The Learnit Lounge

Learnit
  • 5.0 (14)
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This is The Learnit Lounge, a podcast brought to you by Learnit. In each episode, we sit down with HR and L&D leaders to explore how learning programs have sparked real change—unlocking growth, building trust, and transforming the way their teams work. Hosted by Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, a leading facilitator and learning designer at Learnit, this podcast brings you the stories behind successful learning strategies—direct from the people driving them. Learnit is a live learning platform that’s helped over 2 million professionals thrive inside some of the world’s most respected companies. If you're looking for a partner to help you do the same, our contact info is in the show notes. Welcome to The Learnit Lounge—where learning leads to measurable impact.

  1. 59: Unlocking the Inner Game: Vertical Development and Mindset Shifts | Luann Horobin

    4d ago

    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 wrongWhy mindset acts like your inner operating system, dictating how you execute and solve problemsHow identity, meaning-making, and unlearning play out in real leaders’ journeysWhy our “work harder” culture creates more noise than progress—and how to finally silence itConcrete examples (and traps) that block high performers from personal transformationLuann’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 development02:44 – Luann Horobin’s journey from high achievement to mindset mastery03:34 – What is vertical development? How it differs from horizontal development05:45 – Why working harder eventually limits your growth07:44 – Identity, mindset, and meaning-making: How they intertwine10:08 – The challenge of shifting your identity as a leader13:41 – “Noise” as a signal for change—and tuning in to your inner frequency15:31 – Myths and misconceptions about mindset work17:36 – Why external solutions rarely resolve internal struggles19:13 – The role of resistance (and why we all hit the wall)22:11 – When helping turns into controlling: examples from real leaders24:37 – Why vertical development feels uncomfortable—and how to persist27:29 – Luann’s favorite authors and resources for mindset change30:34 – The leadership lesson that changed Luann’s life31:33 – The uncomfortable truth about growth: it shakes your sense of self33:02 – Snakes, skin, and why real development requires shedding the old34:34 – 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 LinkedInThe Biology of Belief by Bruce LiptonJoe Dispenza – Author/Researcher (books, programs, teachings on mindset and transformation)Nicholas Janni – Author of “Leader as Healer”The Mind Shift Journey (Alex Wray & team – vertical development and leadership program) Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.comFollow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

    37 min
  2. 58: See What You're Saying: The Power of Visual Leadership | Todd Cherches

    Jun 16

    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 (TED Talk, book summary download, more)Todd on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/toddcherchesTodd’s book: Visual LeadershipArticle: “Can You Draw What Your Company Does?” (Forbes/Inc.)Book: Learn-It-All Leader by Damon LembiMetaphors discussed: “elephant in the room,” “tip of the iceberg,” “leadership journey” car dashboardTodd’s TEDx Talk: The Power of Visual Thinking Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

    32 min
  3. 57: The Hidden Weight of Leadership: What No One Tells You | Craig LaFargue

    Jun 9

    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 mostHow to coach leaders through ambiguity, burnout, and “everything’s on fire” momentsWhy most leadership training fails, and what it actually takes to create lasting changeThe single best modality for developing leaders—and the role mentoring and systemic reinforcement playThe 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 LaFargue03:34 – What leadership really means and why it’s so challenging05:51 – The driving analogy: why leading looks easier than it is09:02 – Why leadership gets underestimated and misunderstood10:32 – Mindset vs. skillset vs. behavior in leader development13:14 – How stress exposes true leadership skills14:53 – Teaching ambiguity and supporting leaders in complex environments18:23 – Building psychological safety and balancing confidence vs. competence19:59 – Juggling “everything is on fire” priorities20:28 – Craig’s personal practices for managing the emotional weight of leadership22:10 – Burnout, boundaries, and why leaders need real support systems23:55 – Are we setting leaders up to fail? Unrealistic expectations unpacked25:24 – Craig’s biggest leadership lessons from Disney and beyond27:50 – The myth of transformational leadership training (and why most of it fails)31:06 – Why ongoing coaching and real-time feedback beat classroom learning32:16 – 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 SolutionsCraig LaFargue on LinkedInHersey-Blanchard Model of LeadershipConcept of Emotional Intelligence (Daniel Goleman)Attribution Theory (Social Psychology)Mindfulness-based stress reduction (recommendation)Learnit Workshops on leadership, ambiguity, and complexity Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

