61: The Self-Trust Deficit: Why High Performers Are Their Own Worst Enemy | Mike Kim

61: The Self-Trust Deficit: Why High Performers Are Their Own Worst Enemy | Mike Kim

Behind every trusted leader is a person who had to trust themselves first. In this refreshingly honest episode of The Learnit Lounge, host Mickey Fitch-Collins dives deep with brand strategist, speaker, and bestselling author Mike Kim on the real work of building self-trust as a leader—beyond the Instagram theater and high-achiever hustle. Together, they unravel why self-trust is rarely just a “gut feeling,” but instead the outcome of thoughtful habits, honest reflection, and small, repeatable choices. Mike opens up about dismantling misconceptions around self-trust, fueling momentum with action and reflection, and how the “inner game” trumps any advice offered from the outside. From debunking the influencer myth to building days worth repeating, this episode is a practical roadmap for unleashing authentic leadership in a noisy world. What You’ll Learn: * Why distinguishing between your personal and professional self-trust matters, and how to build both * How even top thought leaders deal with insecurity (and what sets true changemakers apart) * The most common self-trust saboteurs (and why “theater” fuels our misconceptions) * Why consistent reflection is the missing link between knowledge and courageous action * How to use daily routines and tiny habits to actually trust yourself more * Why real leadership is “caught more than taught", and how to model trust for your team In This Episode: * 00:01 – Welcome to The Learnit Lounge and episode intro * 00:54 – What does self-trust mean to Mike Kim—personally and professionally? * 04:07 – Why Mike finds work easier to measure than life * 05:32 – “Make decisions you’ll be proud of in the morning”—building your self-trust bank * 07:09 – The theater of the internet and how misconceptions about self-trust start * 10:36 – What successful people really do differently: action and reflection * 12:15 – Why the inner game can’t be fixed by external advice * 14:29 – How paying attention to your body leads to deeper self-trust * 18:11 – “Was today a day worth repeating?” Mike’s reflection ritual’ * 20:41 – Finding harmony, not balance (and how to allocate your best attention) * 23:12 – The micro-habits that erode or reinforce self-trust * 27:30 – The power of tracking your connections and opportunities * 29:13 – Mike’s standout advice for leaders modeling self-trust * 32:21 – Want your ceiling to be someone else’s floor? Why mentoring is about launching, not holding back * 35:38 – The leadership lesson that surprised Mike most * 39:08 – The uncomfortable truth about leadership development: why it’s “caught, not taught” * 42:19 – Where to find more from Mike Kim About Mike Kim: Mike Kim is a renowned brand strategist, multi-time bestselling author, keynote speaker, and business coach working at the intersection of personal branding and thought leadership. As the author of the Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller You Are the Brand and co-author of Own Your Brand, Own Your Career, Mike empowers leaders and entrepreneurs to create impact, clarify their message, and build influence. His clients have included New York Times bestselling authors and widely recognized speakers featured on TED Talks, CNN, PBS, and more. Mike has been published in Inc., Entrepreneur, and Huffington Post, and educates globally through his newsletter, courses, and YouTube channel. Resources & Mentions: * Mike Kim on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikekimtv/] * Mike Kim’s newsletter [https://mikekim.com/newsletter] * You Are the Brand by Mike Kim (Amazon [https://a.co/d/0b8rGEVp]) * Own Your Brand, Own Your Career by Mike Kim & Andy Storch (Amazon [https://a.co/d/0bNjrApm]) * Intelligent Change’s Five Minute Journal [https://www.intelligentchange.com/products/the-five-minute-journal] (reflection tool mentioned) * Andy Storch (LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andystorch/]) * South by Southwest (SXSW) [https://www.sxsw.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.

60: Work Smarter by Managing Energy, Not Hours | Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins

When it comes to getting things done, most of us focus on managing our time, but what if that’s not enough? In this energizing solo episode of The Learnit Lounge, host Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins flips the productivity script, showing why energy, not time, is your true leadership currency. Discover practical strategies, mindset shifts, and real-life stories as Mickey breaks down how to map your energy highs and lows, protect your best hours, and transform daily routines for better results at work and at home. Whether you’re leading teams, juggling meetings, or just trying to be more present, this episode is packed with tools to help you thrive without burning out. From actionable Pomodoro hacks to rituals that spark momentum and joy, you’ll learn how to turn everyday challenges into sources of renewal and success. Mickey also gets real about what happens when you neglect your energy, sharing candid stories and micro-habits that make recovery a non-negotiable. Ready for a higher-impact, more human approach to leadership? Tune in and start managing your energy, not just your calendar. What You’ll Learn: * Why energy, not time, is the ultimate factor in productivity and leadership impact * How to identify your personal energy curve to schedule your most important work strategically * The power of “sprints, not marathons”: making the Pomodoro technique work for real-world teams * Practical ways to batch tasks by brainpower and protect transition time for better cognitive clarity * How to audit “energy leaks” (like draining meetings) and use AI to lighten your load * The science and practice of micro-rests, micro-wins, and micro-joys to spark both momentum and meaning * Why recovery—through movement, nutrition, and joy—is a performance system, not a luxury, and simple ways to build it into your day In This Episode: * 00:00 – Welcome to The Learnit Lounge: The podcast for measurable learning impact * 00:43 – Why managing energy trumps managing time * 01:32 – The myth of the “busy Olympics” and real measures of performance * 02:09 – How to map your energy curve and use it for deep work * 02:45 – Sprints, not marathons: making Agile and Pomodoro work for you * 03:52 – Brainpower batching: mornings, meetings, and admin zones * 04:08 – The power of protecting transition times and recovery between meetings * 04:53 – Auditing your “energy leaks” and using AI as a task partner * 05:29 – Micro-rests, micro-wins, and micro-joys: rituals that recharge * 06:11 – Start and stop rituals: signaling energy shifts at work and home * 06:30 – Treating recovery as seriously as deadlines—why it matters * 07:05 – Personal story: When buffers disappear and burnout takes over * 08:45 – The turnaround: Strategic scheduling, boundaries, and AI-assisted work * 09:23 – Your weekly experiment: Try these small high-impact changes * 09:57 – Why the best work happens when you manage energy, not just output * 10:12 – Subscribe for more human-first leadership and learning strategies * 10:36 – Connect on LinkedIn and share what you’re ready to stop doing About Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins: Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins 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 are equal parts research, real talk, and humor, creating learning experiences that actually stick. Before joining Learnit, Mickey spent two decades in higher education leadership, where she coached and supervised hundreds of professionals through growth, change, and conflict while helping students graduate. That experience fuels her belief that strong leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about building trust, curiosity, and connection. Whether she’s facilitating a workshop, hosting The Learnit Lounge podcast, leading a panel, or sharing insights on LinkedIn, her goal stays the same: make professional development feel less like a checkbox and more like a conversation worth having. Resources & Mentions: * Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickeyfitchcollins/] * Learnit: www.learnit.com [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.

59: Unlocking the Inner Game: Vertical Development and Mindset Shifts | Luann Horobin

When high performers hit a wall, is it time to work harder—or work differently? On this episode of The Learnit Lounge podcast, host Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins sits down with master coach Luann Horobin for coffee, candor, and a game-changing conversation about “vertical development.” Together, they explore what it takes to upgrade your internal operating system, not just your skills, and why traditional learning misses the mark when it overlooks mindset. Packed with stories from Luann’s own career, this conversation will get you seriously rethinking what growth really means, how identity and beliefs shape your success, and what happens when leaders finally turn down the “noise” in their heads. Whether you’re leading teams, facing transition, or just tired of the hamster wheel, this episode brings the science, and humanity, behind real, lasting change. What You’ll Learn: * The difference between “horizontal” and “vertical” development—and why most organizations still get it wrong * Why mindset acts like your inner operating system, dictating how you execute and solve problems * How identity, meaning-making, and unlearning play out in real leaders’ journeys * Why our “work harder” culture creates more noise than progress—and how to finally silence it * Concrete examples (and traps) that block high performers from personal transformation * Luann’s go-to books, teachers, and frameworks for taking this work further In This Episode: * 00:00 – Welcome to The Learnit Lounge podcast and today’s focus on vertical development * 02:44 – Luann Horobin’s journey from high achievement to mindset mastery * 03:34 – What is vertical development? How it differs from horizontal development * 05:45 – Why working harder eventually limits your growth * 07:44 – Identity, mindset, and meaning-making: How they intertwine * 10:08 – The challenge of shifting your identity as a leader * 13:41 – “Noise” as a signal for change—and tuning in to your inner frequency * 15:31 – Myths and misconceptions about mindset work * 17:36 – Why external solutions rarely resolve internal struggles * 19:13 – The role of resistance (and why we all hit the wall) * 22:11 – When helping turns into controlling: examples from real leaders * 24:37 – Why vertical development feels uncomfortable—and how to persist * 27:29 – Luann’s favorite authors and resources for mindset change * 30:34 – The leadership lesson that changed Luann’s life * 31:33 – The uncomfortable truth about growth: it shakes your sense of self * 33:02 – Snakes, skin, and why real development requires shedding the old * 34:34 – How to connect with Luann Horobin for more coaching or conversation About Luann Horobin: Luann Horobin is a seasoned executive and leadership coach, career accelerator, and transformational consultant based in Alberta, Canada. As one of just 2,600 International Coaching Federation Master Coaches worldwide, Luann brings over 20 years of experience helping high performers and business leaders use mindset to realize their ambitions. Drawing on values of work ethic and community honed on a family farm, Luann specializes in guiding clients through inner change, helping them unlearn old habits and embrace less stressful, more effective modes of working. Resources & Mentions: * Luann Horobin on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/luannhorobin/] * The Biology of Belief by Bruce Lipton [https://www.brucelipton.com/books/biology-of-belief/] * Joe Dispenza – Author/Researcher [https://drjoedispenza.com/] (books, programs, teachings on mindset and transformation) * Nicholas Janni – Author of “Leader as Healer” [https://www.nicholasjanni.com/] * The Mind Shift Journey (Alex Wray & team – vertical development and leadership program) [https://www.mindshiftjourney.com/] Podcast Contact Information: * Website: www.learnit.com [http://www.learnit.com] * Email: podcast@learnit.com [podcast@learnit.com] * Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

