The Learnit Lounge

54: Your Values Are Lying: What Happens When Leaders Stop Living What They Preach | Meredith Bell

When it comes to high-performing teams, we talk about skills, but what about character? In this episode of The Learnit Lounge, host Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins sits down with Meredith Bell—author, leadership expert, and host of the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast—to tackle the question: what does it really mean to have strong character at work? Meredith unpacks the difference between character and personality, explores the core pillars of character (and how they’re developed), and shares actionable systems to help leaders measure and grow character across their teams. Along the way, they dig deep into the practical side—how values move from wall art to lived behavior, how leaders can foster psychological safety, and why feedback is the engine for personal growth. Whether you’re leading a team or just want to show up as your best self, this episode is packed with insights you can use right away to create healthier, more trusting organizations. In this episode, you'll learn: * How Meredith defines “strong character”—and why it matters more than personality in leadership * The three foundational pillars of character: building a stronger self, stronger relationships, and a stronger work ethic * Why self-awareness and humility are the hidden superpowers for leaders * Strategies to make organizational values actionable (not just wall art) * How to measure and develop character in the workplace with real, behavior-based feedback * The connection between character, psychological safety, and team performance * What to do when misalignment between personal and organizational values arises—and how to address it Timestamps: 00:42 – Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins introduces Meredith Bell and today’s theme 03:41 – Meredith’s definition of strong character vs. personality 06:29 – Teaching integrity (even to the youngest learners) 08:23 – The three pillars of character: self, relationships, work ethic 09:51 – Why humility, self-awareness, and composure matter for leaders 11:07 – Trust, honesty, and work ethic in real-life leadership 14:10 – How healthy character and emotional intelligence connect 16:11 – Bringing company values to life (and into real decisions) 17:11 – Measuring character: behaviors, 360s, and feedback tools 22:55 – Creating a safer, more feedback-rich environment 25:04 – The hidden costs of ignoring integrity (even privately) 27:07 – Power, performance, and character in leadership roles 29:20 – When character becomes a performance management issue 34:27 – Meredith’s most significant leadership lesson 35:54 – Why training without follow-up doesn’t change behavior 38:25 – Connecting with Meredith and more resources About Meredith Bell: Meredith Bell is the co-founder and president of Grow Strong Leaders, where she creates powerful tools for leaders to develop character, communication skills, and strong relationships on their teams. She’s the author of three leadership books, including “Connect with Your Team” and “Peer Coaching Made Simple,” and has interviewed nearly 400 business leaders and experts on the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast. With decades of experience in leadership development, Meredith specializes in helping organizations move from stated values to lived behaviors. Resources & Mentions: * Grow Strong Leaders website [https://growstrongleaders.com/] * Grow Strong Leaders Podcast [https://growstrongleaders.com/podcast] * Connect with Meredith Bell on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithmbell/] * Connect with Your Team [https://www.amazon.com/Connect-Your-Team-Mastering-Communication/dp/1734805110] book [https://www.amazon.com/Connect-Your-Team-Mastering-Communication/dp/1734805110] * Peer Coaching Made Simple [https://www.amazon.com/Peer-Coaching-Made-Simple-Helping/dp/1734805145] book (with Dr. Dennis Coates) [https://www.amazon.com/Peer-Coaching-Made-Simple-Helping/dp/1734805145] * Grow Strong Character [https://www.amazon.com/Grow-Strong-Character-Developing-Excellence/dp/0985015640] book (with Dr. Dennis Coates) [https://www.amazon.com/Grow-Strong-Character-Developing-Excellence/dp/0985015640] * Connect with Mickey Fitch-Collins on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickeyfitchcollins/] Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com [https://www.learnit.com/] Email: podcast@learnit.com [podcast@learnit.com] Follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/learn-it/] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/learnittraining/] for more updates.

