadership"   Episode Highlights:  00:01 – Why Coaching is Critical in Today’s Workplace – How coaching helps leaders move from managing people to unlocking their full potential. 06:25 – The Cost of Not Coaching – Why command-and-control leadership leads to disengagement and turnover. 12:18 – The Five-Step Non-Directive Coaching Model – A structured approach to asking better questions and guiding problem-solving. 19:45 – The Magic Questions of Coaching – How "What’s on your mind?" and "What’s the real challenge?" create deeper conversations. 28:30 – Coaching vs. Mentoring – Understanding the key differences and when to apply each leadership style. 33:50 – Why Strengths-Based Coaching Works Best – How focusing on what people do well leads to better performance and engagement. 46:06 – Final Takeaways & Next Steps – How leaders can immediately apply coaching techniques to their teams.  About Damon Lembi:    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.         About Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins    Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins is a dynamic leadership development expert who serves as a Leadership and Professional Development Facilitator at Learnit. With a PhD in Leadership in Higher Education from Northcentral University focusing on middle manager self-efficacy, her expertise spans performance management, program development, and equity initiatives, while her high-energy approach has proven effective in leading teams across educational institutions and technology companies.      Resources Referenced: MuchSkills     The Learn-It-All Leader: Mindset, Traits, and Tools by Damon Lembi    Learnit's Coach Your Team workshop New Sales. Simplified.: The Essential Handbook for Prospecting and New Business Development by Mike Weinberg  The Learn It All Podcast episode featuring Ethan Evans discussing "chameleon leadership" The Learn It All Podcast episode featuring Stephen M.Covey on trust Podcast Contact Information Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Why High Performers Often Fail as Leaders (And What to Do About It) Are your top individual contributors struggling in leadership roles? According to David Kitchen, founder of Edge Leadership Academy, there's a crucial reason: leadership requires a completely different skillset than individual excellence.  On this episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, David Kitchen shares insights from his journey from Division I basketball coach to leadership development expert. In conversation with host Damon Lembi, David explains why high performers often struggle when promoted to leadership positions, outlines his framework for developing leadership skills, and reveals the four hard truths every aspiring leader needs to face.  This Episode Covers: Why promoting top performers to leadership roles often backfires and how to avoid this common mistake The four hard truths of leadership, including why it's lonely at the top and why leaders must chase love instead of likes The five C's of leadership: Character, Consistency, Commitment, Creativity, and Communication A practical three-step framework for learning agility: What, So What, Now What How to conduct regular leadership self-audits using specific questions that reveal blind spots Why the gap between stated culture and experienced culture drives away top talent  Episode Highlight:  00:01 – The Leadership Wake-Up Call – How a conversation with an athlete sparked David’s mission to build better leaders. 06:25 – The Four Hard Truths of Leadership – Why leadership is lonely, 24/7, uncertain, and never about you. 12:18 – Why High Performers Struggle as Leaders – How technical excellence doesn’t always translate into leadership success. 19:45 – The Five C’s of Leadership – The five qualities that separate great leaders from the rest. 28:30 – Self-Awareness & Leadership Audits – How to audit your own leadership skills and create a culture of honest feedback. 33:50 – The Importance of Learning Agility – Why leaders must adapt, evolve, and never stop learning. 46:06 – Why Retention is the #1 Business Challenge Today – How leaders can improve engagement, culture, and reduce turnover.  About David: David Kitchen is the founder and CEO of Edge Leadership Academy, where he leverages his unique background in Division 1 athletics and psychology to transform organizational leadership. Notable for becoming the youngest NCAA head coach at age 24, Kitchen transitioned from collegiate basketball coaching to pioneering innovative leadership development programs.  He holds a Master's in Sport Psychology and is currently pursuing a PhD in Psychology. Kitchen is a three-time author, including the best-selling "The Pyramid: A System for Building Tomorrow's Leaders Today," and hosts a globally top-ranked podcast. His methodology focuses on practical execution and measurable results, serving both athletic and corporate clients. Kitchen's approach was shaped by identifying a critical gap between leadership expectations and actual leadership training in high-performance environments.  Resources Referenced: Edge Leadership Academy Built Not Born Podcast Finish Friday newsletter Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves  David on LinkedIn Dr. Paul Ekman Podcast Contact Information Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

