the Learn-It-All™ podcast

What happens when you lead with humility, consistency, and care—instead of ego? In this uplifting and candid episode, Damon sits down with Peter Bissonnette, the former president of Shaw Communications and author of Count on Me. Peter pulls back the curtain on his remarkable leadership journey, from seminary days and military service to helming a $5.5B telecom powerhouse. Together, they explore the habits and values that shaped Shaw’s exceptional culture, why empathy and fairness matter most, and how leaders can be “counted on”—no matter their background. 

Jam-packed with real stories, hard-won tools, and lessons from both the boardroom and the bandstand, this episode is a blueprint for anyone looking to become a leader people believe in. Get ready to rethink what makes a lasting legacy—not just for companies, but for families—through the power of values-driven leadership. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• The culture-building power of shining a light on others, not yourself 
• How Peter’s “Good Shepherd” philosophy (inspired by seminary days) became the foundation of his leadership style 
• What it means to truly be “counted on”—and how personal adversity shaped Peter’s drive and fairness meter 
• Practical tools for overcoming imposter syndrome and building self-belief, including the science of affirmations and visualization 
• Why fit trumps credentials during hiring, and how to handle mis-hires with candor 
• Inside Peter’s “leadership toolbox”—relationship-building, chameleon skills, candor, and the art of constructive feedback 
• Behind-the-scenes negotiation stories, including a $2B Wall Street face-off and the lessons of win-win bargaining 
• How music, photography, and creative passions make you a better leader and problem solver 
• Tangible strategies to boost employee engagement—and transform dysfunction into unity 
• Why leaders should be hero creators, not the heroes themselves 



Timestamps: 

00:00 – The power of focusing on the good in others 

00:24 – Damon introduces Peter Bissonnette and episode themes 

01:38 – How Shaw’s “we company” values fueled its success 

03:07 – First meeting with founder J.R. Shaw 

04:30 – The legacy-driven origins of Count on Me 

08:37 – Seminary days and the “Good Shepherd” approach to leadership 

11:09 – Peter’s tough childhood and the drive to be “counted on” 

15:57 – Advice for new leaders struggling with self-belief 

16:26 – Affirmations, visualization, and owning your own learning 

22:25 – How to handle a mis-hire (the “Dead Pillow” story) 

26:33 – Building your leadership toolbox: tools and traits that matter 

30:07 – How to accelerate leadership experience: Mentorship & reading 

32:01 – Lessons from Wall Street: The $2B Goldman Sachs negotiation 

44:29 – Taking risks, responsibility and earning founder’s trust 

47:57 – Win-win negotiations, fairness, and long-term relationships 

49:32 – How music and creativity fuel leadership 

54:59 – The role of photography and “extra languages” in solving problems 

57:32 – Transforming employee engagement at Shaw 

60:08 – Listening and acting on feedback to create belonging 

63:56 – Shining the spotlight and building trust-driven teams 

66:18 – How Peter personally connected with Shaw’s customers 

70:13 – Why Count on Me is a case study for young leaders 

72:50 – Where to find Peter and his book 

About Peter Bissonnette 

Peter Bissonnette is the former president of Shaw Communications, where he helped transform the company into a national powerhouse with more than 10,000 employees and $5.5 billion in annual revenue. Known for his humility, candor, and people-first leadership, Peter’s career took him from boarding school and seminary, through military service, to leading large organizations—all without a traditional academic background. He now serves on the board of the Shaw Family Trust and is the author of Count on Me, a candid memoir and leadership case study.  

Resources & Mentions: 

• Count on Me by Peter Bissonnette 
• Peter Bissonnette on LinkedIn 
• Improbably Successful by Juan Silvera 
• The Learn-It-All Leader by Damon Lembi 
• Brian Lanier’s Learn-It-All Podcast episode 
• Peter Bissonnette on Jonny Pardoe Podcast 
• Shaw Communications (background info) 

Podcast Contact Information: 

Website: www.learnit.com 

Email: [email protected] 

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Burnout isn’t just something that happens to you—it’s something we can see, understand, and actively reverse. In this eye-opening episode, Damon sits down with Michael Levitt—burnout prevention expert, speaker, and survivor—to unpack what burnout really is (hint: it’s not the same as depression), why it so often sneaks up on high performers, and how we all can make small but life-changing shifts to reclaim our energy and purpose. Michael shares his own unforgettable story of hitting rock bottom—a heart attack at age 40, job loss, even losing his house—and how it became a catalyst for helping thousands escape the burnout trap. 

