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.

• 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.

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.

• 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!

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.