Damon Lembi on Baseball Dreams, AI, and Leadership Mastery
Play Your Position with Mary Lou Kayser
Release Date: 03/10/2025
Play Your Position with Mary Lou Kayser
About today’s amazing MVP, Wayne Mullins: Wayne sits down with MaryLou for a third time to talk about what's on so many minds these days --> AI, small business marketing, and getting attention from the right people in a crowded noisy world. It's not every day you get to sit down with someone who's seen—and shaped—so much in the world of marketing and leadership. Over the years, Wayne’s insights have stood out not just because of his expertise, but because of his authenticity and willingness to challenge the status quo, especially as the world around us keeps changing at...
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If you’re looking for some fresh air—literally and figuratively—in your approach to leadership and life, you’re in the right place. Today, MaryLou joins her friend Matt Potts: outdoor enthusiast, passionate guide, retired CPA, author of the forthcoming book “Wild Places,” and all-around genuine soul. Matt’s got a remarkable story, from his Kentucky childhood adventures to leading men (and women!) into the wild for connection, healing, and some good, old-fashioned unplugging. What is so great about Matt is how seamlessly he blends wisdom gleaned from the backcountry with...
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People using AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude are noticing an interesting phenomenon: the responses to their prompts are always agreeable, even when users intentionally put in wrong information. Additionally, frustration with "AI workslop" and excessive bot interactions on popular social platforms like LinkedIn continue to distract people from moving forward with their work. What's going on and why do you need to be aware of this? What are the long-term consequences of too much AI content? In today's solo episode, MaryLou addresses these questions to uncover what's happening culturally on a...
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In this solo episode, MaryLou explores what it means to lead ourselves in a world where technology, AI, and rapid change are shaping daily lives. Drawing a surprising historical parallel to the Salem Witch Trials, she examines what happens when societies experience massive upheaval, and why so many of us are feeling overwhelmed right now. MaryLou shares a personal story about losing her phone at the airport and the raw emotional reaction that followed. That moment sparks a deeper reflection on our dependence on devices, the tension between convenience and autonomy, and the importance of...
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Does workplace chaos and uncertainty have you on edge these days? Leadership coach Rob Kalwarowski has the solution you need. In this powerful episode, discover: A simple two-word technique to instantly reduce stress and improve decision-making Why Gen Z is reimagining success beyond traditional career paths Practical strategies to lead with more humanity and purpose How to navigate professional challenges without burning out Rob shares his personal transformation from stressed engineer to thriving leadership coach, revealing breakthrough insights on managing chaos, building...
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I’m excited about my guest today. A mutual connection and PYP MVP introduced us which goes to show how powerful and essential building relationships is to moving forward today. His name is Joel Goldberg, and he not only embodies the fundamental principles of this podcast, but he’s also an exceptional human who values depth over hot takes and authentic conversation over soundbytes. He is a sports fan like I am, and makes his living as broadcaster with the Kansas City Royals baseball franchise. He also has a fantastic podcast called "Rounding the Bases" and two books: Small Ball Big Results...
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What if the key to unlocking your business's true potential lies in understanding a language most entrepreneurs never learn? Today I’m talking with Jason Kruger, a financial expert who has navigated the complex world of business ownership, accounting, and strategic growth. Jason shares his journey from building and selling a successful analytics firm to helping entrepreneurs unlock their true potential by mastering their financial infrastructure. Jason reveals the often-overlooked secrets of scaling a business, the transformative power of understanding your numbers, and why human...
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Eric Collett is the man who's rewriting the script on brain health and challenging everything we thought we knew about aging. Imagine a world where Alzheimer's isn't an inevitable decline, but a preventable condition. That's not science fiction - that's Eric's mission. A former memory care executive turned brain health revolutionary, Eric went from running a struggling care facility to developing a groundbreaking protocol that's helping people reverse cognitive decline - we're talking about Parkinson's patients doing jumping jacks after being wheelchair-bound, and dementia patients...
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What's it like to be a legacy creative leader in the Nashville music scene? In today's episode, I'm diving into the world of music, leadership, and creative passion with John Chisum, a veteran songwriter, publisher, and mentor who has spent over 43 years in the music industry. From working with Christian music legends like Steven Curtis Chapman and the Gaither family to running Nashville Christian Songwriters, John has a wealth of wisdom about finding your authentic voice and navigating the complex landscape of creative entrepreneurship. He's not just about hit songs, but about empowering...
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In this game-changing episode, Geoff Woods, author of "The AI Driven Leader," reveals how artificial intelligence can become your ultimate strategic thought partner. Geoff breaks down the myths, fears, and incredible potential of AI for leaders across all industries. Key Takeaways: Discover how AI can elevate your strategic thinking in minutes Learn the CRIT framework for powerful AI communication Understand why AI is an enhancement, not a replacement, for human talent Highlights: Geoff's transformative journey from traditional leadership to AI-powered strategy Real-world case...
info_outlineWhat happens when a star athlete with a leadership mindset steps into the world of business—starting at the front desk and rising to CEO? Well, Damon Lembi knows firsthand. Drafted by both the Atlanta Braves and the Yankees, he had his sights set on a professional baseball career. But when that path took an unexpected turn, he found himself in a completely different arena: the corporate world.
Rather than leaning on family connections, Damon started as a receptionist at Learnit, the company his father co-founded. But with the same work ethic and drive that made him a leader on the field, he climbed the ranks—eventually stepping into the CEO role just as the dot-com bubble was about to burst. What followed was a crash course in resilience, reinvention, and redefining leadership for a new era.
For over 30 years, Damon has been at the helm of Learnit, evolving it from a tech training company into a powerhouse for professional development. His insights on leadership, storytelling, and the future of work are shaped by his own journey—from navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship to embracing AI as a critical tool for the modern leader.
Meet Damon Lembi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi/
On his website: https://www.thelearnitallleader.com/podcast
Extra Stuff:
I’m exploring what it means to stay grounded in an accelerating world. You’re welcome to follow along. For more depth, I share my best ideas at gobeyondthescroll.com
AI is moving fast. That doesn’t mean you have to feel behind.
Explore my AI Literacy Training for smart people who want clarity, not chaos.
Details at: https://maryloukayser.com/ai-literacy-training/