the Learn-It-All™ podcast

The highs, lows, and lessons of leadership aren’t just found in conference rooms—they’re lived every day in unexpected moments and hard conversations. In this episode, Damon Lembi walks listeners through three unforgettable leadership stories: the good, the bad, and the ugly. From a surprise party text mishap to the transformation of a struggling salesperson, a cautionary tale about hiring toxic talent, and an executive’s all-too-public coaching call blunder—each vignette offers practical takeaways, frank advice, and actionable strategies for becoming a more coachable, courageous, and intentional leader. Whether you’re managing the pressures of performance reviews, navigating interview pitfalls, or worried about digital privacy, Damon’s stories will help you avoid the biggest mistakes and seize growth opportunities. Packed with real-world examples, memorable anecdotes, and tangible challenges, this episode will give you the tools to have the tough conversations, foster coachability, and protect your culture. Plus, listeners get a special gift in the show notes, a free download of Damon’s bestselling book. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why having direct, honest conversations is critical for leaders—and how it can transform an employee’s career. The essential mindset shift every employee needs to make when struggling: let go and become coachable. The hidden dangers of hiring toxic high-performers, and why they’re never worth the risk to your team culture. Interview etiquette mistakes that kill trust—and how to avoid sabotaging your own reputation. How multitasking and digital mistakes can destroy privacy, and the steps you must take when sharing sensitive information. Simple challenges and intentional steps to help you grow as a leader or team member, starting today. Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: Why nobody fully prepares you for being a CEO 00:35 – The movie-inspired theme: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly 01:05 – The Good: Freedom, impact, and designing your ideal week 01:40 – Damon’s personal favorite: Building culture from the top down 02:30 – The privilege of hiring, promoting, and celebrating people 03:15 – The Bad: Constant context-switching and decision fatigue 03:55 – Loneliness at the top—why fewer people tell you the truth 04:30 – Damon’s go-to strategies for staying grounded 05:10 – The Ugly: Letting people go—and how it never gets easier 06:00 – Firing a friend: Damon’s personal story 06:45 – How he’s learned to lead through pain without avoiding it 07:20 – What helps: A learning mindset, trusted advisors, and staying human 08:00 – Advice for aspiring CEOs: It’s worth it—but not easy 08:45 – Challenge to listeners: Ask your CEO one honest question 09:15 – Damon’s parting thought: Stay human, stay humble 09:45 – Free Book Giveaway About Damon Lembi Damon 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 Damon Lembi LinkedIn Learnit Learn It All Leader (Book by Damon Lembi) The Learn-It-All Leader for Kids (Kids Book by Damon Lembi Ruben Gonzalez’s TED Talk on letting go: Watch here Damon Lembi’s free book download: https://BookHip.com/FTZRCJB Learnit: www.learnit.com Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

What if your path to fulfillment and success started—not with a to-do list—but with your truest values? In this powerful episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, Damon Lembi is joined by Dr. John Demartini, renowned human behavior specialist and global educator, for an unfiltered, deeply actionable conversation on how to clarify your core values, align your life and business with what matters most, and step into an authentic, inspired life. Drawing from a lifetime of research and over 31,000 books studied, Dr. Demartini shares personal stories, practical frameworks, and hard-won wisdom on why so many chase the wrong goals, how to discern fantasy from true purpose, and the reason most people sabotage their own progress. Whether you’re leading a company or charting your next chapter, this episode will ignite your clarity and commitment to pursuing what truly moves you. From the pitfalls of “living by someone else’s priorities” to the science behind engagement, delegation, and authentic leadership, Dr. Demartini delivers a masterclass brimming with tools—and a call to action to stop living second at being someone else.In this episode, you’ll learn: Why most people’s daily actions don’t align with what they claim to value—and what to do about it How to identify your true hierarchy of values (and why this is the key to fulfillment and success) The difference between setting real goals versus chasing pipe dreams or societal fantasies Why instant gratification derails long-term achievement, and the neuroscience behind it Practical strategies for leveraging strength-based delegation and building highly engaged teams How to apply values-driven hiring, promotion, and employee engagement in organizations of any size What authentic leadership looks like—and how to cultivate a values-powered culture Timestamps: 00:00 – Why living in alignment raises self-worth 00:19 – Meet Dr. Demartini: global educator and researcher 01:58 – Why people chase goals that aren’t truly theirs 05:00 – The $10 million exercise: fantasy vs. demonstrated value 09:19 – The impact of immediate gratification and social media 13:23 – Can you help someone deeply off track? 