The Learn-It-All Podcast

Are Your Performance Reviews Actually Making Your Company Worse? Research shows up to 90% of managers are unhappy with traditional performance management systems - and for good reason. These systems often create what OnLoop founder JJ Ghatak calls "intellectual drudgery" while failing to drive real performance improvements or deliver actionable insights. In this compelling episode of The Learn-It-All Podast, Ghatak shares how his experiences as an Uber executive and Stanford MBA led him to completely reimagine performance management for the AI era. Through his work with OnLoop, Ghatak explores how companies can move beyond ineffective form-filling exercises to create genuine clarity, alignment and growth. He examines why current systems perpetuate workplace inequities, how AI can help level the playing field, and why emotional intelligence - not just cognitive ability - will become increasingly crucial as AI transforms knowledge work. Whether you're frustrated with your current performance management approach or simply want to build higher-performing teams, this conversation offers practical insights for modern leaders.  This Episode Covers:  Why traditional performance management systems fail and how they often reinforce workplace inequities through "eloquence bias" The five key layers of collaborative team development, starting with energy and motivation How AI can help extract meaningful insights from unstructured feedback while reducing administrative burden Why asking for feedback is more important than learning how to give it Why emotional intelligence and relationship-building will become more valuable than pure cognitive ability in the AI era The importance of psychological safety and trust in creating real performance improvements How to translate organizational clarity from the C-suite to every level of the company    Episode Highlights:  (00:00) Introduction to Projjal Ghatak – Damon introduces Projjal, CEO of OnLoop, and sets the stage for a discussion on rethinking performance management. (02:00) The Problem with Traditional Reviews – Projjal explains why current systems create intellectual drudgery and fail to deliver meaningful results. (05:30) The Five Pillars of Performance – Projjal introduces his collaborative team development framework, emphasizing energy, goals, feedback, and growth. (09:00) Aligning Individual and Team Goals – Projjal discusses how transparency and clarity around goals improve engagement and outcomes. (12:33) Building a Culture of Feedback – Projjal highlights the importance of regular, structured feedback in fostering personal and organizational growth. (17:00) Leveraging AI for Equity – Projjal explains how AI can reduce bias in feedback and performance reviews, creating a more level playing field. (21:30) Leadership and Emotional Intelligence – Projjal shares tips for leaders on fostering trust, vulnerability, and connection within their teams. (33:18) Practical Applications of OnLoop – Projjal demonstrates how OnLoop simplifies feedback and goal alignment to save time and improve results.(47:00) The Future of AI in Knowledge Work – Projjal reflects on how AI will reshape the workforce, shifting the focus to emotional and relational skills. About JJ: JJ (Projjal) Ghatak is a tech entrepreneur, WEF Tech Pioneer, and CEO of OnLoop, where he's leveraging GenAI to transform how managers lead and develop their teams in the modern workplace. Drawing from his leadership experiences at Uber and Accenture Strategy, combined with his Stanford MBA, he founded OnLoop in 2020 to pioneer the Collaborative Team Development (CTD) approach, which is now revolutionizing management practices across leading creative agencies and tech companies. As a naturalized Singaporean and angel investor, JJ focuses on the intersection of AI, workplace productivity, and the future of work, while actively coaching CEOs and helping scale the next generation of impactful technology companies.    Resources Referenced: A Time to Lead: Mastering Your Self . . . So You Can Master Your World by Craig Dowden JJ Ghatak on LinkedIn OnLoop Interview Hero by OnLoop Uber Doug Conant  Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Are you leveraging the power of service to accelerate your leadership and personal growth?  In this episode of The Learn-It-All Leader Podcast, GoBundance CEO Matt King shares an unconventional but powerful approach to leadership: serving others as a pathway to knowledge and success. If you’re ready to unlock new levels of learning and impact as a leader, this conversation will change how you view relationships, leadership, and growth. Matt and host Learnit CEO  Damon Lembi discuss leadership, vulnerability, and how serving others can lead to unexpected personal and professional growth. Matt shares practical examples of how he has built relationships through service, learned from some of the most successful people, and transformed GoBundance into a thriving community of high achievers. He offers insight into overcoming imposter syndrome, creating accountability, and the power of curiosity in leadership.  