Playing The Inner Game

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

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. #57 Philipp Knuepfer - Why Experience is the New Luxury

    19H AGO

    #57 Philipp Knuepfer - Why Experience is the New Luxury

    Philipp Knuepfer spent 21 years mastering luxury hospitality at one of the world's most iconic hotel groups. General Manager in Boston. Area Vice President across Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam, and the Philippines. A career built on white-glove service, five-star standards, and the kind of brand loyalty that takes decades to earn. Then he walked away from all of it. Not because it wasn't working. But because he could see where hospitality was going  and it wasn't where most hotel groups were headed. The traveler has changed. The expectations have changed. And the old formula marble lobbies, chandelier entrances, scripted service, brand prestige  is quietly losing its grip on a new generation of guests who want something the traditional luxury hotel was never designed to give them. Connection. Community. A reason to stay that has nothing to do with the bed. What Philipp discovered after two decades at the top of global hospitality is this: when you turn off the light, every hotel room is the same. The room was never the product. It was always everything around it. That insight is what led him to Sunset Hospitality Group, a 360° lifestyle company that started with beach clubs and restaurants and is now one of the most aggressive hotel brands on the planet  as Chief Operating Officer of Sunset Hotels & Resorts. Now he's building something from scratch. A global hotel brand called Met. Thirty to forty properties over the next three to five years. Europe, Asia, the Americas. A model where guests don't just sleep in a hotel, they become part of a local community, a membership club, a wellness ecosystem, a living, breathing lifestyle experience that owns the full 24-hour cycle. This conversation goes deep on the future of luxury hospitality, what modern travelers are really searching for, how AI fits into the human side of service, and what it takes to leave a 21-year career behind and bet on a vision. One of the most energizing and forward-thinking conversations I have had on this show. I hope it moves you. Apply to work with me: https://www.michaelxcampion.com/  Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelxcampion/ Guest - Philipp Knuepfer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipp-knuepfer-mba-22437014 Philipp Knuepfer is the Chief Operating Officer of Sunset Hotels & Resorts, part of Sunset Hospitality Group  a global lifestyle hospitality company operating across hotels, dining, daylife, nightlife, gaming, and membership clubs in over 28 countries. With more than 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality, including senior leadership roles at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group across Asia, the US, and the Middle East, Philipp now leads the global rollout of the Met Hotel brand. He holds a hotel management degree from the International School for Hotel Business in Germany and an MBA from RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. (00:00) Every Hotel Room is the Same (01:19) What Modern Luxury Guests Actually Want  (04:42) Why Sunset Hospitality Is Betting Big on Hotels  (07:59) Where Met Hotel Is Expanding Globally  (10:30) The Wellness & Longevity Shift in Travel  (17:12) Designing Spaces for Community & Connection  (26:04) AI in Hospitality Where It Helps & Where It Stops  (32:53) How Philipp Manages a Global COO Role  (37:33) Why He Left Mandarin Oriental for Sunset  (47:09) Owning the Full 24-Hour Guest Experience

    52 min
  2. #56 Louisa Robb - Don't Fit the Institution: One Executive's Journey From Finance to Finding Her Voice

    APR 24

    #56 Louisa Robb - Don't Fit the Institution: One Executive's Journey From Finance to Finding Her Voice

    Louisa Robb grew up in a chaotic and creative household. A dreamer father who never quite landed his visions. A mother pioneering her way through the Australian film and television industry. Dinner parties with actors. No financial safety net. No predictable path. So she built one. Economics degree. Hong Kong. Zurich. UBS. Managing Director. Global COO overseeing thousands of people. She fit the institution. She wore the suit. She prepared, over-prepared, and prepared some more just to feel like she belonged at the table. And for years, it worked. But something kept pulling at her. The creative child who grew up watching her mother break barriers. The woman who kept asking: should we really have to earn the right to be ourselves? What Louisa discovered after two decades at the top of global finance is this: culture is not a values poster on a wall. It is the set of behaviors people believe they must exhibit just to fit in. And that costs everyone. Especially women. The micro-injuries accumulate quietly. The promotions come without support. The networking happens on golf courses and in spaces that were never designed for you. And one by one, talented women disappear from the pipeline. Louisa left banking to fix that. Not with more compliance. Not with more control. But with a mirror, a whiteboard, and tools that finally put a number on what everyone could feel but no one could prove. This conversation goes deep on imposter syndrome, organisational culture, women in leadership, and what it really means to lead on your own terms. One of the most honest and grounded conversations I have had on this show. I hope it stays with you. Apply to work with me: https://www.michaelxcampion.com/ Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelxcampion/ Guest - Louisa Robb (https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisa-robb/) Louisa Robb is the Founder and Managing Director of Lucella AG, a professional coaching and consulting firm based in Zurich, Switzerland. With over 20 years of experience as a senior executive in international finance, including roles as Managing Director and Global COO at UBS AG, she now helps organizations and leaders diagnose and shift organizational culture, develop executive capability, and unlock untapped potential. She is the creator of the Athena program, a year-long women's leadership cohort designed to help women identify who they are, what they want, and how to get it. Her tools include Human Synergistics culture measurement frameworks and the Japanese philosophy of ikigai. She works with investment banks, insurance companies, and major international organizations across Europe and beyond. (00:00) Growing up creative in a world that rewarded conformity  (04:10) A filmmaker mother, a dreamer father, and the hunger for security  (06:41) Graduating into a recession and landing in Hong Kong  (09:07) Being the only woman on the desk and knowing when to walk  (12:37) Meeting a Swiss man on the Trans-Siberian Railway  (16:36) What it takes to rise through each stage of a finance career  (20:43) Micro-injuries and why women disappear at mid-career  (27:54) Imposter syndrome and the discipline of over-preparation  (33:46) Why she left UBS and what organizational culture really means  (37:07) The mirror: closing the gap between intent and impact  (44:35) Ikigai, the Athena program, and unlocking untapped potential  (59:34) Words to live by, life principles, and what she is most grateful for

    1h 7m
  3. #55 Nick Day - Are You Paying the "Fear Tax"? (The Hidden Cost of Playing It Small)

    APR 8

    #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

  4. 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
  5. #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
  6. #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
  7. #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
  8. #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
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5
out of 5
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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
    60
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Playing The Inner Game
  • Show Website
    Playing The Inner Game

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