4. NFL To Executive: Playing Both Sides Of Ball...Fred Wakefield’s Playbook For Leadership The Inspiration Podcast With Stan Gibson podcast

58:23

What if the most devastating moment of your life became the very thing that led you to your calling? This powerful conversation with Amanda Zwanziger is a story of paralysis—both physical and emotional—and the miraculous healing that transformed her life, her faith, and her purpose. In today’s episode of the Inspiration Podcast, I sit down with Amanda Zwanziger—author, speaker, coach, and founder of the Paralyzed Movement. Her story is nothing short of breathtaking. After a tragic accident left her fiancé paralyzed, Amanda witnessed a miraculous healing that affirmed her faith and redirected her entire life. But Amanda’s story of paralysis didn’t start there—it began years earlier when she found herself emotionally stuck in a high-paying job, battling anxiety, and disconnected from her purpose. Through divine nudges (and a few spiritual two-by-fours), she discovered a calling to help others break free from what paralyzes them. If you’ve ever felt stuck, uncertain, or like your best days are behind you, this episode will leave you filled with hope—and maybe even inspired to walk your own beach blindfolded. Inside This Episode: Amanda’s powerful story of her husband’s paralysis and miraculous recovery The birth of the Paralyzed Movement and how emotional paralysis can be just as debilitating as physical Why control might be the very thing keeping you stuck Amanda’s vision of “ministry-preneurship” and how she brought her faith into her professional life Her journey from corporate burnout to Chamber CEO to prison ministry speaker The three powers that help us overcome anything: the human spirit, the Holy Spirit, and the spirit of community Know someone who needs this message? Share this episode. And if you’re ready to step into your purpose—even if you’re scared—take that first step today. Connect with Amanda at amandamotivates.com or by email at info@amandamotivates.com. Links: https://www.stangibsonspeaks.com Link For This Epiosde: The Paralyzed Movement: Find Purpose, Peace, and Freedom From the Things Paralyzing You in Life - https://www.amazon.com/Paralyzed-Movement-Purpose-Freedom-Paralyzing Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 - Welcome to Episode 7 + Meet Amanda Zwanziger 2:00 - Amanda’s unique path to Chamber CEO and the “seat she didn’t expect” 4:00 - Defining “ministry-preneurship” and how it started with a divine nudge 7:30 - The tragic ATV accident that changed everything 10:00 - The promise: “He will be healed” and Amanda’s peace in the chaos 15:00 - Todd’s spinal injury—and the miracle that followed 19:00 - The movement begins: community, prayer, and belief in the impossible 21:00 - A second miracle: Brad’s story from paralyzed to marathon runner 24:00 - Applying the same principles to emotional and psychological paralysis 29:00 - How Amanda’s corporate anxiety nearly broke her—and what saved her 32:00 - Proposing to Todd and starting a new journey 35:00 - The coaching that helped her find her true calling 40:00 - The beach walk: a literal blind journey of faith 44:30 - A second beach, 10 years later: realizing God’s promise came true 46:00 - Becoming the person she was always meant to be 48:00 - Amanda’s mission to help those in prison find emotional freedom 51:00 - The breadcrumbs that led to her current work 53:00 - A full-circle moment from prison security systems to prison ministry 55:00 - Where to find Amanda’s book and how to bring her to your stage 57:00 - Final encouragement and Stan’s reflections…

The Inspiration Podcast with Stan Gibson

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6. Self-Awareness and Identity Transformation: The Key to Authentic Leadership 29:13