If you’re ready to unlock new levels of learning and impact as a leader, this conversation will change how you view relationships, leadership, and growth. This Episode Covers: Why “service is a Trojan horse to knowledge” and how serving others can fast-track your learning The role vulnerability plays in effective leadership and creating a winning culture How GoBundance’s 3 core principles (vulnerability, intimacy, accountability) foster personal and professional growth The importance of intentionality with time and how top leaders master their schedules How to overcome imposter syndrome and turn self-doubt into leadership confidence Practical strategies for creating a culture of accountability in your team or organization The value of continuous learning and surrounding yourself with peers who challenge you to grow  Chapters: (00:00) Introduction to Matt King – Damon introduces Matt King, CEO of GoBundance, and they discuss his philosophy of living a “big life” through accountability and intention. (01:38) Service as a Trojan Horse to Knowledge – Matt explains how serving others can lead to unexpected learning and growth opportunities. (03:43) What is GoBundance? – Matt describes GoBundance as a community of high-achieving individuals striving for continuous improvement in all aspects of life. (05:17) Creating an Environment for Vulnerability – Matt shares how GoBundance fosters a culture of accountability and connection through vulnerability. (09:22) Understanding and Delivering Value – Matt emphasizes the importance of asking the right questions to understand what members value most. (12:17) The Power of Accountability – Matt discusses why peer-to-peer and organizational accountability are essential for personal transformation. (15:54) Lessons from Successful Leaders – Matt shares key lessons learned from GoBundance members, including intentionality with time and the importance of lifelong learning. (19:12) Overcoming Imposter Syndrome – Matt reflects on his own experiences with self-doubt and offers strategies for turning the volume down on negative thoughts. (24:02) Leading with Vulnerability – Matt explains how embracing vulnerability builds trust and empowers teams to take ownership of their roles. (30:26) Shaping Organizational Culture – Matt shares how the Tribal Council model ensures GoBundance remains member-driven and aligned with its mission. (37:17) Final Thoughts on Leadership – Matt offers advice for leaders navigating challenges, emphasizing resilience, self-awareness, and the importance of taking action.  About Matt Matt King is the CEO of GoBundance, a mastermind community for high-achieving entrepreneurs and business leaders, where he focuses on fostering growth, accountability, and meaningful relationships. With experience in investments and leadership across multiple companies, Matt also manages DRO Investments, overseeing a diverse portfolio and leading strategic decisions. His approach to leadership emphasizes vulnerability, curiosity, and a relentless drive to improve, both personally and professionally and his mission is to inspire others to live with purpose and freedom by breaking free from conventional constraints and embracing continuous personal and professional improvement.   Resources Referenced: GoBundance Matt King's Instagram Matt King's website Matt King on LinkedIn The Savannah Bananas The Flow Over Fear Podcast The Fearless Family Business Podcast  Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Are You Leading a Disengaged Team?  According to Gallup, 70% of employees are disengaged at work, with over half actively looking for new jobs. For a 600-person company, that means 420 people don't really care about what they're doing. This sobering reality costs the US economy $500 billion annually in stress-related absences alone. In this episode, Tom Willis, co-author of "The Great Engagement" and former CEO of Cornerstone, examines how leaders can transform their organizational culture from fear-based to purpose-driven. He explores the crucial connection between engagement and personal aspiration, explains why traditional engagement initiatives often fail, and provides practical strategies for creating a coaching culture that unlocks human potential.  