17:04 – How to determine your true hierarchy of values 22:56 – On passion, inspiration, and neurological alignment 24:48 – Why—and how—to delegate lower-value tasks 25:09 – Engaging employees by mapping work to their values 29:11 – Advice for company leaders on scaling engagement 32:25 – The real story of transforming a disengaged workforce 46:35 – Transparency, ownership, and setting clear expectations 49:15 – Victim mentality, amygdala, and empowered living 55:24 – Engagement vs. disengagement: stories from the field 57:29 – Why “going all in” at work is transformative 59:28 – Why inspired people don’t need breaks 64:23 – Dr. Demartini’s personal journey: From illiteracy to global impact 70:09 – The vision that’s driven a lifetime of impact 71:02 – Final message: Permission to shine and live authentically 72:29 – Where to learn more and start your values discovery  About Dr. John DemartiniDr. John Demartini is a world-renowned human behavior specialist, researcher, author, and global educator recognized for his groundbreaking work on values, self-leadership, and personal transformation. With over five decades of teaching experience, he has studied more than 31,000 books across disciplines, distilling insights into actionable strategies that have helped millions worldwide enhance their personal, professional, and organizational lives. Dr. Demartini has shared the stage with luminaries such as Sir Richard Branson and Stephen Covey and has impacted audiences in over 161 countries.  Resources & Mentions: Dr. Demartini’s website & free Values Determination questionnaire Dr. Demartini on LinkedIn The Secret – Dr. Demartini featured David Hume – philosophy of value Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

In this powerful final episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, Damon Lembi sits down with Neil Jurd OBE—former army officer, acclaimed leadership coach, and author of The Leadership Book—to unpack the true meaning of leadership in turbulent times. Neil shares battlefield stories, hard-won workplace wisdom, and his personal journey through unspeakable loss. Together, they challenge the myth of the all-knowing leader, spotlighting why the bravest thing a leader can do is sometimes to pause, think, and get out of their team’s way. From “red zone” false leaders to the creative power of freedom within boundaries, Neil reveals the habits and mindsets behind real impact—at war, at work, and at home. Packed with actionable advice, candid stories, and inspiration for anyone facing adversity, this episode is a must-listen for leaders ready to learn, pivot, and humanize their influence. In this episode, you’ll learn: The key difference between “real” and “false” leaders—and why manipulation destroys trust. Why pausing to think (and encouraging others to do so) is a mark of brave leadership. How connection and direction form the backbone of high-performing, resilient teams. Practical strategies to step back, empower others, and foster innovation (without losing control). How to nurture authentic relationships—especially when you’re new or feel vulnerable as a leader. The transformative impact of leading through adversity and building culture “by design, not default.” Timestamps: 00:00 – Why great leaders pause, allow, and get out of the way 01:54 – Real leadership vs. false leadership: impact, manipulation, and trust 03:00 – What insecure, “red zone” leaders get wrong 05:43 – The ripple effect of negative leadership—and how one great boss can change everything 07:22 – Rank and position: the most fragile forms of influence 10:48 – What happens in “yes man” cultures (and the price of over-control) 13:16 – The power of pausing to think —and why busyness kills big ideas 16:52 – Challenges for new leaders: when “allow” is mistaken for irresponsibility 18:52 – When “allow” goes too far: how to course-correct without undermining trust 20:57 – Connection and direction: the two simple pillars of great leadership 23:32 – The “cup of tea” rule and practical tips to nurture relationships 