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 called to do?” or “Is this really where I’m supposed to be?”—this episode is for you.

• How stepping out in faith post-corporate career led to a deeper sense of purpose
• The difference between calling and career—and how to tell the two apart
• Why identity rooted in performance will always leave you empty
• How prayer, surrender, and trust are essential tools for leadership
• What it means to be obedient even when you don’t know the outcome
  
  

This is one of the most vulnerable and raw conversations I’ve had with the mic on, and I hope it encourages you—whether you're in a season of clarity or waiting.

👉 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts and be sure to share it with someone who needs a reminder that God’s not done writing their story.

Links:

https://www.stangibsonspeaks.com

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:00 – Welcome and today’s theme: Faith and leadership
• 01:15 – Reflecting on post-corporate uncertainty and surrender
• 04:30 – How identity can get wrapped up in title and performance
• 07:20 – The difference between assignment and calling
• 10:05 – What it looks like to listen for God’s direction
• 12:45 – Obedience vs. outcome-based thinking
• 15:10 – Prayer as the foundation for bold decisions
• 18:40 – The stewardship of our platform and our gifts
• 21:00 – Final encouragement: you’re not alone in the waiting

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 everything she thought she knew about leadership, success, and being present.

Whether you’re climbing the ladder or leading from the top, this episode is your reminder that grit is powerful—but it’s not everything.

• Why grit without self-awareness can become a liability.
• The moment that caused Dawn to shift her entire leadership style.
• How to lead from values, not just goals.
• Red flags that you're pushing too hard—and what to do instead.
• The gift of grace when you're learning to lead differently.
• Practical tools for reevaluating your definition of success.

Links:

https://www.stangibsonspeaks.com

Video Mentioned:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTnHN8YDUuE

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:00 - Welcome + Dawn’s leadership background
• 04:22 - What “grit” looked like in her early career
• 08:05 - When pushing hard starts pushing people away
• 12:17 - A wake-up call moment with her daughter
• 15:50 - Choosing presence over performance
• 18:30 - The hardest leadership lesson she learned
• 21:55 - How to reframe success in a burnout culture
• 25:40 - What Dawn would tell her younger self
• 28:10 - Living and leading from a deeper place
• 30:00 - Final thoughts and encouragement

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 connection, courage, and leadership than any textbook ever could.

Whether you lead a company, a team, a classroom, or a family, what I share today will inspire you to reexamine how you create (or miss) moments of psychological safety for the people around you.

🔑 Inside This Episode:

• The true meaning of psychological safety—and why it matters
• A powerful story from early in Stan’s leadership journey
• How vulnerability and performance go hand-in-hand
• Why consistency is a cornerstone of trust
• Practical ways to create safety and clarity for those you lead
• 🎯 Final Thought

Leadership isn’t just about strategy—it’s about people. And when people feel seen, safe, and supported, they will surprise you every time. Let’s build teams and families where that kind of trust is the norm.

Links:

https://www.stangibsonspeaks.com

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:00 – Intro: One of the 3 keys to leadership
• 01:15 – The importance of psychological safety
• 02:48 – A personal story about leading through vulnerability
• 05:30 – Why consistency builds trust and confidence
• 08:22 – Creating a safe space for people to speak up
• 10:40 – Final reflections and practical application