the Learn-It-All™ podcast

Burnout. Money stress. Vulnerability at work. On this powerful episode of the Learn-It-All™ podcast, host Damon sits down with renowned psychotherapist, keynote speaker, and author Joyce Marter for an unfiltered conversation about modern leadership and mental health. Joyce shares her deeply personal journey—building (and nearly losing) a successful mental health company, facing “cash flow hell,” and ultimately emerging with fresh insight on humility, resilience, and the true intersection of well-being and wealth. Together, Damon and Joyce dive into practical strategies for navigating chronic stress, fostering trust through transparency, and shifting from a scarcity to an abundance mindset, both at work and at home. 

Packed with relatable stories, actionable self-care and leadership tools, and candid talk about everything from AI anxiety to money myths, this conversation is an essential listen for any leader who wants to thrive (not just survive) in today’s high-stress world. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• Why self-worth is the real foundation for building net worth—and how to boost it 
• Daily self-care rituals leaders can use to boost resilience and refill their “cup” 
• How to spot burnout and mental health red flags within your team 
• The power of transparency and vulnerability to deepen trust and strengthen culture 
• Specific strategies for shifting from a scarcity to an abundance mindset 
• The crucial link between financial stress, mental health, and professional performance 

Timestamps: 

00:00 – What is burnout? Mental health realities for leaders 

01:18 – How do you show up for your team if you’re overwhelmed yourself? 

02:41 – A 10-minute self-care routine to reset your day 

04:40 – What to do after traumatic news triggers morning anxiety 

06:13 – Joyce’s journey: From therapist to company founder (and near-bankruptcy) 

08:14 – The reality of “cash flow hell” and leadership humility 

11:55 – Why you shouldn’t go through hard times alone 

12:28 – Grit, values, and sticking with your mission through crisis 

14:07 – Taking baby steps and celebrating small wins 

14:40 – Should leaders be transparent about organizational struggles? 

16:59 – The signs of burnout and mental health struggles in your team 

21:31 – How to have “brave conversations” when you notice something’s wrong 

25:10 – Why psychological safety matters for team engagement 

26:13 – The hidden impact of financial stress in the workplace 

28:32 – How to help team members stuck in a negative money mindset 

31:27 – Real-life stories: Moving from scarcity to abundance 

36:26 – Self-worth comes before net worth—why it matters 

42:15 – Supporting financial literacy and empowerment at work 

44:50 – AI anxiety: What leaders can do to ease uncertainty 

45:28 – Joyce’s final advice for elevating your own and your team’s mental health 

46:28 – Where to find Joyce and her resources 

About Joyce Marter 

Joyce Marter is a licensed psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience, a celebrated keynote speaker, and author of The Financial Mindset Fix: A Mental Fitness Program for an Abundant Life. Joyce is passionate about breaking the stigma around mental health and guiding leaders and organizations in strengthening well-being, navigating burnout, and building “mental wealth.” She founded, scaled, and sold a major counseling company across three states and now trains audiences worldwide at the intersection of psychology, money, and leadership. 

Resources & Mentions: 

• Website: https://www.joyce-marter.com/ 
• LinkedIn: Joyce Marter 
• Joyce’s book: https://www.joyce-marter.com/book/the-financial-mindset-fix/ 
• Forbes Contributor Profile: Joyce Marter 
• Joyce’s Speaker/Training Services: https://www.joyce-marter.com/presentations-topics/ 

Podcast Contact Information: 

Website: www.learnit.com 

Email: [email protected] 

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

If you think becoming a manager is the only ticket to success, think again. In this episode of The Learn-It-All™ podcast, host Damon Lembi sits down with Josh Nanavaty, VP of Ticket Sales for the San Jose Sharks, for a candid and practical conversation about the real shift from “me” to “we” in leadership. Josh Nanavaty shares what top performers miss when stepping into management, why some fail (and why that’s OK), and how to create high-performing, psychologically safe teams from day one. This episode delivers a treasure trove of actionable advice for current and aspiring leaders, especially those navigating that pivotal jump from individual contributor to manager. 

