In this episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, Damon and Darren welcome Ilias Simpson, a seasoned executive with a remarkable journey from warehouse supervisor to leading multi-billion dollar companies. Ilias shares his insights on the power of learning, leadership, and the importance of embracing diversity to build high-performing teams. From his early days in the military and on the football field to his impressive career in operations and leadership, Ilias' story is a testament to the transformative power of hard work, adaptability, and a genuine passion for people.

Episode Highlights:

• Early Influences: Ilias reflects on his childhood as a military kid, attending 16 different schools and developing a deep understanding of adaptability and the importance of connecting with diverse perspectives.
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• Sports and Military: Hear how Ilias' experiences in Division 1 football and the Air Force Reserves instilled in him the values of teamwork, discipline, accountability, and the importance of direct feedback.
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• Rapid Rise to Leadership: Ilias unpacks his journey from warehouse supervisor to CEO by the age of 36, sharing insights on mentorship, hard work, and overcoming imposter syndrome.
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• The Power of Learning Agility: Discover Ilias' definition of learning agility and how applying lessons from past experiences to new situations has been crucial to his success.
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• Diversity as a Strength: Ilias speaks passionately about the importance of diversity in the workplace, highlighting how different perspectives drive innovation, problem-solving, and individual growth.
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• Creating a Culture of Feedback: Learn how Ilias approaches giving and receiving feedback, emphasizing clarity, empathy, and a focus on helping individuals reach their full potential.
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• Balancing Leadership with Authenticity: Ilias shares how he stays true to himself while leading large organizations, emphasizing the importance of being relatable, approachable, and bringing a sense of humor to the workplace.

About Our Guest:

Ilias Simpson is a seasoned executive with a proven track record of success in leading and transforming large organizations. He most recently served as President of a $3 billion healthcare services company and prior to that, was CEO of a global logistics company. Ilias is known for his ability to build high-performing teams, drive operational excellence, and inspire those around him. He is also a passionate advocate for diversity, inclusion, and creating opportunities for others to succeed.

Connect With Our Ilias:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilias-simpson/

Podcast Contact Information:

Website: www.learnit.com

Email: podcast@learnit.com

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In this episode of "The Learn-It-All Podcast," host Damon Lembi welcomes David Chesnosky, San Francisco’s top residential leasing broker with over 20 years of experience. They dive into what it takes to become the best in any field, focusing on David's journey from working in various industries to becoming the leading figure in San Francisco's real estate market. They discuss the importance of passion, hard work, and finding a niche, as well as the current state and future of San Francisco's housing market.

Episode Highlights

David's Background – David shares his story, from his upbringing in Burlingame to his early career in telecom sales and his pivot to real estate.

Breaking into Real Estate – David talks about his first job in real estate, managing a corporate housing building, and how he found his passion for leasing.

Finding Your Niche – David explains the importance of focusing on a niche and how he became an expert in residential leasing in San Francisco.

Mentorship and Growth – The discussion highlights the role of mentors in David's career and his approach to continuous learning and development.

State of San Francisco – David gives an overview of the current housing market in San Francisco, touching on the impact of AI companies and the city's future prospects.

About Our Guest:

David Chesnosky is a seasoned residential leasing broker with over 20 years of experience in the San Francisco Bay Area. Starting his career in telecom sales, David transitioned to real estate in 2003 and has since become a well-known figure in the industry, winning several awards including the San Francisco Apartment Association's Leasing Agent of the Year. He has worked with some of the largest residential landlords in the city and now runs his own successful brokerage. David is passionate about San Francisco, real estate, and helping people find their perfect homes.

Connect with David:

Website: http://www.rentingsf.co

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidchesnosky

Resources Referenced:

- Peter Thomas One Minute Mentor: https://www.instagram.com/peterthomasmentor

Podcast Contact Information:

Website: www.learnit.com

Email: podcast@learnit.com

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Dr. Mechelle Roberthon, a dynamic talent development speaker and consultant joins The Learn-It-All Podcast to share her action-oriented approach to training and learning. This episode dives into Dr. Roberthon's impressive journey from corporate training to founding her own talent development firm. Dr. Roberthon shares her experiences in various industries, including healthcare, banking, and higher education, and discusses the universal need for leadership and professional development across sectors.

Episode Highlights:

- Dr. Roberthon's Background: From corporate training in Louisiana to VP roles in healthcare, banking, and higher education, Dr. Roberthon's career journey is a testament to the universal applicability of talent development.

- Value of Certifications: Insight into the importance of certifications over degrees and how they contribute to practical application and staying relevant in the industry.

- Dissertation Insights: Dr. Roberthon discusses her dissertation, "Getting to the Room Where It Happens," which explores the experiences of Black women in senior and executive leadership roles.

- Humanizing Leadership: Practical advice for leaders on empathizing with their teams and creating a supportive work environment.

- Overcoming Stereotypes: Dr. Roberthon emphasizes the importance of seeing individuals beyond stereotypes and fostering inclusive workplaces.

