the Learn-It-All™ podcast

Are your top performers doubting themselves? What if you could transform their uncertainty into unstoppable momentum with just one conversation? 

In this powerful episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, Learnit CEO Damon Lembi discusses how recognizing and acknowledging people's achievements can profoundly impact their confidence, performance, and career trajectory. Through personal stories from his early baseball career to his role as CEO, Damon shows how leaders who actively highlight their team members' successes create lasting positive change. Reflecting on the mentors who shaped his path, he shares practical strategies for building a culture where people believe in themselves and reach their full potential. Damon explains why leaders must recognize and nurture the greatness within their teams and provides actionable insights for leaders who want to make a lasting difference through encouragement, belief, and intentional support. 

 This Episode Covers: 

- How recognizing achievements builds trust and confidence 

- Practical ways to help team members see their own potential 

- Why celebrating small successes can have long-term impact 

- The importance of believing in people before they believe in themselves 

- Strategies for sharing positive feedback and creating a supportive team culture 

Episode Highlights: 

 (00:00) Introduction – Damon introduces the episode and shares his thoughts on the role of a leader in helping others see their potential. 

(01:00) The High School Baseball Story – Damon recounts a story from high school baseball, where a coach’s belief helped him regain his confidence during a challenging time. 

(03:00) Building Confidence in Your Team – Damon discusses how leaders can help team members reflect on their achievements to foster self-belief. 

(04:00) The Story of Laurel Taylor – Damon shares the story of a former employee who was inspired to start her own company after a simple conversation that helped her recognize her own potential. 

(05:00) Making Encouragement Part of Leadership – Damon explains why leaders shouldn’t wait for someone to struggle before offering words of encouragement and support. 

(06:00) Practical Tips for Leaders – Damon provides actionable tips on how to give meaningful feedback, recognize successes, and create a culture of encouragement. 

(07:00) Wrapping Up – Damon concludes with a reminder of the long-lasting impact that leaders can have by simply believing in their team members and helping them see their own greatness. 

About Damon:  

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 Referenced: 

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

- Learnit: https://www.Learnit.com 

- Damon’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damonlembi 

- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/learnittraining 

- The Learn-It-All Leader: Mindset, Tools, and Traits: https://www.amazon.com/Learn-All-Leader-Mindset-Traits-ebook/dp/B0BZXKR784 

Podcast Contact Information:  

Website: www.learnit.com

Email: [email protected]

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Are You Leading with Intention or Just Reacting to Whatever Comes Your Way? 

In a world that's increasingly "BANI" (Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, Incomprehensible), former Campbell Soup Company CEO Doug Conant shares how he transforms toxic workplace cultures into high-performing organizations by leading with intention.  

In this stand-out episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, Doug’s insights offer a blueprint for navigating today's complexities with a balanced approach to resilience, high performance, and purpose-driven leadership. He unpacks his leadership journey, from turning around Campbell Soup Company to establishing Conant Leadership and offers hard-earned lessons on building an enduring culture, emphasizing the importance of integrity, connection, and continuous personal growth. Sharing candid stories from his remarkable career journey – from being fired at age 32 to becoming CEO of a Fortune 500 company – Doug reveals why winning in the workplace must come before winning in the marketplace. 

 This Episode Covers: 

• Your Life is Your Leadership Story: Doug’s philosophy is that a leader’s journey is rooted in their personal story. Aligning one’s values with leadership helps create authentic connections and a more fulfilling impact​
• Leadership in the 21st Century: Practical strategies for leading in a complex, diverse world that requires EQ, character, and a people-first approach. 
• To Win in the Marketplace, You Need to Win in the Workplace: Doug believed that marketplace success starts with a thriving workplace culture, which fosters high performance and lasting impact​
• Grow or Die: Leaders, Doug insists, must continually evolve. Stagnation means failure, especially as modern leadership requires constant adaptation to a changing environment
• Tough on Process, Tenderhearted with People: Doug emphasized balancing high standards with compassion. He believed that leaders should be rigorous with processes but caring toward people, fostering both accountability and trust
• Lead with Intention, Not by the Seat of Your Pants: Doug believed leaders should act with purpose, setting a clear path rather than reacting to chaos.
• Expressing Appreciation: Doug shares his practice of writing 30,000 thank-you notes and how showing gratitude can transform workplace culture. 

