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We’ve all paid the price of believing in someone who let us down. But what if that “cost” isn’t a failure, but it’s a necessary for greater connection, creativity, and leadership?
It's a mindset shift for leaders who want to build stronger teams, healthier relationships, and resilient organizations.
If you’ve ever been burned by someone at work or in life, this one’s for you.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Timestamps:
00:00 – Why trust gets broken—and why Damon still believes in it
01:10 – The story of betrayal that inspired the Trust Tax concept
02:40 – “I just paid for my own betrayal” — the personal and professional fallout
03:20 – What is the Trust Tax?
03:56 – Why leading from control doesn’t work
04:30 – Trust builds stronger teams, belonging, and creativity
05:05 – The 4-step Trust Tax Playbook begins
05:10 – Step 1: Trust First – Why Damon chooses to lead with trust by default
05:48 – Step 2: Trust Smart – Awareness without cynicism
06:28 – Step 3: Reframe the Cost – Learning from letdowns without shutting down
07:10 – Step 4: Lead by Identity – Becoming someone who trusts and grows
08:00 – Real-life ways to apply this in parenting, leadership, and friendship
08:50 – Emotional regulation: labeling feelings to reduce their intensity
09:30 – Reframing betrayal as a leadership learning moment
10:15 – Final Challenge: Choose to trust someone this week, even if it’s risky
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.
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Sales is not just about closing deals. Leadership and sales are, at their core, both about helping people achieve what they didn’t think was possible. But in order to effectively help people, you need to master the skill of sales.
In this episode, we’re joined by Mark Hunter, renowned sales strategist, speaker and author known as The Sales Hunter, to explore the timeless overlap between selling and leading.
In this episode you will learn:
Timestamps:
00:16 – Sales and leadership: Eisenhower's D-Day message
01:50 – The real purpose of the discovery call
03:57 – Authenticity over slide decks
04:52 – Will AI replace salespeople?
06:28 – Risk, value, and the importance of trust
07:38 – How trust combats indecision
09:15 – Mapping customer problems upstream and downstream
10:41 – Selling with insight into your customer’s customer
11:33 – Using AI to personalize sales outreach
13:41 – Tips for expanding access to stakeholders
16:10 – Happy talkers vs. true decision makers
18:04 – The role of social media and personal brand equity in sales
19:24 – Why every rep needs a personal brand
21:24 – How to build content discipline in B2B sales
22:24 – Great leadership traits in sales managers
24:44 – Leading with integrity and taking ownership
28:06 – The leadership lesson that shaped Mark’s career
31:56 – Supporting reps during tough quarters
33:00 – Time: your most valuable asset
33:46 – Mark’s 3 most important career assets: time, mind, and network
35:16 – Diversifying your network like an investment portfolio
37:29 – Can virtual onboarding work for sales reps?
39:44 – Simple KPIs: Mark’s “5 conversations” rule
41:10 – Why sales is a lifestyle, not a job
42:47 – The importance of continuous learning
44:25 – Charlie Munger’s mindset on lifelong learning
44:37 – Final takeaway: why you owe it to prospects to reach out
Resources & Mentions:
Connect With Us:
Success is an extremely misunderstood word. If you lack the self-awareness of why you do what you do, it won’t matter how much money you are making on paper. This lack of awareness can prevent you from performing at your best, but that’s what we’re here to solve today.
Today’s guest is JM Ryerson. He’s a serial entrepreneur, performance coach, author and the founder of Let’s Go Win, a company dedicated to helping high performers live their best lives both personally and professionally.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
Timestamps:
00:26 – JM’s limiting belief around money and how he rewrote it
03:16 – Costly mistakes and the power of self-awareness
05:05 – Learning from failures and helping others avoid “dummy tax”
06:06 – Letting go of expectations and five-year plans
07:34 – When it’s okay to pivot or quit a goal
09:16 – Losing sports identity and discovering personal growth
11:18 – JM’s journey from Enterprise to entrepreneurship
12:58 – Writing Let’s Go Win inspired by his kids
14:25 – The true philosophy behind “winning”
16:32 – Sports, parenting, and teaching kids resilience
20:51 – Parallels between parenting and leading teams
22:56 – Defining and living your company’s core values
27:18 – The three essential leadership traits JM lives by
29:15 – Radical transparency and where JM draws the line
31:09 – Vulnerability vs. weakness in leadership
33:26 – Advice for first-time leaders on being authentic
35:20 – Overcoming imposter syndrome by shifting focus
37:16 – Why putting people first drives business growth
38:45 – JM’s “Perfect Morning Routine” (33 minutes to change your day)
40:17 – How to build consistency with daily habits
42:13 – Creating your own luck through mindset and awareness
44:37 – JM’s legacy: presence, love, and showing up for his family
46:17 – Final advice: “Take care of YOU first”
Resources Mentioned:
Contact Us:
The secret to making your team more engaged, more productive and far less likely to leave? Intentional and focused 1 on 1 meetings. Today’s guest learned this lesson the hard way.