From the real causes (spoiler: sleep and financial stress matter more than you think) to the game-changing power of boundaries and curiosity, this episode is packed with practical tools and urgent truths for anyone who wants to build a burnout-proof life and culture—whether you’re a leader, a team member, or simply feeling the weight of modern work. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• Why Michael Levitt believes burnout is ultimately a choice—and what that really means for your life and career. 
• The crucial differences between burnout and clinical depression—and how to spot (and avoid) both. 
• Michael’s personal journey through health and financial collapse, and what finally sparked his comeback. 
• The underestimated role of sleep and nutrition in burnout prevention (plus, why boundaries are the ultimate life hack). 
• How financial stress impacts mental and physical wellness—and step-by-step tips for regaining control. 
• What organizations and leaders must do to break the burnout cycle—and why investing in learning (even on a shoestring) is a must. 
• Top strategies for high performers to set boundaries and prevent being overloaded by “do more” cultures. 

Timestamps: 

00:00 – Michael’s heart attack at 40 and the wake-up call that followed 

01:18 – Why burnout is a choice (and why that statement is controversial) 

03:15 – Defining burnout vs. depression (World Health Organization lens) 

05:23 – The life collapse: job loss, home, and rebuilding from zero 

12:38 – Curiosity vs. victimhood: how Michael avoided blaming others 

16:40 – Boundaries: Michael’s first big change post-burnout 

17:22 – Main triggers: financial stress, poor nutrition, and sleep 

20:00 – Why sleep is the ultimate burnout prevention tool 

24:54 – Why financial pressure is behind so much burnout today 

29:06 – Practical advice for dealing with debt and budgeting 

35:58 – Who’s responsible for burnout at work: leadership or employees? 

40:58 – Learning and development: how upskilling fights burnout 

44:33 – The importance of culture, belonging, and purpose 

50:49 – Setting boundaries as a top performer—before it’s too late 

56:08 – How team members can communicate workload limits 

58:47 – Michael’s #1 burnout tip: set your bedroom up for sleep success 

1:00:40 – Recap: small, consistent changes are the burnout antidote 

About Michael Levitt 

Michael Levitt is a globally recognized burnout expert, keynote speaker, and the founder of the Breakfast Leadership Network. Michael set out to understand stress and burnout from the inside out. Today, he coaches leaders and organizations worldwide on building burnout-proof cultures through practical boundaries, improved sleep, and powerful mindset shifts. Michael is also the author of Burnout Proof and host of the popular Breakfast Leadership Show. 

Resources Referenced: 

• Michael Levitt Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldlevitt/ 
• Michael Levitt’s free book Burnout Proof: Claim here 
• Dr. Herbert Freudenberger, Burnout (book): Amazon link 
• World Health Organization—burnout definition: WHO ICD-11 Burn-out 
• John Maxwell, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Amazon link 
• Michael Levitt on YouTube: Breakfast Leadership Network channel 
• Connect with Michael Levitt: breakfastleadership.com 

Podcast Contact Information: 

Website: www.learnit.com 

Email: [email protected] 

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Winning teams—and great companies—aren't built through pressure, they're built through belief and connection. 

In this energizing solo episode, host Damon Lembi unpacks what it really takes to become a great leader people respect too much to disappoint. Drawing on personal stories from his college baseball days and decades leading at Learnit, Damon explains why the best leaders don’t motivate through fear—but by genuinely believing in their people before they believe in themselves. If you want to foster a team culture where trust, psychological safety, and growth thrive, these actionable insights are your starting lineup. Damon shares practical tools and a quick challenge you can start using this week to build respect, accountability, and a platform for your team to shine. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• Why belief—not pressure—drives peak performance and lasting accountability 
• The science behind psychological safety and why it’s essential for risk-taking and innovation 
• Damon's “JP” story: how authentic connection from a mentor changes everything 
• Two simple, powerful actions you can use immediately to earn real respect as a leader 
• How to stretch your team and still have their back, even when they stumble 
• The ultimate test of respect: Will your team give their all even when you’re not watching? 

