The Learn-It-All Podcast

Negotiation isn’t about squeezing the most out of your opponent—it’s about solving problems and building relationships that last.  In this powerful episode, Damon sits down with Stan Christensen—Stanford Lecturer, former international mediator, and host of the podcast All Things Negotiation. Stan shares riveting stories from negotiating with guerrilla leaders in Colombia and mediating strikes in Chile, offering a fresh perspective: the best negotiators aren’t tactical hardballers, but creative, open-minded problem solvers. Drawing on decades of high-stakes experience and a legendary negotiation framework, Stan reveals why preparation, curiosity, and long-term thinking consistently win out over one-off tactics. Whether you’re dealing with a hostage taker, a procurement team, or your own spouse, this episode brims with real-world strategies and memorable lessons that anyone can use to get better outcomes—in their job, their family, and their life. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why most people approach negotiation the wrong way—and why it’s time to ditch tactical “win/lose” thinking The must-have negotiation framework from Getting to Yes—and how to actually use it How to prep for a salary or job negotiation using the principles of alternatives and objective criteria What hostage takers, procurement teams, and spouses all have in common (and how to negotiate with each) How culture, emotion, and relationships dramatically change negotiation dynamics—and what to do about it Why the most important negotiation skill is shifting from “tell” to “learn”—and the simple mindset shift that changes everything Timestamps: 00:00 – Stan’s golden rule: “Negotiate for the 99%, not the 1%” 01:20 – Why tactics can backfire—and negotiation is rarely one-off 02:02 – How Stan became a negotiation expert (from Harvard to hostage mediation) 03:26 – Stories from negotiating with guerrilla leaders in Colombia 04:51 – Why “relationship management” is the real secret to success 05:41 – Can anyone become a great negotiator? Innate skill vs. learned ability 06:52 – Case study: Helping an underdog labor union in Chile 10:59 – Hostage takers: Why listening is the most powerful negotiation tool 12:45 – How to uncover what the other side really wants 14:00 – The 7 elements of the Stanford/Harvard negotiation framework 17:15 – Salary negotiation tips: Preparation, alternatives, and criteria 20:04 – How (not) to frame a “fairness” argument at work 21:14 – When do tactics ever work? The 1% rule and car negotiation 25:43 – What to do when you’ve “burned” someone in a negotiation 27:03 – How culture affects negotiation—stories from Mexico, Indonesia, and Mauritania 32:38 – Not everything’s negotiable: Israel/Palestine case study 34:00 – Negotiation as creative problem solving 41:43 – Dealing with emotions and pausing in heated negotiations 43:07 – Stan’s toughest deals? Family negotiations 46:37 – Mediation story: How finding one point of common ground changed everything 49:38 – The #1 negotiation skill: Check your assumptions, stay curious 52:37 – Stan’s top negotiation movies and book recommendations 53:57 – Stan’s final mindshift: How “shifting to a learning stance” changes negotiation outcomes About Stan Christensen Stan Christensen is a globally recognized negotiation expert, mediator, and educator. For over two decades, he has taught the acclaimed business negotiation course at Stanford University, drawing on his real-world experience as a former hostage negotiator, international mediator, and advisor to organizations and governments in 75+ countries. Stan is the host of the All Things Negotiation podcast, where he brings negotiation stories and strategies to leaders around the world.  Resources & Mentions Stan Christensen on LinkedIn  All Things Negotiation Podcast Getting To Yes by Roger Fisher and William Ury Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini Difficult Conversations by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, Sheila Heen Crucial Conversations by Joseph Grenny et al. 12 Angry Men—Film (Henry Fonda version) Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Winning leaders aren’t defined by charisma or complexity—they’re defined by consistent, simple habits. In this practical solo episode, Damon Lembi reveals the five most impactful daily leadership habits he’s seen in world-class leaders and top-performing organizations. Drawing from his own experience as CEO, plus interviews with leaders like Tom Mendoza and Doug Conant, Damon shares actionable, no-fluff rituals to boost your trust, focus, and connection with your team. Whether you’re new to leadership or seeking to level up, you’ll walk away with tools you can use immediately—including strategies to strengthen loyalty, reduce burnout, and make every conversation count. Stay tuned to the end for Damon’s leadership challenge and a generous offer for free live learning to accelerate your growth.  