The Learn-It-All Podcast

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. 

Culture Matters: Building an Operating System for Organizational Success Is your company culture something that "just happens," or are you intentionally shaping it? Many leaders know culture is crucial but struggle to actively build it. In this episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, host Damon Lembi interviews Jenni Catron, author of Culture Matters, about creating systematic approaches to developing organizational culture. Drawing from her experience in corporate, nonprofit, and entrepreneurial environments, Jenni shares practical insights on building what she calls an "operating system" for culture—moving beyond perks and platitudes to create lasting behavioral change. This Episode Covers: Why leaders often treat culture as an afterthought despite knowing its importance The five-phase framework for intentionally building culture: assess, define, build, equip, and commit How exit processes significantly impact organizational trust and culture Why mid-level managers are increasingly critical to shaping culture and employee experience The importance of clearly defining competing values and decision-making processes How one director transformed her team's culture through consistent, simple practices Why communication and feedback are foundational leadership skills for culture-building  Episode Highlights: 00:01 – Why Culture is Often an Afterthought – Jenni explains why leaders fail to prioritize culture and how it directly impacts business success. 03:29 – Jenni’s Leadership Journey – From the record industry to nonprofit leadership, Jenni shares how her experiences shaped her understanding of culture. 09:04 – The Five-Phase Framework for Shaping Culture – Jenni breaks down the key steps leaders must take to create an intentional culture. 14:04 – Why Employee Exits Matter – The way leaders handle departures affects trust, morale, and the company’s long-term culture. 21:31 – The Hardest Part: Defining Culture – Why leaders struggle with clarity and how to effectively articulate and implement cultural values. 27:28 – Culture and Decision-Making – How a strong culture shapes decision-making, organizational structure, and leadership effectiveness. 37:36 – A Leadership Transformation Story – How one middle manager reshaped her team’s culture through intentional leadership development. About Jenni: Jenni Catron is a leadership expert and CEO of The 4Sight Group, where she consults with organizations on leadership development and organizational health. Her career spans over 20 years across multiple sectors, beginning as Artist Development Director at EMI Music before transitioning to executive leadership roles at Cross Point Church and Menlo Church, where she led significant growth and multi-site expansion initiatives. As an author, Catron has published notable works including Clout: Discover and Unleash Your God-Given Influence, The 4 Dimensions of Extraordinary Leadership and the upcoming Culture Matters (published 2.11 2025). Recognized by Outreach Magazine as one of thirty emerging influencers reshaping church leadership, she speaks at conferences nationwide on leadership development and organizational strategy. Her expertise bridges both ministry and marketplace sectors, focusing on developing healthy leaders and thriving organizational cultures.  Resources Referenced: Jenni’s Website Jenni on LinkedIn Culture Matters: A Framework for Helping Your Team Grow, Thrive, and Be Unstoppable by Jenni Catron The Four Dimensions of Extraordinary Leadership: The Power of Leading from Your Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength by Jenni Catron Clout: Discover and Unleash Your God-Given Influence by Jenni Catron The Lead Culture Podcast The Culture Solution: A Practical Guide to Building a Dynamic Culture so People Love Coming to Work and Accomplishing Great Things Together by Matthew Kelly  EMI  Leadership Development Program  Podcast Contact Information Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

What if getting sued by a billion-dollar competitor was the best thing that could happen to your business? When Bennett Maxwell was hit with a lawsuit from cookie giant Crumbl, he didn't hide or play defense he turned it into rocket fuel for growth. In this fascinating conversation, Maxwell reveals how he turned a serious legal threat into a marketing opportunity that helped his cookie franchise company, Dirty Dough, explode from 60 to 290 locations in just six months. But this episode goes far beyond cookies and lawsuits. Maxwell shares profound insights about professional communication, time valuation, advisory board building, and maintaining perspective while scaling rapidly. His journey from door-to-door sales to running a fast-growing franchise empire while staying focused on mental health and what truly matters offers valuable lessons for any business leader navigating growth and adversity.This Episode Covers: How knocking on 10,000 doors taught Maxwell invaluable lessons about professional communication that he still uses to raise capital and close deals His contrarian approach to getting high-profile advisors (including a $31B IPO veteran) by selling the vision and leveraging referrals Why he believes every interaction is a sale and how to get better at identifying and solving problems through thoughtful questions The counterintuitive advice from his advisor about taking investment money early to reduce stress, even if it means giving up equity A systematic approach to calculating your hourly value to make better decisions about time allocation and outsourcing His experience transitioning from solo entrepreneurship to building company culture at scale Hard-won wisdom about