The Hidden Cost of Prioritizing Business Over Health: A Leader's Wake-Up Call Are you sacrificing your health on the altar of business success? What if the relentless pursuit of profit is actually undermining your ability to achieve your goals? In this compelling episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, host Damon Lembi engages in a candid conversation with Mark Samuel, a serial entrepreneur and wellness advocate with over 65,000 LinkedIn followers. Their discussion examines the critical intersection of physical health, mental wellbeing, and business success. Drawing from his extensive experience in the health and wellness industry and his own personal journey, Samuel shares raw insights about mental health struggles, the importance of discipline over motivation, and how prioritizing health became the foundation of his business success. This Episode Covers: Why health must be the #1 priority before family and work - and how this seemingly selfish choice actually enables everything else The critical difference between motivation and discipline in achieving fitness goals and business success How vulnerability and authenticity in leadership, particularly around mental health challenges, can build stronger connections and opportunities The profound impact of daily physical activity and nutrition on mental health and decision-making capabilities Why entrepreneurial success often requires giving up the need to be in complete control The value of building meaningful relationships through consistent, authentic content creation on LinkedIn How becoming a parent can transform your perspective on business and success The importance of patience in scaling businesses, particularly in the consumer products space Episode Highlights: 00:01 – Why Health Should Be Every Leader’s Top Priority – Mark explains why physical and mental well-being must come before work and everything else. 06:25 – Discipline vs. Motivation in Fitness and Life – Why motivation is fleeting and how discipline drives real, lasting change. 12:18 – The Connection Between Fitness, Nutrition, and Mental Health – Mark shares how his workout and nutrition habits helped him manage anxiety and depression. 19:45 – Self-Awareness and Accountability in Leadership – The importance of taking responsibility for your decisions and learning from mistakes. 28:30 – The Power of Personal Branding and Authenticity – Why building relationships and showing up consistently matters in today’s professional world. 33:50 – How Mark Uses LinkedIn to Build Meaningful Connections – The strategy behind his daily content and engagement. 37:24 – How Fatherhood Changed His Perspective on Life and Success – Mark reflects on how becoming a dad gave him clarity and purpose.  About Mark: Mark Samuel is a seasoned entrepreneur and executive who has successfully founded, scaled, and exited multiple companies in the health and wellness sector. As President and Board Member of Unbun Foods and Growth Executive at Siddhi Capital, he brings over two decades of expertise in building and growing consumer brands. Previously, Mark founded IWON Organics, a successful better-for-you snack company that was later licensed. Known for his authentic leadership style and dedication to health-focused innovation, he has built a highly engaged following of 65,000+ on LinkedIn through daily content creation. His expertise spans creative branding, strategic business planning, and operational management, with a particular focus on bringing healthier food options to market. A committed advocate for both physical and mental wellness in leadership, Mark combines his passion for health with sophisticated business acumen to drive growth in the wellness sector.  Resources Referenced: Mark on LinkedIn City Capital Advisors Unbun Foods Podcast Contact Information Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