Timestamps:  

00:00 – The kind of leader people don’t want to disappoint 

00:40 – Story: Damon’s coach JP and the Knoxville series 

01:45 – Why belief—not fear—unlocked Damon’s performance 

02:15 – Research from Amy Edmondson: 67% more likely to play it safe without psychological safety 

02:45 – Respect can’t be demanded; it must be earned 

03:15 – Learnit’s 30-year celebration: stories from employees past and present 

03:45 – Leadership is about giving others the platform—not hogging the spotlight 

04:00 – Two habits to earn real respect: 

  1. Connect beyond deadlines 

  2. Stretch through belief, autonomy, and support 

04:45 – The 6-month test: Would your team still bring their best if you stepped away? 

05:15 – Final reflection: See people. Believe in them. Give them a shot. 

05:45 – Weekly challenge: Tell one person what you see in them 

06:00 – Rate, review, and share if this resonated 

About Damon Lembi 

Damon Lembi is a 2x bestselling author, the host of The Learn-It-All Podcast, and CEO of Learnit – a live learning platform that has upskilled over 2 million people. Drawing from his prior baseball career, Damon brings an athlete’s perspective to leadership. Through his journey, he has gained invaluable insights into what helps organizations grow, how great leaders learn, and why learn-it-all companies outpace their competitors every time. 

Resources & Mentions: 

• Learnit: Https://www.learnit.com
• The Learn-It-All Leader: Mindset, Traits, and Tools by Damon Lembi:  
• https://a.co/d/azzNKWM  
• Good Decisions Equals Success by Damon Lembi & Kandis Porter:  
• https://a.co/d/hJhnRJU  
• Damon Lembi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi 

Podcast Contact Information: 

Website: www.learnit.com 

Email: [email protected] 

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Winning companies aren’t just built on strategies—they’re built on trust, curiosity, and culture. 

In this dynamic episode, host Damon Lembi sits down with Gwen Tormey, COO of Corestream, who helped the company scale from scrappy startup to award-winning employer. Gwen shares how she architected a resilient operating system and an inclusive, people-first culture while quadrupling the size of her team. They dive into practical frameworks like OKRs and the 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX), discuss building psychological safety, and swap stories about hiring, AI adoption, and empowering employees to innovate from any seat. Whether you’re scaling a business or leading a small team, you’ll come away inspired with actionable tools to elevate your leadership and your culture. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• How Gwen prioritized both operations and culture by listening deeply before leading change 
• The art and discipline of incubate, then delegate—and how to turn quick wins into lasting systems 
• What Gwen learned from her own startup journey (and why product-market fit and business model matter) 
• Corestream’s step-by-step OKR and 4DX mashup—and how it powers alignment across the org 
• How to hire A-players and build psychological safety (using the Who hiring methodology) 
• Why innovation and process optimization can go hand-in-hand with a people-first mindset 
• Practical strategies for driving AI adoption—from team hackathons to hands-on experiments 

Timestamps: 

00:00 – Why it’s okay to fail and the power of positive reinforcement 

00:16 – Meet Gwen Tormey: From startup to scaling COO 

01:21 – How Gwen balanced building operations and culture 

02:36 – Why trust and curiosity beat quick fixes for new leaders 

04:26 – “Incubate then delegate”: Gwen’s approach to operational leadership 

07:54 – Lessons learned from launching Footstep Labs 

11:57 – What founders need to know about business models and product-market fit 

13:54 – How Gwen mentors startups: Pessimism meets idealism 

14:28 – Breaking down Corestream’s OKR + 4DX execution engine 

17:02 – How company-wide goals connect individuals to the North Star 

19:54 – The tools, reminders, and culture needed for successful OKRs 

22:28 – Building psychological safety and rewarding humility 

25:55 – Shifting culture: New hiring, new values, and a “culture council” 

28:46 – Gwen’s take on work samples and thorough hiring 

31:08 – Why optimizing processes empowers people—never replaces them 

32:38 – Getting frontline teams to embrace process improvement and AI 

35:04 – Gwen’s best AI adoption tip: Hackathons and hands-on coaching 

37:07 – Should you mandate AI tools? Building a flexible, supportive policy 

39:29 – The hardest part of scaling culture: Communication and breaking silos 

42:15 – What excites Gwen about Corestream’s future 

About Gwen Tormey 

Gwen Tormey is the Chief Operating Officer of Corestream, where she’s engineered the company’s rapid growth and helped quadruple the team size, all while securing multiple workplace culture awards. Gwen brings a diverse background as a founder, investor, and operational leader, blending deep curiosity and systems thinking with a relentless focus on people. From rebuilding account management from scratch to designing innovative ways to hire, empower, and retain A-players, Gwen’s signature is bridging operational rigor and human-first values. 

