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

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

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

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

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.