The Inspiration Podcast with Stan Gibson

Stan Gibson: Top Leadership Public Speaker
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Welcome to The Inspiration Podcast—where real talk meets real growth. I'm Stan Gibson, a proud husband, keynote speaker, and leadership coach who believes your best days are ahead of you. Each week, I share lessons from 40+ years in leadership and conversations with people who've climbed the mountain—and are honest enough to tell us what the climb really felt like. If you're ready to live with more purpose, grow through what you're going through, and get practical tools to thrive in work and life, you're in the right place. These bite-sized episodes are made for your morning commute, walk, or workout—and my hope is that they'll meet you exactly where you are.

  1. 3 days ago

    29: Who Are YOU...Really?

    In this episode, Stan Gibson explores the critical role of self-awareness in leadership and personal growth. He discusses psychometric assessments like Clifton Strengths, Enneagram, and Aptive, and how understanding your strengths and kryptonite can transform your career and relationships.   Key Topics: - The importance of self-awareness in leadership - Psychometric assessments: Clifton Strengths, Enneagram, Aptive - Understanding your strengths and kryptonite - Neuroplasticity and transformational identity - The role of emotional intelligence in career success - How to leverage team strengths for better collaboration - Stress responses and reactions under fear and pressure - Using AI tools to create personalized self-awareness reports   Episode Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Self-Awareness and Leadership 02:19 The Significance of Self-Awareness in Personal and Professional Growth 03:11 The Gap Between Perceived and Actual Self-Awareness 04:07 The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Career Advancement 06:03 Understanding Decision Biases and the Brain's Bias for Negative News 08:20 Overview of Clifton Strengths and Its Impact on Team Dynamics 11:46 The Enneagram and Its Deep Insights into Motivation and Stress 19:35 Additional Assessments: Aptive and Their Benefits 24:50 Using AI to Create a Personalized Self-Awareness Profile 26:17 Visioning and Setting Future Goals Based on Self-Awareness 27:12 Transformational Identity and Showing Up with Purpose 28:38 The Power of Mindset and Overcoming Negative Bias 30:06 Practical Steps to Enhance Self-Awareness and Leadership 31:30 Encouragement to Take Assessments and Embrace Self-Knowledge 34:21 Join the Legacy Lab and Continuous Leadership Development

  2. 2 Sept

    28: Chemo, Faith, and the Road to Kona with Jim Logan

    Jim Logan shares his incredible journey of battling stage four cancer while preparing for the Iron Man World Championship, illustrating the power of faith, resilience, and living with purpose. This episode offers profound insights into overcoming adversity and living intentionally.   Jim Logan Bio: James J Logan, born and raised in New Jersey, attended high school in Germany from 1978 to 1982. Moved to Atlanta in 1993, met my wife Kelly and we married in 1996. I started a home inspection business in 1996 and retired in 2026 due to cancer. Raised a well adjusted 21 year old son as well! Diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer in April 2024. I am fighting cancer, training for the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, on October 10, 2026, and I published a book titled Just Keep TRI-ING. The purpose of the book is to give faith to the faithless, hope to the hopeless and to prove the IRONMAN motto: ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!    Book & Social Media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jim.logan.462536 Instagram: Jim Logan (@stage42025) Ironman Foundation: IRONMAN Foundation Book: Just Keep Tri-ing — Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=just+keep+tri-ing   Key Topics: - Jim Logan's cancer journey and overcoming stage four diagnosis - Preparation and challenges of competing in the Iron Man World Championship - The role of faith, hope, and love in overcoming adversity - The DSSP formula: discipline, sacrifice, suffering, pain - Living with purpose and intentionality amidst health challenges - The importance of mindset and mental toughness in extreme sports and life - The impact of community, charity, and giving back in personal growth - Lessons learned from setbacks and resilience in training and health - The significance of faith in overcoming fear and despair - Jim Logan's book 'Just Keep Trying' and its message of perseverance   Episode Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Jim Logan's Inspiring Journey 02:25 Understanding the Iron Man World Championship 04:22 Jim's Background in Triathlons and Motivation 06:23 The Origin of Jim's Book 'Just Keep Trying' 08:12 The Power of Faith and Overcoming Fear 11:06 Jim's Cancer Diagnosis and Medical Journey 16:29 Training with Cancer: Challenges and Mindset 22:02 Living with Purpose and the Iron Man Race 27:13 Jim's Spiritual Journey and Faith in Action 36:37 Raising Money for the Iron Man Foundation 43:28 Final Thoughts and Inspirational Message