In this episode, you’ll learn: How to set your “Big Three” priorities and avoid being overwhelmed by daily chaos The relationship-building power of starting conversations with something personal Why asking “and what else?” leads to deeper trust and better communication How a “gratitude quota” transforms morale—and two leaders who reached thousands with this habit The hidden cost of weekend emails, and how to protect your team from burnout Damon’s challenge: implement all five habits this week and track your team’s response Access free live learning resources to grow your leadership skills instantly  Timestamps: 00:00 – Why great leadership is built on a few simple habits 00:40 – Habit 1: Set your “Big 3” priorities every morning 01:30 – Habit 2: Start conversations with something personal 02:10 – Habit 3: End conversations with “What else is on your mind?” 02:55 – The power of questions from The Coaching Habit 03:30 – Habit 4: Set and hit a gratitude quota 04:00 – Doug Conant’s 30,000 thank-you notes example 04:30 – Public recognition and the OC Tanner stat 05:10 – Habit 5: Stop sending weekend emails (and why) 06:00 – Harvard Business Review on after-hours stress 06:30 – Recap of all 5 habits and how they build trust 07:15 – Damon’s weekly challenge: Try them all, track the impact 08:00 – Free gift: 45 days of Learnit classes + book plug 08:30 – Final takeaway: Consistency builds credibility  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.  Resources & Mentions: Damon LinkedIn Learnit  The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier (book link) Gallup Workplace Report (Gallup website) Tom Mendoza profile (Tom Mendoza LinkedIn) Doug Conant profile (Doug Conant LinkedIn) The Learn-It-All Leader: Mindset, Traits, and Tools (book link) Good Decisions Equal Success (book link)   Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

What happens when you lead with humility, consistency, and care—instead of ego? In this uplifting and candid episode, Damon sits down with Peter Bissonnette, the former president of Shaw Communications and author of Count on Me. Peter pulls back the curtain on his remarkable leadership journey, from seminary days and military service to helming a $5.5B telecom powerhouse. Together, they explore the habits and values that shaped Shaw’s exceptional culture, why empathy and fairness matter most, and how leaders can be “counted on”—no matter their background. Jam-packed with real stories, hard-won tools, and lessons from both the boardroom and the bandstand, this episode is a blueprint for anyone looking to become a leader people believe in. Get ready to rethink what makes a lasting legacy—not just for companies, but for families—through the power of values-driven leadership. In this episode, you’ll learn: The culture-building power of shining a light on others, not yourself How Peter’s “Good Shepherd” philosophy (inspired by seminary days) became the foundation of his leadership style What it means to truly be “counted on”—and how personal adversity shaped Peter’s drive and fairness meter Practical tools for overcoming imposter syndrome and building self-belief, including the science of affirmations and visualization Why fit trumps credentials during hiring, and how to handle mis-hires with candor Inside Peter’s “leadership toolbox”—relationship-building, chameleon skills, candor, and the art of constructive feedback Behind-the-scenes negotiation stories, including a $2B Wall Street face-off and the lessons of win-win bargaining How music, photography, and creative passions make you a better leader and problem solver Tangible strategies to boost employee engagement—and transform dysfunction into unity Why leaders should be hero creators, not the heroes themselves Timestamps: 00:00 – The power of