Episode Highlights: 

(00:00) Introduction to Doug Conant – Damon introduces Doug Conant, former CEO of Campbell Soup and founder of Conant Leadership, and they discuss his philosophy on leadership. 

(01:32) The Power of Deliberate Practice – Doug shares how deliberate practice shaped his leadership journey, starting from his time as a college tennis player. 

(05:30) Overcoming Setbacks and Building Resilience – Doug reflects on being fired at age 32 and how that experience helped him redefine his approach to leadership.

(09:00) Writing 30,000 Thank-You Notes – Doug explains why he prioritized writing thank-you notes to employees and the impact it had on company culture. 

(12:33) Creating Accountability and Clarity – Doug emphasizes the importance of setting clear expectations and holding leaders accountable to inspire trust within teams. 

(17:00) The First Hour, First Day Approach – Doug introduces his “first hour, first day” practice for onboarding and establishing rapport with new team members. 

(21:30) Leading a Major Turnaround – Doug discusses his experiences at Campbell Soup Company, including the strategies that helped him transform the company’s culture and performance 

(33:18) Advice for Leaders in the 21st Century – Doug offers final thoughts on what it takes to lead with integrity and purpose in today’s complex world. 

About Doug:

Doug Conant, the only former Fortune 500 CEO who is both a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, has been a Top 50 Leadership Innovator, a Top 100 Leadership Speaker, and twice named one of the 100 Most Influential Authors in the World. For the past 20 years, he has honed his leadership craft at the most senior levels—first as President of the Nabisco Foods Company, then as CEO of Campbell Soup Company, and finally as Chairman of Avon Products. In 2011, he founded ConantLeadership: a mission-driven community of leaders and learners who are championing leadership that works in the 21st century. 

Resources Referenced: 

 Doug Conant on LinkedIn  

 ConantLeadership Boot Camp 

 ConantLeadership Website 

 The Blueprint: Six Practical Steps to Lift Your Leadership to New Heights by Doug Conant 

 TouchPoints by Doug Conant 

 "13 Life Lessons from the Game of Tennis" blog post by Doug Conant 

 Atomic Habits by James Clear 

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck 

Talent is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else by Geoff Colvin  

 Stephen Covey on leadership 

 Brené Brown on vulnerability and leadership 

Podcast Contact Information:   

Website: www.learnit.com

Email: [email protected]

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Wondering how your business can stay competitive without getting bogged down in tech complexity?  

In this episode of The Learn It All Leader Podcast, serial entrepreneur Ben Johnson explains how business leaders can embrace technology to accelerate growth—without losing sight of the human element that drives success.  

Ben shares his remarkable entrepreneurial journey to becoming the founder and CEO of Particle 41 with Learnit CEO Damon Lembi and offers practical advice for leaders navigating the challenges of digital transformation. They discuss the importance of building strong tech teams, clarity in leadership, and developing a mindset that balances rapid growth with sustainable, long-term success. Ben gives actionable strategies for fostering innovation, creating partnerships, and implementing technology solutions that serve both your customers and your company’s vision and offers expert advice on navigating the challenges of scaling your business, fostering innovation, and achieving your most ambitious goals. 

This Episode Covers: 

• How to evaluate potential co-founders and partners  
• Transitioning from founder to employee after an acquisition 
• The importance of adopting a creator mentality over a victim mentality in leadership. 
• Leveraging CTO advisory services to bridge the gap between business goals and technology execution. 
• Using the power of reframing to manage difficult situations and avoid burnout. 
• The benefits of short-term goal setting over annual planning for achieving rapid business results. 
• Why visibility, velocity, and vision are critical core values for business success. 
• How to align cross-functional teams through transparent communication and leadership. 
• The critical importance of speaking a shared language in both technical and business conversations. 