11 Skills AI Will Never Replace: Skill #7 Feedback Welcome to The Learn-It-All Podcast’s 11 Skills AI Will Never Replace-- our 11-part special series exploring the essential human skills that AI cannot replicate. With the start of the new year, we’re all facing unprecedented technological disruption and workplace transformation. To help you thrive in this new landscape, we’ve leveraged a study from MuchSkills that analyzed data from 28,000 professionals to identify the capabilities that will make you irreplaceable in an AI-enhanced workplace.      Each week, dive deep into one critical skill, providing you with actionable strategies, expert insights, and Learnit’s proprietary frameworks to future-proof your career. This series isn't just about adapting to change – it's about mastering the unique human abilities that will define leadership success in the age of AI.     The Art of Feedback: How Leaders Can Transform Performance Through Better Conversations Are your feedback conversations falling flat? Many leaders struggle to deliver feedback that drives real behavior change and improves performance. This episode reveals a proven framework for giving feedback that people will actually hear and act on.  On this episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, Damon Lembi and guest Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins explore the critical skill of giving and receiving feedback effectively. Drawing from their extensive leadership experience, they break down the psychology behind feedback conversations and share practical techniques for making feedback more impactful, including how to avoid common pitfalls like the outdated "feedback sandwich" approach.  This Episode Covers: Why framing feedback conversations properly is crucial for reducing defensiveness and increasing receptivity The importance of focusing on observable behaviors and specific examples rather than opinions or hearsay How connecting feedback to organizational goals helps remove the perception of personal attacks Why public praise isn't always effective and can backfire even with positive feedback A simple three-step framework (Frame, Observe, Results) for structuring feedback conversations How leaders can create psychological safety by modeling vulnerability when receiving feedback The critical difference between giving feedback on job-related behaviors versus personal preferences Episode Highlights:00:01 – Why Feedback is Essential for Growth – Understanding why feedback matters and the different types of feedback in personal and professional settings.05:55 – How to Give Effective Feedback – Introducing the FOR Model (Framing, Observations, Results) as a simple, structured approach.12:31 – The Right and Wrong Way to Give Feedback – Why context matters, how to frame feedback properly, and what happens when feedback is mishandled.19:45 – Overcoming Defensiveness When Receiving Feedback – Mickey shares a personal story about the challenge of receiving unexpected feedback.28:30 – The Feedback Sandwich Problem – Why the traditional positive-negative-positive approach is outdated and often counterproductive.32:38 – Giving Feedback in Private vs. Public – Why leaders should be mindful about how and where they provide feedback to avoid creating mistrust.46:06 – Building a Culture of Continuous Feedback – How organizations can encourage open dialogue and feedback at all levels to drive performance.About Damon Lembi:    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.         About Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins    Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins is a dynamic leadership development expert who serves as a Leadership and Professional Development Facilitator at Learnit. With a PhD in Leadership in Higher Education from Northcentral University focusing on middle manager self-efficacy, her expertise spans performance management, program development, and equity initiatives, while her high-energy approach has proven effective in leading teams across educational institutions and technology companies.     Resources Referenced: MuchSkills     The Learn-It-All Leader: Mindset, Traits, and Tools by Damon Lembi    Pre-Suasion: A Revolutionary Way to Influence and Persuade by Robert Cialdini Ph.D.  Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know by Adam Grant  Tom Willis on the Learn-It-All Podcast Podcast Contact Information Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

From Command & Control to Systems Thinking: A New Approach to Leadership Effectiveness Are you tired of trying to change your team's mindset or "fix" people's attitudes? What if there was a more practical approach to creating lasting change in your organization? In this episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, Trevor Timbeck, co-author of "The Power of Systems," shares how shifting from psychological interpretations to systems thinking can transform leadership effectiveness. Drawing from his journey from computer science to leadership coaching, Trevor explains why focusing on concrete actions and systems rather than mindsets leads to better results.  This Episode Covers: Why attempting to change people's mindsets often fails and what to do instead How traditional "command and control" leadership actually demands obedience rather than inspiring change The power of shifting from having answers to asking better questions as a leader Why systems aren't just mechanical processes but can be organic and adaptive How to create lasting organizational change without relying on willpower or self-discipline The importance of building supporting systems rather than trying to maintain habits through force Why there's nothing wrong with you or your team - it's about finding better systems  Episode Highlights:  00:01 – The Shift from Psychology to Systems Thinking – Why most self-improvement advice focuses on the individual rather than the systems around them. 05:02 – Trevor’s Leadership Journey – How moving from computer science to sales to coaching changed his entire perspective on leadership. 