28:05 – How to be vulnerable without coming across as weak 31:27 – Controlling emotions as a leader: why calm feedback matters 34:30 – Becoming the leader your people never want to let down 37:00 – Feedback cultures: strong leaders seek and accept honest input 40:26 – Why “know-it-all” leadership fails—and how to build a learn-it-all team 41:49 – Harnessing brilliance in others and making them the heroes 45:01 – Is leadership only for the brilliant? (Hint: anyone can learn to lead) 47:09 – Book clubs, practical learning, and experiential leadership development 53:23 – Transforming organizational culture: freedom within boundaries at the University of Sheffield 57:36 – Neil’s personal story: loss, resilience, and rebuilding after tragedy  About Neil JurdNeil Jurd OBE is a leadership coach, author, and former British Army officer with decades of global experience—from military operations in Bosnia, Iraq, and Yemen to transforming teams and organizations in higher education and business. As the founder of Leader Connect, Neil has trained hundreds of rising and established leaders and authored the widely-praised The Leadership Book. Appointed an OBE in 2021 and recognized with the British Citizen Award, Neil draws on personal adversity—most notably, the sudden loss of his wife—to help others lead with courage, authenticity, and empathy.  Resources & Mentions Neil Jurd’s Website Neil Jurd on LinkedIn The Leadership Book by Neil Jurd Leader Connect: Online leadership learning & coaching Neil’s TED Talk: “Allow” Simon Sinek: Why Good Leaders Make You Feel Safe Keith Ferrazzi, Never Eat Alone  Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

What does it really take to bootstrap a tech company to 30 million users—without a dollar from investors? In this energizing final episode, host Damon Lembi sits down with Aytekin Tank, founder and CEO of Jotform, to unravel the unvarnished journey of building a global SaaS business from zero to 700+ employees. Aytekin shares why breaking his company into mini "five-person startups" became the key to sustainable growth, how his transparent weekly rituals keep a massive team aligned, and what it means to evolve from “CEO” to “Founder of the Future.” The conversation dives into the power of fast experimentation, authentic communication, the new era of AI agents, and why focusing on bottlenecks (not competitors) is the secret to long-term impact. Whether you’re a founder, team lead, or lifelong learner, this episode overflows with actionable wisdom for the AI age. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why Aytekin chose to bootstrap Jotform (and how he built momentum before ever charging users) The single breakthrough that unlocked Jotform’s exponential growth—and how mini startups fuel innovation How weekly “Demo Days” and 10-minute speeches keep 700+ employees aligned around purpose (with no secrets) The jaw-dropping lessons (and mistakes) from releasing an MVP, pivoting based on user feedback, and ignoring the competition How AI agents are already reshaping team structure, productivity, and customer experience The mindset shift every modern founder must make—from operational CEO to “founder of the future” Timestamps: 00:00 – The leader’s weekly question: bottlenecks vs. opportunities 00:23 – Meet Aytekin Tank, Jotform’s bootstrap story and mission 01:47 – Why Aytekin never raised outside funding 07:39 – Early projects, missed opportunities, and the business model gap 09:51 – What the lonely first year of entrepreneurship really felt like 11:15 – Hitting 5,000+ users and the thrill of first paid subscribers 15:17 – Evolving from product builder to large-scale leader 23:05 – The painful plateau and Jotform’s biggest organizational roadblock 26:58 – Why traditional org charts killed innovation (and what fixed it) 31:37 – Founder vs. CEO: redefining the modern founder’s role 37:56 – MVPs, beta launches, and learning from user behavior 44:06 – Generative AI vs. AI agents: real-world use cases 50:31 – Practical AI skill for every professional (and how Aytekin learns with AI) 54:16 – “Noop.com” and the future of effortless AI chatbots 58:08 – The power and simplicity of website chatbots for small businesses 1:01:52 – What keeps Aytekin passionate two decades in 1:05:42 – Why he cheers when competitors raise funding 1:06:31 – Decisions you can only make as a Bootstrap founder 1:09:49 – The long road, enjoying the journey, and advice for new founders  About Aytekin Tank Aytekin Tank is the founder and CEO of Jotform—a global, no-code SaaS platform trusted by 30 million+ users for creating forms and automating workflows. A computer science graduate, Aytekin bootstrapped Jotform from a one-man side hustle to a 700+ person company, famously