In this powerful episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, host Damon Lembi digs in with executive coach and Career Benders founder, Angie Callen to reveal why authenticity is a performance tool, how generational dynamics shape workplace trust, and what you—and every leader—can do to rally a motivated, loyal, and thriving team. 

Discover Angie's journey from civil engineering to entrepreneur, her best practices for individual growth plans, and the key conversations every manager should have with their team. From perfectionism and the myth of work-life balance to actionable tools like values exercises and curiosity-driven reflection, this episode is packed with ideas for anyone ready to take ownership of their career and lead with purpose. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• The real reasons employees leave: How generational values and management misalignment fuel the leadership gap. 
• Why authenticity isn’t just a buzzword—and how to leverage it to build trust and team engagement. 
• How self-awareness, journaling, and curiosity can help you find passion and purpose at work. 
• Tips for managing and motivating different team members as individuals, not units. 
• Strategies for middle managers faced with culture clash and organizational resistance. 
• Why executive presence, confidence, and self-reflection are critical in the modern workplace. 

Timestamps: 

00:00 – Why teams aren't motivated by the same things 

01:11 – Study: 64% of employees trust robots more than managers 

02:02 – The generational gap in leadership and communication styles 

03:52 – Why authenticity matters in leadership 

06:41 – Angie's career path: from engineer to entrepreneur 

08:26 – From art galleries to coaching—embracing “career tumbleweed” 

11:32 – Why most people never find passion in their work (and how to start) 

13:20 – Taking ownership of your career trajectory 

14:04 – Tips for small, low-risk career pivots 

15:30 – Using journaling and reflection to clarify your strengths 

17:14 – The leader’s responsibility: motivating and developing teams individually 

19:38 – Simple exercises to get to know your team faster 

23:49 – Coaching frustrated middle managers: tackling organizational roadblocks 

26:32 – The biggest current challenges for today’s leaders 

28:56 – Building confidence through coaching (and why it matters) 

33:48 – Why AI can’t replace human-to-human coaching 

34:05 – How Angie’s coaching style has evolved 

37:58 – Angie’s ideal clients—and her unique coaching philosophy 

41:02 – Must-have free resources for stuck middle managers 

42:05 – Final advice: You have more control over your career than you think 

About Angie Callen 

Angie Callen is a former civil engineer turned executive coach, podcast host, and the founder of Career Benders. With a colorful journey spanning engineering, nonprofit leadership, entrepreneurship, and career coaching, Angie specializes in helping professionals—especially technical leaders—find their authentic path and unlock their leadership potential. Her coaching focuses on self-awareness, confidence, and finding purposeful, aligned work. Angie is known for practical, people-first strategies that inspire growth and real results. 

Resources & Mentions: 

• Career Benders Free Resources – Core Values exercise and other tools mentioned by Angie 
• Angie Callen on LinkedIn 
• Career Benders official website 
• The Modern Coach Co. – For more on Angie’s work with coaches 
• Ikigai concept (More on Ikigai from PositivePsychology.com) 

Podcast Contact Information: 

Website: www.learnit.com 

Email: [email protected] 

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

In this purposeful solo episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, host Damon Lembi pulls back the curtain on three of the most undervalued leadership skills: the art of consistently showing up, the power of pausing under pressure, and the critical ability to let go and move forward. Damon combines personal anecdotes, practical advice, and frameworks from top experts to help leaders at any level build the resilience and trust needed for high-performing teams—especially in today’s fast-moving, AI-first environment. Whether you’re a new manager or an aspiring executive, you’ll leave with actionable takeaways for leading with presence, poise, and purpose. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• Why showing up—even when you don’t want to—is the backbone of true leadership 
• How “the pause” can defuse tension and change the trajectory of tough conversations 
• The difference between letting go and avoidance—and how leaders can move past mistakes without grudges 
• Simple, science-backed practices to reset after conflicts and stay present for your team 
• How carrying unresolved issues undermines culture and drains team performance 
• Real-world rituals Damon uses to keep his promises and be consistently reliable 

Timestamps: 