Episode Highlights:  

(00:00) Introduction to Ben Johnson – Damon introduces Ben Johnson, founder of Particle 41, and sets the stage for a conversation about entrepreneurship in the tech industry. 

(01:00) Ben’s Entrepreneurial Beginnings – Ben shares his early experiences, including starting his first business at 13 and how entrepreneurship has always represented freedom for him. 

(03:00) Finding the Right Co-Founders – Ben discusses what he looks for in business partners and why mindset, work ethic, and industry knowledge are key. 

(05:43) Legal Tech and LegalZoom Acquisition – Ben reflects on building a legal tech company and the strategic decision to sell it to LegalZoom, providing insights into the acquisition process. 

(09:00) Overcoming Challenges – Ben shares the challenges he’s faced in his entrepreneurial journey, including how to bring teams together around a mission and manage customer expectations. 

(12:00) The “Victim vs. Creator” Mindset – Ben explains how reframing negative situations through a “creator” mindset can help entrepreneurs and leaders navigate difficult times. 

(16:30) Building Particle 41 – Ben introduces his current venture, Particle 41, a full-service software development consultancy, and the role of CTO advisory in helping companies stay competitive. 

(20:00) The Future of Software Development – Ben shares his thoughts on the future of the tech industry and how companies can accelerate digital transformation. 

About Ben: 

Ben Johnson is the founder and CEO of Particle41, a global software consultancy that helps businesses modernize applications and leverage data science solutions. A seasoned entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience driving digital innovation and transformation for both startups and large enterprises, his expertise spans founding and selling several successful businesses, including a legal tech company acquired by LegalZoom.  

Resources Referenced: 

Particle 41 Website 

Ben Johnson on LinkedIn 

The Particle Accelerator Podcast 

Book: The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran 

Book: Leadership and Self-Deception by The Arbinger Institute 

Podcast Contact: Podcast Contact Information: 

Website: www.learnit.com 

Email: [email protected] 

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Ever struggle to get your team to truly see the future you're aiming for?  

Todd Cherches, an expert in leadership and visual thinking, has a groundbreaking approach that could change the way you lead. 

In this episode of The Learn-It-All Leader Podcast, Todd Cherches, CEO and co-founder of Big Blue Gumball, shares his innovative insights on visual leadership—a method that leverages visual thinking to enhance communication, leadership, and teamwork. From using metaphors and imagery to simplifying complex concepts, Todd’s techniques are designed to help leaders clearly articulate their vision, inspire teams, and drive meaningful action. 

This Episode Covers: 

• Why visual thinking is the future of leadership 
• The four key techniques to make your leadership message stick 
• How leaders can use props and metaphors to enhance communication 
• The importance of ego-free leadership and servant leadership 
• How to lead without dominating and collaborate effectively 
• The Passion-Skills Matrix: finding your leadership sweet spot 

 Episode Highlights: 

(00:00) Introduction to Todd Cherches – Damon and Darren introduce Todd Cherches, leadership expert and author, and dive into his innovative approach to leadership through visual thinking. 

(02:00) The Power of Visual Thinking – Todd explains why leaders need to think visually and how it helps communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively. 

(05:30) Using Metaphors and Models – Todd shares how he uses visual metaphors and models to help leaders simplify their messages and get their teams on the same page. 

(09:00) Leadership as a Visual Skill – Todd discusses how leaders can leverage visual thinking in their day-to-day roles to engage, inspire, and align their teams around a shared vision. 

(12:33) Storytelling in Leadership – Todd emphasizes the importance of storytelling in leadership, using examples from his book Visual Leadership and his TEDx talk. 

(17:00) Tools for Leaders – Todd walks through practical tools and techniques leaders can use to enhance their visual communication skills, including the use of props, diagrams, and visual storytelling. 

(21:30) Lessons in Ego-Free Leadership – Todd shares stories of how ego can get in the way of effective leadership and how leaders can practice “ego-free leadership” to build trust and collaboration. 

(33:18) Final Thoughts on Visual Leadership – Todd wraps up with actionable tips on how leaders can immediately start using visual thinking to improve their communication and leadership effectiveness. 