    34 min
  4. 56: Stop Falling Into Your Career and Start Designing It | Casey Hasten

    Jun 2

    56: Stop Falling Into Your Career and Start Designing It | Casey Hasten

    Career alignment isn’t just about liking your job—it’s about understanding who you are at your core, what drives you, and how you show up in the world. In this lively deep-dive on The Learnit Lounge, host Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins welcomes powerhouse recruiter and coach Casey Hasten for a cup of coffee and a candid conversation. Together, they rip apart common myths about career advancement, reveal why high performers so often hide misalignment behind success, and map out the real (sometimes scary) work of realigning your role to your wiring. Casey shares her own hard-won lessons, from her leap out of a CFO career into recruiting, to help listeners spot misalignment, move through fear, and step intentionally into work that feels both profitable and purposeful. Packed with practical tools, reflection prompts, and hard truths, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who guides others’ careers, or needs to confront their own. What You'll Learn: What “career alignment” really means (it’s not just being good at your job or liking your role) and the four-part framework Casey uses for lasting alignmentWhy so many high performers are actually misaligned—and how success itself hides the warning signsThe difference between career advancement, development, and authentic alignment—and why the “right” path depends on knowing yourselfSimple yet powerful practices (like journaling and inner landscaping) that help you clarify true strengths, values, and wiringHow to realistically navigate risk, overwhelm, and the fear of change (especially if you’re seasoned or established)Why authentic leadership development starts with discovering who people really are—not just teaching them what to do In This Episode: 00:00 – Welcome and episode kickoff with Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins01:54 – Casey’s background and story—from CFO to recruiting leader04:40 – The biggest misconceptions about career alignment06:02 – Casey’s own journey of misalignment (and her pivotal “aha” moment)07:20 – The four parts of career alignment: wiring, strengths, values, and environment10:34 – Shifting from advancement to service, and lessons from mid-career pivots11:34 – Casey’s daily alignment practices (including journaling and the Miracle Morning)13:58 – Why high performers are most at risk for burnout and misalignment15:38 – What to do if you feel stuck or directionless at work16:45 – Facing fear, comfort, and resistance to change18:48 – Organizational leadership: building environments that foster alignment, not just advancement21:03 – Courageous support: how Casey’s last employer helped her leap to entrepreneurship22:07 – Naming and overcoming the fears that keep us misaligned24:05 – Future-proofing your next leap and building safety into risk25:12 – Casey’s biggest leadership lesson: the power of active listening26:52 – The uncomfortable truth about leadership development (and what needs to change)28:07 – How to connect with Casey and free assessment offer29:03 – The Learnit Lounge wrap, takeaways, and next steps About Casey Hasten: Casey Hasten is a dynamic executive recruiter, professional coach, and founder/CEO of Ascend Talent Partners. Based in Texas, she brings over a decade of experience in talent acquisition, career strategy, and leadership mentoring, blending her expertise in recruiting and accounting to help organizations build exceptional teams and empower individuals to reach their full potential. As CEO of Success North Dallas, a 37-year-old networking organization, and a board advisor for the Young Executives Group, Casey’s mission is unwavering: foster the next generation of leaders through mentorship and authentic networking. Her legacy is defined by helping others grow and “ascend” in their lives and careers. Resources & Mentions: Ascend Talent Partners websiteThe Miracle Morning by Hal ElrodStrengthsFinder / CliftonStrengths AssessmentAscend Talent Partners’ Free Wiring AssessmentCasey Hasten’s LinkedIn Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.comFollow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

    31 min
  5. 55: Busy Isn’t Productive: The Clarity Shift That Transforms Leadership | Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins

    May 26

    55: Busy Isn’t Productive: The Clarity Shift That Transforms Leadership | Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins

    When your to-do list feels like a tidal wave and everything screams “urgent!”, how do you decide what deserves your focus, and what really moves the needle? In this tactical solo episode, Dr. Mickey Fitch-Collins breaks through the noise of modern work to deliver a masterclass on professional prioritization. She exposes the myth that better time management alone will cure overwhelm, arguing instead for clarity of priority and intentional boundaries. Drawing on her popular workshops and years in leadership, Mickey shares rituals, frameworks, and real-life stories about how saying no strategically can help you regain control, recover energy, and create measurable impact. From battle-tested calendar hacks to the art of micro-prioritization, this episode is your permission slip to stop reacting and start leading with focus—no extra hours required. What You’ll Learn: Why “urgent” rarely means “important”, and how to triage the differenceHow to implement a game-changing five-minute start-of-day ritual that clears your mindWhen (and how) to match your tasks to your natural energy, not ego or outside pressureThe simple “will not do” list that protects your best thinking, and your sanityHow color-coding and shutdown rituals can reveal your real priorities, fastWhy clarity, not busyness or more hours, is the secret to impact In This Episode: 00:01 – Welcome to The Learnit Lounge: Setting the stage for real change00:43 – Understanding overwhelm: More than just a long list01:22 – The challenge of reactive vs. proactive work in HR and L&D01:53 – “Better time management” is a myth—clarity of priorities frees you02:10 – Urgent vs. important: The matrix that changes everything02:51 – The five-minute start-of-day ritual question03:24 – Matching tasks to your energy curve, not your ego04:04 – How (and why) to practice micro-prioritization04:22 – The case for turning off all those notifications04:53 – The “will not do” list: Your protection plan05:25 – Realizing only 15-20% of workweek was truly strategic05:49 – Color-coding your calendar for instant clarity06:37 – Daily end-of-day debriefs and shutdown rituals07:23 – Why sharper focus, not longer hours, is the lever for impact07:47 – Clarity as a leadership skill—not a luxury08:15 – Connect with Mickey on LinkedIn & subscribe 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: Urgency vs. Importance (Eisenhower Matrix) More infoDr. Mickey Fitch-Collins on LinkedIn Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.comEmail: podcast@learnit.comFollow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates

    8 min
  6. 54: Your Values Are Lying: What Happens When Leaders Stop Living What They Preach | Meredith Bell

    May 19

    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 leadershipThe three foundational pillars of character: building a stronger self, stronger relationships, and a stronger work ethicWhy self-awareness and humility are the hidden superpowers for leadersStrategies to make organizational values actionable (not just wall art)How to measure and develop character in the workplace with real, behavior-based feedbackThe connection between character, psychological safety, and team performanceWhat 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 websiteGrow Strong Leaders PodcastConnect with Meredith Bell on LinkedInConnect with Your Team bookPeer Coaching Made Simple book (with Dr. Dennis Coates)Grow Strong Character book (with Dr. Dennis Coates)Connect with Mickey Fitch-Collins on LinkedIn Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

    41 min
  7. 53: The Meaning Crisis: Why Your Best People Are Quietly Checking Out | Waylen Leopoldino

    May 12

    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 everThe “three Cs” framework—how Community, Contribution, and Challenge help spark lasting fulfillment at workWhy 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 missionRituals, symbols, and small acts that dramatically boost team connection, trust, and motivationWho “owns” meaning at work: The honest answer behind the organization vs. individual debateThe 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/Article referenced: Forbes: Building Meaningful Workplaces by Wes Adams: https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/people/wesadams/ Waylen’s email for direct inquiries: waylenl@gmail.com Podcast Contact Information: Learnit Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

    36 min
  8. 52: It’s Not You, It’s the Algorithm: Reclaim Your Attention Now | MaryLou Kayser

    May 5

    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 riverThe surprising story behind MaryLou’s new book, and why these problems are so universalPractical habits for reclaiming focus, creativity, and presence in a distracted landscapeWhy real leadership means admitting you don’t always have the answers, and what you gain when you doHow 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 by MaryLou KayserMaryLou Kayser’s websiteMaryLou Kayser on LinkedInMaryLou on InstagramReferenced book: The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt“Van down by the river” SNL sketch (Chris Farley) YouTube Clip Podcast Contact Information: Website: www.learnit.com Email: podcast@learnit.com Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

    41 min
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This is The Learnit Lounge, a podcast brought to you by Learnit. In each episode, we sit down with HR and L&D leaders to explore how learning programs have sparked real change—unlocking growth, building trust, and transforming the way their teams work. Hosted by Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, a leading facilitator and learning designer at Learnit, this podcast brings you the stories behind successful learning strategies—direct from the people driving them. Learnit is a live learning platform that’s helped over 2 million professionals thrive inside some of the world’s most respected companies. If you're looking for a partner to help you do the same, our contact info is in the show notes. Welcome to The Learnit Lounge—where learning leads to measurable impact.

Information

  • Creator
    Learnit
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    60
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Learnit
  • Show Website
    The Learnit Lounge