12:31 – The Power of Asking Questions – Why great leaders don’t need to have all the answers—just the right questions. 19:45 – Breaking Free from the ‘Need to Be Right’ – How systems thinking helped Trevor improve his marriage, leadership, and approach to problem-solving. 28:30 – How Systems Create Lasting Change – Why focusing on small, practical system changes works better than trying to change mindsets or habits directly. 32:38 – Overcoming Barriers to Change – Why people struggle with sustaining new habits and how to design systems that support long-term success. 46:06 – Applying Systems Thinking in Leadership – How leaders can foster accountability, adaptability, and problem-solving in their teams.  About Trevor:  Trevor Timbeck is a leadership coach and author who combines technical expertise with transformational leadership principles. After earning an MBA from Wilfrid Laurier University, he built a diverse corporate career spanning IT, marketing, and sales at companies including TD Bank, 3M, BlackBerry, and Sun Microsystems. As SVP of Sales, he managed $40M in revenue before transitioning to Chief Talent Officer after experiencing the impact of professional coaching. He co-authored The Power of Systems with Steve Chandler and holds a Professional Certified Coach designation from the International Coaching Federation. Trevor specializes in helping leaders shift from command-and-control approaches to systems-based leadership, leveraging his unique blend of technical innovation (including a patent for mobile content distribution) and emotional intelligence.  Resources Referenced: The Power of Systems: How to Create a Life That Works by Trevor Timbeck and Steve Chandler Trevor’s Website Trevor on LinkedIn Coaching Salespeople into Sales Champions: A Tactical Playbook for Managers and Executives by Keith Rosen The work of Humberto Maturana (referenced regarding objectivity and demanding obedience) Bob Newhart's "Stop It" therapy skit  Podcast Contact Information Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Building a True Learning Culture: Moving Beyond Lip Service to Real Impact  Is your organization struggling to maintain a genuine learning culture despite claiming to value employee development? Many companies say they prioritize learning, but few successfully embed it into their DNA. In this episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, Dr. Angela Stopper, Chief Learning Officer at UC Berkeley, shares how she transformed Berkeley's approach to learning and development, including implementing an innovative 80-hour professional development policy and reimagining performance evaluations to foster genuine growth and engagement. This Episode Covers: How Berkeley implemented and tracked an 80-hour annual professional development policy, achieving 50% staff participation Why traditional annual performance reviews often fail and how Berkeley shifted to a three-conversation model that yielded 88% employee satisfaction The business case for learning culture: reducing turnover costs, improving retention, and enhancing workplace satisfaction Practical ways to democratize coaching through peer relationships and communities of practice How to gain buy-in from resistant managers by using data and inclusive pilot programs The critical connection between workplace happiness and organizational success Breaking down silos between leadership and frontline workers to create equitable learning opportunities  Episode Highlights: 00:01 – Defining a Learning Culture – Why true learning organizations embed growth into everyday work rather than treating it as an afterthought. 05:55 – The 80-Hour Learning Policy at UC Berkeley – How this policy was developed, what it includes, and why it has been so successful. 12:31 – Overcoming Barriers to Learning – How to address managers who hesitate to allow their teams to engage in professional development. 19:45 – How Surveys Improve Learning Cultures – Why Berkeley tracks key data on employee engagement and how survey results have led to major improvements. 28:30 – Scaling Learning Across Organizations – How UC campuses collaborate to expand training access without reinventing the wheel. 32:38 – Rethinking Performance Evaluations – Moving from outdated annual reviews to frequent, meaningful feedback conversations. 