Playing The Inner Game

Michael Campion
  • 5.0 (14)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

My guests are Entrepreneurs, Executives, Olympians, Artists, and Creatives. Some famous names and some hidden gems. We discuss what success means to each one of them and decode the best parts of their mindset. It is a search for the common threads, principles, and patterns that we can apply to our own lives to become healthier, wealthier, happier, and wiser.

  1. #55 Nick Day - Are You Paying the "Fear Tax"? (The Hidden Cost of Playing It Small)

    1D AGO

    #55 Nick Day - Are You Paying the "Fear Tax"? (The Hidden Cost of Playing It Small)

    Nick Day was driving his car half a mile from home. On his way to pick up his daughter.  Half a second later, everything changed and his whole life turned upside down.  The person who showed up after the accident was someone he didn't recognise. Nick, an extrovert with a theatre degree. Loud. Social. Full of life. He closed the curtains and didn't leave his house for months. He told himself it was out of respect. But when he got really honest, it was fear. That was the beginning. Years of struggle followed. His daughter was diagnosed with an eating disorder. His father, his hero, passed away. And through every one of those moments, fear showed up again. Different shape. Same game. What Nick discovered is this: fear isn't the enemy. It's a signal.  It points directly at the things that matter most. And fear’s greatest disguise? Wisdom. It’s that quiet voice telling you to keep your distance. To play it safe. To play it small. That voice isn't wisdom. That's fear in a suit. Failure you can heal from. But regret lingers forever. Where are you paying “The Fear Tax” in your life? This is one of the most vulnerable and moving conversations I've ever had on this show.  I hope it resonates with you the way it did with me. Apply to work with me: https://www.michaelxcampion.com/ Guest - Nick Day (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/) Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelxcampion/ Nick Day is the CEO and founder of JGA Recruitment Group, a B-Corp certified executive search firm specializing in Payroll and HR. An ILM Level 7 certified executive coach, author, speaker, and podcast host, he is the #1 Global Thought Leader in Payroll and one of the Top 10 HR Voices. His work focuses on the intersection of leadership, talent, mindset, and performance. Host of: The Payroll Podcast, The HR L&D Podcast, and The Mindful Paths Podcast. As the creator of The Fear Equation™ and B.O.L.D.™, he helps leaders transform fear and uncertainty into purposeful action. His book, The Payroll Pivot: From Invisibility to Influence was released in March.  (00:00) Opening proverb: the secret to lasting happiness (02:18) The accident that changed everything (07:05) Fear as a signal, not a stop sign (09:37) The three-part fear equation explained (14:50) The fear paradox and success anxiety (21:01) The BOLD framework: a practical tool for courage (26:52) Dealing with fear during a family crisis (44:08) The fear tax: what inaction really costs you (47:36) Finding joy in the struggle (50:04) Nick's life philosophy: be more kind (55:45) What Nick would regret most (57:05) His father's final words: keep opening new doors

    1 hr

  2. MAR 3

    #54 Rasheed Shroff - Unlocking the Power of Authentic Communication (Entrepreneur Stories Interview)

    I had the opportunity to sit down with Rasheed Shroff from 'Entrepreneur Stories' for a conversation about authentic communication and the leadership edge it creates. Recorded in front of a live audience, we explored the experiences that shaped my thinking, from investment banking to professional sport, entrepreneurship to podcasting, and how each environment forced me to refine how I show up under pressure. One of the key themes we discussed was intentionality.  At 15, I realised talent alone would never be enough.  That shift in mindset changed the trajectory of my life.  I set myself a simple target - 1 conversation with a stranger every single day.  And I've been hitting the books on communication and psychology ever since.  “It takes effort to make things look effortless” I hope find our conversation valuable as you seek to unlock new levels within yourself Apply to work with me: www.michaelxcampion.com  Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelxcampion/ Connect with Rasheed Shroff: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rasheedshroff/ Entrepreneur Stories: https://www.youtube.com/@entrepreneurstories.podcast