Resources & Mentions 

• Gwen on LinkedIn 
• Objectives and Key Results (OKR) framework 
• Who: The A Method for Hiring 
• Skunk Works — What Is It? 

Podcast Contact Information: 

Website: www.learnit.com 

Email: [email protected] 

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

When success is defined by always saying yes and never showing weakness, burnout is inevitable. In this compelling episode, Damon is joined by Emmy award-winning meteorologist, podcaster, and Noble Knights founder Ted Phaeton, who takes us inside the “high performer’s trap”—and how real growth comes from learning to say no, set boundaries, and protect your peace. Together, they tackle the pressures men face following prescribed scripts for success, how top performers can avoid self-destruction, and why managing your time isn’t just about productivity—it’s about self-alignment and fulfillment. 

Ted shares his unique journey from burnout to boundary-setting, unveils actionable tools and scripts for defending your time, and explains how slowing down can actually make high achievers stronger. Plus: candid stories on fatherhood, healing generational wounds, and the power of male mentorship for genuine transformation. Packed with real talk, this episode is a must-listen for leaders, learners, and anyone ready to rewrite their definition of success. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• Why following the “script” of success can lead to regret, burnout, and misery—and how to spot when you’re out of alignment. 
• Practical frameworks for setting boundaries, including Ted’s “perfect week,” time-blocking, and scripts for gracefully saying no or deferring requests. 
• Why high performers are especially prone to burnout—and the counterintuitive secret that 85% effort (not 100%) creates longevity and impact. 
• How to build greater self-awareness and situational awareness to identify the real roots of stress, avoidance, and negative behaviors. 
• The role of mentorship, honest feedback, and supportive male circles in helping men (and leaders of all kinds) grow and break destructive cycles. 
• How becoming a father changed Ted’s view on time, alignment, and the importance of living with empathy, presence, and curiosity. 

Timestamps: 

00:00 – Ted’s struggle with boundaries and the masculine pressure to never ask for help 

01:09 – The “script” men are taught—and why it often leads to unfulfillment 

04:15 – How chasing the “wrong carrot” leads to success regret 

06:11 – Spotting when you’re out of alignment: self-awareness and situational whispers 

08:10 – Why time is our most precious (and unrenewable) asset 

10:40 – Why letting someone go can actually serve them best 

13:02 – The link between boundary-setting, time-blocking, and protecting your peace 

15:59 – Scripts for saying no, deferring, and managing expectations 

17:49 – The curse (and burnout) of being a top performer 

20:59 – Why self-aware high performers are more powerful than those who never “pump the brakes” 

22:57 – The science behind slowing down, working at 85%, and why recovery matters 

25:14 – Inside Ted’s Tools of Time course: structure, habits, and personalized frameworks 

27:04 – “You don’t have to be great to start”: Overcoming disorganization and making small daily changes 

30:26 – The hidden cost of DIY: delegating versus losing time 

33:41 – From podcasting to noble mentorship: what men need most 

36:57 – Finding brotherhood, healthy circles, and the value of honest feedback 

39:46 – How Ted learned to embrace (not resist) hard feedback 

46:13 – How fatherhood reshaped Ted’s priorities and time use 

49:29 – What Ted wants for his daughter’s future: more empathy, less judgment 

51:33 – Final advice: Stay curious, keep learning, and let your skills accumulate for the future 

About Ted Phateon 

Ted Phaeton is an Emmy award-winning morning meteorologist, founder of The Noble Knights men’s group, and host of The Modern Man Podcast. Dedicated to challenging traditional narratives around masculinity and success, Ted helps high performers and everyday leaders redefine what it means to win—at work, at home, and within themselves. From healing generational wounds to teaching transformational time management, Ted’s coaching, courses, and community work inspire men everywhere to grow, connect, and lead with authenticity. 

Resources Referenced: 

• Ted’s Website 
• Ted’s LinkedIn 
• The Modern Man Podcast 
• Tools of Time Course 
• Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink 

Podcast Contact Information: 

Website: www.learnit.com 

Email: [email protected] 

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Winning cultures aren’t created by accident—they’re built through feedback, humility, and real action. 

