the Learn-It-All™ podcast

From million-dollar mistakes to leading one of America’s largest law firms, this episode with Tim Lupinacci is a masterclass in practical leadership, influence, and everyday impact. Damon sits down with Tim to explore the core ideas from Tim’s widely praised book, Everybody Leads, and to unpack what real-world leadership looks like for professionals at every level—not just those with fancy titles or corner offices. Tim’s candid stories (including being called an “idiot” by a mentor), hard-won lessons, and actionable tools lay out a blueprint for how anyone can own their career, build their influence, and create resilient, thriving teams. 

With honesty and vulnerability, Tim details his journey from “stumbling into law school” to becoming CEO and Chairman of Baker Donaldson. Along the way, the conversation dives into imposter syndrome, self-mastery, consistency, the power of curiosity, and why influence beats formal authority every time. From cascading vision across thousands to practical daily habits, you’ll leave this episode fired up to lead with more intention—wherever you are. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• How Tim’s early career mistake became the spark for a lifetime of leadership growth 
• Powerful ways to redefine leadership as influence and everyday impact—not just hierarchy 
• Why vulnerability and curiosity are Tim’s go-to habits for self-leadership (and how he builds these muscles) 
• Simple, repeatable tips for daily self-mastery and growth—even with a packed schedule 
• The four traits that decades of research show the best leaders have in common 
• How to cascade organizational purpose and vision from the top down (and bottom up) 
• What “leadership aroma” means—and why every interaction counts 
• Tim’s view on using storytelling, gratitude, and encouragement to build culture and drive team buy-in 
• Real strategies for handling imposter syndrome, setbacks, and owning your impact at work 

Timestamps: 

00:00 – Tim’s definition of leadership: influence and impact 

00:51 – Tim’s million-dollar mistake and Bob’s tough mentorship 

04:46 – How Tim handles mistakes as CEO (and builds resilience) 

06:48 – Tim’s journey to CEO: building teams and pouring into others 

09:06 – Imposter syndrome and the “soundtracks” in your head 

13:00 – Leadership transparency, feedback, and culture 

17:35 – What does it mean to be a leader? (Everyday influence) 

21:09 – The role of curiosity in personal leadership 

23:43 – Quick tips to build daily curiosity 

26:35 – Tim’s daily disciplines for self-mastery 

29:24 – Four most-admired leadership traits—what research says works 

31:44 – How to find your North Star values as a leader 

33:57 – AI, vision, and strategic planning for the future 

38:12 – Cascading vision and purpose across a huge organization 

41:14 – Leadership aroma: why every interaction matters 

43:31 – Modeling behavior—why leaders are “always on stage” 

44:59 – A few words can change careers: examples of encouragement 

47:44 – Giving life vs. taking it: our responsibility as leaders 

49:29 – Churchill’s dinner table diplomacy (and building authentic connections) 

51:40 – What Tim learned as a podcast host (curiosity in action) 

53:09 – One more tip for team leadership: don’t take yourself too seriously (have fun!) 

54:52 – Tim’s legacy: practical encouragement for everyday leaders 

56:12 – Where to connect with Tim and Everybody Leads nonprofit 

About Tim Lupinacci 

Tim Lupinacci is Chairman and CEO of Baker Donaldson, one of the top 100 largest law firms in the United States. A lifelong “leadership junkie,” Tim’s journey spans decades of resilience and impact—from early career setbacks to steering a 1400-person organization. Tim is the author of Everybody Leads, a book dedicated to empowering professionals at every level to embrace influence, purpose, and fulfillment. He also founded the nonprofit Everybody Leads to share practical, positive leadership tools. Tim is passionate about making leadership accessible—and showing that anyone can own their impact at work, at home, and in the community. 

Resources & Mentions: 

• Website: Everybody Leads 
• Website: Baker Donaldson 
• LinkedIn: Tim Lupinacci 
• Tim’s book: Everybody Leads (Amazon) 
• Tim’s nonprofit: Everybody Leads 
• Tim’s podcast: Everybody Leads Podcast 
• John Maxwell, 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership 
• Leadership Challenge, Kouzes & Posner 
• Ryan Holiday, The Daily Stoic 

Podcast Contact Information: 

Website: www.learnit.com 

Email: [email protected] 

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Mission-driven leadership is more than a tactic—it's a calling. In this episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, Damon sits down with Jason Menzo, CEO of Foundation Fighting Blindness, for a candid conversation about building high-performing teams, driving medical breakthroughs, and leading with authenticity. Jason reveals what it takes to pivot from the private sector to the nonprofit world and shares the moonshot mission guiding his organization: delivering treatments and cures for blinding diseases. With nearly $1 billion raised and groundbreaking advances in gene therapy, Jason’s story is packed with lessons for anyone driven by purpose and impact. 

