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
LinkedIn : @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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