avoiding VC investment to maintain control over product vision and company culture. He is also the author of Automate Your Busywork and host of the AI Agents podcast. With deep expertise in product-led growth, AI innovation, and building empowered teams, Aytekin’s story is a masterclass in sustainable entrepreneurship. Resources & Mentions: Jotform – Aytekin’s company Automate Your Busywork – Aytekin’s book AI Agents podcast – Hosted by Aytekin Tank Jotform’s simple AI website chatbot builder: https://www.jotform.com/products/apps/ Aytekin’s website Aytekin on LinkedIn Lean Startup by Eric Ries (referenced as influential reading) Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Leadership isn’t about the title—it’s about the courage to care, the power of vision, and the ability to influence without control. In this thought-provoking episode, Damon sits down with Aaron Vaccaro, President of Singularity University and a key architect behind Topgolf’s explosive growth, to unpack the mindset and methods that turn good leaders into great ones. Aaron shares lessons from the frontlines of scaling billion-dollar visions, battling imposter syndrome, and building cultures where it’s actually cool to care. From navigating chaotic turnarounds to learning how to truly let go of ego, this episode delivers actionable insights and candid stories for leaders at every stage of their journey. Tune in for practical wisdom, leadership book recommendations, and the real secrets to earning trust—whether you have a title or not. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why outcome over ego separates outstanding leaders from the rest How to navigate imposter syndrome—and why vulnerability still matters in leadership What 51/49 hiring means: Putting culture above skills for lasting success Aaron’s playbook for building (and maintaining) a values-driven culture The difference between leadership by control and leadership by influence How deep learning, not just experience, can accelerate your leadership journey  Timestamps: 00:00 – Why influence, not titles, defines real leadership 01:13 – Learning to put outcome over ego in crisis and growth 05:41 – Meeting a mentor (and how trust is built for the long-term) 07:01 – Navigating imposter syndrome and getting over self-doubt 09:09 – How relentless vision (and smart negotiation) turned Topgolf into a giant 14:48 – Scaling culture: The power of hiring 51% on values 18:03 – Tactics to embed core values beyond a poster on the wall 22:08 – Rising into the president’s seat at Singularity University 25:10 – Leadership is influence, not control (and how to lead without a title) 28:54 – Embracing tough conversations: Grace, truth, and feedback 33:16 – Setting new leaders up for success (and how to onboard well) 35:37 – “Deep learning” as a shortcut to experience 38:28 – Aaron’s top three leadership books for new managers 40:52 – Finding time to read and keep learning as a senior leader 42:27 – Discipline, identity, and doing what needs to be done 46:09 – Defining your leadership identity after sports or big transitions 47:47 – Becoming the kind of leader people truly don’t want to let down 50:39 – Leadership mistakes: Lessons from tough meetings and letting things fester 54:37 – Balancing grace, truth—and knowing when it’s time to part ways 56:38 – Trusting again after being let down as a leader 58:53 – Why Aaron looks up to Winston Churchill 60:39 – The importance of mentoring, giving back, and keeping it cool to care 62:05 – Final takeaway: Make it cool to care—in your culture and your life  About Aaron Vaccaro Aaron Vaccaro is the President of Singularity University and has been instrumental in scaling high-growth ventures, notably Topgolf’s rise as a global brand. Known for orchestrating successful turnarounds and helping companies live their core values, Aaron has led strategic acquisitions, built innovative cultures, and mentored teams to think bigger and bolder. With roots as Eric Anderson’s chief of staff and an impressive trajectory through multiple leadership roles before 35, Aaron brings a rare blend of humility, vision, and operational grit to every team he leads. Resources & Mentions Connect with Aaron Vaccaro on LinkedIn Learn about Singularity University Canoeing the Mountains by Tod Bolsinger Atomic Habits by James Clear  Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