53: The Meaning Crisis: Why Your Best People Are Quietly Checking Out | Waylen Leopoldino

This week on The Learnit Lounge, host Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins sits down with seasoned HR leader Waylen Leopoldino to unpack one of the most vital, and elusive, topics in work today: meaning. From public sector lessons to actionable frameworks, Waylen and Mickey dig into how the workplace has shifted from a transaction to a source of purpose, and what organizations and individuals can do to cultivate belonging, contribution, and growth. Whether you’re an HR leader, people manager, or simply hungry for more purpose in your day-to-day, this conversation brims with stories, insights, and tools to help you (and your team) find deeper satisfaction and drive at work. Waylen draws on 17+ years in HR to reveal what really keeps talent engaged, how leaders can build trust and psychological safety, and why meaning is a shared responsibility between organizations and employees. If you’re ready for practical steps, candid advice, and an honest look at what’s working, and what isn’t, in organizational culture today, don’t miss this episode. In this episode, you’ll learn: * The seismic shift in what “meaningful work” actually means, and why it matters more now than ever * The “three Cs” framework—how Community, Contribution, and Challenge help spark lasting fulfillment at work * Why psychological safety is the absolute foundation of a meaningful culture (and how to build it) * Tactics for managers and peers to connect daily duties to the bigger mission * Rituals, symbols, and small acts that dramatically boost team connection, trust, and motivation * Who “owns” meaning at work: The honest answer behind the organization vs. individual debate * The uncomfortable truth about leadership development—and why the right people still miss out Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to The Learnit Lounge with Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins 00:54 – Introducing guest Waylen Leopoldino and today’s focus: meaning at work 02:16 – Why is meaning at work important right now? 03:07 – Generational shifts: trends Waylen has seen in public sector HR 05:32 – The evolution of what “good” work looks like (benefits, purpose, recognition) 07:29 – The “Three Cs” model: Community, Contribution, Challenge 09:13 – How company culture shapes the experience of meaningful work 10:14 – Psychological safety as the necessary foundation 13:34 – Practical steps for managers to connect daily work to mission 16:31 – Mandate vs. organic leadership: how intention affects impact 18:39 – Waylen’s story: building teams through genuine, personal connection 20:23 – The power of rituals, symbols, and stories in creating meaning 24:57 – How small gestures (like coffee or snow cones) fuel trust and safety 26:47 – Is meaning an employer’s job, or the employee’s? 28:55 – Waylen’s top leadership lesson: why learning must be continuous, not a checkbox 31:53 – The uncomfortable reality: leadership programs attract the wrong participants 34:36 – How to connect with Waylen 35:54 – Final reflections and next episode preview About Waylen Leopoldino: Waylen Leopoldino brings over 17 years of progressive HR experience, primarily in the government sector, where he has led the design and implementation of employee and organizational development programs. Waylen specializes in real-time organizational assessments, fostering cultures of psychological safety and engagement, and building environments where people feel their contributions matter. He is recognized for his ability to connect with teams on a human level—turning everyday interactions into opportunities for meaning and growth. Resources & Mentions: * Waylen Leopoldino on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/waylenleopoldino/]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/waylenleopoldino/ * Article referenced: Forbes: Building Meaningful Workplaces by Wes Adams [https://www.forbes.com/sites/wesadams]: https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/people/wesadams/ * Waylen’s email for direct inquiries: waylenl@gmail.com [waylenl@gmail.com] Podcast Contact Information: Learnit Website: www.learnit.com [https://www.learnit.com/] Email: podcast@learnit.com [podcast@learnit.com] Follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/learn-it/] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/learnittraining/] for more updates.

52: It’s Not You, It’s the Algorithm: Reclaim Your Attention Now | MaryLou Kayser