46:06 – The Role of Coachability in Leadership – Why leaders must be open to feedback and how organizations can foster peer coaching at every level. About Dr. Angela: Dr. Angela Stopper is Chief Learning Officer at UC Berkeley, where she leads enterprise-wide learning and development initiatives. A pioneering force in higher education administration, she spearheaded Berkeley's groundbreaking 80-hour professional development policy and transformed its performance evaluation system. Previously, she served as Director of Program Innovations at UC Davis Graduate School of Management, overseeing executive education and leadership development programs. Her expertise spans global talent development, organizational change, and educational innovation. Dr. Stopper holds a Ph.D. in Workforce Education and Development from Penn State University, where she maintains an appointment as Adjunct Assistant Professor. Her research focuses on global talent development, organizational assessment, and closing workforce capability gaps in enterprise organizations.  Resources Referenced: Angela on LinkedIn UC Berkeley Greater Good Science Center Peer Coaching Made Simple: How to Do the 6 Things That Matter Most When Helping Someone Improve a Skill by Meredith M. Bell  Zenger Folkman's research on coachability UC Berkeley's Next Opportunity at Work (NOW) Conference Better Up coaching platform Podcast Contact Information Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

11 Skills AI Will Never Replace: Skill #6 Problem-Solving Welcome to The Learn-It-All Podcast’s 11 Skills AI Will Never Replace-- our 11-part special series exploring the essential human skills that AI cannot replicate. With the start of the new year, we’re all facing unprecedented technological disruption and workplace transformation. To help you thrive in this new landscape, we’ve leveraged a study from MuchSkills that analyzed data from 28,000 professionals to identify the capabilities that will make you irreplaceable in an AI-enhanced workplace.     Each week, dive deep into one critical skill, providing you with actionable strategies, expert insights, and Learnit’s proprietary frameworks to future-proof your career. This series isn't just about adapting to change – it's about mastering the unique human abilities that will define leadership success in the age of AI.     Problem-Solving in a Fast-Paced World: Breaking Free from Old Solutions Is your team still applying yesterday's solutions to today's unprecedented challenges? In a McKinsey study, 75% of leaders reported their teams struggle with independent thinking and problem-solving.  This Learn-It-All Podcast episode features Learnit CEO Damon Lembi and Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins, LearnIt's top-ranked facilitator and leadership expert, discussing creative problem-solving strategies. Mickey introduces a practical framework called the "Five P's" that helps leaders and teams break free from conventional thinking patterns and develop innovative solutions that work in today's rapidly evolving business landscape.  This Episode Covers: The Five P's framework for reframing problems: Perspectives (how others view it), Pertinent info (relevant context), Position (relationship to the problem), Positive exceptions (when it's not a problem), and Playing favorites (avoiding default solutions) Why teams often jump to solutions before properly defining the problem, leading to misaligned efforts and ineffective outcomes How "rolestorming" - problem-solving from different perspectives by taking on various roles - unlocks creative solutions The value of pre-mortems and post-mortems in increasing problem-solving success rates Using divergent thinking (exploring multiple possibilities) and convergent thinking (narrowing to practical solutions) to develop better outcomes  Episode Highlights  00:01 – Why Problem-Solving Matters – How problem-solving impacts business success and why most teams struggle with it. 05:55 – The Five P’s Framework for Reframing Problems – A step-by-step approach to identifying and solving the right problem. 12:31 – Common Barriers to Problem-Solving – How fear of failure, risk aversion, and lack of accountability hold teams back. 19:45 – How Creativity Fuels Problem-Solving – The importance of thinking big and small, and how asking the right questions leads to innovative solutions. 28:30 – Lessons from COVID and Business Adaptation – Real-world examples of creative problem-solving and possibility spotting. 32:38 – How Leaders Can Foster a Problem-Solving Culture – Why psychological safety and open-ended questionsare key to better decision-making. 46:06 – Practical Tools for Problem-Solving – The power of pre-mortems, post-mortems, and role-storming to improve solutions.  About Damon Lembi:    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.         About Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins    Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins is a dynamic leadership development expert who serves as a Leadership and Professional Development Facilitator at Learnit. With a PhD in Leadership in Higher Education from Northcentral University focusing on middle manager self-efficacy, her expertise spans performance management, program development, and equity initiatives, while her high-energy approach has proven effective in leading teams across educational institutions and technology companies.     