19 days ago29:13

29:13

Do you truly know who you are at your best—and who you’re not? In today's episode, I'm tackling what I believe is the single most critical but frequently missing ingredient in leadership: self-awareness. In an era where artificial intelligence has leveled the playing field of IQ, emotional intelligence—EQ—is the competitive advantage leaders can't afford to overlook. I dive into how genuine self-awareness not only sets great leaders apart but empowers teams and transforms organizational culture. From Michael Phelps to NASA astronauts, we unpack what it truly means to tap into your innate genius, break free from conformity, and lead authentically—even under intense pressure. If you've ever felt stuck, misunderstood, or misaligned in your role, this episode is the roadmap you need. We explore the practical tools and assessments I've used with executives and teams to unlock their true strengths and lead with unprecedented clarity and effectiveness. Here’s what you’ll discover in this episode: Why emotional intelligence (EQ) will be the defining factor in leadership as we navigate the AI-driven future. Powerful insights from the extraordinary genius of Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky—and how this relates to your personal and professional life. A fascinating NASA assessment revealing why creativity and genius fade with age—and how to reignite yours. Real-life examples of my own journey in finding the leadership role that perfectly matched my unique strengths. Actionable advice on psychometric assessments such as Clifton StrengthsFinder and Enneagram, and how to practically leverage these results in your everyday leadership. How transforming your own self-awareness leads directly to transforming your team’s performance, culture, and trust. Ready to uncover your genius and become the authentic leader you’re meant to be? Let's dive in. Links: https://www.stangibsonspeaks.com Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 - Intro: Why real leadership growth happens in the messy middle 01:00 - EQ vs. IQ: Why emotional intelligence matters more in an AI-driven world 02:00 - Lessons from Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky: The unbeatable power of self-awareness 03:00 - Discovering and unleashing your personal genius 04:00 - NASA’s shocking research on creativity and why adults score lower than preschoolers 07:00 - The societal pressure to "norm and conform," and how it diminishes genius 08:00 - How I coach executives through deep self-awareness and identity transformation 09:00 - My personal journey: Finding my zone as a strategic communicator at Wells Fargo Financial 12:00 - The critical first 90 days of leadership: Listening deeply and building trust 15:00 - Using StrengthsFinder to unlock team genius and build authentic culture 17:00 - Powerful example of a global team discovering and affirming each other's unique strengths 20:00 - How to practically leverage assessments for lasting personal and team growth 22:00 - Overcoming limiting beliefs and creating a strong identity statement 23:00 - The neuroscience of transformation: Leveraging visualization and intentional habits 25:00 - Practical guidance on using Clifton StrengthsFinder and Enneagram assessments effectively 27:00 - Closing thoughts and how to connect further for meaningful growth Your leadership journey begins and thrives with self-awareness. Hit play, and let's transform your approach to leadership—together.…

The Inspiration Podcast with Stan Gibson

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5. 10 Powerful Lessons I Learned After Leaving Corporate Life 28:22

19 days ago28:22

28:22

Have you ever wondered what life might look like beyond the corporate world? After decades in Fortune 500 companies, four years ago I got "that call"—the one telling me my position had been eliminated. But instead of panic, I felt clarity and peace because I already had a Plan B. In this episode, I'm sharing the ten powerful lessons I've learned since stepping out of corporate and into my own business full-time. We'll unpack the importance of intentional living, self-awareness, resilience through difficult times, and why having your own Plan B is not just smart, but essential. These lessons aren't your typical motivational tips; they're born from real, raw experiences of life transitions, health challenges, and rediscovering true purpose. If you're ready to embrace your journey, build authentic connections, and step boldly into your next chapter, this episode is for you. Here's what we'll dive into today: Finding clarity during life's toughest moments and why hardship can bring your purpose into focus Why investing in yourself and surrounding yourself with a strong team is key to personal growth Practical steps for becoming fiercely intentional about your time, your calendar, and your priorities How building a trusted accountability group can elevate your life personally and professionally Why authenticity and embracing your true self (even the messy parts!) is your greatest strength Understanding the power of having a solid "Plan B," and why it might someday become your "Plan A" Grab a notebook—you might want to jot down these ten lessons and reflect on which resonate most deeply with you. Links: https://www.stangibsonspeaks.com https://www.stangibsonspeaks.com/10-lessons Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 - Introduction: Welcome to Episode 5 01:00 - Why I launched the newsletter series (1,2,3 and Three Leadership Keys) 02:00 - A powerful Zig Ziglar quote on honesty and self-awareness 03:00 - The backstory: Leaving corporate life exactly four years ago 04:00 - Lesson 1: Real clarity comes in life's toughest moments 06:00 - Personal insights from my wife's cancer treatments 08:00 - Lesson 2: If you want real growth, invest heavily in yourself and your business 10:00 - Lesson 3: Productivity means being intentionally selfish with your time 12:00 - My personal daily and weekly time-management strategies 12:59 - Lesson 4: Everyone needs an accountability group (and why) 14:00 - Lesson 5: My favorite title of all time: "Grandstand" 16:00 - Lesson 6: The power of having your Plan B ready 18:00 - Lesson 7: You can't please everyone—and that's okay 19:00 - Lesson 8: Being kind beats being nice every single time 21:00 - Lesson 9: Be an owner, not a victim—take control of your narrative 22:59 - Lesson 10: The freedom and power of being authentically YOU 24:00 - Quick recap of the ten lessons 26:00 - Action step: Defining your personal Plan B 27:00 - Closing thoughts: Connect with me and keep growing intentionally Wherever you find yourself today, these lessons are designed to meet you right where you are and equip you to take confident, purposeful action. Let's dive in—your next chapter starts now!…

