285: Finding Your Path Through Service, Sales, and Setbacks with Dave Lehmkuhl
Mon Feb 02 2026
This week’s guest is someone I’ve been excited to sit down with for over a year.
Dave Lehmkuhl began his journey studying economics and business at the Virginia Military Institute, where he also served nine years as a U.S. Army Officer. After transitioning out of the military, Dave took on roles spanning recruiting, account executive, project management, and business development, before ultimately working his way from Account Executive to Sales Director at Seamless.ai.
Dave is also the host of The Bird’s Nest Podcast, where he shares powerful conversations around career journeys, leadership, and personal growth. In this episode, the host becomes the guest.
In this week’s conversation, we go deep into Dave’s early years, overcoming adversity, and how lived experience ultimately shaped his leadership style and career decisions.
In this week’s episode, we discussed:
Overcoming adversity early in life and building confidence
Lessons learned from military leadership and real-world experience
Why lived experience often matters more than formal education
Knowing when it’s time to walk away from a career path
Making the leap back into sales after quitting on yourself
Why you can’t fake passion in your work
Building leadership skills through discomfort
Much more!
Please enjoy this week’s episode with Dave Lehmkuhl.
____________________________________________________________________________
I am now in the early stages of writing my first book! In this book, I will be telling my story of getting into sales and the lessons I have learned so far, and intertwine stories, tips, and advice from the Top Sales Professionals In The World! As a first time author, I want to share these interviews with you all, and take you on this book writing journey with me!
Like the show? Subscribe to the email: https://mailchi.mp/a71e58dacffb/welcome-to-the-20-podcast-community
I want your feedback!
Reach out to 20percentpodcastquestions@gmail.com, or find me on LinkedIn
More
This week’s guest is someone I’ve been excited to sit down with for over a year. Dave Lehmkuhl began his journey studying economics and business at the Virginia Military Institute, where he also served nine years as a U.S. Army Officer. After transitioning out of the military, Dave took on roles spanning recruiting, account executive, project management, and business development, before ultimately working his way from Account Executive to Sales Director at Seamless.ai. Dave is also the host of The Bird’s Nest Podcast, where he shares powerful conversations around career journeys, leadership, and personal growth. In this episode, the host becomes the guest. In this week’s conversation, we go deep into Dave’s early years, overcoming adversity, and how lived experience ultimately shaped his leadership style and career decisions. In this week’s episode, we discussed: Overcoming adversity early in life and building confidence Lessons learned from military leadership and real-world experience Why lived experience often matters more than formal education Knowing when it’s time to walk away from a career path Making the leap back into sales after quitting on yourself Why you can’t fake passion in your work Building leadership skills through discomfort Much more! Please enjoy this week’s episode with Dave Lehmkuhl. ____________________________________________________________________________ I am now in the early stages of writing my first book! In this book, I will be telling my story of getting into sales and the lessons I have learned so far, and intertwine stories, tips, and advice from the Top Sales Professionals In The World! As a first time author, I want to share these interviews with you all, and take you on this book writing journey with me! Like the show? Subscribe to the email: https://mailchi.mp/a71e58dacffb/welcome-to-the-20-podcast-community I want your feedback! Reach out to 20percentpodcastquestions@gmail.com, or find me on LinkedIn