Brendan Rogers is a leadership coach who used to believe that great teams were built through occasional team meetings and annual performance reviews. But when the world went remote during the pandemic? He was surprised to realize that without consistent, structured one-on-one conversations, leaders lose control, performance drops, and teams fall apart.
If you’re a leader who wants to elevate your team’s performance without micromanaging, this episode is packed with actionable insights.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:00:01 – Introduction to Brendan Rogers
00:25 – Why leaders must invest deliberate time in their employees
02:40 – The moment Brendan realized one-on-one meetings change everything
05:48 – How COVID forced leaders to rethink employee engagement
06:22 – The myth that structure kills creativity (it actually fuels it)
09:06 – Brendan’s three-step framework for effective one-on-ones
12:30 – Should feedback happen in one-on-one meetings or separately?
16:13 – The damaging effect of constantly canceling one-on-one meetings
19:21 – How leaders can get better at giving and receiving feedback
22:14 – Why modeling how you receive feedback matters as a leader
26:44 – The simple act of following up on feedback to build trust
31:33 – A small but powerful piece of feedback that changed Brendan’s career
34:05 – The number one roadblock stopping leaders from scaling their teams
36:39 – How to get better at saying no as a leader
39:51 – How to increase performance in a team setting beyond one-on-ones
43:45 – Why great leaders aren’t born—they’re designed
46:57 – Final advice: There’s always a better way to lead
Podcast Contact Information:
In a world that’s accelerating towards AI & automation, what sets us apart isn’t speed or scale, it’s creativity. The biggest myth we’re here to dispel is that creativity is only for artists. That’s a lie.
In today’s episode, we’re joined by MaryLou Kayser, who has spent the last 30 years as a coach, speaker and thought leader around the power of creativity.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Timestamps & Topics
00:01 – Introduction to MaryLou Kayser
00:24 – Debunking the myth “I’m not creative”
02:03 – Why creativity is what makes us human
05:24 – MaryLou’s “Holy Hour” morning practice
07:47 – Building trust in yourself through routine
09:09 – The evolution of self-trust over time
11:03 – Owning your mistakes as a form of authenticity
12:26 – Comfort zones, courage, and small experiments
14:56 – 30-day writing exercise to rewire your brain
19:06 – AI as fire: dangerous if misused, transformative if harnessed
22:55 – Addressing writer fear around AI
25:09 – How to compare AI-generated work to your own
27:16 – Using AI as a co-writer, not a ghostwriter
30:18 – Story: Helping her nephew write with his own voice using AI
32:13 – Learning to ask AI better questions
33:43 – Is AI a tool or a thought partner?
36:18 – What is personal agency and why it’s eroding
38:50 – A personal story: what MaryLou gave away
41:15 – The meaning behind “Play Your Position”
44:23 – 11 years of podcasting: how it shaped her growth
47:44 – Defining legacy and what truly matters
50:45 – Final thoughts: Believe in yourself, you matter
Resources Mentioned
Podcast Contact Information:
Website: www.learnit.com
Email: [email protected]
Follow Damon on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.
Research shows that high-performing sales teams drive up to 80% of a company’s revenue (Harvard Business Review). Yet most teams are flying blind and relying on outdated sales plans, inconsistent outreach, and a lack of new leads for their business. pipelines.
In this episode, we’re joined by author and leading expert in B2B sales coaching, Mark Cox. Whether you're new to sales or a seasoned sales leader, Mark offers invaluable insights and practical tools to help you master the art of selling in today's world.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Timestamps:
00:01 – Intro to Mark Cox
00:15 – Are salespeople born or made? (Hint: It’s a skill)
01:21 – Reigniting a love for learning through an Executive MBA
03:35 – Why senior leaders often stop learning
05:29 – What inspired Learn to Love Selling
06:58 – Who the book is for
07:34 – Why most sales plans gather dust
08:55 – The 4 Core Elements of a Sales Playbook
12:23 – The “fifth” element: Awareness campaigns
13:44 – What makes a value prop terrible (and how to fix it)
15:29 – How often should you reassess your value prop?
18:09 – What makes In the Funnel different?