This Episode Covers: Why asking "Are you open to feedback?" triggers the same brain response as hearing footsteps in the dark How unconscious "cultural mindsets" sabotage engagement and what leaders can do about it The paradox of slowing down to speed up organizational effectiveness Why engagement without personal aspiration is meaningless The critical difference between having "a high need for perfection" versus being "a perfectionist" How to "listen the greatness" out of people instead of trying to force development The power of switching from fear-based to "agape love" leadership The importance of creating psychological safety for authentic coaching relationships  Episode Highlights:  (00:00) Introduction to Tom Willis – Damon and Darren introduce Tom Willis, leadership consultant and culture expert, to discuss building exceptional workplace cultures. (02:00) The Cost of Disengagement – Tom shares alarming statistics about workplace disengagement and how leaders can take immediate action to address it. (05:30) Culture Eats Everything – Tom explains why culture is the most powerful tool a CEO has and how leaders can actively shape it. (08:33) Engagement Equals Action Plus Empowerment – Tom introduces his formula for engagement and shares why empowerment and alignment are key. (12:00) Overcoming Unconscious Purpose – Tom discusses how fear-based mindsets derail leadership and how leaders can shift to purpose-driven decision-making. (17:00) Coaching and the Role of Listening – Tom emphasizes the power of listening in leadership and how it unlocks potential within teams. (21:30) The Elevate System – Tom introduces his behavioral model, Elevate, designed to help leaders assess and adapt their leadership approach. (33:18) Practical Advice for CEOs – Tom shares advice for CEOs on creating a culture of trust, vulnerability, and accountability. (40:00) Final Thoughts on Leadership – Tom reflects on the importance of serving others and fostering agape love in the workplace.    About Tom: Tom Willis brings unique insights to leadership development, having served as both a school superintendent and CEO of Cornerstone. The co-author of The Great Engagement and creator of the Elevate System, Tom combines his education experience—including teaching in Africa—with business acumen from PricewaterhouseCoopers consulting. A graduate of Michigan and Notre Dame, he helps organizations build stronger cultures through conscious leadership practices.   Resources Referenced: The Great Engagement: How CEOs Create Exceptional Cultures by Tom Willis Phoenix Performance Partners The Elevate System Assessment The Interchange CEO group Tom Willis on LinkedIn  Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Tim Ohai, founder of Kopu Solutions and a growth architect, unpacks why most business strategies flop. He reveals that 95% of employees don't grasp their company's strategy, emphasizing the need for clarity and dynamic decision-making. Tim criticizes fear-based leadership, advocating for psychological safety and healthy tension to spur innovation. He introduces a framework prioritizing scope and alignment, and shares personal anecdotes highlighting the difference between stress and pressure in leadership, ultimately shaping more effective workplaces.

How Do You Build Trust When You're Not the Expert? What if the key to becoming a better leader isn't mastering your domain expertise but learning to lean on your team's knowledge instead?  In this enlightening conversation, Andre Thornton, CEO of Whitman Consulting, shares how being thrown into leading a billion-dollar aircraft sales operation with no prior experience taught him invaluable lessons about authentic leadership and building trust.  Andre joins co-hosts Damon Lembi and Darren Bridgett to discuss how his journey from mechanical engineer to leadership development consultant shaped his understanding of human behavior and organizational dynamics. Drawing from his engineering background, he brings a systematic approach to solving "people problems" while acknowledging the inherently irrational nature of human behavior. Thornton shares powerful insights about measuring success across multiple life dimensions, creating psychological safety, and leading through adversity. This Episode Covers: How measuring personal success across five key pillars (career, financial, spiritual, relationships, and health) can transform your approach to life and leadership Why understanding the "rationality within the irrational" is crucial for developing effective leadership strategies The power of viewing leadership as energy management rather than just process management How to maintain positive leadership during challenging times like layoffs and restructuring Why psychological safety requires giving people grace and creating space for authentic conversations The unexpected advantages of leading in areas where you're not the subject matter expert  Episode Highlights:  (00:00) Introduction to Andre Thornton Damon introduces Andre, highlighting his unique path from engineering to leadership development. (02:00) The Four Pillars of Success Andre shares the framework he uses to measure success across career, finances, relationships, and health. (05:30) Transitioning from Products to People Andre discusses his move from engineering to leadership and why understanding people is the ultimate challenge. (09:00) Emotional Intelligence and Neuroscience Andre explains