Get ready to rethink promotion, hear powerful mindset shifts, and learn concrete ways to build trust, transparency, and growth in yourself and your team. If you’re leading, want to lead, or simply want to help others uplevel their careers, this is an episode you’ll want to share. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• The crucial mindset shift from individual contributor to people leader (and what you must unlearn) 
• How to know if leadership is really the next step for you—or if you're happiest as a top performer 
• Tactics for building trust with new teams, especially when promoted from within or joining fresh 
• How to handle mistakes, foster psychological safety, and own failures as a leader 
• The importance of transparent career roadmaps and why “giving everyone a voice” creates loyalty and retention 
• Why Josh Nanavaty believes in “chameleon leadership”—and how to adapt your style for different personalities 

Timestamps: 

00:00 – The “we before me” question every aspiring leader should ask 

00:35 – Josh Nanavaty’s career path: from intern to VP 

01:02 – The mindset shift of winning through your team 

02:04 – What leaders need to unlearn 

03:31 – Josh’s early leadership mistakes: the battle with marketing 

04:59 – Delegation, empowerment, and letting others learn (even if mistakes happen) 

06:33 – Why Josh wanted to get into leadership: not the thrill of the chase, but the thrill of team success 

08:57 – Two manager types: product management vs. people management 

10:55 – Why you should define success for yourself 

11:11 – The hardest career challenge: shifting from peer to boss 

12:41 – Building trust and psychologically safe environments 

14:13 – Owning mistakes, coaching, and why leaders must wear team failures 

19:05 – Overcoming the “intern” image & building credibility with senior leadership 

21:24 – Why title and money never trump having a great boss 

24:00 – Starting fresh at the Sharks: pros and cons of a clean slate 

26:26 – Josh’s “observe, listen, build trust” new leader plan 

29:32 – Implementing a transparent 4-year career roadmap 

33:56 – Josh’s three pillars of team culture 

36:56 – Authenticity, being a fan serving fans, and dealing with tough seasons 

39:28 – The top traits Josh hires for: hard work, relationships, competitiveness 

41:42 – Chameleon leadership: adapting style to individuals 

44:07 – Josh’s #1 practical advice for struggling leaders: Lean on your network 

45:08 – Where to find Josh online (and at the SAP Center!) 

About Josh Nanavaty 

Josh Nanavaty is the Vice President of Ticket Sales for the San Jose Sharks. Starting his career as an intern with the Vancouver Canucks, Josh Nanavaty rose through the ranks, gaining a reputation for relationship-driven leadership, and eventually made the jump to a senior leadership role with the Sharks. He’s known for building open, transparent workplace cultures, developing innovative career pathways, and championing the shift from top-performer to hero-maker.  

Resources & Mentions: 

• San Jose Sharks: Learn more and get tickets 
• Josh Nanavaty LinkedIn: Connect directly with Josh 
• SAP Center (mentioned): https://www.sapcenter.com/ 

Podcast Contact Information: 

Website: www.learnit.com 

Email: [email protected] 

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

We may look like modern professionals, but our brains are still wired like tribes on the savannah. On this deeply insightful episode of the Learn-It-All™ podcast, host Damon Lembi welcomes Tim Ash—international keynote speaker, bestselling author, and executive advisor—to unpack the science behind primal brain wiring and its impact on leadership, culture, and team dynamics. Tim reveals why our ancient psychology still drives every decision, shares a powerful three-step "Initiated Tribe" framework for building belonging, and explores how leaders can consciously design cultures that foster loyalty, trust, and sustainable high performance. 

Packed with real-world case studies, practical exercises, and evolutionary wisdom, this episode is a must-listen for any leader seeking to build teams that not only deliver results, but also thrive through genuine connection and shared purpose. Damon and Tim dive into vivid examples, from Navy SEAL training to business brands, showing how universal bonding mechanics—modeling, peer pressure, synchronized activities, and overcoming adversity—can transform any group into an aligned, unstoppable tribe. 

In this episode, you'll learn: 

• Why "cavemen in modern clothes" is more than a metaphor—and what it means for leadership today 
• How Tim Ash’s "Initiated Tribe" framework unlocks deeper connection and belonging on teams 
• The four primal forces behind every high-trust culture (and how to use them to your advantage) 
• The importance of defining and communicating your personal purpose as a leader 
• How to intentionally initiate new employees and partners into your tribe 
• Why core personal purpose and shadow work are essential—not just for leaders, but for everyone 

Timestamps: 

00:00 – Why we’re still “cavemen in modern clothes”: evolutionary roots of decision-making 

01:14 – The four primal forces that turn any group into a tribe 

02:31 – How ancient social psychology explains modern work dysfunction 

05:12 – Tim’s journey from neuroscience to billion-dollar consulting 

06:34 – Why diverse teams outperform “groupthink” cultures 

08:04 – Tribal bonding: safety, belonging, and the importance of a tightknit culture 