Resources Referenced: MuchSkills     The Learn-It-All Leader: Mindset, Traits, and Tools by Damon Lembi    Learnit’s Solve Problems Creatively workshop (Next offered April 11, 2025 07:00 AM – 09:00 AM PT) McKinsey study on leadership and problem-solving Upstream: The Quest to Solve Problems Before They Happen by Dan Heath  Podcast Contact Information Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Breaking Free from the Leadership Trap: Moving from Burnout to Flow Are you caught in the endless cycle of hustle culture, wondering if there's a better way to lead? Many successful leaders find themselves trapped in outdated command-and-control systems that breed burnout and diminish effectiveness. But what if leadership could flow more naturally? In this enlightening episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, host Damon Pistulka speaks with Bodhi Aldridge, a leadership coach with over 20 years of experience working with executives globally. Aldridge shares profound insights on transforming leadership through the balance of masculine and feminine energies, the power of presence, and the shift from hustle to flow. Drawing from his work with countless leaders worldwide, he reveals practical strategies for breaking free from traditional leadership paradigms while maintaining high performance. This Episode Covers: Why "busyness is laziness" and how leaders can shift from a culture of hustle to a state of flow The two fundamental keys to leadership: connection and direction, and why most team dissatisfaction stems from failures in these areas How the traditional organizational pyramid structure, designed for warfare, may be holding back modern businesses The four pillars of future male leadership: connection, collaboration, compassion, and curiosity The critical difference between masculine/feminine energies versus traits, and how understanding this distinction can transform organizational dynamics Why 70% of organizational communication is spent correcting miscommunication, and how presence can solve this The importance of reflection in leadership development and why even 5 minutes of daily quiet time can create significant change Episode Highlights: (00:00) Introduction to Bodhi Aldridge – Damon introduces Bodhi, highlighting his work in emotional intelligence and mindful leadership. (02:30) The Foundations of Emotional Intelligence – Bodhi explains how EQ serves as the cornerstone of effective leadership. (05:45) Mindfulness in Leadership – Bodhi discusses why being present is critical for leaders to connect authentically with their teams. (09:00) The Power of Vulnerability – Bodhi shares how embracing vulnerability fosters trust and drives team performance. (12:33) Balancing Ambition and Authenticity – Bodhi reflects on how leaders can remain ambitious without losing sight of their values and purpose. (17:00) Lessons from Coaching Leaders – Bodhi provides actionable advice for leaders based on his experiences coaching executives and teams. (21:30) Creating a Connected Culture – Bodhi emphasizes the importance of intentional communication and empathy in building stronger teams. (33:18) Final Thoughts on Mindful Leadership – Damon and Bodhi wrap up with a call to action for leaders to prioritize emotional intelligence and authenticity.  About Bodhi:  A former attorney turned global leadership coach; Bodhi Aldridge has spent over two decades transforming how leaders navigate the modern business landscape. After 20 years practicing law, he shifted to leadership development, working with executives and organizations worldwide to bridge the gap between commercial success and personal fulfillment. Aldridge specializes in helping leaders, particularly men, move beyond traditional command-and-control models to embrace a more balanced approach incorporating both masculine and feminine energies. A best-selling co-author of Visionary Male Leaders, he runs the "From Distraction to Presence" program and hosts the True Freedom podcast. His unique methodology combines pragmatic business acumen with deep insight into presence and authentic leadership, making him a trusted advisor to business leaders and entrepreneurs seeking sustainable success without sacrificing personal growth. Through his coaching practice, mastermind programs, and consulting work, Aldridge helps leaders find what he calls "true freedom" - the ability to achieve commercial success while maintaining personal fulfillment and authentic leadership presence.   