00:00 – What most people get wrong about leadership 

00:30 – Why the small, invisible habits build real trust 

01:00 – Skill 1: Show up—even when you don’t feel like it 

01:45 – Why inconsistency breaks trust and erodes culture 

02:20 – Damon’s example: Recording at 7AM on a Sunday 

03:10 – Anchor to purpose when motivation fades 

03:45 – Skill 2: Practice the pause in tough moments 

04:15 – What the body tells you before you snap 

04:45 – Damon’s tip from Cynthia Kane: One breath + ground yourself 

05:30 – Why excited leaders need the pause too 

06:00 – The power of slowing the energy in a room 

06:30 – Skill 3: Learn to let go (without avoiding or resenting) 

07:00 – Mike Robbins’ framework: Let it go or deal with it 

07:30 – Why option 3 (resentment) kills culture 

08:00 – Resetting between meetings and relationships 

08:30 – Recap: Show up, pause, let go 

09:00 – Weekly challenge + free gift: 45 days of Learnit training 

About Damon Lembi 

Damon Lembi is a 3x 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 Lembi LinkedIn 
• Learnit 
• Learn It All Leader (Book by Damon Lembi) 
• The Learn-It-All Leader for Kids (Kids Book by Damon Lembi) 
• Cynthia Kane’s book: The Pause Principle 
• Cynthia Kane on The Learn-It-All Podcast, Episode 182 
• Mike Robbins’ website: mike-robbins.com 
• Learnit 45-day free training offer

Podcast Contact Information: 

Website: www.learnit.com 

Email: [email protected] 

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

When was the last time you worked ON your business, not just IN it? In this eye-opening episode, host Damon Lembi welcomes Dr. John Hillen—former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State, multi-time CEO, board chairman, and award-winning strategy professor—to break down what strategic thinking actually means for today’s leaders. Drawing from his hot new book, The Strategy Dialogue, John argues that strategy isn’t just for Fortune 500 boardrooms; it’s a muscle every leader can—and must—develop, regardless of company size. From unearthing the difference between “strategic planning” and “strategic thinking” to practical ways to shift your mindset, this episode is packed with actionable frameworks, real-world case studies, and wisdom to help you stop reacting and start leading. 

If you’ve ever felt too busy to look beyond your to-do list, you’ll learn why only 4% of leaders naturally think strategically—and how to join them. Plus: stories from the Berlin Wall, lessons from the rise of Netflix, the fall of Blockbuster, and what grocery stores can teach you about your true strengths. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, executive, or aspiring strategist, this episode will change the way you see your business, your role, and your future. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• What separates strategic leaders from busy taskmasters (and why ownership of strategy can’t be delegated) 
• Why “strategic thinking” is not the same as “strategic planning,” and how to make it a daily habit 
• The 4% mindset: How truly strategic leaders map the ecosystem, spot patterns, and connect the dots long-term 
• Real-life case studies: Why Netflix disrupted Blockbuster, and how Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods each leverage hidden strengths 
• How to identify your company’s core competency (hint: ask your customers, not your marketing team) 
• Tools and frameworks—from SWOT and “TOES” to actionable, Socratic dialogues—for thinking and leading strategically in any environment 

Timestamps:  

00:00 – The “strategic muscle”: why leaders must work ON the business 

00:30 – Damon introduces John Hillen & today’s episode 

01:26 – Why strategy is the heart of leadership 

02:49 – Common excuses leaders use to avoid strategic thinking 

04:51 – Only 4% of executives think strategically (and what the other 96% do instead) 

07:36 – John’s background: Berlin Wall, Desert Storm, and the roots of strategic thinking 

12:14 – How global experience shapes perspective and context 

14:24 – Why John wrote The Strategy Dialogue & teaching strategy through dialogue 

19:14 – Strategic thinking vs. strategic planning: Key differences 

23:36 – Using “scenario planning” and creativity in traditionally rigid industries 

24:51 – The essential mindset shift: think forward, ask better questions 

26:26 – Why companies like Blockbuster and Kodak get disrupted 

30:28 – Netflix’s three business model pivots: lessons in strategic agility 

32:35 – How to get honest about your true strengths—ask your customers 

35:49 – Whole Foods vs. Trader Joe’s: Different strengths, different strategies 

37:21 – Beyond SWOT: the TOES framework for action-oriented strategy 

44:40 – Can AI help with strategic thinking? The human judgment difference 

47:00 – Why “how you think” is more important than “what you decide” 

51:24 – How often should you revisit your strategy? 