10:17 – Case study: MAGA vs. Democratic Party—cultural clarity and the power of “edges” 

13:00 – The personal purpose hierarchy: Disney’s secret decision-making tool 

15:45 – Tim’s Initiated Tribe framework: personal purpose, company culture, intentional initiation 

18:01 – Defining your “positive and negative” (shadow) purpose as a leader 

26:01 – How to consciously initiate new employees, customers, and partners 

28:18 – Tim’s four pillars of belonging: modeling, peer pressure, synchronized activities, adversity 

31:05 – A real-world exercise: four elements of team bonding 

32:25 – Why high performance cultures are built, not accidental 

34:45 – Cross-cultural lessons: universal mechanics of bonding vs. local values 

38:10 – Getting tactical: how Toyota, Airbnb, and NASA engineer belonging 

43:45 – How AI will shift the future of work—but tribal bonding will remain essential 

46:55 – Vulnerability, shadow work, and radical transparency in leadership 

About Tim Ash 

Tim Ash is an internationally recognized keynote speaker, executive advisor, and bestselling author, specializing in the science of evolutionary psychology and its application to leadership, culture, and marketing. Over the past three decades, Tim has helped organizations such as Google, Expedia, and Match.com create over $1.2 billion in documented value by leveraging neuromarketing and deep behavioral triggers. Now, Tim works directly with senior leaders to define their personal purpose, cultivate powerful tribal cultures, and activate passionate, loyal teams through his “Initiated Tribe” framework.  

Resources & Mentions: 

• Unleash Your Primal Brain by Tim Ash 
• Primal Dating by Tim Ash & Dr. Lamore Godlieb 
• The Mankind Project: mkpusa.org 
• Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning: https://a.co/d/8Jky69f 
• Tim Ash on LinkedIn 
• Tim’s Keynotes & Executive Advisory: TimAsh.com 

Podcast Contact Information: 

Website: www.learnit.com 

Email: [email protected] 

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Great teams and workplaces aren’t defined by perfection, but by the drive to learn, the courage to show up, and the wisdom to value effort over results. On this high-energy episode of the Learn-It-All™ podcast, Damon dives deep with Quinn Magnuson, former Division 1 athlete, pro football player, educator, and founder of Effort Over Results. From humble beginnings in Saskatchewan to the classroom and the corporate world, Quinn Magnuson shows why the best leaders aren’t the ones with all the answers, but the ones who are willing to put in the work, embrace doubt, and create environments where others can thrive. Together, Damon and Quinn Magnuson break down the myths of imposter syndrome, the reality of fear, the urgent need for empathy in management, and why “action beats anxiety” every time. 

Packed with raw stories, practical frameworks, and actionable questions, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to lead with more confidence, humility, and impact—whether on the field, in the classroom, or at work. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• Why doubt and imposter syndrome aren’t signs of failure, but essential ingredients for authentic leadership. 
• The step-by-step approach to leading a new team—even if you feel unprepared or overwhelmed. 
• How to reframe fear from threat to opportunity, and the tools to move through anxiety with action. 
• What Quinn Magnuson learned (and wishes he knew sooner) as a teacher—and how it changed his entire philosophy on leadership. 
• How to turn feedback and failures into fuel for growth—in sports, school, and business. 
• The real secret to building high-performing teams: psychological safety, clear roles, and radical empathy. 

Timestamps: 

00:00 – Leadership myths: Showing up > having all the answers 

01:33 – Supporting new managers through doubt and imposter syndrome 

04:39 – Walking onto the field: True stories of feeling out of place 

07:25 – How childhood shapes drive and ambition 

08:39 – The truth about fear—and how action beats anxiety 

12:11 – Teaching regret: Lessons from the classroom about empathy 

16:50 – Why effort is the real win (not the trophy or the grade) 

19:00 – The power of great coaches and mentors 

23:43 – Leadership in middle management: caught in the crossfire 

26:09 – Brick wall leaders: Earning the trust that makes people go “all in” 

28:41 – Can you teach drive—or is it innate? 

31:39 – Breaking the anxiety-action cycle: Real tools for growth 

34:18 – Top traits of successful organizations (from sports to corporate) 

38:58 – Should you double down on strengths, or shore up weaknesses? 