In this solo episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, host Damon Lembi reveals the five essential strategies every leader should use to get better feedback—and transform it into real improvement. Backed by research and brought to life with stories from his own career (including writing his bestselling book and leading a team of millions), Damon outlines practical tools, scripts, and even AI hacks for soliciting insightful, actionable criticism. Whether you’re a CEO or an aspiring leader, you’ll walk away ready to seek out the feedback that fuels growth—and learn how to make your team feel safe giving it. 

From overcoming the fear of tough conversations to leveraging anonymous Google Docs and the power of AI, this episode delivers a blueprint for anyone committed to leveling up their leadership through radical learning and self-awareness. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• Why leaders who regularly seek feedback are rated far higher than those who don’t—and what that means for your growth. 
• How to “invite feedback with vulnerability,” and the exact script Damon used to get honest advice while writing his book. 
• The power of asking one specific question—instead of settling for binary, shallow responses. 
• How to “meet people where they’re comfortable” so feedback isn’t intimidating or awkward. 
• Systems for anonymous, safe feedback—including the Help Damon Help You Google Doc template. 
• The cutting-edge ways Damon uses AI as a feedback machine, from analyzing meeting transcripts to reworking team comp plans. 

Timestamps: 

00:00 – Surprising research: Feedback-seeking leaders dominate performance 

02:30 – Strategy 1: Invite feedback with vulnerability (Damon’s book writing story) 

05:25 – Strategy 2: Connect and ask for one specific thing 

08:45 – Strategy 3: Meet them where they’re comfortable 

11:10 – Strategies 1-3 recap—when 1:1 conversations matter 

12:05 – Strategy 4: Make it safe through systems (anonymous Google Doc) 

14:50 – Damon’s prompt questions for feedback 

16:15 – Sharing and acting on team feedback 

17:05 – Strategy 5: Leveraging AI as a feedback machine 

18:25 – Example: AI feedback on compensation plans 

20:00 – Using AI to debrief podcast interviews 

21:20 – Why you shouldn’t get defensive about feedback 

23:05 – Damon’s challenge: Pick an area, try a new feedback strategy 

24:10 – Closing: Resources and how to connect 

About Damon Lembi 

Damon Lembi is a 2x bestselling author, the host of The Learn-It-All Podcast, and CEO of Learnit – a live learning platform that has upskilled over 2 million people. Drawing from his prior baseball career, Damon brings an athlete’s perspective to leadership. Through his journey, he has gained invaluable insights into what helps organizations grow, how great leaders learn, and why learn-it-all companies outpace their competitors every time.    

Resources & Mentions: 

• The Learn-It-All Leader: Mindset, Traits, and Tools by Damon Lembi:  
• https://a.co/d/azzNKWM  
• Good Decisions Equals Success by Damon Lembi & Kandis Porter:  
• https://a.co/d/hJhnRJU  
• Damon Lembi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi 

Podcast Contact Information: 

Website: www.learnit.com 

Email: [email protected] 

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

Are you settling for comfort instead of greatness? In this action-packed episode, Damon sits down with Rick Walker—entrepreneur, global nonprofit builder, and author of "Nine Steps to Build a Life of Meaning"—to unearth what truly separates remarkable lives from forgettable ones. Rick shares why pain is our greatest teacher, why comfort breeds mediocrity, and how to fight for a future your grandkids will talk about. Drawing on interviews with world-class leaders and lessons from scaling businesses in over 50 countries, Rick offers a blueprint for finding purpose, turning adversity into leverage, and aiming higher than you ever thought possible. 

Packed with stories, tough lessons, and practical steps, this episode is an eye-opener for anyone stuck on autopilot or wondering what it takes to build a legacy. Whether you’re facing setbacks or just too comfortable, Rick reveals how to embrace discomfort, conquer your enemies (internal and external), and finally turn potential into real accomplishment. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• Why living in a painless world creates joyless lives—and how pain sharpens both achievement and happiness 
• How to identify your “worthy enemy”—the personal or societal evil that can ignite your purpose 
• Why aiming low is the ultimate sin, and how the best leaders set goals they rarely achieve 
• How to build resilience by stacking small sacrifices and eliminating distractions, not just making to-do lists 
• How wisdom is the ability to act today for the most valued reward in the most distant future 
• The steps Rick uses for unleashing your full potential and building a legacy that outlasts you 

Timestamps: 