- Personal Challenges: Dr. Roberthon opens up about her experiences with ageism, microaggressions, and the pressures of representing her community in leadership roles.

About Our Guest:

Dr. Mechelle Roberthon is a seasoned talent development professional with extensive experience across various industries. She is the CEO of her own talent development firm, a keynote speaker, and a consultant. Dr. Roberthon is passionate about leadership, professional development, and creating inclusive work environments. She holds multiple certifications and is a strong advocate for continuous learning and growth.

Connect with Our Guest:

Website: https://www.drmechellerob.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mechelleroberthon/

TikTok: @drmechellerob

Resources Referenced:

- ATD's Consultant Handbook: https://www.td.org/book/atds-handbook-for-consultants

Podcast Contact Information:

Website: www.learnit.com

Email: podcast@learnit.com

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

This enlightening episode of "The Learn-It-All Podcast," takes a deep dive into the world of generative AI with Nataraj Sindham, a senior product manager at Microsoft. Damon, Courtney, and Nataraj explore the rapid adoption of generative AI among knowledge workers and discuss Nataraj’s diverse career journey from Epic Systems to Microsoft. Nataraj shares insights from his book, "100 Days of AI," detailing the potential and impact of large language models on various industries. The conversation also touches on the future of AI in product management, the importance of embracing a learn-it-all culture, and practical advice for aspiring product managers and investors in the AI sector.

Episode Highlights:

- Background: Nataraj Sindham and the hosts discuss the widespread use of generative AI among knowledge workers.

- Nataraj's Journey: Nataraj shares his career path from growing up in South India to working at Epic Systems and his current role at Microsoft.

- 100 Days of AI: Nataraj talks about his book "100 Days of AI," the inspiration behind it, and the insights he gained about large language models.

- Impact of AI on Knowledge Work: Discussion on how AI is reshaping knowledge work and product management, including the abstraction level at which humans work.

- Advice for Aspiring Product Managers: Nataraj offers practical advice for individuals looking to transition into product management, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and understanding one’s strengths.

- Microsoft’s Learn-It-All Culture: Insight into how Microsoft has embraced a learn-it-all culture under CEO Satya Nadella, fostering continuous learning and empathy among employees.

About Our Guest:

Nataraj Sindham is a senior product manager at Microsoft, where he works on Azure Files, a product designed for managing unstructured data. With a rich background in software development and product management, Nataraj has contributed significantly to various projects, including Microsoft 365 and Azure Stack. He is also the host of a startup podcast, an angel investor, and the author of "100 Days of AI," an educational series exploring the cutting-edge applications of AI. Nataraj is passionate about the transformative potential of AI and its impact across different industries.

Connect with Our Guest:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natarajsindham/

Website: https://thestartupproject.io/

Resources Referenced:

- DeepLearning.AI: https://www.deeplearning.ai/

- 100 Days of AI by Nataraj Sindham: https://thestartupproject.io/

- Venture Deals by Brad Feld: https://www.amazon.com/Venture-Deals-Smarter-Lawyer-Capitalist/dp/1119594820

- Angel: How to Invest in Technology Startups by Jason Calacanis: https://www.amazon.com/Angel-Invest-Technology-Startups-Timeless/dp/0062560700

Podcast Contact Information:

Website: www.learnit.com

Email:...

Hunter Hastings, an economist and venture capitalist joins The Learn-It-All Podcast to discuss the shifting perspectives on capitalism, particularly among younger generations. Together with Damon and Darren, they explore the reasons behind the decline in support for capitalism, highlighting the distrust in corporations and the rise of "customer capitalism" as a solution. Hunter shares his latest book, Aberrant Capitalism, which examines the historical evolution of corporations and the need to re-inject empathy and customer focus into business models. The conversation covers the impact of financialization, the role of self-management in organizations, and the future of business education in fostering an entrepreneurial ethic.

Episode Highlights:

- Hunter's Background – Hunter shares his journey from economist to venture capitalist.

- Decline of Capitalism – Discussion on why young people are losing faith in capitalism and corporations.

- Evolution of Corporations – Historical perspective on the development and bureaucratization of corporations.

- Financialization – Exploration of how financialization diverts value from customers to shareholders.

- Future of Business Education – The need for a shift towards customer-focused, entrepreneurial business education.

About Our Guest:

Hunter Hastings is an economist turned venture capitalist with extensive experience in marketing and business strategies. He has authored five books, including his latest, Aberrant Capitalism: The Decline of Customer Capitalism. Hunter is also the host of the Value Creators podcast, where he explores innovative approaches to business and value creation. With a background that includes leadership roles at Procter & Gamble and a venture capital fund, Hunter brings a wealth of knowledge on how businesses can better serve customers and foster innovation.