About Todd: 

Todd Cherches, CEO and co-founder of Big Blue Gumball, is an executive coach, consultant, and award-winning professor specializing in leadership development through visual thinking. With over 25 years of experience, including roles at Disney and CBS, Todd’s innovative methods help business professionals become more effective thinkers, communicators, and leaders. A TEDx speaker and author of Visual Leadership, Todd’s unique, engaging approach to leadership has earned him recognition as a pioneer in the field and a finalist for the Thinkers50 Distinguished Achievement Award in Leadership. 

Resources Referenced: 

 Todd Cherches’ TEDx Talk 

Big Blue Gumball 

Book: Visual Leadership—Leveraging the Power of Visual Thinking in Leadership and in Life 

Book: Drive—The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel Pink 

Book: Made to Stick—Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die by Chip Heath and Dan  

The Passion-Skills Matrix: Todd’s framework for aligning passion and skill to maximize team effectiveness  

Todd’s LinkedIn 

Todd’s website 

What Are the Biggest Mistakes Leaders Make—and Are You Making Them Too? 

Have you ever wondered why some leaders struggle while others thrive? What are the common mistakes that bad bosses make, and how can you avoid falling into the same traps? In this episode, we explore the pitfalls that many leaders face and offer practical advice on how to lead with integrity, empathy, and effectiveness. 

In this episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, host Damon Lembi, CEO of Learnit, reflects on his personal experiences with both great and terrible leaders. He outlines the 10 most common leadership mistakes that bad bosses make, offering actionable insights on how to correct these behaviors. Whether you're new to leadership or a seasoned professional, this episode will challenge you to reflect on your own leadership style and make improvements that will build trust and enhance your team’s performance. 

This Episode Covers: 

• The 10 most common mistakes that bad leaders make and how to avoid them 
• Why taking credit for your team’s work erodes trust and motivation 
• How creating a “yes” environment stifles innovation and leads to disengagement 
• The importance of giving feedback privately and consistently keeping promises to your team 
• Why keeping toxic high performers can destroy company culture in the long run 

Episode Highlights:  

(00:00) Introduction – Damon introduces the episode and shares why learning from both good and bad leaders is crucial for growth. 

(01:00) Mistake #1: Taking Credit for Team Wins – Damon explains why great leaders give credit to their teams and take responsibility when things go wrong. 

(02:00) Mistake #2: Creating a Yes Environment – Damon discusses how bad bosses stifle innovation by making their word the law, discouraging open dialogue. 

(03:00) Mistake #3: Getting Defensive – Damon reflects on how defensive leaders repel feedback and miss valuable opportunities for growth. 

(04:00) Mistake #4: Criticizing in Public – Damon emphasizes the importance of giving feedback privately and praising team members publicly to build trust. 

(05:00) Mistake #5: Overpromising and Underproducing – Damon shares why leaders must be careful with commitments and how failing to deliver destroys credibility. 

(06:00) Mistake #6: Gossiping – Damon warns leaders about the dangers of gossiping and how it erodes trust within teams. 

(07:00) Mistake #7: Being Inconsistent – Damon reflects on how consistently canceling meetings sends the message that your team isn’t important. 

(08:00) Mistake #8: Not Being Present – Damon discusses the importance of giving your undivided attention to team members during meetings and conversations. 

(09:00) Mistake #9: Failing to Delegate – Damon explains why not delegating stifles your team’s growth and limits your own ability to lead effectively. 

(10:00) Mistake #10: Keeping Toxic High Performers – Damon shares why keeping high performers who lack integrity can damage company culture and demotivate other team members. 

About Damon:  

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 Referenced: 

• - Damon Lembi’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi 
• Damon's Website: http://www.thelearnitallleader.com
• Learnit: https://www.Learnit.com 
• Damon’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damonlembi 
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/learnittraining 
• The Learn-It-All Leader: Mindset, Tools, and Traits: https://www.amazon.com/Learn-All-Leader-Mindset-Traits-ebook/dp/B0BZXKR784 

Podcast Contact Information:   

Website: www.learnit.com

Email: [email protected]

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates

Are you ready to thrive in a future where artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a tool but a coworker?  