The best cultures aren’t built on paper—they’re fueled by authentic connection, candid conversations, and relentless self-growth. In this energizing episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, host Damon Lembi reconnects with former baseball rival turned bestselling author and executive coach, Mike Robbins. Together, they dig into what separates good teams from great ones—on the field and in the boardroom. Mike opens up about the power of appreciation over recognition, why embracing imposter syndrome can actually signal real growth, and how leaders build trust (and credibility) by showing up authentically—and not dodging those “sweaty palm” conversations. Expect memorable sports stories, practical mindset tools, and play-by-plays for handling conflict, envy, and high-stakes leadership moments. From clubhouse chemistry to corporate culture, this episode is loaded with actionable takeaways for anyone leading teams, navigating transitions, or just ready to grow. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why appreciation—not just recognition—creates lasting engagement and trust How “sweaty palm” conversations unlock deeper relationships and resolve hidden conflict What to do when imposter syndrome strikes (and why it means you’re growing) How to turn envy and internal competition into fuel for self-improvement Mike’s honesty formula for leadership: Honesty minus self-righteousness plus vulnerability Practical exercises for authentic appreciation and connection within teams  Timestamps: 00:00 – The power of letting go and direct conflict resolution 00:30 – Welcome and Mike’s surprising baseball rivalry origin story 01:49 – What truly makes great teams stand out 04:07 – The leadership mistake of speed over connection 06:03 – Mike’s baseball journey, career-ending injury, and leadership insights 10:56 – Playing for team goals vs. personal goals (and why it matters) 12:02 – Navigating internal competition and organizational “politicking” 15:10 – Mike’s first pro spring training, scarcity mindset, and rooting for others 20:42 – Reframing envy for professional growth 23:30 – Courage, vulnerability, and how Stanford teammates inspired Mike 27:41 – Damon's turning point: Choosing the harder path and what he learned 29:36 – Why imposter syndrome is a sign you're on the right track 32:24 – The honesty equation: authenticity, vulnerability, and humility 36:41 – The difference between recognition and appreciation (with stories) 44:01 – Why leaders are always on stage and how appreciation impacts culture 47:25 – Team appreciation exercise and why it matters 53:29 – Navigating difficult conversations: permission, vulnerability, and intent 58:38 – Two options for conflict: let go or resolve it fully 1:02:30 – Top leadership challenges today—and why real connection matters  About Mike Robbins Mike Robbins is a former professional baseball player turned bestselling author, keynote speaker, and executive coach with over 25 years of experience helping organizations build trust, authenticity, and winning cultures. After a career-ending arm injury led him from the pitcher’s mound to Silicon Valley startups, Mike became a sought-after speaker and author of five books, including "We're All In This Together." His expertise has been tapped by companies like Google, Microsoft, and the San Francisco Giants, and he’s renowned for translating high-performance team skills from sports to business. Learn more at mike-robbins.com and connect on LinkedIn. Resources & Mentions Mike’s website: mike-robbins.com Mike on LinkedIn: Mike Robbins Mike’s book: We’re All In This Together Book referenced: Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi Brené Brown on vulnerability  Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Successful organizations aren’t just built on hierarchy or experience—they’re built on bold talent bets, transformative mindsets, and creating space for emerging leaders to grow. In this episode, Damon Lembi sits down with Brian Turner, longtime leader, Vistage Chair, and former President & CEO of Point B, to unpack what it really takes to spot and elevate rising leaders. Brian shares candid stories—including the “RC moment” that changed his career outlook—revealing why mindset often outpaces tenure, how blind spots trip up senior execs, and why transparent leadership is the ultimate game-changer. Expect practical frameworks for making talent decisions, stories about risk-taking in leadership, and a fresh look at curiosity, feedback, and resilience—plus, honest advice for anyone battling imposter syndrome. Whether you’re in the C-suite or on the rise, this episode is packed with real talk designed to help you and your team level up. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why betting on mindset beats betting on tenure when elevating talent The “RC story”: How taking a risk on emerging leaders transforms organizations The most common blind spots holding senior leaders back—and how to overcome them Brian’s 4P framework for avoiding filtered truth and unlocking frontline voices How to create authentic space for feedback, growth, and organizational learning Practical advice for both senior execs (to keep learning) and emerging leaders (to overcome imposter syndrome and speak up) Why peer advisory groups like Vistage are essential for leadership growth and perspective Timestamps:  00:00 – The learn-it-all mindset and learning from leadership mistakes 01:16 – Betting on emerging talent: stories from Brian & Damon 04:51 – How to spot high-potential leaders (the “RC moment”) 06:20 – Brian’s own leadership journey & bold bets on him 08:50 – Navigating culture, private equity, and tough organizational changes 09:53 – A CEO’s toughest lesson: blending business performance with humanity 11:28 – Radical transparency vs. “magic”—getting teams to think bigger 13:15 – Defining and finding true emerging talent 15:43 – The big challenges & blind spots for senior leaders (Brian’s 4Ps) 18:36 – What happens when leaders only listen to insiders and the HiPPOs 20:24 – Strategies for reconnecting with frontline talent and surfacing new voices 24:51 – Tackling change: giving platforms to new perspectives 26:46 – Creating psychological safety for bold feedback & emergent leaders 29:44 – Getting called out as a leader: how Brian handles tough feedback 34:43 – Why curiosity beats logic alone (and how to frame the right problems) 37:30 – The power of advisory cohorts, mentorship, and CEO peer groups 40:56 – Final advice: learning is for leaders at every level 42:24 – The emerging leader challenge: overcoming imposter syndrome 43:53 – Connect with Brian and episode challenge  About Brian Turner Brian Turner is a current Vistage Chair, former President and CEO of Point B, and a leadership advisor with over 30 years of experience guiding leaders across consulting, technology, and business transformation. From his early days at Accenture to two decades growing Point B into an industry leader, Brian has built a reputation for bold talent bets, transparent leadership, and an unwavering commitment to unlocking human potential. Today, he coaches CEOs and executive teams through high-growth transitions and disruptive market changes—helping them play bigger and build future-ready organizations. Resources Mentioned: Vistage Brian on LinkedIn Turn the Ship Around by David Marquet Candidly – Laurel Taylor’s company Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

Winning isn’t just about what you know—it’s about the value you create and the lives you change. In this thought-provoking episode, Damon Lembi sits down with Dr. Keith Keating, Chief Learning Officer at BDO and bestselling author, to unpack how learning professionals can shift from being order takers to strategic value creators inside their organizations. Keith gets candid about his own journey from high school dropout to PhD and international L&D leader, sharing actionable ways anyone can maximize their personal growth—and show up as a business partner that leaders can’t live without. This episode is packed with strategies for navigating the transition from the knowledge economy to the value economy, practical tools for influencing even the toughest CFOs, and a framework for measuring the hidden value that L&D brings to business. If you want to boost your credibility, expand your influence, and future-proof your career (especially in the era of AI), this one’s for you. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why “not my job” are the three most dangerous words in any organization—and how to break out of the L&D box How Keith’s own underdog background fuels his approach to helping others unlock potential through learning The crucial shift from knowledge economy to value economy—and how to prove your impact with business language Keith’s Value Creation Compass: a framework for aligning L&D with what the business (and CFOs) actually value Why stories matter more to senior leaders than spreadsheets—and how to build powerful narratives How to avoid burnout and find purpose as a learning professional, even when your value isn’t being recognized Timestamps: 00:00 – The danger of “not my job” and why value creators stand out 01:32 – How learning changed Keith’s life 03:08 – The power of “teach backs” and learning by teaching 05:15 – Book clubs and underrated learning tools 07:08 – Embracing the underdog mentality for career resilience 08:35 – What inspired “Hidden Value” and why now is critical for L&D 11:17 – Why L&D is stuck as order takers and how to break the cycle 13:03 – Moving from defense to proactive value creation 16:42 – Key shift: stop speaking L&D, start speaking business 17:13 – Where to start: deep business and financial research 20:13 – Engaging the CFO: what they actually care about 21:44 – How (and why) to build relationships with Finance 24:35 – Using