58: See What You're Saying: The Power of Visual Leadership | Todd Cherches

Visual leadership isn’t just about slides or whiteboards. It’s a set of mindsets and methods that can make your ideas stick and your teams move. In this energizing episode of The Learnit Lounge, Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins sits down with Todd Cherches—NYU professor, bestselling author, global management thinker, and CEO of Big Blue Gumball—to explore the transformative power of visual thinking for leaders and learners. Todd shares real-world stories, models, metaphors, and science-backed tools for turning abstract visions into compelling, actionable plans. You’ll hear how metaphors, models, and visual language drive clarity, empathy, and connection—especially when navigating change, complexity, and ambiguity. Whether you want to level up your team’s communication or reimagine your own leadership approach, this is a masterclass in thinking beyond words. What You’ll Learn: * What “visual leadership” actually means—and why it’s not just about drawing (03:13) * Four visual thinking tools every leader should have: imagery, models, metaphor, and storytelling (06:02) * How the right metaphor or analogy can instantly increase understanding and connection (08:17) * Why visuals and storytelling boost attention, comprehension, and retention for any audience (10:51) * How visual language helps leaders cut through ambiguity and complexity in uncertain times (24:31) * Tangible strategies to build your own visibility, voice, and value as a leader—even if you’re an introvert (27:19) * The most common myth about leadership development—and why we should start much earlier (29:48) In This Episode: 00:01 – Mickey welcomes listeners and introduces the show 02:15 – Todd joins and shares his background in leadership, coaching, and learning 03:13 – What visual leadership means—and why every leader needs it 04:50 – Mickey’s “swap your glasses” metaphor for seeing through others’ lenses 06:02 – The 4 pillars of visual thinking: imagery, models, metaphor, storytelling 09:37 – Why metaphors spark clarity and buy-in (and how humor helps) 10:51 – The science behind attention, comprehension, and retention 14:06 – Todd’s most powerful metaphor: the “leadership journey” car dashboard 17:26 – Translating visual thinking to team action and empathy 20:31 – Tools for mapping complex challenges—and making invisible barriers visible 22:01 – How visual communication bridges empathy, connection, and understanding 27:19 – Todd’s biggest leadership lesson: building visibility, voice, and value 29:48 – The uncomfortable truth about leadership development (and how to fix it) 31:04 – Where to find Todd’s book, TED Talk, and connect for more About Todd Cherches: Todd Cherches is the CEO and co-founder of Big Blue Gumball, an innovative New York City-based leadership development and executive coaching firm. He’s a three-time award-winning adjunct professor at NYU, a lecturer at Columbia University, one of Thinkers50’s top global gurus, a member of the Marshall Goldsmith MG100, and a TEDx speaker. Todd is the author of Visual Leadership: Leveraging the Power of Visual Thinking in Leadership and in Life, published by Post Hill Press and Simon & Schuster. He is recognized globally for teaching leaders how to harness visual thinking to drive clarity, collaboration, and change. Resources & Mentions: * Todd’s website [https://www.toddcherches.com/] (TED Talk, book summary download, more) * Todd on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/toddcherches [https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddcherches] * Todd’s book: Visual Leadership [https://a.co/d/0hzKZJvy] * Article: “Can You Draw What Your Company Does?” (Forbes/Inc.) [https://www.inc.com/todd-cherches/can-you-draw-what-your-company-does.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Book: [https://dl.bookfunnel.com/3ingcx2pp5]Learn-It-All Leader [https://dl.bookfunnel.com/3ingcx2pp5] by Damon Lembi [https://dl.bookfunnel.com/3ingcx2pp5] * Metaphors discussed: “elephant in the room,” “tip of the iceberg,” “leadership journey” car dashboard * Todd’s TEDx Talk: The Power of Visual Thinking [https://www.ted.com/tedx] Podcast Contact Information: * Website: 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.

