The Learnit Lounge

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 “g...

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 ener...

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 traditio...

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...

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 fr...

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...

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 instea...

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 per...

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 culti...

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...

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 nee...

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 Clarity—and Meaning—Matter More Than Perks at Work When it comes to engagement, perks are easy. But what really fuels motivation, innovation, and trust at work? Meaning. In this thoughtful episode of The Learnit Lounge Podcast, host Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, sits down with Dr. Brian Arnold—consultant, adjunct professor, and author of The Humane Technologist newsletter—for a deep dive into why...

AI, The Human Advantage & Uncomfortable Truths in Leadership with Lorne Novolker AI is transforming the workplace at a breakneck pace—but what does it mean for human skills and real organizational value? On this episode of the Learnit Lounge Podcast, host Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, sits down with Lorne Novolker, a renowned executive, entrepreneur, and advisor, to dig deep into why developing "...

Strategic plans rarely fail because of bad ideas—they fail when execution breaks down. In this episode, host Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, sits down with Tim Ohai, visionary consultant and author of The Zen of Strategic Execution , to unpack what most leaders get wrong about execution, decision-making, and organizational culture. Tim shares breakthrough concepts around the psychology of leadership, h...

Inclusive leadership isn’t just about policies—it’s about designing learning environments where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered. In this episode of the Learnit Lounge Podcast, host Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, is joined by Sarah Machat, VP of Organizational Quality and Impact at St. Anne’s Family Services. Together, they dive deep into what truly makes learning experiences inclusive, bust...

Learning isn’t just about skills. It’s about confidence, belief, and the stories that shape us. In this energizing solo episode of The Learnit Lounge Podcast, host Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, dives into why confidence is the most overlooked—and powerful—outcome of any learning program. Drawing on research, real-life examples, and memorable stories, Mickey explores how learning builds not just know-...

Resilience isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a real skill. In this energizing episode of the Learnit Lounge Podcast, host Mickey Fitch-Collins sits down with learning leader Peter Plumlee for a refreshingly honest look at resilience, adaptability, and what it truly takes to thrive in today’s ever-changing, AI-powered workplace. Together, they break down the myths (“just muscle through it!”) and reveal ho...

Winning learning programs aren’t built on urgency—they’re built on mindful habits, strategic defaults, and human connection. In this energizing solo episode of the Learnit Lounge Podcast, host Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, dives into the subtle power of “habit loops” for Learning & Development professionals. Drawing from her real-world experience—and BJ Fogg’s behavioral science—Mickey unpacks ho...

The elephants in the (training) room: why do so many people resist learning and development, and what can leaders do to change that? In this lively, honest episode of The Learnit Lounge Podcast, host Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD sits down with global talent expert and Shiftwell AI co-founder Elena Agaragimova to take on the toughest truths behind learning resistance, leadership, and psychological saf...

Looking to turn generative AI from a looming threat into your next L&D superpower? In this high-energy episode of the Learnit Lounge Podcast, host Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, unpacks the real and present revolution that generative AI is bringing to learning and development. Mickey dives straight into the hopes—and the fears—swirling through L&D, sharing her own journey from skeptical experi...

The world of corporate learning is transforming fast—and nobody knows it better than this week’s guest, Thomas Fenstermacher. On this episode of The Learnit Lounge Podcast, host Mickey Fitch-Collins chats with Thomas about the seismic shifts facing Learning & Development (L&D) professionals today, from the rise of data-driven training to the power (and pitfalls) of AI. Whether you’re an ex...

Winning teams don’t move forward on metrics alone—they move with compelling stories that spark action. In this energizing solo episode of the Learnit Lounge Podcast, host Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, reveals the secret to making dashboards and data come alive for executives and stakeholders. If you’ve ever sweated over a report only to have it fall flat in the boardroom, this episode will change the...

Winning cultures aren’t built with big budgets—they’re built on creativity, partnership, and a deep belief in people. In this idea-packed episode of the Learnit Lounge Podcast, host Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, dives deep with nonprofit learning strategist Rachel Walerstein, who unpacks how organizations can design powerful learning programs—even when resources are scarce. From navigating outdated t...

Learning isn’t just about skills. It’s about confidence, belief, and the stories that shape us. In this energizing solo episode of The Learnit Lounge Podcast, host Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, dives into why confidence is the most overlooked—and powerful—outcome of any learning program. Drawing on research, real-life examples, and memorable stories, Mickey explores how learning builds not just know-...