the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership and how neuroscience provides tools for growth. (12:33) Leading Through Adversity Andre shares personal stories of overcoming challenges and how adversity has fueled his success. (17:00) Building Trust and Culture Andre talks about the role of trust in teams and why creating psychological safety is critical for cohesion and productivity. (21:30) The Importance of Vulnerability Andre emphasizes the power of vulnerability in leadership and how it fosters authenticity and connection. (33:18) Final Thoughts on Self-Discovery Andre offers advice on the never-ending journey of self-discovery and the importance of grace along the way. About Andre: Andre W. Thornton, CEO of Whitman Consulting, leverages his unique combination of mechanical engineering expertise and an MBA in finance to deliver evidence-based leadership development to major corporations including Microsoft, IBM, and Lockheed Martin.  Drawing from his experience co-leading initiatives that captured over $1B in new business and heading up organizations of up to 2,000 employees, Andre has established Whitman Consulting as a premier partner in leadership development, specializing in brain-based behavior change techniques.      Resources Referenced: Andre Thornton on LinkedIn Whitman Consulting  Positive Intelligence: Why Only 20% of Teams and Individuals Achieve Their True Potential AND HOW YOU CAN ACHIEVE YOURS by Shirzad Chamine Google's psychological safety research Dr. Craig Dowden's work on positive leadership The ATD (Association for Talent Development) conference Podcast Contact:Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

What if you could build trust with your team and make a real impact—not just in your sales numbers, but through genuine relationships? In this insightful episode of The Learn-It-All Leader Podcast, seasoned sales leader, Charles Thompson shares the stories of how he overcame personal challenges, applied leadership lessons from his sports to his business career, and redefined the role of a sales leader.  Learnit CEO Damon Lembi and Director of Learning Experience Courtney Ritchie sit down with Charles to discuss the importance of competition, hard work, and trust-building for leaders and the role of personal branding—both inside and outside the workplace. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting out, Charles’s insights and actionable advice on trust, loyalty, competition, and personal branding will help you lead with more confidence and clarity.   This Episode Covers: The transformative power of competition and hard work in sales and leadership Why the best leaders go beyond "open-door policies" to engage with their teams How to build a personal brand on LinkedIn that attracts demand and opportunities The importance of leaders taking responsibility for their teams’ failures and successes Tips for fostering trust within teams and balancing vulnerability with authority The connection between sports coaching and effective business leadership Why every salesperson should embrace LinkedIn for career growth How to communicate feedback constructively to build stronger relationships   Episode Highlights: (00:00) Introduction to Charles Thompson – Damon introduces Charles, former college athlete and sales leader, highlighting his journey from adversity to success. (02:00) Overcoming Early Challenges – Charles shares how growing up in a difficult environment and choosing football helped him stay on a positive path. (05:00) Lessons from Sports – Charles reflects on how sports taught him discipline, hard work, and the importance of loving what you do. (09:00) Transitioning Out of Athletics – Charles discusses the challenges of leaving football and finding a new passion in coaching and sales. (12:33) Mentorship and Coaching – Charles emphasizes the role of great coaches and mentors in shaping his decisions and helping him build resilience. (17:00) Becoming a Sales Leader – Charles shares insights on how he transitioned into sales and developed his leadership style. (21:30) Personal Branding on LinkedIn – Charles explains the importance of building a personal brand and how LinkedIn has transformed sales networking. (33:18) Advice for Young Sales Professionals – Charles offers practical advice for those starting their sales careers, emphasizing the value of competition, hard work, and authenticity.  About Charles: Charles Thompson is a sales leader with over eight years of experience, a former college football player, and a father of four (with a fifth on the way!). An account executive at Experian, he leverages his experiences in sports and coaching to help clients make confident decisions and build strong personal brands driving success in the data and analytics space. Charles is passionate about leadership, helping others, and building strong personal brands.   Resources Referenced: Charles Thompson on LinkedIn Teach for America The 1999 Rams Team Roster Book: Playing for Pizza by John Grisham Omar Halabieh on the Learn-It-All Podcast  Podcast Contact: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