57: The Hidden Weight of Leadership: What No One Tells You | Craig LaFargue

The untold truth about leadership is that it’s challenging, messy, and sometimes even isolating—but it’s also one of the most deeply human jobs out there. In this episode of The Learnit Lounge, host Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins sits down with leadership advisor Craig LaFargue to pull back the curtain on what really makes or breaks effective leaders. Together, they explore why leadership looks easy from the outside but is much harder in practice, what most people get wrong about the work, and how great leaders manage ambiguity, stress, and the expectations coming at them from every angle. Craig shares hard-earned lessons from his own executive experience at giants like Disney and Johnson & Johnson and calls out the uncomfortable truth: most leadership development doesn’t work unless it’s backed by a true culture of support and ongoing coaching. If you’re looking for honest, practical insights on building resilient, emotionally intelligent leaders, and the systems that make their growth possible, this episode is packed with fresh perspective. What You’ll Learn: * Why leadership feels so much harder than it looks (and why many new leaders are caught off guard) * The difference between mindset, skillset, and behavior—plus why assumptions and emotional intelligence matter most * How to coach leaders through ambiguity, burnout, and “everything’s on fire” moments * Why most leadership training fails, and what it actually takes to create lasting change * The single best modality for developing leaders—and the role mentoring and systemic reinforcement play * The uncomfortable gap between how leaders see themselves and how they’re really perceived (and what to do about it) In This Episode: * 00:01 – Welcome to The Learnit Lounge and introduction to Craig LaFargue * 03:34 – What leadership really means and why it’s so challenging * 05:51 – The driving analogy: why leading looks easier than it is * 09:02 – Why leadership gets underestimated and misunderstood * 10:32 – Mindset vs. skillset vs. behavior in leader development * 13:14 – How stress exposes true leadership skills * 14:53 – Teaching ambiguity and supporting leaders in complex environments * 18:23 – Building psychological safety and balancing confidence vs. competence * 19:59 – Juggling “everything is on fire” priorities * 20:28 – Craig’s personal practices for managing the emotional weight of leadership * 22:10 – Burnout, boundaries, and why leaders need real support systems * 23:55 – Are we setting leaders up to fail? Unrealistic expectations unpacked * 25:24 – Craig’s biggest leadership lessons from Disney and beyond * 27:50 – The myth of transformational leadership training (and why most of it fails) * 31:06 – Why ongoing coaching and real-time feedback beat classroom learning * 32:16 – How to get in touch with Craig and resources on leadership About Craig LaFargue: Craig LaFargue is a veteran HR executive, consultant, and advisor with a distinguished background applying behavioral science principles to transform individuals, teams, and organizations. With advanced training in psychology and group dynamics—and a career that includes leadership roles and consulting for Disney, Johnson & Johnson, BP, Chevron, and more—Craig specializes in connecting individual development with high-performing teams. His approach blends business acumen, research-driven insights, and a deep understanding of human dynamics to help leaders navigate ambiguity, build trust, and drive measurable results. Resources & Mentions: * LaFargue Leadership Solutions [https://www.lafargueleadershipsolutions.com/] * Craig LaFargue on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/craiglafargue/] * Hersey-Blanchard Model of Leadership [https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/management/hersey-blanchard-model/] * Concept of Emotional Intelligence (Daniel Goleman) [https://www.amazon.com/Emotional-Intelligence-Matter-More-Than/dp/055338371X] * Attribution Theory (Social Psychology) [https://www.simplypsychology.org/attribution-theory.html] * Mindfulness-based stress reduction [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3336928/] (recommendation) * Learnit Workshops [https://www.learnit.com/human-skills#course-catalog] on leadership, ambiguity, and complexity 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.