the Learn-It-All™ podcast

In this episode of The Learn-It-All™ Podcast, host Damon Lembi welcomes Pearce Cucchissi, a former Army Ranger and elite performance coach who specializes in human optimization for both world-class athletes and top executives. Pearce shares groundbreaking insights into why CEOs must train like athletes to sustain their peak performance and avoid burnout. He discusses the essential human operating system that underpins both elite athletes and executives, highlighting the importance of mental resilience, physical optimization, and strategic habits. Tune in to learn how executives can implement simple yet powerful changes in their routines to extend their careers, improve their health, and thrive under pressure.Whether you're looking to optimize your mental state or enhance your physical well-being, this episode offers actionable strategies to transform your leadership approach.In this episode, you'll learn:Why CEOs and executives should adopt athletic training principles to optimize their mental and physical health.The importance of "meeting-to-meeting resets" and how to prepare your mind and body for back-to-back high-pressure meetings.Why resilience beats mental toughness every time, and how to build a resilient mindset.How executives can avoid burnout by connecting their physical health to their broader career goals.The surprising link between breathwork, energy, and long-term professional success.Timestamps:00:00 - Episode preview and introduction02:08 - Why do CEOs ignore the power of athletic training?03:42 - The secret reset: How to bounce back between meetings05:36 - Is your health sabotaging your career?07:23 - Are you a ticking time bomb? Unpacking burnout in executives09:52 - Resilience vs toughness: What really wins?11:30 - The one simple thing that will change your life14:27 - How military experience translates to executive leadership17:46 - The hidden ingredient for longevity as a leader22:50 - Why are top performers missing the mark?38:43 - How writing can unlock your emotional resilience44:02 - The surprising role of a coach in your executive success55:12 - Ready for a reset? Pearce’s unique executive coaching approachAbout Pearce CucchissiPearce Cucchissi is a former Army Ranger with a distinguished career in special operations. He now works as an elite performance coach for executives and athletes, helping them enhance their mental and physical resilience. With a deep understanding of high-pressure environments, Pearce trains individuals to optimize their human operating systems, improving longevity, performance, and overall well-being. Pearce’s approach blends military precision with modern wellness strategies, ensuring that top performers are not only successful but sustainable in their careers.Resources and MentionsBuilt to Evolve Website: https://www.builttoevolve.com/Pearce Cucchissi’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pcucchissi/Pearce Cucchissi’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pearce_c2/Podcast Contact Information:Website: www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.comFollow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for updates.

Every leader knows what an iPhone is—but have you ever thought about your own “human operating system”?In this eye-opening episode, Damon welcomes trusted advisor Townsend Wardlaw to the Learn-It-All™ podcast for a deeply practical—and often surprising—conversation about mindset, leadership, and personal transformation. Using vivid analogies and candid stories, Townsend Wardlaw challenges leaders to rethink the “code” they’re running: are you operating on beliefs that hold you back, or fuel your growth? From updating your personal OS to escaping the trap of “trying harder,” this episode delivers powerful frameworks and real-life examples for anyone ready to break through their own limits.Whether you’re a founder stuck at a plateau, a manager coaching high performers, or simply someone seeking more fulfillment, you’ll walk away with tools to shift your perspective, transform your energy, and unlock new outcomes—no performance hacks required.In this episode, you’ll learn:How your “human operating system” shapes every action, relationship, and result—often without you realizing itWhy the most successful founders get stuck by relying on self-reliance—and how to rewire for growthThe critical difference between asking “how do I solve this?” vs. “who needs to show up?” (and the impact for big goals)Why letting go of control, credit, and blame can unlock unprecedented energy and peaceHow to shift limiting operating system beliefs through awareness—in yourself and in othersWhat truly transformational coaching looks like (spoiler: it isn’t about providing answers!)Simple, practical ways anyone can start “updating their code” and designing the life—and leadership—they truly