balancing aggressive business growth with mental health and family priorities  Episode Highlights: (00:00) Introduction to Bennett Maxwell – Damon introduces Bennett and his background in sales and entrepreneurship. (02:00) Lessons from Knocking on Doors – Bennett shares how door-to-door sales shaped his communication skills and resilience. (05:30) Valuing Time and Outsourcing – Bennett explains the importance of knowing your worth and focusing on high-impact activities. (09:00) Founding Dirty Dough – Bennett recounts his journey from investing in a single cookie store to building a scalable franchise model. (12:33) Building an Advisory Board – Bennett discusses how he recruited experts to guide Dirty Dough’s growth. (17:00) Turning Lawsuits into Opportunities – Bennett reflects on how humor and transparency turned a legal battle into a marketing advantage. (21:30) Mental Health and Business – Bennett shares his journey of prioritizing mental health and finding balance as an entrepreneur. (33:18) Future of Dirty Dough – Bennett outlines the brand’s growth plans, including new product lines and innovations.(42:00) Final Thoughts on Success – Bennett emphasizes the importance of setting authentic life goals and aligning actions with values.  About Bennett: Bennett Maxwell is a serial entrepreneur who catapulted Dirty Dough Cookies from a single store to over 450 franchise locations  in just two years before successfully selling the company to Craveworthy Brands. His entrepreneurial track record includes building and scaling businesses across multiple sectors, including pest control, satellite TV, security systems, and solar energy. Now serving as Director of Franchise Development at Craveworthy Brands, Bennett continues to shape the franchise industry while also hosting "Deeper Than the Dough," a podcast focused on entrepreneurship and mental health.     Resources Referenced: BennettMaxwell.com Bennett Maxwell on LinkedIn Deeper Than the Dough Podcast Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative by Austin Kleon Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! by Robert T. Kiyosaki Dirty Dough Cookies Craveworthy Brands Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

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.   Building Trust in the AI Era Is your organization struggling with employee burnout, productivity, and engagement? Research shows these challenges can be solved by focusing on one fundamental element: trust. But in an era of increasing skepticism and AI-driven change, how do leaders build genuine trust? In this episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast’s 11 Skills AI Will Never Replace series, hosts Damon Lembi and Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins discuss the science and practice of building trust in modern organizations. Through personal stories and research-backed insights, they explore how trust serves as a competitive advantage and why it's more crucial than ever in an AI-accelerated workplace.   This Episode Covers: The three pillars of trust in the workplace: empathy, competence, and authenticity - with empathy serving as the foundation How high-trust environments lead to 75% less stress, 40% less burnout, 50% higher productivity, and 13% fewer sick days The "trust bank account" concept and why making regular deposits through consistent, dependable behavior is essential Practical strategies for saying "no" professionally while maintaining trust and managing workload Why advocating for team members is one of the most powerful ways leaders can demonstrate trust How customer loyalty and brand engagement significantly increase when employees work in high-trust environments The importance of being authentic and showing up as a "whole person" rather than just a title or role  Episode Highlights 00:00 – Introduction: Why Trust Matters – Damon and Mickey introduce the importance of trust and why it is a critical skill for career success. 02:00 – Defining Trust in the Workplace – A breakdown of trust as predictability, dependability, and integrity. 03:30 – A Personal Story of Trust Gone Wrong – Mickey shares a real-life leadership misstep that resulted in a trust breakdown and what she did to fix it. 06:00 – The Three Pillars of Trust – Empathy, competence, and authenticity: the foundation of trust in professional relationships. 10:00 – Practical Ways to Build Trust Out Loud – How to demonstrate trust through dependability, follow-through, and advocacy. 12:00 – The Science of High-Trust Workplaces – Research-backed statistics on how trust reduces stress, boosts productivity, and enhances engagement. 18:00 – Saying No Professionally to Maintain Trust – Why high performers need to set boundaries and how leaders can avoid overburdening top talent. 20:00 – How High-Trust Organizations Outperform Competitors – The business case for trust, from employee retention to customer loyalty. 23:00 – Final Takeaways & Next Steps – Key behavior changes for developing trust and where to learn more.  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   Paul Zak's research on trust and workplace performance The Trust Tax (article by Damon Lembi) Ethan Evans episode on The Learn-It-All Podcast Learnit's Build Trust with Your Team workshop  Podcast Contact Information Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Leadership Lessons from a Veteran-Led Business: Building High-Performance Teams Through Military Principles Are you struggling to build a culture of accountability and excellence in your organization? What if the solution lies in learning from those who've led in the most demanding circumstances imaginable? In this compelling episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, John Berry, founder of an eight-figure law firm and author of Veteran-Led, shares how military leadership principles can transform business performance. Drawing from his experience as both a military commander and successful business leader, Berry explains why veterans are "America's greatest resource" and how their leadership capabilities can create competitive advantages in any organization. He provides practical insights on building accountability, fostering healthy competition, and developing resilient teams while maintaining humanity and care for people.   