From finding the right people for your team to navigating massive goals and building a culture of trust, this episode offers actionable takeaways for leaders in every field—plus hope for the millions affected by inherited retinal diseases. Whether you want to up-level your hiring, create more belonging, or just hear an inspiring story of resilience, you’ll leave with new tools and renewed motivation. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• How Jason transitioned from corporate leadership to running a world-changing nonprofit 
• The power of authenticity—and why letting people show up as themselves boosts happiness and performance 
• Strategies for onboarding, interviewing, and building high-caliber, collaborative teams 
• What to do when your team members aren’t the right fit (and how empathy and responsibility intersect) 
• How Foundation Fighting Blindness funds research, drives innovation, and fosters community—for patients and families nationwide 
• The role of AI, venture funding, and creative talent deployment in accelerating medical breakthroughs 
• How to balance moonshot ambitions with everyday wins—keeping hope alive while driving real results 

Timestamps: 

00:00 – Jason on raising the bar at Foundation Fighting Blindness 

00:30 – The mission and moonshot goals: delivering cures for blinding diseases 

02:49 – Why authentic workplaces outperform others 

04:00 – Linking happiness, authenticity, and productivity 

05:30 – Jason’s journey: from Michigan furniture salesman to CEO 

07:58 – Why vision research became Jason’s passion 

10:04 – Key differences between private sector and nonprofit leadership 

12:45 – Jason’s first 90 days: listening tour and change management 

14:51 – How to push back and set boundaries with boards/shareholders 

17:14 – Building high-caliber, collaborative teams (and fighting organizational silos) 

20:46 – The interview process: transparency and culture fit 

23:54 – When a hire misses the mark: motivational vs. cultural fit 

26:36 – Moving people into the “right seats” on the bus 

27:59 – Creativity in talent deployment: a real-life turnaround story 

31:37 – Balancing empathy with organizational responsibility 

34:03 – Dealing with the stress of mission-driven leadership 

36:41 – Breaking moonshot goals into actionable, realistic milestones 

39:02 – Foundation Fighting Blindness: key initiatives and impact 

41:38 – The RD Fund and the baton metaphor for drug development 

44:23 – Recent wins: transformative gene therapy breakthroughs 

48:25 – Navigating the challenge of gene-specific treatments 

50:40 – The accelerating role of AI in blindness research 

52:42 – How Jason inspires his team (and leadership secrets from his CHRO) 

56:04 – How you can get involved with Foundation Fighting Blindness 

About Jason Menzo 

Jason Menzo is CEO of Foundation Fighting Blindness, the world’s leading organization driving treatments and cures for blinding diseases. With over 20 years in vision research and leadership roles at both major corporations and startups, Jason combines deep expertise in eye care, patient advocacy, and nonprofit management. Under his leadership, the foundation has nearly $1 billion invested, a global impact on blindness research, and groundbreaking programs supporting both scientists and affected individuals. The mission: deliver real treatments and cures, while building a high-performing, authentic team. 

Resources & Mentions: 

• The Orange Frog (book) 
• StrengthsFinder (book/assessment) 
• Foundation Fighting Blindness 
• RD Fund 
• National Institutes of Health – National Eye Institute 
• Jason Menzo on LinkedIn 
• Foundation Fighting Blindness Events 

Podcast Contact Information: 

Website: www.learnit.com 

Email: [email protected] 

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Can better meetings fuel massive transformation in your work culture—and even give you back hours every week? In this energizing episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, Damon Lembi sits down with Mamie Kanfer Stewart, host of The Modern Manager podcast, author, and leadership coach, to answer that question (spoiler: yes!). The conversation tackles the untapped ROI of running effective meetings, why managers—not just executives—are the heartbeat of organizations, and how the right systems unlock professional development time for everyone. Mamie shares practical tools, from crafting Personal Operating Manuals to leveraging AI for better note-taking and recaps, and offers her best techniques for improving feedback, building trust, and making meetings matter. 