40:20 – Giving and receiving feedback the right way 

44:35 – The magic of asking better questions as a leader 

47:38 – Introducing the Effort Over Results book (and what’s inside) 

51:32 – The mission: Leave everyone better than you found them 

54:01 – Where to find Quinn Magnuson and the EOR movement 

About Quinn Magnussen 

Quinn Magnuson is the founder and host of Effort Over Results, a leadership coach, international keynote speaker, and former professional football player. Raised by a single mother in Saskatchewan, Quinn became a two-sport Division 1 athlete and learned early that “effort is the only thing you can control.” After playing football in the CFL and teaching high school, he dedicated himself to coaching leaders—helping them overcome perfectionism, embrace vulnerability, and build cultures where people (and results) flourish. His philosophy and upcoming book empower leaders in the boardroom, classroom, and beyond to focus on growth, compassion, and lasting impact. 

Resources & Mentions: 

• Website: effortoverresults.com 
• LinkedIn: Quinn Magnuson 
• Excerpt Effort Over Results: The Secret to Grit, Growth and Greatness (Quinn’s forthcoming book): https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-praise-effort-over-results-hockey-story-quinn-magnuson-3gtec/ 
• The EOR Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN6DdVADu53mwR34TgkT8OQ 
• Damon’s episode with Quinn Magnussen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5G6wlK8geXE 
• Jeff Wetzler’s The Ask Approach: https://www.jeffwetzler.com/ 

Podcast Contact Information: 

Website: www.learnit.com 

Email: [email protected] 

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

The Learn-It-All™ Podcast – Celebrating 250 Episodes! 

Steven Pressfield on Beating Resistance, Turning Pro, and Doing the Work That Matters 

What separates amateurs from true professionals isn’t talent; it’s the daily battle with resistance, fear, and self-doubt. And for our 250th episode, we’re celebrating with a legendary guest who has defined that battle for millions. On this milestone edition of The Learn-It-All™ Podcast, Damon sits down with iconic author Steven Pressfield, whose books The War of Art, Turning Pro, and The Legend of Bagger Vance have become essential reading for leaders, creators, and high performers, to break down the invisible force that keeps us from doing our most important work: Resistance. From nearly 28 years of rejection before publishing his first book to the disciplines and mindsets that separate pros from amateurs, Steven shares a masterclass in overcoming self-sabotage, trusting your inner calling, and showing up no matter what. Packed with lived wisdom, practical tools, and brutally honest insights, this episode is for anyone ready to stop holding themselves back and step fully into the work and the life they’re meant to lead. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• The real difference between amateurs and pros, and why pros show up no matter what 
• How resistance disguises itself as procrastination, perfectionism, fear, and distraction 
• Why self-doubt is often a sign you’re on the right path 
• What a “shadow career” is and how to break free from one 
• How to build discipline, consistency, and the ability to work even when you don’t feel like it 
• Why self-validation matters and how professionals learn to coach themselves 
• The tools Steven Pressfield uses to push through resistance and finish meaningful work 

Timestamps: 

00:00 – Damon’s intro and why Steven Pressfield tops his “bucket list” of guests 

00:46 – Steven’s journey: 30 years to overnight success 

02:00 – Amateur vs. pro: how habits make or break you 

03:12 – Why pros show up every day, no matter what 

04:16 – Handling failure: “winning or learning” 

05:36 – The concept of resistance: procrastination, perfectionism, and self-sabotage 

06:25 – What it feels like when resistance strikes 

08:43 – That critical voice isn’t yours—it’s resistance 

09:26 – Why the “blank page” isn’t neutral 

10:09 – How (and why) self-doubt means you’re on the right track 

11:31 – Actors, uncomfortable roles, and stepping outside your comfort zone 

12:19 – Self-doubt: dismiss it and get back to work 

12:29 – What is a “shadow career”—and how to escape it 

14:18 – Self-validation and why you need to be your own coach 

16:22 – The Wizard of Oz effect: facing down fear 

16:28 – Book recommendations and final takeaways 

16:47 – Closing thoughts: letting go, scaling, and growth for founders 

About Steven Pressfield 

Steven Pressfield is a celebrated author and creativity thought leader, whose books have empowered millions to defeat “resistance” and unlock their own professional potential. After an odyssey of blue-collar jobs (from fruit picking to the Marine Corps), Pressfield spent nearly 30 years fighting to publish his first novel—before finally breaking through with The Legend of Bagger Vance, later adapted into a Hollywood film. He’s since penned modern classics like The War of Art and Turning Pro, establishing himself as the “author’s favorite author” and a go-to voice for writers, creators, entrepreneurs, and anyone learning to lead themselves. 

