3. The Ambassador of Culture with CEO John Combs
The Inspiration Podcast with Stan Gibson
Release Date: 04/23/2025
12. The Greatest Heavyweight Fighter to Never Go Pro...The Power of Alter Ego! with Cam F Awesome
The Inspiration Podcast with Stan Gibson
In this episode, Stan Gibson sits down with Cam F. Awesome—national boxing champion, keynote speaker, and resilience powerhouse. Cam opens up about what it means to redefine success, his journey from Olympic trials to becoming a mental health advocate, and the unexpected power of creating an “alter ego.” From dealing with shame and embarrassment to discovering who he was outside the ring, Cam shares what it means to chase authenticity, not applause. If you’ve ever faced identity loss, fear of failure, or needed a mindset shift—this conversation is packed with gold. Key Themes: Using...
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11. Leading with Faith — A Personal Journey of Trust, Identity, and Obedience
The Inspiration Podcast with Stan Gibson
Hey friends, it’s Stan here. In this episode of The Inspiration Podcast, I’m pulling back the curtain on one of the most personal aspects of my leadership journey: my faith. This isn’t just a story about what I’ve done in the corporate world—this is about who I am at the core, and how trusting God has shaped every part of my life, especially in the transitions and unknowns. I’m inviting you into the moments where I’ve had to let go of control, wrestle with my identity, and respond with obedience—even when I didn’t know what was next. If you've ever asked, “What am I really...
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10. Grit Has Limits: When Determination Needs Discernment with Dawn Wolfgram
The Inspiration Podcast with Stan Gibson
What happens when grit—one of the most celebrated traits in leadership—actually starts to work against you? In this powerful and reflective conversation, I sit down with Dawn Wolfgram, a seasoned executive, mother, and trusted mentor in the Wealth Investment Industry, Dawn opens up about learning to balance hustle with wisdom, and how she had to reevaluate the very mindset that helped her rise through the ranks. We talk about burnout, boundaries, and the subtle ways ambition can disconnect us from our true priorities. Dawn shares how a life-altering moment with her daughter reframed...
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9. One of My 3 Keys to Leadership
The Inspiration Podcast with Stan Gibson
Welcome back to the Inspiration Podcast! In today’s episode, I’m breaking down one of the three foundational keys that has guided my approach to leadership for decades: Psychological Safety. From boardrooms to ballfields, I’ve seen that creating a space where people feel safe to show up authentically is essential—not just for performance, but for long-term trust and growth. I take you back to a pivotal moment from my early leadership days, when a vulnerable team member opened up about his struggles—and how that moment changed everything for me. That conversation taught me more about...
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8. Gold Medals to Greater Purpose: Olympic Champion Carly Patterson on Faith, Identity & Reinvention
The Inspiration Podcast with Stan Gibson
What happens after the standing ovation? When the lights dim, the medals are packed away, and the cheering stops—what’s next? In this episode of The Inspiration Podcast, I sit down with Olympic gold medalist Carly Patterson Caldwell to talk about life beyond the podium. Carly’s story isn’t just about winning big—it’s about starting over, holding on to faith through personal storms, and discovering purpose that outlasts performance. Carly Patterson knows what it means to win at the highest level. As the 2004 Olympic All-Around Champion in women’s gymnastics, she reached the top of...
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7. From Paralyzed to Purpose – Amanda Zwanziger’s Journey of Faith, Healing, and Calling
The Inspiration Podcast with Stan Gibson
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...
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6. Self-Awareness and Identity Transformation: The Key to Authentic Leadership
The Inspiration Podcast with Stan Gibson
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...
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5. 10 Powerful Lessons I Learned After Leaving Corporate Life
The Inspiration Podcast with Stan Gibson
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...
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2. From Worst to First: Lessons in Human-Centric Leadership
The Inspiration Podcast with Stan Gibson
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...
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3. The Ambassador of Culture with CEO John Combs
The Inspiration Podcast with Stan Gibson
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...
info_outlineIn 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.