Whether you’re drowning in unproductive calls or leading hybrid teams, this episode is brimming with real-world strategies to free up your calendar, engage your team, and drive better results. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• What really makes managers the “unsung heroes” of organizational success 
• The crucial difference between managing and leading—and why you likely do both 
• How to use a Personal Operating Manual to connect with diverse team members 
• 3 ways to make feedback safer, more useful, and more routine 
• The single biggest mistake to avoid in meetings (and how to fix it fast) 
• Actionable steps to leverage AI and tech tools for meetings—without losing the human touch 
• The ROI case for investing in better meetings (including how to talk to your CFO!) 

Timestamps: 

00:00 – Why the fastest way to buy back time is fixing your meetings 

01:40 – Why managers are the lifeblood of organizations 

02:43 – Can you be both a manager and a leader? 

04:10 – The biggest challenges facing modern managers (AI, diversity, hybrid work) 

06:35 – Using Personal Operating Manuals for team alignment 

10:21 – The art and science of receiving feedback 

13:40 – 3 practical ways to invite upward feedback as a manager 

17:11 – How meetings drive engagement (or crush it) 

18:21 – When to have a meeting vs. just send an update 

19:56 – Pre-work: the tool that transforms meeting ROI 

22:03 – Nailing clear outcomes and knowing when a meeting is successful 

23:42 – Avoiding the classic meeting mistake: missing the decision maker 

27:31 – How to calculate the actual dollar cost of bad meetings 

29:57 – Are virtual brainstorms as valuable as in-person? 

32:14 – AI notetakers: hype vs. reality in meetings 

35:31 – What “AI-ready” means for the modern manager 

40:17 – Staying future-ready: How to keep learning when you’re super busy 

41:15 – The ripple effect of better meetings on team culture and personal growth 

43:44 – How hybrid and tech have changed “good meetings” since 2017 

46:26 – Lessons from parenting you can use to manage teams better 

48:33 – Where to connect with Mamie Kanfer Stewart 

About Mamie Kanfer Stewart 

Mamie Kanfer Stewart is passionate about helping people thrive at work. She is the host of The Modern Manager podcast, author of Momentum: Creating Effective, Engaging and Enjoyable Meetings and Founder of Meeteor, a training firm focused on productive meetings. In addition, Mamie is an executive coach and trainer who works with entrepreneurs and managers to build the mindset, skills and habits they need to successfully manage themselves and their teams so everyone can be their best selves and do their best work. 

Resources & Mentions: 

• The Modern Manager Podcast 
• Mamie’s book: Momentum: Creating Effective, Engaging and Enjoyable Meetings 
• Meteor – Mamie’s meeting resources 
• Miro and Mural (for virtual brainstorming) 
• Myers-Briggs Type Indicator 
• Mamie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamieks/  
• Mamie on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheModernManager  
• Mamie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mamiekanferstewart/ 
• The Modern Manager Website: https://www.themodernmanager.com  

Podcast Contact Information: 

Website: www.learnit.com 

Email: [email protected] 

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Vision, decisions, and leadership clarity—the ingredients for a team that executes, trusts, and innovates. 

In this episode, Damon invites Ross Romano—leadership coach, communications expert, and co-founder of the Be Podcast Network—into the Learn-It-All hot seat for an honest conversation on leading with values, making tough calls, and helping teams get unstuck. Ross shares stories from his coaching work with startup founders, corporate leaders, and education professionals, revealing why organizations falter (hint: it’s not always about execution) and how matchmaking between vision and action creates lasting results. Together, Damon and Ross break down value propositions, “third options” beyond binary thinking, and the three key traits every leader needs to build trust and loyalty. 

From defining clarity in chaotic industries to the unique burnout and motivation challenges facing education leaders, this episode is packed with actionable tools, candid advice, and inspiring stories for anyone facing a high-stakes leadership pivot. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why moving from “vision” to “decision” trips up even seasoned leaders—and how to fix it 
• The three “cons” of trustworthy leadership (conscientiousness, constancy, consistency) 
• A simple method for finding and refining your organization’s value proposition 
• How to escape the “should I stay or should I go” trap with creative career pivots 
• Why not losing passion, but feeling unable to make a difference, drives education pros out—and how leaders can change that 
• Ross’s playbook for empowering teams as organizations scale 
• How the Be Podcast Network builds impact and connection in education and leadership communities 

Timestamps: 