  3. 26 Aug

    27: 5 Reasons to Join a Mastermind

    In this solo episode, Stan Gibson makes his case for why masterminds deserve a serious look — whether that's his own group, the Legacy Lab, or someone else's. Drawing on 25+ years of his own mastermind experience and decades in the corporate world, Stan lays out five reasons to consider joining one: the confidential "room" that most leaders don't currently have, built-in accountability, deep self-awareness work, access to concentrated peer wisdom, and the chance to build a lasting legacy. Along the way, he clarifies the differences between a mastermind (peer-led), group coaching (facilitator-led), and therapy (past-focused), shares the assessment tools he uses with clients (Clifton StrengthFinders, Enneagram, Aptive, and Genius Spark), and walks through the five-year "reverse journal" exercise that anchors the Legacy Lab's approach to intentionality. He closes with details on the Legacy Lab's October launch, including a discount for early sign-ups.   Key Takeaways:   - A mastermind gives leaders a safe room to talk that usually doesn't exist anywhere else in their life. - Sharing a goal with a group makes you far more likely to follow through on it. - Knowing yourself well is the foundation for leading and living with intention. - Getting advice from 10–12 peers at once beats one-on-one advice alone. - Companies that invest in developing their people see stronger revenue and returns.   Episode Chapters:   00:00 Welcome and episode intro 01:17 What a mastermind is and Stan's own 25-year mastermind journey 03:44 Five reasons to consider a mastermind (intro) 04:27 Reason 1 — The room you need most doesn't exist 06:35 Reason 2 — Accountability moves the needle 07:48 Reason 3 — Deep self-awareness (StrengthFinders, Enneagram, Aptive, Genius Spark) 11:49 Reason 4 — Pure wisdom and the ROI of investing in people 15:22 Reason 5 — Building a legacy through the five-year reverse journal 20:10 Recap of the five reasons 21:54 Mastermind vs. group coaching vs. "coach-sultant" 25:06 Mastermind vs. group coaching vs. therapy 26:59 Closing thoughts on intentionality 28:42 Legacy Lab October launch and early-bird discount 29:21 Sign-off and listener Q&A open 31:23 Free resources at leadwithstan.com and next episode teaser

  4. 19 Aug

    26: Food, Wine, and God with Zac Jiwa

    In this episode, Stan sits down with Zac Jiwa — computer scientist turned home chef, entrepreneur, and now documentary filmmaker — to talk about his passion project, Food, Wine, and God. Zac shares his winding origin story: growing up between a Pakistani Muslim father and a Southern preacher's-kid mother, building a career in healthcare tech, and eventually hitting a wall in his early 40s that sent him on a sabbatical across the world. A "burning bush" moment on a plane, watching an Anthony Bourdain episode, crystallized the idea for a docuseries that follows the Judeo-Christian faith story geographically and historically — through food, wine, and culture. Zac and Stan dig into the pilot episode (filmed in Jerusalem), the realities of funding and producing independent film, lessons on leadership and letting go of control, and how listeners can support the project.   Zac Jiwa Socials: Website: https://www.foodwineandgod.com Instagram: @‌foodwineandgod @‌chef_zac_atx TikTok: @‌foodwineandgod @‌chef_zac_atx Facebook: @‌foodwineandgod @‌chef_zac_atx   FREE GIFTS FOR LEADERS: https://leadwithstan.com MORE INFO: https://www.stangibsonspeaks.com   Key Takeaways:   - Your background can become your calling. - Big visions often start small — and take time. - Sabbaticals can reset your direction - You're not fully in control — and that's okay. - Filmmaking is entrepreneurship without a playbook. - Community support matters. - It's never too late to pursue a legacy.   Episode Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Zac Jiwa and his journey 01:57 Zac's background in computer science and art 05:05 The origin of Food, Wine, and God 09:49 Traveling to Israel and biblical exploration 15:05 The divine calling and project development 19:49 The biblical timeline and cultural exploration 24:57 Challenges in filmmaking and fundraising 30:08 Zac's culinary skills and family influence 35:00 Leadership lessons and divine timing 39:49 Future plans for Food, Wine, and God 45:03 How to support and connect with Zac