20:02 – Ask your clients for your differentiation
22:48 – Client interviews as a learning tool
24:58 – Demand Gen: The “X-Factor” skill in B2B sales
27:58 – Ranking modern demand gen tools: phone, email, LinkedIn
31:54 – The “hat trick” approach to outreach
34:12 – Working conferences like a pro
38:26 – Discovery meetings: the most important sales phase
43:36 – Why discovery never ends
45:44 – Helping sales reps kill zombie deals
49:23 – The 3 key stakeholders of a sales leader
51:49 – Coaching vs. Telling: What great leaders do differently
54:54 – Avoiding the “hero” trap as a new manager
58:49 – Should you promote your top rep to sales manager?
01:01:59 – What makes a great sales leader
01:04:20 – Closing thoughts & where to find Mark
Resources Mentioned:
Connect with the Show:
Most leaders follow the rules. Hitting their targets, meeting expectations, and settling into a rhythm. But uncommon leaders refuse to stay comfortable. Leadership has very little to do with your title or authority. Instead it’s about creating influence, discipline, and the willingness to step outside of your comfort zone if you truly want to be a better leader.
In today’s episode, we’re joined by John Gallagher, an executive coach, performance consultant, and trusted advisor to some of the world’s most prestigious organizations.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
00:01 – Introduction to John Gallagher and his leadership philosophy
01:01 – The greatest story ever told: How leaders make an impact
03:13 – What makes leadership uncommon?
05:07 – The dangers of thinking you have it all figured out
06:27 – Raising the average: Why your environment dictates your success
08:14 – Getting out of your comfort zone to level up as a leader
11:16 – How to hold yourself accountable and maintain discipline
14:18 – Why some leaders struggle to change—and how to overcome it
19:51 – The three-step framework for inspiring lasting change
22:40 – Why most people struggle with consistency
24:53 – The power of discipline and daily habits
26:39 – How to improve your sleep for better performance
30:51 – Practical advice for avoiding distractions and time-wasting
33:16 – The myth of multitasking and how to reclaim your time
37:27 – The 47-minute rule: A game-changer for productivity
40:19 – Why treating every team member the same way is a mistake
42:01 – The role of AI in leadership (and why soft skills matter more than ever)
44:20 – How faith influences John’s leadership approach
48:57 – How to ensure your name gets written on the list
Podcast Contact Information:
Website: www.learnit.com
Email: [email protected]
Follow Damon on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.
11 Skills AI Will Never Replace: Skill #11 Learning Agility
Welcome to The Learn-It-All Podcast’s 11 Skills AI Will Never Replace-- our 11-part special series exploring the essential human skills that AI cannot replicate. With the start of the new year, we’re all facing unprecedented technological disruption and workplace transformation. To help you thrive in this new landscape, we’ve leveraged a study from MuchSkills that analyzed data from 28,000 professionals to identify the capabilities that will make you irreplaceable in an AI-enhanced workplace.
Each week, we’ll take a deep dive into one critical skill, providing you with actionable strategies, expert insights, and Learnit’s proprietary frameworks to future-proof your career. This series isn't just about adapting to change – it's about mastering the unique human abilities that will define leadership success in the age of AI.
Learning Agility Makes Your Career Future-Proof
Are you and your team ready to thrive in a world where AI accelerates everything but can't replace the most essential human skills?
In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, the ability to continuously adapt, learn, and grow has never been more crucial for success. But how can you cultivate this skill in yourself and your organization?
In this final episode of the 11 Skills AI Will Never Replace series, host Damon Lembi is joined again by Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins, Learnit's top-ranked facilitator and leadership expert, to explore learning agility - potentially the most important skill for today's professionals. They share personal experiences, practical strategies, and insights on how individuals and organizations can develop a culture that prioritizes continuous learning. From scheduling dedicated learning time to embracing failure as a growth opportunity, this conversation offers actionable advice for leaders looking to create resilient, adaptable teams ready to navigate constant change.
This Episode Covers:
Episode Highlights:
00:01 – What Is Learning Agility and Why It Matters – How adapting quickly and continuously learning helps individuals and businesses stay relevant.
06:25 – The Personal Payoff of Lifelong Learning – Mickey shares how embracing learning agility shaped her career path.
12:18 – The Risks of the “Know-It-All” Mindset – Why fixed thinking and resisting change are career-limiting behaviors.
19:45 – Three Action Steps to Build Learning Agility – Sponge up knowledge, adopt a growth mindset, and learn with and from others.
28:30 – Creating a Learning Culture at Work – How leaders can build organizations that support curiosity, experimentation, and collaboration.