Resources & Mentions: 

• Visit Steven’s website:https://stevenpressfield.com/ 
• Connect with Steven on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-pressfield-0ab1449/ 
• The War of Art by Steven Pressfield: https://stevenpressfield.com/books/the-war-of-art/ 
• Turning Pro by Steven Pressfield: https://stevenpressfield.com/books/turning-pro/ 
• The Legend of Bagger Vance by Steven Pressfield: https://stevenpressfield.com/books/the-legend-of-bagger-vance/ 
• Damon Lembi on 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.

Teams that win don’t just master the playbook—they master trust, connection, and shared purpose. On this episode of the Learn-It-All™ podcast, Damon sits down with Ken Crenshaw, longtime Director of Sports Medicine and Performance for the Arizona Diamondbacks, to uncover how lasting cultures are built—on and off the field. Ken shares his journey from a New Mexico cattle ranch to MLB dugouts, revealing powerful lessons from decades shaping elite teams in Atlanta, Tampa Bay, and Arizona. From the hidden cost of trying to be the smartest person in the room, to the power of servant leadership and collective decision-making, Ken walks us through the real playbook for coaching greatness out of every team member. Loaded with stories, practical tools, and wisdom from the pros, this is an episode for anyone ready to lead with more authenticity, trust, and results. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• Why vulnerability is a leader’s superpower—and how it builds buy-in and trust 
• The hidden pitfalls of “smartest in the room” thinking, and what true influence looks like 
• How to source collective wisdom across your organization (so you never miss in hiring again) 
• What inclusion, feedback, and responsibility look like in a real culture of learning 
• Ken’s favorite interview questions—and how he grooms future leaders by letting them run the show 
• How team values move off the wall and into daily action (with real steps you can use) 

Timestamps: 

00:00 — Leading with vulnerability: why trust starts with you 

01:34 — Why “There’s more power in the team than in you” 

03:14 — The myth of having all the answers as a leader 

08:04 — Ken’s small-town roots and the butterfly effect of great coaches 

11:39 — Coach Becker’s formula for unlocking greatness in others 

14:12 — How Ken developed his true purpose and a servant leadership mindset 

17:17 — Early career: from carrying gear to building teams in MLB 

21:28 — Biggest leadership lessons from making mistakes in hiring 

24:28 — The interview playbook: screening for character, work ethic, and fit 

27:59 — Delegating real responsibility to build next-gen leaders 

31:11 — Shaping team culture: the “uncommon,” 108-stitch Diamondbacks ethos 

36:35 — From words to action: how values get lived, not laminated 

39:04 — The power of feedback (and why most leaders avoid it) 

44:32 — Psychological safety, responsibility, and showing up for your team 

46:32 — Shared leadership: giving everyone a voice in key decisions 

50:08 — Why the lowest person in the org matters most 

52:13 — “Leadership factories”: how Ken’s system creates leaders everywhere 

55:59 — Life-changing moments from Ken’s team building events 

About Ken Crenshaw: 

Ken Crenshaw is the Director of Sports Medicine and Performance for the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he’s spent decades building winning cultures and developing world-class teams. Beginning his journey on a cattle ranch in New Mexico, Ken’s leadership DNA was shaped by transformative coaches and a belief in the power of collective knowledge. After key stints with the Atlanta Braves and Tampa Bay Rays—where he pioneered shared decision-making and leadership development—Ken has become renowned across Major League Baseball as a culture-builder, mentor, and “Santa365” to his staff. His mission: help people achieve more than they thought possible by leading with love and service. 

 Resources & Mentions: 

• Arizona Diamondbacks  
• Stephen M.R. Covey on Trust & Inspire Leadership 
• Game Changer by Devin Bandison (Leadership development course referenced) 
• John Maxwell’s teaching on “The Law of the Lid” (John Maxwell on Leadership) 
• Bob Chapman’s philosophy (“Everybody is somebody’s son or daughter”)—More on Barry-Wehmiller 
• Coach Pat Murphy  

Podcast Contact Information: 

Website: www.learnit.com 

Email: [email protected] 

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Founders, teams, and rocket fuel for growth — this episode is for anyone scaling from the scrappy startup stage to an eight-figure powerhouse. On the Learn-It-All™ podcast, Damon sits down with Nahed Khairallah, global HR strategist, entrepreneur, and founder of Organized Chaos. Together, they pull back the curtain on why so many founders stall—not because of their product, but because of people problems. Nahed shares playbooks for getting out of your own way as a leader, common traps in delegation, and how HR can go from back-office bureaucracy to driving exponential business results. 