This Episode Covers: Why hiring veterans gives organizations a competitive edge through their innate understanding of leadership, accountability, and high standards How to use objective "scoreboards" and metrics to drive performance while maintaining team morale The importance of situational awareness in leadership and reading your environment to make better decisions Why "feedback is a gift" - especially when it hurts - and how to use it for growth The balance between being highly competitive and deeply caring for your team members Why safety is an illusion and how pushing people toward excellence actually protects them The right way to part ways with underperforming team members while preserving dignity How to scale an organization by having leaders build more leaders Episode Highlights: (00:00) Introduction to John Berry – Damon introduces John, highlighting his military background, legal expertise, and passion for leadership. (01:30) Why Veterans Are America’s Greatest Resource – John explains the leadership, resilience, and mission focus veterans bring to the workplace. (05:30) Lessons from Military Leadership – John shares how his Army experiences shaped his leadership philosophy and his book, Veteran Led. (09:00) The Power of Feedback – John discusses why feedback is a gift and how leaders can embrace it to improve themselves and their teams. (12:33) Building a Scoreboard – John explains how transparent scoreboards foster accountability and inspire teams to excel. (17:00) Fostering a Culture of Leadership – John shares practical strategies for building a team that thrives on collaboration and high standards. (33:18) Embracing Failure as a Leader – John reflects on how his failures shaped his leadership style and taught him invaluable lessons. (45:00) Advice for Hiring Veterans – John offers tips on finding and integrating veterans into your organization to drive success.  About John: John Berry is a decorated military veteran and successful business leader who has transformed his father's law practice into a thriving eight-figure enterprise with over 140 employees. After serving 20 years in the military, including deployments to Bosnia and Iraq as an infantry officer and company commander, Berry leveraged his military leadership experience to build Berry Law into one of America's fastest-growing companies, earning a spot on the Inc. 5000 list for seven consecutive years. His firm, which specializes in veterans' disability appeals, personal injury, and criminal defense, has secured over $350 million in backpay awards for veterans. A thought leader on veteran employment and military-style leadership in business, Berry maintains a 35% veteran workforce including former high-ranking officers in key positions. He hosts the "Veteran Led" podcast and recently published a book of the same name sharing his leadership philosophy.    Resources Referenced: John Berry on LinkedIn Berry Law  PTSD Lawyers  Veteran Led: Military Leadership Lessons to Help Your Team Survive, Thrive, and Dominate by John S. Berry  Veteran Led Podcast Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable by Tim S. Grover  CEO Circle program (sponsored by JP Morgan Chase and Syracuse University's IVMF) Daniello Institute at Syracuse University Warrior Rising JDog Franchises American Legion DAV (Disabled American Veterans) VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars)   Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Building an Extraordinary Company Culture: Leadership Lessons from NetApp's Transformation Is your organization struggling to maintain high performance and strong culture during challenging times? How do you create a workplace where people don't just show up for a paycheck, but genuinely care about the company's success and each other?   In this illuminating episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, Tom Mendoza, former President of NetApp, discusses how authentic leadership, clear communication, and unwavering values can transform an organization's culture and drive extraordinary results. He shares his remarkable story of leading the NetApp through the dot-com crash and watching their stock plummet from $156 to $6. Despite this crisis, under his leadership, the company not only survived but grew from $800 million to $6 billion in revenue and was named the #1 company to work for in America.  This Episode Covers: Why the "death by a thousand cuts" approach to layoffs destroys morale, and how NetApp's leadership handled necessary cuts with transparency and dignity The power of making 20 brief appreciation calls daily to recognize employees doing great work and how this practice spread organically throughout the organization How to handle high-performing employees with toxic attitudes, including a practical technique for evaluating employee performance using the "strengths vs. areas of improvement" test The five essential elements of NetApp's culture: attitude, candor, catching people doing something right, leadership over management, and embracing change Why empowering employees to take risks and supporting them even when they fail is crucial for innovation and growth The importance of treating departing employees with respect and appreciation, as it significantly impacts how current employees view the organization The value of creating a culture where people put the company's needs before individual interests without sacrificing personal growth and fulfillment Episode Highlights:(00:00:00) Introduction to Tom Mendoza – Damon welcomes Tom and sets the stage for a conversation on leadership, culture, and resilience.