58:40 – Strategy, clarity, transparency, and public policy examples 

1:00:10 – John’s final advice: Work on your business, not just in it 

About Dr. John Hillen  

Dr. John Hillen is an award-winning strategy professor, best-selling author, and sought-after business leader with a career spanning the military, government, academia, and boardrooms. A former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State and CEO of multiple companies, John has taught leadership and strategy at Duke, George Mason, and other top universities. His latest book, The Strategy Dialogue, distills decades of experience into practical lessons for leaders at every level. Find out more at johnhillen.com or connect with John on LinkedIn. 

Resources & Mentions: 

• The Strategy Dialogue by John Hillen 
• John’s website: johnhillen.com 
• John Hillen on LinkedIn 
• Patrick Lencioni, author referenced and blurb contributor 
• StrengthsFinder tool mentioned 
• Clayton Christensen and his work on disruptive innovation 

Podcast Contact Information:  

Website: www.learnit.com 

Email: [email protected] 

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Winning in the remote world isn’t just about logging in—it’s about knowing yourself, mastering communication, and finding where you fit.  

In this episode, Damon Lembi sits down with Michelle Coulson, founder of Remote Rebellion, to crack open the realities of remote and hybrid work. Michelle draws on her years as a recruiter and leader of remote teams to explore what it truly takes to thrive (or hire) in the remote-first era. From cutting through workplace distractions to the psychology of choice, Michelle and Damon address the often-overlooked challenges and opportunities facing both companies and job seekers today. Whether you’re looking to land your first remote job, level-up your virtual team, or simply want a more fulfilling work-life balance, you’ll walk away with actionable strategies, honest insights, and plenty of inspiration to support your remote journey. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• Why freedom of choice is the #1 motivator for remote workers (even before money) 
• The real traits that set top performers apart in remote environments—and why structure still matters 
• Common mistakes organizations make when “going remote” and how to set intentional policies 
• How to stand out in an increasingly competitive remote job market—personal branding, communication hacks, and more 
• What recruiters are really looking for in remote candidates (plus Michelle’s favorite filtering trick) 
• Why authentic networking and feedback fuel both hiring and personal growth in a virtual world 

Timestamps: 

00:00 – Michelle on freedom of choice and productivity 

01:21 – Rethinking the work-life equation 

02:55 – How the Pandemic turbocharged Remote Rebellion 

03:29 – The case for office and remote: pro-choice work life 

04:37 – Bad reasons companies force return-to-office 

05:54 – Helping employers design meaningful in-person work 

07:31 – The hardest part of running a remote-first company 

08:58 – Must-have skills for remote success (communication rules!) 

12:54 – Building effective team communication across cultures 

16:38 – Helping late-career workers go remote 

19:51 – Why remote jobs are so competitive right now 

22:05 – Does remote really make people happier and more productive? 

23:45 – Finding and landing remote roles: personal branding, networking 

28:19 – Michelle’s filtering hack for serious applicants 

30:22 – Why you shouldn’t mass-apply (and how you’re part of the problem) 

33:39 – Can you become a great leader if you’ve only worked remotely? 

36:44 – Michelle’s virtual remote career fair: bringing humanity back 

40:24 – How Michelle helps orgs recruit for remote readiness 

44:55 – Honesty about “remote-first” and setting expectations 

46:22 – Who thrives in Michelle’s Remote Job Academy 

49:13 – The future of remote and hybrid work 

51:32 – The value of external feedback and keeping a success journal 

54:29 – Where to connect with Michelle 

About Michelle Coulson 

Michelle Coulson is the founder of Remote Rebellion, a company dedicated to empowering individuals to design their work around life—rather than the other way around. With a background in recruitment and having managed remote, cross-continental teams, Michelle specializes in helping both organizations and job seekers master remote work. Her practical, candid approach cuts through the noise, offering real-world insights on talent attraction, communication, and what it actually takes to succeed virtually. Michelle has also hosted global remote job fairs and leads her own Remote Job Academy.  