From hiring wisely to leveraging the real business impact of training, this episode is packed with actionable tools for building structure, scaling smoothly, and making HR your biggest strategic advantage. If you've ever wondered why investing in people is rocket fuel (not overhead), or how AI is poised to reshape the future of HR and hiring, you won’t want to miss this candid, insight-rich conversation. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• Why founders are often their own biggest growth roadblock—and how to get out of the weeds 
• The critical difference between working in your business vs. on your business 
• How to avoid the most expensive mistake in scaling: hiring without structure 
• The real ROI on training and coaching—and why it shouldn’t be the first thing cut 
• How to transition top performers to managers (and spot who actually wants the job) 
• What it means to make your organization “AI-ready”—and why transparency is everything 
• How HR leaders can earn their seat at the table by driving business, not just compliance 

Timestamps: 

00:00 – Why founders bottleneck their company’s growth 

00:43 – From back office to rocket fuel: the new role of HR 

01:34 – The #1 roadblock for startups cracking seven figures 

04:07 – Advice for self-aware founders ready to scale 

09:37 – What actually goes wrong with hiring and workforce management 

13:45 – Nahed’s framework: goal-setting, gap analysis, and action planning 

17:12 – When and why founders finally prioritize HR 

19:30 – Debunking the myth: HR isn’t your bottleneck 

22:47 – Saas case study: business-driven org design 

26:24 – Cut $1M+ in recruiter fees: Nahed’s playbook 

32:41 – The strategic impact of training (and how to budget for it) 

38:38 – Common pitfalls: promoting great ICs to manager 

42:37 – How to assess (and coach) new managers 

46:16 – HR as infrastructure: how to make people your competitive advantage 

47:08 – Getting AI-ready from the ground up 

53:46 – Nahed’s #1 tip for founders: build people infrastructure early 

About Nahed Khairallah 

Nahed Khairallah is a global HR strategist, entrepreneur, and founder of Organized Chaos. With over a decade of experience helping startups and scaleups grow from seven to nine figures, Nahed is an expert in transforming HR departments from back-office support into growth engines. He specializes in workforce management, strategic hiring, and aligning people operations with business outcomes.  

Resources & Mentions: 

• Nahed Khairallah’s website: organizedchaos.fyi 
• Connect with Nahed on LinkedIn 
• Korn Ferry: Business Acumen Study 
• The quote from David Katz, CEO of Plastic Bank: "Learning without doing is treason" 

Podcast Contact Information: 

Website: www.learnit.com 

Email: [email protected] 

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Success isn’t just about the trophies—it’s about mastering mindset, building character, and leading with empathy. On this episode of the Learn-It-All™ podcast, Damon Lembi sits down with legendary tennis coach Rusty Komori, architect of 22 consecutive state championships and bestselling author, to unpack what it means to lead with true greatness. Rusty Komori shares the playbook he used to transform athletes into champions of character—and reveals why adversity, choice, and trust are at the heart of sustained success. 

From embracing challenge to building “superior achievers,” Rusty Komori delivers proven strategies for any leader seeking to uplevel their team’s culture, mental fitness, and performance. This episode is loaded with practical insights, powerful stories, and takeaways for coaches, executives, and anyone striving to move from good to truly great. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• Why character and empathy are the foundation of championship teams—and championship companies 
• How leaders can proactively prepare teams for adversity, and why poise under pressure matters 
• The difference between a victim mindset and a victor mindset (and how to help your team make the right choice) 
• Rusty Komori’s Six Keys for Peak Performance—and how to rate yourself (or your team) for lasting momentum 
• The Three “C’s” of leadership: Choice, Communication, and Culture 
• How to reframe “mental health” as “mental fitness”—and why vulnerability is essential, especially for top leaders 
• A powerful story of how mindset can save lives, featuring Sergeant Chris Kim and the impact of Beyond the Lines 

Timestamps: 