The Inspiration Podcast with Stan Gibson

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4. NFL to Executive: Playing Both Sides of Ball...Fred Wakefield’s Playbook for Leadership 54:09

19 days ago54:09

54:09

What does it take to excel both on the field and in business? In this episode, I had the incredible pleasure of sitting down with former NFL player turned successful business executive, Fred Wakefield. Fred’s journey is truly inspiring—from his humble beginnings in small-town Illinois, to an eight-year professional football career with the Arizona Cardinals and Oakland Raiders, and now as a thriving CEO and founding partner of thriveCXO. Fred is not your typical executive. He's someone who understands adaptability and resilience better than anyone I know. His unique experience of playing both offense and defense in the NFL—something few athletes ever do—became a cornerstone of his business leadership style. Fred shares the highs and lows of his athletic career, the pivotal moments that shaped his leadership approach, and how he translates those lessons into his consulting practice today. If you've ever wondered how elite athletes transition into successful business leaders, or how to truly leverage your unique strengths and adaptability, this conversation is for you. Key insights from this episode include: How Fred navigated going undrafted in the NFL, overcoming setbacks, and ultimately securing an 8-year professional career. His unique experience playing both sides of the ball (offense and defense), and how adaptability became his superpower. Essential leadership lessons learned from his NFL coaches, teammates, and the challenging realities of professional sports. The crucial role faith and meaningful mentorship played throughout his life, both on and off the field. Practical insights into thriving in business and leadership roles after professional sports, including handling setbacks and "failing forward." Whether you're an athlete, a leader, or someone simply looking for strategies on resilience and effective leadership, Fred’s story will motivate you to embrace challenges and continuously grow. Links: https://www.stangibsonspeaks.com Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 - Intro: Meet Fred Wakefield 02:00 - How Fred and I first connected through our mutual passion for Illinois sports 06:00 - Fred’s upbringing in small-town Illinois and early life challenges 10:00 - Navigating recruitment and choosing the University of Illinois 14:00 - Fred's NFL draft journey and overcoming disappointment going undrafted 19:00 - The intense reality of NFL training camp as a rookie 23:00 - How Fred earned his spot on the Cardinals and the power of adaptability 28:00 - Unique challenges of transitioning from defense to offense mid-career 33:00 - Life after the NFL: Finding a new purpose and transitioning to business 37:00 - Fred’s journey in entrepreneurship and founding thriveCXO 41:00 - The common pitfalls leaders face and how Fred helps them succeed 45:00 - Harnessing strengths, personality assessments, and the power of self-awarenes 47:00 - The integral role of faith throughout Fred’s life and career 49:00 - Fred shares about his family and personal achievements beyond football 52:00 - Closing thoughts: How to connect with Fred and live a purposeful life…

The Inspiration Podcast with Stan Gibson

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3. The Ambassador of Culture with CEO John Combs 50:04

