5. 10 Powerful Lessons I Learned After Leaving Corporate Life
The Inspiration Podcast with Stan Gibson
Release Date: 04/23/2025
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The Inspiration Podcast with Stan Gibson
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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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The Inspiration Podcast with Stan Gibson
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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_outlineHave 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!