focusing on the good in others 00:24 – Damon introduces Peter Bissonnette and episode themes 01:38 – How Shaw’s “we company” values fueled its success 03:07 – First meeting with founder J.R. Shaw 04:30 – The legacy-driven origins of Count on Me 08:37 – Seminary days and the “Good Shepherd” approach to leadership 11:09 – Peter’s tough childhood and the drive to be “counted on” 15:57 – Advice for new leaders struggling with self-belief 16:26 – Affirmations, visualization, and owning your own learning 22:25 – How to handle a mis-hire (the “Dead Pillow” story) 26:33 – Building your leadership toolbox: tools and traits that matter 30:07 – How to accelerate leadership experience: Mentorship & reading 32:01 – Lessons from Wall Street: The $2B Goldman Sachs negotiation 44:29 – Taking risks, responsibility and earning founder’s trust 47:57 – Win-win negotiations, fairness, and long-term relationships 49:32 – How music and creativity fuel leadership 54:59 – The role of photography and “extra languages” in solving problems 57:32 – Transforming employee engagement at Shaw 60:08 – Listening and acting on feedback to create belonging 63:56 – Shining the spotlight and building trust-driven teams 66:18 – How Peter personally connected with Shaw’s customers 70:13 – Why Count on Me is a case study for young leaders 72:50 – Where to find Peter and his book About Peter Bissonnette Peter Bissonnette is the former president of Shaw Communications, where he helped transform the company into a national powerhouse with more than 10,000 employees and $5.5 billion in annual revenue. Known for his humility, candor, and people-first leadership, Peter’s career took him from boarding school and seminary, through military service, to leading large organizations—all without a traditional academic background. He now serves on the board of the Shaw Family Trust and is the author of Count on Me, a candid memoir and leadership case study.  Resources & Mentions: Count on Me by Peter Bissonnette Peter Bissonnette on LinkedIn Improbably Successful by Juan Silvera The Learn-It-All Leader by Damon Lembi Brian Lanier’s Learn-It-All Podcast episode Peter Bissonnette on Jonny Pardoe Podcast Shaw Communications (background info) Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Burnout isn’t just something that happens to you—it’s something we can see, understand, and actively reverse. In this eye-opening episode, Damon sits down with Michael Levitt—burnout prevention expert, speaker, and survivor—to unpack what burnout really is (hint: it’s not the same as depression), why it so often sneaks up on high performers, and how we all can make small but life-changing shifts to reclaim our energy and purpose. Michael shares his own unforgettable story of hitting rock bottom—a heart attack at age 40, job loss, even losing his house—and how it became a catalyst for helping thousands escape the burnout trap. From the real causes (spoiler: sleep and financial stress matter more than you think) to the game-changing power of boundaries and curiosity, this episode is packed with practical tools and urgent truths for anyone who wants to build a burnout-proof life and culture—whether you’re a leader, a team member, or simply feeling the weight of modern work. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why Michael Levitt believes burnout is ultimately a choice—and what that really means for your life and career. The crucial differences between burnout and clinical depression—and how to spot (and avoid) both. Michael’s personal journey through health and financial collapse, and what finally sparked his comeback. The underestimated role of sleep and nutrition in burnout prevention (plus, why boundaries are the ultimate life hack). How financial stress impacts mental and physical wellness—and step-by-step tips for regaining control. What organizations and leaders must do to break the burnout cycle—and why investing in learning (even on a shoestring) is a must. Top strategies for high performers to set boundaries and prevent being overloaded by “do more” cultures.  