18: This One Habit Separates Stagnant Teams from Thriving Ones | Rishi Donat

In this empowering episode of The Learnit Lounge, host Mickey Fitch-Collins sits down with Rishi Donat, Chief Human Resources Officer at the Foundation Fighting Blindness, to break down why employee learning isn’t just a perk, it’s the secret weapon for business growth, engagement, and innovation. Rishi, a strategic HR leader with experience across the nonprofit, corporate, and arts sectors, shares firsthand stories of how learning-driven cultures create unstoppable organizational momentum. From the onboarding journey to building “learning forward” teams, this conversation is packed with actionable examples of making development contagious. Discover how real relationships, unwavering support, and intentional growth plans transform not only your people, but your entire workplace.

Hear how the Foundation Fighting Blindness boosts trust and ambition, why learning must be woven into the daily workflow, and what it takes to turn skills growth into measurable impact. Whether you’re in HR, a team leader, or just passionate about employee development, this episode is your blueprint for a culture where everyone’s all in, and always leveling up.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why organizations that infuse learning into their culture gain a sustainable competitive advantage
• The key behaviors and mindsets that define a “learning forward” organization, plus real-world analogies to bring it to life
• How to integrate learning seamlessly into onboarding, team routines, and individual development plans
• The ripple effects of trust, support, and authentic relationships in driving growth and innovation
• Concrete strategies for making learning actionable, including performance reviews, shared accountability, and living your values
• Why growth is personal, messy, and powered by both ambition and community support

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome to The Learnit Lounge and introducing Rishi Donat

00:42 – How investing in employee learning creates business advantage

03:05 – Why learning is a must-have, not a nice-to-have

05:32 – “Learning forward” organizations: key ingredients and behaviors

08:04 – Trust, relationships, and support as foundations for growth

09:27 – How onboarding and culture at Foundation Fighting Blindness drive momentum

11:20 – The “snowball effect” and contagious momentum of learning

13:08 – Swimming pool analogy: designing inclusive, evolving learning cultures

15:45 – Applying learning and development in practical, everyday ways

17:03 – Weaving learning into performance reviews and daily conversations

20:13 – Organization-wide learning conversations and modeling from leadership

22:37 – Rishi’s proudest learning initiatives: community-driven and leadership development

24:36 – Collaborating on values and culture through shared learning experiences

25:52 – Rishi’s core leadership lessons: learn out loud, be present, trust yourself

27:20 – The uncomfortable truths about going to the next leadership level

29:57 – How to connect with Rishi and episode wrap-up

About Rishi Donat

Rishi Donat is a strategic and compassionate HR leader who currently serves as Chief Human Resources Officer at the Foundation Fighting Blindness. With over 15 years of experience across multiple sectors, including nonprofit, corporate, private, and arts organizations such as Rim and Board, the Walker Art Center, and Allianz Insurance, Rishi is known for building strong, people-first cultures that drive lasting change. Her work is grounded in creativity, business acumen, and above all, heart. Rishi believes that real progress happens in relationships, and her intentional style empowers teams and organizations to thrive.

Resources & Mentions

• Learnit Website
• Rishi Donat LinkedIn
• Foundation Fighting Blindness
• Mentioned: StrengthsFinder Assessment (Gallup CliftonStrengths)
• Mickey Fitch-Collins on LinkedIn

Podcast Contact Information:

Website: www.learnit.com

Email: podcast@learnit.com

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.