163: The Adversity Playbook: 5 Moves That Actually Work | Damon Lembi
Release Date:
May 7, 2025
Release Date: May 7
What happens when life throws something at you that you didn’t see coming?
In this personal solo episode, Damon opens up about a life-altering diagnosis that challenged his vision—both physically and metaphorically.
Whether you're navigating personal challenges or professional setbacks, this episode offers a roadmap to move forward with resilience, community, and purpose.
What You’ll Learn:
The surprising diagnosis that reshaped Damon’s outlook on leadership and life
How to reject the victim mindset and replace it with gratitude
The role of community and connection in overcoming struggle
How constraints can actually sharpen your leadership and focus
What it means to lead by example—especially when life gets hard
In This Episode:
00:00 – Damon introduces a personal story about unexpected adversity
00:48 – Early signs something was off—on the tennis and basketball court
01:30 – A trip to the optometrist turns serious
01:55 – Diagnosis: PRPH2, a rare degenerative eye disease
02:35 – Processing the fear, uncertainty, and future ahead
03:00 – The 5-step playbook for facing adversity
03:20 – Step 1: Acceptance—“There is no cure, but I can move forward”
03:50 – Step 2: Refuse the victim mentality—"Why not me?"
04:40 – Step 3: Faith—in family, skills, and what you can control
05:10 – Step 4: Community—why you don’t have to go through it alone
05:55 – Foundation Fighting Blindness and the power of peer groups
06:30 – Step 5: Lead by example—turning constraints into strengths
07:05 – Lessons for his kids and why vulnerability builds strength
07:50 – The final takeaway: adversity is inevitable, but it doesn’t define you
08:10 – Connect with Damon to share or seek support