00:00 – Why you always reserve the right to change your mind as a leader 

01:28 – The challenge of translating vision into decisions 

03:43 – Why most leadership mistakes start with a fuzzy vision 

05:50 – Step one: clarifying audience pain points and values 

08:53 – Finding real differentiators in a crowded market 

11:36 – How often organizations should reassess their value prop 

14:22 – Ross’s journey into education and impact 

18:12 – Corporate vs. education leadership coaching: core challenges 

21:28 – A “third option” career coaching success story 

27:52 – The three traits of leaders people want to follow 

31:08 – Where leaders struggle most (and Ross’s surprising answer) 

33:36 – Founders, delegation, and letting go of control 

37:34 – Why education leaders leave—leadership and burnout 

42:15 – Ross’s magic wand: public opinion and resources in education 

47:27 – Community in schools—and what we all can do better 

48:01 – Building and growing the Be Podcast Network 

55:08 – Ross’s proudest impact for startups and storytelling 

59:09 – Key takeaway: What if it works? 

01:00:20 – Where to connect with Ross Romano 

01:01:21 – Final thoughts: Advocating for yourself as a leader 

About Ross Romano 

Ross Romano is a leadership coach, communications strategist, and co-founder of the Be Podcast Network, a powerhouse of 50+ shows serving education and leadership audiences. With deep experience coaching mid-career professionals, startup founders, and enterprise leaders, Ross specializes in helping teams and organizations get unstuck by aligning values, vision, and team dynamics. He’s passionate about impact in education, coaching corporate pivoters, and building communities for changemakers.  

Resources & Mentions: 

• Ross Romano’s LinkedIn 
• Ross’s Show: The Authority  
• Ross’ Show: Sideline Sessions. 
• Book: Decisive by Chip & Dan Heath 

Podcast Contact Information: 

Website: www.learnit.com 

Email: [email protected] 

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

The future of work is changing fast—and managers are at the heart of that transformation. 

In this energizing episode, host Damon Lembi sits down with Elena Agaragimova, co-founder and CEO of ShiftWell, to break down what it takes to thrive as a manager in today’s workplace. From advocating for yourself to building a true learning culture, Elena shares candid advice, powerful frameworks, and practical strategies for creating teams that innovate, continuously grow, and stay ahead of the curve. 

They explore how organizations can set middle managers up for success, why curiosity and critical thinking are foundational in the AI era, and how to foster a holistic approach to learning and wellbeing—making every member of your team more engaged and resilient. Plus, Elena unveils ShiftWell, her pioneering tech platform, and discusses why future-proofing your company means investing in learning at every level. 

Packed with fresh insights, actionable tips, and big-picture perspective, this episode is essential listening for anyone passionate about redefining leadership in a rapidly evolving world. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• Why middle managers are so often “dropped” into leadership without the right support—and what to do about it 
• The critical skills needed for managers in the age of AI (hint: curiosity and problem-solving top the list) 
• How to build—and prove—the value of a true learning organization (it's more than just LMS and training) 
• Elena’s holistic approach to performance: integrating wellbeing, social connection, and continuous feedback 
• How ShiftWell uses tech (and an AI coach named Clara) to personalize learning and help managers close the gap between potential and performance 
• What questions senior leaders should be asking before promoting someone to management 
• Practical, ROI-driven strategies for advocating for your own growth—and why taking ownership of your career is non-negotiable 

Timestamps: 

00:00 – Advocate for yourself: what new managers need most 

01:23 – Why learning culture is key to company survival 

02:27 – Middle manager realities: no time to learn, what to do 

04:46 – Dropping high performers into management: risks and solutions 

06:46 – Is the company really responsible for your development? 

07:49 – How to screen future leaders: skills and questions 

10:38 – Elena’s journey: higher ed to corporate learning 

13:11 – Turning learning into business results: the “future team” concept 

16:46 – What makes a learning organization (beyond tools and LMS) 

20:09 – Creating space for learning: practical systems 

22:36 – Quick wins for learning on a shoestring budget 

24:06 – Must-have AI skills for managers 

27:03 – AI: opportunities, fears, and the power of curiosity 

29:39 – Holistic learning: why wellbeing and environment matter 

31:51 – Introducing ShiftWell: personalized learning meets real ROI 

35:30 – How ShiftWell’s AI coach, Clara, supports managers and teams 

41:09 – ROI for CFOs and execs: measurable impact from learning tech 

44:32 – Will employees actually talk to AI coaches? 