33:50 – Interview Tips to Identify Learn-It-Alls – The best questions leaders can ask to hire growth-minded, coachable people.
46:06 – Final Thoughts and a Gift for Listeners – Damon and Mickey offer listeners a chance to take a LearnIt class for free.
About Damon Lembi:
Damon Lembi is a 2x bestselling author, the host of The Learn-It-All Podcast, and CEO of Learnit – a live learning platform that has upskilled over 2 million people. Drawing from his prior baseball career, Damon brings an athlete’s perspective to leadership. Through his journey, he has gained invaluable insights into what helps organizations grow, how great leaders learn, and why learn-it-all companies outpace their competitors every time.
About Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins
Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins is a dynamic leadership development expert who serves as a Leadership and Professional Development Facilitator at Learnit. With a PhD in Leadership in Higher Education from Northcentral University focusing on middle manager self-efficacy, her expertise spans performance management, program development, and equity initiatives, while her high-energy approach has proven effective in leading teams across educational institutions and technology companies.
Resources Referenced:
MuchSkills
The Learn-It-All Leader: Mindset, Traits, and Tools by Damon Lembi
The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph by Ryan Holiday
The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference by Malcolm Gladwell
Podcast Contact Information
Website: www.learnit.com
Email: [email protected]
Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.
Being a successful leader for your company in a world full of disruption means building more than your technical skills.
Yes, you must deliver results, but to run a successful business, you need people. And people today want leaders who can and will work to see beyond themselves and only the bottom line.
In today's episode, we’re joined by Joe Davis. He’s the former Managing Director and Senior Partner at Boston Consulting Group, which is one of the pioneers in business strategy, and he’s now a speaker and the author of the book The Generous Leader: 7 Ways to Give of Yourself for Everyone’s Gain.
In this conversation, you will learn:
Episode Highlights:
00:07 – Leadership Today: Not Complicated, Just Different – How technology, social media, and blurred work-life boundaries have changed leadership expectations.
02:04 – Generous Leadership Defined – Giving of oneself to help others grow and thrive, beyond just being nice.
03:22 – From Command-and-Control to People-Centered Leadership – Moving from authority to inspiring and unlocking human potential.
07:54 – The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership – How admitting uncertainty strengthens trust and collaboration.
12:08 – Transparency vs. Full Transparency – Knowing when full transparency may not be wise.
21:23 – The Importance of Listening – A pivotal moment on the value of letting others fully express their thoughts.
23:42 – CEO Whisperers: How Top Consultants Win Trust – Gaining trust by understanding what CEOs don’t yet know.
36:13 – Small Acts, Big Impact: United Airlines Captain’s Story – Scott Kirby’s personal check-in with Black pilots after George Floyd’s murder.
19:44 – Humanizing Leadership – Recognizing employees as people first to create loyalty and engagement.
41:58 – The Power of Recognition – How a simple thank-you note transforms workplace culture.
Resources Referenced:
Joe Davis’ book - https://www.amazon.com/Generous-Leader-Ways-Yourself-Everyones/dp/1523006617
Joe Davis’ website - https://www.joedavis.com/
Boston Consulting Group (BCG) - https://www.bcg.com/
Arne Sorenson's COVID-19 Message - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgAMdCV9fxc
Podcast Contact:
Website: www.learnit.com
Email: [email protected]
Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.
Today we’re joined by Jean Accius, CEO of Creating Healthier Communities and thought leader in workplace well-being and leadership innovation.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:00:01 – Introduction to Jean Accius
00:08 – The importance of psychological safety in the workplace
02:37 – The alarming decline in employee engagement and why it matters
05:19 – Why purpose-driven organizations outperform their competitors
06:33 – The power of a listening tour and how it transformed CHC
08:33 – Implementing Shadow Days to build cross-functional collaboration
10:32 – The impact of The Million Dollar Idea Fund
12:02 – How Jean overcame a risk-averse culture to drive innovation
15:25 – Why diversity of thought is essential for leadership teams
19:37 – Mentorship across generations & the importance of community
24:37 – How to attract and retain older workers in a changing workforce
27:13 – The hidden impact of workplace policies on mental health
30:19 – The business case for corporate well-being initiatives
33:06 – Life expectancy gaps and how zip codes determine health outcomes
38:49 – Why interdependence, not independence, is the key to progress
42:31 – Final thoughts: The importance of challenging assumptions & lifelong learning
Podcast Contact Information
Website: www.learnit.com
Email: [email protected]
Follow Damon on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.
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