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200: The Learn-It-All Leader for Kids: A Leadership Story for Every Family | Damon Lembi
Episode 200
Some of the best leadership lessons don’t come from the boardroom—they come from the ball field and bedtime stories.
On this special episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, the tables turn as Dr. Mickey Fitch Collins interviews Damon Lembi—bestselling author, CEO, and father—about his newest project: a children’s book inspired by his leadership bestsellers, The Learn-It-All Leader for Kids. Together, they break down why instilling curiosity, humility, and resilience in the next generation matters just as much as any corporate training. They dig into the creative process of translating adult leadership principles for young readers, how to parent (and lead) in a way that prioritizes effort over outcomes, and why modeling “learn-it-all” behavior starts at home. Filled with honest stories, actionable insights, and a few heartfelt moments, this episode is for anyone—parent, coach, educator, or leader—who wants to shape kids (and themselves) into lifelong learners.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- The big leadership lessons behind The Learn-It-All Leader for Kids—and why they matter as much to adults as to children
- What makes kids natural “learn-it-alls,” and how parents and leaders can keep their curiosity alive instead of stifling it
- How writing a leadership children’s book fundamentally differs from writing for adults (and what surprised Damon most in the process)
- Tips for modeling open, adaptive leadership at home and at work—even when you don’t have all the answers
- The role of symbols (like the coach’s hat) and storytelling in teaching real-world leadership skills to the next generation
- How anybody—not just parents—can use this book to nurture learning, inclusion, and growth among young people
Timestamps
00:00 – Damon on kids, curiosity, and learning by example
00:32 – Mickey Fitch Collins takes over as host; Damon’s introduction
01:17 – Why Damon wrote a children’s book—and who it’s for
01:57 – Main takeaways for kids, parents, and families from the book
02:46 – The story summary: Pandas vs. Oaks, winning and self-discovery
04:06 – Adapting leadership lessons for kids (and surprising writing challenges)
05:21 – Differences and similarities between writing for adults vs. kids
06:46 – How Damon sees himself in his own characters (Noah vs. Lucy)
08:51 – The dangers of perfectionism; why effort is more important than results
10:49 – Modeling leadership at home—lessons from Damon’s parents
11:57 – The “coach’s hat” as a symbol of shared leadership
12:55 – Helping kids shift from know-it-alls to learn-it-alls
14:58 – Inclusion, humility, and fighting against bullying in childhood
15:50 – How Mickey’s own kids related to the book’s characters
17:14 – What’s in the book for adults without children?
18:11 – Why learning agility and adaptability matter for all future leaders
18:55 – Redefining leadership: everyone can lead from where they are
19:45 – Final thoughts: Leadership is a team sport, at home and at work
21:50 – Wrap-up and where to get the book
21:52 – Closing
About Damon Lembi
Damon Lembi is a 2x bestselling author, host of The Learn-It-All Podcast, and CEO of Learnit—a live learning platform that has helped over 2 million people grow. Drawing on his experiences as an athlete, executive, and father, Damon brings a unique perspective to leadership, culture, and continuous growth. In his latest children’s book, The Learn-It-All Leader for Kids, he distills decades of practical leadership insights for the next generation, empowering young readers (and their adults) to embrace curiosity, courage, and learning at any age.
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