44: Resilience Is Recovery: Leading Through Constant Change | Peter Plumlee

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 how real growth comes from curiosity, self-reflection, and being willing to get it wrong.

With practical analogies (cars, cats, and even Uber rides), Peter and Mickey explore why modern organizations can’t afford to ignore “power skills” like adaptability, the role of workplace culture in enabling psychological safety, and how leaders can build resilient teams—without just demanding that people toughen up. Get ready for candid stories, actionable strategies, and the reminder that sometimes, all you really need is five good minutes to breathe.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Peter defines resilience vs. adaptability, and why both matter in today’s workplace
• The critical behaviors that truly resilient and adaptable people share—plus tips to build these habits
• Why psychological safety is essential for team growth (and how to foster it, practically)
• The most powerful tool leaders have for building resilient cultures (hint: it’s not a checklist)
• Why failure is crucial to learning—and how to help yourself and your team bounce back
• What it means to “lead like a human” in a world of AI, automation, and ever-more uncertainty

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome to The Learnit Lounge: setting the stage for resilience

02:36 – Why “muscling through” isn’t real resilience

04:36 – Cars, GPS, and Peter’s favorite analogies

08:32 – The cultural side: how teams can talk about adapting

10:59 – Storytelling, psychological safety, and why leaders must “show the work”

14:38 – The magic (and business case) for curiosity

18:05 – Real stories: adapting through the uncertainty of COVID

24:30 – How to fail well—and why that’s a leadership superpower

26:24 – Thinking outside the box (when there is no box!)

28:47 – Staying human—and emotionally resilient—in the age of AI

30:44 – Peter’s biggest career lesson as a leader

31:39 – Hot takes: why leaders sometimes resist learning

34:30 – Where to find Peter and keep the conversation going

35:48 – Wrap up and ways to connect with the podcast

About Peter Plumlee

Peter Plumlee is a practical, people-first learning leader passionate about helping managers and teams build skills, confidence, and momentum through real-life development. He’s known for designing engaging, immediately useful growth experiences that help organizations create workplaces where people feel supported, challenged, and genuinely excited to grow. He brings authenticity and a service mindset to every conversation—whether coaching teams, speaking on a podcast, or writing for a national audience.

Resources & Mentions:

• Peter Plumlee on LinkedIn
• Peter Plumlee's Website
• The Learnit Lounge: www.learnit.com

Podcast Contact Information:

Website: www.learnit.com

Email: podcast@learnit.com

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