How can you push your organization—and yourself—past the status quo?  In this insightful episode of The Learn-It-All Leader Podcast, attorney, journalist, and tenured professor Alicia Jessop shares powerful insights from her career that highlight the importance of stepping out of comfort zones, refining your leadership skills, and driving true growth.  Learnit CEO Damon Lembi sits down with Alicia Jessop to discuss the evolution of her career, from attorney to sports journalist and professor, and the lessons she's learned about leadership, risk-taking, and storytelling along the way. Alicia left behind a comfortable law career to pursue a passion in sports media and offers listeners a fresh perspective on success. Business leaders will learn how embracing discomfort and focusing on disciplined growth can unlock their full potential, while storytelling and active listening are critical tools for connection and impact. This Episode Covers: Why leaving your comfort zone is essential for long-term growth and success. How business leaders can apply lessons from top athletes about discipline and peak performance. The power of storytelling in leadership and how to become a better storyteller. Practical tips for fostering trust and openness in your team through active listening. Insights into the evolving landscape of women's sports and leadership opportunities in that space. Strategies for leaders to support their teams' growth by asking the right questions. Alicia's personal journey and what it reveals about defining success on your own terms.   Episode Highlights:  (00:00) Introduction to Alicia Jessop – Damon introduces Alicia Jessop, attorney, sports journalist, and founder of Ruling Sports, setting the stage for a conversation on pursuing purpose. (01:20) Embracing Risk for True Growth – Alicia shares her decision to leave a comfortable corporate job to follow her passion for sports media. (05:58) Defining Success on Your Own Terms – Alicia explains why true success means growing as a person, challenging comfort, and making intentional choices. (08:45) The Power of Discipline and Role Models – Alicia reflects on lessons from elite athletes and why discipline is key to success. (10:55) Building Trust Through Listening – Alicia shares tips for building trust as a leader and interviewer by truly listening and creating safe spaces for others to open up. (14:45) Memorable Interviews and Earning Trust – Alicia recalls her challenging interview with Mike Tyson and how she gained his trust to uncover deeper insights. (20:30) Storytelling as a Tool for Connection – Alicia explains the importance of storytelling in connecting with people and shares how leaders can improve their storytelling skills. (24:00) Supporting Athletes Beyond the Game – Alicia discusses her work at Ruling Sports, helping athletes transition from their sports careers to entrepreneurial endeavors. (32:00) The Evolution of Women’s Sports – Alicia offers her perspective on the growth of women’s sports and the need for continued investment and equity. (48:00) Finding Your Life’s Purpose – Alicia encourages listeners to reflect on their legacy and take small steps toward fulfilling their true calling.  About Alicia: Alicia Jessop is a tenured professor, sports law attorney, and media entrepreneur focused on leadership, athlete well-being, and career transitions. As the founder of Ruling Sports, she empowers athletes and business leaders through storytelling, legal expertise, and tailored career strategies. She has been a prominent voice in sports media, covering major events such as the Super Bowl and NBA Finals and has written for outlets like Forbes, The Washington Post, and The Athletic, and hosts the Ruling Sports Podcast. Alicia’s work focuses on storytelling, leadership, and empowering individuals—especially athletes—through content that helps them achieve their goals both on and off the field. Resources Referenced: Alicia’s Mike Tyson Interview Alicia Jessop's Website Ruling Sports Alicia Jessop on LinkedIn The Ruling Sports Podcast Book:  Steal Like an Artist--10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative by Austin Kleon Book: Only 10s 2.0--Confront Your To-Do List and Transform Your Life by Mark J. Silverman  Podcast Contact: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Do You Need to Break Free from Society's "Success" Script? Are you following someone else's definition of success, checking boxes that society laid out for you rather than creating your own path? In this compelling episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, real estate professional and author Kayla Logue shares how she walked away from a seemingly perfect life with $900 to her name to rebuild on her own terms and ended up more successful than ever. Kayla opens up about her journey from feeling stuck and unfulfilled despite "having it all" to completely starting over during the pandemic. She discusses how journaling helped her gain clarity, the importance of taking radical responsibility for your life, and how building the right community can accelerate personal and professional growth. Her story offers valuable insights for leaders feeling trapped by expectations or seeking more authentic paths to success.  