Resources & Mentions 

• Remote Rebellion website 
• Michelle Coulson on LinkedIn 
• Learnit: www.learnit.com 

Podcast Contact Information: 

Website: www.learnit.com 

Email: [email protected] 

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

How would your life change if you realized your greatest power isn’t what happens to you—but how you choose to think about it? In this eye-opening episode, Damon sits down with world-renowned mental toughness coach Chris Dorris to unpack the real meaning of mental mastery. Chris shares why our states—and ultimately our lives—are shaped by the content we choose to fill our minds with. Through engaging exercises, candid stories, and actionable mantras, Chris reveals how to break free from victimhood, conquer self-doubt, and start creating your best days on purpose. 

Listeners learn why most of our suffering is learned—not inevitable—and why unlearning is the true path to excellence. Whether it’s overcoming imposter syndrome, rewiring how you respond to adversity, or empowering those around you to ditch the blame game, this episode is packed with the tools, mindsets, and mantras to help you close the gap between the life you have and the life you want. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• Why “create the state, don’t wait” is the key to lasting happiness and performance 
• How your thoughts instantly shape your moods—and simple exercises to prove it 
• The origins of victim mentality and how to break free from it (for yourself and others) 
• The power of “Catch, Own, Replace”: a framework to shift from low to high-grade thinking 
• How visualization and mental rehearsal rewires your brain for success—no matter your circumstances 
• What the “success story folder” is, and how to use it to build belief and confidence on tough days 

Timestamps: 

00:00 – Chris’s “Best Damn Day of My Life” ritual and the science of choosing your mood 

03:56 – Real-time exercises: moving yourself across the emotional spectrum 

08:58 – Why mental toughness is about unlearning and the story of “Benny and the Car Keys” 

15:42 – How to catch, own, and replace sabotaging thoughts 

20:44 – Visualization, neuroscience, and the POW golfer story 

25:54 – Why complaining is the enemy—and what people get from victimhood 

28:53 – Breaking out of the blame game: stories, strategies, and permission 

33:20 – The flat tire lesson: responding to setbacks with mastery 

43:20 – Creating excellence from everything—Damon’s personal story with adversity 

54:38 – Why wishing on birthday candles is a waste: teaching kids to “decide” 

56:24 – Recap: the habits and mantras of mental mastery 

58:45 – The “Success Story Folder”: what it is and how to start yours 

59:05 – How to connect with Chris and access more mental toughness tools 

About Chris Dorris 

Chris Dorris is a globally acclaimed mental toughness coach, author, and performance consultant who has dedicated his career to helping people close the gap between how life is and how they want it to be. As a coach to elite athletes, business leaders, and high-achievers, Chris’s impact has reached millions through his books, daily mental mastery tips, and engaging seminars. His actionable philosophy centers on unlearning limiting beliefs, cultivating emotional mastery, and equipping individuals to create excellence in every aspect of their lives.  

Resources & Mentions 

• Chris Dorris’s website: ChristopherDorris.com 
• Chris Dorris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisdorris/ 
• Daily Dose Mental Toughness Tips: ChristopherDorris.com/DD 
• The Book of Mental Toughness Mantras by Chris Dorris: order here 
• Byron Katie’s Work: thework.com 
• Steve Chandler Audio on Victim vs. Ownership Mindset: Listen here 

Podcast Contact Information: 

Website: www.learnit.com 

Email: [email protected] 

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Winning sales teams in today’s world aren’t dialing for dollars—they’re building human connections and turning conversations into qualified meetings. In this high-impact episode, Damon welcomes the brilliant Timothy Hughes, CEO of DLA Ignite and pioneering author of "Social Selling," to unpack why the world’s best sellers are ditching pitches and transforming LinkedIn from a noisy sales channel into a powerhouse pipeline engine. Tim reveals how he’s helped sales development teams consistently book a meeting a day (no cold calls or spam required!), and coaches Damon—and our audience—on shifting mindsets, updating profiles the right way, and writing content that actually drives business. Whether you’re an SDR, team leader, or curious executive, this episode will change how you think about digital selling forever. 