00:00 – Why pain is life’s greatest attention-grabber 

01:17 – Introducing Rick Walker and his "Nine Steps to Build a Life of Meaning" 

02:43 – Pain vs. comfort: trading easy living for real growth 

06:49 – Rick’s inspiration: lessons from failure and wisdom from world-class men 

10:04 – Step one: How to identify and conquer your “enemy” 

16:15 – Why Rick uses “steps” instead of “rules” (and what it means to always advance or retreat) 

20:04 – The danger of aiming low and why it sabotages your identity 

27:27 – Translating business wisdom to nonprofit work and the pursuit of a meaningful impact 

31:19 – Rick’s definition of wisdom and the “currency of the present” 

38:03 – How pain and setbacks are the secret to joy and a meaningful story 

44:09 – Viktor Frankl, agency, and escaping victimhood through responsibility 

48:29 – Real-life example: how to handle overwhelm in leadership roles 

51:58 – Can you repeat, skip, or customize the nine steps? (linear or not?) 

55:02 – Advice for Rick’s future sons-in-law—and building a life your grandkids will recount 

57:58 – Why a redeemed man is better than a perfect man (and living a story worth telling) 

59:26 – Rick’s final nugget: hope threatens all threats, and living lavishly on the outliers 

1:01:55 – Where to connect with Rick and get his book 

About Rick Walker 

Rick Walker is an entrepreneur, author, and global nonprofit leader who’s scaled businesses to hundreds of employees and helped launch organizations in over 50 countries. He’s interviewed 100+ world-class leaders, read over 1,000 books, and distilled decades of experience into practical frameworks for living a life of significance. Rick’s mission is to equip the next generation—especially young men—with the tools, wisdom, and mindset to conquer comfort and build a meaningful legacy. Learn more at RickWalker.com and connect with him on LinkedIn 

Resources & Mentions 

• Rick Walker’s website and newsletter 
• Rick Walker on LinkedIn 
• Book: Nine Steps to Build a Life of Meaning 
• Book: Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl 
• Book: Striking Thoughts by Bruce Lee 
• Book: Tao Te Ching 

Podcast Contact Information: 

Website: www.learnit.com 

Email: [email protected] 

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Growing a business is more than just adding fuel to the fire—true scale demands clarity, courage, and a change in mindset. 

In this high-impact episode, host Damon Lembi welcomes Adam Strong, renowned business strategist, bestselling author, and host of The Business Strategist Podcast. Together, they dive deep into the pitfalls that keep founders and CEOs stuck, from confusing growth with true scaling, to fear, ego, and personal identity issues that prevent successful exits. Adam unpacks the must-have strategies for reclaiming your time, building scalable systems, and ensuring you're not the bottleneck in your own company. Loaded with actionable frameworks, mindset shifts, and real-life stories—including how personal branding creates demand and why having too much revenue tied to one customer is a recipe for sleepless nights—this is an episode every ambitious leader should hear. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• The critical difference between growth and scale—and why mistaking one for the other stalls most founders 
• Why personal identity, fear, and ego block even top CEOs from scaling and exiting their businesses 
• Adam’s 3-stage exit plan every business owner needs to understand (and when to start the process) 
• How to identify and fix the stress points that are bottlenecking your organization’s growth 
• The essential categories Adam benchmarks to accelerate professional services out of stagnation 
• Why building (and consistently posting) a personal brand leads to real business opportunities—even if you don’t see instant feedback 
• How to use product ecosystems and capacity planning to protect profits and prepare for scale 

Timestamps: 

00:00 – Growth vs. scale: why sprinting endlessly leads to burnout 

01:06 – Why clarity is the “north star” of sustainable business 

02:51 – From micromanagement to fear: common founder mistakes 

04:29 – The emotional journey of exiting your business 

07:19 – Identity and ego: The real reasons founders struggle to let go 

09:45 – Limiting beliefs and the fixed mindset trap 

11:25 – How Adam challenges leaders (without giving easy answers) 

13:29 – Fear-based decision making and resistance to change 

15:05 – The hidden power of personal branding and social content 

16:57 – Case study: how personal branding landed a new client 

19:38 – The first step for stuck professional services leaders 

21:06 – Adam’s 5-part business framework for diagnosing bottlenecks 

23:25 – Why great technical skills don’t guarantee business growth 

24:11 – What McDonald’s teaches about product vs. process 

25:49 – How to successfully step back as a founder 

28:55 – The dangers of founder interference—stepping back for real scale 

30:52 – Growing from $3M to $4M: the scale, not just staff, solution 

32:42 – Assessing efficiency and maximizing profitability 

35:42 – Is A.I. a threat or tool in professional services? 