45:59 – Wonder and achievement: battling burnout with intentional learning 

48:09 – The power of “wonder walks”: creating space to think 

49:36 – Elena’s vision: what company transformation looks like with ShiftWell 

51:46 – Elena’s final takeaway: Intentional learning = real impact 

53:17 – Where to connect with Elena 

54:02 – Outro: Take ownership & stay curious 

About Elena Agaragimova 

Elena Agaragimova is co-founder and CEO of ShiftWell, a human-centered tech platform transforming workplace performance and wellbeing. With over 15 years of experience in higher education, corporate learning, and entrepreneurship, Elena has influenced thousands through her innovative coaching, facilitation, and consulting. Her passion for building scalable solutions, nurturing young talent, and driving sustainable engagement shines through. Elena also hosts the Shift with Elena podcast. 

Resources & Mentions: 

• ShiftWell – Elena’s tech platform for personalized learning and wellbeing 
• Elena on LinkedIn 
• Elena’s YouTube Channel 
• Gallup Report on Engagement (referenced in the episode) 

Podcast Contact Information: 

Website: www.learnit.com 

Email: [email protected] 

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

The highs, lows, and lessons of leadership aren’t just found in conference rooms—they’re lived every day in unexpected moments and hard conversations. 

In this episode, Damon Lembi walks listeners through three unforgettable leadership stories: the good, the bad, and the ugly. From a surprise party text mishap to the transformation of a struggling salesperson, a cautionary tale about hiring toxic talent, and an executive’s all-too-public coaching call blunder—each vignette offers practical takeaways, frank advice, and actionable strategies for becoming a more coachable, courageous, and intentional leader. Whether you’re managing the pressures of performance reviews, navigating interview pitfalls, or worried about digital privacy, Damon’s stories will help you avoid the biggest mistakes and seize growth opportunities. 

Packed with real-world examples, memorable anecdotes, and tangible challenges, this episode will give you the tools to have the tough conversations, foster coachability, and protect your culture. Plus, listeners get a special gift in the show notes, a free download of Damon’s bestselling book. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• Why having direct, honest conversations is critical for leaders—and how it can transform an employee’s career. 
• The essential mindset shift every employee needs to make when struggling: let go and become coachable. 
• The hidden dangers of hiring toxic high-performers, and why they’re never worth the risk to your team culture. 
• Interview etiquette mistakes that kill trust—and how to avoid sabotaging your own reputation. 
• How multitasking and digital mistakes can destroy privacy, and the steps you must take when sharing sensitive information. 
• Simple challenges and intentional steps to help you grow as a leader or team member, starting today. 

Timestamps 

00:00 – Intro: Why nobody fully prepares you for being a CEO 

00:35 – The movie-inspired theme: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly 

01:05 – The Good: Freedom, impact, and designing your ideal week 

01:40 – Damon’s personal favorite: Building culture from the top down 

02:30 – The privilege of hiring, promoting, and celebrating people 

03:15 – The Bad: Constant context-switching and decision fatigue 

03:55 – Loneliness at the top—why fewer people tell you the truth 

04:30 – Damon’s go-to strategies for staying grounded 

05:10 – The Ugly: Letting people go—and how it never gets easier 

06:00 – Firing a friend: Damon’s personal story 

06:45 – How he’s learned to lead through pain without avoiding it 

07:20 – What helps: A learning mindset, trusted advisors, and staying human 

08:00 – Advice for aspiring CEOs: It’s worth it—but not easy 

08:45 – Challenge to listeners: Ask your CEO one honest question 

09:15 – Damon’s parting thought: Stay human, stay humble 

09:45 – Free Book Giveaway 

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 
• Ruben Gonzalez’s TED Talk on letting go: Watch here 
• Damon Lembi’s free book download: https://BookHip.com/FTZRCJB 
• Learnit: www.learnit.com 

Podcast Contact Information: 

Website: www.learnit.com 

Email: [email protected] 

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

What if your path to fulfillment and success started—not with a to-do list—but with your truest values? In this powerful episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, Damon Lembi is joined by Dr. John Demartini, renowned human behavior specialist and global educator, for an unfiltered, deeply actionable conversation on how to clarify your core values, align your life and business with what matters most, and step into an authentic, inspired life. Drawing from a lifetime of research and over 31,000 books studied, Dr. Demartini shares personal stories, practical frameworks, and hard-won wisdom on why so many chase the wrong goals, how to discern fantasy from true purpose, and the reason most people sabotage their own progress. Whether you’re leading a company or charting your next chapter, this episode will ignite your clarity and commitment to pursuing what truly moves you. 

From the pitfalls of “living by someone else’s priorities” to the science behind engagement, delegation, and authentic leadership, Dr. Demartini delivers a masterclass brimming with tools—and a call to action to stop living second at being someone else.