00:00 – Shaping mindset and welcoming adversity 

01:58 – Character over talent: building true champions 

04:48 – Rusty Komori’s journey from law school to tennis legend 

06:25 – How to avoid favoritism and build team trust 

07:11 – Coaching: adapt to your people, press the right buttons 

08:26 – Focusing on strengths, from first to twelfth player 

13:57 – Managing pressure and adversity: leader’s role 

17:00 – Authentic leadership: balancing strength with vulnerability 

18:02 – Victim vs. Victor mindset: you always have a choice 

20:17 – How to help teams shift out of a victim mindset 

23:23 – The power of choice: why greatness starts with a decision 

25:50 – Overcoming fear, taking risks, avoiding regret 

27:02 – Great leader vs. great person—and asking for help 

29:20 – How to build a “superior” culture beyond excellence 

31:13 – Three things every leader must control: thoughts, words, actions 

33:41 – Achieving mastery: don’t practice until you get it right—practice until you can’t get it wrong 

35:30 – Sustaining peak performance: the Six Keys explained 

39:29 – Rusty Komori’s leadership assessment and quarterly growth 

45:15 – Reframing mental health as mental fitness: why stories save lives 

46:27 – Sergeant Chris Kim’s life-changing story of resilience 

53:17 – Vulnerability in leadership: showing your challenges can help others 

57:16 – Where to connect with Rusty Komori 

About Rusty Komori 

Rusty Komori is a legendary tennis coach, author, speaker, and leadership consultant based in Hawaii. As coach of Punahou School’s boys varsity tennis team from 1994 to 2015, he led his squads to an unprecedented 22 straight state championships—the longest streak in U.S. high school sports history. A former Creighton University Hall of Fame athlete, Rusty Komori now helps leaders in sports, business, and education master their mindset, cultivate empathy, and build cultures of excellence.  

Resources & Mentions: 

• Rusty Komori’s website: rustykomori.com  
• Rusty Komori on LinkedIn 
• Beyond the Lines (book by Rusty Komori) 
• Superior (book by Rusty Komori) 
• “The Score Will Take Care of Itself” by Bill Walsh (book link) 
• “Collective Edge” by Colin Fisher (book link) 
• Rusty Komori on Instagram: @rustykomori 

Podcast Contact Information: 

Website: www.learnit.com 

Email: [email protected] 

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

AI has forever changed the rules of sales—but curiosity, empathy, and grit are still the ultimate game-changers. In this energizing episode of the Learn-It-All™ podcast, Damon sits down with John Barrows, globally renowned B2B sales thought leader, CEO of JB Sales, and host of Make It Happen Mondays. With 25+ years spent at the forefront of sales innovation, John Barrows shares candid, practical advice for sales reps aiming to succeed in a world where AI can automate every average move. Packed with real stories, actionable frameworks, and future-proof strategies, this episode will challenge everything you think you know about sales—from prospecting and personal branding to why empathy and business acumen matter more than ever. 

Whether you're leading a team or growing your own book, this is your roadmap for staying relevant, authentic, and indispensable. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• What AI will automate in sales—and why the top 20% will always stand out 
• How sales teams must evolve: from siloed roles to full-cycle mastery 
• The critical “human skills” that separate great reps from the robots (think curiosity, passion, and empathy) 
• Why building a personal brand isn’t optional for modern sales professionals 
• How to level up business acumen fast (even if you’re new)—including John’s favorite AI-powered research tools 
• The secret to proactive, high-value sales conversations and hypothesis-driven discovery 
• A simple team hack for more collaboration, retention, and real-time learning 

Timestamps: 

00:00 – Why “average” sales reps won’t survive the AI shift 

00:42 – The golden age of sales (2010–2022) is over—now what? 

02:54 – Why full-cycle sales is the new must-have skill 

04:29 – John’s vision of the future: sales as “Minority Report” meets real relationships 

05:54 – How to develop business acumen, curiosity, and hustle in your daily grind 

07:43 – Redefining sales fundamentals in an AI-driven era 

11:26 – Authenticity vs. scripts: what real customers want 

13:23 – The zero-tolerance zone: real talk about time-to-value for buyers 

17:04 – Why “point of view” prospecting beats open-ended questions 

20:03 – The shocking stats: how few reps do real research 

21:08 – The empathy gap—and why sales culture must change 

29:45 – How to turn AI into your sales superpower (instead of a replacement) 

36:36 – In-person selling, networking, and the magic of the bullpen 

41:05 – How to build your own partner ecosystem for better leads 

45:55 – Giving vs. taking: why “problem-solving” reps win big 

50:32 – Building a personal brand: John’s step-by-step playbook 

57:12 – Leveling up your team: how to run a “sales hackathon” 

About John Barrows 

John Barrows is one of the world’s top B2B sales experts, with over 25 years spent at the cutting edge of sales training, thought leadership, and enterprise growth. As the CEO of JB Sales, he trains thousands of sales leaders across industries—from Salesforce to Google and LinkedIn. He’s also the host of the Make It Happen Mondays podcast, creator of innovative AI-powered sales tools, and has over 400,000 followers on LinkedIn. John is passionate about sharing real, actionable advice for sales professionals who want to stay ahead in a rapidly changing landscape. 