    1h 37m
  3. #53 Andrew Li - Self Worth and Self Belief

    FEB 11

    #53 Andrew Li - Self Worth and Self Belief

    Andrew Li grew up feeling like an outsider. At 12 years old, he was sent to boarding school. Far from home. Far from family. Feeling like a fish out of water. After graduation, reality hit fast. He couldn’t even land entry-level hotel jobs. Not leadership roles. Basic ones. Eventually, someone gave him a chance. So he started at the bottom. Making beds. Cleaning rooms. Doing the jobs nobody talks about. No ego. Just work. Over time, small wins stacked. Confidence grew through repetition, not shortcuts. Years later, that same kid who felt out of place found himself leading one of the most iconic lifestyle brands in the world: Zouk Group. From housekeeping… to the CEO’s chair. Seriously incredible. But success didn’t solve everything. Imposter syndrome showed up. Pressure multiplied. The title got bigger, and so did the weight that came with it. That’s when the real work began. Separating who he is from what he does. Learning to lead without ego. Mastering the inner game. Andrew’s story is a reminder that success is built quietly, long before anyone is watching. It’s hard to beat the person who just keeps showing up. Andrew did. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. Guest - Andrew Li (https://www.instagram.com/andrew_m_li/) Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelxcampion/ Apply to work with me: https://www.michaelxcampion.com/

    1h 22m
  4. #52 Vivian Siu - From Rock Bottom to Ivy League and the Macau Grand Prix

    JAN 8

    #52 Vivian Siu - From Rock Bottom to Ivy League and the Macau Grand Prix

    Vivian Siu was born in Hong Kong. At age 6 she and her mother moved to New York in the hope of a better life. At age 16 she lost her mother, and dropped out of high-school in the USA, moving back to HK to avoid being put in foster care …She then dragged herself up by the bootstraps, hitting the books, and somehow getting into and graduating from Columbia University She went from bartending around HK and sleeping on friend’s couches with a small suitcase just to survive… to a successful career in investment banking. As an escape from her harsh reality, she found joy in the underground video arcades of gritty Kowloon. She found community there and found that she was actually really good at the car racing games. Many years later, she used that muscle memory from the arcade…to unbelievably making history as the first female and first LGBTQ Formula 4 driver ever to finish the Macau Grand Prix. All with just 6 months of experience and 4 real races in an actual racing car, and whilst holding down a job in Investment Banking. Seriously incredible and the movie about her life so far will be shown on all Cathay Pacific flights starting in December Vivian’s story is a reminder to all of us that when education and sport, meets a young person with drive… anything is possible. She was not born into money. There has been no silver spoon to feed her opportunities. And when you don’t have opportunity fed to you on a silver spoon, you learn to lick it off knives. She’s taken every sliver of an opportunity shown to her and really made her own luck. The odds were completely stacked against her achieving any of these things. And yet, here she is. Record breaker. Ultimately, I’ve often said that “It’s hard to beat the person that refuses to give up.” This woman has not, and will not give up. We all have something to learn from her. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. Guest - Vivian Siu (https://www.instagram.com/viviansiu28/?hl=en) Apply to work with me: https://www.michaelxcampion.com/ Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelxcampion/ Instagram: @michaelxcampion Watch the movie Zero to Macao (https://www.zerotomacao.com/) on all Cathay Pacific flights (00:00) Preview (00:41) Intro (04:41) Moving to New York as a kid (07:40) Losing her mum at 16 (10:07) The arcade racing game that kept her sane (13:53) Rock bottom years (17:19) GED, community college, obsessive studying habits (20:57) Getting Into Columbia  (25:42) Ivy League grind (30:33) Life After Columbia (31:33) Graduating alone (36:54) Survival mode mindset (40:24) From arcade to track (44:20) Mentors and momentum: the push that made it real (45:02) The Macau Grand Prix experience (47:38) Racing for her dad (51:28) Releasing years of bottled up pain (54:46) Zero to Macau (57:52) Who this story is for (01:00:01) Doing it for mum and dad vs doing it for yourself (01:03:21) Why every lap feels like a win (01:07:00) Inner game routines (01:08:32) What’s next for Vivian (01:10:11) Outro

    1h 14m
  5. #51 Robert Earnshaw - What Professional Sport Taught Me About Life, Discipline & Purpose

    08/30/2025

    #51 Robert Earnshaw - What Professional Sport Taught Me About Life, Discipline & Purpose