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• Why most people’s daily actions don’t align with what they claim to value—and what to do about it 
• How to identify your true hierarchy of values (and why this is the key to fulfillment and success) 
• The difference between setting real goals versus chasing pipe dreams or societal fantasies 
• Why instant gratification derails long-term achievement, and the neuroscience behind it 
• Practical strategies for leveraging strength-based delegation and building highly engaged teams 
• How to apply values-driven hiring, promotion, and employee engagement in organizations of any size 
• What authentic leadership looks like—and how to cultivate a values-powered culture 

Timestamps: 

00:00 – Why living in alignment raises self-worth 

00:19 – Meet Dr. Demartini: global educator and researcher 

01:58 – Why people chase goals that aren’t truly theirs 

05:00 – The $10 million exercise: fantasy vs. demonstrated value 

09:19 – The impact of immediate gratification and social media 

13:23 – Can you help someone deeply off track? 

17:04 – How to determine your true hierarchy of values 

22:56 – On passion, inspiration, and neurological alignment 

24:48 – Why—and how—to delegate lower-value tasks 

25:09 – Engaging employees by mapping work to their values 

29:11 – Advice for company leaders on scaling engagement 

32:25 – The real story of transforming a disengaged workforce 

46:35 – Transparency, ownership, and setting clear expectations 

49:15 – Victim mentality, amygdala, and empowered living 

55:24 – Engagement vs. disengagement: stories from the field 

57:29 – Why “going all in” at work is transformative 

59:28 – Why inspired people don’t need breaks 

64:23 – Dr. Demartini’s personal journey: From illiteracy to global impact 

70:09 – The vision that’s driven a lifetime of impact 

71:02 – Final message: Permission to shine and live authentically 

72:29 – Where to learn more and start your values discovery 

About Dr. John Demartini

Dr. John Demartini is a world-renowned human behavior specialist, researcher, author, and global educator recognized for his groundbreaking work on values, self-leadership, and personal transformation. With over five decades of teaching experience, he has studied more than 31,000 books across disciplines, distilling insights into actionable strategies that have helped millions worldwide enhance their personal, professional, and organizational lives. Dr. Demartini has shared the stage with luminaries such as Sir Richard Branson and Stephen Covey and has impacted audiences in over 161 countries.  

Resources & Mentions: 

• Dr. Demartini’s website & free Values Determination questionnaire 
• Dr. Demartini on LinkedIn 
• The Secret – Dr. Demartini featured 
• David Hume – philosophy of value 

Podcast Contact Information: 

Website: www.learnit.com 

Email: [email protected] 

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

In this powerful final episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, Damon Lembi sits down with Neil Jurd OBE—former army officer, acclaimed leadership coach, and author of The Leadership Book—to unpack the true meaning of leadership in turbulent times. Neil shares battlefield stories, hard-won workplace wisdom, and his personal journey through unspeakable loss. Together, they challenge the myth of the all-knowing leader, spotlighting why the bravest thing a leader can do is sometimes to pause, think, and get out of their team’s way. 

From “red zone” false leaders to the creative power of freedom within boundaries, Neil reveals the habits and mindsets behind real impact—at war, at work, and at home. Packed with actionable advice, candid stories, and inspiration for anyone facing adversity, this episode is a must-listen for leaders ready to learn, pivot, and humanize their influence. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• The key difference between “real” and “false” leaders—and why manipulation destroys trust. 
• Why pausing to think (and encouraging others to do so) is a mark of brave leadership. 
• How connection and direction form the backbone of high-performing, resilient teams. 
• Practical strategies to step back, empower others, and foster innovation (without losing control). 
• How to nurture authentic relationships—especially when you’re new or feel vulnerable as a leader. 
• The transformative impact of leading through adversity and building culture “by design, not default.” 