desireTimestamps:00:00 – The iPhone analogy for human operating systems01:40 – How your underlying “code” determines perception and results06:17 – “Who, Not How”—how shifting the question changes everything08:27 – Real founder story: making the impossible, possible10:44 – Why working harder won’t scale—and what to do instead14:33 – The role of ego and self-reliance in leadership (and its dark side)19:11 – “How much is really up to me?”: India trip, humility, and insight22:46 – What founders unlock when their responsibility drops from 90% to 5%26:55 – Are you playing to win, or not to lose? Problem-solving reexamined28:32 – Seeing situations differently: the “glass elevator” metaphor33:34 – Is it really hard… or have you just never practiced?37:39 – Awareness is the key to performance, growth, and leadership41:12 – How to create from commitment, not inventory49:13 – What sets transformational coaching apart51:09 – Actionable advice for new managers and coaches56:13 – Awareness: the most powerful coaching tool you’ve never used59:07 – Where to find Townsend Wardlaw online01:00:24 – The must-ask question: What do you truly desire?About Townsend WardlawTownsend Wardlaw is a sought-after advisor working with select founders and leadership teams, as well as top coaches worldwide. His unique perspective blends deep business experience—including his own founder journey—with cutting-edge mindset and transformational coaching. After a career-defining setback led him to reexamine his own “operating system,” Townsend Wardlaw committed to guiding others through the same journey, helping leaders break through plateaus, unlock new energy, and design success on their own terms.Resources & Mentions:Townsend Wardlaw's WebsiteTownsend Wardlaw's LinkedInWho Not How by Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin HardyTownsend Wardlaw's SubstackPodcast Contact Information:Website: www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.comFollow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

Even high-performing teams can be unhappy—and leaders who want to create workplaces where people thrive need a new playbook. In this energizing episode of the Learn-It-All™ podcast, Damon sits down with Aoife O'Brien, award-winning podcast host and author of Thriving Talent, to unpack the essential ingredients for happy, high-performing workplaces. Drawing from her own journey and deep organizational research, Aoife lays out her “house” framework for thriving teams. Discover the building blocks of psychological safety, culture, drivers, and capabilities—plus practical ways leaders at any level can activate them. From feedback to autonomy to tackling imposter syndrome, this episode offers fresh, actionable guidance for leaders navigating today’s rapidly-evolving work landscape. Whether you’re new to leadership or rethinking how you build teams, you’ll come away with memorable stories, research-backed tips, and validation that creating real psychological safety is always the starting line. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why psychological safety is the foundation (and how to build it) How to spot the warning signs and triggers of a toxic culture The “house” framework: 3 pillars of a thriving workplace (+ capstone) The secret to extracting honest feedback—and using it for growth How to balance autonomy and guidance for every team member Practical advice for uncovering and leveraging your team’s strengths Simple ways leaders can create more capacity (not just busywork) Real answers on career paths, imposter syndrome, and the human side of AI Timestamps: 00:00 – Aoife’s “house” model: psychological safety as the foundation 01:38 – How work expectations changed post-pandemic 02:30 – The 3 pillars: workplace culture, drivers, capabilities 04:46 – What piqued Aoife’s interest in toxic work environments 07:29 – Self-reflection & feedback for new leaders 11:44 – Why values alignment drives trust (& how leaders miss it) 15:42 – Triggers that create toxic cultures—microaggressions/bullying 17:46 – Role modeling vulnerability & building psychological safety 19:33 – Understanding employee drivers: autonomy, relatedness, competence 22:55 – How to avoid micromanagement AND under-management 25:31 – Why strengths matter more than fixing weaknesses 28:48 – Practical strategies for uncovering team member strengths 31:22 – Asking for—and receiving—feedback without defensiveness 35:57 – The “aha” moments from Aoife’s book: linking work to impact, creating capacity 40:34 – Lessons learned from guests: mattering, psychological safety tests 44:48 – Aoife’s assessment for leaders & organizations 46:30 – Where Aoife spends her time: keynotes & career development 48:23 – The 5 impostor identities 51:15 – Navigating the impact of AI on careers 52:20 – What leaders will do differently after reading Thriving Talent 54:14 – Final advice: curiosity, asking for feedback, embracing self-awareness About Aoife O’Brien Aoife O’Brien is an award-winning podcast host, author, and organizational behavior expert passionate about creating workplaces where talent can truly thrive. Drawing from her own experiences with toxic culture and career pivots, she developed the “Thriving Talent Framework”—a research-backed model for building happy, high-performing teams. Today, Aoife delivers keynotes, consults globally, and hosts the Happier at Work podcast, where she explores leadership, career growth, and the future of work. Resources & Mentions: Happier at Work Podcast Aoife O’Brien on LinkedIn Thriving Talent Book Jeff Wetzler’s book: Ask Pat Lencioni’s Working Genius Assessment Dan Pink’s book: Drive Zach Mercurio’s work: The Power of Mattering Mamie Kanfer Stewart—episode referenced on meetings Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic’s research on professionalism Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

Leaders aren’t just born—they’re built, and sometimes it takes stepping into the unknown to truly make a lasting impact.In this heartening episode of the Learn-It-All™ podcast, Damon Lembi sits down with David Brint, innovative real estate entrepreneur and transformative former chairman of the Foundation Fighting Blindness. David shares the inspiring story behind his decades-long mission to cure blinding diseases—a journey that began with his own son’s diagnosis. Together, they dig into everything from scaling one of America’s top affordable housing companies to overhauling a nonprofit for long-term success—plus, the hard (and human) lessons of leadership, succession, and impact.Whether you care about social entrepreneurship, resilient leadership, or the power of personal connection, you’ll walk away with real, actionable wisdom—and hope for a brighter world.In this episode, you’ll learn:How David turned personal adversity—his son’s diagnosis with a rare blinding disease—into a mission-driven leadership journey.What it takes to grow a nationwide real estate company that applies social impact and economic development to affordable housing.The nuts and bolts of taking over from a legendary founder and why nonprofit leadership needs an entrepreneurial mindset.The secrets behind successful succession planning—how to step in, when to step down, and how to set the next leader up for success.How building the right team and fostering a learning organization unlocks breakthrough growth—for businesses and nonprofits alike.Timestamps00:03 – The moment that inspired David’s mission: seeing hope firsthand01:08 – Why David took the chairman role after 20 years with the Foundation Fighting Blindness04:05 – From real estate consultant to affordable housing pioneer06:03 – How the affordable housing industry evolved (and the role of tax credits)10:32 – Neighborhood transformation: education, childcare, and the Purpose Built Communities model13:12 – Designing award-winning housing for the visually impaired14:04 – How vision (and partnership) fuels organizational growth16:35 – Finding your niche and hiring world-class talent19:20 – The #1 challenge scaling a mission-driven business22:23 – How personal adversity led to founding a game-changing nonprofit26:17 – Leading with transparency: balancing business and nonprofit commitment27:13 – The entrepreneurial nonprofit: fundraising, venture funds, and risk30:36 – How to win board buy-in and empower leadership teams32:52 – Building a high-performing, learning-focused nonprofit (the hard choices)35:09 – Making the mission tangible: why “science is our product”38:09 – Raising record-setting funds—by making learning core to the culture42:44 – Leading so people “don’t want to let you down”—and why passion is contagious43:45 – The moment a child could truly “see”47:30 – Succession planning: why knowing when to step down is as important as stepping up50:01 – Letting go: giving your team ownership, in business and philanthropy51:45 – How parenting a child with blindness changed David as a leaderAbout David BrintDavid Brint is a transformative leader whose dual careers interweave purpose and business. As co-founder and principal of Brinshore Development, he’s grown the company into one of the top 50 affordable housing developers in the U.S., responsible for more than 11,000 units nationwide and acclaimed for their innovative, community-focused developments. But David’s journey took on new meaning when his son was diagnosed with a rare blinding disease, steering him to leadership at the Foundation Fighting Blindness, where he helped raise hundreds of millions for vision research and pioneered an entrepreneurial, “learning organization” approach as chairman of the board. Today, David remains an advocate for impact-driven business and nonprofit strategies that empower communities and change lives.Resources & MentionsConnect with David on LinkedInFoundation Fighting BlindnessBrinshore DevelopmentPurpose Built CommunitiesChicago Lighthouse housing Podcast Contact Information:Website: www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.comFollow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