From practical frameworks and benchmarked results to common pitfalls and the next frontiers of AI in sales, Tim and Damon deliver a masterclass that’s part strategy, part mindset shift, and all action. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• Why your LinkedIn summary title is the most powerful piece of personal branding you’ll ever write—and how to make it your “why,” not your resume. 
• The three pillars of modern social selling: profile, network, and content—and how to optimize each one for real influence (not noise). 
• How to turn likes and comments into real prospecting conversations, not just vanity metrics. 
• What separates top-performing SDRs (one is booking 25 meetings/week!) from the noise—and how they use humor, gratitude, and curiosity to win. 
• Why “connect and pitch” is dead and starting real conversations is the new sales superpower. 
• How social selling is reshaping sales culture, boosting morale, and even helping teams fall back in love with the profession. 

Timestamps: 

00:00 – Why bland LinkedIn profiles kill trust—and the power of human connection 

00:14 – Damon introduces Timothy: Author, CEO, pioneer of social selling 

01:07 – Social selling results: 1 meeting per day without cold calls or spam 

02:13 – “LinkedIn isn’t a sales channel—it’s about conversations, not pitches” 

03:11 – Tim’s shift from traditional sales to leading the social selling movement 

04:15 – Tim’s books: the first-ever guide to social selling, and its evolution 

06:01 – The “three things” every seller must get right on LinkedIn 

09:20 – The summary title mistake LinkedIn trainers make (and what to do instead) 

11:39 – Should you put vanity metrics (like subscribers/sales) in your profile? 

12:47 – How a profile update leads to inbound leads (and surprises your network) 

14:39 – Building the right network: why personalization trumps automation 

16:13 – Connection rates, benchmarks, and optimizing outreach 

18:39 – Creating a wide, multi-threaded influence inside target accounts 

18:40 – Content that connects: why personal updates outperform corporate “brochureware” 

21:00 – Human content as prospecting: turning engagement into next steps 

24:44 – How to convert likes and comments into real sales conversations 

26:02 – Habits of SDRs booking 25 meetings/week—the role of humor and connection 

28:25 – The power of simply saying “thank you” after a new connection 

29:24 – Should you ditch cold calling and spammy emails altogether? 

30:26 – Why leaders must model and drive social selling for real change 

32:32 – How social selling helps teams fall back in love with sales 

34:59 – Overview: How Tim’s courses and coaching create true behavior change 

38:46 – The 70/20/10 learning framework and making training truly stick 

40:07 – One final reminder: start conversations, don’t pitch 

About Timothy Hughes 

Timothy Hughes is the CEO and co-founder of DLA Ignite, the leader in social selling transformation. Widely regarded as the authority who literally wrote the book on social selling, Tim has spent over 25 years in B2B sales, including at companies like Oracle, before trailblazing the move to digital-first selling. He’s the author of "Social Selling: Techniques to Influence Buyers and Changemakers," now in its second edition, and works hands-on with sales teams from global enterprises to startups to turn online engagement into real business results. Connect with Tim on LinkedIn. 

Resources & Mentions: 

• Social Selling: Techniques to Influence Buyers and Changemakers (Amazon) 
• DLA Ignite (Timothy’s Company) 
• Timothy Hughes on LinkedIn 

Podcast Contact Information: 

Website: www.learnit.com 

Email: [email protected] 

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

What separates good leaders from great ones? In this solo episode, Damon Lembi, CEO of Learnit, reveals the five essential leadership shifts he's learned across three decades of driving organizational success. Damon lays out hard-won lessons, candid stories, and straightforward strategies to help you move from “know it all” to “learn it all”—so you can build teams that are empowered, innovative, and resilient. 

You’ll discover why being a hero is overrated, how to tackle tough conversations, and what it takes to truly connect with every member of your team. Plus, stick around for an exclusive gift valued at thousands of dollars to supercharge your learning journey. Whether you’re a seasoned exec or a new manager, this episode is your leadership wake-up call. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• Why shifting from “know it all” to “learn it all” creates a culture of innovation and psychological safety. 
• How to stop leading as the hero and start empowering others as a hero maker. 
• The power of stepping outside your comfort zone—and why hard conversations are essential for lasting growth. 
• How to practice “chameleon leadership” by tailoring your approach to each person’s unique style and needs. 
• Why speaking last in meetings unlocks better ideas and motivates your team to truly contribute. 
• Easy, actionable steps to embed these shifts in your daily leadership routine. 

