218: The Question That Changed His Entire Life | Ed Hajim

In this inspiring episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, Damon sits down with Ed Hajim—Wall Street veteran, philanthropist, and author—to 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 you’re 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. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• Why “Who am I?” is the essential question for every leader—and how to start answering it 
• How adversity in Ed’s childhood forged his resilience and leadership philosophy 
• The difference between leadership in the military versus the business world 
• Why trust and gratitude aren’t 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 care—no matter the size of the organization 
• The surprising power of giving back, both at work and in your community 

 

Timestamps: 

00:00 – Ed on trusting people—and learning from being let down 

01:21 – The most important question: Who are you? 

03:58 – Are leaders born or made? Ed’s journey to discovering leadership 

09:08 – Ed’s remarkable childhood: orphanages, foster care, and early adversity 

13:49 – How Ed learned to forgive and love his imperfect father 

17:51 – Turning disadvantage into advantage: adaptability & resilience 

18:07 – What kept Ed from a “victim mentality” and on a positive path 

20:07 – The shift from mistrust to radical trust in business 

22:51 – Lessons from military service: building teams, discipline, and personal growth 

24:07 – Leading when you’re younger or less experienced than your team 

26:32 – Military vs. business leadership: the power of thinking outside the box 

27:51 – How Ed fosters creativity and innovation as a leader 

31:08 – The secret to culture, strategy, people, and knowing your weaknesses 

32:17 – Deflecting credit and the power of gratitude in leadership 

34:35 – On never blaming others and embracing early failure as a gift 

36:09 – Turning mistakes into learning and the dangers of playing the victim 

41:56 – Ed’s fable “The Island of the Four Ps” and why leadership lessons stick as stories 

45:15 – Why passions shift—and how to keep evolving 

47:30 – How Ed helped his kids develop grit (despite privilege) 

51:11 – What still excites Ed every day: purpose after success 

52:32 – The unexpected impact of being rejected from a golf club 

54:11 – The joy and impact of giving back: scholarships and community 

57:31 – Ed’s four realms of life: self, family, work, and community 

60:04 – What’s next for Ed Hajim—and his campaign for practical education 

63:04 – Where to connect with Ed and get his books 

64:02 – 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 Rochester’s board, where he made the single largest...