Chaos isn't just survival—it's an opportunity.In this electrifying episode of the Learn-It-All™ podcast, host Damon Lembi welcomes strategic advisor, U.S. Army veteran, and author Kevin Black for a game-changing deep dive on team chaos. Drawing from military history, behavioral science, and his groundbreaking book Strength and Chaos, Kevin reveals why chaos is misunderstood as merely negative—and how leaders can harness it for team growth. The duo unpacks the difference between destructive and constructive chaos, behavioral adaptability, and the “PAR” dynamic that determines whether your team thrives or crumbles under stress. Whether you run a startup or manage a legacy organization, this episode arms you with a practical playbook for navigating—rather than fearing—uncertainty.From real stories of battlefield improvisation to boardroom breakdowns, you'll reclaim chaos as your competitive advantage.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why chaos isn’t always the enemy—and how rethinking it changes everythingThe behavioral building blocks that determine your team’s reaction to chaosKevin’s six-level “control continuum” for diagnosing constructive vs. destructive chaosHow leaders can adapt their style to unlock discretionary effort and resilienceWhat disciplined initiative, mission command, and trust look like in high-performing teamsHands-on exercises and tools to unify diverse personalities and create productive powerWhy critical thinking beats AI shortcuts—even when uncertainty spikesCase studies from military history and business that reveal the consequences of toxic leadership vs. adaptable commandTimestamps:00:00 – Why chaos is personal—and not just a storm to avoid00:32 – Meet Kevin Black: Army vet, advisor, author, and chaos expert01:44 – What makes Strength and Chaos a first-of-its-kind book on chaos02:55 – Defining chaos: eustress vs. distress, crisis vs. disorder05:18 – “Mission” vs. “people” behaviors: key drivers in team settings07:26 – Are CEOs born with ideal behaviors—or is adaptability the real superpower?10:19 – How “behavioral drift” creates lopsided teams (and big business mistakes)11:41 – Decoding the chaos dynamic: PAR (Perceive, Action, Reaction)13:25 – The control continuum: anarchy, initiative, compliance, resistance16:25 – Lessons from military teamwork: why decentralization is so hard19:50 – Comparing battle plans: German blitz vs. U.S. invasion of Iraq21:32 – How toxic leaders trigger malicious compliance and organizational sabotage23:51 – Who should read Strength and Chaos—and how to use its frameworks26:11 – Four levels of constructive chaos: unity, integration, mission command, trust29:56 – Kevin’s “controlled chaos” war-game workshops for execs33:06 – What if you’re naturally resistant to chaos and uncertainty?34:58 – The leader’s real job: turn your team into the rock stars35:52 – “DOING” acronym: measuring true team performance38:51 – AI, critical thinking, and the future of adaptive teams41:40 – The metaphysics of chaos: why it’s inevitable (and how to thrive)44:44 – Kevin’s favorite leader who crushed chaos: Stonewall Jackson46:27 – How to use (not abuse) Kevin’s frameworks with your team47:56 – Connect with Kevin Black and learn moreAbout Kevin BlackKevin Black is a U.S. Army veteran, strategic advisor, and adjunct professor of military history who helps leaders build resilient teams. He’s the author of Strength and Chaos, the first book to scientifically measure chaos at the leadership and team levels. After three years of research and extensive experience in behavioral profiling, Kevin developed actionable tools to turn chaos into a strategic edge. He regularly consults with executives using computer war gaming and behavioral diagnostics, empowering teams to adapt and thrive in the most uncertain environments.Resources & Mentions:Kevin Black’s website: https://kevinblack.co/Kevin Black on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kevinblack/Kevin’s book: Strength and ChaosBook: Small Ball, Big Results by Joel GoldbergBook: Never Lead Alone by Keith FerrazziPodcast Contact Information:Website: www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.comFollow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