(00:03:00) Leading Through the Dot-Com Crash – Tom recounts how NetApp navigated a stock drop from $156 to $6 and the leadership decisions that helped the company rebound.(00:10:30) The Power of Culture and Employee Loyalty – How NetApp built a culture where employees stayed, even in the toughest times, and why trust in leadership matters.(00:16:00) Recognizing Employees and Leadership Through Service – Tom shares his philosophy on catching people doing something right and the impact of a simple thank-you call.(00:27:00) Five Key Leadership Principles – Tom discusses the pillars of a great culture, including attitude, candor, recognition, leadership, and embracing change.(00:42:00) Encouraging Risk-Taking in Organizations – How leaders can create an environment where employees feel safe taking risks and driving innovation.(00:50:00) Lessons on Leadership, Family, and Legacy – Tom reflects on the lessons he hopes to pass on to his children and what makes a great leader in today’s world.About Tom: Tom Mendoza was instrumental in transforming NetApp from a startup to a multi-billion-dollar enterprise over his 25-year career. As President from 2000 to 2008 and later as Vice Chairman, he led the company through remarkable growth, increasing revenue from $600,000 to $1 billion in just six years. Mendoza championed values-based leadership and a high-performance culture, which helped NetApp earn the #1 spot on Fortune’s Best Companies to Work For list in 2009. A sought-after speaker on corporate culture, Mendoza frequently lectures at leading institutions such as Stanford, Harvard, and Notre Dame, where he endowed the Mendoza College of Business.    Resources Referenced: Contagious Success: Spreading High Performance Throughout Your Organization by Susan Lucia Annunzio Dave Botterell’s GoFundMe for Haiti John Kotter, Harvard Business Review author Notre Dame University Business School Tom Mendoza on LinkedIn NetApp Palo Alto Networks Sequoia Capital University of Miami Country Day School Collegiate School New York The Economist  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’s 11 Skills AI Will Never Replace-- our new 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, we'll 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. Self-Awareness: The Critical Leadership Skill That Grows More Important as You Rise Are you a successful leader who's risen through the ranks, only to find yourself wondering if you've lost touch with how you impact others? In today's AI-driven world, technical skills can be automated - but authentic leadership presence can't be replicated. This episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast’s 11 Skills AI Will Never Replace series tackles one of the most fundamental yet overlooked leadership skills: self-awareness. Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins shares her personal journey from burnout to breakthrough, revealing how self-awareness helped her pivot from a 20-year career in higher education to find renewed purpose. Through candid discussion with host Damon Lembi, she outlines practical steps for developing greater self-awareness and explains why this skill is essential for building trust, driving innovation, and leading effectively in today's rapidly evolving business landscape. This Episode Covers: Why higher-level leaders often mistakenly believe they can stop focusing on self-awareness when the opposite is true How lack of self-awareness can lead to wasted years in the wrong role and diminished impact across an organization The critical connection between self-awareness and building authentic trust with both employees and customers Practical techniques for regular self-reflection, including end-of-week emotional check-ins and decision journals Why younger generations particularly value authentic, self-aware leadership when choosing employers The relationship between emotional regulation and effective leadership How to recognize when your emotions are signaling the need for a career pivot Episode Highlight: (00:00:00) Introduction to Self-Awareness – Damon and Mickey introduce the importance of self-awareness, particularly in leadership, and the role it plays in building trust.(00:03:00) The Dangers of Poor Self-Awareness – Mickey shares the negative impacts of lacking self-awareness, including burnout and wasted career years.(00:08:00) Mickey’s Story: From Burnout to Breakthrough – Dr. Mickey discusses her personal journey through career transformation and how self-awareness helped her pivot to a new path.(00:12:00) Practical Tips for Enhancing Self-Awareness – Damon and Mickey explore actionable steps for regular self-reflection, including emotional regulation and decision journaling.(00:21:00) Self-Awareness in Leadership – The conversation shifts to how leaders can model self-awareness for their teams, emphasizing the impact on organizational culture and trust.(00:30:00) Developing Self-Awareness in a Fast-Paced World – Mickey and Damon discuss why self-awareness is more crucial now than ever, particularly in an AI-driven world.About Damon: 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   Michael Hyatt's planning system and planner  Farnam Street's decision journal methodology Learnit's emotional intelligence workshops (Enhance Your Emotional Intelligence and Strengthen Your Relationships)   Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.