Resources & Mentions: 

• JB Sales Website 
• John on LinkedIn 
• Feedly: RSS Content Aggregator (John’s recommendation for curating industry insights) 
• Make It Happen Mondays podcast 
• Givers Gain – BNI Networking Philosophy 
• Forrester Research 
• John Barrows YouTube Channel 

Podcast Contact Information: 

Website: www.learnit.com 

Email: [email protected] 

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

More than half of American workers are Millennials or Gen Z—and their top workplace concern isn’t salary or vacation, but feeling seen and appreciated. In this heart-opening episode of the Learn-It-All™ podcast, host Damon sits down with Joel Zuckerman, bestselling author of Gratitude Tiger, to explore why gratitude is a powerful leadership tool—far beyond a feel-good buzzword. Joel shares how a simple experiment—writing one heartfelt letter—transformed his life and career, and why gratitude is actually a competitive edge for leaders and organizations alike. 

From practical strategies for showing authentic appreciation to why “silent gratitude is useless,” this episode is a playbook for boosting morale, deepening trust, and making every member of your team feel like they matter. Whether you’re a manager with a mile-long to-do list or an employee eager to stand out, Joel’s approach will help you lead—and live—with more generosity and intention. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• Why gratitude is leaders’ secret weapon for retention and morale (and why Gen Z craves it most) 
• The power of handwritten notes: why Joel’s written over 280 gratitude letters (and how it changed everything) 
• Joel’s “Seven Pillars of Expressive Gratitude”—and how businesses can apply them in minutes, not hours 
• How to share authentic appreciation (even when feedback is tough) 
• Simple, actionable ways to express gratitude—whether you have 7 paragraphs, 7 sentences, or just 7 words 
• How showing gratitude helps you become a more likable, promotable team member 
• Why “getting specific” turns gratitude into real trust and connection 

Timestamps: 

00:00 – Gen Z & Millennial workers’ #1 workplace concern: being seen and valued 

00:41 – Meet Joel Zuckerman: author, speaker, accidental gratitude advocate 

01:35 – Why “silent gratitude” is useless 

02:52 – Joel’s first handwritten gratitude letter (and what happened next) 

06:17 – How writing letters rewired Joel’s relationships—and himself 

08:11 – The 7 Pillars of Expressive Gratitude 

13:24 – How busy leaders can show gratitude in 7 words 

14:01 – The ROI of appreciation for business: loyalty, retention, morale 

17:07 – 7-word gratitude for employee feedback 

20:44 – Keeping gratitude authentic (and grounded in truth) 

28:49 – Flip the script: use gratitude to get promoted and build likability 

32:41 – Finding gratitude, even when life gets hard 

39:14 – Why everyone (not just Olympians!) can inspire with gratitude 

43:03 – Joel’s favorite “gratitude received” stories 

45:08 – The one action Joel wants you to take today 

About Joel Zuckerman 

Joel Zuckerman is a bestselling author, international speaker, and renowned gratitude advocate. Known for his years writing about golf and travel, Joel’s life took an unexpected turn when he challenged himself to write a single letter of heartfelt appreciation. Nearly 300 gratitude letters and countless speaking engagements later, he’s the author of Gratitude Tiger and a sought-after keynote speaker who helps business leaders and individuals use gratitude as a tool for connection and organizational impact.  

Resources & Mentions: 

• Website: gratitudetiger.com 
• LinkedIn: Joel Zuckerman on LinkedIn 
• Joel’s book: Gratitude Tiger 
• “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff” by Richard Carlson 
• William Arthur Ward’s quote: “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” 
• Doug Conant, former Campbell Soup CEO, and his 30,000 handwritten notes (Doug Conant on LinkedIn) 
• Emily Post’s advice on thank-you notes (emilypost.com) 
• “Live Like Sam” Foundation (livelikesam.org) 
• Harvard Business School’s “competent jerk vs. lovable fool” study 
• Mike Robbins: Mike Robbins on LinkedIn 

Podcast Contact Information: 

Website: www.learnit.com 

Email: [email protected] 

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.