  5. 12 Aug

    25: Life is Meaningless

    In this solo episode, Stan Gibson unpacks a talk he gave at a church in his old hometown in Illinois, built around one provocative idea: in the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes, King Solomon — a young leader who amassed almost unimaginable wealth, wisdom, and power — declares that "life is meaningless" 38 times. Stan digs into the original Hebrew word behind that phrase, hevel (vapor or mist), and reframes Solomon's message: life isn't nothing, it's just fleeting and hard to hold onto.   From there, Stan argues both sides of the question. To make the case that life is meaningful, he revisits four past guests and the hardships they turned into purpose: Olympic gymnast Carly Patterson's journey through infertility, Amanda Zwanziker's story of inner and outer "paralysis," ESPN reporter Lauren Sisler losing both parents to opioid overdoses within hours of each other, and Craig Perra's path from addiction and job loss to helping executives and athletes recover. To make the case that life is meaningless, Stan uses a vivid illustration — an enormous ball of twine representing eternity, with a single dot representing our lifespan — to argue that most day-to-day anxieties barely register against that scale.   Key Takeaways:   - Solomon had everything — wealth, wisdom, power — yet called life "meaningless" 38 times after living through every stage of life. - The Hebrew word behind "meaningless," hevel, actually means vapor or mist — life is real, just fleeting and hard to control. - Four guest stories (Carly Patterson, Amanda Zwanziker, Lauren Sisler, Craig Perra) show how hardship can become deeply meaningful with the right perspective. - The "ball of twine" illustration: if that giant ball represents eternity, our whole life is just one small dot — a reminder that most daily stress is small in the big picture. - Life feels meaningless when we chase things for ourselves, and meaningful when we live with intention and use our gifts to help others.   Episode Chapters:   00:00 Cold Open: "Life Is Meaningless" 01:28 Welcome to the Show 02:02 Solomon's Story: From Teen "CEO" to History's Wealthiest Man 06:32 Decoding "Meaningless": The Hebrew Word Hevel 07:30 Arguing Both Sides: The Case for Meaningful 07:55 Carly Patterson: Olympic Gold and the Fight for Motherhood 10:23 Amanda Zwanziker: Paralyzed Inside and Out 12:59 Lauren Sisler: Losing Both Parents in One Day 16:41 Craig Perra: Addiction, Integrity, and Redemption 20:08 Living with Intention 21:02 The Other Side: The Case for Meaningless 22:52 The Ball of Twine: A Picture of Eternity 24:02 "When Death Becomes Certain, Life Becomes Rich" 25:26 Bringing It Together: Life Takes on Meaning Through Others 26:10 A Weekly Challenge: Pause and Reflect 26:59 The Physiological Sigh: A Tool for Anxiety 28:41 Anxiety, Inflammation, and Managing the Nervous System 29:50 Closing Thoughts and What's Coming Up 32:58 Final Sign-Off

  6. 5 Aug

    24: The Addiction No One Talks About: Craig Perra on Helping Elite Men Reclaim Their Lives

    Stan sits down with Craig Perra, who works exclusively with high-performing executives, entrepreneurs, and athletes battling addictions to porn, drugs, and sex. Craig doesn't come to this work as a theorist — he lost two executive jobs, was hospitalized after a suicide attempt, and rebuilt his life from that rock bottom into a patented framework called the Mindful Habit System.   The conversation moves through how Craig discovered his system after a random comment about "risk management" reframed his own institutional knowledge as a tool for behavior change, why traditional twelve-step models can fall short with executive clients, and how he replaced the "fight the addict" mentality with a self-leadership approach that treats the addicted part of someone as a misguided protector rather than an enemy. Craig and Stan also dig into how digital stimulation and social media have made these addictions more accessible than ever, how faith and spirituality show up in Craig's coaching even after his own complicated history with the church, and what it actually looks like to build long-term accountability through community and retreats. The episode closes with Craig's advice for anyone unsure if they have a problem, and for loved ones trying to bring it up the right way.   FREE GIFTS FOR LEADERS: https://leadwithstan.com MORE INFO: https://www.stangibsonspeaks.com   If you want to know more about Craig Perra visit his socials:   Website: www.mindfullhabitmastery.com Email: craig@mindfulhabitmastery.com Facebook: @themindfulhabitsystem Instagram: @mindful_habit_coaching Tiktok: @thehabitguy LinkedIn: @craigperra YouTube: themindfulhabit   Key Takeaways: - Craig built his system out of his own two job losses and a hospitalization, not from a textbook. - A comment about "risk management" helped him see his own addiction-prevention skills as a career. - His two "secret sauces" are training design skill and the gift of helping people feel truly seen. - People usually seek help after an ultimatum from a loved one or hitting a new rock bottom. - All addictive behavior is meeting a real need — it's medicating something, not random.   Episode Chapters:   00:00 Introduction to Craig Perra and his background 02:50 Craig's journey from rock bottom to helping others 07:17 The development of the mindful habit system 12:06 How high performers recognize they need help 14:32 The importance of clarity of purpose and values 16:30 The impact of digital stimulation and societal influences 19:20 Why Craig's system is more effective than traditional methods 22:10 Understanding behavior as need-seeking and leadership approach 23:19 The role of spirituality and faith in recovery 26:59 The structured journey of recovery and long-term support 41:59 Craig's podcast and how to connect with him 44:12 Final advice: honoring sexual energy and internal conflict