    It’s tough to separate your job title from your identity and self-worth. Here’s 2 great questions Robert Earnshaw asked himself upon retiring from the highest level: “If I’m not a footballer…then who am I?” “Now that it’s over, how do I want to show up, and who do I want to be for those around me?” Transferable Lessons & Principles from our conversation: - Obsession is necessary. The person who lies awake at night thinking about how to get better will win. - You are more than your job. Do not confuse WHAT you do with WHO you are. - Diversify your sources of happiness and self-esteem. Not every passion needs to be monetised. Keep something just for you. "Earnie" has navigated the transition from professional footballer and public figure with more ease, grace, and optimism than most. I caught up with him in Singapore, after we shared the pitch at the Soccer 7s Series to talk about the “inner game”: But this episode isn’t just for athletes. It’s for anyone standing at a crossroads, wondering if there’s something more. If you've ever felt the tension between who you were and who you’re becoming, this one’s for you. ----------- Connect with Robert: https://www.instagram.com/robertearnshaw/ Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelxcampion/ Apply to work with me: https://www.michaelxcampion.com/ (00:00) Identity Beyond Football   (01:27) Playing in Singapore Soccer 7s   (03:31) First Impressions of Singapore   (04:35) Bringing Back the Somersault Celebration   (06:31) Playing with Joy vs Playing with Anger   (07:54) Football as Joy, Competition & Entertainment   (10:15) The Pure Emotion of Scoring Goals   (12:23) Life After Retirement & Reinventing Identity   (17:21) Coaching, Broadcasting & Public Speaking   (20:20) Building Life’s Boxes: Spiritual, Physical, Professional   (24:47) Chess, Curiosity & Lessons Beyond Football   (28:39) Talent is Practice in Disguise   (32:59) Transferable Lessons from Football to Life   (37:49) Visualization & Performing Under Pressure   (42:26) Mastery and the Process of Getting Better   (46:45) Discipline, Health & Contracts with Yourself   (53:35) Doing Things with Feeling & Full Commitment   (56:52) Patience, Consistency & Trusting the Process   (58:43) Overcoming Setbacks & Disappointment   (1:01:24) Did Robert Earnshaw Squeeze the Lemon?   (1:06:24) Sacrifice, Social Life & Family in Football   (1:09:13) Why Discipline Beats Motivation

    1h 16m
  6. #50 Matthias Weiskopf - Inside the Psychology of Luxury: The Inner Game of Branding

    07/29/2025

    #50 Matthias Weiskopf - Inside the Psychology of Luxury: The Inner Game of Branding

    Luxury isn’t about price tags or logos. It’s about identity. Emotion. Desire. And no one understands that better than Matthias Weiskopf. As a brand strategist who’s worked with some of the world’s most iconic names, from Ferrari to Porsche to McLaren, Matthias doesn’t just market luxury. He dissects it. Rebuilds it. And redefines what it means to want something that, frankly, no one needs. In this conversation, we go far beyond product design or campaign strategy. We explore how luxury brands build meaning across cultures, especially in Asia where perception, status, and symbolism shift from one market to the next. But this episode isn’t just about business. It’s about why we chase certain dreams. What it means to create aspiration without alienation. If you’ve ever wondered why a handbag can make someone feel invincible or why storytelling might be the last true luxury — this one’s for you. And if something here sparked a new perspective, let us know in the comments. Stay curious. Connect with Matthias: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthiasweiskopf/ Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelxcampion/ Apply to work with me: https://www.michaelxcampion.com/ (00:00) Preview (01:25) The Psychology of Luxury  (04:22) The Five Tiers of Luxury Customers   (07:48) McLaren vs Ferrari: Heritage, Status & Recognition   (10:51) Emotional Utility and the Experience of Luxury   (12:20) Status Signaling and Relationship Dynamics   (14:14) Why Ferrari’s Brand Is Irreplicable   (17:36) Hyper-Local Strategy for Challenger Brands   (19:15) Managing Retail Across Asia (23:06) The “Money Can’t Buy” Experience Strategy   (27:15) Understanding Customer Desires (31:36) The Disconnect Between Product and Experience in Modern Luxury (33:35) Jaguar's Rebrand Failure  (37:48) What Western Luxury Brands Get Wrong About Asia   (43:13) The Rise of Homegrown Brands (47:14) Why Luxury is Not Just About Price   (49:20) The Power of Storytelling in Branding   (50:22) Matthias’ First Luxury Purchase and the Psychology Behind It   (55:58) Porsche’s Ecosystem and Experience-Driven Strategy   (01:02:28) Defining Real Luxury (01:08:02) Matthias’ Career Leap: From McLaren Exec to Entrepreneur   (01:11:32) Building Something That’s Yours: The Solopreneur’s Advantage  (01:14:49) Finding Joy in Teaching and Consulting