Timestamps: 

00:00 – Great leadership isn’t about answers—it’s about humility, courage, and belief 

00:35 – Preview of the 5 leadership shifts + Damon’s free gift for listeners 

01:00 – Shift 1: From Know-It-All to Learn-It-All 

03:00 – Shift 2: From Hero to Hero-Maker 

05:15 – Shift 3: Stop Protecting Your Comfort Zone 

07:15 – Shift 4: Lead How Others Want to Be Led 

09:30 – Shift 5: Leaders Speak Last 

12:00 – Quick recap of all 5 shifts 

13:00 – Damon’s challenge: Pick 1 shift and start tomorrow 

14:00 – Free offer: 45 days of live training for you + 20 teammates 

14:30 – Rate, review, and stay curious 

15:00 – You can’t lead better without learning better 

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 Lembi LinkedIn 
• Learnit 
• Learn It All Leader (Book by Damon Lembi) 
• The Learn-It-All Leader for Kids (Kids Bood by Damon Lembi) 
• Gary Ridge episode of Learn-It-All Podcast 
• Gary Ridge’s Book: Any Dumbass Can Do It 
• Ethan Evans episode of Learn-It-All Podcast 
• Learnit Free Training Offer 

Podcast Contact Information: 

Website: www.learnit.com 

Email: [email protected] 

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Winning podcasters—and high performers of all stripes—aren’t built on luck or Hollywood backing. They’re built on resilience, vision, and a relentless drive to keep learning and trying. In this energizing episode, Damon sits down with Tony Durso, business strategist, bestselling author, and host of one of the world’s biggest podcasts, to uncover what it really takes to go from zero to 50 million downloads with no radio experience and no big media machine. Tony shares his “Vision Map” eight-step framework for driving toward any goal—plus down-to-earth stories, tactical advice, and lessons learned from interviewing elite entrepreneurs and industry icons. 

From why your purpose matters more than your paycheck, to tactical social media strategies, to the real secret that separates high performers from hopefuls, this episode is packed with actionable tools for anyone wanting to build something meaningful—be it a business, a podcast, or a life-changing pivot. Tony shares his mistakes, his European relationship-first mindset, and why writing down your vision might be the most powerful move you’ll ever make. To top it all off, hear how Tony pivoted from nonfiction to writing a hit fiction series—and why he believes picking up a novel might just be the recharge you need as a leader. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• How Tony Durso grew his podcast to 50 million downloads without a corporate media engine 
• Why resilience (never quitting) is the true secret to long-term success 
• The eight-step “Vision Map” framework for turning dreams into reality 
• Why purpose—and not money—is the foundation of passion projects and sustainable careers 
• What Tony learned from interviewing hundreds of millionaires and billionaires 
• Tactical social media advice for maximizing your impact and avoiding common mistakes 
• The surprising value of fiction for leader creativity, relaxation, and perspective shifts 

Timestamps: 

00:00 – Tony Durso on the real mark of success: Never quitting 

01:14 – How Tony built a podcast empire from scratch 

04:22 – The art of leveraging big-name guests for audience growth 

05:09 – Tony’s #1 lesson from elite entrepreneurs: perseverance 

07:33 – The critical role of passion in lasting podcasting (and business) success 

09:44 – Why purpose should come before profit 

13:04 – Tony’s “Vision Map” framework and how it works 

16:51 – Tony’s original podcasting vision—and how he wrote it into being 

19:47 – Finding your true purpose (and why money should stay out of it) 

23:35 – The chocolate soufflé analogy: why knowing “the words” isn’t enough 

24:49 – Turning goals into actionable long-term objectives 

28:23 – Which Vision Map steps matter most in hard times 

29:13 – Eight steps to achievement—and why doing is everything 

36:00 – Tony’s pivot to fiction: the Ion of Atlantis series 

41:49 – Why fiction matters for leaders (creativity, downtime, and more) 

