21: Racing to the Top: How Dave Alpern Built a Culture of Excellence
In this high-octane episode of What’s Next, Bryan Finnerty sits down with Dave Alpern, President of Joe Gibbs Racing, to uncover the secrets behind leading one of NASCAR’s premier organizations. From starting as an unpaid intern in a broom closet to steering a team that competes at 200 miles per hour, Dave’s journey is a masterclass in leadership, culture, and intentionality. Discover how Dave’s “three-legged stool” philosophy—honoring God, putting people before profits, and relentlessly pursuing excellence—has shaped the culture at Joe Gibbs Racing.
Key Moments
- 00:00 The Indispensable Employee
- 01:28 Building a Winning Culture
- 07:06 The Journey from Intern to Leader
- 12:10 The Importance of Who Over What
- 18:18 Balancing Excellence and Influence
- 22:05 The Unique Dynamics of Team Competition
- 25:47 The Intensity of Competition
- 26:42 Transitioning from Athlete to Professional
- 30:04 Creating Pathways for Growth
- 32:28 The Importance of Being Indispensable
- 36:08 Legacy and Non-Negotiables in Leadership
- 39:54 Mindset and Stewardship in Business
- 42:13 The True Measure of Legacy
- 45:30 Balancing Life and Business
- 49:16 Empowerment Through Conversation
Connect with Dave Alpern
- Linked In : @davealpern
- Dave Alpern’s Book: Taking the Lead
- Proceeds benefit the JD Gibbs Legacy Fund supporting urban youth programs www.takingtheleadbook.com
Connect with Bryan:
Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com
Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22
Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty
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