Timestamps: 00:00 – Michael’s heart attack at 40 and the wake-up call that followed 01:18 – Why burnout is a choice (and why that statement is controversial) 03:15 – Defining burnout vs. depression (World Health Organization lens) 05:23 – The life collapse: job loss, home, and rebuilding from zero 12:38 – Curiosity vs. victimhood: how Michael avoided blaming others 16:40 – Boundaries: Michael’s first big change post-burnout 17:22 – Main triggers: financial stress, poor nutrition, and sleep 20:00 – Why sleep is the ultimate burnout prevention tool 24:54 – Why financial pressure is behind so much burnout today 29:06 – Practical advice for dealing with debt and budgeting 35:58 – Who’s responsible for burnout at work: leadership or employees? 40:58 – Learning and development: how upskilling fights burnout 44:33 – The importance of culture, belonging, and purpose 50:49 – Setting boundaries as a top performer—before it’s too late 56:08 – How team members can communicate workload limits 58:47 – Michael’s #1 burnout tip: set your bedroom up for sleep success 1:00:40 – Recap: small, consistent changes are the burnout antidote  About Michael Levitt Michael Levitt is a globally recognized burnout expert, keynote speaker, and the founder of the Breakfast Leadership Network. Michael set out to understand stress and burnout from the inside out. Today, he coaches leaders and organizations worldwide on building burnout-proof cultures through practical boundaries, improved sleep, and powerful mindset shifts. Michael is also the author of Burnout Proof and host of the popular Breakfast Leadership Show. Resources Referenced: Michael Levitt Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldlevitt/ Michael Levitt’s free book Burnout Proof: Claim here Dr. Herbert Freudenberger, Burnout (book): Amazon link World Health Organization—burnout definition: WHO ICD-11 Burn-out John Maxwell, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Amazon link Michael Levitt on YouTube: Breakfast Leadership Network channel Connect with Michael Levitt: breakfastleadership.com Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Winning teams—and great companies—aren't built through pressure, they're built through belief and connection. In this energizing solo episode, host Damon Lembi unpacks what it really takes to become a great leader people respect too much to disappoint. Drawing on personal stories from his college baseball days and decades leading at Learnit, Damon explains why the best leaders don’t motivate through fear—but by genuinely believing in their people before they believe in themselves. If you want to foster a team culture where trust, psychological safety, and growth thrive, these actionable insights are your starting lineup. Damon shares practical tools and a quick challenge you can start using this week to build respect, accountability, and a platform for your team to shine. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why belief—not pressure—drives peak performance and lasting accountability The science behind psychological safety and why it’s essential for risk-taking and innovation Damon's “JP” story: how authentic connection from a mentor changes everything Two simple, powerful actions you can use immediately to earn real respect as a leader How to stretch your team and still have their back, even when they stumble The ultimate test of respect: Will your team give their all even when you’re not watching? Timestamps:  00:00 – The kind of leader people don’t want to disappoint 00:40 – Story: Damon’s coach JP and the Knoxville series 01:45 – Why belief—not fear—unlocked Damon’s performance 02:15 – Research from Amy Edmondson: 67% more likely to play it safe without psychological safety 02:45 – Respect can’t be demanded; it must be earned 03:15 – Learnit’s 30-year celebration: stories from employees past and present 03:45 – Leadership is about giving others the platform—not hogging the spotlight 04:00 – Two habits to earn real respect:   1. Connect beyond deadlines   2. Stretch through belief, autonomy, and support 04:45 – The 6-month test: Would your team still bring their best if you stepped away? 05:15 – Final reflection: See people. Believe in them. Give them a shot. 05:45 – Weekly challenge: Tell one person what you see in them 06:00 – Rate, review, and share if this resonated 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. Resources & Mentions: Learnit: Https://www.learnit.com The Learn-It-All Leader: Mindset, Traits, and Tools by Damon Lembi:  https://a.co/d/azzNKWM  Good Decisions Equals Success by Damon Lembi & Kandis Porter:  https://a.co/d/hJhnRJU  Damon Lembi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.  