38:56 – How niche and capacity planning lead to premium positioning 

42:45 – Red flags: when too much revenue comes from one client 

45:04 – Building a product ecosystem to increase resilience and value 

50:25 – Creating demand and the power of waitlists 

51:27 – Positioning your firm as premium (not commodity) 

53:04 – Adam’s final takeaway: Don’t leave your exit too late 

54:45 – How to join Adam's founder community and connect 

About Adam Strong 

Adam Strong is a best-selling author, entrepreneur, international speaker, and widely recognized business strategist. Drawing on decades of experience, Adam specializes in guiding founders, CEOs, and professional services leaders through the crucial mindset and operational changes needed to break revenue ceilings and execute winning exits. He is the host of The Business Strategist Podcast and a passionate advocate of building memorable personal brands in the digital age.  

Resources & Mentions: 

• Adam Strong on LinkedIn 
• Adam Strong’s Website 
• The Business Strategist Podcast 
• Adam Strong Books: https://adamstrong.net/books/ 
• Waitlist for Adam’s founder & CEO community: https://gamechangersinnercircle.scoreapp.com/ 
• Patrick Lencioni’s Working Genius Tool  
• Book: Small Ball, Big Results  

Podcast Contact Information: 

Website: www.learnit.com 

Email: [email protected] 

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Winning teams—and thriving careers—are built by those who take charge of their own growth. 

In this solo episode, host Damon Lembi, two-time bestselling author and CEO of Learnit, shares the three essential truths for taking complete ownership of your career development. Drawing on real stories from mentees and colleagues, Damon unpacks why waiting for training, promotions, or happiness to arrive just doesn’t work—and how proactive planning, building a business case, and courageous conversations can change everything. Whether you’re new to leadership, battling resource constraints, or feeling stuck in the wrong role, this episode delivers practical strategies and mindset shifts to help you get unstuck and start thriving on your own terms. 

From designing your own learning plan to making big, strategic asks (and having tough talks!), Damon empowers you with the tools and inspiration to own your path, champion your team, and rediscover your passion at work. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• Why no one cares about your growth as much as you do—and why that’s empowering 
• How to proactively build and present your own learning and development plan 
• The art of crafting a business case and ROI to advocate for your team’s resources 
• The importance of having honest conversations if you’re miserable in your role—and how to transition back to work you love 
• Why leaders often want to help, but need you to step forward first 
• Tangible next steps: how to move from frustration to action, starting today 

Timestamps: 

00:00 – Introduction: The myth of waiting for help 

01:05 – Taking responsibility for your own learning plan 

03:22 – Mentee story: Designing a custom leadership curriculum 

06:05 – What to do if your company won’t pay for training 

07:05 – The importance of biographies and self-driven learning 

08:10 – Build a business case and ROI for your team’s success 

10:24 – Sales leader story: Conferences and proven results 

14:30 – Leaders are busy—why you need to help them help you 

15:30 – The power of proactive initiative (Carly Lutz example) 

16:35 – The hardest story: Getting stuck in the wrong management role 

19:50 – How honest dialogue can transform your job satisfaction 

21:55 – Lessons for “getting out of your comfort zone” and loving your work 

23:30 – Damon’s final challenge: Take action now 

25:00 – Damon’s book, Learn it All Leader, and goodbye 

About Damon Lembi 

Damon Lembi is a 2x bestselling author, the host of The Learn-It-All Podcast, and CEO of Learnit – a live learning platform that has upskilled over 2 million people. Drawing from his prior baseball career, Damon brings an athlete’s perspective to leadership. Through his journey, he has gained invaluable insights into what helps organizations grow, how great leaders learn, and why learn-it-all companies outpace their competitors every time.    