In this episode of  The Learn-It-All Leader Podcast, we tackle one of the most pressing challenges for leaders today: how do we navigate a world where AI is reshaping work and decision-making? If you’ve been wondering how to adapt and lead in this rapidly changing environment, this conversation is for you. 

In this engaging conversation, Learnit CEO Damon Lembi and international speaker and author Tariq Munir explore the critical skills leaders need in a world increasingly dominated by AI and digital transformation. This episode is a must-listen for any business leader or aspiring leader looking to understand and excel in a world where AI and digital literacy are no longer optional but essential. 

This Episode Covers:

• Digital Mindset: Understanding how to integrate AI, algorithms, and human processes to solve business challenges effectively. 
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Why leaders must shift from intuition-based to data-driven decision making and how to make that transition. 
• Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Why empathy and emotional intelligence are more important than ever in a world with remote teams and AI coworkers. 
• Ethical AI and Responsibility: Addressing the ethical implications of AI and understanding the need for responsible tech leadership. 
• Continuous Learning: The importance of maintaining a growth mindset and learning agility as the half-life of skills continues to shrink. 

Episode Highlights: 

(00:00) Introduction to Tariq Munir – Damon introduces Tariq Munir, digital transformation and AI expert, and they dive into the essential skills leaders need in the age of AI. 

(02:00) The Future of Work and AI – Tariq explains how AI is becoming a “non-organic coworker” and what this means for leaders and organizations. 

(05:30) Five Essential Leadership Skills – Tariq shares the five key skills leaders must develop: digital mindset, data-driven focus, emotional intelligence, ethical AI understanding, and continuous learning. 

(09:00) The Importance of Emotional Intelligence – Tariq discusses why emotional intelligence is crucial for leaders, especially in a world where face-to-face interaction is becoming less common. 

(12:33) Building a Digital Mindset – Tariq explains what it means to have a digital mindset and why leaders need to understand how digital networks, algorithms, and human interaction work together. 

(17:00) How AI Changes Leadership – Tariq reflects on how AI is shifting the power dynamic within organizations and how leaders can adapt to the democratization of information. 

(21:30) Continuous Learning and Adaptability – Tariq emphasizes the importance of fostering a continuous learning mindset in today’s fast-paced world where skills evolve rapidly. 

(33:18) Leading Through Digital Transformation – Tariq provides practical advice on how organizations can successfully navigate digital transformations, using case studies to illustrate common pitfalls. 

About Tariq:  

Tariq Munir, author of AI for Finance Leaders, is an expert in AI, digital transformation, and leadership development, with over two decades of experience at global corporations like PepsiCo, AkzoNobel, and PwC. He has a proven track record of leading enterprise-wide transformations, leveraging technology to drive innovation and secure competitive advantages in rapidly evolving markets. A sought-after keynote speaker, Tariq has a proven track record of leading enterprise-wide transformations, leveraging technology to drive innovation and secure competitive advantages in rapidly evolving markets. 

Resources Referenced: 

Tariq Munir on LinkedIn

Tariq Munir's Website

Book: AI for Finance Leaders by Tariq Munir 

Book: Hidden Potential—The Science of Achieving Greater Things by Adam Grant 

Yuval Noah Harari's books, particularly Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow, where the concept of humans as algorithms is discussed. 

Research by Paul Leonardi and Siddharth Nele on the "30% Rule of Digital Literacy." 

Podcast Contact Information:   

Website: https://www.learnit.com

Email: [email protected]

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Have you ever wondered what it takes to leave behind the safety of a corporate career to create a life centered on family and personal fulfillment?  

In this episode of The Learn-It-All Leader Podcast, Ani Filipova, former COO of Citibank in Asia, discusse her journey from leading 10,000 people to starting her own company  how she navigated this pivotal transformation with host Damon Lembi. She shares her inspiring story of growing up in socialist Bulgaria, her remarkable rise to the C-suite, and the life-changing decision to step away from corporate life. Damon and Ani explore how she managed large teams, embraced change, and prepared for her bold career shift to focus on family and personal fulfillment. Ani offers practical advice for leaders on navigating transitions, the importance of empathy in leadership, and how to manage through cultural differences in global roles. 