45:18 – On discipline, character, and Tony’s favorite fictional hero 

47:24 – Tony’s top piece of advice for today’s leaders and podcasters 

49:59 – Where to connect with Tony (website, social, and more) 

About Tony Durso 

Tony Durso is an author, business strategist, and the host of The Tony Durso Show—one of the largest podcasts in the world, with over 50 million downloads. After decades in corporate sales, marketing, and PR, Tony built his entire media presence from scratch, booking elite entrepreneurs, authors, and business icons as guests. He’s the creator of the “Vision Map” framework and bestselling author of nonfiction and fiction books, including the acclaimed Ion of Atlantis series. Tony’s passion is helping others unlock success by going all-in on their vision, purpose, and perseverance. 

Resources & Mentions: 

• TonyDurso.com – Tony’s Website 
• The Tony Durso Show 
• Jordan Adler’s Beach Money  
• Imen of Atlantis Trilogy (Tony’s fiction series) 
• Tony on X (Twitter) 
• Tony on LinkedIn 
• The 3 Critical Mistakes to Avoid on Social Media – Tony’s Free Resource 

Podcast Contact Information: 

Website: www.learnit.com 

Email: [email protected] 

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

What if everything you know about sales is about to be turned on its head? In this high-energy episode, host Damon Lembi sits down with legendary sales trainer Greg Bennett to reveal why most pipelines (and salespeople) are headed for extinction in the age of AI. Greg breaks down his signature “Ugly Pond” concept—embracing uncomfortable truths early to build trust, not just chase maybes—and shares why mini steps are the real secret to sales momentum. From the destructive dance between “hopeless romantic” sellers and ninja-level buyers, to the pressure AI will put on lazy pipelines, Greg pulls no punches. Packed with real stories, actionable frameworks, and hard-won wisdom, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone who wants to stay ahead as trust, outcomes, and human connection become the ultimate differentiators in sales. 

Whether you lead a team, carry a quota, or just want to future-proof your career, you’ll leave motivated (and equipped) to trade wishful thinking for real results—one “mini step” and honest conversation at a time. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• Why selling services is dead—and the new playbook is all about selling outcomes. 
• What the “Ugly Pond” is, and how embracing “no” early unclogs your pipeline and builds trust faster. 
• How AI is exposing lazy salespeople and forcing a new era of transparency and specificity. 
• The powerful psychology behind the dysfunctional dance between buyers and sellers. 
• The magic of “mini steps”: breaking the sales process into visible, mutual-commitment wins that build confidence, progress, and clarity. 
• How to build instant credibility by putting client outcomes first, not product features. 

Timestamps: 

00:00 – Don’t talk services, talk outcomes: building instant trust 

01:17 – The “Ugly Pond” origin: Saying the uncomfortable truth in sales 

05:22 – Why facing “no” is the key to real pipeline health 

09:24 – The sales dance: Why buyers and sellers deceive each other 

11:00 – How AI will crush average salespeople and fake pipelines 

15:11 – Building trust fast: Arrive with value for the client 

16:28 – Features, benefits, and the power of client-outcome storytelling 

20:00 – Hyper-relevance: Why vertical-specific prospecting wins 

21:11 – Introducing mini steps: Making invisible sales processes visible 

29:52 – Mini steps in action: Why mutual commitments matter 

33:17 – Flushing the pipeline: When to pivot, when to press for “no” 

35:41 – The “zero to ten” flush: How Greg gets prospects to name the truth 

43:47 – Management’s real job: Owning the pipeline and coaching for reality 

46:56 – What a good sales day looks like (and why new reps need clarity) 

48:45 – Why fundamental sales skills matter more than new tricks 

49:16 – A classic San Francisco story with Damon’s father and a surprise celebrity proposal 

52:44 – Where to find Greg’s Ugly Pond course and connect for more help 

About Greg Bennett 

Greg Bennett founded his own sales coaching and consulting firm in 1987, building a career grounded in psychology and human behavior. He’s trained organizations of all sizes—from large, medium and small sales organizations, to national consulting firms, to Fortune 500 giants. His client list also includes over 200 pro and collegiate sports teams, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL.  

Greg is also the author of four books, including Consultative Closing and Make More Donuts.  