stories, not just data, to prove your impact 29:20 – Real-world story: How L&D drove business results at BDO 33:12 – The Value Creation Compass explained 37:44 – Organizational resilience and fostering a learning culture 39:39 – Overcoming fixed mindsets at every level 41:02 – How to build learning cultures even if senior leaders resist 43:17 – What Keith would change (or double down on) from his first book 44:29 – The future of L&D: evolving roles, relevance, and AI 48:01 – Never say “not my job”—become indispensable  About Dr. Keith Keating Dr. Keith Keating is the Chief Learning Officer at BDO, keynote speaker, and author of The Trusted Learning Advisor and Hidden Value: Why Learning and Development Is the Key to Unlocking Human Potential. His journey from high school dropout to industry leader has fueled his mission to make learning an equalizer and a driver of transformation for individuals and organizations. Keith is passionate about helping L&D practitioners move from the sidelines to the boardroom, focusing on value creation, business partnership, and storytelling. Resources & Mentions: Dr. Keith Keating Website: Website  Dr. Keith Keating on LinkedIn. Hidden Value: Why Learning and Development Is the Key to Unlocking Human Potential by Dr. Keith Keating The Trusted Learning Advisor by Dr. Keith Keating Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

In this high-energy episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, host Damon Lembi is joined by John Golden, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer at Pipeline CRM and host of the SalesPop podcast. Together, they dig deep into the art of decision-making, the power of authenticity in leadership, and the lessons learned from the dot-com era—offering actionable advice for anyone looking to future-proof their business or career. John shares personal stories about trusting his gut, being deliberate with growth, and why admitting you don't know is the ultimate mark of expertise. From the importance of resilience and learning from mistakes, to navigating VC/PE relationships and thriving in an AI-driven world, this episode is packed with wisdom for founders, leaders, and ambitious professionals alike. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why authenticity—not bravado—is the key to earning trust as a leader How to assess “the why” behind big career or business decisions (and how John’s gut instinct saved him from a bad move) What founders and business leaders today can learn from the triumphs and failures of the dot-com boom and bust Smart, intentional ways to grow your company without overextending (including when and how to bring on VC/PE partners) Why being willing to admit mistakes—and learn from them—sets the best leaders apart How “fractional” and contractor talent can turbocharge your business without risky overhead Timestamps 00:00 – The power of admitting mistakes and authentic leadership 01:09 – Why you’re never 100% ready: advice for big leaps 03:46 – When “the why” isn’t strong enough: a dot-com era cautionary tale 07:01 – Should you take the “wrong” job just to pay the bills? 08:08 – John’s move to Silicon Valley: seizing unexpected opportunities 09:34 – Lessons from the dot-com boom and bust (and AI parallels) 14:58 – Practical advice for founders: bootstrapping, VC/PE diligence, and controlled growth 18:37 – Balancing gut instinct with due diligence 20:56 – Leveraging fractional, contract, and remote talent strategically 22:51 – John’s pivotal career moment: setting your sights on the CEO role 25:01 – Why (and how) people limit their own potential 27:54 – Overcoming fear of failure—and fear of success 29:29 – Imposter syndrome and why you should apply for the job anyway 30:27 – The value of authenticity (and how to show it as a leader) 32:20 – Failing forward: why mistakes are fuel for growth 33:58 – The value of humility and vulnerability in leadership 35:11 – Where to connect with John and find SalesPop  About John Golden John Golden is the Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer at Pipeline CRM and the host of SalesPop, a podcast with over 1,500 episodes featuring top leaders and sales innovators. With a distinguished background in sales strategy and executive leadership, including experience navigating the boom and bust of Silicon Valley’s dot-com era, John is known for his candid, authentic approach to business. He specializes in helping founders and business leaders future-proof their organizations by building on solid fundamentals, leveraging gut instinct, and hiring resilient, authentic teams.  Resources Referenced Pipeliner CRM SalesPop Podcast SalesPop on YouTube John Golden on LinkedIn  Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates. 