 This Episode Covers: 

• Ani's inspiring journey from her childhood in Bulgaria to becoming COO of Citibank in Asia. 
• The power of embracing change and how Ani intentionally sought out new roles within banking. 
• Practical tips for leaders who want to lead through empathy, consensus-building, and transparency. 
• How Ani navigated cultural differences while leading teams across multiple countries. 
• Ani’s thoughtful transition out of the corporate world to create a more family-centered life. 
• Actionable advice on making bold moves in your career and not being afraid to fail. 

Episode Highlights: 

(00:00) Introduction to Ani Filipova – Damon introduces Ani Filipova, former COO of Citibank and founder of Change Advisory, and they discuss her remarkable career journey. 

(02:00) Growing Up in Bulgaria – Ani shares her experience growing up in a socialist country and her early aspirations to see the world. 

(05:30) The Rise to COO – Ani reflects on her path to becoming COO of Citibank in Asia and the intentional decisions she made to climb the corporate ladder. 

(09:00) Embracing Change – Ani discusses her love for change and how she intentionally sought out new roles and responsibilities in her career. 

(12:33) Overcoming Challenges as a Leader – Ani shares how she navigated the cultural and professional challenges of leading teams in different countries and industries. 

(17:00) Leaving Corporate Life – Ani explains the pivotal moment that led her to leave her role at Citibank to spend more time with her family and start her own company. 

(21:30) Building Change Advisory – Ani talks about the transition to entrepreneurship and how her new venture, Change Advisory, helps executives manage change and career transitions 

(33:18) Ani’s Advice for Executives – Ani shares practical tips for executives looking to reinvent themselves and align their careers with their personal values. 

About Ani:  

Ani Filipova is an entrepreneur, career coach, and former COO of Citibank in Asia. With a 20-year career in global banking, Ani led teams across multiple countries and navigated the complexities of the financial services industry. In 2021, she founded Change Advisory, a corporate training and executive coaching company. Ani is also the host of the “Change is Possible” podcast and speaks regularly on topics like leadership, career development, and the future of work. 

Resources Referenced: 

Ani Filipova on LinkedIn  

Podcast: Change is Possible 

Change Advisory 

Northern Illinois University: Executive MBA in Eastern Europe 

Podcast Contact Information:   

Website: www.learnit.com

Email: [email protected] 

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.  

Could your leadership style be holding your business back? In this episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, CEO advisor and Great CEOs Are Lazy author Jim Schleckser shares a counterintuitive approach that top CEOs use to solve their biggest business challenges—without sacrificing work-life balance—and explains why the real secret to success isn’t working harder; it’s focusing on the right problems.   

Jim joins Learnit CEO Damon Lembi for a candid conversation on what separates high-performing CEOs from those constantly caught in the weeds. Jim draws on his experience advising over 3,000 CEOs and reveals why focusing on fewer things—especially your company’s constraints—can unlock massive growth. Whether you’re scaling your company, dealing with leadership challenges, or just looking for ways to reclaim your time, this episode will help you sharpen your focus and lead more effectively.   

This Episode Covers   

• Why working more hours doesn’t lead to better results and what really drives success for CEOs   
• The theory of constraints and how top CEOs use it to grow their companies   
• How Jim Schleckser’s early career mistakes made him a better leader   
• The five hats of a CEO and why being a learner is essential   
• How to delegate tasks and develop your team’s capabilities   
• The importance of investing in middle management to fuel organizational growth   
• Why diverse industry perspectives are critical for innovation   

Episode Highlights: 

(00:00) Introduction – Damon introduces Jim Schleckser and dives into Jim’s philosophy of being a “lazy” CEO and how it can lead to greater success. 

(02:00) What It Means to Be a “Lazy” CEO – Jim explains how focusing on the most important tasks, rather than spreading yourself too thin, leads to better results. 

(05:30) Finding and Fixing the “Kink in the Hose” – Jim discusses the theory of constraints and how CEOs can identify the biggest barriers to growth in their business. 

