Closing the Gaps: The Road from Desperation to Transformation with Shawn Langwell

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we sit down with Shawn Langwell—an inspirational author, speaker, and executive mindset coach whose story of redemption and resilience is nothing short of transformative. With more than three decades in advertising and marketing sales, and leadership roles including past president of the California Writers Club and Toastmasters of Petaluma, Shawn brings a rare mix of professional depth, lived wisdom, and spiritual insight to the conversation.

Shawn opens up about his journey from addiction to long-term recovery, revealing the profound impact of grace, love, forgiveness, and willingness in rebuilding a life once defined by chaos. A near-fatal accident at age 21 and a heartfelt plea from his mother became the turning points that led him to rehab on October 10, 1986—and ultimately, to sobriety. His reflections on forgiving his father, releasing anger, and learning to love himself illuminate the emotional and spiritual work behind genuine transformation.

We explore Shawn’s books, Beyond Recovery and 10 Seconds of Boldness, which offer practical strategies for facing fear, building confidence, and taking courageous micro-actions that lead to meaningful change. These ideas form the foundation of his coaching philosophy, including his signature framework: the Gap Mindset.

Shawn explains how “gaps”—those spaces between who we are and who we want to be—often stem from belief and confidence barriers. His coaching helps individuals honestly identify these gaps, confront the fears behind them, and bridge them with internal motivation, rigorous honesty, and intentional action. As he puts it, everyone has gaps, but with willingness, courage, and a clear plan, change is absolutely possible.

A highlight of the conversation is Shawn’s distinction between the “gift of desperation”—the force that pushes us toward growth—and the “curse of despair,” which keeps us stuck in victimhood. His method for moving forward includes five essential steps: identifying the problem or opportunity, deciding what you want, identifying your “why,” writing a clear plan, and working that plan with persistence and heart.

Shawn also speaks candidly about imposter syndrome, spirituality, and the role of external support—reminding us that while help is valuable, the real transformation begins within. Looking ahead, he shares his upcoming projects, including the 10-year relaunch of Beyond Recovery, new workshops, and his developing Soulful Sales Method, which integrates recovery principles with mindset and sales coaching.

This episode is an uplifting, actionable roadmap for anyone seeking healing, confidence, and personal or professional breakthroughs. Shawn’s mission is simple yet profound: to inspire others by sharing his story—and to equip them with tools to rewrite their own.

Tune in for an honest, heartfelt, and empowering conversation that proves no gap is too wide when you’re willing to take the first step.