Timestamps: 

00:00 – Why great leaders pause, allow, and get out of the way 

01:54 – Real leadership vs. false leadership: impact, manipulation, and trust 

03:00 – What insecure, “red zone” leaders get wrong 

05:43 – The ripple effect of negative leadership—and how one great boss can change everything 

07:22 – Rank and position: the most fragile forms of influence 

10:48 – What happens in “yes man” cultures (and the price of over-control) 

13:16 – The power of pausing to think —and why busyness kills big ideas 

16:52 – Challenges for new leaders: when “allow” is mistaken for irresponsibility 

18:52 – When “allow” goes too far: how to course-correct without undermining trust 

20:57 – Connection and direction: the two simple pillars of great leadership 

23:32 – The “cup of tea” rule and practical tips to nurture relationships 

28:05 – How to be vulnerable without coming across as weak 

31:27 – Controlling emotions as a leader: why calm feedback matters 

34:30 – Becoming the leader your people never want to let down 

37:00 – Feedback cultures: strong leaders seek and accept honest input 

40:26 – Why “know-it-all” leadership fails—and how to build a learn-it-all team 

41:49 – Harnessing brilliance in others and making them the heroes 

45:01 – Is leadership only for the brilliant? (Hint: anyone can learn to lead) 

47:09 – Book clubs, practical learning, and experiential leadership development 

53:23 – Transforming organizational culture: freedom within boundaries at the University of Sheffield 

57:36 – Neil’s personal story: loss, resilience, and rebuilding after tragedy 

About Neil Jurd

Neil Jurd OBE is a leadership coach, author, and former British Army officer with decades of global experience—from military operations in Bosnia, Iraq, and Yemen to transforming teams and organizations in higher education and business. As the founder of Leader Connect, Neil has trained hundreds of rising and established leaders and authored the widely-praised The Leadership Book. Appointed an OBE in 2021 and recognized with the British Citizen Award, Neil draws on personal adversity—most notably, the sudden loss of his wife—to help others lead with courage, authenticity, and empathy. 

Resources & Mentions 

• Neil Jurd’s Website 
• Neil Jurd on LinkedIn 
• The Leadership Book by Neil Jurd 
• Leader Connect: Online leadership learning & coaching 
• Neil’s TED Talk: “Allow” 
• Simon Sinek: Why Good Leaders Make You Feel Safe 
• Keith Ferrazzi, Never Eat Alone 

Podcast Contact Information: 

Website: www.learnit.com 

Email: [email protected] 

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

What does it really take to bootstrap a tech company to 30 million users—without a dollar from investors? In this energizing final episode, host Damon Lembi sits down with Aytekin Tank, founder and CEO of Jotform, to unravel the unvarnished journey of building a global SaaS business from zero to 700+ employees. Aytekin shares why breaking his company into mini "five-person startups" became the key to sustainable growth, how his transparent weekly rituals keep a massive team aligned, and what it means to evolve from “CEO” to “Founder of the Future.” The conversation dives into the power of fast experimentation, authentic communication, the new era of AI agents, and why focusing on bottlenecks (not competitors) is the secret to long-term impact. Whether you’re a founder, team lead, or lifelong learner, this episode overflows with actionable wisdom for the AI age. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• Why Aytekin chose to bootstrap Jotform (and how he built momentum before ever charging users) 
• The single breakthrough that unlocked Jotform’s exponential growth—and how mini startups fuel innovation 
• How weekly “Demo Days” and 10-minute speeches keep 700+ employees aligned around purpose (with no secrets) 
• The jaw-dropping lessons (and mistakes) from releasing an MVP, pivoting based on user feedback, and ignoring the competition 
• How AI agents are already reshaping team structure, productivity, and customer experience 
• The mindset shift every modern founder must make—from operational CEO to “founder of the future” 

Timestamps: 

00:00 – The leader’s weekly question: bottlenecks vs. opportunities 

00:23 – Meet Aytekin Tank, Jotform’s bootstrap story and mission 

01:47 – Why Aytekin never raised outside funding 

07:39 – Early projects, missed opportunities, and the business model gap 

09:51 – What the lonely first year of entrepreneurship really felt like 

11:15 – Hitting 5,000+ users and the thrill of first paid subscribers 

15:17 – Evolving from product builder to large-scale leader 

23:05 – The painful plateau and Jotform’s biggest organizational roadblock 

26:58 – Why traditional org charts killed innovation (and what fixed it) 

31:37 – Founder vs. CEO: redefining the modern founder’s role 

37:56 – MVPs, beta launches, and learning from user behavior 

44:06 – Generative AI vs. AI agents: real-world use cases 

50:31 – Practical AI skill for every professional (and how Aytekin learns with AI) 

54:16 – “Noop.com” and the future of effortless AI chatbots 

58:08 – The power and simplicity of website chatbots for small businesses 

1:01:52 – What keeps Aytekin passionate two decades in 

1:05:42 – Why he cheers when competitors raise funding 

1:06:31 – Decisions you can only make as a Bootstrap founder 

1:09:49 – The long road, enjoying the journey, and advice for new founders 

About Aytekin Tank 

Aytekin Tank is the founder and CEO of Jotform—a global, no-code SaaS platform trusted by 30 million+ users for creating forms and automating workflows. A computer science graduate, Aytekin bootstrapped Jotform from a one-man side hustle to a 700+ person company, famously avoiding VC investment to maintain control over product vision and company culture. He is also the author of Automate Your Busywork and host of the AI Agents podcast. With deep expertise in product-led growth, AI innovation, and building empowered teams, Aytekin’s story is a masterclass in sustainable entrepreneurship. 