This Episode Covers: Why checking society's boxes for success often leads to feeling unfulfilled and stuck The power of radical responsibility: being the cause, problem, AND solution in your life How journaling can provide clarity and accelerate goal achievement  The "Three A's" framework: Agency, Accountability, and Authenticity Building a "starting lineup" of supportive relationships while cutting toxic connections Transforming from avoiding conflict to becoming an effective closer in sales Creating authentic connections through "old school values with new technology" The counterintuitive freedom that comes from completely starting over  Chapters: (00:00) Introduction to Kayla Logue – Damon introduces Kayla Logue, author of Always Squeezing Lemons, and they discuss her journey toward redefining her life. (02:00) Realizing the Need for Change – Kayla shares how a moment of self-reflection in 2020 led her to reassess her path and make a fresh start. (05:00) Leaving Behind Society’s Expectations – Kayla explains why she chose to step away from the “perfect life” and pursue something that felt more authentic. (08:33) Finding Clarity Through Journaling – Kayla discusses the transformative power of journaling in helping her gain clarity and set intentional goals. (12:50) Radical Responsibility – Kayla emphasizes the importance of taking full responsibility for one’s life, decisions, and happiness. (20:00) Building a Supportive Community – Kayla shares why community is crucial and how she cultivated a network of supportive people. (24:30) The “Starting Lineup” Mindset – Kayla explains her concept of a personal “starting lineup,” focusing on surrounding yourself with people who uplift and inspire. (32:18) Advice for Embracing Change – Kayla offers advice for listeners feeling stuck and shares practical steps for pursuing a life aligned with personal values. About Kayla: Kayla Logue, a dynamic seven-figure real estate producer and author of "Always Squeezing Lemons," transformed her own life's challenges into a platform for empowering others through her role as a sought-after motivational speaker and coach. After completely rebuilding her life in 2020, she achieved remarkable success before age 30, demonstrating the power of radical responsibility and authentic leadership in both business and personal development. Through her nonprofit Move Into Words, Kayla champions sustainable mental health practices and personal growth, focusing on the transformative power of journaling and community building among young professionals.    Resources Referenced: Always Squeezing Lemons: Taking Responsibility to Define Your Own Success  by Kayla Logue  Move Into Words Kayla Logue Website Kayla Logue on LinkedIn Podcast Contact: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Are Your Best Deals Dying in Indecision? If your qualified sales opportunities mysteriously evaporating into "no decision" losses, even when customers seem sold on your solution, you're not alone. Research shows 40-60% of qualified pipeline deals end this way, and that number is climbing to 70-80% in today's uncertain environment. In this eye-opening episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast Matt Dixon, renowned sales researcher and bestselling author of The Challenger Sale and The JOLT Effect, sits down with Learnit CEO Damon Lembi to share the groundbreaking results of having analyzed 2.5 million sales conversations. He reveals why traditional sales tactics increase the likelihood of "no decision" losses and introduces a revolutionary framework for helping hesitant customers move forward with confidence. Dixon explains why 87% of senior executives are more indecisive than they admit, how fear of failure trumps fear of missing out, and what top performers do differently to close deals others lose to analysis paralysis.   This Episode Covers: Why focusing on FOMO (fear of missing out) backfires with modern buyers - they care more about FOMU (fear of messing up) The "delegation effect" - how top performers share the burden of decision-making risk with customers Why bringing in too many experts too early undermines the salesperson's authority and trusted advisor status How "pre-buttals" - addressing objections before they're raised - build trust and demonstrate expertise The power of "dangerously honest" selling in building customer confidence Why professional services selling requires a completely different approach than product sales The psychological safety net created by executive sponsorship in major deals   About Matt: Matt Dixon, Ph.D., is a leading global expert on sales and customer experience, known for his groundbreaking research that has revolutionized how organizations approach sales and service strategy. As founding partner of the research-driven consulting firm DCM Insights and author of multiple Wall Street Journal bestsellers including The Challenger Sale and The JOLT Effect, Matt has contributed over 20 articles to Harvard Business Review and advised hundreds of Fortune 500 executive teams on transforming their sales and customer experience approaches.    