What happens when our attention, choices, and sense of self are shaped—not by conscious intention—but by invisible digital forces? In this eye-opening episode of The Learnit Lounge, host Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins sits down with MaryLou Kayser, author of It’s Not You, It’s the Algorithm, to explore how algorithms are subtly scripting our lives and what it really takes to reclaim our humanity (and sanity) in a world run by screens. From digital burnout to regained presence, MaryLou shares personal stories and provocative insights that challenge leaders to rethink not just their own tech habits, but also how they cultivate attention and meaning at work. Packed with both caution and hope, this episode offers a roadmap for anyone—leaders, parents, or everyday professionals—seeking to slow their scroll, sharpen their thinking, and choose intentionally in the age of AI. In this episode, you’ll learn: * Why our “algorithm-shaped” world quietly hijacks your attention (and what to do about it) * How to strike a disciplined, human-centered balance with tech, without tossing your phone in the river * The surprising story behind MaryLou’s new book, and why these problems are so universal * Practical habits for reclaiming focus, creativity, and presence in a distracted landscape * Why real leadership means admitting you don’t always have the answers, and what you gain when you do * How to future-proof your thinking, connect with colleagues across generations, and redesign both your inner and outer world for more meaning and less mindless scrolling Timestamps: 00:01 – Welcome to The Learnit Lounge and episode overview 01:14 – Introducing MaryLou Kayser, and her book 04:05 – The “algorithmic world”: how digital forces shape us 07:29 – Everyday impact: when doom-scrolling takes over 08:42 – The meaning behind “It’s Not You, It’s the Algorithm” 10:42 – Personal accountability vs. blaming the system 13:15 – Real-life moments: phones, attention, and muscle memory 15:07 – Why do we lose attention in the digital world? 18:17 – Tech across generations: the workplace challenge 20:10 – Should we quit tech? Building guardrails instead 23:01 – The AI debate: fear, adaptation, and self-worth 26:22 – MaryLou’s top strategies for regaining focus 32:05 – Biggest leadership lessons MaryLou has learned 34:29 – An uncomfortable truth about leadership development 37:54 – Where to find MaryLou and what’s next About MaryLou Kayser: MaryLou Kayser is a writer, producer, podcaster, and educator whose work explores what it means to remain deeply human in an algorithm-shaped world. Her mission: help people recognize when their attention and sense of self are quietly molded by unseen digital forces, so they can reclaim the authorship of their own lives. Drawing on her decades of experience as an educator, entrepreneur, and parent, MaryLou’s signature blend of storytelling and insight delivers both warning and wisdom for anyone trying to navigate (and not get lost in) the future of work and life. Resources & Mentions: * It’s Not You, It’s the Algorithm [https://maryloukayser.com/book/] by MaryLou Kayser * MaryLou Kayser’s website [https://maryloukayser.com/] * MaryLou Kayser on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlkayser/] * MaryLou on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/maryloukayser/] * Referenced book: The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt [https://a.co/d/05g7RZMX] * “Van down by the river” SNL sketch (Chris Farley) YouTube Clip [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xv2VIEY9-A8] Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com [https://www.learnit.com/] Email: podcast@learnit.com [podcast@learnit.com] Follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/learn-it/] and Instagram [https://www.linkedin.com/company/learn-it/] for more updates.

51: The Feedback Mindset That Separates Great Leaders From Everyone Else | Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD

Ever wish feedback felt less like friction—and more like a springboard? In this energizing solo episode of The Learnit Lounge podcast, Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, breaks down how to turn even the toughest feedback into forward momentum. Drawing from research and her own leadership journey, Mickey reframes feedback as a tool for development, not a verdict. Learn how to invite feedback before you need it, find actionable patterns, and process even the most emotional comments with clarity and professionalism. Plus, discover the game-changing “feed forward” philosophy from Dr. Joe Hirsch, and hear the powerful story of how one hard comment transformed an entire mentoring program. In this episode, you’ll learn: * Why feedback is a mirror—not a mandate—and how to use it for honest self-reflection * The right moment and strategic ways to ask for feedback (hint: don’t wait for the post-mortem) * The real difference between outliers and patterns, and when you should (and shouldn’t) act * Why processing feedback takes time, and how to build in an intentional pause * How to use Dr. Joe Hirsch’s “feed forward” approach to transform feedback into future growth * What happened when one difficult comment changed the course of an entire mentoring program Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to The Learnit Lounge 00:43 – Redefining feedback: not critique, but jet fuel 01:13 – The myth of feedback as a verdict vs. seeing it as data 01:58 – Feedback is a mirror, not a mandate 02:09 – How and when to invite feedback proactively 02:31 – Asking better questions: “what surprised you?” “what would you change?” 02:48 – Looking for patterns, not just outliers 03:24 – Feedback is emotional—why you need to pause 03:52 – Introducing Dr. Joe Hirsch’s “feed forward” philosophy 04:43 – Why feed forward conversations are less threatening, more developmental 05:43 – Story: The mentoring program and the hard feedback that changed everything 06:24 – Redesigning programs: practical impact of listening deeply 07:04 – Feedback as fuel: it’s not a judgment, it’s a jump start 07:18 – Building your own feedback rituals: start small, ask better questions 07:35 – Behind every great career move—there’s a truth teller 07:52 – Closing: Your next action, and why feedback matters About Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD: Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, helps people lead like humans first. As a Human Skills Facilitator at Learnit, she designs and leads workshops that turn everyday challenges—like feedback, burnout, and prioritization—into practical, people-centered skills. Her workshops blend research, real talk, and humor, making learning stick. Before joining Learnit, Mickey spent two decades in higher ed leadership, coaching professionals and guiding students to graduation. Today, whether facilitating, hosting The Learnit Lounge podcast, or sharing insights on LinkedIn, her mission remains the same: make professional development feel less like a checkbox and more like a conversation worth having. Resources & Mentions: * Mickey’s LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickeyfitchcollins] * Dr. Joe Hirsch’s podcast: [https://www.joehirsch.me/podcast]I Wish I Knew [https://www.joehirsch.me/podcast] * Learnit Website [https://www.learnit.com/] Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com [https://www.learnit.com/] Email: podcast@learnit.com [podcast@learnit.com] Follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/learn-it/] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/learnittraining/] for more updates.