(09:00) The Five Hats Every CEO Must Wear – Jim outlines the five critical roles CEOs play: Learner, Architect, Engineer, Player, and Coach. 

(12:33) Mastering Delegation – Jim shares how effective delegation not only lightens your workload but also develops your team’s skills and confidence. 

(17:00) The Power of Learning – Damon reflects on the importance of continuous learning as a leader and why it’s crucial for long-term success. 

(21:30) CEO Peer Groups and the Value of Outside Perspectives – Jim discusses the importance of joining peer groups to gain fresh insights and solve complex challenges with other leaders. 

(33:18) Final Thoughts on Leadership – Damon and Jim wrap up the conversation with actionable advice on how CEOs can work smarter and build better teams. 

About Jim  

Jim Schleckser, founder and CEO of The CEO Project, is a seasoned advisor to high-growth company CEOs with over 25 years of senior leadership experience across various industries. As the author of Great CEOs Are Lazy and host of The Lazy CEO podcast, Jim challenges traditional leadership norms while helping CEOs identify and solve their companies' most critical constraints. His approach, which combines strategic insight with a deep understanding of the human side of leadership, has led to impressive results for his clients, including multimillion-dollar profit increases and successful public offerings. 

Resources Referenced:   

Great CEOs Are Lazy by Jim Schleckser   

 The CEO Project 

The Great CEOs Are Lazy Podcast 

Jim Schleckser’s LinkedIn 

Book: The Goal by Eliyahu Goldratt   

Book: Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon   

Book(s): The Jack Reacher Series by Lee Child 

Nightingale Conan 

Mike Vance 

Brian Tracy 

Zig Ziglar 

Napoleon Hill 

Podcast Contact Information:   

Website: www.learnit.com

Email: [email protected]

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Are you drifting through your career without a clear plan or vision? Many leaders find themselves stuck in this cycle, unsure how to take ownership of their path forward. This episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast provides actionable insights to help you break free, build a strong personal brand, and develop the mindset needed to thrive. 

Learnit CEO Damon Lembi interviews Andy Storch, an author, speaker, consultant, and coach who specializes in helping people take control of their careers and lives. Andy dives deep into the importance of having a growth mindset, setting clear goals, and building a personal brand that supports long-term success. Drawing from his own personal challenges, including a battle with cancer, Andy shares effective strategies that help leaders empower themselves and their teams. From insights on networking to overcoming failure, this conversation is packed with valuable advice for anyone looking to elevate their leadership and career development. 

 This Episode Covers: 

• Why a growth mindset is essential for long-term success 
• The importance of setting specific, actionable goals and creating a plan to achieve them 
• How to build a personal brand that authentically represents who you are 
• Using failures as learning opportunities to propel you forward 
• The role of self-reflection in developing a successful career and personal life 
• Key strategies to empower your team and create a culture of learning and innovation 
• Navigating through personal challenges with ownership and resilience 

Episode Highlights:  

(00:00) Introduction to Andy Storch – Damon introduces Andy Storch, author, consultant, and coach, and they dive into Andy’s journey of helping people own their careers. 

(01:32) Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset – Andy explains the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset, drawing from Carol Dweck’s research and his own experiences. 

(05:30) The Power of Goal Setting – Andy discusses why setting specific, measurable goals is crucial to achieving success in your career and how he used SMART goals to write his book. 

(09:00) Networking and Building Relationships – Andy shares tips for networking with intention and how to use LinkedIn to build meaningful professional connections. 

(12:33) Owning Your Career – Andy emphasizes the importance of taking full responsibility for your career and offers practical steps to develop a career vision and set actionable goals. 

(17:00) Overcoming Setbacks – Andy reflects on his personal health challenges and how his mindset helped him turn adversity into an opportunity for growth and learning. 

(21:30) Building a Personal Brand – Andy explains the importance of building a personal brand and how to align your reputation with the values and goals you want to be known for. 

(33:18) Advice for Navigating Career Transitions – Andy shares his advice on navigating career transitions and staying resilient during uncertain times. 

