the Learn-It-All™ podcast

Every leader knows what an iPhone is—but have you ever thought about your own “human operating system”? In this eye-opening episode, Damon welcomes trusted advisor Townsend Wardlaw to the Learn-It-All™ podcast for a deeply practical—and often surprising—conversation about mindset, leadership, and personal transformation. Using vivid analogies and candid stories, Townsend Wardlaw challenges leaders to rethink the “code” they’re running: are you operating on beliefs that hold you back, or fuel your growth? From updating your personal OS to escaping the trap of “trying harder,” this episode delivers powerful frameworks and real-life examples for anyone ready to break through their own limits. Whether you’re a founder stuck at a plateau, a manager coaching high performers, or simply someone seeking more fulfillment, you’ll walk away with tools to shift your perspective, transform your energy, and unlock new outcomes—no performance hacks required. In this episode, you’ll learn: How your “human operating system” shapes every action, relationship, and result—often without you realizing itWhy the most successful founders get stuck by relying on self-reliance—and how to rewire for growthThe critical difference between asking “how do I solve this?” vs. “who needs to show up?” (and the impact for big goals)Why letting go of control, credit, and blame can unlock unprecedented energy and peaceHow to shift limiting operating system beliefs through awareness—in yourself and in othersWhat truly transformational coaching looks like (spoiler: it isn’t about providing answers!)Simple, practical ways anyone can start “updating their code” and designing the life—and leadership—they truly desire Timestamps: 00:00 – The iPhone analogy for human operating systems 01:40 – How your underlying “code” determines perception and results 06:17 – “Who, Not How”—how shifting the question changes everything 08:27 – Real founder story: making the impossible, possible 10:44 – Why working harder won’t scale—and what to do instead 14:33 – The role of ego and self-reliance in leadership (and its dark side) 19:11 – “How much is really up to me?”: India trip, humility, and insight 22:46 – What founders unlock when their responsibility drops from 90% to 5% 26:55 – Are you playing to win, or not to lose? Problem-solving reexamined 28:32 – Seeing situations differently: the “glass elevator” metaphor 33:34 – Is it really hard… or have you just never practiced? 37:39 – Awareness is the key to performance, growth, and leadership 41:12 – How to create from commitment, not inventory 49:13 – What sets transformational coaching apart 51:09 – Actionable advice for new managers and coaches 56:13 – Awareness: the most powerful coaching tool you’ve never used 59:07 – Where to find Townsend Wardlaw online 01:00:24 – The must-ask question: What do you truly desire? About Townsend Wardlaw Townsend Wardlaw is a sought-after advisor working with select founders and leadership teams, as well as top coaches worldwide. His unique perspective blends deep business experience—including his own founder journey—with cutting-edge mindset and transformational coaching. After a career-defining setback led...