He officially retired from full-time speaking and consulting in January of 2025, and is now offering occasional webinars, an online program called, "The Power of NO", as well as select 1-on-1 coaching engagements. 

Resources & Mentions: 

• Greg Bennett on LinkedIn 
• The Ugly Pond website & course – Greg Bennett’s training and resources 
• Consultative Closing - https://a.co/d/ftiKpzj  
• The Challenger Sale book - https://a.co/d/2hJwDWS  
• “Make More Donuts” – https://a.co/d/d4iou66  

Podcast Contact Information: 

Website: www.learnit.com 

Email: [email protected] 

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Some of the best leadership lessons don’t come from the boardroom—they come from the ball field and bedtime stories. 

On this special episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, the tables turn as Dr. Mickey Fitch Collins interviews Damon Lembi—bestselling author, CEO, and father—about his newest project: a children’s book inspired by his leadership bestsellers, The Learn-It-All Leader for Kids. Together, they break down why instilling curiosity, humility, and resilience in the next generation matters just as much as any corporate training. They dig into the creative process of translating adult leadership principles for young readers, how to parent (and lead) in a way that prioritizes effort over outcomes, and why modeling “learn-it-all” behavior starts at home. Filled with honest stories, actionable insights, and a few heartfelt moments, this episode is for anyone—parent, coach, educator, or leader—who wants to shape kids (and themselves) into lifelong learners. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• The big leadership lessons behind The Learn-It-All Leader for Kids—and why they matter as much to adults as to children 
• What makes kids natural “learn-it-alls,” and how parents and leaders can keep their curiosity alive instead of stifling it 
• How writing a leadership children’s book fundamentally differs from writing for adults (and what surprised Damon most in the process) 
• Tips for modeling open, adaptive leadership at home and at work—even when you don’t have all the answers 
• The role of symbols (like the coach’s hat) and storytelling in teaching real-world leadership skills to the next generation 
• How anybody—not just parents—can use this book to nurture learning, inclusion, and growth among young people 

Timestamps 

00:00 – Damon on kids, curiosity, and learning by example 

00:32 – Mickey Fitch Collins takes over as host; Damon’s introduction 

01:17 – Why Damon wrote a children’s book—and who it’s for 

01:57 – Main takeaways for kids, parents, and families from the book 

02:46 – The story summary: Pandas vs. Oaks, winning and self-discovery 

04:06 – Adapting leadership lessons for kids (and surprising writing challenges) 

05:21 – Differences and similarities between writing for adults vs. kids 

06:46 – How Damon sees himself in his own characters (Noah vs. Lucy) 

08:51 – The dangers of perfectionism; why effort is more important than results 

10:49 – Modeling leadership at home—lessons from Damon’s parents 

11:57 – The “coach’s hat” as a symbol of shared leadership 

12:55 – Helping kids shift from know-it-alls to learn-it-alls 

14:58 – Inclusion, humility, and fighting against bullying in childhood 

15:50 – How Mickey’s own kids related to the book’s characters 

17:14 – What’s in the book for adults without children? 

18:11 – Why learning agility and adaptability matter for all future leaders 

18:55 – Redefining leadership: everyone can lead from where they are 

19:45 – Final thoughts: Leadership is a team sport, at home and at work 

21:50 – Wrap-up and where to get the book 

21:52 – Closing 

About Damon Lembi 

Damon Lembi is a 2x bestselling author, host of The Learn-It-All Podcast, and CEO of Learnit—a live learning platform that has helped over 2 million people grow. Drawing on his experiences as an athlete, executive, and father, Damon brings a unique perspective to leadership, culture, and continuous growth. In his latest children’s book, The Learn-It-All Leader for Kids, he distills decades of practical leadership insights for the next generation, empowering young readers (and their adults) to embrace curiosity, courage, and learning at any age.   

Resources & Mentions 

• The Learn-It-All Leader for Kids (Pre-order Here) 
• The Learn-It-All Leader by Damon Lembi 
• Learnit Lounge Podcast, hosted by Mickey Fitch Collins 
• Damon’s LinkedIn 
• Learnit website 

Podcast Contact:

Website: www.learnit.com 

Email: [email protected] 

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.