In this episode of the podcast, Zoë Routh engages with Damon Lembi, CEO of Learn It and host of the Learn It All podcast, to discuss the importance of fostering a learn-it-all mindset in leadership.

They emphasise the need for leaders to prioritise learning, encourage curiosity, and tailor learning experiences to individual needs.

Damon shares his personal journey from a front desk employee to a CEO, highlighting the transformative power of continuous learning and the evolving landscape of educational tools like VR and AI.

SHOWNOTES are here.

Key Quotes

"Learning is tough. It takes consistency. You have to get out of your comfort zone." Damon Lembi

"You should put yourselves in a position where you can learn something from everyone." Damon Lembi

"We need to encourage curiosity... even a very simple thing that doesn't take a lot of time in your weekly standup could spark interest." Zoë Routh

Questions Asked

1. How can you learn more each day and become a learn-it-all?

2. What barriers do people face in their learning journeys?

3. How can leaders carve out time for learning amidst their busy schedules?

Take Action

• Encourage Curiosity: Implement a weekly "fact of the week" during team meetings to spark interest.

• Customize Learning: Adapt learning experiences based on individual preferences and needs.

• Remove Barriers: Streamline meetings and reduce workloads to create more space for learning.

Tip of the Week

Review the collaboration self-checklist - available for subscribers only. Join the community here. You’ll get 40 book summaries and recommendations on Leading Strategy and Performance, along with a special secret audio from my award-winning book, People Stuff.

Key Moments

• 00:00 Introduction and Weekly Question

• 01:35 Integrating Learning into Leadership

• 04:07 Introducing Today's Guest: Damon Lembi

• 08:29 Overcoming Barriers to Learning

• 10:29 Strategies for Effective Learning

• 15:44 The Future of Learning and AI

• 27:29 Challenges for L&D Professionals

• 32:54 Leadership Tips and Feedback

In this episode, Zoe Routh discusses what it takes to become a disruptive leader with Kumar Parakala, author of Lead to Disrupt: Seven Keys to Success in a Changing World.

The conversation explores digital disruption, self-powered wearables, transhuman technologies, and the balance between innovation and preserving ethical values. Kumar shares his insights on leadership transformation, the importance of a higher purpose, and navigating comfort zones to foster radical accountability and resilience.

SHOWNOTES are here.

Key Quotes:

1. “Leadership is all about inspiring and guiding others and leading by example.” Kumar Parakala

2. “Disruptive thinking starts with challenging the sacred rules and embracing the values that push for the greater good.” Kumar Parakala

3. “Ethics without technological advancement is stagnation, but technology without ethics is disaster.” – Kumar Parakala

4. “Embracing a disruptive mindset requires leaders to let go of old certainties and structures, stepping confidently into the unknown.” Zoë Routh

5. “The tension between disruption and preservation is an opportunity to shape a future that honours our values while embracing necessary change.” Zoë Routh

Questions Asked:

1. What does it take to be a disruptive leader today?

2. How can we balance pioneering innovation with preserving valuable lessons from the past?

3. What is the role of ethics in the innovation agenda?

4. How can leaders prepare for technological disruptions like AI?

5. What are the seven principles of effective leadership in a disruptive world?

Take Action:

• Reflect on your higher purpose and how it drives your daily actions.

• Evaluate your comfort zone and set a goal to challenge it this week.

• Foster ethical conversations within your team about emerging technologies.

• Begin networking outside your immediate circle to build alliances that support growth and innovation.

Tip of the Week

Review the collaboration self-checklist - available for subscribers only. Join the community here. You’ll get 40 book summaries and recommendations on Leading Strategy and Performance, along with a special secret audio from my award-winning book, People Stuff.

Key Moments (timestamp)

00:00 – Introduction and the concept of a disruptive leader
00:15 – Emerging self-powered wearables and transhuman technologies
02:12 – The balance between pioneers and guardians in leadership
05:51 – Kumar Parakala’s leadership insights and philosophy
22:08 – The critical role of ethics in innovation
27:03 – The necessity of personal accountability in leadership
39:28 – Kumar’s personal reflections and the Fast Three questions

Join Zoë Routh in this exciting episode of the Future of Leadership as she explores how much failure we can handle and introduces a groundbreaking agricultural innovation called Electro Agriculture. Zoë discusses the importance of leading with compassion and reflects on the societal issues of homelessness and mental health.

The highlight of the episode is an inspiring interview with John Graham, founder of the Good Samaritan Home, who shares his compelling story of going from homeless to business owner. Learn about his impactful work in providing second chances and the importance of mercy in leadership. Lastly, Zoë recommends John’s award-winning novel, 'Running as Fast as I Can,' a tale of survival, forgiveness, and hope. Tune in for an inspiring journey through leadership, compassion, and innovation!

SHOWNOTES are here.

Key Quotes:

• "It takes a lot of courage to look down the ladder as opposed to looking up the ladder at where we could go." - John Graham

• "What if we could live based on compassion? What if we led with compassion at the heart of our approach?" - John Graham

• "The solution isn't just a quick fix; it's about tending to our societal issues with compassion and systemic change." - Zoë Routh

Questions Asked:

• How much failure can you handle?

• What does a compassionate response look like?

• What made you think about helping those worse off than you?

Take Action:

• Reflect on their capacity for compassion in daily interactions.

• Support local agencies that assist homeless individuals.

• Consider how they can lead with mercy in their own leadership roles.

Tip of the Week:

Review the collaboration self-checklist - available for subscribers only. Join the community here. You’ll get 40 book summaries and recommendations on Leading Strategy and Performance, along with a special secret audio from my award-winning book, People Stuff.

Key Moments (timestamp):

00:00 Welcome to 2025: The Future of Leadership

00:23 Handling Failure: A Key to Success

00:38 Breakthrough in Agriculture: Electro Agriculture

02:54 Living with Compassion: A Personal Reflection

05:21 Interview with John Graham: From Homeless to Business Owner

06:30 John Graham's Journey: Overcoming Adversity

09:15 The Good Samaritan Home: A Beacon of Hope

23:56 Writing a Novel: The Story of Second Chances

35:24 Leadership Insights: Power, Mercy, and New Projects

39:30 Conclusion: Live with Grace, Lead in Service