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