50: Unlearn to Grow: The Hidden Key to Lasting Leadership Development | Shandretta Solomon

When it comes to learning that actually changes how we work—not just what we know—how do you move from “theory” to habit? In this energizing episode of The Learnit Lounge, host Mickey Fitch-Collins, PHD, sits down with Shandretta Solomon, veteran State of California training leader and manager of the Emerging Professional Program, for a candid look at how to make learning truly stick. They unpack why lasting behavior change is the true measure of training success, what makes unlearning and reprogramming so difficult, and how both internal motivation (think “WIIFM”) and good old-fashioned compliance shape how people grow. From real-world insights on getting buy-in for change to practical tips on reflection, measurement, and closing the “last mile” gap between classroom and reality, this episode is packed with actionable ideas to help you create learning that lives beyond the training room. Whether you’re leading teams, designing programs, or just trying to better yourself, you’ll find inspiration, honesty, and plenty of humor as the conversation covers everything from “the naughty list” (compliance) to the systems that may be holding your leaders back. In this episode, you’ll learn: * How to define and measure “learning that sticks” in the real world—not just in theory or survey scores * The challenge (and necessity) of unlearning old habits before making a change * Why internal and external motivators both matter—and how to tap into “what’s in it for me?” * Strategies for helping learners cross the “last mile” from classroom to behavior, including reflection and intentional debriefs * The vital role supervisors and systems play in reinforcing learning, and why it’s not just about individuals * Shandretta's top leadership lessons: when to reprogram, when to unlearn, and why the system—not the person—is sometimes to blame Timestamps: 00:01 – Welcome to The Learnit Lounge 01:00 – Meet Shandretta Solomon & her L&D journey 01:17 – What does “making learning stick” really mean? 04:04 – The vital importance of unlearning and reprogramming 06:52 – How motivation (WIIFM & compliance) affects training success 10:07 – Connecting the “WIIFM” to real change 13:01 – The “last mile of learning” (theory to behavior) 14:52 – Why training must use real-world scenarios 17:06 – Best practices for reflection and debriefing 19:53 – Why soak time matters for post-training impact 22:26 – Measuring impact: surveys, behaviors, and what really works 24:52 – Sustainment, feedback, and manager buy-in 26:31 – Embedding learning into appraisals and culture 28:04 – Shandretta's biggest leadership lesson: the power of unlearning 29:23 – The uncomfortable truth: When the system, not the leader, needs fixing 31:45 – How to connect with Shandretta & episode wrap-up About Shandretta Solomon Shandretta Solomon brings over 27 years of experience serving the State of California, with 20 years dedicated to training, facilitation, and leadership development. Currently, she manages the Emerging Professional Program—a cohort-based initiative focused on personal and career growth for new talent. Shandretta's expertise spans designing impactful learning experiences, leading complex training initiatives, and championing change in entrenched systems. Her trademark: blending real-world insight with empathy and practical tools to help teams truly grow. Resources & Mentions: * Shandretta's contact info [SVSolomon@scif.com] Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com [www.learnit.com] Email: podcast@learnit.com [podcast@learnit.com] Follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/learn-it/] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/learnittraining/] for more updates.