Resources & Mentions: 

The Learn-It-All Leader: Mindset, Traits, and Tools by Damon Lembi:  

https://a.co/d/azzNKWM  

Good Decisions Equals Success by Damon Lembi & Kandis Porter:  

https://a.co/d/hJhnRJU  

Damon Lembi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi  

Coach Your Team (Learnit Course): https://www.learnit.com/courses/coach-your-team  

Make Listening Your Superpower (Learnit Course): https://www.learnit.com/courses/make-listening-your-superpower 

Run Better Meetings (Learnit Course): https://www.learnit.com/courses/run-better-meetings 

Think Critically (Learnit Course): https://www.learnit.com/courses/think-critically 

Delegate to Scale Your Impact (Learnit course):  

https://www.learnit.com/courses/delegate-to-scale-your-impact 

Podcast Contact Information: 

Website: www.learnit.com 

Email: [email protected] 

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Rethinking Sales Leadership: Disrupting the Status Quo and Multiplying Your Impact 

In this energizing episode, Damon sits down with Bernadette McClelland—global sales leadership consultant, keynote speaker, and founder of the Sales Leadership Academy—to explore why the most dangerous thing a leader can do is stick with “the way we’ve always done it.” Bernadette shares her personal evolution from top corporate sales leader in Australia to transformative coach and framework creator, urging sales leaders to move beyond comfort zones, drive self-mastery, and codify their unique expertise for the market of tomorrow. From breaking free of outdated identities to embracing a balance of competitive and creative energies, this conversation is packed with actionable strategies and fresh perspectives for anyone looking to stay relevant, multiply their impact, and future-proof their sales leadership. 

Whether you’re a new manager or a seasoned pro, you’ll find practical tools and inspiration to rewrite your own story, build frameworks that differentiate you, and lead teams with more conviction, clarity, and compassion. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• Why disruption is essential for sales leaders—and the steep cost of doing nothing 
• The crucial link between identity, intention, and self-influence in transforming leadership 
• How to shift from managing deals to inspiring and mobilizing teams at a human level 
• Why codifying your unique expertise (IP) creates massive value and market differentiation 
• The rising importance of balancing competitive (masculine) and creative (feminine) leadership energies 
• How to coach teams for belief and behavioral change—not just business outcomes 

Timestamps: 

00:00 – Why “we’ve always done it this way” is so dangerous for leaders 

01:41 – The importance of curiosity and self-disruption 

03:06 – Identity, intentionality, and influence: the trilogy of self-leadership 

07:16 – Bernadette’s journey: overcoming adversity, shifting out of “shallow” work 

13:37 – Position, people, process, performance, proof: the framework for multiplying impact 

16:42 – The perception trap: why pipeline problems go deeper than the numbers 

17:02 – Balancing competitive and creative energies in sales leadership 

19:41 – Why not every high-performing rep should be a leader 

22:00 – From managing to mobilizing: inspiring belief in your team 

24:49 – Coaching limiting beliefs around money and authority 

30:18 – Codifying your IP: why your expertise is your commercial asset 

32:58 – What the Sales Leadership Academy delivers for its graduates 

33:09 – Who Bernadette’s academy is for (and who it isn’t) 

34:18 – Human skills and the future of sales leadership in the AI era 

37:11 – Using AI wisely: avoiding “copycat” content while leveraging tech 

39:27 – Bernadette’s last takeaway: stay open, curious, and true to yourself 

40:43 – Where to connect with Bernadette and access her Academy 

About Bernadette McClelland 

Bernadette McClelland is an international sales leadership consultant, keynote speaker, and founder of the Sales Leadership Academy. From humble beginnings and overcoming setbacks, Bernadette rose to become a senior sales leader at Xerox Australia, master coach for Tony Robbins in Asia Pacific, and a trusted advisor to Harvard MBA students and business schools across the globe. Today, she’s renowned for helping leaders coadify their unique value, systemize sales strategy, and double down on impact—whether working with corporate clients, mentoring undergraduates, or volunteering with the incarcerated in their inhouse entrepreneurial and personal transformation programs. 

Resources & Mentions: 

• Bernadette’s website: https://bernadettemcclelland.com 
• Bernadette on LinkedIn: Bernadette McClelland 
• Book: Shift and Disrupt: Stop Selling Widgets, Start Selling Wisdom by Bernadette McClelland 
• Byron Katie’s “The Work”: thework.com 
• World Economic Forum: Top 10 Job Skills of the Future 
• Sales Leader of Influence Academy - Use code "LEARNIT" at checkout for a 100% discount! (valid until 7/1/2026): https://salesleadershipacademy.com/revenue 

Podcast Contact Information: 

Website: www.learnit.com 

Email: [email protected] 

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.