There’s always a way—and Ursula Mentjes can show you how.On this episode of the Learn-It-All™ podcast, Damon welcomes Ursula Mentjes: five-time bestselling author, award-winning entrepreneur, and business growth expert. Together, they explore why “accidental salespeople” often outperform the pros, what really drives outsize business growth, and how to dismantle limiting beliefs that hold leaders back. Ursula opens up about her early days in sales, her leap from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, and the mindsets that helped her—and her clients—break through seven-figure ceilings. Plus, she shares actionable tips on hiring, delegation, and leveraging AI as a powerful growth tool.Straight talk, real stories, and a toolbox of strategy-meets-mindset wisdom—this episode is for anyone ready to think bigger, grow faster, and prove there’s always a way.In this episode, you’ll learn:The surprising traits that make “accidental salespeople” outperform even industry veteransWhy limiting beliefs—not just markets or experience—are often the main barriers to growth, and how to break through themThe step-by-step process Ursula uses to help clients 2x (or 10x) their businessWhy hiring for attitude and openness can be more powerful than hiring for a résuméThe essential role of delegation, trust, and empowering your team (plus how to avoid being the organizational bottleneck)How AI can be leveraged for small business growth, and why leaders can’t afford to resist itTimestamps:00:00 – Ursula on “there’s always a way”00:28 – Meet Ursula Mentjes and her journey from corporate to coaching01:20 – Why accidental salespeople often succeed02:15 – Ursula’s early sales lessons and reframing “the numbers game”04:08 – Advice for finding (and hiring) great salespeople07:04 – Top traits of high-performing salespeople08:41 – Rejection and limiting beliefs in sales and leadership09:09 – Ursula’s NLP techniques for overcoming limiting beliefs13:15 – Making the jump from corporate to entrepreneurship21:00 – Lessons in trust and delegation from running a $20M company23:56 – The reality of launching her own business (and facing new comfort zones)26:20 – Leadership style, micromanagement, and empowering others27:39 – Who Ursula coaches and what her revenue model looks like29:55 – Why mindset matters more than strategy, and the “who not how” approach33:02 – Real client story: tripling growth with expanded vision and AI tools35:54 – The most common reasons businesses get stuck37:18 – Upgrading your team and vision to scale38:19 – How to depersonalize growth decisions (“what is your business asking for?”)38:58 – The spectrum of AI readiness—and why it matters41:21 – Getting leaders excited about custom GPTs and real AI adoption43:05 – Critical thinking as the ultimate future skill44:21 – The power of coaching and who you should hire47:07 – Ursula’s book rec: “One Great Goal” for clarity in action48:42 – Ursula’s advice: There is always a way.About Ursula MentjesUrsula Mentjes is a five-time bestselling author, award-winning entrepreneur, and sought-after business growth expert who specializes in helping leaders scale to multiple six and seven figures—while working less. A former top sales leader, Ursula built her coaching practice after a corporate career leading $20M+ companies and now brings her unique blend of mindset, delegation, and strategy to entrepreneurs nationwide. Ursula is known for her laser-sharp focus on dissolving limiting beliefs, building high-trust teams, and integrating AI for next-level performance.Resources & Mentions:Connect with Ursula: www.ursulainc.coUrsula Mentjes on LinkedInBook: The Psychology of Selling by Brian TracyBook: The Power of Intention by Wayne DyerBook: Who Not How and 10x is Easier Than 2x by Dan SullivanDr. Joe Dispenza’s work on mindset and thought patternsPodcast Contact Information:Website: www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.comFollow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

Learn as if you’ll live forever. Lead as if you’re always becoming.In this energizing solo episode of the Learn-It-All™ podcast, host Damon Lembi takes us on a deep dive into his signature “Five C’s” framework—a roadmap for leaders who want to double down on their human advantage in an AI-driven world. Drawing on his own journey and packed with relatable stories, Damon reveals why humility opens the door to greatness and how Character, Curiosity, Courage, Confidence, and Community will set you apart as a truly “Learn-It-All” leader. From practical leadership tips to actionable exercises, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to keep learning, support their team, and future-proof their skills as the workplace evolves.Damon shares how his own struggles (and wins) in public speaking, podcasting, and leadership continue to shape his approach—and why the best leaders are humble, experiment freely, and create spaces where everyone can grow. Whether you’re embracing new AI tools or just trying to build better habits, you’ll come away with inspiring ideas and practical next steps for leading with more humanity in every environment.In this episode, you’ll learn: Why humility