Resources Referenced:  Bodhi Aldridge on LinkedIn www.bodhialdridge.com  From Distraction to Presence Visionary Male Leaders by Sarah Bellorini co-authors: Obi Abuchi, Dimi Cholakov, Andrew Priestley, Simon Hodges, Robert Kirby, Tassos J Stavropoulos, Phil Bartlett, Bodhi Aldridge, Rick Charlton, Leon Aarts, Jacob Aldridge, Curtis Harren, Jaime Galviz, Dan Isaak, Alan Wick True Freedom Podcast  B Corp Movement  Stephen M. R. Covey  Joe Dispenza’s work on mind-body training  Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Building Adaptable Organizations: The Key to Surviving Rapid Change Is your organization struggling to keep up with the accelerating pace of change? Consider this: The average lifespan of a company has shrunk from 75 years to just 6. Without constant reinvention, your business might not exist in three years. In this episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, change leadership expert Debora McLaughlin explores how organizations can build the critical capability of "changeability" - the mindset, energy, and capacity to not only lead change but to imagine opportunities within obstacles. Drawing from her extensive experience in corporate technology, psychology, and executive coaching, McLaughlin shares practical insights on how leaders can assess and develop adaptability at the individual, team, and organizational levels.   This Episode Covers: The three pillars of changeability: change leadership, adaptability (which can now be measured across 15 dimensions), and agility Why understanding your leadership style (head, heart, or hands) is crucial for effectively communicating change to different personality types How psychological safety and learning environments are essential for building adaptability The distinction between "play to protect" and "play to win" mindsets, and why organizations need both The importance of asking clarifying questions rather than just telling people what to do when implementing change How environmental factors like stress levels and team support significantly impact an organization's ability to change Why resilience should focus on "leaping forward" rather than just "bouncing back" The critical skill of "unlearning" - letting go of previously successful approaches to embrace new ways of working Episode Highlights: (00:00) Introduction to Debora McLaughlin – Damon introduces Debora, highlighting her expertise in leadership, adaptability, and coaching. (01:15) What Is Changeability? – Debora explains the concept of changeability and how it empowers leaders to create their future. (05:30) The Three-Legged Stool – Debora introduces her framework: change leadership, adaptability, and agility, and how they support organizational success. (09:00) Understanding Leadership Styles – Debora shares how knowing whether you lead with your head, heart, or hands can transform communication and collaboration. (12:33) Adaptability as a Superpower – Debora emphasizes why adaptability is the most sought-after skill and how it impacts individuals, teams, and organizations. (17:00) Building Psychological Safety – Debora discusses the importance of creating environments where teams feel safe to learn, fail, and innovate. (21:30) Turning Resistance into Opportunity – Debora shares strategies for helping teams and individuals overcome resistance to change. (33:18) The Power of Unlearning – Debora highlights why unlearning outdated habits is just as important as acquiring new skills. (42:00) Final Thoughts on Changeability – Damon, Darren, and Debora wrap up with actionable insights for leading and thriving in a VUCA world. About Debora: Debora McLaughlin is the CEO of The Renegade Leader Coaching and Consulting Group and author of multiple books including the recently released Changeability. With over two decades of experience spanning Fortune 100 technology implementation, licensed psychology practice, and executive coaching, McLaughlin brings a unique combination of business acumen and behavioral expertise to organizational change. Her work focuses on measuring and building adaptability in leaders and teams, with documented success in improving customer satisfaction, employee retention, and digital transformation initiatives. A pioneer in quantifying organizational adaptability, McLaughlin's approach has delivered measurable ROI for clients, including a 162% return on investment in one strategic partnership project. Her insights have been featured in Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal.   Resources Referenced: Debora McLaughlin on LinkedIn Changeability: How to Navigate Change with Clarity, Confidence & Certainty by Debora J McLaughlin  The Renegade Leader: 9 Success Strategies Driven Leaders Use to Ignite People, Performance & Profits  by Debora J McLaughlin  Do You Play to Win—or to Not Lose? Harvard Business Review article about complexity of mindset in play-to-protect versus play-to-win approaches   Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