    1h 24m
  7. #49 James Riley - Life Beyond the C-Suite

    05/27/2025

    #49 James Riley - Life Beyond the C-Suite

    James Riley spent decades leading one of the world’s most prestigious hotel brands. But this episode isn’t about boardrooms or five-star service, it’s about what happens after 40 years of executive employment. When James stepped down as CEO of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, he didn’t slow down - he rewrote the rules. From abseiling Angel Falls with limited eyesight to backing mission-driven startups, he’s chasing meaning over metrics. We talk about reinventing identity, letting go of legacy, and designing a life filled with purpose, not pressure. If you’ve ever asked yourself “what’s next?” after success, this conversation is for you. Let us know what resonated in the comments.  And if you’re enjoying the show, subscribe and stay curious. Connect with James Riley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-riley-8442011 Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelxcampion/ Apply to work with me: https://www.michaelxcampion.com/ (00:00) Why James Riley Walked Away from a 41-Year Career   (01:43) Trekking Angel Falls with Failing Eyesight   (08:42) Retirement Guilt: “I’m Still Never Home”   (10:22) James’ Insights on Leadership and Managing Time   (14:50) What James Is Focused On Now   (17:27) What Attracted James to Oberoi Hotels (21:57) Backing Mission Driven Startups  (27:54) VoiceMap: An App That Can Replace a Tour Guide (34:13) Launching a Podcast for Travelers   (39:16) The Best ChatGPT Prompt to Explore Cities (45:27) A Pattern That Follows Him Through Life   (49.07) Durham University Fundraising (51:53) Family, Cold Swims, and the Next Big Adventure

    59 min
  8. #48 Bastien Le Coz & Gabriella Zavatti - How We Built a Global Luxury Brand Without Sacrificing Family Life

    05/06/2025

    #48 Bastien Le Coz & Gabriella Zavatti - How We Built a Global Luxury Brand Without Sacrificing Family Life

    Founded in 2015 by Bastien Le Coz and Gabriella Zavatti, Palatino Hospitality is a global leader in luxury hospitality, serving some of the world’s finest hotels — from Four Seasons, to One & Only, to Bulgari. But this episode isn’t just about building Palatino Hospitality and their recent merger with La Bottega. It’s about what happens when your life partner also becomes your co-founder. When every creative idea, late-night pitch deck, and long-haul flight is shared with the same person you’re raising a family with. From the outside, Bastien Le Coz and Gabriella Zavatti might look like just another power couple. But once you sit with them — as I did for this episode — you’ll hear the story behind the brand. We go deep into: - What it takes to scale without losing your relationship - The secret power of co-preneurship (and where it can break you) - Why creativity is the ultimate business strategy - How to sell without selling — by staying radically authentic - The quiet rituals that build lasting hospitality brands This one’s for anyone building something — a brand, a business, or a life — and wondering if it’s possible to do it all without burning out or selling out. I hope this conversation moves you as much as it moved me. And if it did, leave a comment below and let us know what resonated. Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelxcampion/ Apply to work with me: https://www.michaelxcampion.com/ Connect with Gabriella on IG: @gabriellazav Connect with Bastien on IG: @Bastienlecoz Follow Palatino on IG: @palatinohospitality Website: https://www.palatinogroup.com/  Palatino in the news: Merger with La Bottega https://www.unstageetapres.fr/ (00:00) Preview and Intro (03:20) Blending Family, Work, and Travel   (07:05) The Importance of Presence in Work and Life   (10:02) Helping Clients (and Themselves) Disconnect   (13:08) Complementary Strengths & Co-Leadership   (16:23) Scaling the Business Without Losing the Soul   (22:13) Creativity as a Strategic Advantage   (26:23) Launching Before You're Ready   (30:21) The Sustainability Pivot & Market Timing   (33:49) Turning Clients Into Catalysts for Growth   (36:35) Learning from Failure Without Worshipping It   (39:36) What’s Next for Palatino (40:03) Designing Travel for Transformation   (46:00) Storytelling, Rituals, and the Future of Luxury Hospitality   (49:50) Personalization vs. Standardization in Guest Experience   (52:31) Living the Brand: Family, Travel, and Hospitality   (56:31) Leadership Principles: Empathy, Kindness, and Excellence   (01:02:21) Building a Purpose-Driven Business   (01:08:23) Lessons from Family, Mentors, and the Next Generation (01:07:00) The 5:1 Rule: Building a Culture of Positive Feedback   (01:08:23) Top Business Lessons from Experience   (01:10:03) Wisdom from Family: Gratitude and Quiet Strength   (01:13:55) Teaching Courage and Creativity to the Next Generation   (01:17:00) Final Reflections: Empathy, Mentorship & Social Impact

    1h 21m
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5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

My guests are Entrepreneurs, Executives, Olympians, Artists, and Creatives. Some famous names and some hidden gems. We discuss what success means to each one of them and decode the best parts of their mindset. It is a search for the common threads, principles, and patterns that we can apply to our own lives to become healthier, wealthier, happier, and wiser.

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Campion
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    58
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Playing The Inner Game
  • Show Website
    Playing The Inner Game

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