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the Learn-It-All podcastLeadership Lessons to Help You Learn Faster and Lead Better Author: Damon Lembi
The Learn-It-All podcast is built on the conviction that the leaders worth following aren't the ones with all the answers. They're the ones who never stop learning. If you've chosen growth over coasting, and curiosity over the comfort of being the smartest person in the room, you're a learn-it-all. And this podcast is for you. Host Damon Lembi is a 3x bestselling author, CEO of Learnit, and someone who has spent 30 years watching what separates leaders who keep growing from those who quietly become the ceiling that limits everyone around them. Each episode features real conversations with top executives, founders, NYT bestselling authors, and world-class athletes people who've faced adversity, made costly mistakes, and done the hard, unglamorous work of growing. They share what they learned and unlearned to lead at the next level. Great leaders aren't born or made. They're always in the making. Let's not do that work alone. Stay curious. Keep learning. Subscribe to the Learn-It-All Podcast on your favorite platform to never miss an episode. Language: en Genres: Business, Entrepreneurship, Management Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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337. The Mistake Leaders Make Before Every Big Deadline | Dr. Haley Perlus, Performance Psychology Expert
Episode 337
Monday, 26 October, 2026
Failure is an option. Accepting that may be the fastest way to perform at your best.Dr. Haley Perlus is a performance psychologist who helps business leaders and elite athletes apply the mental strategies of top performers. When leaders insist that failure isn’t an option, they often tighten up, micromanage, and second-guess every move. Dr. Haley explains why that happens and what to do instead. She also covers how to tell the difference between discipline and rigidity, why the kindest thing a leader can be is direct, and why mental toughness is really about working with whatever shows up.In this episode, you will learn:Why trying to avoid failure drains the energy you need to performWhich words (“have to,” “must,” “need”) signal fear-driven leadership, and what to say insteadHow to be a “truth teller” instead of a “fortune teller,” and how a “now goal” keeps you focusedThe difference between discipline and rigidity, and why it matters as AI changes how work gets doneWhy being direct is often the kindest and most effective thing a leader can doWhy you can’t jump from failure straight to a lesson, and how to make room for disappointment firstHow confidence and doubt can exist together, and what “doubt tolerance” meansTopics discussed:(00:00) Introduction(01:07) Why Avoiding Failure Backfires(02:03) “Have To,” “Must,” and “Need”(03:19) Leading With Curiosity(08:05) Fortune Teller vs. Truth Teller(11:09) Outcome Goals vs. Now Goals(12:58) Discipline vs. Rigidity(16:11) How a $100 Bet Started It All(18:25) Pressure Is an Invitation(21:27) Kind vs. Effective Leaders(23:53) Failing vs. Being a Failure(29:14) Redefining Mental Toughness(33:43) Why Vulnerability Builds Connection(37:44) Sharing a Personal Story(40:38) Confidence and Doubt Can Coexist(43:48) What’s Next for Dr. HaleyConnect with Dr. Haley Perlus:Website: https://drhaleyperlus.com/Book, Personal Podium: https://www.amazon.com/Personal-Podium-Maximize-Potential-Sport/dp/0988631938LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-haley-perlus/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drhaleyperlusYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drhaleyperlusAbout the Guest:Dr. Haley Perlus is a Doctor of Performance Psychology, speaker, author, and coach. She applies sport-specific techniques to help athletes, business leaders, and high achievers optimize their mental game. With a Ph.D. in Sport Psychology and certifications in coaching, fitness, and nutrition, she combines her firsthand experience as an athlete and coach with advanced academic expertise. Within one year of earning her doctorate, she became a professor, sought-after speaker, published author, and consultant to Olympics, X-Games, national team, and Division I scholarship athletes.She is the author of Personal Podium: How to Use Your Mind to Maximize Your Potential in Sport and Life. Her presentations and workshops have reached organizations including Marriott, Starbucks, and CU Buffaloes, and she has contributed content to outlets including Oprah, ESPN, One Life Radio, Thrive Magazine, and Beachbody. She also works directly with high performers across competitive sports as well as C-suite executives.Let us know your key takeaways from the episode!And remember, great leaders aren’t born. They’re always in the making.New episodes of The Learn-It-All Podcast with Damon Lembi every week.Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLearnItAllPodcast?sub_confirmation=1Get your FREE copy of The Learn-It-All Leader: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/3ingcx2pp5Upskill yourself and your team with Learnit: https://www.learnit.comFollow Damon Lembi:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembiInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/damonlembiThis episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com