  7. 29 Jul

    23: Design Your Identity…Don't Inherit It

    In this episode, Stan Gibson explores the importance of intentionality and identity in leading a fulfilling life. He shares insights from his personal journey, psychological research, and practical tools to help listeners craft a life of purpose and legacy.   FREE GIFTS FOR LEADERS: https://leadwithstan.com MORE INFO: https://www.stangibsonspeaks.com   Key Takeaways: - Your identity is something you create intentionally, not something that just happens. - Self-awareness tools like psychometric assessments can reveal your true self. - Neuroscience shows that speaking and listening to affirmations can reprogram your brain. - Creating a 5-year vision helps align your subconscious with your goals. - Intentionality in relationships and health can significantly improve your life.   Episode Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: The Power of Identity and Intentionality 00:29 Stan's Personal Epiphany on Identity 00:58 Holistic Approach to Leadership and Life 01:26 The Role of Purpose and Legacy 02:19 Insights from Leadership and Psychology Books 03:16 The Science of Neuroscience and Self-Development 04:43 Clients Facing Identity Crises 05:39 External Metrics and Internal Fulfillment 07:03 The Cost of Neglecting Health and Well-being 08:32 Living in the Present and Avoiding Sacrifice 09:23 The Power of Self-Reflection and Journaling 13:50 Visualizing Your Future Self 15:06 The Identity Transformation Worksheet 16:29 Creating 90-Day Action Plans 17:29 Intentional Relationships and Love Languages 18:57 The Science of Listening and Affirmations 20:37 Neuroscience of Absorbing Identity Statements 21:07 Speaking Your Identity in the Morning 22:28 Outcomes of Intentional Living 23:24 Sharing the Platform and Future Programs 24:51 Connecting with Listeners and Call to Action

  8. 20 Jul

    22. Boot Camp Babes

    Stan sits down with "the Boot Camp Babes" — Colleen and Leticia, two former flight attendants who've shown up to the same 6 a.m. boot camp class five days a week for 17 years straight. Between them they have 18 grandchildren (with a 19th on the way), decades in the airline industry, and a friendship that started on the workout floor and never stopped. They talk through what their boot camp actually looks like, Colleen's Iron Man and Navy SEAL Crucible training, Leticia's marathon and the stranger who helped her finish it, and their post-workout ritual of bone broth, sauna, and cold plunge. The episode closes with their advice for anyone who thinks they "can't do what they do": find your tribe, and just start.   FREE GIFTS FOR LEADERS: https://leadwithstan.com MORE INFO: https://www.stangibsonspeaks.com   Key Topics:   Seventeen years of boot camp fitness routine The importance of community and friendship in aging well Healthy habits: cold plunge, intermittent fasting, and more Balancing fitness with family and legacy Overcoming challenges and staying motivated   Episode Chapters:   00:00 Introduction to the Boot Camp Babes 02:49 The Commitment to Fitness 06:12 The Boot Camp Experience 09:00 Friendship and Support in Fitness 11:50 Life Beyond Boot Camp 15:03 Health Habits and Nutrition 17:58 Challenges and Achievements 20:54 Legacy and Inspiration 23:48 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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About

Welcome to The Inspiration Podcast—where real talk meets real growth. I'm Stan Gibson, a proud husband, keynote speaker, and leadership coach who believes your best days are ahead of you. Each week, I share lessons from 40+ years in leadership and conversations with people who've climbed the mountain—and are honest enough to tell us what the climb really felt like. If you're ready to live with more purpose, grow through what you're going through, and get practical tools to thrive in work and life, you're in the right place. These bite-sized episodes are made for your morning commute, walk, or workout—and my hope is that they'll meet you exactly where you are.

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