19 days ago50:04

50:04

In this episode, get ready to dive into a candid conversation with John Combs, a highly respected leader and "Ambassador of Culture" in commercial real estate. John, CEO and visionary founder of River Rock Real Estate Group, shares powerful insights into building an authentic, people-first company culture that propelled his firm from zero to managing over 50 million square feet. John opens up about his leadership philosophy, emphasizing the critical roles of listening, humor, celebrating individual wins, and empowering teams. From overcoming personal and professional challenges to practical advice on maintaining team morale and accountability, this conversation offers valuable wisdom for leaders in any industry. In this episode, you'll discover: The story behind John's impressive journey and how he built River Rock Real Estate from scratch Why prioritizing happy clients, happy employees, and profitability creates sustainable success How to effectively use humor and genuine care to diffuse workplace friction The importance of adapting leadership styles to meet individual employee needs Practical tips for fostering a positive and empowering corporate culture Join us as John shares both the trials and triumphs of leadership, revealing why authenticity and caring leadership are non-negotiable keys to lasting success. Links: https://www.stangibsonspeaks.com https://www.melrobbins.com/book/the-let-them-theory/ Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 – Welcome and introduction to special guest, John Combs 02:00 – John shares a humorous story about podcasting and overcoming technical mishaps 04:00 – Reflecting on John's leadership journey and notable achievements 07:00 – The early days: How Stan and John first connected professionally 10:00 – How John developed early leadership skills and personal growth 14:00 – John's leadership philosophy: genuinely caring about employees 17:00 – Practical leadership insights: adapting to flexible employee needs 21:00 – Creating a healthy employee culture with impactful wellness initiatives 26:00 – Overcoming personal and professional setbacks, including major career crossroads 31:00 – John’s courageous personal journey and its impact on his leadership 35:00 – How authentic leadership influences business success and employee satisfaction 38:00 – Reflections on building a successful company culture and meaningful legacy 42:00 – Lessons learned from working with and caring for horses 45:00 – John's "magic trick" for leadership success: listening and humor 48:00 – Closing reflections and key takeaways from John's wisdom Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will challenge and encourage you to lead with authenticity and intentionality.…

The Inspiration Podcast with Stan Gibson

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2. From Worst to First: Lessons in Human-Centric Leadership 26:37

19 days ago26:37

26:37

In this episode, join leadership expert Stan Gibson as he shares the remarkable story of his college football experience, where he witnessed firsthand the powerful transformation of a team going from "worst to first." Stan dives into how a new coaching philosophy centered on people-centric leadership drastically turned around a struggling football program, leading them to an incredible national championship victory. Through personal anecdotes and memorable lessons, Stan reveals critical insights into effective leadership, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, surrounding yourself with the right people, empowering your team, and boosting morale through thoughtful, meaningful actions. In this episode, you'll discover: How self-awareness and recognizing individual strengths lead to team success The significance of empowering team members and giving them a voice Real-life examples of transforming team morale and performance through thoughtful leadership Practical lessons from legendary football coach Darryl Mudra ("Dr. Victory") Strategies for turning setbacks into powerful comebacks, both on and off the field This inspiring story provides valuable takeaways for anyone looking to build resilient, thriving teams and foster effective, empowering leadership. Links: https://www.stangibsonspeaks.com Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 – Welcome back to The Inspiration Podcast 01:00 – Preview of today's episode: Going from worst to first 02:00 – Stan’s personal journey as a preferred walk-on at Eastern Illinois University 03:30 – Experiencing a disappointing 1-10 season despite great talent 05:00 – Meeting new coach Darryl Mudra, "Dr. Victory," and his unique philosophy 07:00 – Importance of self-awareness and assembling the right team 08:00 – Introduction of legendary coaching staff, including Mike Shanahan 10:30 – Retaining talent from the previous unsuccessful team 11:00 – Empowering players to provide critical on-field feedback 13:00 – Boosting team morale through meaningful changes 15:00 – Understanding the difference between temporary incentives and genuine development 16:00 – The lasting legacy and impact of Mudra’s leadership approach 18:00 – Applying these lessons to Stan’s coaching opportunity 20:00 – Stan’s high school coaching challenge: going from an 89-6 defeat to competitive success 23:00 – Celebrating small wins and listening to player insights 24:30 – Final reflections on the power of people-centric leadership 25:00 – Closing thoughts: Identity transformation and self-awareness Ready to turn setbacks into comebacks and lead with purpose? Let’s get started.…

The Inspiration Podcast with Stan Gibson

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1. Having a Plan B...Meet Leadership Expert Stan Gibson! 23:57

19 days ago23:57