218: The Question That Changed His Entire Life | Ed Hajim
Release Date:Β
September 23, 2025
Release Date: Sept 23
In this inspiring episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, Damon sits down with Ed HajimβWall Street veteran, philanthropist, and authorβto uncover the extraordinary journey that took Ed from foster homes and orphanages to the helm of major institutions. Ed shares his hard-won lessons on leadership, resilience, and the transformative power of trust and gratitude. Through candid storytelling, he reveals the mindset shifts that propelled him forward, the role creativity and self-awareness play in lasting leadership, and why giving back is the ultimate personal reward. Whether youβre a seasoned exec or just starting your professional path, this conversation is packed with wisdom on overcoming adversity, developing future-ready skills, and leading with heart.
What Youβll Learn:
Why βWho am I?β is the essential question for every leaderβand how to start answering it
How adversity in Edβs childhood forged his resilience and leadership philosophy
The difference between leadership in the military versus the business world
Why trust and gratitude arenβt just feel-good values but practical tools for success
How to turn early setbacks into lifelong fuel for growth
Actionable ways leaders can shape a culture of creativity and careβno matter the size of the organization
The surprising power of giving back, both at work and in your community
In This Episode:
00:00 β Ed on trusting peopleβand learning from being let down
01:21 β The most important question: Who are you?
03:58 β Are leaders born or made? Edβs journey to discovering leadership
09:08 β Edβs remarkable childhood: orphanages, foster care, and early adversity
13:49 β How Ed learned to forgive and love his imperfect father
17:51 β Turning disadvantage into advantage: adaptability & resilience
18:07 β What kept Ed from a βvictim mentalityβ and on a positive path
20:07 β The shift from mistrust to radical trust in business
22:51 β Lessons from military service: building teams, discipline, and personal growth
24:07 β Leading when youβre younger or less experienced than your team
26:32 β Military vs. business leadership: the power of thinking outside the box
27:51 β How Ed fosters creativity and innovation as a leader
31:08 β The secret to culture, strategy, people, and knowing your weaknesses
32:17 β Deflecting credit and the power of gratitude in leadership
34:35 β On never blaming others and embracing early failure as a gift
36:09 β Turning mistakes into learning and the dangers of playing the victim
41:56 β Edβs fable βThe Island of the Four Psβ and why leadership lessons stick as stories
45:15 β Why passions shiftβand how to keep evolving
47:30 β How Ed helped his kids develop grit (despite privilege)
51:11 β What still excites Ed every day: purpose after success
52:32 β The unexpected impact of being rejected from a golf club
54:11 β The joy and impact of giving back: scholarships and community
57:31 β Edβs four realms of life: self, family, work, and community
60:04 β Whatβs next for Ed Hajimβand his campaign for practical education
63:04 β Where to connect with Ed and get his books
64:02 β Final thoughts: Helping others see their own greatness
About Ed Hajim
Ed Hajim is a celebrated Wall Street veteran with more than 50 years of leadership experience. Despite a turbulent childhood spent in foster care and orphanages, Ed rose to become the chairman of the University of Rochesterβs board, where he made the single largest donation in school history. Over his multifaceted career, Ed has led top investment firms, authored two acclaimed books (βOn the Road Less Traveledβ and βThe Island of the Four Psβ), and become a passionate advocate for mentorship and community giving. His remarkable journey is a testament to resilience, lifelong learning, and the belief that anything is possible with the right mindset.