About Andy:  

Andy Storch is a consultant, coach, speaker, and author of *Own Your Career, Own Your Life*. He helps professionals take control of their careers through personal growth, intentional networking, and strategic goal-setting. Andy also hosts two podcasts: *Talent Development Hot Seat* and *Own Your Career, Own Your Life*.  

Resources Referenced: 

Andy Storch’s LinkedIn 

Andy Storch’s Website 

Book: Own Your Career Own Your Life—Stop Drifting and Take Control of Your Future by Andy Storch 

The Talent Development Hot Seat Podcast 

The Own Your Career, Own Your Life Podcast 

Book: Mindset—The New Psychology of Success by Dr. Carol Dweck 

Book: Grit—The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth 

Book: Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl 

Book: Multipliers—How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter by Liz Wiseman 

Talent Development Think Tank Conference 

Andy’s Bonus Career Resource: 5 Steps to Owning Your Career 

Andy’s Cancer Resource Guide: Owning Your Journey with Cancer   

Podcast Contact Information:   

Website: www.learnit.com

Email: [email protected]

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

What is your personal brand really saying about you?  

In today’s hyper-competitive market, it’s not enough to simply offer a service or product—your brand needs to stand for something deeper. In this compelling episode of The Learn-It-All Leader Podcast, Damon welcomes back Marques Ogden, his first repeat guest. In their first episode together (#15), Marques shared his remarkable personal story as an NFL star that lost it all in 90 days and rebuilt his life and career.    

In this episode, Marques dives into one of the most critical aspects of modern leadership—branding. Personal and company branding has become essential for leaders who want to stand out in an oversaturated market. Marques shares powerful strategies for building an authentic brand that resonates, whether you're leading a business, looking for new career opportunities, or establishing your influence in your industry. Listen, learn, and start building a brand that sets you apart. 

This Episode Covers: 

• The role of personal branding in today’s competitive market 
• Marques Ogden’s brand of "Authenticity" and "Breakthrough Specialist" 
• Why everyone has one, even if you don’t realize it 
• Key strategies for effective LinkedIn posting and brand engagement 
• Marques’ path to becoming a personal brand authority 
• How to build and sustain long-term business relationships using authenticity 
• Overcoming self-doubt when building your public presence   

Episode Highlights:

(00:00) Introduction – Marques Ogden introduces Damon Lembi as his guest and sets up a conversation about personal branding and leadership.

(01:32) The Power of Personal Branding – Damon shares how he began to intentionally build his personal brand and why authenticity is at the heart of everything he does.

(05:30) Leveraging LinkedIn – Damon and Marques discuss the impact of consistent posting on LinkedIn and how to engage your network by being genuine and transparent.

(09:00) Standing Out in a Crowded Market – Damon explains why it’s important to offer more than just a product or service and how sharing your personal journey creates connections with your audience.

(12:33) Overcoming Doubts and Critics – Damon talks about overcoming the fear of judgment when posting on social media and how persistence is key to building a successful brand.

(17:00) Personal Branding for Non-Speakers – Marques and Damon offer advice to listeners who may not want to be public speakers but still need a strong personal brand to grow their careers.

(21:30) Building Meaningful Connections – Damon reflects on the importance of building genuine relationships both in person and online and how networking has opened up new opportunities for him.

(33:18) Final Thoughts on Branding – Marques and Damon wrap up with key takeaways on personal branding and how to continuously evolve your brand over time.

About Marques: 

Marques Ogden is a former NFL player turned keynote speaker, business coach, and consultant. Inducted into the Howard University Athletic Hall of Fame and recognized on CORE Magazine’s Top 100 Most Influential Blacks Today list, Marques has worked with over 65 Fortune 500 companies. He shares his expertise through impactful speaking engagements and his globally-ranked podcast, “Get Authentic with Marques Ogden.”  

Resources Referenced: 

Marques Ogden on LinkedIn

Marques Ogden’s Website 

The Marcus Ogden App  

The Get Authentic with Marques Ogden Podcast  

Podcast Contact Information:   

Website: https://www.learnit.com

Email: [email protected]

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.