What separates good leaders from truly transformative ones? In this powerful full-episode conversation, Damon welcomes Ken Gavranovic—seasoned tech executive, Thinkers50 honoree, and serial builder of billion-dollar businesses—to The Learn-It-All Podcast for a no-holds-barred exploration of leadership, entrepreneurship, and the future of work in the AI era. Ken unpacks his unique path from humble beginnings to leading 18 exits and owning $3B in P&L, revealing how the world’s best leaders don’t just excel individually—they elevate everyone around them. From the lessons hidden inside failed startups to why AI is redefining the playing field, this episode is overflowing with hard-won wisdom, tools, and real talk for leaders who want to level up themselves and their teams. Packed with actionable advice, personal stories, and candid reflections, this episode is your blueprint for becoming not just a high performer, but a meta performer—one who inspires, coaches, and wins with others. Whether you’re scaling a startup, transforming a legacy business, or aspiring to lead with more impact, you’ll leave fired up and equipped to turn learning into lasting results. In this episode, you’ll learn: What it means to be a “meta performer”—and how great leaders elevate entire teams, not just themselves How Ken went from scrappy founder to building a $200M company from the ground up The critical difference between measuring outcomes vs. activity (and how to actually set targets that drive results) Why money alone won’t make you happy—and what true success and options look like as a leader How to ask better questions, foster a culture of feedback, and avoid becoming a bottleneck as you scale What AI means for every business: why it’s a massive equalizer, and how to find quick wins (without making million-dollar mistakes) The career-defining lessons you’ll learn at a failed startup (that big companies can’t teach you) Timestamps: 00:00 – How “meta performers” level up those around them 00:33 – Welcome to the Learn-It-All Podcast: About Ken and what’s ahead 01:43 – Ken’s first questions when starting something new 02:19 – The childhood experiences that shaped Ken’s entrepreneurial drive 05:33 – Money, happiness, and the real options of wealth 07:44 – What mentors look for: Grit, honesty, and taking care of others’ capital 08:25 – Building Web.com from scratch: The inside story 11:33 – Mistakes of the dot-com era (and lessons for AI today) 14:51 – Why neither “experience” nor youth guarantee right answers 17:13 – Outcomes vs. activity: How busywork derails companies 18:08 – Measuring results at New Relic: Asking the right questions 21:16 – How to coach with questions instead of answers 22:35 – Moving from high performer to meta performer (and why it matters) 25:18 – Elevating your team: From leadership to “teamship” 27:23 – Is it the product or the people? How Ken evaluates startups and investments 31:37 – AI’s disruptive power, past and future: What’s next for leaders 35:02 – AI, jobs, and the future of work 40:19 – How to start leveraging AI today (without melting down your org) 43:24 – The power of prompt engineering for every professional 46:49 – The future of leadership—and why vision still sets winners apart 48:18 – The best career risk advice for aspiring founders 50:18 – The one thing you need with data to run your business well 51:13 – Where to connect with Ken and closing thoughts About Ken Gavranovic Ken Gavranovic is a renowned technology executive, global keynote speaker, and a member of Thinkers50. He built Web.com from scratch to $200 million in revenue and has led 18 successful exits, overseeing $3 billion in P&L. Ken’s leadership at companies like New Relic and Cox Automotive have helped scale products and organizations to global prominence. Known for his passion for elevating teams and building winning cultures, Ken is also an active advisor, investor, and advocate for data-driven, people-first leadership. Resources & Mentions: KenGavranovic.com Ken on LinkedIn Book: Amp It Up by Frank Slootman Book: Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi Thinkers50: Thinkers50 New Relic: New Relic Book (referenced): Small Ball, Big Results by Joel Goldberg The Learn-It-All Podcast with Doug Conant The Learn-It-All Podcast with Stephen M.R. Covey The Learn-It-All Podcast with Richard White The Learn-It-All Podcast with Keith Ferrazzi Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.