Resources Referenced: The JOLT Effect: How High Performers Overcome Customer Indecision by Matt Dixon The Challenger Sale: Taking Control of the Customer Conversation by Matt Dixon JOLTeffect.com - Tools and resources DCM Insights Website What Today's Rainmakers Do Differently “Sneak Peak” of upcoming The Activator Advantage The Activator Advantage (upcoming book, May 2025) Matt Dixon on LinkedIn Podcast Contact:Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Are you unsure how to harness the full potential of AI for your business? Take the first step toward future-proofing your organization with actionable strategies from AI strategist Ben Gold and start building your AI roadmap today.  In this insightful episode of The Learn-It-All Leader Podcast, Learnit CEO Damon Lembi speaks with Ben Gold, an AI strategist who helps companies bridge the gap between technology and business objectives.  Ben breaks down how businesses can leverage AI to become more efficient, strategic, and innovative. From eliminating manual tasks to enabling better decision-making, Ben offers actionable advice for leaders ready to embrace AI and avoid being left behind. He also addresses common misconceptions and shares strategies for overcoming internal pushback when adopting AI technologies. This is your opportunity to learn from a leading AI strategist with 20+ years of tech sales experience how AI can supercharge your organization, streamline operations, and drive strategic growth. This Episode Covers: Why AI is evolving at a geometric pace and what that means for your business. How AI can reduce manual tasks, freeing your team to focus on strategy. The biggest mistake companies make with AI adoption and how to avoid it. Why legal and infosec concerns shouldn’t stop your AI rollout—ways to ensure security and privacy. How to start small with AI to drive organizational change and secure quick wins. Tips for building an internal AI council and integrating AI into every department. How startups are using AI to compete with larger companies. The importance of being AI-curious and volunteering to lead AI projects in your company. Episode Highlights:  (00:00) Introduction to Ben Gold – Damon introduces Ben Gold, AI strategist, and they discuss the rapid advancements in AI and its transformative potential. (02:00) Understanding AI’s Capabilities – Ben shares how AI’s exponential growth can revolutionize data processing, workflow optimization, and decision-making. (06:00) Overcoming AI Adoption Challenges – Ben addresses common concerns from legal and security teams and explains ways to secure AI implementation in large organizations. (09:30) Leveraging AI for Efficiency – Ben provides examples of AI-driven tools that streamline work tasks, allowing teams to focus on high-value projects. (13:24) Setting Up an AI Council – Ben explains why establishing an AI council is critical and how it helps align AI initiatives across departments. (16:40) Practical Advice for Getting Started – Ben offers recommendations for leaders on identifying quick AI wins to build momentum in their organizations. (21:50) The Role of AI in Job Security – Ben discusses the importance of upskilling and why employees need to embrace AI to stay relevant in the job market. (33:00) The Future of Work – Damon and Ben wrap up with predictions on how AI will continue to reshape the workforce and tips on fostering a curious, adaptable mindset.  About Ben Ben Gold is an AI strategist with over 20 years of experience in technology and a focus on leveraging AI to drive business growth and efficiency. He specializes in developing customized AI adoption strategies, ethical AI deployment, and helping companies navigate the complexities of AI in a rapidly evolving market. Through hands-on consulting, speaking engagements, and targeted programs, Ben empowers organizations and individuals to harness the power of AI for strategic advantage and career development.   Resources Referenced Claude AI ChatGPT  Clay.com Paul Roetzer’s Marketing AI Institute The Artificial Intelligence Show Podcast Book: Co-Intelligence--Living and Working with AI by Ethan Mollick Descript Book: Finding Your Next Job with Chat GPT--A Guide for Everyone by Ben Gold Ben Gold on LinkedIn  Podcast Contact: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.