{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"535: Unbreakable Spirit: The Inspiring Journey of Martial Arts Grandmaster Lawrence Stone","description":"What could you achieve if you let go of all excuses and limiting beliefs? In this deeply motivational episode, Nicole Jansen welcomes Lawrence \u201cStoney\u201d Stone\u2014a remarkable martial arts grandmaster, published author, stunt coordinator, rock band singer, and cancer survivor whose life story is anything but ordinary. Born with congenital hip problem, later with CMT (Charcot-Marie-Tooth Neuropathy) a degenerative nerve disease, Stoney has faced significant physical challenges since birth, yet has refused to let them define or limit him. From building future champions in his dojo to serving as an executive protection consultant, Stoney\u2019s impact ripples across countless lives and disciplines. Join us as Stoney opens up about the powerful lessons learned from his \u201cspanking grandma,\u201d and his real-life journey of overcoming adversity with purpose, faith, and fierce love. He shares how mentorship, tough love, a sense of responsibility, and unwavering honesty have fueled his legacy\u2014prompting us all to step up, stop making excuses, and love with conviction. Whether you\u2019re searching for inspiration, seeking actionable leadership insights, or grappling with challenges of your own, this conversation will leave you empowered and ready to tackle whatever comes next. What We Discuss in This Episode How did Stoney overcome significant physical limitations to become a martial arts grandmaster and mentor to champions? What role did family and \u201ctough love\u201d play in shaping his unstoppable mindset? How do you guide others\u2014especially young people\u2014out of victimhood and toward responsibility and growth? What does it mean to \u201cnot own\u201d your challenges or diagnoses? How can leaders and mentors balance empathy with calling others to greatness? Why is authenticity and emotional expression crucial for true leadership? What does it look like to surrender to purpose and let go of micromanaging your life\u2019s plan? How do faith and spirituality underpin resilience and transformation? What lasting advice does Stoney offer for living a meaningful, impactful life? 10 Key Takeaways Lead by Example: Young people and mentees learn most from who you are and what you do\u2014not just what you say or teach. Tough Love Builds Resilience: Support combined with high expectations (\u201cspanking grandma\u201d) pushes us to unprecedented growth. Refuse to \u201cOwn\u201d Limitations: Don\u2019t take on negative identities around illness or labels\u2014claim victory and move forward. Surround Yourself with Greatness: Your environment and your circle shape your possibilities and determination. Your Challenges Are Your Strength: Facing adversity builds the grit and wisdom necessary to help others. Balance Compassion and Accountability: True mentors love fiercely AND hold people to a higher standard. Embrace Vulnerability: Emotional honesty and caring openly are strengths, not weaknesses, for leaders. Purpose Over Perfection: Focus on finding and fulfilling your unique design rather than achieving flawlessness. Take Responsibility: We must model and teach personal responsibility; excuses perpetuate victimhood and stagnation. Keep Growing and Giving: Growth is a lifelong journey\u2014keep learning, serving, and evolving no matter your stage or circumstances. Favorite Quotes "I've never really relied on or counted on being different. I've never been afraid to stand in front of people and tell them I care. And that makes a difference." \u2014 Lawrence Stone "Because I didn\u2019t know I was different, because I didn\u2019t accept that\u2014I\u2019m just me. I love me. I love what I do. I love who I am, where I am, and why I am." \u2014 Lawrence Stone "If I don\u2019t believe in me, how can I expect someone else to believe in me? You have to believe in yourself first, no matter what the world says." \u2014 Lawrence Stone This episode is a rich tapestry of wisdom, humor, and heart. Tune in\u2014and rediscover what\u2019s possible when you stop making excuses and start living your purpose. Episode Show Notes: https:\/\/leadersoftransformation.com\/podcast\/mindset\/535-unbreakable-spirit-the-inspiring-journey-of-martial-arts-grandmaster-lawrence-stone\/ Check out our complete library of episodes and other leadership resources here: https:\/\/leadersoftransformation.com ________ \ud83d\udce3 SUBSCRIBE to the Leaders of Transformation Podcast  \ud83d\udc47 CONNECT with Nicole Jansen on Social Media  \u25b6\ufe0e YOUTUBE \u25b6\ufe0e INSTAGRAM \u25b6\ufe0e FACEBOOK  \u25b6\ufe0e LINKEDIN \u25b6\ufe0e X ","author_name":"Leaders Of Transformation","author_url":"http:\/\/leadersoftransformation.com","html":"