Winning companies aren’t just built on strategies—they’re built on trust, curiosity, and culture. In this dynamic episode, host Damon Lembi sits down with Gwen Tormey, COO of Corestream, who helped the company scale from scrappy startup to award-winning employer. Gwen shares how she architected a resilient operating system and an inclusive, people-first culture while quadrupling the size of her team. They dive into practical frameworks like OKRs and the 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX), discuss building psychological safety, and swap stories about hiring, AI adoption, and empowering employees to innovate from any seat. Whether you’re scaling a business or leading a small team, you’ll come away inspired with actionable tools to elevate your leadership and your culture. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Gwen prioritized both operations and culture by listening deeply before leading change The art and discipline of incubate, then delegate—and how to turn quick wins into lasting systems What Gwen learned from her own startup journey (and why product-market fit and business model matter) Corestream’s step-by-step OKR and 4DX mashup—and how it powers alignment across the org How to hire A-players and build psychological safety (using the Who hiring methodology) Why innovation and process optimization can go hand-in-hand with a people-first mindset Practical strategies for driving AI adoption—from team hackathons to hands-on experiments Timestamps: 00:00 – Why it’s okay to fail and the power of positive reinforcement 00:16 – Meet Gwen Tormey: From startup to scaling COO 01:21 – How Gwen balanced building operations and culture 02:36 – Why trust and curiosity beat quick fixes for new leaders 04:26 – “Incubate then delegate”: Gwen’s approach to operational leadership 07:54 – Lessons learned from launching Footstep Labs 11:57 – What founders need to know about business models and product-market fit 13:54 – How Gwen mentors startups: Pessimism meets idealism 14:28 – Breaking down Corestream’s OKR + 4DX execution engine 17:02 – How company-wide goals connect individuals to the North Star 19:54 – The tools, reminders, and culture needed for successful OKRs 22:28 – Building psychological safety and rewarding humility 25:55 – Shifting culture: New hiring, new values, and a “culture council” 28:46 – Gwen’s take on work samples and thorough hiring 31:08 – Why optimizing processes empowers people—never replaces them 32:38 – Getting frontline teams to embrace process improvement and AI 35:04 – Gwen’s best AI adoption tip: Hackathons and hands-on coaching 37:07 – Should you mandate AI tools? Building a flexible, supportive policy 39:29 – The hardest part of scaling culture: Communication and breaking silos 42:15 – What excites Gwen about Corestream’s future About Gwen Tormey Gwen Tormey is the Chief Operating Officer of Corestream, where she’s engineered the company’s rapid growth and helped quadruple the team size, all while securing multiple workplace culture awards. Gwen brings a diverse background as a founder, investor, and operational leader, blending deep curiosity and systems thinking with a relentless focus on people. From rebuilding account management from scratch to designing innovative ways to hire, empower, and retain A-players, Gwen’s signature is bridging operational rigor and human-first values.  Resources & Mentions Gwen on LinkedIn Objectives and Key Results (OKR) framework Who: The A Method for Hiring Skunk Works — What Is It? Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

When success is defined by always saying yes and never showing weakness, burnout is inevitable. In this compelling episode, Damon is joined by Emmy award-winning meteorologist, podcaster, and Noble Knights founder Ted Phaeton, who takes us inside the “high performer’s trap”—and how real growth comes from learning to say no, set boundaries, and protect your peace. Together, they tackle the pressures men face following prescribed scripts for success, how top performers can avoid self-destruction, and why managing your time isn’t just about productivity—it’s about self-alignment and fulfillment. Ted shares his unique journey from burnout to boundary-setting, unveils actionable tools and scripts for defending your time, and explains how slowing down can actually make high achievers stronger. Plus: candid stories on fatherhood, healing generational wounds, and the power of male mentorship for genuine transformation. Packed with real talk, this episode is a must-listen for leaders, learners, and anyone ready to rewrite their definition of success. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why following the “script” of success can lead to regret, burnout, and misery—and how to spot when you’re out of alignment. Practical frameworks for setting boundaries, including Ted’s “perfect week,” time-blocking, and scripts for gracefully saying no or deferring requests. Why high performers are especially prone to burnout—and the counterintuitive secret that 85% effort (not 100%) creates longevity and impact. How to build greater self-awareness and situational awareness to identify the real roots of stress, avoidance, and negative behaviors. The role of mentorship, honest feedback, and supportive male circles in helping men (and leaders of all kinds) grow and break destructive cycles. How becoming a father changed Ted’s view on time, alignment, and the importance of living with empathy, presence, and curiosity.  Timestamps: 00:00 – Ted’s struggle with boundaries and the masculine pressure to never ask for help 01:09 – The “script” men are taught—and why it often leads to unfulfillment 04:15 – How chasing the “wrong carrot” leads to success regret 06:11 – Spotting when you’re out of alignment: self-awareness and situational whispers 08:10 – Why time is our most precious (and unrenewable) asset 10:40 – Why letting someone go can actually serve them best 13:02 – The link between boundary-setting, time-blocking, and protecting your peace 15:59 – Scripts for saying no, deferring, and managing expectations 17:49 – The curse (and burnout) of being a top performer 20:59 – Why self-aware high performers are more powerful than those who never “pump the brakes” 22:57 – The science behind slowing down, working at 85%, and why recovery matters 25:14 – Inside Ted’s Tools of Time course: structure, habits, and personalized frameworks 27:04 – “You don’t have to be great to start”: Overcoming disorganization and making small daily changes 30:26 – The hidden cost of DIY: delegating versus losing time 33:41 – From podcasting to noble mentorship: what men need most 36:57 – Finding brotherhood, healthy circles, and the value of honest feedback 39:46 – How Ted learned to embrace (not resist) hard feedback 46:13 – How fatherhood reshaped Ted’s priorities and time use 49:29 – What Ted wants for his daughter’s future: more empathy, less judgment 51:33 – Final advice: Stay curious, keep learning, and let your skills accumulate for the future  About Ted Phateon Ted Phaeton is an Emmy award-winning morning meteorologist, founder of The Noble Knights men’s group, and host of The Modern Man Podcast. Dedicated to challenging traditional narratives around masculinity and success, Ted helps high performers and everyday leaders redefine what it means to win—at work, at home, and within themselves. From healing generational wounds to teaching transformational time management, Ted’s coaching, courses, and community work inspire men everywhere to grow, connect, and lead with authenticity.  Resources Referenced: Ted’s Website Ted’s LinkedIn The Modern Man Podcast Tools of Time Course Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink  Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Winning cultures aren’t created by accident—they’re built through feedback, humility, and real action. In this solo episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, host Damon Lembi reveals the five essential strategies every leader should use to get better feedback—and transform it into real improvement. Backed by research and brought to life with stories from his own career (including writing his bestselling book and leading a team of millions), Damon outlines practical tools, scripts, and even AI hacks for soliciting insightful, actionable criticism. Whether you’re a CEO or an aspiring leader, you’ll walk away ready to seek out the feedback that fuels growth—and learn how to make your team feel safe giving it. From overcoming the fear of tough conversations to leveraging anonymous Google Docs and the power of AI, this episode delivers a blueprint for anyone committed to leveling up their leadership through radical learning and self-awareness. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why leaders who regularly seek feedback are rated far higher than those who don’t—and what that means for your growth. How to “invite feedback with vulnerability,” and the exact script Damon used to get honest advice while writing his book. The power of asking one specific question—instead of settling for binary, shallow responses. How to “meet people where they’re comfortable” so feedback isn’t intimidating or awkward. Systems for anonymous, safe feedback—including the Help Damon Help You Google Doc template. The cutting-edge ways Damon uses AI as a feedback machine, from analyzing meeting transcripts to reworking team comp plans. Timestamps: 00:00 – Surprising research: Feedback-seeking leaders dominate performance 02:30 – Strategy 1: Invite feedback with vulnerability (Damon’s book writing story) 05:25 – Strategy 2: Connect and ask for one specific thing 08:45 – Strategy 3: Meet them where they’re comfortable 11:10 – Strategies 1-3 recap—when 1:1 conversations matter 12:05 – Strategy 4: Make it safe through systems (anonymous Google Doc) 14:50 – Damon’s prompt questions for feedback 16:15 – Sharing and acting on team feedback 17:05 – Strategy 5: Leveraging AI as a feedback machine 18:25 – Example: AI feedback on compensation plans 20:00 – Using AI to debrief podcast interviews 21:20 – Why you shouldn’t get defensive about feedback 23:05 – Damon’s challenge: Pick an area, try a new feedback strategy 24:10 – Closing: Resources and how to connect 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.    Resources & Mentions: The Learn-It-All Leader: Mindset, Traits, and Tools by Damon Lembi:  https://a.co/d/azzNKWM  Good Decisions Equals Success by Damon Lembi & Kandis Porter:  https://a.co/d/hJhnRJU  Damon Lembi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi  Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

Are you settling for comfort instead of greatness? In this action-packed episode, Damon sits down with Rick Walker—entrepreneur, global nonprofit builder, and author of "Nine Steps to Build a Life of Meaning"—to unearth what truly separates remarkable lives from forgettable ones. Rick shares why pain is our greatest teacher, why comfort breeds mediocrity, and how to fight for a future your grandkids will talk about. Drawing on interviews with world-class leaders and lessons from scaling businesses in over 50 countries, Rick offers a blueprint for finding purpose, turning adversity into leverage, and aiming higher than you ever thought possible. Packed with stories, tough lessons, and practical steps, this episode is an eye-opener for anyone stuck on autopilot or wondering what it takes to build a legacy. Whether you’re facing setbacks or just too comfortable, Rick reveals how to embrace discomfort, conquer your enemies (internal and external), and finally turn potential into real accomplishment. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why living in a painless world creates joyless lives—and how pain sharpens both achievement and happiness How to identify your “worthy enemy”—the personal or societal evil that can ignite your purpose Why aiming low is the ultimate sin, and how the best leaders set goals they rarely achieve How to build resilience by stacking small sacrifices and eliminating distractions, not just making to-do lists How wisdom is the ability to act today for the most valued reward in the most distant future The steps Rick uses for unleashing your full potential and building a legacy that outlasts you  Timestamps: 00:00 – Why pain is life’s greatest attention-grabber 01:17 – Introducing Rick Walker and his "Nine Steps to Build a Life of Meaning" 02:43 – Pain vs. comfort: trading easy living for real growth 06:49 – Rick’s inspiration: lessons from failure and wisdom from world-class men 10:04 – Step one: How to identify and conquer your “enemy” 16:15 – Why Rick uses “steps” instead of “rules” (and what it means to always advance or retreat) 20:04 – The danger of aiming low and why it sabotages your identity 27:27 – Translating business wisdom to nonprofit work and the pursuit of a meaningful impact 31:19 – Rick’s definition of wisdom and the “currency of the present” 38:03 – How pain and setbacks are the secret to joy and a meaningful story 44:09 – Viktor Frankl, agency, and escaping victimhood through responsibility 48:29 – Real-life example: how to handle overwhelm in leadership roles 51:58 – Can you repeat, skip, or customize the nine steps? (linear or not?) 55:02 – Advice for Rick’s future sons-in-law—and building a life your grandkids will recount 57:58 – Why a redeemed man is better than a perfect man (and living a story worth telling) 59:26 – Rick’s final nugget: hope threatens all threats, and living lavishly on the outliers 1:01:55 – Where to connect with Rick and get his book  About Rick Walker Rick Walker is an entrepreneur, author, and global nonprofit leader who’s scaled businesses to hundreds of employees and helped launch organizations in over 50 countries. He’s interviewed 100+ world-class leaders, read over 1,000 books, and distilled decades of experience into practical frameworks for living a