is the essential “ticket in” for true personal and professional growthHow strong character builds trust, especially in uncertain timesThe power of curiosity to transform your learning and open unexpected doorsWhy courage matters more than knowledge—and how taking risks creates real progressHow confidence is built through reps, reflection, and celebrating mistakes as learning opportunitiesThe value of giving back and building community to cement your own learning and uplift othersTimestamps:00:00 – The Gandhi quote that grounds today’s leadership lesson00:14 – The “human advantage” in an age of AI00:32 – Introducing the Learn-It-All 5Cs framework01:02 – Why humility is non-negotiable for leaders01:45 – The first C: Character—integrity when no one’s watching02:41 – The second C: Curiosity—how, and why, to never stop learning03:29 – Is AI killing curiosity, or supercharging it? Damon’s take04:01 – Courage: why learning requires stepping outside your comfort zone05:06 – Real-life stories: Damon on podcasting, public speaking, and a teammate’s growth06:10 – Building confidence through courage and regular practice06:35 – The leader’s job: Growing your team’s skills and confidence07:20 – Community: giving back to learn even more08:22 – Recap: the five Cs and the foundation of humility09:37 – How to encourage confident experimentation (especially with new AI tools)10:04 – Staying present, slowing down, and appreciating what makes us human10:35 – Free resources: Book and self-assessment to jumpstart your growth10:47 – Call to action: Subscribe, rate, stay curiousAbout Damon LembiDamon Lembi is a 3x bestselling author, the host of The Learn-It-All™ Podcast, and CEO of Learnit – a live learning platform that has upskilled over 2 million people. Drawing from his prior baseball career, Damon brings an athlete’s perspective to leadership. Through his journey, he has gained invaluable insights into what helps organizations grow, how great leaders learn, and why learn-it-all companies outpace their competitors every time.Resources & Mentions:Website: www.learnit.comConnect with Damon: Damon Lembi on LinkedInDownload Damon’s book: The Learn-It-All LeaderDave Brock’s book: “Is Good Enough Good Enough?”Podcast Contact Information:Website: www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.comFollow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

From Solopreneur to $10 Billion: Mark Gleiberman on Focus, Family, & Resilient Growth What does it take to scale a business from a single 38-unit apartment acquisition to a 33,000-unit, $10B empire? In this eye-opening episode of the Learn-It-All™ podcast, Damon sits down with Mark Gleiberman, Founder & CEO of MG Properties, who walks us through three decades of disciplined growth. Together, they break down the power of saying "no" to distractions, weathering economic storms, and building a culture where people thrive for decades. Mark Gleiberman explains why MG Properties has stuck with one niche—existing multifamily apartments—and how that single-minded focus fueled their resilience through multiple market cycles. You’ll hear the inside story of scaling a team, navigating family dynamics in leadership, and why great organizations are built on values as much as they are on strategy. It’s a masterclass in entrepreneurship, disciplined growth, and the art of building businesses that last. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why staying laser-focused on one niche can be your ultimate strategic advantage Mark Gleiberman shares how MG Properties consistently avoided the “shiny object” trap, resisting pressure to branch into other asset classes and staying disciplined—even as the company exploded in size. The hidden upside of tough markets (and how “safe” doesn’t mean slow) Gain insight into how Mark weathered the S&L crisis, the Great Financial Crisis, and major interest rate hikes—spotlighting the long-term investor mindset and tactical approaches that kept MG thriving. How to scale company culture (and keep talent for decades) Learn how MG Properties cultivates DRIVE—Dedication, Respect, Integrity, Value, Empathy—and why leadership starts with a walk in your employees' shoes. Secrets to effective succession planning and thriving family business dynamics Get actionable advice on bringing the next generation into leadership, building credibility, and ensuring smooth collaboration—at work and at the dinner table. How philanthropy strengthens teams and community impact Discover how MG Properties weaves giving back into their day-to-day, from CASA advocacy to supporting the homeless—and why it fuels retention and company pride. Timestamps: 00:00 – Why disciplined focus beats chasing the next big thing 02:32 – From 38 units to $10B: MG Properties’ founding story 05:05 – Learning every side of the business—by doing it all firsthand 07:04 – Empathy in