Connect With Our Guest:

- Hunter Hastings LinkedIn

- Hunter Hastings Website

Resources Referenced:

- Value Creators Course

- Value Creators Podcast

Podcast Contact Information:

Website: [www.learnit.com](http://www.learnit.com)

Email: [podcast@learnit.com](mailto:podcast@learnit.com)

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

Coleen Greco, Joyologist and host of the Joy Unleashed Show, joins The Learn-It-All Podcast to share her journey from corporate marketing to promoting well-being and happiness. Coleen discusses her SNAP methodology, which helps individuals create lasting change through mindset shifts. She opens up about her personal challenges, including her son's suicide attempt, and how these experiences shaped her mission to help others. The conversation touches on weight loss, the importance of mindset in overcoming obstacles, and finding joy in everyday moments.

Episode Highlights:

- Coleen's Background – Transition from corporate marketing to joyology and her personal journey.

- SNAP Methodology – Explanation of Coleen's SNAP method for mindset change and overcoming triggers.

- Personal Challenges – Coleen shares the story of her son's suicide attempt and its impact.

- Weight Loss and Mindset – Discussion on the connection between mindset and weight loss.

- Joy in Small Moments – Finding joy in everyday moments and its significance.

About Out Guest:

Coleen Greco is a joyologist, author, and keynote speaker dedicated to promoting well-being and happiness. With over 26 years in corporate marketing leadership, Coleen transitioned to helping others after a personal family crisis. She created the SNAP methodology to aid individuals in achieving lasting change through mindset shifts. Coleen also hosts the podcast "Joy Unleashed" and is passionate about helping others heal and find joy in their lives.

Connect with Our Guest:

Website: https://www.coleengreco.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coleengreco

Resources Referenced:

- SNAP Method Journal

- Pathway to Self Love Guide

Podcast Contact Information:

Website: www.learnit.com

Email: podcast@learnit.com

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

In this episode, Damon Lembi and Darren Bridgett sit down with Kyle Gabhart, a native Texan, serial entrepreneur, and managing partner of Bluegrass Legacy Group. Kyle shares insights from his book "Legends Don't Retire and Neither Should You," discussing financial planning, legacy building, and the importance of continuous learning. The conversation delves into personal stories, practical advice on managing finances, and the significance of living a purposeful life. Kyle's unique perspective, shaped by his experiences and challenges, offers listeners valuable lessons on creating a lasting impact. Episode Highlights: - Kyle's Story: Kyle shares his background, upbringing, and the experiences that shaped his approach to life and business. - Legacy and Financial Planning: Kyle discusses the concept of living a legacy rather than leaving one and provides practical tips for financial planning. - The Importance of Planning: Kyle explores the difference between having a plan and planning, emphasizing the need for flexibility and adaptability. - Personal Challenges and Growth: Kyle recounts personal challenges, including his diagnosis with ankylosing spondylitis and how it led to creating his board game, Arctic Scavengers. - Final Thoughts and Contact Information: The episode concludes with Kyle's final advice on living a meaningful life and details on how to connect with him. About Our Guest: Kyle Gabhart is a serial entrepreneur, author, and managing partner of Bluegrass Legacy Group, specializing in financial planning and legacy building. A native Texan, Kyle is a father of six and grandfather of two. He has written several books, including "Legends Don't Retire and Neither Should You," and is an engaging public speaker. In addition to his professional pursuits, Kyle designed and licensed a board game and actively engages in lifelong learning. Connect with Kyle: Website: http://bluegrasslegacygroup.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylegabheart Resources Referenced: - Legends Don't Retire and Neither Should You: https://a.co/d/0h7kquZ1 - Bluegrass Legacy Group: http://bluegrasslegacygroup.com Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

Dennis Dowdell, an inspiring speaker, coach, and author of "Maximize You: Stand on the Shoulders of Giants" shares his incredible journey from being a school bus driver to speaking on stages in 52 countries and mentoring countless individuals. The conversation delves into the importance of personal growth, clarity, and having the right people in your life. Dennis emphasizes that true success comes from helping others and staying focused on your purpose.

Episode Highlights:

Dennis's Journey - From a school bus driver to an international speaker and coach.

The Importance of Clarity – Discussing the significance of having a clear purpose and how it can drive personal and professional success.

Serving Others – The concept that true growth and success come from focusing on how you can help others solve their problems.

Overcoming Comparison – Insights on avoiding the pitfalls of comparing yourself to others and focusing on personal growth.

Developing Character – The role of character in achieving long-term success and significance.

Practical Tips for Focus – Strategies for improving focus and staying aligned with your goals.

Public Speaking Tips – Advice for aspiring public speakers on how to make an impact and manage nerves.

About Our Guest:

Dennis Dowdell is a renowned speaker, coach, and author with over 44 years of experience. He has spoken on stages in 52 countries and mentored countless individuals. His book, "Maximize You: Stand on the Shoulders of Giants," encapsulates 45 principles for personal and professional growth. Dennis is passionate about helping others realize their potential and live purpose-driven lives. Learn more about Dennis and his work on his website.

Resources:

Herbalife International

Maximize You by Dennis Dowdell

Jim Rohn

Connect with Dennis Dowdell:

LinkedIn

Website

Podcast Contact Information:

Website: www.learnit.com

Email: podcast@learnit.com

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