life of significance. Rick’s mission is to equip the next generation—especially young men—with the tools, wisdom, and mindset to conquer comfort and build a meaningful legacy. Learn more at RickWalker.com and connect with him on LinkedIn Resources & Mentions Rick Walker’s website and newsletter Rick Walker on LinkedIn Book: Nine Steps to Build a Life of Meaning Book: Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl Book: Striking Thoughts by Bruce Lee Book: Tao Te Ching Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Growing a business is more than just adding fuel to the fire—true scale demands clarity, courage, and a change in mindset. In this high-impact episode, host Damon Lembi welcomes Adam Strong, renowned business strategist, bestselling author, and host of The Business Strategist Podcast. Together, they dive deep into the pitfalls that keep founders and CEOs stuck, from confusing growth with true scaling, to fear, ego, and personal identity issues that prevent successful exits. Adam unpacks the must-have strategies for reclaiming your time, building scalable systems, and ensuring you're not the bottleneck in your own company. Loaded with actionable frameworks, mindset shifts, and real-life stories—including how personal branding creates demand and why having too much revenue tied to one customer is a recipe for sleepless nights—this is an episode every ambitious leader should hear. In this episode, you’ll learn: The critical difference between growth and scale—and why mistaking one for the other stalls most founders Why personal identity, fear, and ego block even top CEOs from scaling and exiting their businesses Adam’s 3-stage exit plan every business owner needs to understand (and when to start the process) How to identify and fix the stress points that are bottlenecking your organization’s growth The essential categories Adam benchmarks to accelerate professional services out of stagnation Why building (and consistently posting) a personal brand leads to real business opportunities—even if you don’t see instant feedback How to use product ecosystems and capacity planning to protect profits and prepare for scale Timestamps: 00:00 – Growth vs. scale: why sprinting endlessly leads to burnout 01:06 – Why clarity is the “north star” of sustainable business 02:51 – From micromanagement to fear: common founder mistakes 04:29 – The emotional journey of exiting your business 07:19 – Identity and ego: The real reasons founders struggle to let go 09:45 – Limiting beliefs and the fixed mindset trap 11:25 – How Adam challenges leaders (without giving easy answers) 13:29 – Fear-based decision making and resistance to change 15:05 – The hidden power of personal branding and social content 16:57 – Case study: how personal branding landed a new client 19:38 – The first step for stuck professional services leaders 21:06 – Adam’s 5-part business framework for diagnosing bottlenecks 23:25 – Why great technical skills don’t guarantee business growth 24:11 – What McDonald’s teaches about product vs. process 25:49 – How to successfully step back as a founder 28:55 – The dangers of founder interference—stepping back for real scale 30:52 – Growing from $3M to $4M: the scale, not just staff, solution 32:42 – Assessing efficiency and maximizing profitability 35:42 – Is A.I. a threat or tool in professional services? 38:56 – How niche and capacity planning lead to premium positioning 42:45 – Red flags: when too much revenue comes from one client 45:04 – Building a product ecosystem to increase resilience and value 50:25 – Creating demand and the power of waitlists 51:27 – Positioning your firm as premium (not commodity) 53:04 – Adam’s final takeaway: Don’t leave your exit too late 54:45 – How to join Adam's founder community and connect  About Adam Strong Adam Strong is a best-selling author, entrepreneur, international speaker, and widely recognized business strategist. Drawing on decades of experience, Adam specializes in guiding founders, CEOs, and professional services leaders through the crucial mindset and operational changes needed to break revenue ceilings and execute winning exits. He is the host of The Business Strategist Podcast and a passionate advocate of building memorable personal brands in the digital age.  Resources & Mentions: Adam Strong on LinkedIn Adam Strong’s Website The Business Strategist Podcast Adam Strong Books: https://adamstrong.net/books/ Waitlist for Adam’s founder & CEO community: https://gamechangersinnercircle.scoreapp.com/ Patrick Lencioni’s Working Genius Tool  Book: Small Ball, Big Results  Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.