11 Skills AI Will Never Replace: Skill #5 Critical Thinking Welcome to The Learn-It-All Podcast’s 11 Skills AI Will Never Replace-- our 11-part special series exploring the essential human skills that AI cannot replicate. With the start of the new year, we’re all facing unprecedented technological disruption and workplace transformation. To help you thrive in this new landscape, we’ve leveraged a study from MuchSkills that analyzed data from 28,000 professionals to identify the capabilities that will make you irreplaceable in an AI-enhanced workplace.     Each week, dive deep into one critical skill, providing you with actionable strategies, expert insights, and Learnit’s proprietary frameworks to future-proof your career. This series isn't just about adapting to change – it's about mastering the unique human abilities that will define leadership success in the age of AI.     Critical Thinking: Your Competitive Edge in the AI Era Are your teams making 35,000 daily decisions based on cognitive biases instead of clear analysis? In today's AI-driven workplace, the ability to think critically isn't just valuable—it's irreplaceable. Yet most organizations continue to rush through decisions without a framework for objective analysis. In this episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, host Damon Lembi speaks with Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins, learnIt's top-ranked facilitator and leadership expert, about mastering critical thinking. Through real-world examples and practical frameworks, they explore how leaders can foster environments where teams move beyond cognitive biases to make better decisions. Mickey shares the CARE framework (Correlation vs. Causation, Alternative Explanations, Reliable Sources, Evidence) and explains why slowing down to think critically leads to faster, better results in the long run. This Episode Covers: How one university dramatically increased enrollment by using critical thinking to discover that mental health and financial insecurity—not academic issues—were the real drivers of student attrition Why the organizational pressure for speed often leads to dangerous cognitive shortcuts, and how intentionally slowing down actually accelerates better decision-making The CARE framework for evaluating information and claims in an age of information overload How leaders can model critical thinking by actively seeking opposing viewpoints and creating psychological safety for team members to challenge assumptions Ways to use AI as a thought partner to challenge your thinking and identify potential blind spots in decision-making The crucial connection between psychological safety and critical thinking—teams need to feel safe questioning the "bandwagon effect" How the "Five Whys" technique from Toyota can quickly uncover root causes and deeper understanding  Episode Highlights:   00:00 – The Rising Importance of Critical Thinking – Why 93 percent of employers prioritize critical thinking over degrees and how AI makes this skill even more vital. 04:58 – The CARE Framework for Critical Thinking – A structured approach to evaluating information and avoiding common decision-making pitfalls. 09:04 – Real-World Application: Solving the Wrong Problem – A case study on how critical thinking helped uncover the true reasons behind student attrition. 14:00 – Cognitive Biases That Sabotage Decision-Making – Why confirmation bias, the bandwagon effect, and resulting lead to poor choices. 19:45 – Fostering Critical Thinking in Organizations – How leaders can create a culture that encourages better thinking and problem-solving. 24:00 – Practical Takeaways from the Think Critically Workshop – Why the Five Whys method is a game-changer for uncovering root causes. 26:45 – Using AI as a Thought Partner for Better Decision-Making – How generative AI can challenge assumptions and help leaders think more critically.  About Damon Lembi:    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.         About Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins    Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins is a dynamic leadership development expert who serves as a Leadership and Professional Development Facilitator at Learnit. With a PhD in Leadership in Higher Education from Northcentral University focusing on middle manager self-efficacy, her expertise spans performance management, program development, and equity initiatives, while her high-energy approach has proven effective in leading teams across educational institutions and technology companies.          Resources Referenced:    MuchSkills     The Learn-It-All Leader: Mindset, Traits, and Tools by Damon Lembi    Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman  The AI-Driven Leader: Harnessing AI to Make Faster, Smarter Decisions by Geoff Woods  Learnit's Think Critically workshop (Offered next on March 28, 2025 07:00 AM – 09:00 AM pacific) Geoff Woods' interview on The Learn-It-All Podcast Cornell University study on daily decision-making AACU report on the importance of critical thinking Annie Duke Podcast Contact Information Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.