leadership: lessons from property management 08:12 – Long-term investing and “the best way to get rich slow” 10:03 – The 1031 Exchange: building generational wealth (tax efficiently) 12:00 – What truly differentiates MG Properties 15:50 – Surviving downturns: 2008 and the recent rate hikes 18:47 – Bringing in institutional capital & the evolution of partnerships 21:08 – The power (and tests) of sticking to your strategy 22:36 – When (and how) to say no to new markets—or new asset classes 24:03 – MG’s strategy for geographic expansion and market diligence 29:59 – People challenges: recruiting, retaining, and developing your team 31:53 – Living—and rewarding—your core values: DRIVE 33:12 – Creating clear pathways for career growth 35:38 – The family business: bringing Jeff on board 39:59 – How the next generation scaled investor relations 5x 42:07 – Navigating disagreements and building consensus as a family team 44:13 – Why outside ideas and new talent sharpen your edge 46:36 – MG Properties’ approach to philanthropy and impact 50:44 – What the next 10 years might hold for MG Properties 52:14 – What makes an ideal MG Properties investor 53:30 – How to connect with Mark Gleiberman and MG Properties About Mark Gleiberman Mark Gleiberman is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of MG Properties, one of the nation’s leading multifamily real estate investment firms. Since launching the company in 1992 with a single small property, Mark Gleiberman has steered MG Properties through multiple market cycles to a portfolio of 33,000 units valued at over $10 billion. His background as a CPA and tax specialist laid the foundation for MG’s disciplined, tax-optimized approach and long-term focus. Renowned for building high-trust teams, an enriching company culture, and fostering a philanthropic spirit, Mark Gleiberman continues to lead MG Properties as a model of resilience and integrity in real estate. Resources & Mentions: MG Properties website – Learn more or connect with investor relations Mark Gleiberman on LinkedIn Internal Revenue Code Section 1031 – Learn more about tax-deferred exchanges CASA Program (Court Appointed Special Advocates) – The philanthropy Mark and MG Properties actively support MG Properties Careers – For those interested in joining the team Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

Failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s the catalyst that propels you forward. In this high-impact episode of the Learn-It-All™ podcast, host Damon welcomes Jim Harshaw Jr., executive performance coach, TEDx speaker, and former Division I All-American wrestler, for a raw conversation about the real anatomy of achievement. Jim opens up abouthis own journey through sports, business setbacks, and imposter syndrome, revealing the powerful mindset shifts and practical frameworks behind lasting growth. From the wrestling mat to the boardroom, Jim shares how leaning into failure, aligning your life with your true vision, and building an “environment of excellence” helps leaders—and their teams—realize more than they ever thought possible. Whether you’re an executive, founder, or rising leader, this episode is packed with actionable strategies, hard-won wisdom, and a daily practice that can help you turn every setback into rocket fuel. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why failure is information, not identity—and how to use productive pauses to transform setbacks into growth Jim’s four-step framework that aligns vision, goals, environment, and follow-through for peak performance How to overcome imposter syndrome and show up with authentic confidence Ways to avoid the “success trap” in your career and redefine winning for yourself The critical role of relationships and holistic well-being for sustainable leadership (and why most high-achievers sacrifice the wrong things) How elite performers—from athletes to CEOs—create and sustain environments that drive greatness Timestamps: 00:00 – Jim reframes failure: it’s data, not identity 01:38 – Why knowing about failure isn’t the same as living it 04:45 – Learning from sports losses vs. business failures 07:01 – Competing fearlessly: the mindset “trick” behind big wins 11:57 – Mindset beats talent—athletics and business parallels 13:08 – Giving yourself credit for trying (and moving through fear) 14:40 – The double-edged sword of imposter syndrome for leaders 16:58 – Leadership lessons from early coaching mistakes 19:32 – What it means to lead with love (vs. just results) 21:36 – Unlocking greatness in others (stories from the mat and beyond) 24:49 – “Environment of excellence”—why your team matters 29:49 – Jim’s four-part framework for sustained high performance 34:47 – Holistic success: balancing health, wealth, self, and relationships 37:42 – The power of accountability and peer networks 44:56 – The secret to