Resources & Mentions: 

• Jotform – Aytekin’s company 
• Automate Your Busywork – Aytekin’s book 
• AI Agents podcast – Hosted by Aytekin Tank 
• Jotform’s simple AI website chatbot builder: https://www.jotform.com/products/apps/ 
• Aytekin’s website 
• Aytekin on LinkedIn 
• Lean Startup by Eric Ries (referenced as influential reading) 

Podcast Contact Information: 

Website: www.learnit.com 

Email: [email protected] 

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Leadership isn’t about the title—it’s about the courage to care, the power of vision, and the ability to influence without control. 

In this thought-provoking episode, Damon sits down with Aaron Vaccaro, President of Singularity University and a key architect behind Topgolf’s explosive growth, to unpack the mindset and methods that turn good leaders into great ones. Aaron shares lessons from the frontlines of scaling billion-dollar visions, battling imposter syndrome, and building cultures where it’s actually cool to care. From navigating chaotic turnarounds to learning how to truly let go of ego, this episode delivers actionable insights and candid stories for leaders at every stage of their journey. 

Tune in for practical wisdom, leadership book recommendations, and the real secrets to earning trust—whether you have a title or not. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• Why outcome over ego separates outstanding leaders from the rest 
• How to navigate imposter syndrome—and why vulnerability still matters in leadership 
• What 51/49 hiring means: Putting culture above skills for lasting success 
• Aaron’s playbook for building (and maintaining) a values-driven culture 
• The difference between leadership by control and leadership by influence 
• How deep learning, not just experience, can accelerate your leadership journey 

Timestamps: 

00:00 – Why influence, not titles, defines real leadership 

01:13 – Learning to put outcome over ego in crisis and growth 

05:41 – Meeting a mentor (and how trust is built for the long-term) 

07:01 – Navigating imposter syndrome and getting over self-doubt 

09:09 – How relentless vision (and smart negotiation) turned Topgolf into a giant 

14:48 – Scaling culture: The power of hiring 51% on values 

18:03 – Tactics to embed core values beyond a poster on the wall 

22:08 – Rising into the president’s seat at Singularity University 

25:10 – Leadership is influence, not control (and how to lead without a title) 

28:54 – Embracing tough conversations: Grace, truth, and feedback 

33:16 – Setting new leaders up for success (and how to onboard well) 

35:37 – “Deep learning” as a shortcut to experience 

38:28 – Aaron’s top three leadership books for new managers 

40:52 – Finding time to read and keep learning as a senior leader 

42:27 – Discipline, identity, and doing what needs to be done 

46:09 – Defining your leadership identity after sports or big transitions 

47:47 – Becoming the kind of leader people truly don’t want to let down 

50:39 – Leadership mistakes: Lessons from tough meetings and letting things fester 

54:37 – Balancing grace, truth—and knowing when it’s time to part ways 

56:38 – Trusting again after being let down as a leader 

58:53 – Why Aaron looks up to Winston Churchill 

60:39 – The importance of mentoring, giving back, and keeping it cool to care 

62:05 – Final takeaway: Make it cool to care—in your culture and your life 

About Aaron Vaccaro 

Aaron Vaccaro is the President of Singularity University and has been instrumental in scaling high-growth ventures, notably Topgolf’s rise as a global brand. Known for orchestrating successful turnarounds and helping companies live their core values, Aaron has led strategic acquisitions, built innovative cultures, and mentored teams to think bigger and bolder. With roots as Eric Anderson’s chief of staff and an impressive trajectory through multiple leadership roles before 35, Aaron brings a rare blend of humility, vision, and operational grit to every team he leads. 

Resources & Mentions 

• Connect with Aaron Vaccaro on LinkedIn 
• Learn about Singularity University 
• Canoeing the Mountains by Tod Bolsinger 
• Atomic Habits by James Clear 

Podcast Contact Information: 

Website: www.learnit.com 

Email: [email protected] 

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.