consistency: productive pauses 48:56 – Jim’s must-ask questions for breakthrough clarity 52:58 – Jim’s advice for helping kids reframe failure 56:12 – Where to find Jim, his podcast, and coaching resources About Jim Harshaw Jr. Jim Harshaw Jr. is an executive performance coach, former Division I All-American wrestler, TEDx speaker, and host of the podcast "Success for the Athletic Minded Man." After experiencing both entrepreneurial failures and elite athletic triumphs, Jim developed a signature four-step framework to help leaders align their vision, goals, and environment for sustainable growth. Today, he coaches CEOs, founders, and high-performing individuals—helping them leverage setbacks, sharpen their mindset, and realize their biggest potential. Resources & Mentions: Connect with Jim: LinkedIn Jim Harshaw Jr.’s website Jim’s TEDx Talk: “Why I Teach My Children to Fail” Success for the Athletic Minded Man Podcast Jim’s AI Coach: JimAI.com Productive Pause Questions—Download Doug Conant, former CEO of Campbell Soup “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey Steven Pressfield (guest referenced) Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

Some motivations are built-in. Others, you have to spark. In this mind-opening episode of the Learn-It-All™ podcast, Damon welcomes behavioral economist and bestselling author Dan Ariely to decode the real drivers of high-performing teams and modern organizations. Together, they explore the hidden costs of remote work, why extrinsic motivators like pay fall short, and how leaders can reignite connection, resilience, and risk-taking in a post-pandemic world. Packed with stories and science, Dan shares actionable ways to make invisible effort matter, untangle workplace polarization, and transform "paycheck players" into passionate contributors. Whether you lead a team, want to rekindle your own intrinsic motivation, or are struggling to build culture in a hybrid era, this episode delivers practical wisdom you can apply today. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why intrinsic motivation—especially feeling appreciated and connected—consistently outperforms extrinsic rewards How remote work can erode the “human fabric” of organizations, and what leaders must do to rebuild it The power of making invisible work and effort visible (including homefront recognition) How celebrating failure actually bolsters resilience and sparks innovation Why risk-taking is non-negotiable for long-term growth—and how the best leaders foster a culture where mistakes fuel learning Dan’s surprising research on motivation, team dynamics, and what the data reveals about great workplaces Timestamps: 00:00 – Dan explains why intrinsic motivation is the real engine of performance 01:24 – How remote work has stripped away human connection 02:48 – Navigating polarization and identity-based conflict at work 04:07 – Damon asks how to defuse tense workplace conversations 06:51 – The hidden role of casual workplace interactions 12:26 – Can someone new become a great leader working fully remote? 14:08 – Dan’s study: People work harder for teammates than for themselves 15:42 – The hard data: Intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivators 18:51 – When the best employees go “beyond their job description” 20:12 – Moving from “paycheck player” to passionate participant 23:02 – Simple company changes that amplify pride and meaning 27:27 – Why recognition and the big picture matter—even at Target or in manufacturing 29:57 – The 5-year career plan trick every leader should use 32:03 – How fast, direct feedback supercharges growth 34:15 – Defining resilience and risk—and why organizations need more of both 36:11 – The power of failure celebrations and learning from mistakes 41:28 – The secrets (and stumbling blocks) of integrating AI in organizations 44:55 – How to work together—honestly and transparently—in the era of AI 47:29 – Dan’s research on “making the invisible visible” and his current projects About Dan Ariely Dan Ariely is the James B. Duke Professor of Psychology and Behavioral Economics at Duke University, a founding member of the Center for Advanced Hindsight, and a three-time New York Times bestselling author. He is renowned for his research on irrational behavior, motivation, and workplace design, sharing insights through acclaimed books such as Predictably Irrational and his highly-rated behavioral science courses. Dan’s expertise has helped transform how companies and leaders think about human motivation, risk, and culture in and out of the workplace. Resources & Mentions: Learn more at danariely.com Dan Ariely on LinkedIn Predictably Irrational (Book) by Dan Ariely Dan Ariely’s behavioral science course with 42Courses Dan Ariely’s Substack newsletter The Center for Advanced Hindsight Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.